{"collection":"Northern European Mythology","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/neu/celt/pt2/pt242.htm","path":"neu/celt/pt2/pt242.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/pt2/pt242.htm","text":"From the Brothers MacCraw, North Uist, 1859.\nTHERE was once, long ago, a scholar; and when he had done learning, his master said that he must now answer three questions, or have his head taken off. The scholar was to have time to make ready, and being in a great fright, he went to a miller who was the master's brother, and asked his aid.\nThe miller disguised himself and went instead of the scholar, and the first question put to him was this:--\"How many ladders would reach the sky?\"\n\"Now,\" said the narrator, \"can you answer that?\"\n\"One, if it were long enough.\"\n\"That's right.\" The second was:--\n\"Where is the middle of the world?\"\nSo the miller laid down a rod, and he said:--\"Here, set a hoop about the world, and thou will find the middle here.\"\nThe third was:--\"What is the world's worth?\"\n\"Well,\" said the miller, \"the Saviour was sold for thirty pieces of silver, I am sure the world is worth no more.\"\n\"Oh,\" said the brother who was riding beside us, \"that's not the way I have heard it. The second was,\"\n\"How long will it take to go round the world?\" And the miller said:--\n\"If I were as swift as the sun and moon, I would run it in twenty-four hours.\"\nAnd the third was:--\n\"What is my thought?\"\nAnd the miller answered:--\n\"I can tell: Thou thinkest that I am thy scholar, but I am thy brother, the miller.\"\nThis was told to me September 1, 1859, in North Uist, as I walked along the road. There are a great many similar wise saws current which are generally fathered on George Buchanan, the tutor of James VI.\nThe following are a few riddles of the same kind, collected at Gairloch, for Osgood Mackenzie, Esq., by Mr. Donald MacDonald:\n1. Whether is older, the man or the beard?\nThe beard is the older, for the work of creation was all finished before the man, and the beard was on the goat before the man was.\n2. What is the wood that is not bent nor straight?\nSawdust. It is neither bent nor straight.\nThis riddle forms part of a very long and curious story which I heard told at Inverary, at Easter, 1859, and which is written down.\n3. What is the thing which the Creator never saw, and that kings see but seldom, and that I see every day?\nThere is but one Creator, for that he never saw his like. Kings are but scarce, for that they see each other but rarely; but I see my own like every day that I get up,--other sinners like myself.\nThe riddle is very well known; but this is another view of it.\n4. There were three soldiers coming home on furlough, and their three wives with them; they came to a river over which there was a ferry, but the boat would take with it but two together. The question is, how did they make the passage, for no one of them would trust his wife with another man, unless he was himself beside her?\nTwo women went over first, one went on shore, and the other came back with the boat, and she took the third with her, one of them went back and she stood beside her own husband, and the two husbands of the women who were over went back with the boat; one of them went on shore, and the wife of the man who was in the boat went into her along with him, and they went to the other side. His wife went on shore, and the man who was yonder came in the boat; then the two men went over; then there were three men over, and a woman; this woman took over the other women by the way of one and one; and there seem to be more solutions than one for the problem.\nThis puzzle, in various shapes, is well known, e.g. the Fox, the Goose, and the Bag of Corn.\n(Gaelic omitted)\n...\n..\nThe following are a few riddles, collected by Hector MacLean; most of them from a little school-girl in Islay:--\n1.\nRow and noise and racket\n About the market town,\n It is no bigger than a flea,\n An' money it brings home.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lint seed.\nSt-ioram starum stararaich\n Air feadh a bhaile mhargaidh\n Cha mhoth' e na deargann\n Is bheir e dhachaidh airgiod.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fras l\u00ecn-Linseed.\n2.\nTwo feet down and three feet up,\n And the head of the living in the mouth of the dead.