Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,James Phillips
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 09:58 AM

To my ears, the Irish band "Danu" recorded the best version of this. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has the perfect voice for it.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 21 Jan 21 - 07:28 AM

A Scottish chapbook dated 1800 is an early source for "Pretty maid milking her cow"


Scottish chapbook (eight pages) at the National Library of Scotland.
Printed by J. & M Robertson, Saltmark (Glasgow) 1800.

Maid Milking her COW.
To which are added,
A SONG by GENERAL WOLF.
etc.


It was on a fine Summer's morning,
As birds sung sweetly on each bough,
I heard a fair maid sweetly singing,
As she sat milking her cow.
She sung with a voice so melodious,
That made me scarce able to go;
My heart it was smother'd with sorrow,
By the pretty maid milking her cow.

I courteously thus did salute her,
Good morrow, fair amorous maid,
I'm your captive slave for the future
Kind sir, do not banter, she said.
I'm not such a precious jewel,
That you could remember me so;
I'm but a plain country girl,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

All India can't afford such a jewel,
So charming a transparent fair!
Pray do not add flames to my fuel,
But consent and love me my dear.
Take pity and grant my desire,
And leave me no longer in woe;
Come love, or else I'll expire,
You pretty maid milking your cow.

I don't understand what you mean, sir,
I've ne'er been a slave yet to love;
Such amours I seldom experienc'd,
Therefore your affections remove.
To marry, then, I can assure you,
Is a thing that I can't undergo;
Therefore, young man, pray excuse me,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

No young man could excuse you,
Or it would be against his own will;
To pen your perfection in beauty,
Some volumes I'm sure it would fill;
I would patiently wait for an answer
My destiny pray let me know;
Your consent, till death, be the ransom,
Your pretty maid milking your cow.

I pray sir, withdraw, and don't tease me,
I'll never consent unto thee;
I like to live single and easy,
Till more of this world I do see.
Lest care it should early embrace me,
Beside that my fortune is low;
Until I grow rich I'll not marry,
Said the pretty maid milking her cow.

To say you would wait for a fortune,
Is a civil way to deny;
And I have got money and cattle,
Dear love, all your wants to supply.
Delays are attended with dangers,
And youth it hath no second spring;
And likewise when beauty is faded,
It never will return again.

A fair maid is like a ship sailing,
She knows not how long safe she'll go,
For in every blast she's in danger,
You pretty maid milking your cow.

An old maid is like an old almanack,
Useless when once out of date;
If her ware is not sold in the morning,
At noon it goes at a low rate.
The fragrance of noon is soon over,
Garnish'd with beauty you know;
And blooms are consum'd in October,
You pretty maid milking your cow.


"The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow"
Extra final verse added in early 19th century broadside versions, in the Bodleian Library, between 1797 and 1838.
(Roud 3139)

Your words consists of much reason,
My obstinancy I do resign;
That sort of fruit ripens early,
Does always soon taint and decline;
And if you'll consent for to marry,
And keep me from sorrow and woe;
Come now and no longer tarry,
Says the pretty maid milking her cow.


.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Rory
Date: 20 Jan 21 - 09:21 PM

AINDRAIS Mac CRAITH MISINTERPRETED AS AUTHOR OF "CAILÍN DEAS CRÚITE NA MBÓ"


This is what was written in Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert, published 1944-1946:

His best known poem is his "Cailin deas cruidhte na mbo," or the "Pretty maid milking the cows," and on the strength of this alone, Mangan calls him the most melodious Gaelic poet of his day.


Robert Herbert obtained this extract from
the biographical sketch of Aindrais MacCraith in Poets and Poetry of Munster, by John O'Daly, 1851,
Short biography of Andrew Magrath pp 17-21
Song pp 82-83.

Page 20
Andrew Magrath was, perhaps, the most melodious Gaelic poet of his day; and we believe that few who peruse his song to the air of "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó," "Pretty Girl Milking the Cows," given in this volume, will dispute the correctness of our opinion.


