Matheson Collection > Measgra dánta

198 NOTES
frequent; see the end-rimes of 11. 1-2, 11-12, 25-27, 57-58-60, 75-76.
Hence perhaps the correction of dairg[h]e[a.]ch in 1. 37 was un-
necessary.
For the proverb in U. 54-55 see Miscellany of Irish Proverbs, 330.
47
Columcille's farewell to Aran.
Maghnus Ó Domhnaille's Life of Columcille speaks only of a brief
sojourn which the saint made in Aran, having gone thither from lona
(ed. O'Kelleher and Schoepperle, pp. 158-160). Portion of Ó
Domhnaill's account is also found independently ; see editions in
GJ. 43, p. 162, and RC. xxxiii, 354, by Meyer and Vendryes respectively.
The traditions connecting the saint with Aran being thus very meagre
it is remarkable to find the present poem, late though it is, making him
speak of that island with the same affectionate longing as elsewhere is
reserved for Derry and his kinsmen in the North.
Source. 23 D 5, p. 335 (written by Richard Tipper, ca. 1715).
A version in H. i. 11, fo. 143a (copied in 1752 from Add. 30512, fo.
34b, in British Museum) is identical save for trifling differences in
speUing. Evidently both versions go back to a near original.
The full poem consists of 2i| qq., of which only qq. 1-4, 6, 7, 13
and the final q. are reproduced here. The whole poem will be found
in Transactions of the GaeUc Society of Dublin (1808), pt. 3, pp. 180
sq., edited by Theophilus O'Flanagan, who is rash enough to say that
the poem " is undoubtedly Colum Kill's composition."
MS. Readings. 8 naoimh. 28 is teachtmhiiinn. 29 Gin co Meath.
Qq. 1-4 are in loose Rannaiocht metre ; the others in loose Debhi,
with shortening of the first line in qq. 5-7. As in the preceding poem,
there are several imperfect rimes, e.g. / .• dlaoi in 11. 3-4 ; similarly the
end-rimes in 11. 2-4, 23-24, 27-28, 31-32.
48
The poet, about to' set sail from Ireland, asks God to bless his ship
and to grant him a prosperous voyage.
Sources. 23 D 4, p. 96 (the earliest and best MS.). H. 6. 7,
p. 16.
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