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A man with a porridge pot on his head.\nDa 'chas sh\u00ecos 's tri chasan shuas\n \u2019S ceann a' bheo am beul a' mhairbh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0H-aon agus poit air a cheann.\n3.\nI see to me, over the hill,\n A little one with a cut in his nose,\n Two very long teeth in his jaw,\n And a tatter of tow about his tail.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A hare.\nChi mi thugam thar a' bheinn\n Fear beag 's beum as a shr\u00f2in\n Da fhiacaill fhada 'na ch\u00ecr\n \u2019S cirb de bhlaigh lin ma th\u00f2in.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gearraidh.\n4.\nI see to me, over the fall,\n A little curly hasty one;\n A tuck of his shirt under his belt,\n And the full of the world under his power.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Death.--This portrait varies from the usual sketches.\n Chi mi thugam thar an eas\n Fear beag cuirneanach cas\n Cirb d'a l\u00e9ine fo a chrios\n \u2019S l\u00e0n an t-saoghail fo a los.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Am b\u00e0s.\n5.\nI see to me, I see from me,\n Two miles and ten over the sea,\n The man of the green boatie,\n And his shirt sewn with a thread of red.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The rainbow.\n Chi mi thugam, chi mi bhuam,\n Da mh\u00ecle dheug thar a' chuain,\n Fear a' choitilein uaine,\n Is sn\u00e0thainn dearg a' fuaghal a l\u00e9ine.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Am bogha frois.\n6.\nSheep small, and very small,\n That have been thrice shorn of all,\n On the hill that is furthest out,\n Where every little saint will be.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The stars.\nCaora mhion, mhionachag,\n Air an treas lomachag,\n Air an t-sliabh is fhaide muigh,\n Far am bi gach ionachag.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Na reultan.\n7.\nThe bard, the bard, the Frenchman,\n Behind the house a wheezing.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The nettle.\n(The meaning of this is not very clear.)\nAn fhile 'n Mile Fhrangach\n Cul an tighe 's sreann aice.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An fheanndagach.\n8.\nA bent crooked stick between two glens,\n When moves the crooked bent stick\n Then move the two glens.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Scales and balance.\nMaide crom cam eadar da ghleann,\n Ma charachas am maide crom cam\n Carachaidh an da ghleann.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Meidh is sg\u00e0lain.\n9.\nThree red kine on the bank of the sea,\n That never drank a drop of the water of Alba.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Three dogrose-hips.\nTri ba dearga 'chois na fairge,\n Nach d' \u00f2l deur do dh' uisg' Alba riabh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tri mucagan failm.\nThere seems to be a pun in this Alba of Scotland or wandering.\n10.\nThree spotted kine under a stone,\n A drop of their milk never was milked.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Three snakes.\n Tri ba breaca chois na leaca,\n Nach do bhleodhnadh deur d'am bainne riabh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tri nathraichean.\n11.\nFour shaking and four running,\n Two finding the way,\n And one roaring.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A cow--feet udder, eyes, and mouth.\nCeathrar air chrith 's ceathrar 'nan riuth,\n Dithisd a' deanadh an rathaid\n 'S h-aon a' glaodhaich.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A' bh\u00f2. Ceithir casan, ceithir ballain, da shuil 'a a beul.\n12.\nA little clear house, and its two doors shut.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An egg.\nTigh beag soillear 's a dha dhorusd d\u00f9inte.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ubh.\n13.\nTwo strings as long as each other.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A river's banks.\nDa thaod cho fhada.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Da thaobh na h-abhann.\n14.\nRounder than a ball, longer than a ship.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A clew.\n\u2019S cruinn' e na ball \u2019s fhaid' e na long.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ceairsle.\n15.\nI can hold it myself in my fist,\n And twelve men with a rope cannot hold it.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An egg.