The Gaelic Tongue (1905)

James Bernard Dollard, composed in Toronto, Ontario

This is the mystic language heard of old,

In ancient Éirinn, when the enchanted Sí

Danced to weird music over glen and lea:

When Oisín’s born awakened bill and wold.

This is the tongue whose slogan thundered bold

At famed Clontarf beside the ensanguined sea

And scattered fear by Béal-an-Átha-Buí

Where the fierce tide of Uladh’s battle rolled!

Soft as the summer’s breath o’er clover fields

Yet trenchant as the fabled “Sword of Light:”

The dread Claíomh Solais that swift Oscar wields

In Tír na nÓg: - the high reward of might.

Clear as the rays that flashed from Fenian shields:

Wild-sweet as fairy music thro’ the night.

Adapted from: Dollard, James. 1905. “The Gaelic Tongue.” Ottawa Review. 6. vii. University of Ottawa.

For citation, please use: Dollard, James. 1905. “The Gaelic Tongue.” Ó Dubhghaill, Dónall. 2024. Na Gaeil san Áit Ró-Fhuar. Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir: www.gaeilge.ca