‘The Fairies’ Lullaby’ translated by Eleanor Hull

The Fairies’ Lullaby.

 
My mirth and merriment, soft and sweet art thou.
 
Child of the race of Conn art thou ;
My mirth and merriment, soft and sweet art thou.
 
Of the race of Coll and Conn art thou.-
 
My smooth green rush, my laughter sweet,
 
My little plant in the rocky cleft.
Were it not for the spell on thy tiny feet.
 
Thou wouldst not here be left.
Not thou.
 
Of the race of Coll and Conn art thou.
 
My laughter, sweet and low art thou ;
As you crow on my knee,
 
I would lift you with me.
Were it not for the mark that is on your feet,
I would lift you away,
and away,
with me.
 
Translated by Eleanor Hull (1860-1935)
from, The Smile and the Tear ; Poems and Songs of Ireland. Ed.  Seán McMahon, Publ. 2011 by Londubh Books.

The  Adulteress Song

Little white bug
who comes at the wrong time,
at home is the father
of the crying child.

Little black bug
with snowy wings
at home is the father
of the child who sings.

from : The adulteress song that is sung in Alba de Tormes 

First Published in GB by Marion Boyars Publishers Limited 1980. translations by Christopher Maurer.

Two Cradle Songs.