Page 82
The song referred to on page 20 is
"An Blath-Bhrinnioll," (The Flower Of All Maidens) to the air "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó," (Pretty Girl Milking the Cows).


The O'Daly biography of Andrew Magrath was referring to the tune "Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó", and not the song.

What was written in Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert was a misinterpretation of the O'Daly biograhy.

So Aindrais Mac Craith was not the author of Cailín Deas crúidhte na m-Bó.


This still leaves the question of who is the author(s) of the versions of Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó mentioned in this thread?

A definitive list of poems by Aindrais Mac Craith would be useful to confirm or deny this conclusion.



"Slán le Maigh"

The song "Slán le Maigh" was composed by Aindrais Mac Craith
The song was composed in 1738 when MacCraith was compelled to leave the parish of Croom by the Parish Priest whom, along with others, took offense to the wording in a poem he wrote about the plight of a young woman which was in contrary to the advice the Priest had given to this woman.
It was suggested by the Priest that he should leave the area, mend his ways and settle down. He did leave the parish but later returned when a new Priest replaced the former.


.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,David Dillane
Date: 30 May 15 - 02:23 PM

I read in book Worthies Of Thomond by Robert Herbert that the gaelic version of song was written by Aindreas McCraith one of Maigue poets born in Co Limerick c.1708.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 06:55 PM

fresh

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: MartinRyan
Date: 12 Jan 09 - 03:56 AM

Refresh - to remind me of something!

Regards

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lisa LaMoure
Date: 13 May 07 - 01:48 PM

Hello GaelicGirl, My apologies for not returning your post. Wow! It has been a very long time since I have posted to this site. Thank You for responding. Did you ever move to Seattle? You may reach me at [e-mail], if you would like. Thank You for the information, Lisa

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 04:07 AM

Whoops, sorry Becky, didn''t go through the back postings properly - thanks.
This is the note we did for the bovine version sung by Tom Lenihan of West Clare on 'Around The Hills of Clare'.

A four verse parody entitled The Pretty Girl Milking Her Goat taken down from Penn. miner, Daniel Walsh of centralia< Columbus Co. by Gorge Korson has first verse :
"It was a cold winter morning... etc.
The accompanying note reads: The Pretty Maid Milking Her Goat, for all its mocking text, is sung to one of the loveliest of all Irish melodies'. The only other Irish recording listed in the Roud Index is from Mrs Martha Gillen from Antrim, made by the BBC in 1954.
In his note to the song in Mount Callan Garland, collector Tom Munnelly points out that the singer had the following verse as the penultimate one, but refused to sing it in the presence of women for fear of giving offence. The singer has omitted it here.

An old maid is like an old almanac,
Quite useless when once out of date.
If her ware isn't sold in the morning
At noon it must fall to low rate.
Oh, the fragrance of May is all over
The rose leaves its beauty, you know.
All bloom is consumed in October,
Sweet cailín deas crúite na ,mbó.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 10:45 PM

Jim, see above, 29 Aug 2002. :-)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:53 PM

If anybody ever gets fed up with the straight version (how could they?) there's a wonderful parody collected by George Korson from a Pennsylvania miner called 'Pretty Girl Milking Her Goat'.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Paul Burke
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:46 AM

If the song was never sung, and even playing the air was considered a solecism, how did anyone know either the tune or the words?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 09:35 PM

Pretty Maid Milking her Cow

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,ra
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 09:32 PM

here's one version:

Em D G
Em Em D

G D G Em
G B7 Em Em

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 08:11 PM

Does anyone know the guitar chords to The Pretty Maid Milking a Cow?

Subject: RE: Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 08:08 AM

I've been looking through the catalouge of Cló Iar-Chonnachta;
Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó is sung by Eilín Ní Bheaglaoich of County Kerry on CICD079 "Mile Dath"    - I don't know which version she sings

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 11:50 AM

this info is copied from An Púca writing at a thread about Irish songs about priests,

see the Irish language lyrics from Brian (this thread, 12 Oct 02,the ones I said were a sort of aisling about an evil temptress and were difficult to translate) and the comments by Fiolar on 10 Sep 00.

