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TRANSACTIONS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY. 
 
TRANSACTIONS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE OSSIAMC SOCIETY, 
 
 FOR THE YEAR 
 
 1856, 
 
 VOL. IV. 
 
 t%o)z\)e f ) < 2innnj'5\)e>9ic\)r:%. 
 
 DUBLIN i 
 
 PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COUNCIL, 
 
 FOR THE USE OF THE MEMBERS. 
 
 1859, 
 
OR, 
 
 FENIAN POEMS, 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 JOHN O'D ALY. 
 
 DUBLIN : 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY, 
 
 By JOHN O'DALY, 9, ANGLESEA-STREET. 
 
 1859. 
 
PRINTED DT GOODWIN, SON, AND NETIIERCOTT, 79, MARLBORO UG H-STREEI, DUBIJN 
 
Founded on St. Patrick's Day, 1853, for the Preservation and Publi- 
 cation of MSS. in the Irish Language, illustrative of the Fenian period 
 of Irish History, &c, with Literal Translations and Notes. 
 
 OFFICERS ELECTED ON THE 17th MARCH, 1858. 
 William S. O'Brien, Esq , M.R.I.A., Cahirmoyle, Newcastle West. 
 
 9irc-|tesitonti : 
 
 Rev. Ulick J. Bourke, Professor of Irish, St. JarlathH College, Tuam. 
 Rev. Euseby D. Cleaver, M.A., S. Barnabas, Fimlico, London. 
 John O'Donovan, LL.D., M.R.I.A., Dublin. 
 Standish Hayes O'Grady, Esq., Erinagh House, Castleconnell. 
 
 Cmmril : 
 
 Rev. John Clarke, C.C., Louth 
 Professor Connellan, Queen's College, Cork. 
 Rev. Sidney L. Cousins, Bantire, Cork. 
 Rev. John Forrest, D.D., Kingstown. 
 
 Rev. James Goodman, A.B., Ardgroom, Castletown, Berehaven. 
 William Hackett, Esq., Midleton, Cork, 
 Rev. Patrick Lamb, P.P., Newtownhamilton. 
 Michael Lysaght, Esq., Ennis. 
 
 Michael J. Mac Carthy, Esq., Derrynanoul, Mitchelstown. 
 M. M'Ginty, Esq., Bray. 
 
 Professor John O'Beirne-Crowe, A.B., Queen's College, Galway. 
 
 John O'Daly, Esq., O'Daly's Bridge, Kells. 
 
 John O'Duffy, Esq., 26, Great Brunswick- street, Dublin. 
 
 Rev. John L. O'Flynn, O.S.F,C, Church-street Friary, Dublin. 
 
 Rev. John O'Hanlon, C.C., 17, James's -street, Dublin. 
 
 James O'Mahony, Esq., Bandon. 
 
 John T. Rowland, Esq., Drogheda, and Abbey -street, Dublin. 
 Andrew Ryan, Esq., Gortkelly, Castle, Burrisoleigh. 
 George Sigerson, Esq., Queen's College, Cork. 
 John Windele, Esq., Blair's Castle, Cork. 
 
 Cnmmito nf f nhiiratinir. 
 
 Professor Connellan. I Standish Hayes O'Grady, A.B. 
 
 Jonh 0'Donovan,LL.D.,M.R.I.A. | Rev. John O'Hanlon, C.C. 
 
 Rev. John L. O'Flynn, O.S.F.C. George Sigerson, Esq. 
 
 Rev. James Goodman. [ John Windele, Esq. 
 
 tmmm : 
 
 Edward Wm. O'Brien, Esq., 40, Trinity College, Dublin. 
 
 Innnnrii gmto) : 
 
 Mr. John O'Daly, 9, Anglesey-street, Dublin. 
 
 The main object of the Society is to publish manuscripts, consisting of 
 Poems, Tales, and Romances, illustrative of the Fenian period of Irish 
 History ; and other documents illustrative of the Ancient History of 
 Ireland in the Irish language and character, with literal translations, 
 and notes explanatory of the text. 
 
 Subscriptions (5s. per annum) are received by the Treasurer, by any 
 member of the Council, and by the Honorary Secretary, with whom the 
 publications of the Society lie for distribution, and from whom pros- 
 pectuses can be obtained. 
 
GENERAL RULES. 
 
 1 That the Society shall be called the Ossianic Society, and that 
 its object shall be the publication of Irish Manuscripts relating to the 
 Fenian period of our history, and other historical documents, with literal 
 translations and notes. 
 
 2. That the management of the Society shall be vested in a President, 
 Vice-presidents, and Council, each of whom must necessarily be an 
 Irish scholar. The President, Vice-presidents, and Council of the So- 
 ciety shall be elected annually by the members, at a General Meeting, to 
 be held on the Seventeenth Day of March, the Anniversary of the So- 
 ciety, or on the following Monday, in case St. Patrick's Day shall fall on 
 a Sunday Notice of such meeting being given by public advertisement, 
 inviting all the members to attend. 
 
 3. That the President and Council shall have power to elect a Trea- 
 surer and Secretary from the Members of the Council. 
 
 4. The receipts and disbursements of the Society shall be audited an- 
 nually by two Auditors, elected by the Council ; and the Auditors' Re- 
 port shall be published and distributed among the members. 
 
 5. In the absence of the President or Vice-President, the Members of 
 Council present shall be at liberty to appoint a Chairman, who will not 
 thereby lose his right to vote. Three members of the Council to form a 
 quorum. 
 
 6. The funds of the Society shall be disbursed in payment of expenses 
 incident to discharging the liabilities of the Society, especially in the 
 publication department, and no avoidable expenses shall be incurred. 
 
 7. Every member shall be entitled to receive one copy of the Society's 
 Publications ; and twenty extra copies of each work shall be printed for 
 contingencies. 
 
 8. The funds of the Society shall be lodged in Bank, in the name of 
 the President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Society, or any three 
 members the Council may deem proper to appoint. 
 
 9. The Council shall have power to elect additional members, and fill 
 vacancies in its own body. 
 
 10. Members of Council residing at an inconvenient distance from 
 Dublin shall be at liberty to vote by proxy at elections. 
 
 1 1 . Membership shall be constituted by the annual payment of Five 
 Shillings, which sum shall become due on the 1st of January in each 
 year. 
 
 12. The Ossiantc Society shall publish every year one volume, or 
 more, if their funds enable them. 
 
 13. No change shall be made in these Rules, except at a General 
 Meeting, and at the recommendation of the Council ; the proposer and 
 seconder of any motion for such change, shall lodge a notice of their 
 intention in writing, with the Secretary, twenty clear days before the 
 day of General Meeting, 
 
 14 That all matters relating to the Religious and Political differences 
 prevailing in this country, be strictly excluded from the meetings and 
 publications of the Society. 
 
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
 
 RRAP ON THE 17th DAT OF MARCH, 1868. 
 
 It is now nearly six years since the Ossianic Society was ushered into 
 existence by a few individuals who saw the neglected and sad state 
 of the MS. literature of their country, and of that portion in particular 
 known as Ossianic, which no one seemed to value. 
 
 A meeting was held and a committee of gentlemen, Irish scholars, en- 
 rolled themselves determined to commence operations in the vast field 
 open before them, and try the experiment as to whether anything could 
 be done in the shape of printing, and preserving from destruction the 
 poetry, and legends ascribed to Oisin and Caoilte, the ancient bards of 
 Fenian history. 
 
 The result of their labours is that there are now three handsome 
 volumes of Ossianic Literature rescued from distruction and in the hands 
 of the members, a fourth is just ready for press and will shortly appear. 
 
 These volumes have elicited the warm praise of the Irish as well as of 
 the English press ; and the result is that there are now on the roll of the 
 society, five hundred and thirty-two members. 
 
 The Council have great gratification in announcing that during the 
 past year, one hundred and five members joined the Society ; and it is 
 cheering to find that such a spirit exists in behalf of their labours. 
 
 The Council deeply regret the unavoidable delay which has occurred 
 in the publication of their recent volume, " CoriujTjeAcc t3bjA|tTi)u&A A5ur 
 5bn^]nne," which could not be well avoided ; as the gentleman who under- 
 took the editing of the book was called out of the country on business 
 on various occasions, while the book was going through press ; but care 
 shall be taken in future that delays of this sort shall not occur. 
 
 The Council feel great pleasure in calling attention to the labours of 
 kindred societies formed in America and Australia. One established in 
 Philadelphia under the careful management of a committee of Irishmen 
 (of which we may name two most indefatigable members, John Burton 
 and Patrick 'Murphy, Esqrs.), has sent the sum of fourteen pounds, the 
 subscription of members for copies of our last volume. 
 
 The Australian Celtic Association, established in Sydney, has sent 
 seven pounds ten shillings, and the books are on their way. 
 
 It is cheering to find that in these distantjregions of the globe, Irishmen 
 do not forget the literature of their native land ; and that they exult at 
 the thought of hearing once more the poems and tales so often recited by 
 the SeAncujóe, or story-teller, at their father's firesides. 
 
 The mission of the Ossianic Society is a noble one, and the Council 
 hope they will receive that support from their countrymen, which will 
 enable them to preserve every fragment— no matter how small or trivial 
 which may throw light on the past glories of their native land. 
 
 With this view they come before you this day ; their labour is one of 
 love for the neglected literature of their country, and they sincerely 
 hope that an Iri&h public will meet them in the same spirit. 
 
BOOKS PRINTED BY THE SOCIETY. 
 
 I. Cac 5bAbftA ; or, the Prose and Poetical Account of the Battle of 
 Gabhra (Garristown), in the county of Dublin, fought A.D., 283, be- 
 tween Cairbre Liffeachair, king of Leinster, and the Fenian forces of 
 Ireland, in which the latter were conquered, and their ranks finally 
 broken up. Edited by Nicholas O'Kearney, (Out of print.)* 
 
 II. Feir Z]$e C\)oiyA]i) Cbinn Sbleibe ; or, The Festivities at the House 
 of Conan of Ceann Sleibhe, a romantic hill which is situated on the 
 borders of the Lake of Inchiquin, in the county of Clare. Edited by 
 N. O'Kearney, (Out of print.) 
 
 This document contains a colloquy between Fionn and Conan, in which much light is 
 thrown on the Ancient Topography of Munster ; and also on the Habits and Customs of 
 the Fenian Chieftains. 
 
