Post on 12-Mar-2015
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
The Life of Brian
We do not know very much about the life of Brian Merriman (or Bryan Merryman, as he is commonly referred to in earlier sources—seemingly, the current spelling became commonplace because of the lack of a native “y” in Irish).
It is thought that he was born around 1747 in eastern Co. Clare. There is speculation that he was born on the wrong side of the blanket, the illegitimate son of a local squire. Some see in the paean to bastardry that make’s up a considerable part of the old man’s speech in the poem evidence of Brian’s feelings about his own origins. It is also suggested that this is where his anglicized name comes from. Although in some later publications, his name is gaelicized to Brian Mac Giolla Meidhre, there is no evidence that he went by anything other than Merriman in his own lifetime.
By 1770, he was in the poverty-stricken and, at the time, backward east-county village of Feakle where he served as a schoolteacher. He was also a small farmer with a holding of twenty acres. Seemingly, he was at least an adequate farmer since there is a record of his having won two prizes from the Royal Dublin Society for his flax crop.
There was no regular schoolhouse in Feakle until 1837 and the arrangements prior to that were pretty ad hoc. In 1825, for instance, there were thirteen “schools” in the parish but a description of the arrangements from a report that year of the Commissioners on Education in Ireland shows the parlousness of the system, if such it can be called.
Four of the so-called schools met in chapels and two in the kitchen of the teacher’s dwelling. Even though the latter were probably nothing to write home about, they were hopefully better than the pitiful setup for the remaining seven, which were said to meet in:
● the mistress’s dwelling—an excavation in a broad bank of earth;
● a barn—a wretched hovel; ● a wretched cabin or cattle shed; ● a temporary cabin;
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
● a very wretched cabin; ● a waste barn; ● a barn.
Three schools were reported to have nineteen, twenty and twenty-nine pupils, respectively, but each of the other ten had between 51 and 128 attendees (for a total of 800), astonishing numbers given the nature of the establishments. If Merriman himself is indicative of even the most able products of such schools—and where else would he have gotten his education—we can only marvel at the ability to impart, and the desire to imbibe, knowledge in such unpromising surroundings. It is clear that, however he acquired it, Merriman had an acquaintance with contemporary English and European literature and thought.
In his description of Brian’s life as an introduction to his translation of the Cúirt, Riseárd Ó Foghlú describes the hard life of the teacher:
“Bhí an saol crua go leor ar mhúinteoirí scoile i dTuamhumhain le linn Bhriain agus tamall ina dhiaidh sin: ba chaol an tuarastal do bhí ag dul dóibh ó dhaltaí bochta na háite, i dtreo go mbíodh ar an máistir bannaí, dintiúirí, srl., do scríobh do dhaoine chun cur lena fháltas, agus is minic do b’éigin don bhfear bocht ramhan agus sluasad do tharraingt chuige chun réal do thuilleamh.” (Schoolteachers’ lives in Thomond were quite difficult in Brian’s time and for a while thereafter: they got little in remuneration from the poor children of the area and they had to supplement their income by preparing legal documents for the people, and often the poor teacher had to take shovel or spade in hand to earn the odd sixpence.)
As is made abundantly clear in the final section of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche, Merriman did not marry until later in life and certainly not until after he had authored his famous work. It is likely that he married in the early 1790s—his first child, a daughter named Caitlín (Kathleen), was born in 1795. He had one other child, another daughter, Máire (Mary). His wife, whose name was Cit (Kit), was born in 1767. She was also known as Cit an Mhaighisteara (the master’s Kit) attesting to Brian’s occupation. And she was later remembered as a fine, handsome, trim woman (bean bhreá dhathúil mhaiseach).
At some stage, Brian Merriman had moved from rural Clare to Limerick City where he continued to eke out a seemingly meager existence as a teacher. He died suddenly there on
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
July 27, 1805 as an entry in the “General Advertiser and Limerick Gazette” of Monday, 29th July, 1795 noted:
“Died.—On Saturday morning, in Old Clare-street, after a few hours’ illness, Mr. Bryan Merryman, teacher of Mathematics, etc.”
A few days later, on Thursday, a death notice appeared in Faulkner’s “Dublin Journal”:
“At Limerick, after a few hours illness, Mr. Bryan Merryman, teacher of mathematics.”
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche is essentially his sole work; only two other short lyrics are attributed to him. He composed it in 1780 and it is the great mystery of his life why he did not follow up on this opus in the twenty-five years of life remaining to him. We simply do not know the answer to that question. Daniel Corkery asked in “The Hidden Ireland”: “Was it the poet’s moving into Limerick City caused the havoc?”—casting an aspersion on that city three quarters of a century before Frank McCourt did it at book length.
Frank O’Connor, in the introduction to his translation of the poem, has similar views of the benighted city:
"There is no tablet in Clare Street to mark where Bryan Merryman, the author of the Midnight Court died, nor is there ever likely to be, for Limerick has a reputation for piety."
But, then, O'Connor casts a no less jaundiced eye on Clare:
"Merryman was born about the middle of the eighteenth century in a part of Ireland which then must have been as barbarous as any in Europe—it isn’t exactly what one would call civilised today."
Merriman’s poem is daring and explicit but that does not seem to have caused its author the type of grief that was visited on Irish authors in later years. In his introduction to the 1912 edition of the work, Piaras Béaslaí notes:
“The poem at once attained popularity. Its freedom from stilted
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
language and archaism, its welding of the spoken speech into musical lines made it appeal to the educated and illiterate alike. Many manuscript copies were made, many people memorized it.”
Mr. Béaslaí quotes a certain Dr. P. W. Joyce writing in 1879:
“Three years ago I met a man in Kilkee…who actually repeated for me, without the slightest hitch or hesitation, more than half—and if I had not stopped him, would have given me the whole of the Midnight Court.”
Mr. Béaslaí continues:
“It is a fact, however strange, that none of the daring passages in the ‘Cúirt’ drew down upon their author any general outcry or denunciation. His audacious handling of ideas most sacred to the Gael, such as the celibacy of the clergy, does not appear to have made him any enemies. Probably he was protected just as Rabelais was protected by his pose of jester. … His work was probably regarded by many as a kind of naughty joke, a piece of broad ‘risky’ farce, not to be taken seriously.”
Piaras Béaslaí may be barking up the wrong tree here by anachronistically ascribing the sensibilities of his time to an earlier, less straitlaced age. The acceptance of the poem may not have been at all strange. It is highly questionable whether ideas such as celibacy of the clergy—and prudishness about matters sexual, in general—were in any way “sacred to the Gael”.
There is a great deal of evidence that the conservatism in matters religious and sexual were products of the second half of the nineteenth century which continued long into the twentieth and were, in fact, not native nor natural to the race.
Blame, or credit, for its growth has been laid at the feet of imported French Jansenism but perhaps an even more important factor was the cataclysm of the Great Famine of the 1840s. That catastrophe produced two mutually reinforcing influences pushing the people towards such conservatism: the feeling that the indescribable horror of the famine was literally God-awful, a judgment of God on the country; and the fear of bringing large
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numbers of children into a crowded, unsustaining environment, an aversion that encouraged delaying marriage until much later in life and fostered premarital celibacy during the prolonged period of batchelorhood/spinsterhood.
In any case, in Merriman’s own time, it seems that his poem was not merely tolerated by the people but heartily embraced. Backward the country may have been but one is dubious of the progress, if progress it was, of the following century and a half when we recall that, in 1945, the censors banned for a while Frank O'Connor's translation of the poem, just the sort of narrow-mindedness that Merriman had anticipatorily parodied long before and that was thereby deliciously, if presumably unwittingly, self-referential in its foolishness but was unfortunately made serious with the power of the nascent—and self-professedly Gaelic—state behind it!
After he finished Cúirt an Mheán Oíche, the poet fell silent and Bryan Merryman went on his way, merry or not as the case may have been.
© 1998: J. Noel Fahey
Fill ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
The Midnight Court
Professor Seán Ó Tuama describes The Midnight Court well:
“The Midnight Court is undoubtedly one of the greatest comic works of literature, and certainly the greatest comic poem ever written in Ireland. … It is a poem of gargantuan energy, moving clearly and pulsatingly along a simple story line, with a middle, a beginning and an end. For a poem of over one thousand lines it has few longeurs. It is full of tumultuous bouts of great good humour, verbal dexterity and rabelesian ribaldry. It is a mammoth readable achievement with little need of gloss.” (Brian Merriman and His Court, Seán Ó Tuama, pg. 158)
Quite simply, as a modern-day publisher might say in promoting a new book: it’s a very good read. Formally, it consists of a Prologue, three dramatic monologues, and an Epilogue. It combines the traditional Irish aisling with the Court of Love poems of medieval Europe.
The aisling, dream or vision, poetry was either amatory or political in which a comely spéirbhean, or sky-woman, appears to the poet in a dream. For instance, in the 10-century Aisling Oneguso, the poet sees a beautiful maiden in a dream, with whom he falls in love and is eventually united.
By the 18th century, although the love-aisling was still in use, the genre was more often devoted to political deliverance where the dream-woman was Ireland personified. By this time, the form had become quite stylized in many ways:
● The poet is out for a ramble, often first thing of a bright summer’s morning; ● He lays down by a stream for a rest and falls asleep; ● A beautiful woman appears in a dream whose allure is described in lavish and
exuberant detail; ● The poet asks in wonder whether she is a Greek goddess or other fantastical figure
(usually several possibilities are listed);
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
● She answers that she is no such creature but, instead, Ireland; and usually with a name such as Caitlín Ní hUallacháin, Síle Ní Ghadhra, Róisín Dubh—or simply Éire;
● She laments the state of the country with its leaders dead or in exile and the foreigners in possession of their ancestral land;
● She foretells (in the 18th century) the imminent return of the rightful Stuart king or that help is due to arrive shortly from over the seas from Spain, France or the Pope;
● The poet awakens, sometimes to the bitter realization that, in fact, no salvation is at hand—it was only a dream.
A short example (generally these poems are quite lengthy) is An Aisling by Aodhagán Ó Rathaille (?1670-1729) from the Sliabh Luachra district in County Kerry. Although too short to exhibit the panoply of features just outlined, the poem is interesting in the context of The Midnight Court, since the featured spéirbhean is the same Aoibhill who plays such a major role in Merriman’s work:
Maidin sul smaoin Titan a chosa do luailOne morning before Titan had brought forth first light
Ar mhullach cnoic aird aoibhinn do lódamar suas, On top of a fair hill of considerable height
Tarrastar linn scaoith bhruinnel soilbhir suairc— I met a sweet group of young girls bright
Gasra bhí i Sí Seana solasbhrú thuaidh. A troop in Sí Seana’s north fort of delight.
Fearastar scím dhraíochta nár dhorcha snua, A magic mist spread, which was not grey,
Ó Ghaillimh na líog lígheal go Corcaigh na gcuan; From the harbours of Cork to Galway bay
Barra gach crainn síorchuireas toradh agus cnuas, The clusters of fruit made every tree sway
Meas daire ar gach coill, fírmhil ar chlocha go buan.
Acorns and pure honey everywhere lay.
Lasaidsin trí coinnle go solas nach luaim They lit three candles, casting an ineffable glow
Ar mhullach Chnoic aird Fhírinne Conallach Rua; On Cnoc Firinne’s lofty summint in Conallach Roe
Leanastar linn scaoith na mban gcochall go Tuamhain,
With the group of cloaked women to Thomond I did go
Is fachtaimse dhíobh díograis a n-oifige ar cuairt.Asking about their mission, if they could let me know
D’fhreagair an bhríd Aoibhill nár dhorcha snua,Then answered lady Aoibhill whose face was not grey:
Fachain na dtrí gcoinnle do lasadh ar gach cuan They had lit the three candles above every bay
In ainm an rí dhíograis bheas againn go luath, In the name of the fond king who was on his way
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
I gceannas na dtrí ríochta*, is dá gcosnamh go buan.
To wear the triple crown** forever and a day
As m’aisling do shlímbhíogas go hachomair suas, Suddenly from my dreamy sleep I sat bolt upright
Is do mheasas gurb fhíor d’Aoibhill gach sonas dár luaigh;
Believing that Aoibhill’s good news must be right
Is amhlaidh bhíos tímchreathach, doilbhir, duairc, But I found I was downcast and shaken with fright
Maidin sul smaoin Titan a chosa do luail.That morning before Titan had brought forth first light
* Sasana, Éire is Alba.
** Of England, Ireland and Scotland.
(Source: Text: Filíocht na nGael, Pádraig Ó Canainn do chuir in eagar, An Press Náisiúnta, Baile Átha Cliath, 1958, lch. 65; My Translation)
(The modern song in English by Tommy Makem, Four Green Fields, has some of the elements of the aisling in updated garb—a woman representing Ireland recounts how the strangers came and ravaged the country and its people, her pain over the continued loss of her lands, the six counties in this instance, but she expresses the hope of winning them back. Another song in English which even more closely resembles the love-aisling is Síle Ní Eidhir.)
As I said, all this had become rather stylized. Daniel Corkery speaks of an “inbreeding” among the poets of the bardic schools—“a disease most incident to academies.”
“That rigid turn of mind which kept their literary medium in a strait-jacket for whole centuries, afraid not so much of growth as the dangers that go with it, kept the doors of the inventive faculties severely sentried, and for the self-same reason. The movement of their minds is swift, precise, and often piercing, but one wishes for livelier contrasts, for richer colour, for readier emotions.” (The Hidden Ireland, pg. 82).
Similarly, Piaras Béaslaí writes:
"Few literatures have been less coloured by the individuality of the writers than Gaelic literature. It had been originally the product of a separate literary caste, confined to certain familes, taught in schools, shackled by conventions, by respect for tradition, by archaism." ("Merriman's Secret: An Interpretation," Piaras Béaslaí, in Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche, Riseard O Foghludha, pg. 1).
Merriman cetrainly broke the mold. Not only was did he write vigorously and expressively
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
in the everyday speech of County Clare and call a spade a spade rather than an agricultural implement, he introduced a burlesque element into the aisling form itself. There is not one vision-woman but two: the radiant Aoibheal, the very soul of convention, is teamed with a grotesque doppelgänger, the bailiff-woman—at six or seven yards in height and with features to match, a parody of the beautiful spéirbhean.
In his long opus, he gives only the most cursory treatment, in a harangue in the Prologue that is largely irrelavant to the poem’s major themes, to that staple of the political aisling—the broken-down state of the country because of the disappearance of the native lords and their replacement by foreign hordes:
An uaisle b’fhearr chun fáin mar leaghadar 81 The nobles languish in a foreign land
Is uachtar láimhe ag fáslaigh shaibhre, 82 While the jumped-up rich get the upper hand,
Ag fealladh le fonn is foghail gan féachaint 83 In betrayal ardent, in plunder greedy
D’fheannadh na lobhar is an lom dá léirscrios. 84 Flaying the sick, despoiling the needy.
Is dochrach dubhach mar dhíogha gach daoirse 85 It is blackly baneful and sticks in the craw
Doilbhe dúr i ndúbhcheilt dlíthe 86 That, in darkest despair over the absence of law,
An fann gan feidhm ná faghaidh ó éinne 87 There’s nothing from no one for the purposeless weak
Ach clampar doimhin is luí chum léirscrios, 88 But a depredacious future that is hopelessly bleak,
Falsacht fear dlí is fachtnaí ardnirt, 89 The knavery of lawyers, tyranny on high
Cam is calaois faillí is fabhar, 90 Injustice, fraud and neglect apply
Scamall an dlí agus fíordhath fannchirt, 91 The law is clouded, the scales awry,
Dalladh le bríb, le fee is le falsacht. 92 With all the pull that bribes can buy.
Instead, in Seamus Heaney’s words, Merriman’s concerns are psycho-sexual rather than national-patriotic. The woes of the country are laid mostly at the feet of the young men who refuse to marry (and of the celibate clergy, a subset of the country’s recalcitrant bachelors). The lively discussion of this topic takes up the major part of the poem and is played out in a Court of Love, the work’s second major dramatic vehicle.
Seán Ó Tuama describes in great detail the European antecedants of this artifice, stretching as it does back into medieval continental times and borrowing also from post-Elizabethan sources in England.
“The Midnight Court is, in fact, a Court of Love in the typical West European
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
mould. Literary parliaments, assemblies and courts were very much in vogue in western Europe between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. One finds courts of love in Provencal, French and Latin as early as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Later one comes on them in German, Italian and English. In English, the genre is found in abundance from the time of Chaucer right down to Elizabethan times.” (Brian Merriman and His Court, Seán Ó Tuama, pg. 150)
In the Midnight Court, in best Marcia Clark-Johnny Cochrane courtroom style, a young woman presents the case for the prosecution, the defense’s rebuttal is in the hands of an old man and the young woman is given the chance for a final re-rebuttal. Aoibheal, the president of the court, then hands down her ruling.
The invective is sharp. The young woman’s opening argument is a tirade about being sexually neglected in spite of her considerable allure. She asks why men marry hags and harridans while she and her contemporaries are left on the shelf. She details the various superstitious rites available to her to attempt to change her fortune:
Níorbh áil liom codladh go socair aon uair díobh 291 I could never sleep peacefully in my bed
Gan lán mo stoca do thorthaí faoi mo chluasa, 292 Without a sockful of fruit under my head;
Is deimhin nárbh obair liom troscadh le cráifeacht,
293 It was no bother to devoutly fast,
Is greim nó blogam ní shlogainn trí trátha, 294 Three canonical hours between each repast;
In aghaidh an tsrutha do thumainn mo léine, 295 Against the current I’d wash my clothes
Ag súil trí mo chodladh le cogar ó mo chéile, 296 In the hopes that a bachelor would propose.
Is minic do chuaigh mé ag scuabadh an staca, 297 Often I would go and sweep out the byre
Ingne is gruaig faoin luaith-ghríos d’fhágainn, 298 And my nails and hair I would throw in the fire;
Chuirinn an tsúiste faoi chúl an ghabhail, 299 The flail I’d hide in the gable’s shade
Chuirinn an rámhainn go ciúin faoin adhairt chugam,
300 By the head of my bed I’d place the spade
Chuirinn an choigeal i gcillín na háithe, 301 I would put my distaff in the lime kiln
Chuirinn mo cheirtlín i dtine aoil Mhic Rághnaill,
302 I’d secrete my yarn-ball in Reynolds’ mill
Chuirinn an ros ar chorp na sráide 303 I’d scatter seed on the crown of the street
Chuirinn san tsop fúm tor cabáiste. 304 I’d stick a head of cabbage beneath the sheet.
She ends her jeremiad by threatening to use black magic if her luck doesn’t soon change.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
An old man, memorably christened Snarlygob by Frank O’Connor, then jumps up and fierely asserts that she has only herself and her wanton ways to blame for her lack of a mate. Her airs and graces are only a show; behind the facade, she is at heart just a trollop from beggarly stock.
He goes on to detail how he himself was betrayed when he was seduced into marrying a young woman who was already pregnant by another man and how his life has gone downhill ever since.
When his wife gave birth, the neighbors conspired against him to hide the baby from his scrutiny, asserting the child was sickly because of its premature birth and needed to be kept covered against the cold.
Upon finally seeing the baby after much insistence, however, he discovers that it is a healthy boy. There follows a strange segue where the obvious health and vigor of the child prompts the old man, despite being cuckolded himself, to burst into a rhapsody on the benefits of illegitimate fatherhood and the vibrancy of bastards, born as they are from passionate unions.
Is leathanmhar láidir lánmhear léadmhar 599 Many who are strong and altogether fine
Fairsing le fáil an t-álmhach saor seo. 600 Sprang from an illegitimate line
Is minic a fheicimse bríomhar borrtha 601 For love is a lustier sire than creed
Cumasach líonta i gcroí is i gcóir iad; 602 And produces a healthier, heartier breed
He urges the court to allow couples to mate without the bonds and burdens of matrimony.
Leis-sin ná hiarrse a ríon réilteach 629 Please don’t subject millions, O Queen of the Sky
Milleadh meiriad le riail gan éifeacht! 630 To a stupid rule with which they must comply
Scaoil ó chodladh gan chochall gan chuibhreach 631 Awake to a life without a bond or chain
Síol an bhodaigh is an mhogall-fhuil mhaoiteach, 632 The country’s people, mighty and plain
Scaoil fá chéile de réir nádúra 633 Allow them to be naturally combined
An síolbhach séad is an braon lábúrtha, 634 Couples from the peasantry and the refined.
Fógair go féiltiúil trí na tíortha 635 Throughout the land may a new rule unfold
D’óg is d’aosta saorthoil síolraigh. 636 Of sexual freedom for young and for old.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
Cuirfidh an dlí seo gaois sa nGaeil, 637 This new law will make the Irish proud,
Is tiocfaidh an brí mar bhí ina laochra, 638 The new race will once again be endowed
Ceapfaidh sé com is droim is doirne 639 With all the prowess of the heroes of old,
Ag fir an domhain mar Gholl mac Móirne, 640 The likes of Goll mac Móirne the bold.
Gealfaidh an spéir, beidh éisc i líonta, 641 The sky will brighten, the fish will bite
Is talamh an tsléibhe go léir faoi luibhne, 642 The mountainy land will bloom with no blight
Fir is mná go brách dá mhaíomh, 643 Men and women will sing your praise
Ag seinnm do cháil le gairdeas aoibhnis. 644 And in joyful celebration their voices raise.
Once again taking the stand, the young woman reviles Snarlygob for his inability to satisfy his young wife and his niggardly treatment of her. In the most erotic part of the poem, she “reels off an indignant and marvellously specific list of his inadequacies as a lover and of his wife’s attempts to overcome them” (Seamus Heaney).
She then goes down her own unexpected byway—why are there so many fine specimens of men walled off from the likes of her because of priestly celibacy? Girls like her have reason to know (wink, wink) that beneath the clerical facade beat passionate hearts.
Is chonnaic mé taibhseach roinn dá ramsach 801 I’ve seen incontrovertible evidence that many a son
Is uimhir dá gclainn ar shloinnte falsa. 802 Could call a priest a father in more ways than one.
This leads into the Epilogue where Aoibheal hands down her judgment. Most commentators see this as the weakest part of the poem where Merriman seems to run out of gas a bit and has no great answers for the problems he has posed. Aoibheal’s only specific ruling is a rather conventional one for the genre that men who refuse to marry be tied up and beaten up. As for the celibacy of the clergy, she says she has heard a rumor that the Pope will soon relent (fat chance!) and the hierarchy will come around provided the faithful are not too importunate.
To his horror, the bachelor poet is the first condemned under Aoibheal’s decree and the women of the court swarm over him to exact the punishment. He wakes up and, to his relief, realizes that the whole thing was just a nightmare.
In spite of its love-court setting, the idea of romantic love is absent from The Midnight Court. What is celebrated instead is a sort of early version of free love. Gearóid Ó
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
Crualaoich sees in this another of Merriman’s twists on the aisling form:
“It was not to any merely mortal royal liberator that Merriman looked for deliverance for country and people but to the older supernatural ‘female’ sovereignty of the spirit of the land itself. Thus he seeks to ensure the return and perpetuation of fertility and prosperity for all, not in the restoration of the Stuart or any other line but in the restoration of the primacy of ‘fonn na fola agus fothrom na sláinte’, the basic, healthy, animal, life instincts of the mature, adult, individual man and woman, free from conventional guilt or shame or repression. In effecting this transformation of the Aisling, Merriman liberates Soveignty or Love—in the person of Aoibheal of Craig Liath—from its mythological role and brings it into play on the plane of the psychological and the naturalistic. … Merriman deliberately chooses to move his Aisling away from this heroic plane, not, however, to indulge the affections but to liberate the psyche in a work that is full and fierce and carnal, and that yet is free of all sentimentality or shame.” ("The Vision of Liberation in Cúirt an Mheán Oíche”, Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, pg. 99.)
Ó Crualaoich also attempts an explanation of one of the mysteries of the poem: Why Merriman should see a declining population as one of Ireland’s main problems at a time when the population was burgeoning to unsustainable levels (at least in the laissez faire economic system so mindlessly followed later by Trevalyan during the Great Famine). Ó Crualaoich suggests that the the demographic situation was in the class-colored eye of the beholder:
“[I]t was in the ranks of the landless labourers and the cottiers that evidence is found for the most frequent and earliest marriages. With the emergence of class differentiation and the competition for land and other resources, there was a tendency for farmers, tradesmen, the better-off in general to marry later, and there is a sizeable statistic of non-marriage within these groups at the time. The ‘match’, the arranged marriage with all its attendant dealing and bargaining and with ‘every shilling brought into account’, was starting to become more frequent in the relatively higher social groupings of later eighteenth-century rural Ireland. Merriman, perhaps to be seen as rising socially, certainly moving, at least partially, in the better-off circles would have been aware of this and would have noticed its discouraging effect on young people’s marriage prospects as the increasingly market-oriented and
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Introduction
class-stratified society developed. Such a class-defined mercenary constraint on the easy coupling of the sexes may well be the social reality that lies behind the young woman’s complaint, which is after all the prime matter regarding which the court of Aoibheal sits.” (ibid., pg. 102.)
Perhaps.
We can, of course, analyze The Midnight Court to death. In the end, it stands or falls as a work of the imagination. “Its author ultimately requires no justifications other than those of his own creative impulses for any assertions in the mouths of its characters” (ibid., pg. 102.). That it has for so long given so much pleasure to so many, and continues to do so, is vindication enough.
