This piece is shared with you all on behalf of our good friend Moscowflyer. She asks us to mark a year since this world said fare-thee-well to a very special lady, and a much-loved Puffin, OldTrout, Caroline McNicholas.
A ‘parting glass’ was a drink, usually in the form of a stirrup cup, offered to a guest on the point of their departure to invigorate and sustain them on their journey, in a custom dating back to Saxon times.
There’s an early Scottish song which takes its name from this tradition, which was once sung at the end of a gathering when friends went their separate ways and a ‘parting glass’ was shared.
Though many versions of the song have been recorded, few sing this more poignantly than Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart.
In honour of Caroline, I would urge you to use the link above to listen to this recording and raise a ‘parting glass’ to reflect on a life well lived, with dignity and with the goodness of a truly beautiful soul shining through with every laugh and pithy comment.
The Parting Glass
Of all the money that e’er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm I’ve ever done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I’ve done for want of wit
To mem’ry now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befall
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Of all the comrades that e’er I had
They’re sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e’er I had
They’d wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl
And perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all
© SharpieType301 2023
