Help needed translating scots gaelic letter

[G.J.Repper]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and noticed some people have been asking about getting lines translated from gaelic to english.

Recently I have obtained this letter and I have found out the basics of its contents. It sounds really interesting and is from around 1889.

I would really appreciate if someone could translate some or all / as much as possible.

Thanks and all the best,

Graham

[Crofter]

This is a poem to commemorate the death of someone held in high regard by the author. I’m not sure if James Mackenzie is the author or the person being commemorated since a Mister Iain is also mentioned in the first verse.

Achnacarnin is situated on the North West coast of Sutherland to the north of Lochinver. You might be able to find out more about James Mackenzie and Mister Iain at this address:

The Secretary
Assynt Crofters’ Trust
North Assynt Estate
Stoer
Sutherland
IV27 4JE
Tel./fax 01571 855298
E-mail: secretary@assyntcrofters.co.uk

It would be interesting to know if the poem was ever published, and who those worthies were. If you find out anything more please let us know.




James Mackenzie
1802 – 1889

I
I used to await
The call from the Judge
That took away Mister Iain
Who was a light of Stoer;

But what grieved me more sorely
Before inflicting that wound
That someone left us tonight
Who was a great inspiration.

It was in Achnacarnin
I got news which was painful
Of the demise of one as devout
And as gentlemanly as any in the land

Who was more beautiful in wit
Or in habits more pure
Who bettered you James
In maintaining the peace

II
I never met you
But I hold you to my breast
A heart staunch in wisdom
Never asking for yourself

But with friends of acquaintance
And the truth of your words
In the face of the blessed
That are all left behind

III
I was never in your company
Though I’d always be willing
Being familiar with duty
To follow in your footsteps

It was not without extreme feeling
That you were esteemed in my eyes
With your friendly forbearance
Let me take more of your strain

There was no gloom in your beliefs
There was no hate in your teachings
There was no esteemed ignorance
In your spirit without deceit

One could see in your presence
That you were chosen among men
Heavenly light in your face
Like on the alter of light

IV
“You’re the light of the world”
That’s the sermon you liked
Like it was with the one who frees
Who sang it on the mountains

It’s good that we reached you
(line missing)
That you yourself conquered
On the way, and on death

V
In a spirited mind
Your gains were my loss
To you light and gladness
To me darkness and sorrow

But I will foster your wisdom
With all you said and did
Though the image of my loss
All night long gets me down

The blessed border of truth
Reward the faithful servant
The peace of the Kingdom
Fully cushion your head

(line missing)
Life eternal on your travel
Love divine keep you
Close to the Throne of Glory

[Smee3]

Dear Crofter,
After looking through many posts ,it seems that you are the person that really knows their history of languages and many other things as well.I would really appreciate it if you could look at the translation I would like done or pass it on to someone who may have an idea.I have just received one version but would really like to check it against another as it's for a tattoo for my friend's 40th birthday and it would be awful to get it wrong.
The quote is: Love turns,with a little indulgence,to indifference or disgust:hatred alone is immortal.

The translation I have been given is :Thèid an gaol, gun ach beagan brosnachaidh, meadh bhlàth no gu gràin:
?s e fuath a-mhàin a mhaireas

Does this make any sense to you and what does the question mark mean?
Kind regards for any help you can give me,
Smee.

[Crofter]

Smee3

Thank you for the complement of putting your faith in my ability to translate my native language.

The quote you want translating would more appropriately be written in Gaelic thus:

Toinndaidhidh gaol, le ach beagan dùrachd, gu neo shuim no gràin: ′S e fuath a mhàin a mhaireas.

Although the translation you have been given is close some of the words are not accurate translations, for example:

Thèid an gaol – means “love goes” not “love turns”
Brosnachaidh – means “provocation” not “indulgence”
meadh bhlàth – means “lukewarm” not “indifference”
As for the question mark, I can only suggest that the writer hit a wrong key.

[Smee3]

Dear Crofter,
Thank you so much for your translation,I really appreciate it and it's great to know that the language continues thanks to people like you.
Thank you again and again.
Best Wishes,
Smee.