© 1998: J. Noel Fahey
Fill ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
The Current Version of the Midnight Court
Last year, idly paging through a book entitled “1000 Years of Irish Poetry,” I happened on a reprint of Percy Arland Ussher’s translation of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche.
Most Irish school children of my day (and other days, for all I know) learned, in Irish, the first eighteen or so lines of Cúirt an Mheán Oíche by heart. These few lines, anthologized in school poetry collections, were presented to us as a complete stand-alone work, a short lyrical piece about the beauty of nature on a fine summer’s morning (of which Ireland had few enough).
There was never a hint in those classrooms that a thousand more lines followed the measly eighteen we were allowed to glimpse nor, even more so, that stuff in the former was a whole lot more complex and more fun than that in the latter, lyrical though the latter may have been.
In any case, looking at Ussher's translation with the original of those famous eighteen lines still remembered after these many years, it struck me how weakly the English version had captured the original. I had always been particularly struck by the word-picture of two particular lines (7-8):
Ba thaitneamhach aoibhinn suíomh na sléibhte Ag bagairt a gcinn thar dhroim a chéile
Ussher translates this as:
The hills rear their heads on high Over each other's backs to spy
I thought this a disappointingly weak treatment of the original which speaks vigorously of mountains thrusting their heads over each other’s shoulders.
My interest was piqued enough to seek out a copy of the full original poem in Irish
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(which, tellingly, I had never seen) and also others of the several translations I knew existed.
I was surprised at how difficult it was to find a copy of one of the most famous works in the Irish language. Even the many translations seemed no longer to be available in print any more. (At the time, I was unaware of Seamus Heaney’s 1993 translation; I still don’t have a copy of it as I only recently became aware of its existence—and, as it happens, it was a limited edition of only 1,000 copies. Since Heaney titled his translation “The Midnight Verdict”, it did not show up in database searches for “The Midnight Court” and neither did a search on “Merriman” since Heaney, and not Merriman, is identified as the author. Even when I sent an e-mail to Hodges Figgis, Dublin’s premier bookstore, I was told that there was no translation of the work in print. Obviously the respondent from the store was also fooled by the “Midnight Verdict” title since I now know that the book actually shows up in the Hodges Figgis on-line catalogue.)
There are two recently produced Irish version of the text:
● "Cuirt an mhean-oiche" by Brian Merriman, Text and translation by Patrick C. Power, Cork, Mercier, 1986, 2nd ed, 96p., ISBN 1853422443, text in Irish with parallel translation in English.
● "Cuirt an mheon-oiche" le Brian Merriman, Liam P. O Murchu a chuir in eagar, Baile Atha Cliath, An Clochomhar, 1982, 117p, text and old translation from the 1820s.
I have not been able to lay my hand on a copy of either of these.
I thought it a shame that such an intellectually accessible Irish-language work should be so physically or electronically inaccessible. It was something crying for a presence on the World Wide Web where it would be immediately available to anyone connected to that medium.
On the theory that if you want anything done, you may as well do it yourself, I decided why the hell not.
Living in the Washington DC area with the inestimable resources of the Library of Congress at hand, I was able to locate a version of the poem in Irish, edited by Riseárd Ó
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Foghlú and published in 1912. The library also had four translations: the Ussher (1926) translation I already had, Frank O'Connor (1945), David Marcus (1953) and Cosslett Ó Cuinn (1979).
In putting the poem on the Internet, one thing I was able to do was to imitate what I understand Patrick Power had done—a translation side-by-side with the original. That way, people with a little, but by no means fluent Irish, could get a feel for the original as they read through the English version.
The first problem in putting this combined Irish/English version of the Midnight Court on the Internet is the fact that the 1912 Irish edition looks quite archaic and forbidding to modern readers of Irish, young ones at least. In the 1950s, the typography and spelling of the language was updated (not necessarily for the better in many people’s eyes). Therefore, in putting the poem on the Internet and making it accessible to modern readers, I needed to update the language.
To get an idea as to what this means, take the single word:
in Ó Foghlú's text (line 177), it being the present tense form of a verb meaning “to go.” The “t” and the “g” in the middle of this word are silent (the dot over each of the letters is called lenition, séimhiú in Irish—stops being transformed into spirants, but you don’t really want to know) and the whole word simplifies down to “imíonn” in the modern version, which looks a lot less formidable (though giving less, nearly no, information about its roots).
For a more extended example and picking a couple of lines at random (not quite at random, in fact, since the selection illustrates a couple of points I want to make), the original lines 683 and 684 look like this:
In the current version, this becomes:
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In this endeavor, I was not about to edit Merriman’s text itself. Outside of the spelling modernization and other minor cosmetic changes (such as, for instance, the elimination of a separate form for the dative case which, in most instances, it is no longer used—changing “gríosaigh” to “gríosach” in the quoted lines or filling in the lacunae indicated by the inverted comma above, “comhartha easnaimh,” so that ’s colann becomes is colainn), the text is unchanged.
Translating The Midnight Court
If putting the Irish text and English translation side by side on the web was to be a useful exercise, the translation would have to follow the original quite closely for a reader to be able to follow the original from the translation. None of the four translations I had met that test—for instance, the Ussher translation is about 130 shorter than the original; the O’Cuinn version takes four lines to translate each two of the original, etc.
In short, the exigencies of the project called for a new translation (which had the added and considerable benefit of avoiding copyright problems). And that is what is on this site; not a single line is taken from any of the aforementioned translations—actually, I lifted one line (601) from Ussher: For love is a lustier sire than creed, which seemed so well put, I couldn’t resist.
I worked within a couple of constraints.
The translation imitates the original in that it is in rhyming couplets. Furthermore, as far as possible, I kept a one-to-one correspondence between the Irish and English versions where each line in the English text translated its corresponding line in the Irish. This was not always possible; sometimes within a particular couplet, I found it worked better to flip the first and second lines. However, each couplet corresponds exactly to its opposite number so that each two lines in the English translates the corresponding two lines in the Irish. I followed this constraint strictly and there are no exceptions to it throughout the poem although the translation is more literal in some cases than others, depending on what was needed to get across the sense of the original within the constraints adopted.
One of the things one quickly finds in this exercise, is that Irish is quite an economical
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language in that it can put more ideas in fewer words than English can. Thus, I found that Merriman might have four concepts in a line (in describing a person, for instance) but that I could only get two of them to fit in a line of similar length in English. It was presumably to this fact that Coslett O’Cuinn formally surrendered in basically using twice the number of lines in English for his translation as are in the Irish original. For myself, I put as many ideas of the original as I could fit in the available space and left it at that.
Merriman uses adjectival exuberance in his descriptions of people, whether in praise of the beautiful or in excoriation of the ugly. The head, the face, the neck, the chest, the legs, the fingers and toes, all can become candidates for elaborate, florid description. Sometimes, this becomes the equivalent of a riff in jazz or a cadenza in classical music, parenthetic flourishes where the music of the words counts for more than the meaning they impart. Elaborate alliterative word-play is involved where it is almost impossible, in translation, to convey the effect.
It’s like a set of equations in mathematics: the more constraints you impose, the harder it is to arrive at a solution. Just to translate the poem into rhyming couplets that make sense is a difficult enough chore; to try to introduce alliterative requirements makes it next to impossible.
In fact, I tried it with just one of the passages of this sort:
Mo chuma is mo chrá ba bhreá san éad 749 Bejasus, such jealousy could be understood
Ar lúbaire láidir lánmheas léadmhar 750 In a strapping, stout-hearted, sterling stud
Shantach sháiteach shásta sheasmhach 751 Panting, pushing, pulsing, preening
Ramsach ráflach rábach rabairneach, 752 Roistering, romping, rollicking, riproaring
Lascaire luaimneach, cuardaitheoir cuimseach,
753 A roving rogue, a sensitive searcher
Balcaire buan nó buailteoir bríomhar, 754 A steadfast stalwart, a topnotch thresher
Ach seanduine seanda cranda creimneach, 755 Not in an ossified oldster, a grumpy grunt
Fámaire fann is feam gan féile. 756 An incompetent idler, a reclusive runt.
It can be done but it is an exhausting exercise. One can sympathize with the poets of the bardic schools in Ireland who did this sort of thing for a living and who would lie down in a darkened room for a day and a night striving to come up with the just-right word. Staring at a computer screen rather than into a dark void doesn’t make it any easier.
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The Glossary
As a final aid to students of the language, I have included a glossary. It is extensive (860 definitions—what great counting powers computers have!—for a 1,026-line poem, many of them referring to multiple occurrences) but it is not exhaustive. There is no great rhyme or reason to whether I included a word or not (I think that as I went along through the work, I increasingly realized that the glossary might be a valuable aid and, thus, I became more inclusive) but, generally, I think I have included all the more difficult or unusual words.
There are two ways to access the glossary: A single file or a set of files for each letter of the alphabet.
● The single glossary file is large (62K) and thereby slow-loading, even from the cache. If a reader wants to consult the glossary extensively while reading through the poem, it would be advisable to open the glossary in a separate browser window. This can be done in Windows machines, with either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer, by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing N—this is the procedure for version 4 of each of these programs; I’m not sure about earlier versions. The glossary can then be loaded in this new window—it’s located at:
http://www.homesteader.com/merriman/glossary.html
—and the reader can move between the window where the text is and the glossary by holding down the Alt key and pressing the Tab key until the desired window is selected.
● A set of individual files for each letter of the alphabet. This is a more sophisticated dictionary system than the single file, making it easier to find individual words. But while each file is smaller than the large single file, the additional functionality means that, in the aggregate, they are larger—and the files for the letters “c” (31K) and “s” (27K), the two most common initial letters, are quite large in their own right.
That’s it. Enjoy!
© 1998: J. Noel Fahey
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Fill ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Brollach
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Foclóir
Cuid a hAon: An Brollach
Siúlann an file amach leis féin maidin shamhraidh agus castar spéirbhean uafásach air. Sracann sí ina diaidh é tríd an lathach go dtí Cnoc Mhánmhaí áit a bhfuil cúirt á stiúradh ag Aoibheal, ríon álainn na sí.
Glossary
Part One: The Prologue
The poet sets out alone on a summer morning and encounters a fearsome vision woman. She drags him through the mud to Monmoy Hill where a court is sitting presided over by Aoibheal, a beautiful fairy queen.
Ba ghnáth mé ar siúl le ciumhais na habhann 1 Twas my custom to stroll with the river in view
Ar bháinseach úr is an drúcht go trom, 2 Through the fresh meadows covered with dew,
In aice na gcoillte i gcoim an tsléibhe 3 By the edge of the woods on the wild mountain-side
Gan mhairg gan mhoill ar shoilseadh an lae. 4 At the dawn of the day I’d cheerfully stride.
Do ghealadh mo chroí nuair chínn Loch Gréine, 5 My heart would brighten Loch Graney to spy,
An talamh, an tír, is íor na spéire 6 And the country around it, to the edge of the sky.
Ba thaitneamhach aoibhinn suíomh na sléibhte 7 The serried mountains were a delight to the beholder
Ag bagairt a gcinn thar dhroim a chéile. 8 Thrusting their heads over each other’s shoulder.
Ghealfadh an croí bheadh críon le cianta— 9 ’Twould lighten the heart wizened with years—
Caite gan bhrí nó líonta le pianta— 10 Triflingly spent or drenched with tears—
An séithleach searbh gan sealbh gan saibhreas 11 Of the bitter outcast without wealth or goods
D’fhéachfadh tamall thar bharra na gcoillte 12 To catch a glimpse o’er the top of the woods
Ar lachain ina scuain ar chuan gan cheo, 13 Of the ducks paddling by in the pellucid bay,
An eala ar a bhfuaid is í ag gluaiseacht leo, 14 Escorting the swan on her stately way,
Na héisc le meidhir ag éirí anairde 15 Of the fish in joyous arching flight
Péirse i radharc go taibhseach tarrbhreac, 16 And of the perch, a speckled spritely sight,
Dath an locha agus gorm na dtonn 17 Of the blue surging swell on the tinted lake
Ag teacht go tolgach torannach trom, 18 Crashing ashore with a thunderous quake,
Bhíodh éanlaith i gcrann go meidhreach mómhar, 19 Of the birds in the trees merrily singing,
Léimneach eilte i gcoillte im chóngar, 20 While the deer through the woods are nimbly springing,
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Géimneach adharc is radharc ar shlóite, 21 To see the huntsmen with bugles blaring,
Tréanrith gadhar is Reynard rompu. 22 As after Reynard the hounds are tearing
Ar maidin inné bhí an spéir gan cheo, 23 Yesterday morning, no clouds in the sky,
Bhí Cancer, ón ngréin, ina caortha teo 24 Presaged another hot day in July;
Is í gafa chun saothair tar éis na hoíche 25 Up came the sun after a rest for the night,
Is obair an lae sin roimpi sínte. 26 To her day’s work, making all nature bright.
Bhí duilliúr craobh ar ghéaga im thimpeall, 27 With treeleaves rustling overhead
Feorainn is féar ina slaoda taobh liom, 28 And grass and ferns before me spread,
Glasra fáis is bláth is luibheannna 29 The expanse of flowers would cheer the soul
Scaipfeadh le fán dá chráiteacht smaointe. 30 And lighten thoughts however dole.
Do bhí mé cortha is an codladh dom thraochadh, 31 Totally fagged and dying to sleep,
Do shín mé tharam ar cothrom sa bhféar ghlas 32 I lay down where the grass was deep
In aice na gcrann i dteannta trínse, 33 Beside a rill, with trees about
Taca lem cheann is mo hanlaí sínte. 34 A support for my head and my feet stretched out.
Ar cheangal mo shúl go dlúth le chéile, 35 On shutting my eyes to go to sleep,
Greamaithe dúnta i ndúghlas néalta, 36 Locking them tight in slumber deep,
Is m’aghaidh agam folaithe ar chuileanna go sásta
37 My face protected from the flies,
I dtaidhbhreamh d’fhulaing mé an cuilithe cráite 38 A dream caused me to agonize
Do chorraigh do lom do pholl go hae mé 39 To shake, to chafe my psyche deep
Im chodladh go trom gan mheabhair gan éirim. 40 In my senseless, helpless sleep.
Ba ghairid mo shuan nuair chuala, shíl mé, 41 Short was my sleep when I heard, thought I,
An talamh máguaird ar luascadh im thimpeall 42 A violent quaking of the ground nearby
Anfa aduaidh is fuadach fíochmhar 43 A storm from the north violently brewing
Is caladh an chuain ag tuargain tinte; 44 And fire from the harbour luridly spewing;
Siolla de mo shúil dar shamhlaíos uaim 45 In my mind’s eye, a quick survey
Chonnaic mé chugam le ciumhas an chuain 46 Revealed towards me by the bay
An mhásach bholgach tholgach thaibhseach 47 A violent, bulging, big-assed crone
Chnámhach cholgach ghairgeach ghaibhdeach; 48 Her huge bulk hinting at testosterone;
A hairde ceart, má mheas me díreach, 49 Her stature, if I reckoned right,
Sé nó seacht do shlata is fuílleach, 50 Was six or seven yards in height
Péirse beacht dá brat ag sraoilleadh 51 She dragged her cloak for yards behind her
Léi sa tslab le drab is draoibeal. 52 Through the mud and mire and squalor.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Brollach
Ba mhór ba mhéadhair ba fiáin le féachaint 53 ’Twas mighty, majestic, wild and horrid
Suas ina héadan créachtach creimeach, 54 To gaze upon her blemished forehead;
Ba anfa ceantair, scanradh saolta, 55 The rictus of her gummy grin
A draid is a drandal mantach méirscreach. 56 Would make you jump out of your skin.
A rí gach má! ba láidir líofa 57 God almighty! In her huge claw
A bíoma láimhe is lánstaf inti 58 Was the biggest staff you ever saw
Comhartha práis ina bharr ar spíce 59 A brass plaque at its spike defined
Is cumhachta báille in airde air scríofa. 60 The bailiff’s powers to her assigned.
Adúirt go dorrga d’fhocla dána:— 61 In a gruff voice these words she spoke:
Múscail! Corraigh! a chodlataigh ghránna; 62 Up! Shake a leg! ya sleepy yoke;
Is dubhach do shlí bheith sínte i do shliasta 63 Shame on you, to be stretched out here
Is cúirt ina suí is na mílte ag triall ann; 64 With court convened and crowds drawing near.
Ní cúirt gan acht gan reacht gan riail 65 It’s not a court without rule or code.
Ná cúirt na gcreach mar chleacht tú riamh 66 Nor a marauding court in your usual mode
An chúirt seo ghluais ó shluaite séimhe— 67 This court is built on a civilized base—
Cúirt na dtrua na mbua is na mbéithe. 68 The court of the weak with a female face.
Is mór le maíomh ar shíolra Éibhir 69 It’s indeed a great boast for Ireland’s seed
Uaisle sí mar shuíodar d’aonghuth 70 That to sit in court the fairy lords agreed
Dhá lá is oíche ar bhinn an tsléibhe 71 For two days and a night holding forth
I bpálás bhuionmhar Bhruíon Mhá Gréine. 72 On top of the mount, in Moy Graney fort.
Is daingean do ghoill sé ar shoilse an rí 73 Intense is the grief of the spectral lord,
Is ar mhaithe a theaghlaigh thaibhsigh sí, 74 Of his spritely household’s noble horde
Is ar uimhir na buíne bhí ina ndáil 75 And all of the others assembled there
Mar d’imigh gach díth ar chríocha Fáil— 76 At the scale of Ireland’s disrepair—
Gan sealbh gan saoirse ag síolrach seanda, 77 The ancient race without wealth or liberty
Ceannas a ndlí ná cíos ná ceannfoirt, 78 No tributes, leaders nor legal autonomy
Scriosadh an tír is níl ina ndiaidh 79 The rape of the land with naught in its train,
In ionad na luibheanna ach flíoch is fiaile; 80 In place of the crops, a weed-rank terrain;
An uaisle b’fhearr chun fáin mar leaghadar 81 The nobles languish in a foreign land
Is uachtar láimhe ag fáslaigh shaibhre, 82 While the jumped-up rich get the upper hand,
Ag fealladh le fonn is foghail gan féachaint 83 In betrayal ardent, in plunder greedy
D’fheannadh na lobhar is an lom dá léirscrios. 84 Flaying the sick, despoiling the needy.
Is dochrach dubhach mar dhíogha gach daoirse 85 It is blackly baneful and sticks in the craw
Doilbhe dúr i ndúbhcheilt dlíthe 86 That, in darkest despair over the absence of law,
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An fann gan feidhm ná faghaidh ó éinne 87 There’s nothing from no one for the purposeless weak
Ach clampar doimhin is luí chun léirscrios, 88 But a depredacious future that is hopelessly bleak,
Falsacht fear dlí is fachtnaí ardnirt, 89 The knavery of lawyers, tyranny on high
Cam is calaois faillí is fabhar, 90 Injustice, fraud and neglect apply
Scamall an dlí agus fíordhath fannchirt, 91 The law is clouded, the scales awry,
Dalladh le bríb, le fee is le falsacht. 92 With all the pull that bribes can buy.
Farradh gach fíor, is fuíoll níor fágadh, 93 Along with the rest—and all was debated—
Dearbhadh díble ar Bhíobla an lá san 94 An indictment was entered and that day dated,
Cúis dar ndóigh ná geobhaidh tú saor tríd,— 95 A charge that you cannot easily refute:
Cnú na hóige dá feo le faolras 96 The wizening celibacy among your youth,
Is easnamh daoine suite ar Éire— 97 The consequent lack of people in Ireland
Do mheath led chuimhne an síolrach daonna; 98 And the decline in population on this island;
Is folamh is is tráite fágadh tíortha, 99 The land left empty and in decline
An cogadh is an bás gan spás dá ndíogadh, 100 Wrecked by war, by death and rapine
Uabhar na ríthe is ar imigh thar sáile 101 The kings with gumption who have gone overseas
Nuair ná deineann sibh tuilleadh ina n-áit díobh. 102 Have not been replaced by new inductees.
Is náir d’bhur n-iomad gan siorrach gan síolrach 103 Your race without young ones is sad to see
Is mná ina muirear ar muir is ar tíortha, 104 With women burdening the land and the sea,
Connsaí chorpartha is borracaí óga, 105 Once buxom maids and lasses fresh
Is bonsaí bhrothallach fola agus feola, 106 With boiling blood and sultry flesh
Lóistigh liosta agus leigithí shásta 107 Are now lethargic, relicts debased
Is mórgaigh shioscaithe d’imigh i bhásta; 108 Once trim girls are gone in the waist;
Is trua gan toircheas stollairí den tsort seo, 109 ’Tis a pity that these are without fruit of the womb
Is trua gan tórmach brollaigh is bóta iad, 110 Without swelling breasts and bellies in bloom.
Is minic iad ullamh an focal dá bhfaighidís 111 They just look for the word, please don’t wait
Ag titim dá mogaill is molaimse a bhfoighne. 112 Until they are past their sell-by date.
Is é cinneadh le saoithe i gcríoch na comhairle 113 The solons decided after deliberation long
In ionad na daoirse d’insint dóibh sin:— 114 Not to try the case before the fairy throng:
Duine den bhuíon seo, líon a gcumhachta, 115 But to appoint a plenipotent magistrate
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Brollach
Ar thitim don dísle, suíomh i bhFóla. 116 Who could, with the people, mediate.
Tairgeann Aoibheal croí gan chlaoin-bheart, 117 There was an offer from Aoibheal, with a heart so clean
Cara na Muimhneach, sí-bhean Léithchraig, 118 Munstermen’s friend and Craglea’s queen
Scaradh le saoithe sí na slua seo 119 To the assembled council to bid farewell
Scaitheamh do scaoileadh daoirse i dTuamhumhain.
120 And in the land of Thomond to bide a spell.
Gheall an mhíonla chaoinis chóir seo 121 This gentle upright lady swore
Falsacht dlí do chloí go cumhachtach, 122 To rip out bad laws by their core
Seasamh i dteannta fann is faonlag 123 To stand steadfast beside the poor and weak
Is caithfidh an teann bheith ceansa tláith libh, 124 So the mighty will have to cherish the meek.
Caithfidh an neart gan cheart seo stríocadh 125 The powerful desist from inflicting wrongs
Is caithfidh an ceart ina cheart bheith suite; 126 And justice enthroned where it belongs:
Geallaimse anois nach clis ná cumhachta, 127 I promise now that no power nor lure,
Cairdeas Miss ná Pimp ina comhalta 128 Nor the blandishments of pimp or whore
Shiúlfas tríd an dlí seo de ghnáth 129 Will undermine the dispensation
Is a gcúirt ina suí ag an síolrach neamhdha; 130 Of this tribunal for its duration;
Tá an chúirt seo seasmhach feasta sa bhFiacail, 131 The village of Feakle is where the court is sitting
Siúilse, is freagair í, caithfidh tú triall ann 132 Go and attend it—you’ve got to get cracking
Siúil gan tafann go tapa ar do phriacal, 133 Go quietly or at your peril dire
Siúil! nó stracfad sa lathaigh im dhiaidh thú!” 134 I’ll drag you there through the muck and mire.
Do bhuail sí crúca im chúl san chába 135 With her crook she grabbed the hood of my cape
Is ghluais chun siúil go lúbach láidir, 136 And off she dragged me with no escape
Sciob léi síos mé trí na gleannta, 137 Down through the valleys I was propelled
Cnoc Mhánmhaí is go binn an teampaill. 138 To Moinmoy Hill church where the court was held.
Deireadh leis an mBrollach End of the Prologue
Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Dó On To Part Two
Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Foclóir
Cuid a Dó: An Ainnir
Labhraíonn bean óg le maithe na cúirte i dtaobh a cuid trioblóide: nach bhfuil fir óga na tíre ag pósadh agus, mar sin, go bhfuil sí gan chéile.
Glossary
Part Two: The Young Woman
A young woman there tells the court of her troubles: that she is without a mate because of the refusal of the young men of the country to marry.
Is deimhin go bhfaca mé ar lasadh le tóirsí 139 For sure, I saw there ablaze with light
An teaghlach taitneamhach maiseamhach mórtach
140 What seemed like a stately mansion bright
Soilseach seasmhach lannúil lomrach 141 Sparkling, spacious, tapestried,
Taibhseach taitheacach daingean dea-dhóirseach, 142 Spectral, sturdy, brilliant indeed
Chonnaic mé an tsíbhean mhíonla bhéasach 143 I spied Aoibheal, the fairy wench
Chumais ina suí ar bhínse an tsaoirchirt 144 Seated on the judge’s bench
Chonnaic mé garda láidir luaimneach 145 I saw a strong and nimble guard
Iomadúil arrthach tarraingthe suas léi, 146 Numerously gathered round their ward;
Chonnaic mé láithreach lánteach líonta 147 I saw a household that was jammed
Ó mhullach go lár de mhná is de dhaoine, 148 With men and women inside it crammed.
Chonaic mé spéirbhean mhaorga mhallruisc 149 Then came forward a majestic cailín
Mhilisbhog bhéaltais mhéarlag mhealltach 150 She was soft and comely, of gentle mien
Thaithneamhach shásta tháclach fhionn 151 With tumbling tresses framing her face
Ina seasamh in airde ar chlár na mionn. 152 As on the stand she took her place.
