The Donnachaidh Wife
© 2006 Joe and Rebecca Duval
Hugh Cressingham crossed Stirling Bridge to join in Edward’s battle
He met with William Wallace and was felled in swampy water
His skin was made into a belt and worn as William’s prize
‘Twas better that he lost his head than meet up with a Donnachaidh wife.
For the Highland bean is fierce when roused, her wrath ensures a slaughter
And for more the day and mair the night, men rue the day they fought her.
Maclean of Mull found pleasures with young lasses in Glascow
They gave him wot was plenty and they never did say no
But ‘twas muckle mirth in the heather and hilarity in the rye
“Twas ardent love in Struan when he lay with a Donnachaidh wife.
For the Highland bean is fair in face and pleasing to her lover
And for more the day and mair the night, men hail the day they wed her.
James obtained the Orkneys when he took a Danish bride
And Margaret gained Cockburnspath and a husband at her side
But ‘twas Donal that was the richest wed with more than sixty kye
Gi’n as a tocher from his bride’s father when he took a Donnachaidh wife.
For the Highland bean brings fortune greater than the king’s own dotter
And for more the day and mair the night, men guard the wealth brot with her
Our Highland men would rather die than live a day enslaved
Their victories in battle impart songs of choral praise
But if they are defeated, and must travel from this life
The journey will be peaceful in the arms of a Donnachaidh wife.
For the Highland bean laments her dead and recounts the tales of honor
And for more the day and mair the night, she’ll mourn the men that loved her.