Part 3 (1/2)

Glen Da Ruadh!

Hail to him who hath it as an heritage!

Sweet is the cuckoo's voice on bending branch On the peak above Glen Da Ruadh.

Beloved is Draighen over a firm beach!

Beloved its water in pure sand!

I would never have left it, from the east, Had I not come with my beloved.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 10: _i.e._ Scotland.]

[Footnote 11: _i.e._ to Ireland.]

DEIRDRE'S LAMENT

And Deirdre dishevelled her hair and began kissing Noisi and drinking his blood, and the colour of embers came into her cheeks, and she uttered this lay.

Long is the day without Usnagh's Children; It was never mournful to be in their company.

A king's sons, by whom exiles were rewarded, Three lions from the Hill of the Cave.

Three dragons of Dun Monidh, The three champions from the Red Branch: After them I shall not live-- Three that used to break every onrush.

Three darlings of the women of Britain, Three hawks of Slieve Gullion, Sons of a king whom valour served, To whom soldiers would pay homage.

Three heroes who were not good at homage, Their fall is cause of sorrow-- Three sons of Cathba's daughter, Three props of the battle-host of Coolney.

Three vigorous bears, Three lions out of Liss Una, Three lions who loved their praise, Three pet sons of Ulster.

That I should remain after Noisi Let no one in the world suppose!

After Ardan and Ainnle My time would not be long.

Ulster's high-king, my first husband, I forsook for Noisi's love: Short my life after them, I will perform their funeral game.

After them I will not be alive-- Three that would go into every conflict, Three who liked to endure hards.h.i.+ps, Three heroes who never refused combat.

O man that diggest the tomb, And that puttest my darling from me, Make not the grave too narrow, I shall be beside the n.o.ble ones.

THE HOSTS OF FAERY

White s.h.i.+elds they carry in their hands, With emblems of pale silver; With glittering blue swords, With mighty stout horns.

In well-devised battle array, Ahead of their fair chieftain They march amid blue spears, Pale-visaged, curly-headed bands.