Bhí a gruaig léi scaoilte síos go slaodach 153 Her hair was loose and flowing free
Is buaireamh suite fíor ina féachaint, 154 But her face was the picture of misery
Fuinneamh ina radharc is faghairt ina súile 155 Her eyes were fierce and filled with hate
Is fiuchadh le draighean oilc aighnis fútha; 156 And she worked herself to such a state
A caint dá cosc le loscadh cléibhe; 157 That she moaned and heaved and sobbed and sighed
Gan gíog ina tost acht tocht dá traochadh, 158 But couldn’t speak though hard she tried.
Do b’fhurasta a rá gur bás ba rogha léi 159 You could see from the flood of tears she shed
Is tuile gan tlás ag tál go trom léi,— 160 That she’d much prefer if she were dead
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Ina seasamh ar lár an chláir ina saighead 161 Than being on the floor facing the stands
Is í ag greadadh na lámh is ag fáscadh a ladhar. 162 Kneading her fists and wringing her hands.
An uair do ghoil sí folcthaí fíochmhar 163 After her protracted jags of crying
Is d’fhuascail osnaí gothaí cainte 164 She cleared her throat, with much sighing
D’imigh an smúit is d’iompaigh snua uirthi 165 The gloom lifted from her tear-stained cheek,
Thriomaigh sí a gnúis is dúirt mar inseoidh mé:—
166 She dried her eyes and started to speak:—
“Míle fáilte is gairdeas cléibh romhat, 167 A thousand welcomes, we guarantee
A Aoibheal, a fháidhbhean ársa on Léithchraig, 168 O Aoibheal, venerable queen of Craiglea,
A soilse an lae is a ré gan choimse, 169 Light of the day, Ray of the sun
A shaibhreas shaolta i ngéibhinn daoirse 170 Worldly wealth for the hard-put-upon
A cheannasach bhuach ó shluaite an aoibhnis, 171 Conquering commander of the hosts of the blessed
Ba easnamh crua thú i dTuamhumhain is i dTír Luirc;
172 In Thomond and Tír Lorc you were sorely missed;
Sé túis mo cháis is fáth mo chaointe 173 The crux of my case, the cause of my woe
Cúis do chráigh mé is d’fhág me claoite 174 The ache that has plagued me and laid me low
Bhain dem threoir mé is sheol gan chiall mé, 175 What knocked me sideways and struck me dumb
Is chaith mar cheo mé dóite i bpianta,— 176 Caused a searing pain that left me numb,—
Na sluaite imíonn gan chríoch gan chaomhnú 177 The finest of maidens wandering around
Ar fud an tsaoil seo d’fhíorscoth béithe 178 Without hope of a husband, a shilling or pound,
Ina gcailleacha dubha gan cumhdach céile 179 Despondent young things without help of a mate
Caite gan clú gan cionnta claoin-bheart. 180 Innocently barred from the matrimonial state.
Is aithnid dom féin sa mhéad seo shiúlas 181 I know these maidens whereof I speak
Bean agus céad nár mhian leo a dhiúltadh 182 One hundred and one for whom prospects are bleak
Is mise in a measc mo chreach mar táimse 183 I list myself among these wrecks:
D’imigh im spaid gan fear gan pháiste. 184 I got my gender but I get no sex
Mo dhochar mo dhó mo bhrón mar bhím 185 At my time of life, ’tis depressing and cold
Gan sochar gan só gan seod gan síth, 186 Doing without luxuries, jewels and gold,
Go doilbhir duaiseach duamhar díothach 187 Gloomy and cheerless is my plight
Gan codladh gan suan gan suairceas oíche, 188 Unable to sleep through the pleasureless night,
Ach maslaithe i mbuairt gan suaimhneas sínte 189 But tossed with worry lying there
Ar leaba leamh-fhuar dár suathadh ag smaointe. 190 On a chilly bed, alone not a pair.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
A cháidh na Carraige breathain go bíogach 191 O Lady of Craiglea, you must assess
Mná na Banba in anacair suite, 192 The extent of Irish women’s distress,
Ar nós má leanann siad na fir dá bhfuadar 193 How, if the men continue with their ways,
Óch, mo lagar! ach caithfimidne a bhfuadach. 194 Alas, women will have to make the plays
Sé am gur mhian leo céile phósadh 195 By the time the men are disposed to wed
An t-am gur dhéirc le héinne gabháil leo! 196 They’re no longer worth our while to bed
An t-am nár bhfiú bheith fúthu sínte— 197 And it’ll be no fun to lie below
Na seandaigh thamhanda shúite chloíte. 198 Those old men who are so weak and slow.
Dá dtiteadh amach le teas na hóige 199 Even if, with a young man’s fire,
Duine fén seacht ar theacht féasóige 200 One in seven of the beardless were to desire
Ceangal le bean, ní míntais thoghfaidh— 201 To mate with a lass of his own age
Thaitneamhach shuite de shíol ná d’fhoghlaim, 202 He wouldn’t choose the noble or sage
Cló-dheas chaoin nó míonla mhánla 203 With an hour-glass figure and a knockout face
A mb’eól di suí ná teacht do láthair, 204 One who can carry herself with grace
Ach doineantach odhar nó donn doilíosach 205 But an icy, cheerless, catty bitch
Do chruinnigh le doghrainn cabhair nach cuí di! 206 Who used all her guile to make herself rich.
Sé chrá mo chroí is do scaoil gan chiall mé 207 It’s the scourge of my heart and a pain in my head
Is d’fhág mo smaointe is m’intinn traochta 208 And fills my thoughts with a sense of dread
Tráite tinn mar táim, go tréithlag, 209 It’s what has made me sad and sighing
Cráite cloíte ag caí is ag géarghol,— 210 Totally wasted with all this crying,—
Nuair a fheicim preabaire calma croíúil 211 When I see a lad who’s brave and cool
Fuadrach fearúil barrúil bríomhar 212 Who is virile, vigorous and strong as a mule
Stuama feasach seasmhach saoithiúil 213 Who is steadfast, skillful, bright as a pin
Gruaidhdheas greannmhar geanúil gnaoidhúil, 214 Fresh-faced, funny, with a ready grin
Nó buachaill bastallach beachanta bróigdheas 215 Or a boy who is frisky, frolicky, fun
Cruaidhcheart ceanasach ceapaithe córach 216 With a well-built body, second to none
Buaite ceannaithe ceangailte pósta 217 Beaten, bought, bound unawares
Ag fuaid ag cailleach ag amaid nó ag óinmhid, 218 By a hussy who’s extremely light upstairs
Nó ag suairtle salach de chaile gan tionscal, 219 Or a slovenly slattern, a workless wench
Stuacach stalcach aithiseach stangach 220 Who’d make you gag with her noisome stench
Suaiteach sotalach foclach fáidhiúil 221 A prating, prattling, babbling bag
Cuardach codlatach gairgeach gráiniúil. 222 An indolent, irritable, horrible hag.
Mo chreach is mo lot! Tá molt míbhéasach, 223 My God, I hear that an ill-mannered mare
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Caile na gcos is folt gan réiteach, 224 With unshod feet and uncombed hair
Dá ceangal anocht is é loisc go léir mé, 225 Is to be hitched tonight which I find really grating;
Is cá bhfuil mo locht nach dtoghfaí mé roimpi? 226 What’s wrong with me that I’m left here waiting?
Créad an t-ábhar ná tabharfaí grá dom 227 What is the reason that no one loves me
Is mé chomh leabhair, chomh modhúil chomh breá seo?
228 And I so lissome, so svelt and so lovely?
Is deas mo bhéal, mo dhéad is mo gháire, 229 My lips so red are made to be kissed
Is geal mo ghné, is tá m’éadan tláth tais, 230 My face so bright it cannot be missed
Is glas mo shúil, tá m’urla scáineach 231 My eyes are green, my locks are flowing
Bachallach búclach cúplach fáinneach, 232 Curly and plaited and healthily glowing
Mo leaca is mo ghúis gan smúit gan máchail 233 My forehead and cheeks are without zits or boils
Tarraingthe cumtha lonrach scáfar 234 A porcelain complexion that nothing spoils.
Mo phíob, mo bhráid, mo lámha, mo mhéara, 235 My neck, my breast, my hand, my finger
Ag síorbhreith barr na háille ó chéile. 236 Each would make a young lad linger.
Féach mo chom! Nach leabhair mo chnámha, 237 Look at my waist, my fine bone frame
Níl mé lom ná crom ná stágach, 238 I’m not crooked or hunched or lame
Seo toll is cosa is colann nach náir liom 239 A butt, a foot, a figure to impress
Is an togha go socair fé chover ná tráchtaim. 240 I’ll not go into what’s beneath my dress.
Ní suairtle caile ná sreangaire mná mé 241 I’m not a hussy, nor yet a drip
Ach stuaire cailce tá taitneamhach breá deas, 242 But a delicate beauty with lots of zip,
Ní sraoill ná slaid ná luid gan fáscadh 243 Not a slovenly, slatternly pig
Ná smíste duirc gan sult gan sásamh, 244 Nor a joyless boorish prig.
Lóisteach lofa ná toice gan éifeacht, 245 Not a lazy laggard with no clout
Ach ógbhean scotha chomh tofa is is féidir. 246 But a choice young woman well turned out
Dá mbeinnse silte mar tuilleadh de mo chomharsana,
247 If I were as worthless as some of my neighbours
Leadhbach liosta gan tuiscint gan eolas, 248 A tiresome tramp who never labours
Gan radharc, gan ghliceas in imirt mo chóra, 249 In the ways of the world without foresight or flair
Mo threighid! cár mhisde mé rith in éadóchas? 250 What would it matter if I fell into despair?
Ní fhacthas fós mé i gcóngar daoine, 251 But it has never been on people’s tongue
Ag faire nó ag tórramh óg ná críona, 252 That, at wake or funeral for old or young,
Ar mhachaire an bháire an ráis nó na rince, 253 In the hall for the dances or at the race track
I bhfarradh na dtáinte ar bánta líonta, 254 On the hurling pitch among the pack
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Ach gafa go sámh gan cháim ar domhan 255 I wasn’t dressed from head to toe
I gculaith shásta ó bharr go bonn. 256 In a tasty costume fit for a show.
Beidh a cheart im chúl de phúdar fillte, 257 My hair is powdered to a T
Starch is stiúir i gcúl mo chaidhpe, 258 My starched cap riding jauntily
Húda geal gan ceal ribíní 259 My bright-hued hood with ribbons galore
Gúna breac is a cheart ruffaí leis; 260 A polka dress with a ruffled pinafore
Is annamh go brách gan fásáil aerach 261 And I’m seldom without it, except in bed,
Thaitneamhach bhreá le mo cheárdán craorag, 262 My cardinal cloak of deepest red.
Is an iomaí luibheanna craobh is éanlaith 263 My striped cambric apron is fit for a queen
Ar m’aprún síogach ríoga cambric; 264 Embroidered with a plant and animal scene
Sála cumtha cúnga córach 265 Stiletto heels attached with screws
Arda sleamhaine ar screw faoi mo bhróga, 266 Give a lift to my fashionable shoes
Búclaí is fáinní is láimhne síoda, 267 Gloves of silk and buckles and rings
Fonsaí bráisléidí is lásaí daora. 268 These are a few of my favourite things.
Seachain, ná síl gur sceinnteach scáfar, 269 But beware, don’t think I’m loose a screw
Amaid gan ghaois nó naíondacht náireach 270 A witless fool or quaking ingenue
Eaglach uaigneach uallach fhiáin mé, 271 Who’s timorous, lonesome, whimpering, weak
Gealtach gan ghuais gan stuaim gan téagar; 272 A simpering, cowering, beaten-down freak.
I bhfolach ní rachainnse ó radharc na gcéadta, 273 I will not go and hide from the crowd,
Is ceannasach taibhseach m’aghaidh agus m’éadan,
274 For my face is imperious, noble and proud
Is dearfa bhím dom shíorthaispeánadh 275 And I can assure you I’m always displayed
Ar mhachaire mhín gach fíoriomána, 276 On the level pitch where games are played
Ag rince, ag báire, rás is radaireacht, 277 At dances, races and masquerades
Tinte cnámh is ráfla is ragairne, 278 Round bonfires, at raffles and parades
Ag aonach margadh is Aifreann Domhnaigh, 279 At Sunday Mass and in market squares
Ag éileamh breathnaithe, ag amharc gach togha fir.
280 Sashaying before males, inviting their stares.
Chaitheas mo chiall le fiach gan éifeacht, 281 But I’m at my wits end in the mating mart
Dhalladar riamh mé, d’iaighdear m’ae ionam. 282 I’ve nothing to show for it but a broken heart.
Tar éis mo chumainn, mo thurraing, mo ghrá dóibh,
283 After all that effort, after all my flirtation
Tar éis ar fhulaing mé d’iomad cránais, 284 After all I’ve suffered in aggravation
Tar éis ar chailleas le caitheamh na scálaí, 285 After all the times my fortune was read
Béithe balbha is cailleacha cártaí. 286 By toothless prognosticators looking ahead
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Níl cleas dá mb’fhéidir léamh ná trácht air 287 There’s not a stroke that can still amaze,
Le teacht na ré nó tar éis bheith lán di, 288 From the waxing moon to its waning phase
Um Inid nó um Shamhain nó ar shiúl na bliana 289 From Shrove Tuesday to All Saints Night,
Ná tuigim gur leamhas bheith ag súil le ciall as. 290 By making sense of my dispiriting plight.
Níorbh áil liom codladh go socair aon uair díobh 291 I could never sleep peacefully in my bed
Gan lán mo stoca de thorthaí faoi mo chluasa, 292 Without a sockful of fruit under my head;
Is deimhin nárbh obair liom troscadh le cráifeacht,
293 ’Twas surely no bother to devoutly fast,
Is greim nó blogam ní shlogainn trí trátha, 294 Three canonical hours between each repast;
In aghaidh an tsrutha do thumainn mo léine, 295 Against the current I’d wash my clothes
Ag súil trí mo chodladh le cogar ó mo chéile, 296 In the hopes that a bachelor would propose.
Is minic do chuaigh mé ag scuabadh an staca, 297 Often I would go and sweep out the byre
Ingne is gruaig faoin luaith-ghríos d’fhágainn, 298 And my nails and hair I would throw in the fire;
Chuirinn an tsúiste faoi chúl an ghabhail, 299 The flail I’d hide in the gable’s shade
Chuirinn an rámhainn go ciúin faoin adhairt chugam,
300 By the head of my bed I’d place the spade
Chuirinn an choigeal i gcillín na háithe, 301 I would put my distaff in the lime kiln
Chuirinn mo cheirtlín i dtine aoil Mhic Rághnaill,
302 I’d secrete my yarn-ball in Reynolds’ mill
Chuirinn an ros ar chorp na sráide 303 I’d scatter seed on the crown of the street
Chuirinn san tsop chugam tor cabáiste. 304 I’d stick a cabbage beneath the sheet.
Níl cleas acu siúd dá ndúras láithreach 305 From my recital it’s clear I don’t miss a trick
Ná hagraíonn cúnamh an deamhain is a bhráthar, 306 To see if I could get help from Old Nick
Sé fáth mo scéil go léir is a bhrí dhuit 307 But the end of my story, the result of my tale
Mar táim gan chéile tar éis mo dhíchill, 308 In spite of my efforts I’ve still got no male.
Fáth mo sheanchais fhada, mo phianchreach, 309 And what’s really painful and makes me gasp
Táim in achrann dhaingean na mblianta, 310 Is how firmly I’m in the calendar’s grasp;
Ag tarraing go tréan ar laethanta liatha 311 With grey old age rushing towards me undaunted
Is eagal liom éag gan éinne dom iarraidh. 312 I’m terrified I’ll die alone and unwanted.
A Phéarla ó Pharrthas screadaim is glaoim ort, 313 Pearl of Paradise, please hear my prayers
Éiric m’anama ort, aitim thú is éim ort, 314 Have mercy, I beg you, and lighten my cares
Seachain ná scaoil mé im shraoill gan aird 315 Be sure not to leave me a ne’er-to-be wife
Nó im chailleach gan chríoch gan bhrí gan bhláth,
316 With a mateless, meaningless, loveless life
Gan chara gan chlann gan chom gan chairde 317 Without friends or family, a roof o’er my head
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Ar theallacha draighin gan feidhm gan fáilte. 318 Depending on strangers for my daily bread.
Dar a fuil uimpi tinte is toirneach! 319 By the thunder and the lightning in the sky
Dalladh mé suite maoite im óinmhid, 320 It proves me a fool, my life gone awry
Sealbh gach só ag rogha gach díogha, 321 That, in front of my face, Ireland’s biggest bitches
Is ag ainnibh na Fóla os comhair mo shúl. 322 Are wallowing in wealth and reveling in riches
Tá somach ag Saidhbh go saibhir sámhach, 323 Saive snared a sucker with silver to spare
Muirinn i meidhir is a haghaidh ar a nuachar, 324 Muireann makes merry in her lover’s lair
Mór is Mairsile i macnas múchta, 325 Mór and Mairsile wench wantonly
Is mórchuid magaidh orthu ag fachnaoid fúmsa; 326 And all of them make a mockery of me
Is giodamach sámh í Sláinge, is Síle 327 Slaney and Shiela sparkle and glitter
Sisile is Áine is ál ina dtimpeall, 328 Cecily and Anne each have their litter
Tuilleadh mar tá siad de mhná na tíre 329 There are others like them throughout the land
Is mise mar táim gan tál gan tsíolrach. 330 While milkless and childless before you I stand.
Is fada gan feidhm is foighne domsa é, 331 I’ve been powerless but patient for far too long
Lagar dom leá is mo leigheas im chumhachta 332 I can overcome my weakness and right this wrong:
Maille le luibhne díblí dreoite 333 Potions from dried-up herbs I’ll wring
Is ortha draíochta chloífeas fós dom 334 Over which magic incantations I’ll sing.
Buachaill deas nó gas galánta 335 That should snare a strapping young chap
Bhuaifeas ceart a shearc is a ghrá dhom. 336 Whom, in a web of love, I will trap.
Do chonnaic mé go leor den tsórt dá dhéanamh 337 ’Tis many I have seen who play this game
Is chuirfinn i gcóir na cóngar chéanna; 338 Watch out! I’m about to do the same
Is daingean an cúnamh ag dúbailt daoine 339 It’s a great help for coupling, so they allege
Greamanna d’úlla is púdar luíbhne, 340 To mix crushed apples and powdered veg
Magairlín meidhreach, meill na mbuailte, 341 The purple orchid is an aphrodisiac
Taithigín taibhseach, toill na tuairte, 342 With mandrake’s root I will attack
Mealladh na minseach, claíomh na mbonsach, 343 And other plants that I cannot name
An cumainnín buí is an draíocht chun drúise. 344 I’ll use with great relish in this ballgame
Duilliúr dóite ar nós gur rún é, 345 There’s the top secret about leaves that are burned
Is tuilleadh den tsórt nach cóir a mhúineadh. 346 And other like intrigues that cannot be learned.
Do b’iontas mór i dTuamhumhain le chéile 347 You know it took all Thomond by surprise
An bhruinneall seo thuas ag buachan céile; 348 When a certain old nobody caught her prize
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Dó
Is d’inis sí domsa, ar ndóigh, trí rún, 349 She told me how—in confidence, indeed—
Um Inid is í pósta ó bhord na Samhna 350 That from Shrove to Samhain (when to wed he agreed)
Nár ibh is nár ól ach an feoithneach fionn 351 She had drunk no wine nor ate no bread
Is cuillibh na móna dóite ar lionn. 352 But lived on a diet of burnt spiders instead.
Is fada mé ag foighneamh, faighimse fuascailt, 353 So, I’ve long been waiting; I’m changing my fate
Seachain ar mhoill mé, saighead chun luais é; 354 Don’t try to stop me, when I’m out of the gate.
Muna bhfuil leigheas dom threighid i do chuairtse
355 If, from your visit, a resolution doesn’t appear
Cuirfidh mé faghairt i bhfeidhm má’s crua dom. 356 Then it’s on to Plan B and I’m outta here.
Deireadh do Chuid a Dó End of Part Two
Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Trí On To Part Three
Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Foclóir
Cuid a Trí: An Seanfhear
Preabann seanfhear anuas le freagra a thabhairt ar an ógbhean. Deir sé gur ar shaol mígheanmnaí na mná óga féin an milleán go bhfuil siad i gcruachás. Cuireann sé síos ar a phósadh féin agus faoi mar a bhí an bhrídeach torrach ó fhear eile i ngan fhios dó. (Dá ainneoin sin, molann sé leanaí tabhartha go hard níos déanaí mar chuid den impí aige ar Aoibheal deireadh a chur leis an bpósadh.)
Glossary
Part Three: The Old Man
Up jumps an old man to answer the young woman. He blames the dissolute life of young women for the predicament in which they find themselves. He recounts the circumstances of his own marriage at the time of which and unknown to him, his bride was pregnant by another. (In spite of this cuckoldry, he later praises bastards highly as part of his plea to Aoibheal to end the institution of marriage.)
Preabann anuas go fuadrach fíochmar 357 Then fiercely jumped up a grey old dodger
Seanduine suarach is fuadach nimhe faoi, 358 There was fire in the eyes of that greasy codger
A bhaill ar luascadh is luas anáile air, 359 His limbs were shaking, his breathing wild
Draighean is duais ar fud a chnámha. 360 It was clear that he was thoroughly riled.
Ba dhearóil an radharc go deimhin don chúirt é 361 He glared at the court with a look inflamed
Ar bord ina thaibhse im éisteacht dúirt sé:— 362 And, in my hearing, he then declaimed:—
Dochair is díobháil is síorchrá cléibhe ort 363 I wish you naught but damage and hurt
A thoice le místaid, a shíol gábha is déirce, 364 You miserable hussy, descended from dirt
Is dóigh nach iontas laigeacht na gréine 365 I suppose it’s no wonder the sun is weak
Is fós gach tubaist dar imigh ar Éire, 366 And that Ireland’s lot is unbelievably bleak
Mar mheath gach ceart gan reacht gan dlí againn, 367 Our rights are gone, the law’s a laugh
Ár mba bhí bleacht gan lacht gan laonna acu, 368 Our cows, once fertile, without milk or calf.
Is dá dtagadh níos mó de mhórscrios tíortha 369 It’s no great surprise about the country’s woes
Is gach faisean dá nuacht ar Mhóir is ar Shíle. 370 With Mór and Síle sporting the latest clothes.
A thoice gan chríoch nach cuimhin le táinte 371 You’re an absolute transcendental bitch
Olcas na síolrach daoine ó dtángais, 372 Everyone knows you were born in a ditch
Gan focal le maíomh ag do shinsear gránna 373 Your ugly ancestors can’t boast of their blood
Ach lopaigh gan bhrí, lucht míre is mála. 374 They’re aimless louts, sprung from the mud.
Is aithnid dúinne an snamhaire is athair duit, 375 Everyone knows your father’s a creep
Gan chara gan chlú gan chúl gan airgead, 376 Without friends or fame, common and cheap
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (1 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Ina leibide liath gan chiall gan mhúineadh, 377 A grey old yo-yo with no erudition
Gan mheadar gan mhias gan bhia gan anlann, 378 Without cup or bowl, racked with malnutrition,
Gan faic ar a dhroim is a chabhail gan chóta, 379 Not a stitch his back, no coat on his body
Ach gad ar a choim is a bhonn gan bhróga. 380 A súgán for a belt, his footwear shoddy.
Creidigí, a dhaoine, dá ndíoltaí ar aonach 381 Believe me, people, if he was sold at the fair
Eisean is a bhuíon tar éis íoc gach éileamh, 382 Of all of his debts he couldn’t take care
Dar colainn na naoimh ba dícheall mór dó 383 By the saints who are holy, ’twould make the news
Pota maith dí lena fhuíollach d’fhuascailt. 384 If he then could afford a bottle of booze.
Nach mór an t-ábhacht is an gleo i measc daoine 385 It’s a cause of merriment, both loud and deep
Truaire de do shórt gan bhó gan chaoirigh, 386 That a reject like you, with no cows or sheep
Búclaí i do bhróga is clóicín síoda ort, 387 Sports buckles on your shoes, a fancy silk frock
Is ciarsúir póca ag gabháil na gaoithe ort! 388 And a protecting scarf the wind to block.
Do dhallais an saol go léir le do thaibhse, 389 You dazzle the whole world with your face
Is is aithnid dom féin tú i dtaobh le coife 390 But I know for a fact you’re for a bloody disgrace.
Is deacair dom labhairt, do lom is léir dhom, 391 Your mendacity’s so clear, it’s hard to address
Is fada do dhroim gan chabhair ón léine; 392 Your back is a stranger to a decent dress
Is togha drochduine do thuigfeadh ina gá thú 393 But that deficiency, no one believes
Is feabhas do rufa le do mhuinchille cáimric. 394 It’s hidden with ruffs and cambric sleeves.
Tá canbhás saor chun sraod go bhásta 395 Canvas as a waist binder is low in price
Is cá bhfios don tsaol nach stays é do do fháscadh?
396 And maybe it’s stays that’s the flattening device.
Feiceann an tír ort frínse is fáinne 397 The world spies your rings and fringes of gauze
Is ceileann do laímhne gríos is gága. 398 While your gloves cover up the dirt on your paws.
