medal for Maíre |
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H A B |
Craigower, Midlothian
Beatha an Scoláire Aoibhinn beatha an scoláire
bhíos ag déanamh a léighinn; is follas díbh, a dhaoine, gurab dó is aoibhne in Gan smacht ríogh ná rófhlatha ná tighearna dá threise gan chuid cíosa ag caibidil, gan moichéirghe, gan meirse. Moichéirghe ná aodhaireacht ní thabhair uadha choidche, 's ní mí do-bheir dá aire fear na faire san oidhche. Do-bheir sé greas ar tháiplis is ar chlársigh go mhinne, nó fós greas eile ar shuirghe is ar chumann mná finne. Maith biseach a sheisrighe ag teacht tosaigh an earraigh; is é is crannghail dá sheisrigh lán a ghlaice de pheannaibh. |
The Scholar's Life Sweet is the scholar's life, busy about his studies, the sweetest lot in as all of you know well. No king or prince to rule him nor lord however mighty, no rent to the chapter-house, no drudging, no dawn-rising. Dawn-rising or shepherding never required of him, no need to take his turn as watchman in the night. He spends a while at chess, and a while with the pleasant harp and a further while wooing and winning lovely woman. His horse-team hale and hearty at the first coming of spring; the harrow for his team is a fistful of pens. - 17th century |
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Greetings, Dick, on your four score years, and may you continue
to enjoy your Scholar's Life! Greetings to Winifred too, remembering evenings in the distant past when we went to our Gaelic lessons. Happy memories too of your eagle's nest where upstairs was downstairs and we enjoyed the panorama as well as the crack. The last 80th birthday we celebrated together was in 1985 (HAB's) and what fun it was. So I am thinking of you and hope to see you soon. Go mairimíd beó ar an lá seo arís agus arís eile. Maíre
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