AN OLD GAELIC LULLABY. 103 



this, and the courage to avow it, is one, and not the least, of many 

 things which make us have a liking for that distinguished statesman 

 and scholar. 



A lady, to whom we are indehted for numberless obligations of 

 a like nature, has sent us a copy of an old Gaelic lullaby or baby- 

 song, the composition of which must clearly be referred to the days 

 when cattle-lifting forays and spidlzies of every description were in 

 high fashion and favour with the gentlemen of the north — 



*' When tooming faulds, or sweeping of a glen. 

 Had still been held the deed of gallant men." 



It is in many respects so curious that we venture on a translation 

 of it. Attached to it is a very pretty air, low and soft and subdued 

 as a lullaby air should be, though consisting but of a single part, as 

 was always the case with such compositions, unlike ordinary songs, 

 which generally had two parts, and admitted of endless variations, 

 according to the taste and vocal capabilities of the singer. It is 

 proper to state that our version is not intended to be sung to the 

 original air, for which the measure we have selected is unsuitable. 

 Our only object has been to convey to the English reader the general 

 sense, with something of the spirit and manner, of the original. 



A Ldllabt. 



" Hush thee, my baby-boy, hush thee to sleep. 

 Soft in my bosom laid, why should' st thou weep ; 

 I Hush thee, my pretty babe, why should'st thou fear, 



Well can thy father wield broadsword and spear. 



" Lullaby, lullaby, hush thee to rest, 

 Snug in my arms as a bird in its nest ; 

 Sweet be thy slumbers, boy, dreaming the while 

 A dream that shall dimple thy cheek with a smile. 



" Helpless and weak as thou 'rt now on my knee, 

 My eaglet shall yet spread his wings and be free — 

 Free on the mountain side, free in the glen. 

 Strong-handed, swift-footed, a man among men ! 