Ach aithris ar bord, nó inseoidh mé féin é,— 399 But tell the court, or I myself will reveal,—
An fada nár ól tú deoir le do bhéile? 400 How long since you’ve had a drink with your meal
A chonnartaigh bhoicht na gcos gan ionladh, 401 You miserable slob with the dirty feet
Dóchas id chorp le Bucks gan anlann 402 Unseasoned Bucks aren’t much of a treat
Is furasta dar liom dod chúl bheith taibhseach, 403 It’s plain to me why you should hang your head
Do chonnac lem shúile an chúil ina luíonn tú; 404 I saw with my own eyes where you make your bed
Garbh nó mín ní síntear fút ann, 405 With no sheet beneath you, either fine or rough
Barrach nó líon dár sníomhadh le tuirne, 406 Spun on a wheel from even the coarsest stuff
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (2 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Ach mata ina smoirt gan chuilt gan chlúdach, 407 But a dirty mat without a quilt or a spread
Dealbh gan luid gan phluid gan tsúsa, 408 Without a blanket or comforter to cover the bed.
I gcomhar botháin gan áit chun suí ann 409 Your cabin is without a place for a seat
Ach súiche sileáin is púscadh aníos ann, 410 Dripping soot from above; oozing mud from beneath
Fiaile ag teacht go fras gan chuimse 411 Rank weeds flourishing in profusion galore
Is rian na gcearc air trasna scríobtha, 412 And chicken tracks scratched across the floor
Lag ina dhroim is na gabhla ag lúbadh 413 The roofline sagging; the gables leaning
Is clagarnach dhonn go trom ag tuirlingt. 414 The brown rain pouring down through the ceiling.
A chumainn na bhfáidhithe! nach ard do labhair sí!
415 O company of seers, how loud she does shout
Gustalach gálbha gárthach gabhann sí 416 A blustery braggart who goes about
I ndathanna i gcóir is i gclócaí síoda, 417 In colourful clothes and silken cloaks
Faire go deo orthu! fóill, cár fríth é? 418 It is certain the money didn’t come from her folks.
Aithris cá bhfuair tú an radharc seo mhaíonn tú, 419 From where the look of which you crow
Is aithris cár thuill tú an leadhb gan bhrí seo; 420 And how did you earn the necessary dough;
Is deacair a shuíomh gur fríth go cóir iad— 421 It’s hard to believe it’s from an honest stroke
Is gairid ó bhí tú gan síol an orlaigh. 422 It’s not long since you were totally broke
Aithris cá bhfuair tú luach na húda, 423 Where did you get the price of the hoods
Is aithris cá bhfuair tú luach do ghúna, 424 Tell us how you came by the expensive duds.
Ach leagaimid uainn cár ghluais an cóta, 425 I won’t make the cost of your coat my affair
Is aithris cá bhfuair tú luach na mbróga. 426 But how could you afford the fancy footwear?
A Aoibheal cheanasach charthannach chumhachtach,
427 O Aoibheal, peerless, kindly queen
Guím thú, gairim thú, freagair is fóir mé, 428 I beg you, call on you, please intervene
Is fíor gur feasach mé forairí Fóla 429 I know that all in Ireland who reach man’s estate
Suite greamaithe ag sladaithe den tsórt seo. 430 Is firmly hooked by such a reprobate
Dar láimh mo chara! is aithnid dom comharsa 431 One of my friends who lives up the road
Láimh le baile agam, gairid do chóngar, 432 Not very far from my own abode
Buachaill soineanta sruimile saonta 433 Among the nicest boys you ever spied
Ar buaileadh duine acu chuige mar nuachar. 434 Was snared into taking one as his bride
Is searbh lem chroí nuair a fheicim im radharc í— 435 It pains my heart to see her around
A gradam, a críoch, a poimp is a taibhse; 436 Her hauteur, her pomp, her stuck-up frown
Sealbhach bó aici is eorna ag fás di, 437 Cattle in her possession, her barley growing
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (3 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Airgead póca is ór idir lámha aici. 438 Money in her pocket and gold overflowing.
Do chonnaic mé inné í ar thaobh na sráide, 439 I saw her yesterday on the side of the street
Is cumasach tréan an léire mná í, 440 She was a large woman, in no way petite;
Malpaire másach mágach magúil, 441 She shook her huge hips in a taunting way
Marbh le cámas lán de ladús, 442 With as much impertinence as she could display
Murach gur claon liom éad do mhúscailt, 443 Were it not that I am the soul of discretion
Scannal do scéith nó scéalta scrúdú, 444 Unwilling to comment on any transgression
Do b’fhuras dom insint cruinn mar chuala 445 I could easily tell what I’ve heard told
An chuma na mbíodh sí sraoillte suaite, 446 How she carried on as a harlot bold
Sractha ar lár is gáir ina timpeall, 447 Stretched on the floor, causing a hullabaloo
Sraite ar an sráid nó i stábla sínte. 448 In the street or the stable, her clothing askew.
Mairfidh a tásc is tráchtfar choíche 449 Her story will live, she’ll be the subject of lore
Ar mharthain ar cháil is ar gháir a gníomhartha 450 She will be spoken of for evermore
In Uí Bhreacáin an aráin is an fhíona, 451 In Ibrickane of the bread and wine
I dTír Mhachláin na mbánta míne, 452 In Tirmaclane of the meadows so fine
Ag ísle is ársa Mháinse is Ínse, 453 By Manishmore’s and Ennis’ lowly and quality
Chill Bhreacáin, an Chláir is Chuinche, 454 In Killbracken, in Quin, and in Clareabbey
Ag connsaigh ainmhíche Threadraí an phónra 455 In Tradree of the beans where there are wild young fellows
Is fonsaí falchaí Chreatlaighe an chorda. 456 And in Cratlea where outlaws hang from the gallows
Faire, ba chlaon í, tar éis a ndúirt mé 457 Now, look, that’s all in the past, I know
Ghlacfainn gur saor í faoi na cionta 458 And I might be willing to let it all go
Ach beirim don phláigh í lá mar chím í 459 But the other day I saw her on her ass
Leagaithe láimh le Gárus sínte, 460 Outside of Garus lying on the grass
Caite ar an ród gan orlach fuithi 461 Spread on the ground without a stitch, so bare,
Ag gramasc na móna ar bhóithre Dhubhdhoire. 462 With a bogman from Doora in the County Clare.
M’iontas ann os ceann mo chéille 463 It's a wonder to me, past all comprehension
Is crithim go fann le scanradh an scéil seo,— 464 Just to think of it fills me with hypertension,—
Ise bheith seang nuair theann gach éinne í 465 After fornicating with all, I just don’know
Is druidim le clann nuair shanntaigh féin í. 466 How she didn’t conceive till she wished it so.
Is mór ina grása é ag rá na mbriathar, 467 It’s saying a lot for the power of the word
Nóiméad de spás níor ghá le hiarraidh 468 That not a minute of unnecessary delay was incurred
Ó léadh ar bord os comhair na coinnle 469 From the reading before the candles bright
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (4 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
An tEgo Vos seo d’ordaigh Íosa 470 Of the Ego Vos of the marriage rite
Gur shéid sí lacht go bleacht ina cíocha 471 Her breasts were bursting with milk, I swear
Ach naoi mí beacht is seachtain go cinnte! 472 After nine months with just a week to spare!
Breathain gur bhaol don té tá scaoilte 473 It’s the greatest peril to the single and sane
Ceangal go héag faoi thaobh den chuing seo, 474 To be tied till death to the ball and chain,
I sealbh gach saoth, is éad dá shuathadh— 475 In the grip of misfortune, jealousy rife,
In aisce, mo léan! mo léann ní bhfuaireas, 476 As I learned for myself at a terrible price.
Is feasach don taobh seo den tsaol mar bhí mé 477 Everyone round here knows how I used be,
Sealad dem réim is dem laethanta roimhe seo, 478 When I was single and gloriously free,
Leitheadach láidir lán de shaibhreas, 479 An important man, much wealth I did own
Feisteas le fáil is fáilte im theaghlach, 480 My door was wide open, my table did groan
Cara i gcúirt is cúnamh dlí agam, 481 A friend at court and the law on my side
Ceannas is clú agus comhar sa saoithe, 482 Dominion and fame, with seers as my guide.
Tathach im chaint is suim is éifeacht, 483 My words with wit and wisdom teemed
Talamh is maoin ag suíomh mo chéille! 484 All the land and wealth of which I dreamed
M’aigne sítheach is m’intinn sásta— 485 My mind at ease, my brain without strife—
Chailleas le bean mo bhrí is mo shláinte! 486 I lost it all when I married my wife!
Ba thaitneamhach leabhair an crobhaire mná í, 487 She was a pleasant and graceful strip of a lass
Bhí seasamh is com is cabhail is cnámha aici, 488 Her posture and presence betokened class
Casadh ina cúl go búclach trilseach, 489 The toss of her head showed off ringlets and curls
Lasadh ina gnúis go lonrach soilseach, 490 And the sheen on her cheeks fairly glowed like pearls,
Cuma na hóige uirthi is só ina gáire, 491 She had the vitality of youth and a smile of bliss
Is cuireadh ina cló chun póige is fáilte! 492 And all her demeanour invited a kiss.
Ach chreathas le fonn gan chonn gan chairde 493 I shook with desire, my mind did reel
Ó bhaithis go bonn go tabhartha i ngrá dhi. 494 I fell besottedly in love, head over heel.
Is dearbh gan dabht ar domhan gur díoltas 495 It’s certain, no doubt, it was retribution
Danartha donn dom thabhairt ar m’aimhleas 496 For all my bad actions, my dissolution
D’fhearthainn go trom ar bhonn mo ghníomhartha
497 Which fell with a vengeance for my transgression
Ó Fhlaitheas le fonn do lom do líon mé. 498 From heaven above with cruel repression.
Do snaidhmeadh go suite snaidhm na cléire, 499 The clergy tied us tightly with the knot
Is ceangladh sinn i gcuing le chéile, 500 In a damnable yoke we were firmly caught,
Ghlanas gan chinnteacht suim gach éileamh 501 I cleared all the debts without demur or delay
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (5 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Bhaineas le baois gan ghaois an lae sin. 502 From the extravagant folly of that fateful day
Cothrom go leor, níor chóir mé a cháineadh— 503 Give me due credit, I was able to treat
Stopas an gleo bhí ag cóip na sráide, 504 All of the rabble who came in from the street
Bacaigh go léir, bhí an cléireach sásta, 505 Beggars all, the clerics were sated
An sagart róbhuíoch is b’fhéidir fáth leis! 506 The priest was delighted at how he was feted.
Lasamar tóirsí is comharsana go cruinn ann, 507 With torches lit, the neighbours around
Leagadh ar boird mórchuid bia chugainn 508 The table with all sort of foodstuffs was crowned
Clagarnach cheoil is ól gan chuimse, 509 The music was mighty, much drink was imbibed
Is chaitheadar cóisir mhórtach mhaoiteach. 510 It was a bash on a scale that can’t be described.
Mo dhíth gan easpa nár tachtadh le bia mé 511 But the day I was baptised I wish I had died
An oíche baisteadh nó as sin gur iarras 512 Or some day since then before I had tried
Síneadh ar leaba le hainnis do liath mé 513 To bed with a trollop who turned me gray
Is do scaoil le gealaigh gan chara gan chiall mé. 514 Deprived me of friends, caused my mind to decay.
Is é tásc do gheobhainn ag óg is ag aosta 515 But then I was warned by the young and the old
Gur bhreallán spóirt ag ól is ag glaoch í 516 That she was a drunkard and a constant scold
I mbotháin ósta is boird á bpléascadh, 517 With the rabble in sheebeens she was wont to mingle
Ar lár ina lóiste ag pósta is aonta. 518 And lay on the floor with the married and single
Do b’fhada dá meilt a teist is a tuairisc 519 It took a while before her name was destroyed
Do b’fhada gur chreid mé a bheag nó a mhór de, 520 The stories about her I long could avoid
Do b’eaglach le gach beirt dá gcuala é 521 Everyone kept mum who knew the situation
Go rachainn im pheilt im gheilt gan tuairisc. 522 Afraid I would vanish, naked, in extreme agitation.
Fós ní ghéillfinn, caoch mar bhí mé, 523 I would not listen, too blind to see
Do ghlór gan éifeacht éinne mhaoidh é; 524 To the few who ineffectively told me;
Ach magadh nó greim gan feidhm gan chéill 525 I believed they were only slagging the groom
Gur aithris a broinn dom deimhin gach scéil! 526 Until the whole story was told by her womb.
Níor chúrsaí leamhais ná durdam bréige é, 527 It was not a prank or idle prattle
Ná dúirt bean liom go ndúradh léi é 528 Or a woman engaging in tittle-tattle
Ach labhair an bheart i gceart is in éifeacht— 529 But the deed itself spoke loud and clearly
Do bhronn sí mac i bhfad roimh ré dom! 530 She gave me a son who was way too early!
Mo scanradh scéil gan féith dem chroí air— 531 God almighty, I nearly died of fright
Clann dá dtéamh dom tar éis na hoíche! 532 To find a family at the end of that night!
Callóid anfach ainigí scólta,— 533 There was a mighty commotion around the house
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (6 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Bunóc ceangailte is bean an tí breoite, 534 With a swaddled child and a retching spouse,
Posóid leagaithe ar smeachóidí teo acu 535 A draught of medicine on the coals being warmed
Cuinneog bhainne dá greadadh le fórsa 536 A can full of cream was being forcefully churned
Is mullach ar lánmhias bánbhia is siúicre 537 A dish heaped high with sugar and goody
Ag Muirinn Ní Cháimliaith báinliaigh an chrúca 538 For the greedy midwife, Muireann Ní Cháimlia
Bhi coiste cruinnithe ag tuilleadh dem chomharsain
539 A group of my other neighbours were gathered
Cois na tine agus siosarnach dhamhsa. 540 Beside the fire where they quietly whispered.
Scaoileann siad cogar i bhfogas dom éisteacht:— 541 One of them said, loud enough to hear:—
Míle moladh le Solas na Soilse! 542 “Praise be to the stars that shine so clear,
Bíodh nach baileach a d’aibigh an chré seo 543 Even though the nipper didn’t wait for the clock
Feicimse an t-athair ina sheasamh ina chéadfa. 544 He looks like he’s a chip cut off the old block.
A bhfeiceann tú, a Shadhbh arú, luigheamh a ghéaga!
545 Don’t you see now, Saiv, how the kid is the image
A dheilbh gan draighean a bhaill is a mhéara! 546 Of the old man’s form, his limbs and his visage!
Cumas na lámh ba dána dóirne! 547 The cut of his hands and those bold fists
Cuma na gcnámh is fás na feola. 548 And look at those legs and arms and wrists.”
Do cheapadar cruinn gur shíolraigh an dúchas 549 They pondered long on the child’s supposed lineage
Maise mo ghné agus íor mo ghnúise, 550 How he looked like me, inherited my image
Filleadh mo shróine is glónra m’éadain, 551 The shape of my nose and how my brow glowed
Deise mo chló, mo shnua agus m’fhéachana, 552 The elegant form which on him I bestowed
Leagadh mo shúl is go fiú mo gháire 553 The lay of my eyes and even my grin
Is as-sin do shiúil ó chúl go sáil é. 554 How he was my very picture from head to shin.
Amharc nó radharc ní bhfaghainn den chréice,— 555 Of course, not hide nor hair did I see of the pup,—
Is baileach gan leigheas do mhillfeadh gaoth é!— 556 They said the draughts would screw him up!—
Ag cuideachta an teaghlaigh i bhfeighil mo chaochta,
557 The crowd in the house kept him out of my sight
Siolla dá laghad di leáfaidh an créatú+B222ir! 558 With their claim that the air would harm the mite.
Do labhras garg is do thagras Íosa, 559 By this time I was mad and breathing fire
Is stollta garbh do bhagras gríosach, 560 I told them the consequences would be dire
D’fhógras fearg le hainbhios cainte, 561 I thundered, I stormed, I blustered, I swore
Is is dóigh gur chreathadar cailleacha an tí romham.
562 Till the women of the house could stand it no more.
De leisce an achrainn leagadar chugam é,— 563 They brought me the boy to settle me down,—
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (7 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Beir go haireach air, seachain ná brú é, 564 “Take him gently, don’t shake him around
Is fuiris a shuaitheadh, luaisc go réidh é, 565 He’s easily hurt; he’s close to dying
Turraing do fuair sí ruaig roimh ré é; 566 Don’t pick him up, leave him lying
Seachain nó faisc é, fág ina luí é, 567 Since she had a fall that brought on his birth
Is gairid an bás do, is gearr do raghaidh sé; 568 He’s close to death, not too long for this earth
Dá maireadh go lá idir lámha ina chló 569 We hope he’ll survive till the morning at least
Is an sagart ar fáil níorbh fhearr a bheith beo. 570 When we’ll have a chance to call the priest.”
Do bhaineas an tsnaidhm dá chuibhreach cumhdaigh
571 I loosened the confining bands and set him free
Is bhreathain mé cruinn é sínte ar ghlúin liom, 572 I looked at him carefully there on my knee
A Muaireach d’airigh mé tathagach tamhanda é, 573 My God, I saw he was full of vim and vigour
Fuair mé feargach fearradach lúitheach 574 And he looked like he had a healthy figure
Láidir leathan mo leanbh ina ghuaillí, 575 The baby’s shoulders were stout, I declare,
Sála daingeana is an-chuid gruaige air! 576 He was firm in the feet, had a fine head of hair!
Cluasa cruinnithe is ingne fásta, 577 Well-formed ears and nails that were long
Chruadhdar a uillinneacha a chroibh is a chnámha,
578 His hands, his wrists and his elbows were strong
D’aibigh a shúile is fiú a pholláirí, 579 His eyes and his nostrils were both healthily wide
Is d’airigh mé a ghlúine lúfar láidir. 580 I could see from his knees he’d have a powerful stride.
Coileán cumasach cuisleach cóiriúil 581 In short and in closing, it’s all I can say
Folláin fuinneamhach fulaingeach feolmhar. 582 That he was as fine a child as you’d see any day.
Screadaim go hard le gáir na tíre 583 O Aoibheal, I beg you on behalf of my race
Is leagaim dod láthair cás na ndaoine, 584 I place before you the people’s case
Breathain go caoin, is bí truamhéileach, 585 Judge us kindly, show us mercy
Beanna a gcinn is suim a gcéille; 586 We’ve little sense but much jealousy
Athraigh an dlí seo chuinge na cléire 587 Change this law of the clergy’s yoke
Is ainic an bhuíon nár fuarthas sa ngéibheann. 588 And allow his freedom to the unmarried bloke.
Má lagaigh an síolrach díonmahr daonna 589 If the population is on the wane
I dtalamh dath-aoibheann fhíorghlais Éireann, 590 In Ireland’s green and fertile terrain,
Is furasta an tír d’aithlíonadh le laochra 591 Her race of warriors could be reborn yet
D’uireasa eangaí gan bhrí gan éifeacht,— 592 Absent the inanity of the marriage net,—
Cá bhfuil an gá le gáir na bainse, 593 Why do we need those nuptial traditions
Cárta biotáille is pá lucht seinnte, 594 Paying for liqour and for musicians
Somacháin ar bord go fóiseach taibhseach, 595 Idlers eating all of your food
http://www.showhouse.com/midnight_court3.html (8 of 10)17/06/2011 13:32
Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Glugar is gleo acu is ól dá shaighdeadh, 596 Guzzling your malt till thoroughly stewed.
Ó d’aibigh an t-ábhar do bhronn Mac Dé 597 When the Mother of God first conceived
Gan sagart ar domhain dá dtabhairt dá chéile; 598 No priestly blessing was received.
Is leathanmhar láidir lánmhear léadmhar 599 Many who are strong and altogether fine
Fairsing le fáil an t-álmhach saor seo. 600 Sprang from an illegitimate line
Is minic a fheicimse bríomhar borrtha 601 For love is a lustier sire than creed
Cumasach líonta i gcroí is i gcóir iad; 602 And produces a healthier, heartier breed
Creim ní fheicim nó daille nó caoiche 603 The deaf or dumb or lame or blind
I léim ar leithre dár hoileadh ó bhean ar bith; 604 Among love children you generally won’t find;
Is mó is is mire, is is teinne is is tréine 605 They are stronger and faster, more right in the head
A gcló is a gclisteacht ná dlisteanaigh éinne. 606 Than many begotten in a married bed.
Is furasta a luaimse d’fhuascailt go suite 607 I brought with me the proof of my stand
Is duine acu an uair seo ar fud an tí agam! 608 I have here with me one of that band!
A bhfeiceann tú thall go ceansa ciúin é! 609 Do you see him there, so quiet and polite?
Deisigh anall i dteannta an bhoird é. 610 Bring him here so we can see him right.
Breathain go cruinn é, bíodh gurab óg é 611 Look at him carefully, though he’s a youth
Is dearfa suite an píosa feola é, 612 You will see indeed that I tell the truth
Is preabaire i dtoirt i gcorp is i gcnámh é 613 He’s a comely boy in form so grand
Cá bhfuil a locht i gcos nó i lámh de? 614 Can you see a flaw in his foot or hand?
Ní seargach fann ná seandach feosach, 615 He wasn’t sired by a sap with consumption
Leibide cam nó gandal geoiseach, 616 A worthless tramp, a gander without gumption
Meall gan chuma nó sumach gan síneadh é 617 A formless lump who’s riddled with cancer
Ach lansa cumasach buinneamhach bríomhar. 618 But a lively, powerful, active lancer.
Ní deacair a mheas nach spreas gan bhrí 619 It would be such a farce to tie for life
Bheadh ceangailte ar nasc ar tasc ag bean, 620 This sire of his to only one wife
Gan chnámh gan chumas gan chuma gan chom, 621 Shapeless, spineless, waistless, sexless
Gan ghrá gan chumann gan fuinneamh gan fonn, 622 Friendless, mindless, loveless, listless
Do scaipfeadh i mbronn d’aon mhaighre mná 623 To use his seed for only one womb
Le catachas draighin an graíre bhreá 624 When he could be in many a bedroom.
Mar chuireann sé i bhfeidhm gan mhoill gan bhréig
625 This young lad proves without a lie
Le cumas a bhaill is le luigheamh a ghéag 626 With his goodly arms and shapely thigh
Gur crobhaire é cruthaíodh go cothrom gan cháim 627 That he’s a sapling who was the upshot
Le fonn na fola is le fothram na sláinte. 628 Of a fevered coupling when the blood was hot.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Trí
Leis-sin ná hiarrse a ríon réilteach 629 So please don’t subject millions, O Queen of the Sky
Milleadh meiriad le riail gan éifeacht! 630 To a stupid rule with which they must comply
Scaoil ó chodladh gan chochall gan chuibhreach 631 Awake to a life without a bond or chain
Síol an bhodaigh is an mhogall-fhuil mhaoiteach, 632 The country’s people, both mighty and plain
Scaoil fá chéile de réir nádúra 633 Allow them to be naturally combined
An síolbhach séad is an braon lábúrtha, 634 Couples from the peasantry and the refined.
Fógair go féiltiúil trí na tíortha 635 Throughout the land may a new rule unfold
D’óg is d’aosta saorthoil síolraigh. 636 Of sexual freedom for young and for old.
Cuirfidh an dlí seo gaois sa nGaeil, 637 This new law will make the Irish proud,
Is tiocfaidh an brí mar bhí ina laochra, 638 The new race will once again be endowed
Ceapfaidh sé com is droim is doirne 639 With all the prowess of the heroes of old,
Ag fir an domhain mar Gholl mac Móirne, 640 The likes of Goll mac Móirne the bold.
Gealfaidh an spéir, beidh éisc i líonta, 641 The sky will brighten, the fish will bite
Is talamh an tsléibhe go léir faoi luibhne, 642 The mountainy land will bloom with no blight
Fir is mná go brách dá mhaíomh, 643 Men and women will sing your praise
Ag seinnm do cháil le gairdeas aoibhnis. 644 And in joyful celebration their voices raise.
Deireadh do Chuid a Trí End of Part Three
Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Ceathair On To Part Four
Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Foclóir
Cuid a Ceathair: An Ainnir Arís
Tá an ainnir arís ar an mbínse ag magadh an tseanfhir faoin mbealach inar theip air a bhean óg a shásamh. Deir sí go mba chóir iachall a chur ar fhir óga pósadh, is gan eisceacht a dhéanamh do shagairt na tíre.
Glossary
Part Four: The Young Woman Again
The young woman again takes the stand mocking the old man’s inability to satisfy his young wife. She advocates forcing young men to marry with the clergy not being exempt from that edict.
Tar éis bheith tamall don ainnir ag éisteacht 645 After the girl had heard his harangue
Do léim ina seasamh go tapa gan foighne, 646 With great impatience, to her feet she sprang,
Do labhair sí leis agus loise ina súile 647 With fire in her eyes on him she gazed
Is rabhartaí feirge feilce fúithi:— 648 And spoke in a voice that was trembling and crazed:—
Dar Coróin na Carraige murach le géilleadh 649 By Craglea’s Crown, if I wasn't thinking
Dod chló dod ainnis is d’easnamh do chéille 650 How your health is failing, your faculties sinking
Is d’am na hurraime don chuideachta shéimh seo 651 And of the respect that’s due to this court
An ceann lem ingin do sciobfainn ded chaolscroig,
652 With my nails, I’d scratch your face and throat
Do leagfainn anuas de thuairt faoin mbord thú 653 I’d knock you with a mighty crash to the ground
Is is fada le lua gach cuairt dá bhfaighinn ort 654 And it would long be talked of how often you went down
Go stróicfinn sreanga do bheatha le fonn ceart 655 Until I had cut your mortal cord
Is go seolfainn t’anam go Acheron tonnach. 656 So that across Acheron you were being oared..
