Matheson Collection > Gaelic songs of Mary MacLeod

ELEGY OF SIR NORMAN MACLEOD 107
Thy severance from the men of Skye is their weakness
and their heaviness; so sorely has mourning wounded
their mood; and not less is the hurt of it in Barra.
There lies within the boards of the coffer the head of
learning's company; in this grave lie hid from sight
nobility of blood and martial deed.
Under Norman's slab lies every young man's guide to
instruction; we are . . . full of fear (?); the sage and
poet is as a whisper.^
Enough has been hid (in the grave) of the blood of Leod,
of its wisdom and of our noble race, and (with it)
every custom that was that people's due: through his
death every joy has passed us by.
Seventeen hundred and five without sin (was the age of
Christ at) Norman's death; sore the parting; by com-
putation that is the reckoning of God assuredly.
No mighty man comes to tryst of youths or great assembly
since his death through sudden powerful cast; dread
the calamity that has borne him with it.
'■ i.e. does not raise his voice for sorrow.