\nCumaidh mi fein a'm' dhorn e,\n 'S cha chum da fhear dheug air r\u00f2p' e.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ubh.\n16.\nA great crooked stick in yonder wood,\n And not a thing in it,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0But clang bo clang.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A weaving loom.\nMaide mor cam \u2019s a\u2019 choill ud thall\n \u2019S gun aona mh\u00ecr ann\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ach gliong bo gliong.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Beairt fhighte.\n17.\nIt travels on the little meads,\n It travels on the midden steads,\n It travels on the lengthened riggs,\n And home it cometh late at night.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The reaping hook.\nSiubhlaidh e na leunagan,\n Siubhlaidh c na breunagan,\n Siubhlaidh e 'n t-imire fada,\n \u2019S thig e dhachaidh anmoch.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An corran buana.\n18.\nClean sour (salt or of the field) water without brine or salt.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Water in a field.--There is a pun which cannot be rendered.\nUisge glan goirt gun s\u00e0ile gun salann.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Uisg' ann an claiseachan a' ghoirt.\n19.\nA rod in the wood of MacAlister,\n And neither yew nor ivory,\n Nor tree of wood in the universe,\n And the deuce take him that it measures not.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A snake.\nSlat an coill Mhic Alasdair,\n \u2019S cha 'n iubhar i 's cha n' eabhar i,\n \u2019S cha chraobh de dh' fhiodh an domhain i,\n \u2019S an deomhan air an fhear nach tomhais i.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nathair.\n20.\nA black cock is in yonder town,\n Feather black, feather brown,\n Feathers twelve in the point of his wing,\n And more than threescore (thirsts) in his back.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A bottle of whisky.--The pun is on \"ite,\" a feather--or thirst.\nCoileach dubh 'a a' bhail' ud thall,\n Ite dhubh is ite dhonn\n Da ite dheug am b\u00e0rr a sgeith\n 'S corr is tri fichead 'na dhriom.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Botall uisge bheatha.\n21.\nGuess-guess, whelp, son of the son of guessing,\n Twelve chains in the very middle,\n Four ties, guess-guess.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A team of horses.\nTomh\u00a0tomh a chuilean 'ic\u00a0'ic Thomh.\n Da shlabhraidh dheug 'san teis meadhoin\n Ce\u00ecthir cheanghail tomh\u00a0tomh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An t-seisreach.\n(Seisreach means, literally, a team of six horses; and this . seems to be the sense of the puzzle.)\n22.\nA little bit cogie in yonder wood,\n Its mouth below, and it spills no drop.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A cow's udder.\nMiodaran beag 's a choill ud thall,\n 'S a bheul foidhe, 's cha doirt e deur.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Uth na boine.\n23.\nA little gold well in the midst of this town,\n Three golden ends and a cover of glass.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A watch.\nTobaran \u00f2ir am meadhon a bhaile so\n Tr\u00ec chinn oir is comhla ghloine ris.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Uaireadair.\n24.\nClattering without, clattering within,\n A box four-cornered, and brimful of clattering.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A weaver's shuttle.\nGliogaran a muigh, gliogaran a stigh,\n Bocsa ceithir chearnach 's e l\u00e0n ghliogaran.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sp\u00e0l figheadair.\n25.\nNo bigger it is than a barleycorn,\n And it will cover the board of the king.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The stone (apple) of the eye.\nCha mhoth' e na grainean eorna\n 'S comhdachaidh e bord an righ.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Clach na suil.\n26.\nA small wife come to this town,\n And well she makes a \"drandan;\"\n A cap of the chochullainn on,\n And yellow coat of blanket.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A bee.\nBean bheag a' tigh 'n do 'n bhaile so,\n 'S gur math a ni i dranndan,p. 417\n Currachd do 'n cho, chullainn urra,\n \u2019S c\u00f2ta buidhe plangaid.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Seillean.\n27.