 III. CófuiiseAcc fchjAfunubA U] fchujbije A5ur 3btt*Mt)tje, pision Cboft- 
 tnujc the^c idl^c ; or, an Account of the Pursuit of Diarmuid O'Duibhnc 
 and Grace, the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, Monarch of Ireland in the 
 Third Century, who was married to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, from whom 
 she eloped with Diarmuid. To them are ascribed the Leaba Caillighes 
 (Hags' Beds), so numerous in Ireland. Edited by Standish Hayes 
 O'Grady, President of the Society. 
 
 IV. Uoiche FiAnrjuisbeAcbcA ; or, Fenian Poems. Edited by John 
 O'Daly, Honorary Secretary. 
 
 BOOKS IN PREPARATION. 
 
 I. ^njceAcc t)a CTtoTOóAjttie ; or the Departure of the Great Bardic 
 Assembly, being the Introduction to the Tain Bo Chuailgne. Edited 
 by Professor Connellan, from the book of 2I)ac CA|tcA]5 RjAbAc : a vel- 
 lum MS. of the XIV. Century. In Press. 
 
 II. CA|n t>ó CrjUAjbjTje; or, the Great Cattle Spoil of Cuailgne 
 (Cooley), in the county of Louth, being a History of the Seven Years' 
 War between Ulster and Connaught ; in the reign of Meadhbh, Queen 
 of Connaught, and Conchobhar Mac Nessa, king of Ulster, on account 
 of the famous bull called Donn Chuailgne ; and which terminated, ac- 
 cording to Roderic O'Flaherty, the Irish chronologist, one year before 
 the Christian era. To be edited by William Hackett. 
 
 This very ancient and curious tract comprises three hundred closely- written folios, and 
 contains many interesting details of Mythological Incidents, Pillar Stones, Ogham In- 
 criptions, Tulachs, War Chariots, Leanan Sighes, Mice and Cat Incantations. Together 
 with an account of the Mysterious War Weapon used by Cuchullainn, called Gai Bolg 
 also Some Account of the early Christian Missionaries in Ireland, and the privileges 
 enjoyed by the chief bard. 
 
 III. 2l5AllAin ija SeAijóirMóe ; or, the Dialogue of the Sages : an His- 
 torical Work in Prose and Poetry, full of rare information on the 
 achievements of the Fianna Eirionn ; collated with a copy in the Book 
 of Lismore, a vellum manuscript of the Fourteenth Century, by per- 
 mission of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire. To be edited by John 
 
 WlNDELE. 
 
 IV. Cac Fbjnn CnívZJA ; or, an Account of the Battle fought at Ventry, 
 in the county of Kerry, in the Third Century of the Christian era, be- 
 tween Daire Donn, Monarch of the World, and the Fenians. To be 
 edited by the Rev. James Goodman, A.B. 
 
 This Rattle lasted for 36G days ; the copy at the disposal of the Society is the earliest 
 known to exist, having been copied from a vellum manuscript of the fifteenth century, 
 now deposited in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, by the Rev. E, D. Cleaver. 
 
 * Neio Editions of Vols. I. and If., now out of print, will be published 
 as soon as the Council receives 250 names to assist in bearing the cost of 
 printing. 
 
XL 
 
 V. Cac CtyjocA ; or, the Battle of Castleknock, in the county of 
 Dublin, fought A.D. 273, between Conn Ceadchathach, i.e., Conn of the 
 Hundred Battles, and the Clanna Morna ; by his victory in which, Conn 
 obtained the Sovereignty of three Provinces in Ireland, viz. Connaught, 
 Ulster, and Leinster. To be edited by the Rev. Th addeus O'Mahony. 
 
 This tract is copied from a manuscript made by John Murphy of Carrignavar, in tlio 
 county of Cork, A.D. 1725, and from tho fame of the writer as a scribe, no doubt ij 
 entertained of tho accuracy of the text. 
 
 VI. A TRACT ON THE TOPOGRAPHY OF IRELAND ; from 
 the Psalter Mac Richard Butler, otherwise called " Saltar na Rann," 
 containing the Derivation of the Names, Local Traditions, and other 
 remarkable circumstances, of the Hills, Mountains, Rivers, Caves, 
 Carns, Rocks, Tulachs, and Monumental remains of Pagan Ireland, 
 but more especially those connected with the deeds of Fionn Mac 
 Chumhaill. To be edited by Professor Connellan. 
 
 Psalter Mac Richard Butler was originally written for Edmond, son of Richard Butler 
 commonly called "Mac Richard," but on his defeat by Thomas, the eighth Earl of Des- 
 mond, (who was beheaded in 1467), near the banks of the River Suir, where great numbers 
 of the Butlers' followers were drowned and slain, the book fell into the hands of this 
 Thomas, and was afterwards the property of Sir George Carew, Elizabeth's President of 
 Munster ; but finally came into the hands of Archbishop Laud, who bequeathed it to the 
 Bodleian Library, Oxford, where it is now preserved, and the Society have permission to 
 make transcripts of its contents. 
 
 VII. A TRACT ON THE GREAT ACTIONS OF FINN MAC 
 CUMHAILL, copied from the Psalter of Mac Richard Butler. To 
 be edited by the Rev. Ulick J. Bourke, of St. Jarlath's College, 
 Tuam.* 
 
 VIII. A MEMORIAL ON THE DAL-CASSIAN RACE, and the 
 Divisions of Thomond at the Invasion of the English, A.D. 117'2 : to 
 which is annexed a Short Essay on the Fenii or Standing Militia of 
 Ireland ; also, Remarks on some of the Laws and Customs of the Scoti, 
 or Antient Irish, by the late Chevalier O'Gorman; presented to the 
 Society for publication by J. R. Joly, Esq., LL.D., Rathmines. 
 
 These manuscripts contain a list of the several families of the Macnamaras, who were 
 named from the houses or lands of inheritance they severally enjoyed ; also a list of the 
 several castles in the baronies of Bnnratty and Tulla, with the names of the persons who 
 erected them. 
 
 IX. Cft] TttuATj tjA SséAUjseAccA ; or, The Three Sorrows of Story- 
 telling, which relates the tragical fate of the sons of Uisneach, the sons 
 of Tuireann, and the children of Lir, who are represented to have been 
 metamorphosed into swans by their stepmother, Aoife; and in ihat 
 shape spent seven years on Sruth na Maoile Ruadh, supposed to be that 
 portion of the British Channel which separates Ireland and the Isle of 
 Man. 
 
 * This tract appears in the present volume, edited by Dr. O'Donovan, 
 
SOCIETIES IN CONNECTION. 
 
 1 . The Architectural and Archeological Society of Buck- 
 
 ingham. Rev. A. Newdigate, Aylesbury, Honorary Secretary, 
 
 2. The Architectural Society of the Archdeaconry of Nor- 
 
 thampton and the Counties of York and Lincoln ; and the 
 Architectural and Archeological Society of Bedford- 
 shire and St Albans. Rev. H. D. Nicholson, M.A. St. 
 Albans, Herts, Honorary Secretary. 
 
 3. The Cambrian Institute. R. Mason, Esq. High-street, Ten- 
 
 by, Treasurer. 
 
 4. The Cambridge Antiquarian Society. Chas. C. Babington, 
 
 Esq., M. A., Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, Treasurer. 
 
 5. The Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. Rev. 
 
 A Hume, D.C.L., LL.D., F.S.A., St. George's, Liverpool, 
 Honorary Secretary. 
 
 6 The Kilkenny and South-East of Ireland Archeological 
 Society. Rev. James Graves, A.B., and John George 
 Augustus Prim, Esq., Kilkenny, Honorary Secretaries. 
 
 7. The Suffolk Institute of Archeology. Samuel Tymms, 
 
 Esq., F.S.A., Bury St. Edmunds, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, 
 
 8. The Society of Antiquaries of London. John Y. Akerman, 
 
 Esq., F.S.A., Somerset House, London, Secretary. 
 
 9. The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. John 
 
 Adamson, Esq., The Castle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Secretary. 
 
 10. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. John Stuart, 
 Esq., General Registry House, Edinburgh, Secretary. 
 
 11. The Surrey Archaeological Society. George Bish Webb, 
 Esq., 6, Southampton-street. Covent Garden, London, Honorary 
 Secretary. 
 
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CONTENTS. 
 
 Biographical Sketch of the late William 
 
 Elliott Hudson 
 
 Introduction 
 
 Page. 
 
 2Í3AlUrb 0]f]t) A3Uf 
 
 Pb&qiA]C ... 2 
 Cac CX)0\C AT) A^fl . . 64 
 \,&0]S 2t)b^^3Al& T)A 
 
 Iat>t) tjs^ati ... 94 
 Laoj ttjtja 2t)beATt5A]b 
 t)A Iatjt) U3eArt . . I64 
 
 2if)iT>AT)T)A t)A b-pTlíOTt)- 
 
 IaocjiaÓ bo'v yh&IVV 
 
 &0 CUJC Aft CT)OC AT) 
 
 A 1T t 194 
 
 Se^3 LocIia léjrj . . 200 
 
 CAOjtce |to cat; . . 226 
 Lao]6 Ojfjr) ATI T/jji 
 
 DAT)-Ó3 .... 234 
 
 CAOjlce tic cat) . . 280 
 
 ^t)AC"3T)ÍTbATlCA f]t)í) 
 
 ^ac Ciitt^U . . 288 
 
 Page 
 XV 
 
 xxi 
 
 The Dialogue between 
 
 Oisin and Patrick . 3 
 Battle of Cnoc-an-air . 65 
 The Lay of Meargach 
 
 of the sharp spears . 95 
 The Lay of the Wife 
 
 of Meargach . . 165 
 Names of the principal 
 heroes of the Fenians 
 who fell on Cnoc-an- 
 air 195 
 
 The Chase of Loch Lein 201 
 Caoilte sang . . . 226 
 The Lay of Oisin on 
 the Land of Youth 235 
 
 The Boyish Exploits of 
 Finn Mac Cumhuill 289 
 
WILLIAM ELLIOTT HUDSON. 
 