Ní fiú liom freagra freastail do thabhairt ort, 657 It’s beneath my dignity to answer you straight
A shnamhaire fleascaigh nach aithis do labhartha!
658 You sniveling slimeball, your speech’s inchoate
Ach inseoidh mé feasta do mhaithe na cúirte 659 But I want to inform the worthies of the court
An nós inar cailleadh an ainnir nárbh fhiú thú:— 660 Of the horrible life of one above your sort:—
Bhí sí lag, gan bha gan phuint, 661 She was vulnerable, without cattle or dough
Bhí sí i bhfad gan teas gan clúdadh, 662 Always freezing without heat or a throw
Cortha dhá saol, ar strae dhá seoladh 663 Tired of life, astray without direction
Ó phost go piléar gan ghaol gan chóngas, 664 From pillar to post, with no relative’s affection,
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Gan scíth gan spás de lá nó d’oíche, 665 Without rest or comfort by day or by night
Ag stríocadh an aráin ó mhná nár chuí léi. 666 Having to beg from strangers her daily bite.
Do gheall an fear seo dreas sócúlach di, 667 This man promised her silver and gold
Do gheall an spreas di teas is clúdadh, 668 He promised her heat and shelter from cold,
Cothrom glan is ba le crú di, 669 A fair share of wealth and milk cows purebred
Is codladh fada ar leaba chlúimh di, 670 Comfortable nights on a down-covered bed
Teallaigh teó agus móin a dóthain 671 Warm hearths with turf so she wouldn’t freeze
Fallaí fód gan leoithne gaoithe, 672 Thick sod walls to keep out the breeze,
Fothain is díon ón síon is ón spéir di, 673 Well-secured roofs and doors and windows
Olann is líon le sníomh chun éadaigh. 674 Wool and linen to weave for clothes
Do b’fheasach don tsaol is don phéist seo láithreach
675 ’Twas known to the world and to this worm there
Nach taitneamh ná téamh ná aonphuth ghrá dó 676 That not pleasure or warmth or a love affair
Do cheangail an péarla maorga mná seo 677 Drew this pearl of a woman to that block of ice
Ach easnamh go léir,—ba déirc léi an tsástacht! 678 But that a life of want left her without any choice.
Ba dubhach an fuadar suairceas oíche 679 With him there would be no nights of pleasure
Smúit is ualach duais is líonadh, 680 With this fat load, dropsical beyond measure;
Lúithne luaidhe agus guaillí caol 681 With his leaden sinews and narrow shoulder
Is glúine crua chomh fuar le hoidhre 682 It was hard to see how the night could get colder.
Cosa feoite dóite ón ngríosach 683 Along with knarly knees and decaying feet
Is colainn bhreoite dhreoite chríona. 684 His dry sickly body was no young woman’s treat.
An bhfuil stuaire beo ná feoidhfeadh liath 685 Is there a beauty alive who wouldn’t grow old
Ag cual dá shórt bheith pósta riamh? 686 If she were married to a crock so cold
Nár chuardaigh fós faoi dhó le bliain 687 Who, even twice a year, didn’t have a wish
Cé buachaill óg í, feoil nó iasc? 688 To see if she was a boy, whether flesh or fish?
Is an feóiteach fuar seo suas léi sínte 689 She had this cold bag of bones lying by her side
Dreoite duairc gan bua gan bíogadh. 690 Shriveled and woebegone, impotent, stupefied.
Och! car mhór di bualadh bríomhar 691 Oh! Wouldn’t she have loved just once a night
Ar nós ba dhual de uair san oíche. 692 A little affection as was her conjugal right.
Ní dóigh go dtuigtear gurab ise ba chiontach 693 I don't believe people’ll think she was to blame
Ná fós go gcliseadh ar laige ina tonndacht 694 That she was an icy and frigid dame
An maighre mascalach carthanach ciúntais— 695 This gentle girl with an amorous heart
Is deimhin go bhfaca sí a mhalairt de mhúineadh. 696 It wasn’t in her nature to shirk her part.
Ní labharfadh focal dá mba obair an oíche 697 With a lively lover she wouldn’t have quit
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Is a thabharfadh cothrom do stollaire bhíomhar. 698 Once she was lighted, you know she’d stay lit.
Go brách ar siúl níor dhiúltaigh riamh é, 699 With the proper partner she’d never take flight
Ar chnámh a cúil is a súile iata. 700 Entranced on her back with her eyes shut tight
Ní thabharfadh preab le stailc mhíchuíosach, 701 She wouldn’t jump with inappropriate fright
Fogha mar chat ná sraic ná scríob air, 702 Attack like a cat or scratch or bite,
Ach í go léir ina slaod cóshínte, 703 But lie with him in embrace combined
Taobh ar thaobh is a géag ina thimpeall, 704 Side by side with legs entwined,
Ó scéal go scéal ag bréagadh smaointe, 705 Exchanging sweet nothings, little white lies
Béal ar bhéal is ag méaraíocht síos air. 706 Lips to lips, fingers stroking his thighs.
Is minic do chuir sí cos taobh anonn de, 707 She’d often throw a leg over him in haste,
Is chuimil a bruis ó chrios go glún de; 708 Caress him with her brush from knee to waist
Do sciobadh an phluid is an chuilt dá ghúnga 709 But with this one here, she’d tear quilt from his body
Ag spriongar is ag sult le moirt gan subhachas. 710 Seeking to play with that cheerless dogsbody
Níor chabhair di coigilt ná cuimilt ná fáscadh, 711 Fondling or embracing didn’t stir that beast
Fogha da hingin, dá huillinn, dá sála. 712 Tickling his feet didn’t help in the least
Is náir dom aithris mar chaitheadh sí an oíche 713 I hate to tell you how she’d spend the night
Ag fáscadh an chnaiste, ag searradh is ag síneadh,
714 Tossing and turning in her hopeless plight
Ag feacadh na ngéag is an t-éadach fúithi, 715 Clasping the linens, to the bed-rail clinging
A baill go léir is a déada ar lúithchrith, 716 Her body shaking and her sweet lips trembling
Go loinnir an lae gan néall go dhúchan uirthi, 717 Till the dawn of the day without a wink of sleep
Ag imirt ó thaobh go taobh is ag únfairt. 718 Rocking to and fro in despair deep.
Nach furasta don lobhar seo labhairt ar mhná 719 This leper speaks of women in casual tones
Is gan fuinneamh ina choim ná cabhair ina chnámha,
720 Without life in his loins or strength in his bones
Má d’imigh an mhodhúil bhí trom ina ghábha 721 If it was a gent with a heavy heart
Is gur deineadh an fhoghail seo gabhaimse a páirt.
722 Who had mounted this attack, I might take his part.
A bhfuil sionnach ar sliabh nó iasc i dtrá, 723 But is there a fox on the hill or a fish in the mere
Nó iolar le fiach nó fia le fán 724 A hunting eagle or a wandering deer
Chom fada gan chiall le bliain nó lá 725 That’s so much without sense for a day or a year
Do chaitheamh gan bia is a bhfiach le fáil? 726 That it’d go hungry when sustenance is near?
An aithnid díbh féin san tsaol seo cá bhfuil 727 Have any of you heard tell, in the west or the east,
An t-ainmhí claon nó an feithid fáin 728 Of any class or breed or kind of a beast
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Do phiocfadh an chré an fraoch nó an pháil 729 That would search for food where nothing grows
Is feorainn ina shlaoda is féar le fáil? 730 And ignore the feast beneath its nose?
Aithris gan mhoill, a chladhaire chráite, 731 Answer me, you blackguard, without delay
Freagair mé, faghaimse feidhm id ráite:— 732 I’d like to hear what you have to say:—
Cá bhfuil do dhíth ag suí chun béile? 733 When you sup at an inn, is the food less nutritious
Ar caitheadh le mí aici a dtíos ina féile! 734 If others had found the same menu delicious?
An laigide an chúil nó an lúide an láithreach 735 Is the house weaker, the site less secure
Fiche milliún má shiúil le ráithe ann? 736 If twenty million had inspected it before
Mairg i do cheann a sheandaigh thamhanda, 737 Does it really bother you, you stiff old prude
An eagal leat ganntanas am do dhúile 738 Are you afraid of scarcity when you’re in the mood
An dóigh a ghliogaire buile gur bhaol duit 739 Do you think it possible, were you to try
Ól na Sionainne tirim nó a taoscadh? 740 To drain the Shannon by drinking it dry?
Trá na farraige is tarraingt an tsáile? 741 To ebb a neap tide with a jug?
Is clár na mara do scaipeadh le scála? 742 Or empty the ocean with a mug?
Breathain in am ar leamhas do smaointe 743 Next time, pause before saying what’s best unsaid
Is ceangail do cheann le banda timpeall! 744 Wrap a cold compress around your head
Seachain i dtráth, ná fág do chiall 745 Take a deep breath, don’t lose the rag
Le heagla mná bheith fáilteach fial; 746 At the thought of women who like to shag
Dá gcaitheadh sí an lá le cách do riar 747 If she spent the whole day entertaining all
Bheadh tuilleadh is do sáith-se ar fáil ina ndiaidh. 748 There’d be still enough for you to have a ball.
Mo chumha is mo chrá ba bhreá san éad 749 Bejasus, such jealousy could be understood
Ar lúbaire láidir lánmhear léadmhar 750 In a strapping, stout-hearted, sterling stud
Shantach sháiteach shásta sheasmhach 751 Panting, pushing, pulsing, preening
Ramsach ráflach rábach rabairneach, 752 Roistering, romping, rollicking, riproaring
Lascaire luaimneach, cuardaitheoir cuimseach, 753 A roving rogue, a sensitive searcher
Balcaire buan nó buailteoir bríomhar, 754 A steadfast stalwart, a topnotch thresher
Ach seanduine seanda cranda creimneach, 755 Not in an ossified oldster, a grumpy grunt
Fámaire fann is feam gan féile. 756 An incompetent idler, a reclusive runt.
Is mithid dom chroí bheith líonta de léithe, 757 Now, there’s another matter on my mind
Is m’iontas trí gach smaointe baotha 758 That should give pause to womankind:
Cad a bheireann scaoilte ó chuibhreach céile 759 Why are they free of the married state
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
In eaglais sinsir suim na cléire. 760 All of those priests of our ancient faith.
Mo chrá gan leigheas, mo threighid dom fháscadh,
761 Granted that I might rightly cry and bawl
Is láidir m’fhoighne is laghad mo ráige, 762 My patience is great, my rage is small
Is méid a mbímid ar díth gan éinne, 763 That, given how much we need a mate,
Is mian ár gcroí faoi shnaidhm na héide. 764 Those heart-throbs are taken off the plate.
Nach bocht an radharc do mhaighdean ghábhair 765 It’s a pathetic sight for a needy maid
Toirt is taibhse a mbaill is a mbreátha, 766 To see how well these priest are made
Bloscadh a n-aghaidh agus soilse a ngáire, 767 Their rosy cheeks, their smiles so bright
Corp is coim is toill ar támhchrith, 768 Their slender waists, their buttocks tight
Úire, áille, bláth agus óige, 769 Their beauteous forms, their youth so fresh
Ramhadas cnámh is meáchan feola, 770 Their straight bones, their well-fed flesh
Martas trom is droim gan suathadh, 771 Their solid torso and steady back
Neart gan dabht is fonn gan fuarú. 772 Their undoubted strength, their love of the craic
Bíonn sealbh gach sú acu ar bhord na saoithe, 773 They’re a welcome guest at the table of the seer
Earra agus ór chun óil is aoibhinis, 774 They’ve got silver and gold for whiskey and beer
Clúmh chun luí acu is saill chun bia acu, 775 Down for their beds and salt for their food
Plúr is milseacht meidhir is fíonta. 776 The best of wine to put them in the mood
Is gnáthach cumasach iomadúil óg iad 777 Mostly they’re not long past their boyhood
Is tá fhios againne gur fuil agus feoil iad. 778 And we girls know that they’re flesh and blood
Cumha ní ghlacfainn le cafairí coillte, 779 If I thought they were angels or sexless saints
Snamhairí galair ná searraigh gan soilse, 780 Or sickly creeps, I’d have no complaints
Ach malra bodacha, stollairí tréana, 781 But they’re lusty youngsters with appetites unsated
I dtámhghail chodlata is obair gan déanamh! 782 In a torpid sleep while maids are unmated!
Creidim gan bhréag gur mhian le roinn díobh 783 Most of these fellows, I truthfully believe,
Filleadh le féile, daor ní bheinnse. 784 Are lonely Adams asking God for an Eve
Cothrom, ní cóir an t-ord le chéile 785 To be fair, it wouldn’t do
Chrochadh le córda, ghabháil nó dhaoradh, 786 To hang the lot because of the few
Bás na droinge, is deimhin, ní ghráfainn 787 Sinking the ship wouldn’t be the right plan,
Lán na loinge chun duine ní bháfainn, 788 Drowning the whole crew to get one man
Cuid acu bíodh gur rícigh riamh 789 Some have always been a right shower
Is cuid eile bhíos gan ríomh gan riail, 790 Who are in the priesthood for the power
Cinntigh chrua gan trua gan tréithe, 791 Tough old buzzards without any heart
Fíochmhar fuar is fuath do bhéithe. 792 Who think every woman is just a tart.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Tuilleadh acu atá níos fearr ná a chéile, 793 But others are from a different race
Tuilte le grá is le grásta féile. 794 Full of love and full of grace.
Is minic a buaitear ba is gréithe 795 Often the well-being of a farm is increased
Cuigeann is cruach de chuairt na cléire. 796 Without just one visit from such a priest.
Is minic lem chuimhne maíodh a dtréithe 797 I can recall well their virtues being lauded
Is iomad dá ngníomhartha fíorghlic féithe, 798 The number of their good works applauded,
Is minic do chuala ar fud na tíre 799 I often heard throughout the land
Siosarnach luath dá luadh go líonmhar, 800 A buzz of appreciation for this band,
Is chonnaic mé taibhseach roinn dá ramsach 801 I’ve seen incontrovertible evidence that many a son
Is uimhir dá gclainn ar shloinnte falsa. 802 Could call a priest a father in more ways than one.
Baineann sé fáscadh as lár mo chléibhse 803 Still, it bothers me greatly at the time
A gcaithtear dá sláinte ar mhná treasaosta 804 They spend on women past their prime,
Is turraing san tír chun díth na mbéithe, 805 While many a woman at best stage in life
Ar cuireadh gan bhrí tsíolrach naofa. 806 Is left husbandless when she could be a wife.
Is dealbh an diachair dianghoirt d’Éire 807 In Ireland it has been demonstrably cruel
Ar chailleamar riamh le riail gan éifeacht! 808 The damage that’s done by this aimless rule.
Fágaim fútsa a chnó na céille 809 The trouble, I assert, O Fount of Wisdom
Fáth na cúise is cumha na cléire. 810 Is that clerical celibacy is the bane of Christendom
Is meallta meillte luí dom dhóighhse. 811 And is nothing if not an abomination.
Is dall gan radharc mé, soilsigh m’eolas, 812 I know I’m blind, I need an explanation
Aithris, ós cuimhin leat, caínt na bhfáithe 813 Tell us, if you know, the prophets’ sayings
Is aspal an Rí ba bhíogach ráite. 814 What were the Lord’s apostles’ teachings
Cá bhfuil na cumhachta d’órdaigh an Dúileamh,—
815 Where is it written that the Creator said
Is calcadh na feola i gcoróin na cumha seo; 816 That the desires of the flesh shouldn’t be fed
Pól dar liom ní dúirt le héinne 817 Paul, in my opinion, never held that a vocation
An pósadh dhiúltú ach drús do shéanadh, 818 Required abnegation of marriage, just fornication
Scaradh led ghaol dá mhéid do ghnaoi 819 To leave your relations and your parents’ house
Is ceangal led shaol is claoí led mhnaoi. 820 And live for life with your wedded spouse.
Is obair gan bhrí do bhean mar táimse 821 Of course, it’s meaningless for a woman like me
Focal den dlí seo suíomh dod láthair, 822 To explain the law to your majesty,
Is cuimhin leat féin a phéarla an taibhse 823 O Spectral Pearl, you remember well
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Suíomh gach scéil is léir dhuit soilseach 824 All of the stories that make up the Gospel
Binnghuth buan is bua na mbriathra 825 The meaning of the everlasting word
Is caínt an Uain ná luafar bréagach, 826 The parables of the Lamb you have heard
Dia nárbh áil leis máthair aonta, 827 I give God’s married mother as the beau ideal
Is riail gach fáidh i bhfábhar béithe. 828 And the prophets’:rules promote women’s weal.
Guím go hard tú, a fháidhbhean tsíthe, 829 O Ghostly Seer, to you I plead
A shíolrach neamhda a barr na ríthe, 830 You who’re descended of heavenly seed
A shoilse glóire a choróin na sluaite, 831 O Glorious Light, O Crown of the Throng
Éist lem ghlórsa, fóir is fuaraigh dúinn; 832 Hear my voice and help us along
Meá i do intinn díth na mbéithe 833 Keep women’s plight firmly in your mind
Is práinn na mílte brídeach aonta, 834 The predicament of single womankind.
Is toicí mar tá siad ar bhráid a chéile 835 The number of maids, if this system doesn’t cease,
Ag borradh is ag fás mar ál na ngéanna; 836 Will increase and grow like a flock of geese.
An tál is lú tá ag siúl na sráide, 837 The smallest mite that you see in the street
Gárlaigh dhubha is giúnach gránna, 838 Dirty urchins that are decrepit and not neat
An aga dá laghad má fhaigheann siad a ndóthain 839 You’d see how they’d improve, if they had for a day
Glasraí, meadhg, is briodar borrfaidís; 840 Their fill of vegetables, curds and whey;
D’urchar neimhe le haois gan éifeacht 841 Like a bolt from the blue, all of a sudden
Tiocfaidh na cíocha, scinnfidís, sceithfidís. 842 Their breasts would grow, they’d blossom and strengthen
Scalladh mo chléibh! is baoth mo smaointe! 843 It wounds my heart and raises my ire
Ag tagairt ar chéile i gcaora tinte! 844 And burns my mind with a mass of fire
Is deacair dom súil le subhachas d’fháil 845 To see so little prospect for much fun
Is gan fear in aghaidh triúir sa Mhumhain dá mná.
846 With Munstermen outnumbered three to one.
Ó tharla an ceantar gann seo ghábhair, 847 Since the area is so poor and impotent
Fánlag fann, is an t-am seo práinneach, 848 So utterly weak in this time so urgent
Fóla folamh is fothram ag fiaile, 849 An empty Ireland where wastrels bray
Is óige an phobail ag cromadh is ag liathadh, 850 And the youth of the country growing grey
Aonta fada go dealbh gan foighne 851 A long spinsterhood seems a likelihood.
D’éinne ar talamh is fear éigin faighimse. 852 If I could find a man, either bad or good
Ceangail i dtráth go tláith faoin úim iad, 853 I’ll cart him straight away to the altar
Is as sin go brách fágtar fúinne iad. 854 And tie him for life in a conjugal halter.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Cuid a Ceathair
Deireadh do Chuid a Ceathair End of Part four
Ar Aghaidh go Cuid a Cúig On To Part Five
Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Foclóir
Cuid a Cúig: An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Tugann Aoibheal a breithiúnas ar na fadhbanna a bhí pléite sa chúirt. Tairngríonn sí go mbeidh cead ag na sagairt pósadh go luath agus ceadaíonn sí géarleanúint ar fhir nach bhfuil sásta pósadh. Sé an file an chéad duine a thoghtar le sciúirseáil a dhéanamh air.
Glossary
Part Five: The Judgment and Resolution
Aoibheal issues her judgment on the issues brought before the court. She foretells that priests soon will be allowed to marry and she gives permission for the persecution of recalcitrant bachelors. The poet finds to his horror that he is the first to face the music.
D’éirigh an mhánla ar bharr a bínse, 855 The day was dawning out in the street,
Is do shoilsigh an lá san áit ina timpeall, 856 As Aoibheal rose up from her seat
B’álainn óg a cló is a caoindreach, 857 She had a youthful glow on her form and face
B’ard a glór ba bheo is ba bhíogach. 858 Her voice was strong and full of grace
D’fháisc a dóirne is d’ordaigh deimhneach 859 She clasped her hands and with vehemence
Báille ar bord ag fógairt Silence. 860 Instructed the bailiff to order Silence
Adúirt a béal bhí ag séideadh soilse,— 861 The whole of the court gradually grew quiet
An chúirt go léir go faon ag éisteacht:— 862 And she spoke these words in a voice so bright—
Faghaimse díreach brí chun buaite 863 I find lot’s of merit in the case you bring
Is feidhm id chaíntse a bhrídeach bhuartha. 864 It was a hell of a speech, you poor young thing.
Feicím, is is dóigh gur dóite an radharc liom, 865 I see, and it’s a sight that’s certainly grave,
Síolrach Órfhlaith Mhóire is Mheidhbhe, 866 That the descendants of Orla, Mór and Meave
An seifteoir caol is an créatúr cladhartha, 867 Are now sly connivers and spineless creatures
An ceisteoir claon is an déirceoir daigheartha, 868 Creepy characters and poor alms-seekers
Sú na táire is tál na coimse 869 The lowliest of the low and the fairly well off
Ag súil le sárfhuil sámh na saoithe. 870 Desperately coveting the bloodlines of the toff.
Achtáimid mar dlí do bhéithe 871 These are the laws that will govern from this date:
An seacht faoi thrí gan chuibhreach céile 872 One: He who reaches twenty-one without a mate
Do tharraing ar cheann go teann gan trua 873 Shall be dragged off by the hair of his head
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Is a cheangal don chrann seo i dteannta an tuama.
874 And tied to a tree there among the dead
Bainigí lom de a chabhail is a chóta, 875 His coat to be taken and he be made to strip
Is feannaigí a dhroim is a choim le córda. 876 And the daylights beaten out of him with a whip.
An chuid acu tharla báite i mblianta 877 Two: Those of the men who are old and sick
Is cheileas go táir an tairne tiarpa, 878 Who shamelessly failed to use their prick
Chuireas amú gan subhachas d’éinne 879 And wasted the best years of their youth
Buile na hútha is lúth a ngéaga, 880 Without giving pleasure however minute
Do mhilleas a gcáil is fáil ar bhean acu 881 With women willing, they could have had a spree
Ag feitheamh gan fáth ar bharr na craoibhe, 882 But hung round like Mad Sweeney in the tree
Fágaim fúibhse tionscal páise 883 The design of their torture to you I entrust,
A mhná na dúile dúbhadh le háilíos; 884 You women of dashed and disappointed lust;
Ceapaigí fír-nimh tinte is tairní, 885 Use female ingenuity to plan the details
Caithigí smaointe is intleacht mhná leis, 886 Of a hell of fire and a rack of nails
Cuirigí bhur gcomhairle i gcomhar le chéile, 887 Put your heads together and stay the course
Is tugaimse cumhachta an fórsa dhéanamh. 888 I’ill give you the power to put it in force
Beirim gan spás díbh páis na gciantach,— 889 You are free to punish the old men at will
Is beag liom bás gan barrghoin pian dóibh. 890 In their case, I don’t care if you torture or kill.
Ní chuirimse i bhfáth de bharr mo chainte 891 In my commission to you, I don’t mind
An foirfeach fálta cás-lag claoite, 892 How you treat the oldsters, blighted and blind
An gabhal gan gotha ná an gola gan geall shuilt, 893 With their bony bodies and grimacing grins
An toll gan toradh ná an tormach falsa, 894 Their lifeless loins and scabrous skins.
Ach ligtear an óige i gcóir chun síolraigh 895 Three: If the young go about the job of copulation
Is déanfaidh an sórt seo clóca is díon dóibh. 896 Then my law will protect them from condemnation.
Is minic a fheicimse rinsigh bhaotha 897 I’m grateful when I see working men, sometimes poor
Ag titim le tíos, is bímse buíoch díobh, 898 Labouring so hard you’d think they’d faint for sure
Gafa le mná de lá agus d’oíche 899 Affectionate with their wives by day and by night
Ag cosaint a gcáil is ar scáth a ngníomhartha; 900 Protecting their good name with all their might
Ag seasamh ina bhfeidhil is bhfeidhm go fálta, 901 Standing by their side because it is right
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
A n-ainm ar chlann is bheinnse sásta. 902 To see these guys with kids would be such a delight
Do chuala siolla is do cuireadh i bhásta é— 903 Four: I heard a rumour that I’ve kept under wraps—
Is fuath liom baineannach iomadach ráiteach— 904 I can’t stand women who can’t close their traps—
Labhair go réidh is glaoigh go híseal, 905 Don’t be too loud in spreading it around
Bos ar do bhéal, is baol bheith caínteach! 906 Button the lip, safer to stay underground!
