Donald Ross of Heimra (Volume 3 of 3)

Small his possessions, but rich-chambered his mind:
Wealth has he other than Eilean Heimra.

I see the people as they go along the road:
Their regard is turned upon Young Donald;
There is deep love in their bosom for him;
They wish him many days and prosperity.

I see her whom he has chosen:
The lady of the Big House near to the trees:
The fair mistress, the beautiful one,
The generous daughter of the Saxon.

Mild of speech, smiling pleasantly:
My heart was warm towards her;
Much did I hear of the kindness
Of the generous, open-handed maiden.

Tall of stature, graceful in step as a young fawn;
Glad was I when I gazed on her;
I regarded her many beauties, and I said —
Well has young Donald chosen his mate.

Now I hear the sound of rejoicings;
I hear the festivities wide-echoing;
Across the ocean I hear the shouts of the wedding:
Hail to the young chief of Clan Anrias!

The wine-cup is lifted by many hands;
The bride and bridegroom are smiling among their friends;
To-night the bonfires will blaze on the hills;
I hear the loud sound of the pipes.

No gifts have I for the home-coming;
No amulet of secret virtue;
But the voice of the woman-bard[3 - Banabhard.] is welcome to her chief:
Young Donald will not despise what I send.

Salutations and blessings I send:
Happy may his days be with his love:
Long years, many friends, a warm heart —
These are the things I wish for him.

For her also the same:
For her, the chosen one, the fair-haired one, the beautiful Saxon;
Many years, and love through all of them,
For the bride of Young Donald of Heimra!

She carefully folded the paper and put it in her pocket.

"This is to be mine," she said. "For if Young Donald despises that message from across the sea, Young Donald's wife does not."

THE END

notes

1

Tighearnas– lordship, or dominion.

2

Mo-luaidh– My dearest one, or my most-prized one.

3

Banabhard.