 William Elliott Hudson, the subject of this short sketch, the 
 second son of Edward Hudson, a celebrated dentist of Dublin, was 
 born at his father's country residence, Fields of Odin (noAv Hermi- 
 tage), near Rathfarnham, in the county of Dublin, August 18th, 1796. 
 He early displayed those fine qualities which afterwards caused him 
 to be so much courted in society when arrived at man's estate. His 
 superior talents, together with his natural thirst for knowledge, urged 
 him forward, both during his school and collegiate courses, so that 
 each year he distinguished himself by obtaining either premiums or 
 certificates for superior answering. After he was called to the bar 
 in 1818, he went the Minister Circuit, and his abilities, far beyond 
 the ordinary, soon attracted attention, and brought him in brief after 
 brief, so long as he continued to practice as a circuit barrister. So 
 much was he admired in Cork, that such men as the late Recorder 
 Waggett, Rev. Mr. Leslie, Dean Burrowes and others, were accus- 
 tomed to watch the coaches, when expecting his arrival for the 
 assizes in that city ; each endeavouring to anticipate the other in 
 having as their guest, even for a short period, one, whose talents 
 they admired, and whose pleasing and instructive conversation, 
 they so highly appreciated, proceeding as it did from an intellect, 
 well stored with the varied knowledge, which a widely- extended 
 course of reading had supplied to a mind admirably fitted for its recep- 
 tion. In the year 1836, he was appointed Assistant Barrister for the 
 county of Carlow, which post he did not long continue to fill, having 
 
xvi 
 
 been promoted to the situation of taxing-officer in the common law 
 courts, which office he continued to hold until shortly before his death, 
 when declining health obliged him to retire on a pension, to which 
 he was entitled for his services. 
 
 Amongst his other accomplishments, W. E. Hudson early dis- 
 played a taste for music, and a musical talent of the highest order. 
 That he had acquired a practical and theoretical knowledge of that 
 science far beyond his compeers, was often tested ; and especially by 
 Dr. Russell a highly-gifted clergyman, and himself a great theorist. 
 This gentleman, aware of the acuteness of W. E. Hudson's ear in 
 distinguishing sound, put him to the severest proofs, without a single 
 instance of failure; this induced him to test through young Hudson 
 the accuracy of a theory which he held, that every natural sound, 
 such as the roaring of a furnace, the howling of the storm, thunder, 
 water falling in unison, &c ; were all one and the same note, the great 
 A of nature. Day after day for nearly three months Hudson accom- 
 panied Dr. Russell from place to place, to catch what he called " na- 
 tural sounds" ; and so elated was he with the proofs given of the per- 
 fection of his own theory, that it required the utmost vigilance of his 
 physicians to prevent his intellect becoming impaired. In after years 
 William E. Hudson was the composer of a Te Deum, and several 
 chants, none of which were ever published ; he likewise composed a 
 variety of songs, some of which he sent to the press ; but his naturally 
 modest and retiring habits prevented him putting himself forward, and 
 thereby caused his fame, either as a literary character or as a musical 
 composer, to have a much more limited circulation than would be ex- 
 pected in the case of a person so highly gifted. When that well known 
 periodical, The Citizen, was tottering to its fall, and had well nigh ex- 
 pired, its publishers made a desperate effort to restore its vitality, by 
 bringing it out, in a new form and under a new name, as the Dublin 
 Monthly Magazine. In this struggle Mr. Hudson lent the assistance 
 of his purse and talents, and chiefly owing to his exertions, it revived 
 for a while ; besides contributing to it in a literary way, he brought out 
 in it a collection of Irish airs, the finest published since the days of 
 Bunting, and many of them far surpassing that eminent musician's 
 in arrangement. "His affection," said the editor of the Nation 
 
xvii 
 
 newspaper, " for all the remains and witnesses of Celtic civilization, 
 was intensified in this instance by a deep and cnltivated feeling of 
 the art." * 
 
 Mr. Hudson was a member of the principal literary and scientific 
 societies of Dublin in his day, and a constant attendant at their 
 council meetings : his enthusiastic love for his country led him to 
 be ever forward on these occasions, aiding in whatever could throw 
 light on the history and antiquities of Ireland, in forwarding and 
 advancing the scientific labours and discoveries of our fellow-coun- 
 trymen ; or promoting Irish literature. He was one of the original 
 members of the Irish Archaeological Society founded in 1840, in 
 whose publications and proceedings he took a deep interest. The 
 leading object of this society was the publication of such docu- 
 ments as were calculated to increase our knowledge of Irish history, 
 antiquities, and topography. With him, however, its efficiency and 
 utility have all but expired. Its indications of a feeble existence 
 are now but few and far between. In the year 1845, the editor of the 
 present volume, an enthusiastic lover of the language and antiquities 
 of his country, founded the Celtic Society under the auspices of Mr. 
 Hudson, who took a most active part in its organization, and sus- 
 tainment. The editors of its publications were paid out of his pocket, 
 whilst his mind and pen were incessantly at work in their behalf, 
 to secure a favourable reception from an apathetic public. Mr. Hud- 
 son was not himself the editor of any of their books, but still the 
 onus of much of the work rested on him, whose judgment and in- 
 tellect, well stored with historic learning, were ever ready to guide 
 and assist. He revised all their books in their passage through the 
 press, and to him were they indebted for much of the valuable in- 
 formation which the volumes of the Celtic Society contain. The 
 only portion of these works which appeared exclusively from his own 
 pen was the appendix to the Le<vbAft t)A 5-CeAftc ; or, Book of 
 Rights, consisting of various readings selected from the Book of 
 BaUe-an-Mhuta (Ballymote) as compared with the text in the Book 
 of Leacan, and ending with a dissertation on the peculiar sound of 
 
 * The Nation, July 2nd, 1853. 
 
 B 
 
xviii 
 
 some of the letters of the Irish alphabet. His purse was ever 
 open to promote the usefulness of the institution ; and on one oc- 
 casion, a short time previous to its amalgamation with the Irish 
 Archaeological Society, at a meeting held at Dr. Wilde's in Westland- 
 row, he discharged a debt incurred by the council, to the amount 
 of over three hundred pounds ! When Mr. John O'Daly arrived from 
 Kilkenny, for the purpose of establishing the Celtic Society, Mr. 
 Hud -on was the first to take him warmly by the hand, and support 
 his efforts. He was, in fact, the main spring of the Society, and 
 owing to his exertions it attained a prominence that gave promise 
 of final success. In the year 1 853 Mr. O'Daly conceived the idea 
 of forming an Association for the Preservation and Publication of 
 MSS. in the Irish language illustrative of the Fenian period of Irish 
 History, and having consulted Mr. Hudson, then as ever foremost 
 to promote every endeavour to preserve from oblivion, those docu- 
 ments in which our ancestors recorded " all important events con- 
 nected with their father-land;'' he received his warmest encourage- 
 ment and support. A meeting was called at Anglesea-street on St. 
 Patrick's day, 1853, at which was formed the Ossianic Society^ 
 not as a rival but as an auxiliary to other similar institutions. Mr. 
 Hudson took an active and lively interest in fostering it to maturity, 
 and a prominent part in its proceedings during the short period of its 
 existence previous to his decease. His health, however, broken down 
 by frequent paralytic attacks, rendered him incapable of affording 
 the Association that help which the Celtic Society had derived from 
 his extensive knowledge and exertions. His death, which occurred 
 on the 23rd of June, 1853, may be truly regarded as a heavy blow 
 and irreparable loss to the best interests of our Society. His name 
 gave it character, and the interest which he manifested in the under- 
 taking assisted in bringing it into notice. 
 
 The success of " The Library of Ireland," and of " The Spirit of 
 the Nation" are in some measure due to Mr. Hudson. Indeed the 
 writer of this paper, has been informed, by Mr. James Duffy, the 
 publisher of these works, that Mr. Hudson advanced three hundred 
 pounds towards defraying the expenses incurred in bringing out the 
 quarto edition of the latter publication. 
 
xix 
 
 To obviate the difficulties found so seriously to obstruct the 
 translation of the Brehon laws, arising from the imperfect Irish 
 dictionaries extant, Mr. Hudson opened a subscription, to assist in 
 defraying the expense of the compilation of a work, which would 
 facilitate the study of the ancient records of our country. Of this 
 project the Rev. Dr. Todd thus speaks in his opening address as 
 President of the Royal Irish Academy, April 14th, 1856 ; " Our 
 late lamented associate Mr. Hudson, to whose patriotism the 
 library of the Academy owes a valuable addition, deposited in my 
 hands, before his death, the sum of £200 in government securities, 
 as a contribution tosvards the publication of the Irish Dictionary. 
 This sum with the interest since accruing upon it, which I have 
 added to the principal, is all that is available in the way of funds for 
 carrying out this important national object." In addition to this 
 sum (we have been informed) he proposed giving a further subscrip- 
 tion of £1000 ; but his demise took place before he was able to carry 
 his intention into effect. " It will be one of the many permanent 
 monuments of his career," — says the Nation,* " to write the 
 simple truth of him will sound like the hyperbole of an epitaph. Of 
 all the systematic attempts to encourage the ancient or modern lite- 
 rature of Ireland, made for the last twenty years, or to create a wider 
 interest in our arts, history and antiquities, one thing may always be 
 safely assumed, whoever shines like a dial-plate on the front of the 
 transaction, William Elliott Hudson was hard at work at the rear ; 
 the organizers of it were gathered round his hospitable board ; his 
 pen was slaving in its behalf ; and his purse opened with a 
 princely munificence to pay its way to success. His contributions 
 to several, totally separate objects within the last few years 
 counted to our certain knowledge, by hundreds of pounds in each 
 case. And he had the singular property, in common with Davis, of 
 being totally indifferent to any reputation for his share in the work, 
 if only it were done. Nor was his literary enthusiasm, as it some- 
 times is in this country, restricted to dead ages and institutions, for- 
 swearing the future and the present." 
 
 * Of July 2nd, 1853. 
 
XX 
 
 The Council of the Osstanic Society, fully convinced that "William 
 Elliott Hudson had done more for Irish literature than Sir James 
 Ware for its antiquities, and being desirous to pay the best tribute 
 of respect in their power to the memory of one who took so deep an 
 interest in their affairs, whilst it pleased a wise Providence to spare 
 him among them, employed Mr. Geary the eminent photographer, 
 whilst residing in Grafton-street in 1857, to take a likeness of his bust 
 by the celebrated sculptor Christopher Moore, which Mr. Hudson's 
 brothers generously presented to the Royal Irish Academy. " It is an 
 admirable piece of sculpture, and having been taken during his life- 
 time, before struggling with ill health, it conveys much of his 
 character, — the clear brow of silent speculation, and the delicate lip 
 of cultivated taste ; the full beaming eye, was beyond all sculpture."* 
 
 To the Council of the Royal Irish Academy, the Council of the 
 Ossianic Society owe a debt of gratitude, for their kindness in per- 
 mitting Mr. Geary to take the photograph, and they avail themselves 
 of this opportunity to return their heartfelt thanks to that learned 
 body. This photograph has been cut in wood by the eminent engraver 
 Mr. William Oldham of Bedford House, Rathgar, and will in future 
 ornament the title pages of the Transactions of the Ossianic Society ; 
 it is but a small token of the esteem and regard that they still, and 
 must ever cherish for the memory of the man — William Elliott 
 Hudson. 
 