"Cailín Deas Crúite na Bóó is about a woman seen by a priest when called to administer the last sacrament to a dying man. The woman is understood to be a devil who appears in the form of a beautiful woman to tempt priests. In this case, the priest is said to have realised the situation before his vows of celibacy were compromised but she is said to have delayed him long enough that the dying man passed away before receiving final unction.   The song was one of the "amhrán choiscthe" which people did not really sing. It has seemingly been 'revived' without the context. I know of situations where even playing the melody of the song by a musician as a slow-air was frowned upon in a Gaeltacht area.

"BTW, this particular devil is called the cuaifearnach. "

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,James Mundy
Date: 02 Feb 04 - 09:27 AM

Thank you for all this helpful information on the song. The reason I arrived at your site is that in the collection of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York (where I work) is a painting by the American social realist artist Ben Shahn, entitled "Pretty Girl Milking a Cow". It depicts a workman sitting on a hillside playing his harmonica. No girl nor cow in sight. Thus, we assume, the title of the painting refers to the tune he's playing. The painting was done in 1940 so I wonder if there is a possible connection with the popularization of the tune thanks to the musical film "Little Nelly Kelly"?

Wish I could attach an image of our painting for you to see.

-James

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 03:13 PM

Lyrics transcribed from the sheet music images at The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music:

THE PRETTY GIRL MILKING HER COW
- IRISH BALLAD –
As sung by Miss Agnes Robertson and Mrs. John Wood
In Bourcicalt's Drama of the "COLLEEN BAWN."
New York: Published by John J. Daly, 419 Grand St. [1860]

'Twas on a bright mornin' in summer
I first heard his voice spakin' low,
As he said to a colleen beside me,
"Who's that purty girl milking her cow?"
Oh, many times afther ye met me,
An' vowed that I always should be
Your darlin' a Cushla Alanna Mavourneen Asuilish Machree.

I haven't the manners or graces
Of the girls in the world where ye move.
I haven't their beautiful faces.
But, oh, I've a heart that can love.
If it plase ye, I'll dress me in satin
An' jewels I'll put on my brow,
But, oh, don't be afther forgettin
Your purty girl milking her cow.

[The following lines are printed in Italics above the music staves. No explanation is given, but it seems to be an alternate song to the same tune.]

One morning when Sol was adorning
The dew-painted fragrant rose,
The larks sung their tune melodious
And flowers sweet odors disclosed.
'Twas near to the foot of a mountain
Where cataracts rapidly flow,
I saw that fair artist of nature
Called Colleen dhas crutha na mbo.

The nightingale vied with the syren.
The linnet she sang on each spray.
The dove with the sweetest allurements,
And lambs round the sweet one did play,
While Cupid sat there in his chariot
Well (?) armed with quiver and bow
To wound all the hearts that came near to
This colleen dhas crutha na mbo.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 12:33 AM

Sorry, omitted...

Tune in Key of G Major.

Robin

Subject: Lyr Add: COLLEEN DHAS CRUTHA NA MOE
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 12:29 AM

Cut and paste and edit made it easier tha I thought--


Ok here's the Dover Words.

Very similar to Version posted by Alice above

Sorry, three verses not two as I said before.

COLLEEN DHAS CRUTHA NA MOE.
Composed by Alexander Lee


It was on a fine summer's morning,
When the birds sweetly tuned on each bough;
As I walked out for my pleasure,
As she sat a-milking her cow;
Her voice, so enchanting melodious,
She left me quite unable to go;
My heart it was loaded with sorrow,
For Colleen dhas crutha na moe.


Then to her I made my advances
"Good morrow, most beautigul maid
Your beauty my heart so entrances."
"Pray, sir, do not banter," she said.
"I'm not such a rare precious jewel,
that I should enamour you so.
I am but a poor little milk girl.'
Says Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.


The Indies afford no such Jewel
So bright and transparently clear.
Pray, do not add flame to my fuel!
Consent but to love me, my dear.
Ah! had I the lamp of Aladin,
Or the wealth of the African shore,
I'd rather be poor in a Cottage,
With Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.