Seachain go fóill na cumhachtaigh íogair 907 Don’t push it too hard with the bishops yet
Is caithfidh siad pósadh fós pé chífeas. 908 That they’ll soon be married is a pretty safe bet.
Tiocfaidh an lá le lánchéad comhairle 909 The day will come if you’re quiet diplomats
Is cuirfidh an Pápa lámh na gcumhacht air, 910 When the Pope will issue the necessary diktats
Suífidh an chuideachta ar thubaiste na tíre, 911 A commission will examine the country’s state
Is scaoilfear chugaibh faoi urchall cuibhrigh 912 And there’ll be released to you, free to mate,
Fiántas fola agus fothram na feola 913 Priests with fire in their blood and pulsing flesh
Is mian bhur dtoile na stollairí teo seo. 914 And the pick of these heart-throbs will fall into your mesh.
Aon duine eile dar hoileadh ó bhean ar bith— 915 Five: Anyone else who is of woman born
Léigh a ndeirim is feicim do bhíogadh; 916 Read him the riot act if he doesn’t reform
Ar shlí mo chumais ná fulaing i gcaoi ar bith 917 Don’t have anything to do with sons of bitches
Sraoill gan urraim nó Muirinn i mbríste, 918 Slovens without honour or Muireanns in britches
Ach lean sa tóir na feoitigh liatha 919 And Six: Keep on the track of the old greybeards
Is glanaigí Fóla ón sórt seo fiaile! 920 And be sure to clear Ireland of all such weeds.
Caithfidh mé gluaiseacht uaibh chun siúil, 921 That’s it, I must get going, I’ve appointments to keep,
Is fada mo chuairtse ar fud na Mumhan; 922 Many a mile to go before I sleep
An turas tá rómham ní fhónann moill do, 923 The journey before me won’t brook delay
Is iomad den ghnó anseo fós gan éisteacht. 924 Unfinished business here will wait a new day
Casfaidh mé arís is is fíor nach fáilteach 925 I’ll be back, which to some is not good news
D’fhir nach díon mé theacht don áit seo; 926 Those to whom I give the blues;
An chuid acu atá go táir ina smaointe, 927 Who burnish their reputations when they spread
Foireann nach foláir leó a gcáil bheith sínte, 928 Stories about girls they’ve had in bed
Mhaígh mé le fothram a gcothrom ar bhéithe, 929 Who noisily boast having their way with maids
Feicfidh an pobal a gcogar is a sméidte. 930 So the public will judge them dashing blades
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Is taitneamhach leo is is dóigh gur laochas 931 It gives these poltroons such a rush to the head
Scannal na hóige pósta is aonta, 932 To scandalize the young, both single and wed
Mian a dtoile ní sporann a gcionta, 933 Their motives are not out of concupiscence
Bréantas fola ná borradh na drúise, 934 The desires of the flesh or crazed tumescence
Taitneamh don ghníomh nó fíoch na féithe 935 The pleasure of the act or fire in the veins
Ach magadh na mílte, maíomh a n-éachta. 936 But the notoriety that their conduct attains.
Ní saint dá só bheir beo na céadfa 937 It’s not pursuing enjoyment that excites their senses
Ach caint is gleo agus mórtas laochais, 938 But the general hullabaloo caused by their offences.
Mustar is ábhacht is ráig gan riail, 939 Of course, it’s all ostentation, exhibitionism and show
Is a gcumas go tláth gan tál gan triall, 940 With no more justification than that a chicken should crow
Go tuisleach tárrlag támh ina n-iall, 941 Stumbling, bumbling, impotent, cold
Is cuthach le gá ar a mhná ina ndiaidh. 942 They couldn’t arouse a woman for silver or gold.
Glacfaidh mé go réidh an méid seo láithreach, 943 I’d deal with these miscreants right now, right here
Caithfidh mé géilleadh do mhéid mo phráinneach,
944 But I’m out of time, have to pack my gear
Cuirfidh mé an bhuíon so i gcuing is in úim 945 I’ll throw the lot of them in the hoosegow
Nuair thiocfaidh mé arís sa mhí seo chugainn. 946 When I come back here a month from now.
Do breathain mé cruinn an rí-bhean réilteach, 947 I had observed Aoibheal closely through the night
Is do lagaigh mo chroí le linn bheith réidh dhi, 948 When she finished, I began to feel very uptight
D’airigh mé dásacht ghráinmhear éigin 949 I experienced a profound fit of agitation
Is pairilis bháis im chnámha is im chéadfaí; 950 My body paralyzed, my mind in consternation
Chonnaic mé an tír is an tíos ar luascadh, 951 I thought that the ground and the building were shaking
Is fuinneamh a caínte ag rince im chluasa. 952 And with the import of her words, I was also quaking.
Tagann an bíoma bíogach báille, 953 The giant bailiff woman strides across the hall
Is leath mo líthe ar shíneadh a láimhe; 954 When she stuck out that paw, I thought I’d fall.
Tharraing ar chluais go stuacach storrúil 955 She angrily grabbed me by the lug
Sracaithe suas léi ar uachtar boird mé. 956 And to the front of the room, I was drug.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Preabann an bháb seo chráigh an t-aonta, 957 There was the babe who was bummed at her fate
Greadann a lámha is is ard do léim sí. 958 She clapped her hands, and jumping up straight
Is aibí adúirt—A chrústa chríona 959 She fiercely said: You old bag of slime
Is fada mé ag súil led chúlsa chíoradh, 960 I’ve had my eye on you for a very long time
Is minic do sluíomh thú, a chroí gan daonnacht, 961 It’s often I urged you, you heartless carrion
Is mithid duit stríocadh do dhlí na mbéithe. 962 That it was time for you to think of marrying.
Cosaint cá bhfaighfidh tú in aghaidh na cúise? 963 Who will speak for you against the indictment?
Focal níor thuill tú a leadhb gan lúthchleas. 964 You don’t merit one word, you indolent serpent
Cá bhfuil do shaothar saor le suíochan? 965 Where is the proof of your amorous labours?
Cá bhfuil na béithe buíoch de do ghníomhartha? 966 Where are the women who appreciate your favours?
Breathainse a bhaill seo a mhaighdean mhaorga,—
967 Let’s examine him carefully, O Royal Lady,
Ainimh ní bhfaighimse mhill ar bhéithe é; 968 We won’t find on him a disabling malady
Breathain go cruinn a ghnaoi is a ghéaga 969 Give him a once-over, thorough and complete
Ó bhaitheas a chinn go boinnn a chaolchos. 970 From the top of his head to the soles of his feet.
Bíodh gurab ainimheach anmhíchumtha é 971 Grant you he’s no maiden’s prayer
Feicimse ceangailte a bharra gan diúltú 972 But all the essential bits are there.
A ghile ní ghráfainn, b’fhearr liom buí é, 973 He’s too pale for me; I’d prefer him brown,
Is cuma na gcnámh—ní cháinfinn choíche 974 About the cut of his physique—well, I don’t frown
Duine mbeadh dronn ina dhroim is fánadh— 975 On people who have a hump on their back—
Is minic sin togha fir cromshlinneánach; 976 It’s often the one with a bod out of whack
Ba mhinic sin gambach lansa gníomhach 977 Who is most proficient at wielding the lance
Is ioscaidí cam ag strompa bhríomhar. 978 And bandy legs don't tell what’s in the pants.
Is fáithe folacha uireasach éigin 979 Is there a secret nefarious plan
D’fhág an doirfeach foirfe in aonta, 980 That keeps unmarried this aging man
Is méid a cheana idir mhaithe na tíre,— 981 Given how he’s liked by the lords of the barony
A réim le sealad i gcairdeas daoine, 982 And how he lives with other classes in harmony,
Seinm ar cheolta spórt is aoibhneas 983 His single state lets him sport and play
Imirt is ól ar bhord an saoi, 984 Lets him eat and drink and romp all day
I gcóir na foirne fuineadh as féile, 985 In the quality’s company to dawdle and tarry
An snamhaire ar b’fhuarasta dom urraimse géilleadh.
986 This shirker who could easily marry
Is taibhseach taitneamhach tairbheach tréitheach 987 Merryman seems a name for a merry man
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Meidhreach meanmnach a ainm is is aerach. 988 But, in your case, I must say it just doesn’t scan
Ainmhí de do shórt níor ordaigh an Tiarna,— 989 A creature like you is not in God’s design
Geanmnaí fós i gcóngar liaithe! 990 A gray-haired virgin is not at all divine
Creathaim go bonn le fonn do dhaortha, 991 I’m dying to get you in my grip
Is gairid an chabhair do labhartha baotha, 992 Your quick lip won’t let you give me the slip
Is coir módh is díreach suite id éadan— 993 Your crime is stamped in the lines on your forehead—
Deich faoi thrí gan cuibhreach céile. 994 That you are age thirty and still not wed.
Éist liomsa a chlú na bhfoighneach, 995 Listen to me, O fellow sufferers
Faighimse cúnamh i gcúis na maighdne; 996 This guy is one among those who torture us
An crá is an dúladh mhúch gan bhrí mé, 997 The sorrow that has burdened me down,
A mhná na muirne, is rún liom íoc air. 998 Girls, I want to take it out on this clown.
Cúnaigh deirim libh, beir air, tóg é, 999 Help me, I ask you, grab the dope;
A Úna gairim thú is faigh dom córda; 1,000 Úna, hurry, fetch me a rope
Cá bhfuil tú a Áine, ná bí ar iarraidh! 1,001 Anne, where are you, don’t get lost
Ceangailse, a Mháire, a lámha ar dtaobh thiar de! 1,002 Mary, tie his hands to the post
A Mhuirinn, a Mheadhbh, a Shadhbh is a Shíle, 1,003 Muireann, Meave, Shiela and Saiv
Cuirigí i bhfeidhm le daigheartha díograis 1,004 Feel free, go ahead, and skin him alive
Barr gach scólta d’ordaigh an tsíbhean, 1,005 As the fairy lady authorized last night,
Báigí sa bhfeol gach córda snaidhmeach, 1,006 Knot the rope good and tight
Tomhais go fial na pianta is cruatan 1,007 Be generous with the pain that you deal out
Le tóin is le tiarpa Bhriain, gan trua ar bith; 1,008 To the ass of Brian, the heartless lout;
Tóg na lámha is ardaigh an sciúirse, 1,009 Raise your hands high and lay on the whip
Is sampla sámh é a mhná na muirne! 1,010 Use elbow grease to give it some zip
Gearraigí domhain, níor thuill sé fábhar! 1,011 He deserves no less, cut him deep with each blow
Bainigí an leadhb ó rinn go sáil de! 1,012 Flay him evenly from head to toe
Cloistear a chling i gcríocha Éibhir 1,013 Let the crack of the whip be heard throughout Ireland
Is critheadh a gcroí sna críontaigh aonta. 1,014 Put the fear of God in the unmarried band.
Is ciallmhar ceart an t-acht é, sílim, 1,015 This new legislation is such a blast
Bliain an achta seo is ceart a scríobh dúinn:— 1,016 We have to record the year it was passed:—
Réitigh, ceil, nó goid de sceimhle 1,017 Figure: one thousand less one hundred and ten
Céad is deich faoi leith as míle, 1,018 Leaves eight hundred and ninety which when
Dúbail ceart an freastal fuidhlaigh, 1,019 Doubled gives the year Seventeen Eighty
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--An Breithiúnas is an Réiteach
Is thúirling Mac an tseachtain roimhe-sin. 1,020 From which we’ll date Year One of our history.
Glacann sí a peann is mo cheannsa suaite 1,021 As she grabbed a pen my head did hang
Ar eagla m’fheannta is scanradh an bhuailte; 1,022 In terror of more torture from that gang;
An feadh do bhí sí ag scríobh an dáta 1,023 While she was writing down the date
Is maithe an tí aici suite ar gárdaí, 1,024 Which the court members round her could corroborate
Do scaras lem néal, do réidheas mo shúile, 1,025 I woke from my sleep, my pit of despair
Is do phreabas de léim ón bpéin dom dhúiseacht! 1,026 And realized with relief—it was just a nightmare.
An Deireadh
The End
This task of editing and translating was completed on February 27, 1998. I bid farewell to the work and wish it well on its journey around the wide world.
Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
FOCLÓIR/GLOSSARY A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U
Aábhacht
mirth, pleasure, sportLines: 384, 983
achrann, gs.: -ainntangled growth; tangle, entanglement, grip; quarrelling, strife; leisce an achrainn: seachaint an troda (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 310, 563
achtdlí, reacht (Ó Fóghlú)Lines: 65, 1015
adhairtbolster, pillowLine: 300
aduaidhfrim the northLine: 43
aeliver, fig. the heartLines: 38, 282
againterval, period of timeLine: 839
agair, pres.: agraíonnplead, entreat, invokeLine: 306
aibíripe, mature, quick, clever, livelyLine: 959
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
aibightéim in aois nó i gcríonnacht; d’a. an chré seo: I develop (Ó Fóghlú)Lines: 543, 579, 597
aighneas, -isargument, discussionLine: 156
áildesire, wish (used with copula & le; is a. liom: I wish)Lines: 291, 827
áilíosdesire, craving, lasciviousness; Line: 884
áillebeautyLine: 236
aimhleasharm, detriment, evilLine: 496
ainbhiosignoranceLine: 561
ainicprotect, saveLine: 588
ainigíurchóideach, tubaisteachLine: 533
ainimhblemish, disfigurementLine: 968
ainimheachdisfiguredLine: 971
airdattention, notice, mention; gan a.: heedlessLine: 315
áith
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
a fire or kilnLine: 301
aithisslur, reproach, disgrace, náire, tarcuisneLine: 658
aithiseachshameful, abusive, censoriousLine: 220
aithlíonadhlíonadh arísLine: 591
áitighto argue, beseech, persuade, give evidenceLine: 314
állitter, brood; clann, síolrachLines: 328, 836
álmhachbrood, clutch; clannLine: 600
amaidwitch, hag; foolish woman; simpleton, idiotLines: 218, 270
anacairaffliction, calamity, distress (of mind or body)Line: 192
anáilbreathLine: 359
anam, gs.: ~asoul, lifeLines: 314, 656
anfastorm, tempest; stress, terrorLine: 43
anfachstormy, rough, tempestuous, terrible, uafásach
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 533 anlann
kitchen, tasty food (e.g. butter, meat, fish; condiment, sauceLines: 378, 402
annlahaunch, legLine: 34
aol, gs.: aoillimeLine: 302
aonta518, 832, 957, duine gan pósadh; 827, 834, 1014, singil, gan pósadh; 851, 980, "single blessedness"Lines: 818, 827, 834, 851, 932, 957, 1014
arrthachtréan (Ó Foghlú)Line: 146
ársaold, ancient, antique; an old man; uasal(?)Line: 451
arúAh!Line: 545
Return to Beginning of Glossary
B
bábbaby, ainnir, cailín, babe!Line: 957
bacachcripple, beggar, trampLine: 505
bachallachcurled, ringletedLine: 232
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
báighto drown; báigí sa bhfeol gach corda snaidhmeach: sink ye every knotty cord deep into the flesh (Dinneen)Line: 1006
baileachcruinn, ceartLines: 543, 556
báillebailiffLines: 60, 860, 953
baineannachfemale, womanLine: 904
bainisgáir na bainse: an gleo ba choiteann ar phóstaíLine: 593
báinliaigh an chrúcabean chabhartha; midwifeLine: 538
baisteadhto baptize; an oíche baisteadh: the night I was baptized.Line: 512
baithistop, crown of headLine: 494
balbhdumb, mute, dullLine: 286
ball(body) membersLines: 359, 546, 716, 766, 967
bán, pl.: ~talea, grassland, uncultivated landLines: 254, 452
baoisfolly; baois gan ghaois: extravagant follyLine: 502
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
baothfoolish, vain, giddyLines: 758, 843, 897
barrb. na ríthe: scoth na rítheLine: 830
barrach(of flax or hemp) tow; garbhlíonLine: 406
barrúilgenteel, fine, gay; genial, pleasant, decent, becomingLine: 212
bástawaist, wasteLines: 108, 395, 903
bastallachbombastic, captious; gay, showy, flashyLine: 215
bé, pl. béithecailín, ógbheanLines: 286, 966; pl. 68, 178, 792, 805, 828, 833, 871, 929, 952, 968
beachantawaspish, stinging, fretful; mar do bheadh beach (Ó Foghlú)Line: 215
béaltaiswet-lippedLine: 150
beannpeak, point; 138: binn an teampaill: an falla aonair a bhí ina sheasamh i mbl. a 1780 de sheanteampall Mhochunna sa bhFiacail; 586: na beanna a bhí ar chinn na mban le héad nó formad; horns of jealousyLine: 138
beartproceeding, action, transactionLines: 117, 529
bhásta395: waist; waste: 103, 903
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 103, 395, 903 bíogach
sprightly, vigorous, 814, 953: forceful; 858: vivacious; go b.: with a lively interestLines: 191, 814, 858, 953
bíogadhstart, jumpLines: 690, 916
bíomaa beam, a plank, a tall person; b. láimhe: a very long hand (Dinneen); lámh sármhór (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 58, 953
biotáilleuisce beathaLine: 594
bleacht, gsm. ~; gsf & npl. ~a milk; milch, copiousLines: 368, 471
blogammouthful, sip, supLine: 294
bloscadhblush, radianceLine: 767
bodachchurl; malra bodacha: lusty youth (Dinneen)Lines: 632, 781
bolgachbig-bellied, bulgingLine: 47
bonnbonn mo ghíomhartha: mar phianós anuas orm de dheasca mo ghníomharthaLine: 497
bonsachjavelin, stout rod, switch; b. cailín nó girsí: a slip of a girlLine: 106
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
borracachógbhean mhór bhog (Ó Foghlú)Line: 105
borradhswelling up, being puffed up; b. na drúise: concupiscenceLines: 836, 934
borraimswell; borrtha: fásta, lánLines: 601, 836, 934
bospalm (of the hand); b. ar do bhéal: éistLine: 906
bótaíochtar na cabhlach (the lower part of the torso) (Ó Foghlú)Line: 110
bráidneck, breast, bust; ar bh. a chéile: ar aon dul, ar chothromLines: 235, 835
bráisléad, pl.: -éid or -éidíbracelet, a garland of flowersLine: 268
breá(tha)beautyLine: 766
breallánblunderer, fool; breallán spóirt: óinseachLine: 516
bréantasrottenness, stench, filthLine: 934
breathnúobservation, examination, judgment; ag éileamh breathnaithe: chun go bhfeicfí mé (Ó Foghlú)Line: 280
brídeachbride; ainnir, ógbheanLines: 834, 864
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
briodarsour curdled milk; bainne ramharLine: 840
brógshoe, brogue, boot, footwear; bróigdheas: of nicely shaped boot (Dinneen)Line: 215
brollachbreast, bosomLine: 110
brothallachhot, sultryLine: 106
bruinneallfair maiden (cf. broinn, womb, belly, breast and geal, bright)Line: 348
bruisbrushLine: 708
buavictory, triumph; 863, brí chun buaite: winning odds (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 68, 690, 863
buachvictorious, triumphantLine: 863
buaigh, vn. -achanto win, gain, get; defeat, overcome; succeedLines: 336, 348, 795
buailteoirstriker, beater, thresherLine: 754
buaireamhsorrow, vexation (=buairt)Line: 154
bualadh, gs. buailtea striking, beating; scanradh an bhuailte: terror of being beaten (Dinneen)
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 1022 Bucks
cineál fataíLine: 402
búclabuckleLine: 267
búclachbuckled (of shoes), ringleted (of hair)Line: 232
builemadness, frenzy; excitementLine: 880
buinneamhachactiveLine: 618
buíonmharfond of company, having a large following; with abundant forcesLine: 72
bunócinfantLine: 534
Return to Beginning of Glossary
C
cábacape, cloakLine: 135
cabhailtrunk, torso; the body of a shirt, coat, etc., a woman’s bodice, a camisoleLines: 379, 487, 875
cafairepraterLine: pl. 779
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
caílamenting, weepingLine: 210
cáidhholy, chaste, pure, famous, excellent; 191: as subst.: an excellent personLine: 191
caidhp, gs.: ~ecoif, lady's bonnet, capLine: 258
cailcchalk; gs. in sense of beautyLine: 242
cailegirl, wench, hussyLines: 219, 241
cailleacha veiled woman, a nun, a celibate woman (cf. caille: a veil); an old woman, a hag; 179: cailleacha dubha: unwed women; 286: c. cártaí: women who tell fortunes with cards (Dinneen), “old maid”, the card game (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 179, 218, 286, 316
cáimfault, blemish; gan ch.: flawlessLines: 255, 627
cáimriccambricLine: 394
cairdeascairdeasLines: 128, 982
calaoisdeceit, fraudLine: 90
calcadhhardeningLine: 816
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
callóidachrann, gleo; noise, wrangle, quarrelLine: 533
cambent, crooked; distorted, wrong; 90: injustice, unfairness, inequityLines: 90, 616, 978
cámasaffectationLine: 442
cámasact of finding fault, disparagement; affectationLine: 442
canbháscanvasLine: 395
caoicheblindnessLine: 603
caoingentle, mild, tender, kindLine: 203
caoineas, gs. -nissmoothness, gentlenessLine: 121
caomhnúto cherish, preserve, protect; preservation, protectionLine: 177
caorglowing object, flame; c. thine: fire-ball, meteor, thunderbolt, a mass of fireLines: pl. 24, 844
cás-lagweak, spentLine: 892
catachasheat (as in cats, etc.); vigour, passion; catachas draighin; force, venom, fire, fury, wrath
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 624 céad
a hundred; céad is deich as míle: 1,000-110=890; 1019: dúbail an freastal fuíollach: 890*2=1780Line: 1018
céadfasenses, mental powersLines: 544, 950
ceanasachaffectionate, esteemedLines: 216, 427
ceangail, pp. ~teto tie, bind (in marriage)Lines: 217, 225, 474, 820, 874
ceannaithebought and paid forLine: 217
ceannasheadship, sovreeignty, authority, command; feidhm, acmhainn (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 78, 482
ceannasachpowerful, commanding; 171: as subst.: commanderLines: 171, 274
ceannfortcommander, leaderLine: 78
ceansagentle, meek, tameLines: 124, 609
ceantar, gs. -airdistrictLines: 55, 847
ceapaithewell-formed; e.g. buachaill ceapaithe: well-built youthLine: 216
ceart
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
proper, correct; 257, 260: proper share; 529: accuracyLines: 49, 257, 260, 336, 529, 655, 1015, 1016
ceil398: to conceal, cover; 878: deny; 1017: withdraw, subtractLines: 398, 878, 1017
ceirtlínball of yarn, threadLine: 302
ceisteoirduine amhrasachLine: 868
ciabhlock of hair, hair of the headLine: 803
ciantachold, ancient; as subst.: an old man; beirim gan spás díbh páis na gciantach: I now permit you to to persecute the oldsters (Dinneen)Line: 889
ciarsúr(hand)kerchiefLine: 388
cillína little church, cell, hoard, nest-egg, treasureLine: 301
cinnteachfixed, definite; as subst. a covetous, niggardly or mean personLine: pl. 791
cinnteachtstint, stinginessLine: 501
cíoradhto comb, combingLine: 960
cíosrent, tax, tributeLine: 78
cladhartha
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
villainous, spineless, cowardlyLine: 867
clagarnachclatter; pelting rainLine: 414
claíomha sword; c. na mbonsach: prob. a plant of some sortLine: 342
clamparwrangle, quarrel, commotion, troubleLine: 88
claondeceit, perversity; claon le: partiality to; claonbheart: a deceitful actLines: 117, 180, 443, 457, 728, 867
claonsloping, inclined, inclined or partial to; ainmhí claon: beast of prey, alltaLine: 728
clárclár na mara: the broad oceanLine: 742
cleachtto perform habitually, to practiseLine: 66
cleas or clistrickLine: 127
clingclink, tinkle, ringLine: 1013
clódealbh, aghaidh, form, shape, appearanceLines: 492, 552, 569, 606, 650, 857
cloígh, vn.: cloí, pp.: cloíteto wear down, subdueLine: 122
clúshelter; 995: shelter, support
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 180, 376, 482, 995 clúmh
down, feathersLine: 670
cnaistebed side-rail; cliathán leabaLine: 714
cnónut; fig. choice flower; choice oneLines: 96, 809
cochalleangachLine: 631
cogarwhisperLines: 296, 541, 930
coifecoif, a woman's capLine: 390
coigealdistaffLine: 301
coileánpup, whelp; ógánachLine: 581
coilltegelded, castrated; ruined, destroyedLine: 779
coimcloak, skirt, shelter; fig. relief, succour; 381: waistLines: 317, 381
coimsebounds; gan ch.: thar barr; 869: the middle class; tál na coimse: the off-spring of the fairly well-to-do (Dinneen)Lines: 169, 411, 509, 869
coinneal(marriage) candle
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 469 cóip
gang; cóip na sráide: street urchinsLine: 504
coircrime, offence, fault, guiltLine: 993
cóir, gs.: -rajusitice, equity, proper share, due; 417, 602: proper equipment (cóir éadaigh: rig-out); 895: proprietaryLines: 249, 417, 602, 895
cóiriúilsuitable, properLines: 216, 265, 581
coistejuryLine: 539
colgachbearded, bristling, angryLine: 48
coll(?), gs.: cuillhazel tree; a chiefLine: 352
