The Gentle Maiden

Monday, 15th September.

Well,”Tess” lived up to my expectations last night and I just wallowed in it. Thought the girl, playing her was excellent..The melody in the opening scene with the girls dancing was familiar, then I remembered it was “The Gentle Maiden”, an old Irish folk song.John liked me singing it.Chris came for lunch. She’d watched “Tess” too and enjoyed it and she remembered the melody too.Jim overheard it while he was practising, and started playing it again

“The Gentle Maiden” .

There's one that is pure as an angel, and fair as the flowers in May.
They call her the gentle maiden, wherever she takes her way.
Her eyes have the glance of sunlight, as it brightens the blue seaway,
And more than the deep-sea treasure, the love of her heart I pray.

Though far and apart from my darling, I dream of her everywhere.
The sound of her voice is about me, the spell of her presence there,
And whether my prayers be granted, or whether she pass me by,
The face of that gentle maiden will follow me till I die.

They were at Braemar at the weekend, so we were comparing notes about our respective visits to places with royal associations! Had a laugh. She was saying she’d like me to sing at her Golden Wedding party if I can. I know everyone who’s going, so I should be all right and I’m sure John would have wanted me to, Chris and Jim have been our dear friends for so many years. We watched a video of Ailie doing her Highland dancing, and one of the men in it plays in Jim’s band too.

Pleased about Ailie, as she’s a bit shy and it’ll give her confidence. Don’t know how long she’ll stick it though.If she does, it’ll cost Margo a fortune! She phoned later to tell me that her sister-in- law Margaret, who teaches History, wants to take Jonathan to the Lyceum to see “Macbeth”.I’m glad because I see it got a very good crit and he studied it last term.

Arthur came along and joined me having my tea, He enjoyed playing at the wedding on Saturday and is looking forward to the other gigs with the band he has lined up. He and Catherine are going to a school reunion next week (with all the other 50 year olds), so that should be fun! Must look out the class photo for him. He’s going to get me a new phone tomorrow. Watched “Corrie” then New Tricks, but nothing compares with Hardy (well maybe Jane Austen!)