Classic Poem

The noble Royal Society
is now busy making plans
for the revival everywhere
of the culture of their sires:
Gaelic is expounded,
since 'tis certain it is best—
the precious, precise speech
that sealed covenants with Adam.

Everyone declares to us
that, as sure as death, it was
the language Noah talked
at the time of sailing in the Ark:
since then 'tis spoken extensively
by each generation that springs up,
and will never pass into oblivion,
till the day of judgment come.

Gaelic is completely full
of wondrous qualities:
'tis apt, cheery, sociable
in showing forth its love:
for mirth, pastime, gaiety,
and lilt in every mouth,
we have heard of none on record
more appropriate than it is.

Each fashion of the Gaels
is now coming into vogue—
the suits they were accustomed to
and favoured for themselves:
meetings are held everywhere
by the most courteous heroes,
each of them speaking Gaelic;
and the pipe is always tuned.

The great bagpipe of Falkirk
is the most prized pipe in Scotland:
it has bone rings on its drones,
and 'tis strong, well-balanced, sturdy:
there is blown into its bag, to start with,
that which fills its frame with passion:
'tis a lively instrument of dance tunes,
loudly was heard the guggle of its throat.

It is comely to look at,
no item of the fittings is amiss:
it has a reed of delicious, dulcet notes,
and a handsome stock, all carved;
also a trim, straight, shapely mouthpiece—
each best of their several designs:
with chanter that would comply with every rule
that will test the marching tune.

'Tis esteemed at every wedding
that takes place in the Roughbounds region:
'tis helpful in camp at their parade time,
to sound the assembly of the troops:
'tis good for rousing them in the morning,
and for sending them to sleep at night:
'tis pre-eminent at mid-day,
while evening suits it best of all.

The damsel has numerous suitors
who approach her politely with proposal:
whichever of them she goes off with,
will incur jealousy and envy:
the man that is destined to win her
will have all the luck of the fair—
her ladyship of the clear notes,
'tis bliss for her lover to escort her.

It is highly prized in London,
and in this country it has won esteem;
'tis better than the murmur of the harp,
and it surpasses fiddle-playing;
'tis greatly to the Society's credit
that they will never let us lack
music to which no equal can be cited,
and the revered language of the truth.

Best of all speech, unequalled Gaelic;
choice of all music, skirl of the pipe.
Now is the time for the chief musicians
of the realm to take their places,
with fluent music, nervous, nimble,
lively, vivacious, swift, unbroken;
here is judgment in the earth
and each will get according to his performance.