 * The Nation, July 2nd, 1853. 
 
 Dublin, March 1st, 1859. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ROM the most reliable and 
 best accredited documents re- 
 specting the ancient Irish hand- 
 ed down to us, it appears certain 
 that,not only the monarchy itself 
 but likewise all posts of honor 
 and profit, had become heredi- 
 tary in different septs and fami- 
 lies. Purity of blood was held, of 
 course, a national object of the 
 first importance ; and the lite- 
 rati, therefore, the conservators 
 of historical evidence, were regarded as of the 
 highest authority; as they alone could prove the 
 descent and determine the rank and station of 
 the people ; hence the necessity of the great 
 number of antiquaries, whom we find supported 
 by national endowments. The monarch and the 
 provincial kings, as well as the nobility and the 
 state officers of the crown, being alike of the 
 royal line of Milesius, great care was taken 
 of their genealogy and descent; and every 
 candidate for these various offices was obliged 
 to give: — 1st. proof of descent; 2ndly, of 
 his having been a knight, (for in each of the provinces there 
 
xxii 
 
 was an equestrian order) ; 3rdly, that he had no remarkable 
 deformity or blemish ; so that his person might command 
 respect, suitable to his birth and education. No wonder, 
 then, that the genealogies of the different families of the 
 kingdom, of the Milesian race, were preserved with the 
 utmost care. To secure the literati from any temptation 
 to abuse their trust, honorable provision was made for them 
 by the state. From their rank they were presumed to be 
 beyond the reach of corruption ; and the laws secured their 
 persons and properties inviolate ; so that, from the founda- 
 tion to the overthrow of the monarchy, a single instance 
 does not occur of any violence being offered to this body of 
 men. Abuses, however, gradually crept into the bardic 
 institution, mainly arising from the number of idlers who 
 enlisted themselves under its banner ; during two or three 
 successive reigns the kingdom was found to be greatly im- 
 poverished by their exactions, until it was found necessary 
 to reduce the number. 
 
 Though the monarchy as well as all other posts of honor, 
 was elective, yet, to prevent as much as possible, any in- 
 conveniences which litigated elections might produce, the 
 successor of the monarch was appointed in his lifetime, and 
 was called Righdhomhna, and this, it is observable, is at this 
 day, we believe, the practice in China and other foreign 
 countries. The Ollamhs or Doctors in the various sciences, 
 who were of the most noble families, had also their successors 
 declared in their own lifetime ; and he that was to fill the 
 post of honor, or have command in the state, had his Tan- 
 aiste appointed to succeed him in office. This arrange- 
 ment prevented the evils of incompetency occasionally 
 arising from direct lineal succession. 
 
 The provincial kings in their own position, were equal to 
 the monarch in his exalted station. Each had his order of 
 chivalry, of which he was himself the chief. He had his 
 
xxiii 
 
 Ard-draoi or high priest, to superintend religion, his mar- 
 shal, standard-bearer, chief-treasurer, &c, all these ap- 
 pointments were hereditary in families, to which the most 
 distinguished alone in each was chosen by election. 
 
 The different military forces of the kingdom were the 
 particular guards of each province. They were a species of 
 standing militia, composed of trained bands called Curaidhe 
 (champions), an order of knighthood into which none were 
 admitted without exhibiting unexceptionable proofs of birth, 
 learning, generosity, valour, and activity. 
 
 The particular militia or knights of every province held 
 their head-quarters, or were located near the residence of 
 their chiefs : thus the militia, or knights of Ulster, called 
 Curaidhe-na-Craoibhe-Ruaidhe (champions or heroes of the 
 Red Branch), were stationed at the Royal Fort at Eamhuin 
 (Emania), near Armagh. They were of the Rudrician 
 race, and were commanded in the reign of Conchobhar Mac 
 Nessa, by the famous champion Cuchullin 1 , who, accord- 
 ing to the annals of Clonmacnoise, and the Chronicon Sco- 
 torum, died in the second year of the Christian era ; and was 
 succeeded in command by his cousin Conall Cearnach. 
 
 Vestiges of the ancient palace of Eamhuin, or Emania, 
 
 1 At the time that Cuchullin was chief of the knights of Ulster, in the 
 reign of Conchobhar Mac Nessa, (a celebrated prince of the Rudrician 
 race, king of Ulster, and monarch of Ireland), Conrigh Mac Daire, a 
 renowned champion, and chief of the Clanna Deaghaidh in Munster, 
 was treacherously slain by Cuchullin, in revenge of an indignity 
 which Conrigh offered him, by cutting off his hair when asleep, and 
 taking from him the object of their contention — the beautiful Blanaid, a 
 lady whom they brought captive from Scotland. She showed greater at- 
 tachment to Cuchullin than to Conrigh, and consequently contrived for 
 him an opportunity of perpetrating a horrid and treacherous murder in 
 the palace of Cahirconry, the ruins of which are still extant on Sliabh 
 Mis in Kerry, near which runs the rivulet called Fionn-Ghlaise. For a 
 fuller account of this transaction, see Keatiny's Ireland, and Smith's 
 Kerry, p. 156, &C. 
 
xxiv 
 
 and of the house of Craoibh Ruadh (Red Branch), adja- 
 cent to the palace are still extant, two miles to the west of 
 Armagh, the site retaining the name of the fort of Navan. 
 
 The militia or knights of Leinster, were called Curaidhe 
 Ghamhanruighe, or the Damnonians of Gailian, seated at 
 Dun Aellinne, about twelve miles south-east of Almhuin, 
 the place of their head-quarters in that province previous 
 to the time of Fionn's appointment to this post of honour. 
 On his receiving the command, he removed with his force 
 to Almhuin, a place in the county of Kildare, bordering on 
 Hy-Failghe, now Ophaly, which with the adjoining territory 
 he possesses in right of his mother, Murrain Munchaoimh 
 (the fair haired), daughter of Teige Mac Nuadhat. Here 
 he fixed his seat on the far famed hill of Almhuin as a 
 more central point ; and the knights of Leinster were from 
 thenceforth called Curaidhe na h-Almhuine, or the heroes 
 of Almhuin. 1 
 
 The militia or knights of Connaught, whose chiefs were 
 the Clanna Morna, of the old Belgian or Firbolg race, have 
 been distinguished by the appellation of Curaidhe Iorrais 
 Dun Domhnainn ; a territory in the county of Mayo, their 
 head quarters. The ruins of the Fort of Dun Domhnainn 
 are still extant in Iorras or Erris, the most western part 
 of that county. Goll Mac Morna, according to O'Flaherty 
 (see Ogygid), commanded the Clanna Morna, at the famous 
 battle of Magh Lena, A.D.192, and was detachedby ConnCed- 
 chathach as the most able and expert champion to oppose in 
 person his great competitor Mogh Nuadhat. In that engage- 
 ment Conan Mac Morna, who is said to have been the grand- 
 son of Goll, commanded the Clanna Morna in turn ; and ever 
 since the fall of Fionn Ua Baoiscne, A.D. 283, at Hath Bre- 
 
 1 Almhuin. The ruins of the fort of Almhuin are still extant on the 
 west end of the Curragh of Kildare ; and what we corruptly call the 
 •* Bog of Allen" at this day, was formerly the forest of Almhuin, in 
 which the knights were accustomed to enjoy the pleasures of the chase. 
 
XXV 
 
 ogha, near the Boyne, by the treacherous hands of Athlach 
 Mac Duibhdrein, had frequent contentions with the Clanna 
 Baoiscne for the captain -generalship of the Fians. 
 
 The defection of the Clanna Morna from the rest of their 
 corps at the battle of Gabbra, may be attributed not only to 
 their rivalry for the general command, but also,and more 
 particularly to the murder of Conan, their late captain, 
 by the Clanna Baoiscne or Fianna Finn. In many epic 
 poems written by the bards on the achievements of the 
 Fianna Eireann, this Conan is indiscriminately described by 
 the appellations of Conan Maol Mallachtach Mac Morna, 
 and Conan Mac Garraidhe, and might have been brother to 
 Aedh the son of Garadh, the son of Neamen, the son of 
 Morna, from whom the Clanna Morna were named. He 
 was then king of Connaught, and the last of the Firbolg 
 race who governed that province. 
 
 The militia, or knights of Desmond, or South Munster, 
 were called Curaidhe Clanna Deaghaidh, or Ua Deaghaigh, 
 a tribe of the Ernaidhs, of the Heremonian race, who, on 
 being expelled from Ulster by the Clanna Rughraidhe, 
 obtained a principality in South Munster. 1 These, some 
 time before the birth of Christ, obtained great power in 
 Munster under their leader Deaghadh, who afterwards 
 became king of that province. His posterity succeeded 
 him in power, in West Munster particularly, and were 
 the champions of Desmond. The territory of Luachair Dea- 
 ghaidh, in the county of Kerry, was their patrimony. There 
 still remain on the western extremity of Sliabh Mis, the 
 foundations of an enormous cyclopean structure, supposed 
 to be the palace begun by Conrigh Mac Daire, whose history 
 we have briefly glanced at. This part of the mountain com- 
 mands, perhaps, one of the finest prospects in the world, and 
 still retains the name of Cathair Chonrigh. Fionghlaise, as 
 
 » Vide O'Flaherty's Ogygia, vol. II., pp. 142, 143. 
 
xxvi 
 
 already stated, runs down the steep hill on which this ruin 
 is based, and discharges itself into the bay of Tralee, a short 
 distance to the north, corresponding exactly with the de- 
 scription given by history of the fort of Dun Deaghaidh. 
 Mac Luigheach, a famous champion of this sept, command- 
 ed the Clanna Deaghaidh at the battle of Gabbra, and was 
 slain in that engagement, according to the annals of Innis- 
 fallen. 
 
 The militia, or knights of Thomond or North Munster, 
 were the Clanna Baoiscne, 1 so called from Baoiscne, their 
 principal ancestor, who, according to the Book of Ballimote, 
 now deposited in the library of the Koyal Irish Academy, 
 was the second son of Nuada Necht of the royal race 
 of Leinster, and fifth direct ancestor of Fionn the son of 
 Cumhall, the son of Treanmor, the son of Salt, the son of 
 Elton, the son of Baoiscne. 
 