Colleen, Colleen, Colleen,
Colleen dhas crutheen na moe.



Why oh why did I first type "enchanting melodions" ... :-)

From the Introduction (Pvii)

The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow (1796)
Moore published this tune in 1813 with the words "The Valley Lay Smiling Before Me", but but he would have first encountered the song in Gaelic, or in a risque English version with this title. Bawdy enought to seems positively un-Irish, it was soon altered to the present lyric, which has since remained the most familar.

~~~~~~~~
That's all she wrote! E&OE!

Robin

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 11:09 PM

Popular Irish Songs
Edited By Florence Lenison
Dover Publications
(c) 1992 - based on songs orig pub 1808-1914 - var publishers

ISBN 0-486-26755-5 (pbk)

P 104
Colleen Dhas Cruthen Na Moe
[note spelling - no inflections as printed]

The Pretty Maid Milking a Cow
An Ancient Irish Melody
The poetry translated from the original Irish

Sung by
Mrs Wanlett
with enthusiastic applause at the

London & Dublin Theatres
Arranged with
Symphonies & Accompaniments
by
Alexander Lee
(no Pub date visible)

P105
Colleen Dhas Cruthen Na Moe
Composed by Alexander Lee


You don't get the words for the moment - copying input not my strength - but you can look up the book

Only seems to be 2 verses. only 5 pages of music/words solo/piano style


book also contains
P146
Who threw the overalls in Mrs Murphy's Chowder
(another mudcat thread)
Words 7 music by Geo L Gieffer

Pub by
Mullen Music Co N.Y.
(no pub date visible)


Robin

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:42 PM

That would probably be Patrick Ball. He has a number of "Celtic harp" CDs out.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,GaelicGirl
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 10:26 PM

Lisa - LaMoure that is - if you are ever on this website again and you happen to see this post, that "Thistle and Shamrock" song you inquired about, you never answered the other person's questions about it being instrumental, vocal, or whatever. If you could let me (us) know, I would be interested as well. How long have you lived in Seattle, by the way? I was thinking about moving out there within the next year, but I haven't made enough contacts to make a final decision... any advice or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks,
GG

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 05:50 AM

Thanks so much!!
Allison

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 06:33 AM

cailín:      coll-een
beog   : should probably be "beag" i.e. small, little. Pronounced roughly "bee-ug" without over-lengthnening the first sound!

chrúite ; croo-it-eh or, in some dialects, crit-eh
na : as is
mbó : m-boh (long)

I'm more used to seeing "deas" (nice, pleasant) than "beag" in this context.

regards

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 05:47 AM

I'm still working on the Bunting version. Does anyone know how to pronunce Cailin beog chruite na mbo???

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Sep 03 - 10:00 AM

The sky was dark, the moon was high
All alone - just she and I.
Her hair was soft and eyes were blue
I knew just what she wanted to do.
Her skin so soft, her legs so fine
I ran my fingers down her spine.
I didn't know how, but I tried my best
I started by placing my hands on her breast.
I remember my fear, my fast beating heart
But slowly she spread her legs apart.
And when I did it, I felt no shame
All at once the white stuff came.
At last it's finished, it's all over now
My first time ever at milking a cow.....

(Author unknown)
Robin

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Helen
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 05:04 PM

Lisa,

Was it a song or instrumental, or song with musical accompaniment?

There is a Patrick Ball who plays Celtic Harp, and he has an album called "Celtic Harp" with thei tune on it.

Firebird Arts & Music

Helen

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lisa LaMoure, Seattle Washington, USA
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 03:06 PM

You have such a wealth of shared information on the Pretty Maid...however, I am still amiss of one resource, I cannot find.
In 1994 I heard this song played on the local NPR Station...the program was "Thistle and Shamrock". The Host of the show, Fiona Richey, had said that the performer was "Patrick Bol". I am not sure of the correct spelling of his surname, and cannot find reference to him on the internet. Do you have a clue as to his correct name?
