Classic Poem

Hoireann o

Mournful am I
since a week past,

Left in the island
without grass, without shelter.

If I can
I will fare homeward.

I'll make the journey
easily as may be

To Ullinish
of white-hoofed cattle

Where in my youth
I was reared.

On the breast-milk
of white-palmed women,

Over there in the household
of brown-haired Flora, Lachann's daughter,

She a milkmaid
about the cows.

With Roderick Mor
MacLeod of banners.

In his great house
I have been joyful,

Dancing merry
on a wide floor,

The fiddle-playing
to put me to sleep,

The pipe-playing
to wake me in the morning.

Bear my greeting
to Dunvegan.