Marsaili Kennedy-Fraser’s version.
It seems that Marsaili obtained Òran Buaile from Alasdair MacIlleMhìcheil. In the book in which she published these two songs, Marsaili Kennedy-Fraser states that Ille bhò-lagain was taken from the singing of Peigi Dhòmhnallach of South Uist. It is also known as A’ Bhuarach Shìoda (The Silken Cow-tether).
A’ Bhuarach Shìoda (The Silken Cow-tether)
There is a silken cow-tether,
There is a silken cow-tether,
There is a silken cow-tether
On my beloved heifer.
When the rope is
On the cattle of the land,
There will be a silken cow-tether
On my beloved heifer.
When fodder is
On the old men’s cattle,
There will be a silken cow-tether
On my beloved heifer.
When winter comes
And fodder is scarce,
The old men’s cattle
Will not bear calves.
But even if I were
Without a besom in the byre,
I would put froth
Into a brimming pail.
When I go
With my heifers
Before daybreak
To Ruigh-Chaol,
Great is my milk-pale,
Heavy my milking,
And broad and yellow
Are my calves.