The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #43818   Message #1253711
Posted By: GUEST,JTT
22-Aug-04 - 04:35 PM
Thread Name: Explore: Raglan Road 2
Subject: RE: Explore: Raglan Road 2
I used to know the words of Fáinne Gheal an Lae years ago (fáinne an lae - literally the ring of the morning - refers to the way that the dawning sun makes a ring at the horizon) many years ago, but only remember fragments. It started "Ar maidin moch, do gheabhas amach, ar bruach Locha Léin" (Early in the morning I went out on the bank of Loch Lene). I'll just google a bit and see if I can find it... I think it's an aisling, as far as I remember - you know, the 18C verse form where a wandering poet meets a beautiful woman who seeks his help; love songs in the form of nationalist anthems or vice versa, depending on your taste.

Le Fainne Geal An lae

Trad. / Music: Perry Rose

"Ar maidin moch
do gabhas amach
ar bhruach Locha Léin.
An Samhradh 'teacht
an chraobh lem ais
'gus banta mine réidh
Cé gheobhainn lem ais
ach an cailin deas
le fainne geal an lae"

English Translation :
One morning early as I walked forth
By the margin of Lough Lene
The sunshine dressed the trees in green
And summer bloomed again
I left the town and wandered on
Through fields all green and gay
And whom should I meet but my colleen deas
At the bright ring of the day

(I don't know what "Perry Rose" refers to. Oh, and this is only one verse; as far as I remember there were five or six.)