Classic Poem

To-day I saw the magic stone
and beauteous gem,
fastenings of gold around it,
in circling ring:
bands that are firm on the blazon
of my kindred,
who have held fast to their old traits
as was their wont.

An emblem to march through hazard
with a strong host;
men who are not scared or awed
by sound of volley;
a clan that was oft engaged
in routing foemen,
and would not wish to turn back
without gain or victory.

Once ye were trimly sailing
on ocean waves;
from one of the boat's keel planks
a nail slipped out;
with all haste he thrust the thumb
down in its place,
drove it tightly with the hammer,
and left its tip there.

The honour the Sleat carpenter obtained,
because of all the might that waxed in him,
is still preserved for his descendants,
despite the knavery of every foe:
the neat, appropriate coat of arms,
which the king appointed for his service,
equal to those borne by any of that strong tribe,
from Spanish Coll of the Hundred Battles.

Fist grasping sword, and a gentleman's hand
holding a fiery cross;
eagles displaying their swift wings,
for stress of danger;
a ship under way on ridge of ocean,
with lofty sails:
escutcheon of Macintyre of Cruachan,
supreme mountain of Argyll.

Thy men often sail the ocean,
stalwart, fearless mariners;
their form is shapely and handsome,
there's many an army in which some are serving;
they loved to roam through rugged region,
early and late hunting in wilderness;
others among them rank as gentlefolk,
and some of them are farming tenantry.

Majestic is the record, aught ever heard
about thy people;
those of them now living would lend their ample aid,
wert thou in peril;
all other symbols of like virtue
in Glen Noe itself are stablished:
bagpipe, banner, power hath James,
the chieftain who will never fail us.