Kildare Poems facts for kids
The Kildare Poems (also called Kildare Lyrics) are a collection of sixteen poems written in Middle English. They were created in Ireland around the mid-1300s. These poems are very important because they show us how Irish English started to develop. They are some of the earliest writings we have from that time in Ireland.
The poems are found in a special old book called British Library Harley MS 913. This book also contains other texts in Latin and Old French. The name "Kildare Poems" comes from the town of Kildare in Ireland. This town is thought to be where the poems were written. Also, one of the authors called himself "Michael of Kildare" (Frere Michel Kyldare).
History of the Kildare Poems
The book containing the Kildare Poems was made around the year 1330. It is a small book, only about 140 mm by 95 mm. It was probably a "pocket-book" for a traveling preacher. The people who wrote or collected these poems were likely Franciscan friars. Friars are members of religious orders.
Scholars have discussed where these poems were written. Some think it was Kildare in eastern Ireland. Others believe it was Waterford in the south. The idea of Kildare comes from "Michael of Kildare" being named as an author. Also, a person named "Piers of Birmingham" lived in Kildare. He was buried in the Franciscan church there.
The idea of Waterford comes from a mention of "yung men of Waterford" in a part of the book that is now missing. Also, the way some words are used points to Waterford. It's also possible that the main part of the poems was written in Kildare. Then, more material was added when the book was copied in Waterford.
The book was owned by George Wyse in the 1500s. He was the Mayor of Waterford. In 1608, a historian named Sir James Ware saw the book. He called it "the booke of Rose or of Waterford." Later, the book became part of the library of Robert Harley. This library was bought by the British Museum in 1754.
What the Kildare Poems Are About
The Kildare Poems contain both religious and funny (satirical) stories. They often show ideas important to the Franciscan friars. These ideas included caring for the poor. They also showed a dislike for older, more established religious groups.
Here are some of the poems in the collection:
- The Land of Cokaygne: This is a funny story that makes fun of some monks. It describes them living a life of luxury and not following their rules. This poem might have been aimed at a specific abbey near Waterford.
- Five hateful things: A short poem with seven lines. It talks about human faults and bad habits.
- Satire: This poem also makes fun of human faults. It has twenty short sections. Each section is like a chant to a different saint.
- Song of Michael of Kildare: This is a religious poem. It is thought to be the most important literary work in the group. It is the only poem that names its author, "Frere Michel Kyldare." He also calls himself a "frere menour," which means a Franciscan friar.
- Sarmun ("sermon"), Fifteen Signs before Judgment, Fall and Passion, Ten Commandments: These are four religious poems written like sermons. They use rhyming four-line stanzas.
- Christ on the Cross: A religious poem with lines that rhyme in an uneven way.
- Lollai, Lollai, litil child: A religious poem written like a lullaby song for a child.
- Song of the Times: A satirical poem that criticizes problems in society and politics. It includes a moral story with animals.
- Seven Sins: A religious poem written in six-line stanzas.
- Piers of Bermingham: This poem is about an English knight, Sir Piers of Birmingham. It praises his military actions against the Irish. It mentions that he died on April 13, 1308.
- Elde: A poem about the difficulties of getting old.
- Repentance of Love: A short poem with three four-line stanzas. It expresses a lover's sadness.
- Nego: A moral poem about saying "no" or denying things. The Latin word negō means 'I deny/reject/refuse'.
- Erth: A moral poem about the earth. It comes in two versions, one in English and one in Latin.
How the Language Changed
The Kildare Poems show many language features common in the west and south-west of England. Many English-speaking settlers in medieval Ireland came from these areas. However, the poems also have unique features. These features show that English in Ireland started to develop on its own. This might be because different English dialects mixed together. Or, it could be because the Irish language influenced English.
Some interesting language changes include:
- Sometimes the "th" sound (like in "think") was replaced with a "t" sound. For example, "growit" instead of "growiþ" (groweth).
- The "f" sound at the beginning of words sometimes became a "v" sound. For example, "uadir" for "father" or "uoxe" for "fox."
- Sometimes, "h" sounds were dropped. For example, "is" instead of "his."
- Letters were sometimes swapped around in words. For example, "fryst" instead of "first." This might be similar to how words changed in the Irish language.