\nA small wife coming to this town,\n And creagada creag an her back,\n Feet on her, and she handless,\n And loads of chaff in her chest.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A hen.\nBean bheag a' tigh 'n do 'n bhaile so,\n \u2019S creagada creag air a muin,\n Casan urra 's i gun l\u00e0mhan\n \u2019S ultachan c\u00e0thadh 'na h-uchd.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cearc.\n28.\nA shaving upon the floor,\n And well it makes a humming,\n A yard of the Saxon yew,\n And bow of the yew of France.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Fiddle.\nSliseag air an urlar,\n 'S gur math a ni i dranndan,\n Slat 'n iubhar Shasunnach,\n A 's bogha, 'n iubhar Fhrangach.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An fhidheal.\n29.\nIt came out of flesh, and has no flesh within,\n It tells a story without ever a tongue.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A pen.\nThainig e a feoil 's cha n' eil feoil ann\n Innsidh e naigheachd 's gun teanga 'na cheann,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Peann.\n30.\nA golden candlestick on a two-leaved board,\n Guess it now, come quickly guess it.\n Death.\nCoinnlear \u00f2ir air bord da shliseig,\n Tomhais a nis e, 's tomhais gu clis e.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Am B\u00e0s.\n31.\nA black horse and a brown horse, sole to sole,\n Swifter is the black horse than the brown.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Water and the mill wheel.\nEach dubh is each donn bonn ri bonn,\n \u2019S luaithe 'n t-each dubh na 'n t-each donn.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An t-uisge 's roth a' mhuilinn.\n32.\nTwelve brethren in one bed,\n And no one of them at the front or the wall.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Spokes of the spinning-wheel.\nDa bhrathair dheug 'san aon leaba,\n \u2019S gun h-aon din aig a' bheingidh na aig a bhalla.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Roth na cuibhealach.\n33.\nThree whales so black, so black, three whales coloured, coloured,\n Whale in the east, whale in the west, and punish him that guesses not.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Waves.\nTri mucan dubha, dubha, tri mucan datha, datha;\n Muc an ear, 's muc an iar, 's pian air an fhear nach tomhais e.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Na tonnan.\n34.\nA small house out in the West,\n And five hundred doors in it.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A sieve.\nTigh beag 'san aird an iar\n \u2019S coig ciad dorus air.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ruideal.\n35.\nIt is higher than the king's house,\n It is finer than silk.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Smoke.\n\u2019S aird e na tigh an righ,\n \u2019S min' e na'n sioda.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An toit.\n36.\nThe son on the house top,\n And the father unborn,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Smoke before flame.\nAm mac air muin an tighe\n \u2019San t-athair gun bhreith.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An toit ma'n gabh an gealbhan.\n37.\nA man went eyeless to a tree where there were apples,\n He didn't leave apples on it, and he didn't take apples off.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There were two, and he took one.\nChaidh fear gun suilean 'ionnsuidh craobh air an robh ubhlan\n Cha d' fhag e ubhlan urra 's cha d' thug e ubhlan dith.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2019Se da ubhal a bh' air a' chraoibh 's thug e h-aon leis.\n38.\nTotaman, totaman, little black man,\n Three feet under, and bonnet of wood,\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(A potato) pot with the lid in.\nTotaman, totaman, duine beag dugh,\n Tri chasan foidhe, agus boinneid air de dh' fhiodh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Poit agus brod iunte.\n39.\nI went to the wood and I sought it not,\n I sat on a hill and I found it not,\n And because I found it not, I took it home with me.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A thorn in the foot.\nChaidh mi 'n choille 's cha d' iarr mi e,\n Shuidh mi air cnoc 's cha d' fhuair mi e,\n \u2019S o'n nach d' fhuair mi e thug mi leam dachaidh e.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bior ann an cois.\n40.\nA waveless well, it holds its fill of flesh and blood.