 Fionn soon afterwards received the investiture of For- 
 maoil na bh-Fian, a district in Hy-Kinsellagh, 2 concerning 
 which there has been much conjecture, by the donation of 
 his cousin and relative Fiachadh Baiceadha, 3 then king of 
 Leinster and youngest son of Cathaoir Mor. The Clanna 
 Baoiscne were also called Fianna Finn, whilst Fionn Ua 
 Baoiscne was their leader and before he took the general 
 command. Oisin the son of Fionn was their chief at the 
 battle of Gabhra, in which his son Oscur fell in an ambush, 
 laid for him by Cairbre LifFeachair, monarch of Ireland, 
 A.D. 277. 
 
 It is probable that, inasmuch as Ireland was in these early 
 days much exposed to the descents of African and Northern 
 pirates, a strong necessity existed for the formation of these 
 
 1 Clanna Baoiscne. For further particulars of this tribe and their 
 territory, see leabAtt i)A 5-CeAiic (Book of Rights), p. 48, n. g. 
 
 2 Hy Kinsellagh. Ibid, p. 208, n. g. 
 
 3 Fiachadh Baiceadha. See Book of Rights, pp. 200, 203. 
 
xxvii 
 
 corps of militia — one in each province, which Pinkerton has 
 ingeniously conjectured, may have been modelled on the 
 plan of the Roman legions in Britain. According to the 
 Cath Fhinn-tragha, their stations were distributed along the 
 coasts, in the most elevated and inaccessible positions ; and 
 in distant view of each other — so as to communicate by 
 signals, the approach of an enemy, and thereby enable 
 them to come to the succour and relief of the fort invaded. 
 Thus, the forts of Iorras Dun Domhnainn in Mayo, and of 
 Cahir Conrigh on Sliabh Mis, in Kerry, though the distance 
 cannot be less than 100 miles were made available ; and the 
 one at Eas Aedh Ruaidh mhic Badharn, (now Assaroe), near 
 Ballyshannon, in the county of Donegal, wherein w r as always 
 posted a strong detachment of the Ulster militia, was brought 
 in view of that of Iorras Dun Domhnainn. These were the 
 coasts most exposed to the southern and northern invaders. 
 But besides this duty as " coast guards/' these military 
 orders were charged with the preservation of " law and order" 
 in the interior of the country ; they were bound to send 
 certain detachments yearly to protect the persons of their 
 respective kings. Thus, the guards of Eoghan Mor, were 
 called teaghlack, or household troops. Cormac Mac Airt, 
 whose reign shines so refulgent in Irish history, had for his 
 body-guards, one hundred and fifty of the principal knights 
 of the kingdom, besides one thousand household troops to 
 guard his palace. The guards of the kings of Munster, 
 or Leath Mhogha, were the people of Ossory, whose coun- 
 try formed the extreme boundaries of that kingdom ; and 
 according to the Book of Rights, ascribed to St. Benignus, 
 we find the duty imposed on tl is people, by the king of 
 Munster was to wait on him constantly, with a certain num- 
 ber of armed troops. The guards of the king of Desmond, 
 or South Munster, were the Clanna Deaghaidh, as has been 
 already stated, and those of the kings of Thomond, or 
 
xxviii 
 
 North Minister, were a detachment of the Clanna Baoiscne ; 
 but in latter times for these were substituted the Dal Cais, 
 a most intrepid body of men. The palace of Brian Boroimhe 
 at Killaloe was called Tigh Chinn Coradh, or the house 
 at the head of the weir. It was the duty of the heredi- 
 tary standard-bearer to preserve the royal banner ; to be 
 amongst the foremost of the troops in action, and in the 
 rear on a retreat— for the troops ever kept their eye on the 
 standard, and when the prince was killed (for he seldom 
 or ever survived a defeat), the standard was struck, which 
 was the signal for a retreat : thus, in the sanguinary battle 
 of Magh Mucruimhe, fought between the monarch Art and 
 Mac Con ; on the death of Art we are told by the poet : — 
 "<Do iu]z ment^e c<\c<v Cbu^nb." 
 Conn's battle standard fell. 
 
 Next to this officer sat the hereditary treasurer, whose duty 
 it was to see the king's contributions and taxes regularly 
 paid ; which was always done on the first of November. 
 These taxes were fixed, and a register kept of them ; so that 
 the particular duties, imposed on the different portions of 
 the kingdom, may be the more easily known. 1 
 
 Besides these state officers, there were a chief justice or 
 brehon, to expound the laws, a poet or ollamh, an historian, 
 antiquary, physician, surgeon or liagh, and chief musi- 
 cian ; and three stewards of the household with their at- 
 tendants constantly residing at court. All these different 
 offices were retained in Ulster, and in parts of Munster 
 and Connaught, until the accession of James I. to the 
 
 i In the reign of Cuchorb, king of Leinster, in the first century, 
 Laighsech, of the progeny of Conall Cearnach, progenitor of the present 
 O'Moras, or O'Mores, obtained from that king a territory, in Leinster, i.e. 
 Laoighis or Leix, called after him, on account of his personal bravery 
 and services. He was at the same time appointed treasurer of Leinster, 
 and privileged to take the fourth place at the council board. 
 
xxix 
 
 throne of England : thus, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
 Anno 1601, O'Neill, Prince of Ulster, visited London, in 
 consequence of a promise made by him the previous year 
 to the Queen ; and Camden tells us that " he appeared at 
 court with his guards of Gall-oglachs [Gallowglasses] bare- 
 headed, armed with hatchets, their hair flowing in locks 
 on their shoulders, on which were yellow shirts dyed with 
 saffron, with long sleeves, short coats, and thrum jackets; 
 at which strange sight the Londoners marvelled much." 
 
 The hereditary marshals of Ulster were the O'Gallaghers ; 
 the Mac Cafferies the standard-bearers ; the Mac Sweenys 
 captains of the guards, and the O'Gnives the poets. 
 
 The hereditary marshals of Leinster were the O'Connors, 
 princes of Ui Fhailge ; the standard-bearers were the 
 O'Gormans or Mac Gormans, princes of Hy Mairge or 
 Margy; the O'Dempsys, lords of Clanmalier, were the 
 captains of the guards ; the Mac Keoghs were the historio- 
 graphers ; the O'Dorans the brehons ; and the O'Mores 
 were the hereditary treasurers. 
 
 The hereditary marshals of Connaught were the Mac 
 Dermods ; the O'Flaherties were the standard-bearers ; the 
 O'Kellys of Hy Many were the treasurers; the Maelconaires 
 the historiographers, 1 &c. We do not find who the other state 
 officers were ; but the Mac Firbises were the physicians. 
 
 The hereditary marshals of Desmond, or South Mun- 
 ster, were the O'Keeffes ; the O'Falveys were the admirals ; 
 for we find in " Toraigheacht Cheallachain Chaisil," an- 
 nounced for publication by the Irish Archseological and 
 Celtic Society, that the fleet was commanded by Failbhe 
 Fionn. We do not find who the standard-bearer and trea- 
 surer were ; but the Mac Egans were the hereditary chief 
 
 1 See a paper on the Inauguration of Cathal Crobhdhearg, king of 
 Connaught, A.D. 1244, published in the Transactions of the Kilkenny 
 Archaeological Society for 1853, in which all these offices are noticed. 
 
XXX 
 
 justices or brehons, the 0' Daly's the poets, and the O'Cal- 
 lanans the physicians, in which family leechcraft is still 
 a favorite profession. 
 
 The hereditary marshals of Thomond, or North Munster, 
 were the Mac Namaras ; the standard-bearers the O'Deas, 
 and the O'Gradys were the captains of the guards until 
 about A.D. 1200, at which time they were succeeded in 
 that trust by the O'Gormans or Mac Gormans, who, being 
 compelled by the Danish or English invaders to abandon 
 their principality of Hy-Mairge in Leinster, removed to 
 Owney and Shingal in the county of Limerick, from whence 
 they were invited to Ibh Breacain (now Ibricane), and were 
 granted that lordship under feudal tenure by Donogh Cair- 
 breach 'Brian, king of Thomond, who appointed them 
 captains of his guards, and adopted them as his chief favorites 
 and counsellors, by the style and title of 'pi ft jji&ó Uj 
 BbpiAin, by which appellation they are constantly styled 
 in our annals, and in the writings of the Mac Brodins, 
 historiographers of Thomond. Cumheadha (Covey) Mor 
 Mac Gorrnain was, according to Seaan Mac Rughraidhe 
 Mac Craith, (see Caithreim Thoirdhealbhaidh, or Triumphs 
 of Turlogh), one of Donogh O'Brien's Life Guards in the 
 wars of Thomas de Clare in Thomond, and his son Cumh- 
 eadha, succeeded him after his death in 1310. 
 
 The Mac Clanchies were the hereditary chief justices or 
 brehons of Thomond, the Mac Craiths the historiographers 
 and poets. The O'Nealons and the O'Hickies were the 
 hereditary physicians. All these public officers of the 
 state had sufficient estates allotted to them for their main- 
 tenance. 
 
 In the Book of Ballimote, it is stated that Nuada 
 Neacht, who reigned monarch of Ireland one year, was 
 the fourth son of Setna Sithbhaic (the peaceable) son of 
 Lughaidh Loithfinn, the progenitor of the royal Lagenian 
 
XX xi 
 
 race, and second son of Breasa] Breac, or the speckled. 
 From this Nnada Neacht is descended the stock of the 
 Lagenians ; he was king of Tara : and it was he who slew 
 Eidirsgeoil Mor, or the Great, the son of the descendant 
 of Iarnaillin, which deed he committed in opposition to 
 Lughaidh Riainhdhearg, and thereupon he became king of 
 Ireland. From the aforesaid Nuada Neacht descended 
 Fionn Ua Baoiscne and the celebrated Caoilte Mac Ronain. 
 For Finn's pedigree see page 285. 
 
