I found this ancient Gaelic poem, translated by early 20th century British scholar Robin Flowers, in an anthology of Celtic Christian writings. It was so good, I was surprised to find virtually no reference to it anywhere while searching the internet, and no text except locked in Google Books. That’s no good, so I am reposting it here so that others might enjoy it as well.<\/p>\n
Straying Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n My thought it is a wanton ranger, For when the holy psalms are singing ‘Mongst giddypated folk it rambles, Now in rich raths and jewels glowing Without a boat it skims the ocean, Through all the courses of all folly Vain is the hope to hold or bind it, The sword’s keen edge, the whip’s sharp chiding No bolt, no bar, no lock, no fetter, O fair, chaste Christ! who in all places Terrible Lord of earth and heaven! So in thy companies to-morrow <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I found this ancient Gaelic poem, translated by early 20th century British scholar Robin Flowers, in an anthology of Celtic Christian writings. It was so good, I was surprised to find virtually no reference to it anywhere while searching the internet, and no text except locked in Google Books. That’s no good, so I am … <\/p>\n
\nIt skips away;
\nI fear ’twill bring my soul in danger
\nOn Judgment Day.<\/p>\n
\nAway it flies,
\nGambolling, stumbling, lightly springing
\nBefore God’s eyes.<\/p>\n
\nGirls light of mind;
\nThrough forests and through cities gambols
\nSwifter than wind.<\/p>\n
\n‘Mid goodly men;
\nNow to the ragged pauper going
\n‘Tis fled again.<\/p>\n
\n‘Tis swift to fly
\nHeavenward with unimpeded motion
\nFrom earth to sky.<\/p>\n
\nIt runs, and then
\nLightly, untouched of melancholy
\nComes home again.<\/p>\n
\nThe unfettered thought
\nWanton, unresting, idle-minded,
\nSets chains at nought.<\/p>\n
\nIt scorns, grown bold;
\nLike an eel’s tail it wriggles, sliding
\nOut of my hold.<\/p>\n
\nNo prison cell
\nCan stay its course; they serve no better
\nPits deep as Hell.<\/p>\n
\nSeest all men’s eyes
\nCheck by the Spirit’s sevenfold graces
\nThought’s wandering wise.<\/p>\n
\nRule Thou my heart!
\nMy faith, my love to Thee be given,
\nMy every part!<\/p>\n
\nI too may go;
\nLoyal and leal are they. My sorrow!
\nI am not so.<\/p>\n