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A tailor's thimble.\nTobar gun tonn, cumaidh e \u2019l\u00e0n de dh' fhuil 'a de dh' fheoil.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Meuran tailleir.\n41.\nBlacky, blacky, out at the door and a human bone in her mouth.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A shoe on a foot.\nDubhag, dubhag mach an dorusd 's cnaimh duine 'na beul.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Br\u00f2g air cois.\n42.\nRed below, black in the middle, and white above.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fire, griddle, and oatcake.\nDearg foidhe, dugh 'na mheadhon, 's geal as a chionn.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An gealbhan, a' ghreideal, 'a an t-aran.\n43.\nI can go over on a bridge of glass,\n And I can come over on a bridge of glass,\n And if the glass bridge break,\n There's none in Islay, nor in Eirinn,\n Who can mend the bridge of glass.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ice.\nTheid mi nunn air drochaid ghloine,\n \u2019S thig mi nall air drochaid ghloine\n \u2019S ma bhrisdeas an drochaid ghloine\n Cha 'n 'eil an Ile na 'n Eirinn\n Na ch\u00e0ras an drochaid ghloine.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eitheandach.\n44.\nA brown stag in the hill, and his car on fire.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The gun.\nDamh donn 's a' bheinn 's a chluas ra theinidh.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An gunna.\n45.\nI will go out between two woods,\n And I will come in between two lochs.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A pair of pails.\nTheid mi mach eadar dha fhiodh,\n \u2019S thig mi stigh eadar dha loch.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Na cuinneagan.\n46.\nA green gentlewoman behind the door.\n A broom, usually made of a bunch of some plant.\nBean nasal uaine c\u00f9l an doruisd.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An gais sguabaidh.\n47.\nWiggle waggle about the river,\n Iron its head, horse its neck,\n Man its tail.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A fishing-rod.\nDriobhal drabhal feadh na h-abhann, iarunn a cheann\n each a mhuineal duin' a th\u00f2n.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Slat iasgaich.\n48.\nA sharp\u00a0sharp sheep, and her entrails trailing.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A big needle.\nCaora bhiorach\u00a0bhiorach, 's a mionach slaodadh rithe.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Suathad mhor.\n49.\nA red\u00a0red sheep, red mad.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The tongue.\nCaora dhearg\u00a0dhearg, air an dearg choitheach.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0An teanga.\n50.\nI have a puzzle for thee:\n It isn't thy hair, and it isn't thy locks,\n It isn't a bit of the bits of thy trunk,\n It is upon thee, and thou art no heavier.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The man's name.--The Gaelic expression being, 'What name is upon thee?\"\nTha toimhseagan agam ort,\n Cha n' c t-fhionna 's cha 'n e t-fhalt,\n Cha n' e ball de bhallaibh do chuirp,\n \u2019S tha e ort 's cha truimid thu e.\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ainm duine.\nGot these puzzles, riddles, or toimseagain, from Flora MacIntyre, and a little girl, Catherine MacArthur, at Ballygrant, twelve years of age.\nGLOSSARY.\nAIR AN T-SLIAIBH IS FHAIDE MUIGH, the farthest off hill or mountain.\nBEUM, a piece or bit.\nBLAIGH LIN, linen cloth.\nBREUNAGAN; this word may mean every filthy piece of ground over which the sickle passes.\nCATHADH, gen. of c\u00e0ith, corn seeds.\nCIR, the fore-part of the jams.\nCOITILEAN, a garment somewhat of one piece, serving as the whole clothes; or perhaps a little boat or skiff, which suggests the form of the rainbow.\nCAS, fast.\nCUIRNEANACH, curled in ringlets.\nFHILE or Ile, or perhaps eibheal or eibhle, an ember.\nIONACHAG may be aonachag, from aon, a solitary little thing.\nLOMACHAG, a bareness, from lom.\nLOS, power of destruction.\nIt will be observed that these riddles are all of a peculiar kind, such as the well known--\nPolly with a white pettiecoat and a red nose,\n The longer she stands, the shorter she grows.\"\nJ. F. C.","title":"Popular Tales of the West Highlands Vol. II: L. The Three Questions","type":"page"}