 Some of our Scottish antiquaries have sought from the 
 mere name to represent Fionn as of Scandinavian or rather 
 Finnish origin ! but the attempt is so devoid of proof or 
 evidence, as to be worthy merely of notice as an ingenious 
 paradox. His death occurred, according to the annals 
 of Innisfallen, in A.D. 283, in the fourth year of the 
 reign of Cairbre Liffeachair, when, says our veracious 
 chronicler, fell the celebrated general of the Irish militia, 
 Fionn the son of Cumhall, by the treacherous hand of a 
 fisherman named Athlach, son of Dubhdrenn, who slew 
 him with his fishing spear at Eath Breogha, near the Boyne, 
 whither he had retired in his old age to spend the remainder 
 of his life in tranquillity from the noise and tumult of war. 
 
 The collection of poems, which forms the present volume, 
 are taken from copies made by the following scribes : — 
 
 The Agallamh is taken from a copy made in 1780 by a 
 Mr. Laurence O'Foran, who kept a village school at Kil- 
 leen, near Portlaw, in the county of Waterford. It con- 
 tains besides, many other interesting poems and prose 
 matters relative to the Fenian period of our history . 
 
 The battle of Cnoc-an-air, or Hill of Slaughter, was 
 taken from a large volume compiled about the year 1812, 
 by Clare scribes, for the Rev. Thomas Hill, of Cooreclure, 
 a member of our Society ; it now belongs to Mr. Blake 
 Foster of Knockmoy, county of Galway, who kindly lent 
 
xxxii 
 
 it, with permission to make any use the Society required 
 of its contents. Those that follow were taken from a ma- 
 nuscript volume of Fenian poems made in 1844, by Mr. 
 Martin Griffin, an intelligent blacksmith who resides at 
 Kilrush in the county of Clare. The poem entitled Tir 
 na n-Og, or Land of Youth, is accounted for by Mr. 
 O'Looney ; and Dr. 0' Donovan has said all that was ne- 
 cessary regarding the curious and valuable tract which he 
 has, stw more, himself so ably edited. 
 
 In conclusion, we feel it our duty, ere we close, to tender 
 the warmest thanks of the Society to the President and 
 Council of the Eoyal Irish Academy, for the facility they 
 have afforded us in collating our proofs with their valuable 
 collection of manuscripts, whilst our book was passing 
 through the press : also to the Committee of Publication, 
 for their kindness in revising the same. 
 
 The English reader will excuse the style, consequent 
 upon our being obliged to adhere as closely as the idioms 
 of the English language would admit to our originals ; and 
 although the translation may be occasionally a little rugged 
 and uneven — yet, on close comparison with the original, it 
 will, we think, be found a faithful and correct rendering. 
 
 JOHN O'DALY. 
 
 Dublin, March 17M, 1859. 
 
SJN ir f a&a &o f uai), 
 
 bo C|té]3 tu bo lúc 'f &o tjeAftr;, 
 5]Ó cu]|tceív cac *x 3^ eó o^T^ 
 
 O. <t)o cfté^eAf tt)o lúc Y ijeAjtc, 
 
 6 1}AC T1)A]]teAt)T) CAC A£ }^OT)t) ; 
 
 ceól bA 6ff t)1 b-|r)T) Ijort). 
 
 P. H] cuaIa cu córi>-Ti)A]c bo ceól/ 
 
 6 cúf At) &orbA]t> 's^f At)]u5 ; 
 
 5)8 CA01 AflfAÓ, A1Tb3l]C, l|AC, 
 
 If Tt)A]C &0 ft|AftfA cl|Afl Aft C1)0C. 
 
 O. ItlAHAlWfl clfAfl Aft C1)0C, 
 
 A PbÁCjtAlC If bOCC JtUT) ; 
 ff TI)A||t5 8U|C bO CA|t) tt)0 CftUC, 
 A'f 1)AC b-fUAftAf 3UC Aft fc-CÚff. 
 
 1 Ceól, music. The musical instruments peculiar to the ancient Irish 
 were the harp and bagpipes. The Dord Fiann was used on hunting 
 excursions, and may be considered the Fenian horn of the chase, like 
 the hunter's horn of our own day ; but it must be looked upon as a 
 very simple musical instrument, inasmuch as it was only adapted 
 for the aboye purpose. But it is believed by Seanchuidhes or reciters 
 
THE DIALOGUE OF OISIN AND PATRICK. 
 
 ISIN ! long is thy slumber, 
 Rise up and hear the psalm ; [thee, 
 Thy agility and valor have forsaken 
 Though thou didst engage in battles and 
 
 fierce conflicts. 
 
 0. I have lost my agility and strength, 
 
 Since no battalion survives to Fionn ; 
 In the clerics is not my pleasure, 
 Music after him is not sweet to me. 
 
 P. Thou hast not heard music equally good, 
 
 Since the beginning of the world until this day ; 
 Tho' thou art aged, silly, and grey [haired], 
 Well wouldst thou attend a host on a hill. 
 
 0. I used to attend a host on a hill, 
 
 of Fenian tales that the Dord was also used as a war-trumpet to summon 
 the Fenian chiefs to battle. We are not aware that any specimen of it 
 is preserved in our national museums. For a learned dissertation on 
 ancient Irish musical instruments, see Cambrensis Eversus, Vol. I., Ch. 
 IV., edited by the Rev. M. Kelly, D.D., for the Celtic Society. 
 
 Patrick of the morose disposition ; 
 111 it becomes thee to traduce my form, 
 As I have never been aspersed till now. 
 
4 
 
 O. ( t)o cu<\U\t; cool t»A b|i)r>e- bun 3-ceaL 
 
 518 rnóu tbolAf cu ai) cljAft ; 
 f3<\lxAfti)Ac lo]t) Le]tneAC Lao^, 1 
 V ai) bo Ai) tJonb phi* 1 )'?* 
 
 Srr)óUc no-bp)i) 5leAi)t)A S3<v|l, 2 
 
 i)6 n?oi;5AT|t t)A rrj-bAfic 43 buAi,i) fie qt&ig ; 
 ba, b]t)i)e lion) qtofb T)A 5-cor), 
 1)A bo fjol-fA, a clejnij; CÁ(8. 
 
 Cr>ú 3 6c||teo|l, Ct)ú mo cu^np, 
 Ai) c-AbAc beA^ bo b] A3 *p]Ot)T) ; 
 At) u<Mn bo fqrweAb ciqti a'|* t>u|ftc, 
 bo citjfíeAÓ T]t)t) a b-tojnc|rn fuAfr). 
 
 BUcrjAjb AT) irrjeAr) 05, 
 
 t)ac b-cu5 ^b b'-peAjt fAOf ^ i)"3^pr? 
 
 acc ArbÁ^ bo Cb^ú be]]teo]l, 
 
 06 ! a Pb&cfiA]C, bA h]t)\) a béAÍ ! 
 
 21r) bÁ 7;AbA|t béA5 bo h] A3 ^oxyt), 
 'i) u<\]ft bo I&13CÍ lAb 3leAt)T) Kac ; 4 
 bA b(i)T)e r)A AbbA C]\x]\, 
 
 \ A t)-A3<V]6 01} C-SlUlfl 5 AtT)AC. 
 
 ' SsAlcAjtijAc lojti leictteAc Iao], the song of the blackbird of Letter Lee, 
 The blackbird, the thrush, the seagull, the eagie and the raven, are the 
 birds most often commemorated by the Fenian muse. The n?]ol Triune 
 (our hare), the FJAÓ nuA&, or red deer, the buck and doe, the cone, or 
 wild boar, and the cú aIIca, or pAol-cú, the wolf, were the objects of 
 their chase. Letter Lee is not yet identified. 
 
 2 5leAi}t) At) S5A]l, i.e., the glen or vale of Seal. In the Miscellany of 
 the Celtic Society, p. 24, the following note appears : — 
 
 " Seal Balbh, i.e., Seal the Stammerer. O'Flaherty says that Bania, 
 daughter of Seal Balbh, king of Finland, was the Queen of Tuathal 
 Teachtmhar, monarch of Ireland, A. D. 130. A personage of the same 
 name seems to have flourished in Ireland, from the many places named 
 after him, as Gleann-an-Scail in the county of Antrim, Leac-an-Scail, 
 a great Cromleac in the county of Kilkenny, and Leacht-an-Scail, i.e., 
 Seal's monument, in the barony of Corcaguiny, county of Kerry." 
 
 There is also 3leAtjti at) Sc ajI, and ^lbAjrjn Art ScajI, about ten miles 
 west of Dingle. leAcc At) ScajI is still in existence. By accenting the 
 letter a in the word ScajI these localities would mean the glen of the 
 shade or shadow, 
 
5 
 
 0. I have heard music more melodious than your music, 
 Tho' greatly thou praisest the clerics ; 
 The song of the blackbird of Letter Lee, 
 And the melody which the Dord Fiann made. 
 
 The very sweet thrush of Gleann-a-sgail, 
 
 Or the dashing of the barks touching the strand ; 
 More melodious to me was the cry of the hounds, 
 Than of thy schools, chaste cleric. 
 
 Little Cnu, Cnu of my heart, 
 The small dwarf who belonged to Fionn ; 
 When he chaunted tunes and songs, 
 He put us into deep slumbers. 
 
 Blathnaid, the youthful maid, * 
 
 Who was never betrothed to man under the sun, 
 
 Except to little Cnu alone, 
 
 0, Patrick, sweet was her mouth. 
 
 The twelve hounds which belonged to Fionn, 
 When they were let loose through Glen Rath ; 
 Were sweeter than musical instruments, 
 And their face outwards from the Suir. 
 
 3 Ctjú. Dr. O'Donovan says that Cnu was taken by Fionn near a 
 Sith (a fairy haunt) in Magh Feimhean, an extensive plain situated near 
 Sliabh-na-m-ban in the county of Tipperary, (see leAb*\ft tja 5-CeAnc, 
 Book of Rights, p. 18, note b), and that he was scarcely tall enough to 
 reach the strings of the harp. From the frequent allusion made to him 
 in Ossianic Poetry, in connection with Fionn, he seems to have been his 
 chief musician, by whose soothing strains the Fenians were lulled into 
 deep and heavy slumbers. Cnú or Cnó, also signifies a nut or kernel ; and 
 one of the prettiest ballads ever written by the late Edward Walsh, was 
 entitled " Mo Chraoibhin Cno" (my cluster of nuts) commencing thus : — 
 " My heart is far from Liffey's tide, 
 And Dublin town ; 
 It strays beyond the Southern side 
 
 Of Cnoe Maol Donn: 
 Where Ceapa Chuinn hath woodlands green, 
 Where Abhuin Mhor's waters flow ; 
 Where dwells unsung, unsought, unseen, 
 
 Mo Chraoibhin Cno. 
 Low clustering in her leafy green, 
 
 Mo Chraoibhin Cno." 
 
