SOURCE: An introduction to Cúirt an Mhea-Oíche: The Midnight Court by Brian Merriman, translated by Patrick C. Power, The Mercier Press, 1971, pp. 6-8.

In the following essay, Power examines the structure of "The Midnight Court" and connects it with other examples of Irish poetry.

Cúirt an Mhean-oíehe—The Midnight Court—written by Brian Merriman in 1780 is considered one of the most important contributions to Gaelic literature in the eighteenth century. The treatment of the theme, the richness of the diction and the length at which the poet successfully sustains his work, entitle it to the fame it has gained since it was composed.

The theme is the celebration of the right of woman to sex and marriage. In developing his theme, the poet satirizes unmarried men, old impotent suitors and older women married to young fellows. In addition to this he advocates the removal...