THE GAELIC OF SAMUEL LOVER

New Zealand Tablet, 26 May 1921, Page 32

THE GAELIC OF SAMUEL LOVER

Sir,—ln your issue of May 5 there is given a gallant metrical, piece under the title of ‘Pag An Bealach,” by Samuel Lover. Either Lover himself, or whoever translated the heading in question, blundered badly in the pronunciation of “Bealach.” He translates it “Bella,” which is never heard from Gaelic-speaking lips. Never have I heard it pronounced otherwise than “Baile” as in Fag an baile,” or bealach. Baile and bealach are closely akin, and “Baile,” not “Bolla’ is the true and natural pronunciation.. “Holla,” in the line “One view holla,” is also objectionable. We have always heard: “View, view, halloo!” as a hunting cry to hounds when fox, or hare, or rabbit was started from his lair. Surely “Holla” is a corrupt form and never expressed as a shout behind dogs or elsewhere. Fag au baile” and “Halloo,” or Hulloo are the orthodox expressions. Samuel Lover was a genuine patriot, as the ring of the following lines amply proves: Better early graves, boys, Dark locks gory, Than bow the head as, slaves, boys, ' When they’re hoary. How faithful to this • doctrine the sons and daughters of Erin to-day! God save Ireland!—l am, etc.,—J Golden. Auckland, May 18.