6 
 
 O. Tj'*. f3éAÍ be<\5 ^^\x)-\^ Aft Ffjjouu, 
 
 V] JiAbAHj*fi Aí)t> acc cú|5 ^]|t bé^3 ; 
 bo TjAbArrjAfi fijj Sa3|-at) r)A b-pleAb, 
 
 'f bO CU|]teATT)A|t CAC A|Jt ^3 Sí^S' 
 
 <t)o 3AbAn}Afi At) JrjbjA rbó|t, 
 
 bA TT)5fl AJl TjeApX A5Uf A|t b-CfléAt} J 
 
 cjvjoc LoclAirjt) 'f at) JiibiA fojji, 
 bo ci5 a 6||t 30 ceAC *Fb]yr). 
 
 T113 f & T)AO] 5-CACA fAt) SpÁ]t), 
 
 Y T)AO| b-^CCjb CAC A T)-6|Tt]T)r) Ujll ; 
 
 y]l oi) c-pftuc 'tJAft bA^rreAÓ CrijOfc, 
 i)ac b-c^eAÓ a 3-cjOf* 30 ceAc pbjTW. 
 
 T^U3 r-é occ 5-CACA t*at; SpAjt? ceAf*, 
 A'f ^1tib|ti3 "LocIait)T) A]|t Ia^tt> lejf; 
 if beAcc bo b] at? borfjAT) pÁ r)A cjor*, 
 ir & ^A Tt^ A||t aí) T)-5rt^3 b]3- 
 
 * 3l»Ann Kac, G/en 0/ Me Raths. Not traceable in the Four Masters, 
 nor in the publications of the Irish Archaeological Society. 
 
 8 Siujri, the river Suir. This river has its source in Sliabh Ailduin, 
 better known as Greim an Diabhail, (the Devil's Bit mountain), in 
 the county of Tipperary. It takes a circuitous rout by Thurles, Holy- 
 cross, Caher, Ardfinan, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, and Waterford ; 
 and, being joined by the rivers Nore and Barrow, At) Fbeoifi A^ur 
 bbeATtbA (hence the appellation " Sister Rivers"), at Cheek Point, six 
 miles below Waterford, falls into the British Channel. Donnchadh Ruadh 
 Mac Conmara, a Munster Poet of great celebrity, describes its waters 
 thus, (see Poets and Poetry of Munster, p. 48) : — 
 
 4 • Utrse i)A Stujrie A5 briúccAó 'ha ÍIÓ5A1Ó, 
 Coir bívt)-cno]c GjrteAt)i) O15." 
 
 "While the waves of the Suir, noble river ! ever flow, 
 Near the fair Hills of Eire, O ! 
 
 The poet Spenser, in his Faerie Queen, describes the scenery of these 
 rivers (with which we happen to be familiarly acquainted), thus. See 
 Book IV., Canto XL, Verse XLIII. •— 
 
 '• The first, the gentle Shure, that making way 
 By sweet Clonmell, adornes rich Waterforde ; 
 
 The next, the stubborne Newre, whose waters gray. 
 By fair Kilkenny and Ros»eponte boord ; 
 
7 
 
 0. I have a little story respecting Fionn, 
 We were but fifteen men ; 
 We took the king of the Saxons, of the feasts, 
 And we won a battle against the king of Greece. 
 
 We conquered India, the great, 
 
 Great was our strength and our might ; 
 The country of Lochlin and eastern India, 
 Their tribute of gold comes to the house of Fionn. 
 
 He fought nine battles in Spain, 
 
 And nine score battles in noble Erin ; 
 
 There is no country from the river in which Christ 
 
 was baptised, 
 Whose tribute did not come to the house of Fionn. 
 
 He fought eight battles in southern Spain, 
 And Lochlin's chief king was his captive ; 
 Full wholly the world was under tribute to him, 
 'T was he was king of Minor Greece. 
 
 The third, the goodly Barow, which doth hoord 
 Great heapes «f salmones in his deepe bosome ; 
 
 All which long sundred, doe at last accord 
 To ioine in one, ere to the sea they come. 
 So flowing all from one, all one at last become." 
 
 Spenser must be in error when attributing the same source to these 
 rivers ; as the Barrow rises in Sliabh Bladhma in the Queen's County. 
 But we must presume he followed Giraldus Cambrensis— he being the 
 only writer on Irish history who fell into this mistake. See Haliday's 
 Keating, p. 29, Dab. 1809. Cambrensis Eversus, Vol. I., p. 123. This 
 river formed a fruitful theme for the Munster Poets of the last century ; 
 and Eoghan Ruadh O'Suilliobhain, a native of Sliabh Luachra in Kerry, 
 who died A.D. 1784, and is buried at Nohoval near Mill-street, wrote a 
 very beautiful Jacobite ballad to the air of Caiseall Mumhan, in which 
 he introduces it thus : — 
 
 " 2J)xM&ion otuícca le b-Air tja Swfle 'r tne 30 ci\roAc-U5 pAon." 
 Beside the Suir on a dewy morning I was feebly laid, 
 and a street ballad, which is very popular in Munster, commencing thus : — 
 '* The very first day I left Carrick, 
 Wa9 the twenty-ninth day of last June. * 
 
 describes its scenery most graphically. 
 
8 
 
 O. 2ty*1fi5 bAti)T-A b'£<U) bA é]f, 
 
 Y 3 Af ) wo fP^ir A 3-clu|éce 'tjív 5-ceól ; 
 att) 6ót)AT) cyv\o\) bVtcle At) c-fluAig, 
 bATt) |f c|iuA5 bo bejc bed ! 
 
 )r tfiuA5, a PbAqtAtc, At) r3 é * l > 
 me bejc cAjt éiT/ t)A b-peAjt 50 pAt)t> ; 
 A3 éjfceAcc fie cIjaji Y CI03, 
 
 Y ft)é Art) feAt)ój|i bocc 6aII. 
 
 <t>A rr)A|]i|:eA6 'pjortT) A3uf At) pbjAt), 
 
 bo crté|3Ht>^ri c M A n *Y clo 13i 
 
 bo leATtf att)t) At) £iaó £ó't) i)-5leAt)t), 
 
 Y bA rt)|At) Itort) bfietc Aft a cott\ 
 
 jAflfl, A PbÁCjtAjC, t)eATT) ATI to^A, 
 b"pl)10T)t) T)A b-'plA^T) Y & ^ clA]t)t) ; 
 
 béAt) 5U|6e ati at) b-frlAfc, 
 
 Y i)^c 5-cuaIa6 a cott)-ti)A|c fteb' l]i)t). 
 
 P. H| f AflflfAb-fA T)6ATT) b^TOT)!), 
 
 a ftp siw t^V ^itm3 "?Y eA n3 j 
 
 Y 5 U I* A TT)1AT) Tte T)A llT)T), 
 
 beic a T)3l|T)T) as rwr* 1 ) r e ^ l 5- 
 
 O. <t>A Tt)-be|CeÁ-f A fAflflA|f AT) ^ty^T), 
 
 a clé|Tii5 f)A 3-cl|A|t Y OA 3-CI05; 
 T)| cAbATi^Á c'A]Tie bo ^bl^, 
 1)A bO fit Aft cljAfl A5UT; t*5ol. 
 
 P. N'l c|té|3f|t)T)fe tt)ac <Dé bf, 
 
 Aft A b-CA|t)|3 fOjTl A3UT- f lAfl J 
 
 a 0]f]V, A Hie but5, 
 
 1f Olc flACAf bUTC b|0l t)A 3-cltATt. 
 
9 
 
 0. Woe is me that have remained after him, 
 
 My delight not being in games or music ; 
 But being a withering wretch after the host, 
 To me it is sad to be alive ! 
 
 Patrick, sad is the tale, 
 To be after the heroes, thus feeble ; 
 Listening to clerics and to bells, 
 Whilst I am a poor, blind, old man. 
 
 If Fionn and the Fenians lived, 
 
 I would abandon the clerics and the bells ; 
 I would follow the deer through the glen, 
 And would fain lay hold of his leg. 
 
 Patrick, ask heaven of God, 
 
 For Fionn of the Fenians and his clan ; 
 Pray for the chief, 
 
 Whose equal has not been heard of in your time. 
 
 P. I will not ask heaven for Fionn, 
 
 subtle man against whom hath risen my ire ; 
 
 Since it was his delight in his time, 
 
 To dwell in glens pursuing the noisy chase. 
 
 0. Hadst thou been in company with the Fenians, 
 cleric of the priests and bells ; 
 Thou wouldst not give heed to God, 
 Or to the attending on clerics and schools. 
 
 P. I would not forsake the Son of the living God, 
 For all that have been east or west ; 
 Oisin, soft bard, 
 
 Thou wilt fare ill for depreciating the clerics. 
 
10 
 
 O. Ba n)]*]) tie f]oi)r) ija b-^Uc 
 
 r|At)r^t) A COX) A b-£Ab AJft fl]Ab J 
 
 co|T) aIIca 1 A3 pAsbAjl CUAJ1), 
 
 Tt)Ó|t8A|l A fluAjg OA \)-'e A TT)] At). 
 
 P. |on?ÓA tr^At? bo bí A3 pjOOD, 
 
 t)Ac 3-cu]|iceA|t fu|ti7 At)t) bA éff ; 
 t>1 ri7Ai|teAt)r) ^ot)!) t)A a co]t), 
 V t;i rbAiti^b cufA, a 0|nP F^l- 
 
 O. )y xt)ó bo fséAl ¥]ot)v t)A n*tt>, 
 
 'f 1)A A b-CÁ|l)15 |te AJt l]t)l) |t|ATT) j 
 
 a i^beACAjb, f a b-pu]l bed, 
 b'^eAjift pjorw £aoj 6]t i)A iAb. 
 
 P. "5*6 Afl bftOt)t)A]f A'f piorjt) b'ófi, 
 
 If Olc JtACAf bo ^Uf bU^Cj 
 
 ca fé a y-wjietvv a i)5eAll, 
 rrjAjt bo 5t>í6eAÓ ^ eAll a'j* bpujb. 
 
 O. )\ beA3 a crieib]ti)-fe bob slop, 
 
 A £j|t 6't) Kojtt) T)A leAbAjt rrj-bAt) ; 
 30 rrj-beic T^orjt), At) ^Ia^c ^aII, 
 A3 beArbAT) r>A A5 b^AbAl Ajjt lA]rtj. 
 