Thank You, Lisa

Subject: Lyr Add: MY CAILIN BEOG CHRUITE NA MBO!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 01:49 PM

I'll have to listen to the midi and see if it goes with the words I have. I've recently been given about six songs to learn, for a presentation on the music collected by Philip(?) Bunting in the late 1600s. The songs were re-issued in the 18th or 19th century and boy, does it show.

This one is "from a literal translation of the original Irish, by Miss Balfour":

The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
And tinges each white bosom'd sail
The barque, scarcely conscious of motion
Glides slowly before the soft gale:
How vain are the charms they discover,
My heart from its sorrows to draw,
While mem'ry still carries me over,
To cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Ye billows, beneath me now swelling,
To you my hard fate I deplore,
Though far from my oak-shaded dwelling,
Ye bear me to some distant shore.
Though blood-thirsty pirates may sever
My frame from thy cot roof'd with straw,
This heart shall adore thee forever,
My cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Ye Breezes! around me that hover
The tale of my woes ye may learn,
And bear back the sighs of a lover,
Who never again shall return;
For next, when along the waves fading,
The last blush of evening shall glow
Those waves will my sorrows be shading,
My cailin beog chruite na mbo!

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 11:19 AM

I think Mick Moloney did NELLY KELLY. I'll save this thread and dig it up.

Brían

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,alex
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:25 AM

I MILK

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Felipa
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:56 PM

the version posted by Leslie is published (lyrics only) in Seán McMahon,The Poolbeg book of Irish Ballads. Dublin: Poolbeg, 1991 with the following introduction: "Anonymous Known in the nineteenth-century as 'The Pretty Milmaid,' it was used by the wily old playsmith [Dion] Boucicault to ease the dramatic tension in The Coleen Bawn, and emigrated to America to be one of George M Cohan's songs in his Broadway show Little Nelly Kelly."

Joe Offer brought up the Nelly Kelly angle earlier - has anyone found words, tune, and/or recording, sheet music?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 04:46 PM

If you want to compare the lyrics of "Nighean Donn na Buaile",look here for both the
Gaelic and translation

The tune James Campbell sings it to is not like the one I know for Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó (the tune Clannad uses with words almost the same as those Alice posted 15 Sept. '98)

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Alice
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 10:38 AM

The March 31 version you posted is beautiful, one I had not seen before and a version I'll learn.
Thanks, Philippa.

Alice

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 09:24 AM

Oh Gwendolyn went milking with Nelly the cow
She pulled and she wrestled but she didn't quite know how
And after a while Nelly turned with a frown
Just you hang on a little tighter love and I'll jump up and down.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 05:13 AM

The words of a 19th century Scottish Gaelic love-song, A Nighean Donn na Buaile(O brown-hairedgirl of the cattlefold) by Donald Fraser of Fannich, are similar to "The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow". I will start another thread for that song. The third verse translates thus: "Though I should get Europe with all its treasures: though I'd have that at my command and a place to live there; though I were proclaimed a duke or crowned King - O, I'd sooner be married to you if only you would not reject me."
(from "James Campbell of Kintail - Gaelic Songs": Scottish Tradition no. 8, booklet to accompany Greentrax recording CTRAX 9008, previously released as Tangent LP.)

Subject: Lyr Add: MO CHAILÍN DEAS CRUIDTHE NA MBÓ
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 08:31 AM

Of course, "beised" should be "beside"!

I found another set of lyrics that has some lines in common with Bracken's submission.

The following lyrics are from "The Irish Rover: a Ballad Miscellany" Walton Songs, Book 5, published in Dublin, 1966

The book offers the following pronunciation of the title: "Caileen djeas crutche na mo"

MO C[H]AILIN DEAS CRUIDHTE NA mBO
