P. H. Pearse, the founder of the Volunteer movement, is also famous as our greatest Irish educationalist, and as one of our four greatest Irish writers. His new book, “An Mhathair,” is a collection of short tales, published by The Dundalgan Press, Dundalk, at the ridiculously low price of a shilling (postage 3d.) In production, it is one of the daintiest little volumes I have seen for a long while. In matter, it upholds its author's reputation, which is praise indeed.
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Very few readers would believe the author was not a native speaker but a learner. His great mastery of Irish proves that with love of the language and earnestness we may all hope to throw off the Bearla and become as at home in Irish as if we had been born to speak it. Yet while his Irish is so racy and [illegible] it is simple. The simplicity is the same simplicity which characterises all really good writing. The subjects are homely, yet the author's vivid imagination shines through all the tales. Thus in the first tale which is as perfect a picture of Irish life and sentiment as was ever penned, there is that touch of mystery and wonder which beautifies the intellectual life of Irish speaking Ireland.
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One of the characters in that tale sings the “Cronan na Banaltra.” I translate the ensuing conversation:—“Good be to you, Maire,” said Barbara. “’Tis wonderful how you charm the little ones to sleep.” Maire has magic,” said another woman. “She is like the musicians of Queen Maeve,” said Una, “who could put sleep on a host of warriors with their sleepy music. One would think ’twas the Virgin herself sang that song.” “Do you think it is true, that ’twas the Blessed Virgin (blessed for ever) that made that song?” asked Barbara. “I know it well,” said the old woman. “Wasn't it with that song she sang to sleep the Son of God (a thousand glories to His Name) when He lay in her arms a babe?” “And how have people the song, now?” asked Barbara. “It came down from father to son likely, as the Fenian tales came.”
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That little passage shows the beautiful and rich historic traditions which fill the minds and beautify the thoughts of Irish Ireland. I hope every reader who can read Irish even with difficulty wiU buy this book, and by its aid go and dwell for a few happy evenings in the brave fair Ireland of the Gael. I am delighted to see the book is now on sale in Co. Wexford paper-shops.
GIOLLA EIREANN.
