CARMINA GADELICA

Ortha nan Gaidheal

HOGMANAY CAROL

I am now come to your country

To renew to you the Hogmanay,

I need not tell you of it,

It was in the time of our forefathers.

I ascend by the door lintel,

I descend by the doorstep,

I will sing my song becomingly,

Mannerly, slowly, mindfully.

The Hogmanay skin is in my pocket,

Great will be the smoke from it presently.

* * * * *

The house-man will get it in his hand,

He will place its nose in the fire;

He will go sunwards round the babes,

And for seven verities round the housewife.

The housewife it is she who deserves it,

The hand to dispense to us the Hogmanay,

A small gift of the bloom of summer,

Much I wish it with the bread.

Give it to us if it be possible,

If you may not, do not detain us;

I am the servant of God's Son at the door,

Arise thyself and open to me.