(My Pretty Girl Milking the Cow[s])

The beam on the streamlet was playing,
The dew-drop still hung on the thorn,
When a blooming young couple were straying,
To taste the mild fragrance of morn.
He sighed as he breathed forth his ditty,
And she felt her breast softly to glow,
"Oh, look on your lover with pity,
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó.

"While green is yon bank's mossy pillow,
Or evening shall weep the soft tear,
Or the streamlets shall steal 'neath the willow,
So long shall thy image be dear.
O, fly to these arms for protection,
If pierced by the arrow of woe,
Then smile on my tender affection,
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó."

She sighed as his ditty was ended,
Her heart was too full to reply;
O, joy and compassion were blended,
To light the mild beam of her eye.
He kissed her soft hand: "What above thee,
Could Heaven in its bounty bestow?"
He kissed her soft cheek: "Ah, I love thee!
Mo chailín deas cruidthe na mbó."

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 28 Mar 03 - 08:51 AM

Cailín Deas Crúite na mBó

It's fascinating to see how many versions there are of this song, and how they differ.

The Colm MacLochlainn version given by Alice is similar to what Clannad recorded to the same tune as MMario posted for the second set of Irish-language lyrics (posted by Masato). This English-language version appears to be a rough translation from an Irish-language version.

It seems that not all the various songs are closely related. They have taken the general theme of a pretty milkmaid and put their own gloss on the idea. I wonder how many of the versions cited are set to same air?

"mBó" is pronounced rather like the English word 'mow'; actually the na and mbó are run together like one word, but with stress on the last syllable. The B shows the root word, 'bó', meaning 'cow'. (The pronunciation Alice gave referred to a mudcatter's nickname, not to the Irish!)

The version in Cas Amhrán which Brían didn't post is similar to the Irish language lyrics posted by Masato 13 Oct. 2002 except that ). Cas Amhrán uses standard modern Irish spelling. The tune is as given by Mmario.
'nú' in the first line should be 'nó' (meaning 'or' , 'bliain nó níos mó' – a year or longer)
'grúdh' (4th line) should be grádh (modern spelling grá, meaning 'love').

I thought it would be useful to have an English-language synopsis of the Irish-language verses to compare them with English-language verses. But I found the translation of the first Irish-language song difficult, so I will only summarise it briefly..

Brían's contribution is an Aisling or Vision poem, the singing is herding out on the hills, sky in commotion and suddenly this woman appears before him. He asks "Was she a noble woman alone in the hills or a pretty girl milking the cows", and why she has appeared before him. Describes her beauty and demeanour but says she cast an evil spell on him; don't tell his true love about this escapade!

I found Masato's offering much easier to translate:

I've spent a year or more listening to the mournful whisper of my mind
Since I met my bright love on a lovely sunny autumn evening. The sweet milk cows were lowing and the birds mirthful with music, and on the banks of the stream beside me, was a pretty girl milking the cows.

Her eyes like the sun shining through misty sky, Her cheeks as red as berry, Her mouth sweeter than blackberries, her complexion fairer than fresh milk. There is no young woman in the world more beautiful than the pretty girl milking the cows.

If I were the high Lord of Ireland, with garments of silk and satin, If I could have the highest Queen, with a dowry of 100 boats, and pilots, castles and gold; I would rather be poor on a hillside with the pretty girl milking the cows.

If I can't be beised this angelic maiden, My life will be sad and useless. There will be no comfort in my heart or in my mind, no rest in the night or the day, Until from her people she comes beside me, the pretty girl milking her cow.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: GUEST,Lesley Halamek
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 09:20 PM

Thanks Masato,

It makes more sense with *all* the lyrics!

Best wishes,
Lesley Halamek

Violin Beginner Music - Folk Music for the Violin Learner

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM

"Oh! Would I Were That Sweet Linnet" (words: William Smyth) by Beethoven is HERE (info, lyrics & midi).
~Masato

Subject: Lyr Add: OH! WOULD I WERE BUT THAT SWEET LINNET!
