Classic Poem

Here is a gathering of worthy gentlemen
who are maintaining in fashion
the speech that is potent and accomplished,
in which was heard narration with real sparkle;
'tis fluent and not hesitant,
'tis polished when correctly spoken;
those who dislike it are not many,
'twas the common speech of those who wore the tartans.

A language undefiled, without admixture—
'tis Gaels to whom it is a heritage;
its sound is inherently attractive,
dauntless are the people that used it;
'tis the mother tongue, entirely inoffensive,
but abounding in delightful courtesy;
the note of mirth is sounded frequently,
and minstrels declaim it rapidly.

London is very highly encouraged
by the vigour of the gallant Gaels,
who gained respect wherever they were sought out—
those stalwart, handsome champions,
who are assuming real responsibility
for keeping the kingdom powerful,
and have decreed that, for all time,
Gaelic, pipe, and flag shall be inviolate.

By wisdom, Edinburgh gentlemen
are kingly, conciliatory, charming;
among them wrong is not permitted,
'tis they that can discern the right;
they are sympathetic to the needy,
and with rogues they deal severely;
in time of derring-do or turmoil,
pity those who started to assail them.

Who would start to pounce upon
the manly, valiant heroes—
the proud and haughty Gaels,
now staunchly shoulder to shoulder,
who would make opponents quake with terror,
when the blows of keen blades fall?
Pity those on whom would swoop the north men,
the hardy company that would not yield.

Each incident that now befalls them
is more auspicious than the last:
the lands of which they were dispossessed
they have completely regained;
all who have rights will come into their heritage,
they are overlords of their own property;
the heirs will be well to do
and no farmer will be in distress.

When we look at our apparel,
we invoke a blessing on Graham,
and the great Fraser of Lovat,
the lord who rendered us good service;
at the highest court that was in London,
they were esteemed and gained a hearing;
the whole kingdom is beholden to them—
they won for us sanction for our garb.

The Royal Highland Gathering
is now in Edinburgh town,
rating Gaelic as being
inherently superior to English;
holding the great pipe, as of yore,
above the harp or music of strings;
and handing on those two delights
to the generation that succeeds us.