comhaltafoster-brother -sister, fellow, member, class, kindLine: 128
comharco-operation, partnership, companyLines: 409, 482, 887, 985
conartacha rough, large-limbed personLine: 401
cóngarnearness, proximityLine: 432
cóngasnearness, closeness, relationship, relative
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 664 conn
ciall, sense, reasonLine: 493
connartacha rough; a large-limbed or greedy personLine: 401
connsach(?)Lines: 105, 455
córachshapely, comely, pleasant, properLines: 216, 265, 581
cordacord, string, ropeLine: 456
corpbody; the main part, the middle; c. na sráide: lár an bhóthairLine: 303
corraighmove, stirLine: 39
corthatuirseachLines: 31, 663
cóshíntear leathadhLine: 703
cothromfair play, fairness, equityLine: 669
cráifeachtpietyLine: 293
cráighagonize, torment, vexLines: 174, 207, 957
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
cránas, gs.: -isaffliction, vexation, annoyanceLine: 284
crandastunted, weathered, decrepit, old, knarledLine: 755
craoragbright red, crimsonLine: 262
creachforay; booty, plunder, prey; mo chreach: woe is meLines: 66, 183, 223
créachtachgashed, woundedLine: 54
creathannto shakeLines: 493, 562, 991
créicecreaking thing, skeletonLine: 555
creimgnawing, corrosion; a bite, gnawing painLine: 603
creimeachabusive, corrosive, biting, defectiveLine: 54
creimneachcorrosiveLines: 54, 755
críochmeansLine: 436
críoch113: end; 76, 1013: territory; 436: means; 316, 371: prosperity, success, benefit, profit; 177: marriage (cf. cailín a chur i gcr.: to get a girl, daughter, married)
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 76, 113, 316, 371, 436, 1013 críontach
an old personLine: 1014
criosgirdle, belt, waist-bandLine: 708
crithimto tremble, shakeLine: 464
crobhairestrong, able personLines: 487, 627
croitheadhto shakeLine: 627
cromadhact of bending, stoopingLine: 850
crúact of milkingLine: 669
cruachrick, heapLine: 796
crúcahook, crookLine: 135
crústaa crust of bread, of frost; hard, hardy person; close-fisted miser; a clod, a useless personLine: 959
cuairtvisit; 654: round; 922 journeyLines: 355, 654, 796, 922
cualfaggot, bundle, heap; heap of bones
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 686 cuardach
wandering, searching, given to wandering from house to houseLine: 222
cuardaitheoira searcherLine: 753
cuibhreachbinding, fetter; trammelLines: 569, 872
cuibhreachbinding, fetter, trammel, restraint, yokeLines: 569, 631, 759, 872, 994
cuigeannchurn, churning, churn contents; im, soitheach lán d’uachtarLine: 796
cúilcorner, nookLine: 404
cuil, pl. ~eannaa flyLine: 37
cuilithecore, bosom, central portionLine: 38
cuiltquiltLine: 408
cuimseachtolerable, moderate, competent, neatLine: 753
cuingyoke; dlí chuinge na cléire: an pósadh Lines: 474,500, 587, 945
cuinneogchurnLine: 536
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
cuireadhiarraidh, invitationLine: 492
cuisleachveined, strong-armedLine: 581
cúlpoll of hair, crown of the head; 376: backing supporterLines: 135, 257, 258, 299, 376, 554, 700, 960
culaithsuit, dressLine: 256
cumainnín buíprob. a plant of some sortLine: 343
cumannaffection, love; society, club; acquaintance, confidence; effortLines: 283, 415, 622
cumascapability, power; 143-4: an tsíbhean chumais: the powerful fairy womanLines: 144, 547, 621, 626, 917, 940
cumhaanger, sorrow; mo ch.: alasLines: 749, 779, 810; gs. 816
cumhdachcover, protection, shelterLine: 571
cúplachdouble-plaited (of hair), plaited, in foldsLine: 232
cuthachrage, furyLine: 942
Return to Beginning of Glossary
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
D
daighearthaigneous, fiery; stabbing, painfulLines: 868, 1004
dailleblindnessLine: 603
daingeanfortified, solid, strong, steadfast, constant, intenseLines: 73, 142, 310, 339, 576
danarthacruel, barbarousLine: 496
daoirseslavery, bondage, oppression; dearness, costlinessLine: 114
daonnachthumanity, kindness; trua, taiseLine: 961
daorbase, servile; hard, severe; costly, dearLines: 268, 784
daoradhenslaving, convicting, condemningLines: 786, 991
dásachtdaring, audacity, madness, fury, noiseLine: 949
dathaoibheannálainn le feiscintLine: 590
dealbhdestitute, poor, bare, empty, bleakLines: 408, 807, 851
deamhan, gs.: -indemon, the devil
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 306 dearfa
attested, proved; sure, certainLines: 275, 612
dearóilfrail, feeble, puny; cold, bleak, chilly; mean, lowlyLine: 361
déirc, gs.: ~echarity, alms-givingLines: 196, 678, 364
déirceoirbochtán, bacachLine: 868
deisighto dress, adorn, improve; d. anall é: bring him hitherLine: 610
diachairpain, affliction, distressLine: 807
díblevile, worthless, mean, worn, withered, destitute; public, common; dearbhadh (go) díble ar bhíobla: public sworn testimony was given (Dinneen)Lines: 94, 333
dicheallsár-iarrachtLine: 383
díogadhtnáthadh, lagú, lagadh (Ó Foghlú)Line: 100
díoghathe worst, the dregs; 85: d. gach daoirse: togha gach donais; rogha gach d.: togha gach gramaisc (rabble or mob) (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 85, 321
díograisfervour, zeal; fervent love; kindred affectionLine: 1004
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
díoltasvengeanceLine: 495
díonprotection, shelter; d’fhir nach díon: fir gan phósadhLines: 673, 896, 926
díonmharprotectiveLine: 589
díothachwanting, deficient, needy, destituteLine: 187
díthloss, deprivation; mo dhíth: alas; 76: mí-ádh; 511: mo dh.: faríor; 833: práinn; 763: easpaLine: 511
dlisteanachlegitimate childLine: 606
dochrachharmful, hurtful, baneful, perniciousLine: 85
doghrainnaffliction, hardship, difficulty; le d.: with difficulty, harshipLine: 206
dóighhope, trust confidence, 365, 865, is d.: surely; 562, doubtless; 739, an d.: can it be?; ní d.: it cannot be; dom dh.: I imagine Lines: 365, 562, 693, 739, 811, 865
doilbhedarkness, gloom, melancholy, sadnessLine: 86
doilbhirdark, gloomy, cheerless, sadLine: 187
doilíosachsorrowful, remorseful, melancholy
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 205 doineantach
cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old personLine: 205
doirfeachsullen, dissatisfied personLine: 980
domhaindeepLines: 88, 1011
donnintensifier: veryLines: 205, 414, 496
dorrgasurly, gruffLine: 61
drabstain, spot; dirt or mud caught up by the dressLine: 52
draidmouth, grin, grimace, grinning visageLine: 56
draigheanblackthorn (stick); bristling, angry appearance; reluctance, boorishnessLines: 156, 318, 360, 624
draíochtmagic; d. na drúise: the love charm (Dinneen)Lines: 334, 344
drandalgum(s), (toothless) mouth, the mouthLine: 56
draoibealmud, mireLine: 52
dreachlook, expression, aspectLine: 857
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
dreaswhile, tamall, spásLine: 667
dreoitedecayedLines: 333, 684
drongbody of people, group, set, factionLine: 787
dronnhumpLine: 975
drús; gs.: -úisadultery, fornicationLines: 818, g. 934
duaisgloom, dejection, trouble, sorrow, travailLine: 360
duaiseachgloomy, darksome, cheerless, dejected, grimLine: 187
duamhartoilsome, troublesomeLine: 187
dubhachdismal, gloomy, melancholy, sorrowfulLines: 63, 679
dubhcheiltcomplete denialLine: 86
dúchandarkeningLine: 717
dúghlasa firm lock (glas=lock); ag ceangal mo shúl i nd. néallta: locking my eyes firmly in sleep (Dinneen)Line: 36
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
dúil, gs.: ~edesire, fondness, likingLines: 738, 884
DúileamhCreatorLine: 815
dúladh?melancholy, sadness (cf. dubhlaitheach, melancholy, serious, grave, in Dinneen)Line: 997
dúrrigid, solid, hardy, tough, dour, grim, obstinateLine: 86
durdammurmur, chatter; durdam bréige: racaireacht éitheachLine: 527
Return to Beginning of Glossary
E
éachtfeat, exploit, achievementLine: 936
éidehere: sacerdotal vestmentsLine: 764
éigh, pres.: éannto cry out, scream; call upon, beseech, complainLine: 314
éileamhclaim, demandLine: 501
éileamhclaim, demandLines: 382, 501
éiric
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
compensatory payment for death or injury; reparation, retribution, compensation, rewardLine: 314
éirima course, a riding or faring forth; vigour, ability, faculty, desireLine: 40
Return to Beginning of Glossary
F
fabharfavour, influenceLine: 90
fachnaoidderision, mockery; act of chaffing, joking; ag f. faoi dhuine: scoffing at someoneLine: 326
fachtnaípower, tyranny, haughtiness (Ó Foghlú)Line: 89
faghairttemper (metal); fire, fervour, mettle, spirit; (glint of) anger; blade, daggersLines: 155, 356
fáidh, pl. fáitheprophet, seer; fáidhbhean: prophetessLines: 168, 415, 813, 828, 829
fáidhiúilprophetic, wise, sagaciousLine: 221
faillíneglect, negligence, delay, omissionLine: 90
fáinneachringed, ringletedLine: 232
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
fairea watch, wake; faire!: fie!Lines: 252, 418, 457
falchaíbegrudging, spiteful; mean, paltry; robberLine: 456
falsawrong, falseLines: 802, 894
falsachtfalseness, laziness; deceit, knavery; partiality, wrongsLines: 92, 122
fáltafeebleLines: 892, 901
fámairestroller, idlerLine: 756
fánstraying, wandering; astrayLines: 30, 724; gs. 81, 728
fannweak; as subst. 87, 123Lines: 87, 123, 464, 756, 848
faolraswildness, want of cultivation, wantonness; faoile, ceal saothraithe, ceal pósta (Ó Foghlú) Line: 96
faonsupine, limp, languid, subdued, intentLine: 862
farradhin phr.: i bhf.: in the company of, along with, besideLine: 93
fásáilfacings (of a garment)Line: 261
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
fáscadhsqueeze, pressing, 243: luid gan f.: an untidy slut; 410: oozing, upspringingLines: 243, 396, 711, 714, 761
fáslachupstartLine: 82
fáthcause, reason, motive, explanation; ní chuirim i bhf. é: I do not take him/it into account (Dinneen)Lines: 891, 979
feacadhact of bendingLine: 715
féachaint, gs.: -anaaspectLine: 552
fealladhbetraying, to prove false toLine: 83
feamtail, stalk, stem, rod; a churlLine: 756
feannto flay, skinLine: 876
feannadhact of flaying, skinningLines: 84, gs. 1022
fearradachstrong, muscularLine: 574
fearthainnto rain; d’fh.: which rained, descendedLine: 497
feasachknowing, knowledgeable; is feasach dom: is eol dom
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 429, 477, 675 feasach
knowing, skillful; is f. dom: I knowLines: 213, 429, 447, 675
feidhm318, 331, 525, 732, 864, substance; 901, usefulness; 356, 625, effect; 1004: executionLines: 318, 331, 356, 525, 625, 732, 864, 1004
feighilact of caring, vigilance, watchfulness, care; i bhf. mo chaochta: with intent to deceive meLines: 557, 901
féiltiúilfestive, regularLine: 635
feisteasaoidheacht, cothúLine: 480
féithvein, nerve; 798, 953: desireLines: 531; gs. 798, 953
feithidinsect, beast, adder or serpentLine: 728
feoidhact of piningLine: 96
feoidhimI pineLine: 685
feoigh, pp. feoiteto decay, witherLines: 96, 683
feoiteachwithered personLine: 689; pl. 919
feoithneach
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
withered grass ? (Ó Foghlú)Line: 351
feorainngrassy place; creeping bent-grassLines: 28, 730
feosachwithered, bearded, agedLine: 615
fiaile411, weeds; 80, 849, 920, rubbish, wastrelsLines: 80, 411, 849, 920
fiántaswildness, fierceness, wildernessLine: 913
filleadhform, turn; f. le féile: to change over to a life of enjoymentLines: 551, 784
filltereturned, come back; charged, supplied; closely appliedLine: 257
fíochfeud, fight, fury, rage, anger (cf. fíochmhar)Line: 935
fíochmharraging, fierceLines: 43, 163, 357, 792
fíonwineLine: gs. 451; pl. 776
fiuchadhboiling, ebullience, excitementLine: 156
fleascachwretch, rascal, tricksterLine: 658
flíochchickweed, fligweed
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 80 foclach
wordy, verbose, loquaciousLine: 221
fógairto shoutLine: 635
foghalunge, attack, an attempt, proximityLines: 541, 702, 712
foghailplundering, pillaging; gadaíochtLines: 83, 722
foighnepatienceLine: 646
fóill!Easy! Gently!Line: 418
fóin, pres. fónannserve, be of use to, avail, benefitLine: 923
foireann, gs. foirnegroup of people, body, companyLines: 928, 985
foirfecomplete, perfect; aged, matureLine: 980
foirfeachaged, mature person, elderLine: 892
fóiseachover-fed, pampered, exuberant; ? sámh, ciúinLine: 595
folachhidden, secretLine: 979
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
foláir(Used negatively with copula) ní f.: it is necessaryLine: 928
folaithehidden, shadedLine: 37
folcadh, pl.: -cthaíact of bathing, washing, dipping, seeping; weeping, a flood of tearsLine: 163
folláinhealthy, wholesomeLine: 582
folthair, locks, tressesLine: 224
fonnsaíhoops (in women’s dresses), noosesLines: 268, 456
forairebrave man, sentry, guard, watchman, lookoutLine: 429
fórsaforceLines: 536, 888
fothram628, 913: stirring, promptings; 849., 929: blusterLines: 628, 849, 913, 929
frascopious, profuse, abundantLine: 412
freastallot, number; f. fuíollach: remainder after subtractionLine: 1019
frínsefringeLine: 397
fríth
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
(pf. passive of faighim) was found; to find, get, receive; cár fríoth é?: how came it all?Line: 418
fuadachplundering, carrying off; the severe blowing of a storm, a squall; 358, f. nimhe: a venomous disposition (Dinneen); 194: sciobadh chun siúil (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 43, 194, 358
fuadarrush, hurry, bustle; presage, omen; tendency, inclination; activity; 193: attitude; 679: prospectLines: 193, 679
fuadrachactive, nimble, bustling, vigorousLines: 212, 357
fuaida remnant, a witchLine: 218
fuaraighcomfort, console, relieveLine: 832
fuarúbecoming cool, coolingLine: 772
fuineadhdo fuineadh as féile: who sprang from noble stockLine: 985
fuinneamhenergy, force, vigour, pep, spiritLines: 155, 622, 720, 952
fuíollachremainingLine: 1019
Return to Beginning of Glossary
G
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
gáneed, requirement; danger, perilLines: 468, 593, 942
gábhail196: going; 388: playing; 786: placing under arrestLines: 196, 388, 786
gábhairneedyLines: 765, 847
gabhalforked beams from which to hang cauldron, hip-roof, a forkLines: 299, 413, 893
gadwithe, ropeLine: 380
gágchap, crack in skinLine: 398
gaibhdeachstrong, substantial, stout-calved; an mhásach gh.: the stout-calved woman (Dinneen)Line: 48
gáircry, shoutLine: 447
gairgeachharsh, gruff, surly, irritableLines: 48, 222
galar, gs.: -irdiseaseLine: 780
gálbha? BlusteringLine: 416
gambachlumpy, chunky; (of leg) gammy, game, bowlegged; awkwardLine: 977
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
gandalganderLine: 616
gannpoorLine: 847
gaoiswisdom; baois gan ghaois: extravagant follyLines: 270, 502, 637
gargacrid, bitter, rude, harsh, rough, fierce; labhairt go g.: to speak roughlyLine: 559
garlachfledgling (bird or fig. Human), child, kid, brat, urchinLine: 838
gárthashouting, clamoringLine: 416
GárusGarus Mills, Co. ClareLine: 460
gasstalk, stem; sprig, shoot, frond; fig. stripling, scionLine: 335
gealachbrightness, light; ag gealaigh: mad, in a white rage, frenziedLine: 513
geallpromise, expectationLine: 893
gealtachcrazed, insaned person; wild, panic-stricken personLine: 273
geanmaíchaste, pureLine: 990
geanúil
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
loving, lovable, decent, modest, acceptableLine: 214
geoiseachslender, lankyLine: 616
giodamachrestless, unsteadhy, uneasy; giddy, frisky, jauntyLine: 327
giúnachdowny growth (on green, unripe oats, for instance); fig. youngster, immature personLine: 838
glaochi.e. ag gairm is ag éileamh díLine: 516
gliceascleverness, ingenuityLine: 248
glónraglaze, shape, cut; g. m’éadain: the cut of my foreheadLine: 551
glugarcaint díchéilleLine: 596
gnaoibeauty, comeliness; regardLine: 819
gnaoiúilpleasant, delightful, gentle, respectable, handsomeLine: 214
gné or gnaoikind; appearanceLine: 550
gnúisface, mien, countenanceLines: 166, 233, 490, 550
goid
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
to steal, to snatch awayLine: 1017
goilto weep, to cry (softly)Line: 163
goillto grieve, to feel hurt, to be vexed, afflicted or distressed; used with arLine: 73
goinwound, stab, hurtLine: ?890
golaorificeLine: 893
gotha, pl,: ~íappearance, attitude, gesture, pose, movement, activityLines: 164, 893
gradamesteem, distinction, respect, regardLine: 436
gráiniúilhateful, abhorrentLine: 222
graírestud-horse; warrior or champion, excellent manLine: 624
gramascrabble, mob, low peopleLine: 462
gránnaugly, poor, wretched, unfortunateLines: 62, 373
greadadhbeatingLine: 536
greamaithegripped, fixed, fastened, secured; adhered, stuck
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 36, 430 greim, pl.: greamanna
grip, grasp, hold; a bite; bit, morsel (of food); 525: an itemLines: 294, 340, 525
gréithevaluables, ornaments, trinkets, presentsLine: 795
gríosrash, blotchLine: 398
gríosachhot ashes, embers; tine, loscadhLine: 560
gruaidhcheek; gruaidhdheas: fine-featuredLine: 214
guaisdanger, hazard; enterprise, ambitionLine: 272
gúngaposterior, haunchLine: 709
gustalachwell-to-do, wealthy, resourceful, enterprising, self-importantLine: 416
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H
húdahoodLine: 259
Return to Beginning of Glossary
I
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
iaighto close, shut, cover; enclose, encompassLine: 282
iallthong, leash, hideLine: 941
InidShrovetideLines: 289, 350
íogairsensitive, delicate, high-and-mighty; na cumhachtaigh íogair: the higher powers, the clergyLine: 907
iomadúilnumerous, plentiful, abundant, poimpeach, mórchúiseachLines: 146, 777, 904
iomáin, gs.: -anádriving, ball-playing, hurlingLine: 276
ionladhto wash; washing, ablutionsLine: 401
íor or fíoroutline, likeness, imageLines: 6, 550
ioscaidhollow at back of knee, kneeLine: 978
íslelowness, lowlinessLine: 451
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L
labhairt, pl. labhartha
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
act of speaking; pl.: wordsLines: 399, 719; pl. 658, 991
lábúrthabase, vulgar, plebeianLine: 634
ladúsgliocas, foolish talk, impertinence, nonsenseLine: 442
lagarweakness, faintness; 194: mo l.: alasLines: 194, 332
laigideweaker; an laigide an chúil: is a field any the poorer for…Line: 735
láithreachpresent, immediate, without delayLine: 675
lámhainn, npl. ~í or láimhnegloveLines: 267, 398
lannúilspacious, epithet of a mansion, erectLine: 141
lansalance; tall active youth, a lively vigorous personLines: 618, 977
lathachmud, slimeLine: 134
leabhairlissome, svelt, long and gracefulLine: 228487
leadhbstrip, rag; skinLines: 420, 964, 1012
leadhbachtorn in strips, tatters, shabby
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 248 leagaithe
stretched outLine: 460
leáigh, pres.: -ánn; fut.: -áfaidh; vn.: leáto dwindle, waste awayLine: 558
leamhas, gs.: -aisinanity, sillinessLines: 290, 527, 743
lean193: to continue; 919: to followLines: 193, 919
léannlearning, experienceLine: 476
leathto spread; do leathain mo líthe: I changed colourLine: 954
leatha side, a district; faoi leith: apart, separately, severallyLine: 1018
leibidecareless, slovenly; softy, foolLines: 377, 616
léighexamineLine: 916
léirclear, lucid, distinct; go l.: wholly, entirely, all, altogetherLines: 225, 391, 678, 704
léireduine mór; a person of sturdy buildLine: 440
léirscriostotal destruction, devastationLines: 84, 88
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
léithegreyness, hoariness, decay or decline, old age, rot; mo chroí… "my heart filled with the shadows of age" (Dinneen)Line: 758
leitheadachpotent, importantLine: 479
leithreslope, one side; léim ar leithre: a leap to one side; fig. an illegitimate offspringLine: 604
liaithto age, go greyLine: 512
ligitheacha remnant, rejectLine: 107
líonflax, linenLine: 406
líontafullLines: 10, 147, 254, 602, 757
liostaslow, tedious, irksome, tiresome, persistent, importunateLines: 107, 248
lobharleperLine: 719
lochtfaultLines: 226, 614
lofarotten, putrid, corruptedLine: 245
loinnirlight, brightness, brilliance, radiance
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 717 loisc, vn.: loscadh
burn, scorch, sear, torment; torture, anxietyLines: 157, 225
loiselight, flareLine: 647
lóisteacha sluggard, lazy person, clownLines: 107, 245, 518
lombare; bareness, povertyLine: 391
lom (vt.)to seize, chafe; 498: which seizedLines: 39, 498
lom (adj.)bare; 875 [go] lomLine: 875
lomrachfleeciness, woolliness; draped, tapestriedLine: 141
lonrachbright, glittering, shinyLines: 239, 490
lopachlout (lopaigh gan bhrí: incapable louts)Line: 374
lothurt, wound, injury, damage; mo l.: O ruin! Alas!Line: 223
luaidheleadLine: 681
luaimneachnimble, restless; aibí, líofa (Ó Foghlú)Lines: 145, 753
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
luaithashes; luaith-ghríos: luaith nó fuíollach na tine ag us é beo gan múchadh (Ó Foghlú)Line: 298
luascannto rock, moveLine: 565
luathquick, speedyLine: 800
lúbachvigorous, dexterousLine: 136
lúbairecrafty person, twisterLine: 750
lúfaragile, active, athletic; teann, daingeanLine: 580
luídisposition, pronenessLines: 88, 404, 811
luibh, gs. ~e, pl. ~eannaherb, plantLines: 29, 80, 263, 333, 340, 642
luidscrap, tatter, shred, rag; slut, trullLines: 243, 409
lúideless, minus; an lúide an láthair: is a site any the less for…Line: 735
luigheamhshape, formLines: 545, 626
lúithchrithquakingLine: 716
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
lúitheachsinewy, strongLine: 574
lúithnesinews, tendons, musclesLine: 681
lúthmovement, motion, strength, vigour, activityLine: 880
lúthchleasathletic exerciseLine: 964
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M
máplain, territory; rí gach m.: king of all landsLine: 57
máchailblemish, defectLine: 233
macnasplayfulness, dalliance, wantonness, voluptuousness, sensuality, luxuryLine: 325
mágachheavy-footed, clumsyLine: 441
magairlínorchid; m. meidhreach: early purple orchid (Dinneen); also diminutive of magairle: testicleLine: 341
maighresalmon; handsome girl, handsome personLines: 623, 695
maise
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
adornment, beautyLine: 550
maiseamhachcomely, handsom, elegantLine: 140
málaa sackLine: 374
malpairesturdy, hardy personLine: 441
malracoll.: boys, youngsters, young rabbleLine: 781
mánlagentle, gracious, pleasantLines: 203, 855
mantachgap-toothed, toothlessLine: 56
martasbody, frame, posterior; m. trom is droim gan suathadh: a solid torso and a steady back (Dinneen)Line: 771
marthain, gs.: -anaexistence, lastingness, subsistenceLine: 450
másachhaving or relating to large hips, thighs, or buttocks; one with large hips or thighsLines: 47, 441
mascalachmasculine, manly, brave, sturdyLine: 695
mataa matLine: 407
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
meabhairmind, sense, memory, consciousness, awarenessLine: 40
meadarwooden drinking-cup; churnLine: 378
méadhairaugust, majestic (Dinneen)Line: 53
meadhgwheyLine: 840
meallball, globe, lump, mass, tumourLine: 617
meallbeguile, charm, entice, delude, deceiveLine: 811
mealladh na minnseachluibh éigin, de réir dealraimh (Ó Foghlú); herb used in witchcraft (Dinneen)Line: 342
méaraíochtfingering, playing withLine: 706
méarlagslender-fingeredLine: 150
