CARMINA GADELICA

Ortha nan Gaidheal

THE BLESSING OF THE PARCHING

Thou flame grey, slender, curved,

Coming from the top pore of the peat,

Thou flame of leaps, breadth, heat,

Come not nigh me with thy quips.

A burning steady, gentle, generous,

Coming round about my quicken roots,

A fire fragrant, fair, and peaceful,

Nor causes dust, nor grief, nor havoc.

Heat, parch my fat seed,

For food for my little child,

In name of Christ, King of the elements,

Who gave us corn and bread and blessing withal,

In name of Christ, King of the elements,

Who gave us corn and bread and blessing withal.