X: 1
T:Mairghread na Róiste
T:Margaret Roche
B:Joyce, P. W.; "Old Irish Folk Music and Songs"
R:song air
H:Bunting gives two settings of this air, which he calls Róisín dubh
H:(The Little Black Rose). But it is universally known all over Munster as
H:Mairghread na Róiste: and I believe that Bunting has given it a wrong
H:name. The air called Róisin dubh, which is known, not only in Munster,
H:but all over Ireland, is entirely different. It will be found in Petrie's
H:Ancient Music of Ireland, in a major setting; and in my "Irish Music and
H:Song," in its proper minor setting. The setting I give here of Mairghread
H:na Róiste differs a good deal from both Bunting's settings of the air he
H:(wrongly) calls Róisin Dubh. It is more purely vocal. It has remained in
H:my memory since boyhood, with the first verse of the Irish song, which tells
H:a sad story. Margaret Roche was condemned to be burned alive for murder.
H:On her condemnation her brother set out post haste for Dublin and was
H:successful in obtaining a reprieve, but arrived home just an hour too late.
H:He then composed a lament of which I give the first verse.
W:A Mháirghréad, a Mháirghréad, a Mháirghréad, na Róiste
W:Na g-croibhne geala, na bh-fínnighe órdha:
W:Do bhi duine a's fichid a láthair do phósda,
W:A's ní'l éinne beó a bhaineas leat, a láthair do dhóighte.
W:
W:O, Margaret, Margaret, Margarte Roch
W:Of the white hands, of the golden ringlets:
W:There were one and twenty people at your wedding;
W:And no one living belonging to you at your burning.
L:1/8
M:3/4
K:C
"Slow and sad."\
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