meathdecline, decay, fail, deteriorateLines: 98, 367
méidamount, quantity, degreeLine: 763
meill na mbuailteprob. a plant of some sortLine: 341
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
meiriadmyriad; milleadh m.: destroying myriadsLine: 630
méirscreachscarred, cracked, fissured, chapped, ruggedLine: 56
mianmind; a wish, desire; pleasure, delight; m. a dtoile: their lustLine: 933
miasboard, table; dishLine: 378
míbhéasachill-behaved, ill-mannered, shamelessLine: 223
míchuibheasachunfitting, unseemly, indecorousLine: 701
milisbhogsweetly softLine: 150
milleanndestroy; 968, render inefficientLines: 556, 630, 881, 968
mionnoath; clár na m.: the witness tableLine: 152
mír, gs.: ~e; pl.: ~eannarag, tatterLine: 374
misde(combined form of measa de, used with copula) is misde (do): it matters (to), ní misde… (go): it is no harm to… (that); cár mhiste mé rith in éadóchas: what does it matter if I despairLine: 250
místaid, gs.: ~ebad state, ill condition
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 364 mithid
due, convenient, time; is mithid: it is high timeLine: 757
modhmode, manner, system; modh is díreach: pretty apparentLine: 993
modhúilwell-behaved, mannerly, mild, gentle, modest; mild gentle personLine: 721
mogallmesh, husk, shell, fruit-cluster; 112: over-ripe; 632: mogallfhuil: noble blood; Lines: 112, 632
moirtlees, dregs, dead-and-alive person; moirt gan subhachas: a cheerless old fellowLine: 710
molta wether; sulky, morose person; shaggy wench (Ó Foghlú)Line: 223
mórgacha great person, a proud, stately personLine: 108
mórtaspride, haughtiness, boastfulnessLine: 938
múchsmother, suffocate, quench, extinguish, dull, deaden; 325: múchta: sunkLines: 325, 997
muinchillesleeveLine: 394
muirearcharge, encumbrance, burden, loadLine: 104
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
muirnconfused noise, tumult; affection, endearment, tendernessLine: 998
mustarmuster, assembly, display, ostentation, bluffLine: 939
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N
naíondachtchildlike qualities, youthfulness, innocence, beautyLine: 270
náir(Is) n. (le): ashamed, reluctantLines: 103, 239, 713
naomhsaint: dar colainn na ~: on the body of saints?Line: 383
nóiméada minuteLine: 468
Return to Beginning of Glossary
O
odharliath, críona (Ó Foghlú)Line: 205
oigheariceLine: 682
óinmhidsimpleton, fool; jester, buffoonLine: 218
orlach
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
tatterLine: 461
orthaprayer, incantation, spell, charmLine: 334
osna, pl.: ~ísighLine: 164
Return to Beginning of Glossary
P
pápá lucht seinnte: íoc do cheoltóiríLine: 594
páil? Pavement (pábháil i nDinneen)Line: 729
pairilisparalysis, palsy, any trembling of the limbs; p. bháis: the paralysis of deathLine: 950
páispassion, sufferingLines: 883, 889
peiltskin, pelt; im ph.: nakedLine: 522
péistreptile, snake, monsterLine: 675
píoba pipe or tube of any kind; the neck or throatLine: 235
pluidblanket
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 409 pónsa
Treadraighe an phónsa: Tradree, land of fruitful beansLine: 455
posóidposset, a warm drink, medicinal draughtLine: 535
postó phosta go piléar: from post to pillarLine: 664
práinnhurry, rush, urgent need, exigencyLines: 834, 944
preabairebouncing, dashing personLine: 613
priacalperil, risk; ar do ph.: at your own risk, at your perilLine: 133
púscadhoozing, upspringingLine: 410
puthpuff, whiffLine: 676
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R
rabhartaspring tide, floodLine: 648
radaireachtact of ranting; strolling, revelling, flirting, courtingLine: 277
ragairne
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
act of rambling and revelling at night, roistering, rakishness, dissipationLine: 277
ráigfit, bout, attackLines: 762, 939
ramhadastéagarthachtLine: 770
ramháinnspadeLine: 300
ramsachromping, gamboling, sportiveLine: 801
rémoon; time, periodLines: 168, 288, 530, 566
reachtlaw, statuteLines: 65, 367
réidhto openLine: 1025
réiteachdisentangling, unravelling, fixingLine: 224
riarto entertainLine: 747
ríceachvagabond, wastrelLine: 789
rinnpoint, tip; top, apex; ó r. go sáil: from head to heelLine: 1012
rinseach
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
? aindeiseoir (Ó Foghlú), i.e. poor, unfortunate personLine: 897
ríomhenumeration; gan r.: nach féidir cur síos orthuLine: 790
roslinseed, flax-seedLine: 303
ruaigto drive, force; do ruaig: do chuir chun siúlLine: 565
rufaruffLine: 394
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S
saigheadan arrow; s. chun luais é: corraigh leis an bhfuascailt (Ó Foghlú)Line: 354
saighidto incite, provoke; thrusting, gulpingLine: 596
sáil, pl.: -laheelLines: 265, 554, 1012
saillsalted meat, fat meatLine: 775
sámhsocair, compordach; 870: uasal; 1010: álainn, breá; sampla s.: splendid sampleLines: 255, 327, 870, 1010
saoithiúilskillful, learned, cultured, wise
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Line: 213 saolta
worldly, earthly, mundane, temporal; (intensifying) utter: scanradh s.: utter terrorLine: 55
saontanaïve, gullible, innocentLine: 433
saothgalar, mí-ádhLine: 475
sársuperior, excellent; 870: sár-fhuil: gentle blood (Dinneen); noble blood (Ó Foghlú)Line: 870
sástachtsatisfactionLine: 678
scáathshelterLine: 900
scáfarfearful, timed; shady, shadowy; comelyLine: 239
scáineachin skeins or locks (of hair)Line: 231
scaitheamhspace of time, while, spellLine: 120
scálabasin, bowl, cupLines: 742, gpl. 285
scalladhscald, scalding sensationLine: 843
scaoileadh
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
act of doing away with (Ó Foghlú)Line: 120
scaoileannto sendLines: 207, 315, 514, 541, 912
scaoileann (imp.)to sendLines: 631, 633
scaoiltefree, unwedLine: 473
sceimhlesally, an onset or skirmish; de s.: go hobannLine: 1017
sceinnteachapt to slip or escape; flighty, skittish; one easily frightened; s. scáfar: a timid, flighty person (Dinneen)Line: 269
sceithspew, vomit, oozeLine: 842
scéithact of spreading (as in a rumour)Line: 444
scinnto start, spring, burst forthLine: 842
sciúirsescourgeLine: 1009
scóladhscalding, torment, torture; barr gach scólta: extreme torture (Dinneen)Line: 1005
scóltatormentedLine: 533
scoth, gs.: ~a
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
flower, blossom; pick, choiceLine: 246
screadto screamLines: 313, 583
scroiglong thin neckLine: 652
scuabadhact of sweepingLine: 297
seacht faoi thríbliain is fiche d’aoisLine: 872
séadvaluable object, jewelLine: 634
sealadturn, while, space of timeLines: 478, 982
seandacha spent old manLines: 198, 615
seangslender, as a maidenLine: 465
searcloveLine: 336
seargacha shrivelled-up person, a consumptiveLine: 615
searracha youngling, a foal, a colt, a child; pl. fig. offspringLines: 103, 779
searradhstretching of limbs
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 714 seasmhach
established, fixed, durable, steadfast; 131: permanent; 141, 213, 751: solid, well-setLines: 131, 141, 213, 751
séideadhact of blowing, breathing fast; ag s. soilse: speaking brilliantly (Dinneen)Line: 861
seifteoirprovider, a resourceful person, a makeshift, a frail person; an s. caol: the sly contriver (Dinneen)Line: 867
sílconsider, thinkLine: 269
sileándrippingLine: 410
siltedripped, distilled, poured; unhandy, ineffective, exhausted, spent; dá mbeinnse s. mar thuilleadh de mo chomharsana: were I inefficient like others of my neighbours (Dinneen)Line: 247
síogachstreaky, stripedLine: 264
siolbhachseed, progenyLine: 634
siolla45, a glance; 558, a puff; 903, a syllableLines: 45, 558, 903
síolraighbreed, propagateLine: 549
síon
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bad, rough weatherLine: 673
siosarnachwhispering, buzzing, side-chatLines: 540, 800
sioscaithetrim, neatLine: 108
sítheachpeaceful, quiet, at restLine: 485
slabmud, mire, slobLine: 52
sladaí, pl.: -theplunderer, pillager, looterLine: 430
slaida term of opprobrium for a woman; a hussyLine: 243
slaodswath, layer; sraithLines: 28, 703, 730
slaodachin swaths, in layers; flowing (of hair)Line: 153
sliasaid, pl. -stathigh, sideLine: 63
slinneánachbroad-shoulderedLine: 976
slogadhto gulp down, to swallowLine: 294
sluíghto incite
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 961 smeachóid
live coal, emberLine: 535
sméideadhwink, glanceLine: 930
smístea pestle, mall, club, bat; anything big or strong; s. duirc: a boorish female (Dinneen)Line: 244
smoirtdirt, dross, refuseLine: 407
smúitsoot, dirt; defect, stain, gloomLines: 165, 233, 680
snaidhmeannto knot, bind, tieLine: 499
snamhairea creeper, crawler; one who cringes or acts slylyLines: 375, 658, 986; pl. 780
snuacountenanceLines: 165, 552
sógreann, satisfaction, enjoymentLines: 186, 491, 937; gs. 341, 773
sócúlacheasy, comfortableLine: 667
soilseachbright, lumious, effulgent; 824, [go] s.: thoroughly, clearlyLines: 151, 490, 824
soilsigh812, to clarify; 856, to shine
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Lines: 812, 856 soineanta
séimh, ciúinLine: 433
somachán or somach, pl. somaighan innocent lubberly young manLines: 323, 617, 595
sopwisp, small bundle of strawLine: 304
sotalachproud, arrogant, cock, impudentLine: 221
spaida clod, anything inferior or useless, refuse, a barren person; d’imigh im s. gan fear gan páiste: I who was left for a sorry spinster (Dinneen)Line: 184
spícespikeLine: 59
sporspurLine: 933
sporannspur, incite, provokeLine: 933
spreasdry twig, stick of firewood, effete worthless personLines: 619, 668
spriongaract of playing; imirtLine: 710
sracaimto drag, pullLine: 134
sracthatorn, tossed, battered
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Lines: 447, 956 sraic
a pull, tearLine: 702
sraitestretched at full lengthLine: 448
sraodswathe, liningLine: 395
sraoilla ragged, bedraggled person, slovenly personLines: 243, 315, 918
sraoilltepulled, dragged, trailed, untidy, jagged, raggedLine: 446
sreangairea tall, weak, ungainly personLine: 241
sruimilean awkward, untidy personLine: 433
sruth, gs.: ~astream, currentLine: 295
stacaa stackLine: 297
stafstaffLine: 58
stágachclumsy, halty, ricketyLine: 238
stalcachstubborn, sulky; stiff, stodgyLine: 220
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stangachpetty, self-willed, rudeLine: 220
stiúirsteering apparatus, rudder; a bend or inclination, attitude; a rakish attitude or appearance; starch is s. i gcúl mo chaidhpe: my coif starched and set at a gallant angle (Dinneen)Line: 258
stocaa stockingLine: 292
stollairebig strong person, stolid stubborn personLines: 109, 698, 781
stolltafíochmharLine: 560
storrúilstrong, sturdy, vigorous, boldLine: 955
stracpull, tearLine: 702
straitestretched out at full lengthLine: 448
stríocadhact of submitting; (?) pulling, dragging in 666Lines: 125, 666, 962
strompastiff, rigid thing; stiff-jointed personLine: 978
stuacachboorish, sulky, ill-temperedLines: 220, 955
stuaimlevel-headedness, self-control; good sense, prudence; ingenuity, skill
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Line: 273 stuaire
a beauty, bean álainnLines: 242, 685
stuamapossessing high mental qualities, ingenious, modest, discreet, demure, temperate, dignifiedLine: 213
sújuice, 410, maybe the word should be súgha: soot; 869: product; s. na táire: the product of vileness (Dinneen)Lines: 410, 869
suairceascheerfulness, gaiety, mirthLines: 188, 679
suairtleslatternLines: 219, 241
suaiteacheasily tired, exhaustingLine: 221
suaitheadhact of tiring, troubling, shakingLines: 190, 475, 565, 771
suarachpaltry, pertty, mean, contemptible, miserable, abjectLine: 358
subhachasjoyLines: 710, 845, 879
súichesoot; súiche sileáin: dripping sootLine: 410
suim483: substance, worth; 501: total, reckoning; 586: (small) amount; 760: numberLines: 483, 501, 586, 760
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suíochanact of setting, establishing, provingLine: 965
súistea flailLine: 299
súitedried up, saplessLine: 198
sultenjoyment, satisfactionLine: 893
súsablanket, covering, rugLine: 409
Return to Beginning of Glossary
T
tabharthago t.: go suaite, go lag (Ó Foghlú)Line: 494
tacaprop, supportLine: 34
tachtadhto chokeLine: 511
táclachfalling in tresses (of hair)Line: 151
tafannbark, complaintLine: 133
tagrannplead, reason, argue, dispute
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Line: 559 taibhseach
showy; 74: gorgeousLines: 74, 403, 595, 801, 987; gs. 74
taidhreamha dream, revalation, visionLine: 38
táinherd, flock; large gathering of people, crowd, multitudeLines: 254, 371
táircontempt, disgrace, insult, wickednessLines: 869, 878
tairgto offer, proffer, tenderLine: 117
tairnenail; t. tiarpa: penisLines: 878, 885
taitheacachforceful, sutstantial, vigorous, sturdyLines: 142, 573
taithigíngreat fig-wortLine: 342
tálflow (of milk), yield, act of flowing; fig. yield, grant, bestowal; issueLines: 160, 330, 837, 869, 960
támhsluggish, weak, feeble; támhchrith: shaking (as loose flesh)Lines: 768, 941
tamhandastiff, unwieldyLines: 198, 573, 737
támhghailsluggishness, idleness, laziness, indifference; i dt. chodalta: in a torpid sleep
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Line: 782 tarraingthe
drawn, designed, traced, delineated, finished, completed; tidyLine: 234
tasctaskLine: 620
táscstoryLine: 449
tathachvigor, weightLine: 483
tathagachvigorous, sturdyLines: 142, 573
téagarsubstance, stoutness, bulkLine: 272
teaghlachhousehold, family, domestic establishment, a house, a mansionLines: 74, 140, 480, 557
téamhto warm, warmth, passionLines: 531, 676
teannfirm, secure, strong, solid; as subst.: the strongLines: 124, 605, 873
teannaimto hold, embraceLine: 465
teanntastrait, difficulty, predicament, foothold, grip; i dt.: along with, in addition, besideLines: 33, 610, 874
tiarpahump, posterior, buttocks
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Lines: 878, 1008 tionscal
industry; 883: act of devisingLines: 219, 883
tíoshousehold, husbandryLines: 734, 898, 951
tláith124, gentle; 230: mild; 853, 940: tameLines: 124, 230, 853, 940
tochtemotional catch, deep emotion, fit of angerLine: 158
togha drochduinea really bad personLine: 393
toicepert girl, hussy, wenchLines: 245, 364, 371, 835
toill na tuairteainm luibhe éigin, de réir dealraimh (Ó Foghlú); plant used as a love charm (Dinneen)Line: 342
toircheaspregnancy; offspringLine: 109
tóirsetorchLine: 139
toirtsize, bulkLines: 613, 766
tolgachstrong, violent, buffetingLine: 47
tollposterior, buttocks
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Lines: 239, 894, pl. 768 tonnach
wavy, billowyLine: 656
tonndachtlethargy, slownessLine: 694
torbush, shrub, clump, tuft; t. cabáiste: a head of cabbageLine: 304
toradh, pl.: torthaíresult; produce, fruitLines: 292, 894
tórmachincreasing, gathering, swelling, increase; t. falsa: a female with a false pregnancyLines: 110, 894
tórramha wake or funeralLine: 252
tráigh, pp. -iteto ebb; to abate, subside, recede, decline; tráite: lag, faonLines: 99, 209
traochadhsubjugation, weariness, exhaustion; sárúLines: 31, 158
traochtawearied, exhausted, defeatedLine: 208
tráth294, canonical hour; 745, 853, i dt.: in good timeLines: 294, 745, 853
treighidpang, stitch, tribulation; mo th.: woe, alasLines: 250, 355, 761
triallto journey, travel; 940: having recourse to, testing
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Lines: 64, 132, 940 trilseach
tressed, braided, plaited; glittering, brightLine: 487
trinsea trenchLine: 33
troscadhact of fastingLine: 293
truapity, sympathy, compassion; as subs. coll.: the poor, the weakLines: 68, 109, 791, 873, 1008
truairewretch, beggar, miserable/pitiable personLine: 386
truamhéileachclement, pathetic, plaintiveLine: 585
tuairtthud, crash; de thuairt: with a thudLine: 653
tuamaa tombLine: 874
tuargainpound, batter, crush, thump, hammer, beating outLine: 44
tuileflood (of tears)Line: 160
tuillearn, deserveLines: 420, 964, 1011
tuilleadhmore, others; 247: some; 748: t. is: more besidesLines: 102, 247, 329, 346, 539, 748
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tuilteflooded, fullLine: 794
tuímto thatch(?), cover(?)Line: 393
túirlingdescend, alight; thúirling Mac an tseachtain roimhe-sin: gur seachtain tar éis na NollagLine: 1020
tuirlingtdescent, landingLine: 415
tuirnespinning wheelLine: 406
tuisleachstumbling, faltering, unsteadyLine: 941
tumdip, steep, immerse, plunge, diveLine: 295
turraingrush, dash, attack, onslaught; 283, 805: an onset; 566: a headlong fallLines: 283, 565, 805
Return to Beginning of Glossary
U
uabharpride, arroganceLine: 101
uallachwailing, yelling, howlingLine: 271
úim
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harnessLines: 853, 945
úirefreshness, newness; uaisle, folláineLine: 769
uireasachlacking, wantingLine: 979
únfairtrolling, tossing aboutLine: 718
urchallspancelLine: 912
urcharcast, shot, d’u. neimhe: like a bolt from the blueLine: 841
urlalock of hair, forelock, fringe, any long hairLine: 231
urraim, gs.: ~erespect; measLines: 651, 918, 986
úthbreastLine: 880
Return to Beginning of Glossary
© 1998: J. Noel Fahey
Fill ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Cuirt an Mheán Oíche—The Midnight Court le/by
Brian Merriman
Bibliography
Text
● “Cúirt an Mheadhon Oidhche, Bryan Merrymna cct, Riseárd Ó Foghlú, .i. Fiachra Éilgeach, do chuir in eagar,” Hodges, Figgis & Co. Ltd., Dublin, 1912., 185p. Note: Includes valuable introduction to the poem by Piaras Béaslaí; a biography of Merriman, a glossary and a discussion of sources by Ó Foghludha.
● “Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche le Brian Merriman,” Risteard O Foghludha do chuir in eagar, Dublin, Hodges, Figgis, 1949, 48p.
● “The midnight court = Cuirt an mheadhoin oidhche” by Brian Mac Giolla Meidhre, Dublin, Celtic Press, 1909, 39p., Censored version (!)
Text & Translation
Text and English Translation:
● “Cuirt an mhean-oiche” by Brian Merriman, Text and translation by Patrick C. Power, Cork, Mercier, 1986, 2nd ed, 96p., ISBN 1853422443. Note: text in Irish, parallel translation in English.
● “Cuirt an mheon-oiche” le Brian Merriman, Liam P. O Murchu a chuir in eagar, Baile Atha Cliath, An Clochomhar, 1982, 117p. Note: According to the The Oxford Companion to Irish Literature—“The definitive text, together with Woulf’s translation.” The Woulfe in question is Denis Woulfe (Donnchadh Ulf), another Clareman, who, in the 1820s, was the first to translate the work.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Text and German Translation:
● "Brian Merrimans Cúirt an mheadhóin oidhche," Text and German translation (“Der mitternächtige Gerichtshof”) by Ludw. Chr. Stern, Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie, V. Band, herausgegeben von Kuno Meyer und L. Chr. Stern, Halle a.S., M. Niemeyer, 1905, 193-415. Note: Includes extensive introduction, notes on variants, West Munster speech patterns, modern Irish meters, and an exhaustive glossary—but all are in German. "The first adequate edition of the Cuirt," Piaras Béaslaí.
Translation
English:
● “The midnight court and The adventures of a luckless fellow,” Translated from the Gaelic by Percy Arland Ussher with a pref. by W. B. Yeats & woodcuts by Frank W. Peers. Published: [Folcroft, Pa.] Folcroft Library Editions, 1974, 79 p. illus. 23 cm., ISBN: 0841488525, Reprint of the 1926 edition published by Boni and Liveright, New York. Note: This is the first verse translation of the work. The Adventures of a Luckless Fellow referred to in the title is a translation of Eachtra Ghiolla an Amaráin (c. 1750), a lengthy poem by Donncha Rua Mac Conmara (1715-1810). In it, the poet describes his possibly imaginary emigration to Newfoundland. In a bout of seasickness, the goddess Aoibheall of Liath Craig, who plays a central role in the Cúirt, appears to the poet and takes him to Acheron.
● “The midnight court by Bryan Merriman,” Newly translated into English by David Marcus, with cuts by Michael Biggs, Dublin, Dolmen Press, 1967, 43p.
● “The midnight court by Brian Merriman,” a new translation by Cosslett O Cuinn with illustrations by John Verling, The Mercier
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
Press, Dublin & Cork, 1982, 87p., ISBN 0853426570, 0853426589.
● Frank O'Connor (as far as I know, the following are different editions of O'Connor's 1945 translation):
● “The midnight court by Brian Merriman,” Translated by Frank O'Connor illustrated by Brian Bourke, Dublin, O'Brien Press, 1989, 72p. ISBN 0862781892
● “The Midnight Court: A Rhythmical Bacchanalia from the Irish of Bryan Merryman translated by Frank O'Connor,” Haskell House Publishers, Ltd., New York, 1974, 48p., includes eight-page introduction by Frank O'Connor
● “The Midnight Court,” translated by Frank O'Connor, M. Fridberg, London, 1947
● “The Midnight Verdict” by Seamus Heaney, Dublin, Gallery Press, 1993, 42p., ISBN 1852351306. Note: Limited ed. of 1,000 copies, 75 of which are numbered and signed by the author.
Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic):
● “Cùirt a’ Mheadhain-oidhche” le Uilleam Neill, Gairm, aireamhan 130 agus 131, Glaschu, 1985. Nota: Gairm—an ràitheachan Gàidhlig a dh’ fhoillsicheas sgeulachdan goirid, bàrdachd, altan mu chuspairean an latha an-diugh, sgrùdaidhean, orain etc. Co-fhreagairt: Ruaraidh MacThòmais, 29 Sràid Bhatairliu, Glaschu G2 6BZ Alba Tel: 0141-221-1971. (29 Waterloo Street Glasgow, G2 6BZ)
Literary Criticism
● “Merriman’s Secret: An Interpretation,” Piaras Béaslaí, in Cuirt an mheadhon oidhche, Riseard O Foghludha do chuir in eagar, Dublin, Hodges Figgis, 1912.
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Cúirt an Mheán Oíche--Gluais
● “Brian Merriman,” Chapter IX of The Hidden Ireland: A Study of Gaelic Munster in the Eighteenth Century Daniel Corkery, Gill & Son, Dublin & Melbourne, 1924.
● “Cúirt an Mheán Oíche,” Seán Ó Tuama, Studia Hibernica, 4 (1964) 7-27.
● “Brian Merriman and his Court,” Seán Ó Tuama, Irish University Review, II, 1981, pp. 149-164.
● “The Vision of Liberation in Cúirt an Mheán-Oíche,” Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, Folia Gadelica, aistí ó iardhaltai leis a bronnadh ar R.A. Breathnach, M.A., M.R.I.A., i ndeireadh a théarma mar Ollamh le Teanga agus Litríocht na Gaeilge i gColáiste Ollscoile Chorcaí arna gcur in eagar ag Padraig de Brún, Seán Ó Coileáin, Pádraig Ó Riain, Cork University Press, Cork, 1983.
● “Orpheus in Ireland: On Brian Merriman’s The Midnight Court,” Seamus Heaney, The Redress of Poetry, Farrar, Straus and Girouz, New York, 1995.
Anthologized
● “The Midnight Court,” Brian Merriman, translated by Arland Ussher, in 1000 Years of Irish Poetry, Kathleen Hoagland ed., The Universal Library, Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1962.
● “Cúirt an Mheán Oíche,” in An Duanaire: An Irish Anthology—1600-1900: Poems of the Dispossessed, Presented by Seán Ó Tuama with translations into English verse by Thomas Kinsella, The University of Philadelphia Press, Philadelphia, 1981. 372 lines of text and translation.
© 1998: J. Noel Fahey Fill ar ais ar Chlár Chinn na Cúirte/ Return to the Midnight Court Main Page
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