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VERSION "B" (ENGLISH)
Here's a health to my hero,
'Tis right full to fill it,
And to keep it in practice
As truly a fashion;
Every man who dislikes it
I shall leave him a-thirsting,
To drink it were pleasant
In wine or in brandy
If it's good fiery brandy,
Bring it down now to see it,
I would hold up a quaich full
In front of my forehead;
Ill becomes it to comrades
Not to love one another,
To all who it pleases -
Here's a health to the Rebels!
Young Donald from Lochaber
Thy health may I see drunk around me,
The youth faithful, commanding
And in danger unflinching;
Little wonder that pride shines
So high in thy visage,
While so much blood royal
Does run by thy shoulders.
For indeed much blood fruitful
Does course 'neath thy clothing,
From Manus Mac Cairbre's
Race, well-armed and valiant;
With their spotted double targets
And their strong coats of armour,
When they charged in the onset,
Retreat did they never.
And thy kinsmen are many
To be seen here in Scotland,
To Sleat thou'rt related
And the young heir of Dreòllainn,
To Mac Shim of the banners
In need's hour not faint-hearted,
And young Ewen of Cluny
And his folk would rise with thee.
The Marquis of Enzie
And Perth's Duke would rise with thee,
And likewise Clan Chattan
With their blue, keen-edged weapons,
Mac Mhic Ranald of Keppoch
With his clean-limbed, brave clansmen,
And Mac Iain Stewart of Appin
A chieftain unyielding.
Of thy clansmen thou'rt certain
Wherever thou goest,
Pity whom meets their anger,
In need's hour they're not timid;
Well-armed, equipped, loyal,
Unaccustomed to yielding,
And the sound of their firing
Would leave their foes prostrate.
It was shown at Gladsmuir
Thou excelledst in valour,
Thy spirit tookst from thy grandsire
Who of hosts was commander;
And my hope's in the Trinity,
If this thing come to triumph,
I'll see thee win a Dukedom
When that crown has been gainèd.
At Falkirk, 'gainst Hawley,
Thou didst excel all his army,
When the enemy turned
In six ranks on the hillside;
Thou flinchedst not from the danger
With thy ancestor's courage,
When thy clan drew together
The beasts took to fleeing.
Nor did that coward rabble
Take to fleeing in safety,
For many a red-coat
Lay on the field headless,
And arms from their shoulders
And crown off were stricken,
By the keen, mighty heroes
Haughty, and fearless.
Woe betide him who would thwart them
Aflame for the battle,
With my loved one a-leading,
A champion in the fighting;
Whene'er thy banner was raisèd
By the fine fearless heroes,
Their strong arms a-striking
Would leave Englishmen lifeless. |