From: GUEST,Lesley Halamek
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 11:07 PM

Just to throw a red herring...
I was recently looking for an extra Folksong or two to complete my latest (No.4) "Folksongs for the Violin" Book. I heard "Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbo" ("The Pretty Maid Milking the Cow"), and thought "I know that tune! Where have I heard it before?" So, thinking Duet, Dermot, and Beethoven, I searched my vinyl collection for a recording by Victoria de los Angeles and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, accompanied by Gerald Moore, singing Beethoven's arrangement of No 9. of 12 Irish Songs. Beethoven called his arrangement of ["Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbo"] "Oh! would I were but that sweet linnet" (Grove's Op. 255).
The (English) words on the vinyl recording are:-

Oh! would I were but that sweet linnet!
That I had my appletree too!
Could sit all the sunny day on it,
With nothing but singing to do.
I'm weary with toiling and spinning,
And Dermot I never can see,
Nor sure am I Dermot of winning,
There's never good luck for poor me!

Ye saints with the Virgin! believe me,
I join with the priest in your praise!
Contrive but my Dermot to give me,
And I'll love you the length of my days.
In vain would they bid me be wiser,
And never my Dermot to see,
Bad luck to advice and adviser!
Good luck to dear Dermot and me!

Best wishes all,
Lesley Halamek

"Violin Beginner Music" - Folksongs for the Violin Learner

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: masato sakurai
Date: 15 Dec 02 - 05:32 AM

A broadside titled "Colleen Dhas Crutha na Mho" ("It was on a summer morning") is in the Murray Collection (Click here, and go to "Mu23-y1:029").

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:07 PM

hey that's an interesting factoid! Must out that in the revised version of my paper...

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: MMario
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 06:46 PM

Wasn't the first innoculation for smallpox actually derived from cowpox?

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: nutty
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 04:47 PM

As a matter of interest ..... the reason why there were so many songs /poems about milkmaid/dairymaids was that, while the majority of the population suffered from the ravages of smallpox, those people working with cattle could develop immunity to the disease ... so had flawless complections.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: sharyn
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 12:09 PM

Re: Fiolar's comment that this song or tune is unlucky: I've heard this idea, too: Tom Savage, an Irishman who was a member of the San Francisco Folk Music Club for many years and a wonderful singer, considered this song unlucky and would not sing it.

Subject: Tune Add: CAILÍN DEÁS CRÚIDHTE NA MBÓ
From: MMario
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:33 AM

X:1
T:Cailin Deas Cruite Na mBo
I:abc2nwc
M:3/4
L:1/8
K:G
z4(E F)|G2B2G2|F2A2F2|E2D2(E F)|G2B2G2|
w:Tá_ bliain nú níos mó 'gam ag eis-teacht,Le_ cog-ar doil-
F2A2F2|E4(E F)|G2B2G2|F2A2F2|
w:ghéa-sach mo mhéoinn,Ó_ cas-adh liom grúdh geal mo
E2D2(B3/2 A/2)|G3F E2|B,2E2(E3/2 F/2)|E4E F|
w:chléibh-e,Tráth_-nó-na breágh gréinn-e sa_ bhfoghmhar Bhí an
G2(G A) (B c)|d2B2d d|e2E2(E F)|G2(G A) (B c)|
w: bhó-bhain_-ne_ chumh-rtha ag géim-nigh,A's na_ héan-laith_ go_
d2B2d2|e4(f e)|d2(B3/2 c/2) d2|G2A2F2|
w:meidh-reach le ceól,A's ar bhruach an_ tsroth-áin ar leath-
E2D2(B3/2 A/2)|G3F E2|B,2E3F|E4
taobh díom,Bhí_ cail-ín deás crúidht-e na mbó.

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Brían
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 04:02 PM

Masato has provided the same version that is in Cas Amhrán. I think I can make a midi of it if you email me here. just title it Cailin Deas or something so I know what it is in regards to.

Brían

Subject: RE: Info: Pretty Maid (Girl) Milking a Cow
From: Peg
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 03:43 PM

another great set of lyrics! The one I am lookng for would most likely have verse lengths similar to the lines given, and a set of 8 as given above. But there is a chorus/curfa which would probably have 4 lines...dunno if that is helpful. It maybe the version I have heard an instrumental of does not correspond to any known lyric and I will just have to adpat them myself! (Now there's a project).

thanks all!
peg