AN T-ÀITE BH'AIG EÒIN
'S i nighean Shioin 's fearr dheth, 's i fhuair am fàbhar mòr
A bhi tighinn an nuas o'n fhàsach, is fear a gràidh 'na coir
Chan iarrainns' tuille fàbhair na greis an tir nam beò,
Ach laigh' air uchd an t-Slànuighear, an t-ait anns an robh Eòin
Bhiodh am broilleach blàth sin 'g am àrach 's bhithinn beò,
Le neart nam briathran gràsmhor ri'n iarraidh b'fhearr na'n t-òr
Bhiodh m'anam air a shàsach le pàirt de'n aran bheò,
'Nuair gheibhinn bhi fo sgàil-san, an t-àit anns an robh Eòin
Cha b'eagal leam an tràth sin gach nàmhaid th'air mo thòir,
'S gu'm be do ghàirdean gràsmhor mo neart 's mo shlàint 's mo threòir
Cha sgaradh beath' no bàs mi gu bràth o ghaol cho mòr
Bha cordon gràidh cho làidir, 'san àit anns an robh Eòin
Cha chuimhnichinn an tràth sin air sàrach gleann nan deòir,
Is trioblaidean na fàsaich cha bhiodh an dràsd cho beò,
'Se 'n gaol nach gabhadh àicheadh, a bhiodh andràsd' gam leòn,
Air son nach robh mi airidh air an àit a bha aig Eòin
THE PLACE WHICH JOHN HAD
The modern sacred poetry of the North began with Dugald Buchanan by the shores of Loch Rannoch, but one of the most popular writers of Gaelic hymns of that era has been the Rev Peter Grant of Strathspey (1783- 1867) whose collection was first issued in 1809, he has been generally acknowledged as “One of the sweetest of the Gaelic Hymn- writers”. This is a particular favourite of mine, which vividly conveys the experiences of the Christian in this world and likens it to the special relationship, which the Apostle John had with his saviour the Lord Jesus Christ whilst on earth.
Sion's daughter was greatly favoured
Coming down from the desert with her loved one beside her
I would want no more favours, or even more time on earth
But to lie in the bosom of the saviour, the place where John was.
That bosom would be so warm and welcoming
The strength of his graceful words are better than gold
My soul would be satisfied with this living bread
When I would get under his shadow, the place where john was.
I would be unafraid of all my enemies
These graceful arms would be my strength, my health, my energy
Life or death could not separate us from this great love
The cords were too strong, in the place where john was.
I would not remember at this time the valley of tears
And the trials of the desert would no longer be so vivid
Its this love, which could not be denied, that haunts me
Because I was so unworthy of the place which John had.