 1 Cojo aIIca, i. e., wild dogs, wolves. These animals seemingly 
 afforded a vast amount of amusement to the Fenians in their hunting 
 excursions ; and until very recently they were not altogether banished 
 from Ireland. In the Irish Penny Journal, there is an article on Natural 
 History by the late H. D. Eichardson, a gentleman who devoted much 
 of his time to this pursuit, in which he states that wolves were 
 killed in Wexford in 1730 — 40; and one on the Wicklow mountains 60 
 late as 1770. In the Banquet of Dun na ngedh, &c. published by the 
 Irish Archaeological Society, and edited by Dr. O 'Donovan (p. 189), it is 
 stated that the last native wolf seen in Ireland was killed on a mountain 
 in the county of Kerry, in the year 1725 ; and at pp. 64, 65 (idem) we 
 are told that when DUbhdiadh, the Druid, foretold the fate of Congal 
 
0. A delight to Fionn of the heroes 
 
 Was the cry of his hounds afar on the mountain ; 
 
 The wolves starting from their dens, 
 
 The exultation of his hosts, that was his delight. 
 
 P. Many a desire Fionn had, 
 
 Which are disregarded after him, 
 
 Fionn or his hounds live not, 
 
 Nor shalt thou live, generous Oisin. 
 
 0. A greater loss is Fionn than we, 
 
 And all that have ever lived within our time ; 
 All that ever passed away and all that are living, 
 Fionn was more liberal of his gold than they. 
 
 P. All the gold which Fionn and you bestowed, 
 'Tis of no avail to him or thee ; 
 He is in hell in bondage, 
 
 Because he committed treachery and oppression. 
 
 0. Little do I believe of thy talk, 
 
 man from Rome of the white books, 
 That Fionn, the hospitable chief, 
 Could be detained by demon or devil. 
 
 Claen, in a most satiric strain, the following reference is made to the 
 wolf: — 
 
 " Cuj|xiti oeur bujbtje bttAi), 
 cii]i)btfzz\b qtjn bu|i 5-ciVftAb, 
 
 i)7 b-<<MlteATt)CATt qijb UUb." 
 Wolves and flocks of ravens 
 Shall devour the heads of your heroes, 
 Until the fine clean sand is reckoned, 
 The heads of the Ultonians shall not be reckoned. 
 The only specimen of the Irish wolf-dog now in Ireland, that we are 
 aware of, is in the possession of Mr Conyngham Moore of Strand-street 
 in this city. 
 
12 
 
 ¥]0\)\) a i)-i,t;rteAr)r) a]ji lAjri), 
 Ar; pe&|i pArb bo bfiotjOAÓ óft; 
 
 A t)-é||t|C eAfU|í|tATT)A AjTt ^b^, 
 
 c& fé b-ceAC i;a b-p^Ai; j:aoj bjtór) ! 
 
 n)-beií)í|* cUt)t)A 2t)6rtiiA ^fqj, 
 t;6 clAT)r)A B^O|fcr;e, r>A jriji bA cttéAr) 
 bo béA]t|:^b<\o|f }~iot)i; attjac, 
 r)ó bo bjAÓ at) ceAC aca t:é^i;. 
 
 Cú]5 có|5e 6]|teATn;, f-eAÓ, 
 
 Y t)A feACC 5-CACA bj fAp b-'péfrjT) ; 
 t)j qub]tA]&íf }~|Otk> Arp<\c, 
 
 5é'|t Tt^ÓTt a tjeAjic A5Uf a b-cfié|r>. 
 
 Í)á ri)A]|it;eA6 PaoIáí) A5UI 4 
 
 ^jATttDUjb born; a't Ofcufi A13, 
 
 A b-C]5 ^Afl CUTT) &eATT)AT) 1)& ^jA, 
 
 xj\ bejc "piorjt) t>A b-p]At)T) aji \&]ú). 
 
 <Da ít)A|Ttt;eA6 'pAol&r) A5uf "Soil, 
 'X a ]tA]b At)i) bo'i) b-péjrjT) fi|ATÍ) ; 
 v)\ cjubitA^bif F|OT)r) ArrjAC, 
 aj* ai) ceAc ; i?a b-fujl a b-p|Ai> 
 
 C|téAb bO ft|T) )^]OT)r) atji ^bjA, 
 
 acc be^c A5 jii^t 1 c^l^T 1 A V f5°l í 
 51teAf rt?6|t A5 b]toiit)AÓ Ar> ójft, 
 
 Y 5fieA|* e|le Tte rneiójtt a cor>. 
 
 21 r^eAll jte n}e]6]tt i;a 3-coi), 
 't; le jilAjt T)A f 50I 5AC AOT? Ia ; 
 
 Y 5 A1 ? <MT/ie Aise Ai,ft <t>biA, 
 aca lp]or)\) r>A t-} r iAt)r) A||t Ia|i4). 
 
13 
 
 P. Fionn is in hell in bonds, 
 
 The pleasant man who used to bestow gold ; 
 In penalty of his disobedience to God, 
 He is now in the house of pain in sorrow. 
 
 0. Were the Clanna Morna within, 
 
 Or the Clanna Baoisgne, the mighty men ; 
 
 They would take Fionn out, 
 
 Or would have the house to themselves. 
 
 P. The five provinces of Eirin severally, 
 
 And the seven battalions which the Fenians had ; 
 
 They could not deliver Fionn, 
 
 Tho' great might be their prowess and strength. 
 
 0. If Faolan and Goll lived, 
 
 Diarmuid the brown-haired and Oscar the noble ; 
 In any house that demon or God ever formed, 
 Fionn of the Fenians could not be in bondage. 
 
 P. If Faolan and Goll lived, 
 
 And all the Fenians that ever were ; 
 They would not bring Fionn out, 
 From the house where he is in pain. 
 
 0. What did Fionn do to God, 
 
 Except to attend on hosts and schools ; l 
 
 A great while bestowing gold, 
 
 And another while delighting in his hounds. 
 
 P. Because of the amusement of the hounds. 
 And for attending the schools each day ; 
 And because he took no heed of God, 
 Fionn of the Fenians is in bonds. 
 
 1 That is to say, bardic schools. 
 
14 
 
 O. 2i be] ft cttfA, a PbivcfiAjc tta tiattt), 
 
 TTAC b-CfubftAÓ AT) pbl^T)í) ^TOOT) ATTJAC j 
 
 t)a cu]j c6|36 6|TteAt)t) leo, 
 3é tt tbóji a tjeAjic t;AO| T/eAc. 
 
 T^ív r5 é *l *>eA5 ASArD-fA atx pbiorjt), 
 
 t)í TtADATDATt AT)T) ACC CÚ|3 ^||t béA5 j 
 &0 5AbATT)A|t |l]5 BftGACAJT) T)A b"T:Wb, 
 
 le T)eA|xc ATI rle^s ^uf ati Iaoc. 
 
 1)0 3AbA8 IjTTT) 2t)AjT)UT; TT)6fl, 
 
 tttac rt|5 LocIajttt) t)a I0T13 "i-b^eAC ; 
 
 CÍVT)3ATTTATt 5AT) bftÓT), 3AT) fSfOf, 
 
 Y bo cuijteATDATt Áft 3-qoT/ a b-pAb. 
 
 21 Pb&CTtA|C, ]f CflttAj AT) t5^Al, 
 ATT K^g-^ITTTTlS be]C JJAOf gUf ; 
 
 cTto^be 5AT1 AiTisT.ÓeAcc, 3AT) t;uac, 
 
 C|tOT,Óe CTtUAT,6 A3 CO|*r)ATTT CAC. 
 )X éA3CÓ|Tt TTÁTt TT)A|C le C D|A, 
 
 ó]t a't; bj a6 bo CAbA-fjic bo t>eAc ; 
 
 TXjOTt 8t,uIcAT,Ó pfOTW CfléAT) T)A CTtllA^, 
 IpTteATTTT JUlATt TTTá't; é A C6AC ! 
 
 2t)|AT) XX)]C CbuTTT^U TT1A]C 3TTA0], 
 
 éjT/ceACc Tte ^AOjó 1 í)b^onrA toejTts ; 2 
 - coblA t;A f Ttuc 6at/a Hua^Ó, 3 
 
 f t;^8 3bAillTtie tta 3-cuatt &o fejh;. 
 
 1 Faojó signifies a voice, hum, or sound. 
 
 2 OttoTij beAns, literally the red ridge. In the U^aWait) ija SeATjojtiJS, 
 a very curious tract containing a complete history of the Vl&yr)& GiTtiorjp, 
 it is stated that "Dyiorr) beans was the ancient name of Drumcliff, a small 
 village in the barony of Carbury, and county of Sligo, remarkable for 
 the remains of an ancient Round Tower, fcfton) beAT>5 was a ^ 80 tne an " 
 cient name of t5ui) bix leACTjUr, now Downpatrick, where a great battle 
 was fought, A.D. 1260, between Brian O'Neill and Hugh mac Felim 
 [O'Conor], and the Galls of the North of Ireland, in which many of the 
 Irish chiefs were slain ; which event formed the subject of a long poem 
 
15 
 
 0. Thou sayest, Patrick of the psalms, 
 
 That the Fenians could not take Fionri out ; 
 Nor the five provinces of Erin with them, 
 Tho' great might be their individual strength. 
 
 I have a little story respecting Fionn, 
 We were but fifteen men in number ; 
 We too£ the king of Britain, of the feasts, 
 By the might of our spears and of our heroes. 
 
 Magnus the Great was taken by us, [ships ; 
 
 The son of the king of Lochlin of the speckled 
 We returned without grief or weariness, 
 And extended our tribute afar. 
 
 Patrick, woful is the tale, 
 
 That the Fenian king should be in bonds ; 
 A heart devoid of spite or hatred, 
 A heart stern in maintaining battles. 
 
 It is not just that God should not feel pleased, 
 At bestowing gold and food on one ; 
 Fionn never refused mighty or wretched, 
 Even though cold hell be his doom. 
 
 'Twas the desire of the son of Cumhall of noble mien , 
 To listen to the sound of Dromderg ; 
 To sleep at the stream of Eas Euaidh, 
 And to chase the deer of Galway of the bays. 
 
 for the pen of Gilla Brighde Mac Conmidhe, chief poet of Ulster at the 
 time, published in the Miscellany of the Celtic Society, p. 146. Fionn 
 had a son named Dearg, whose adventures formed a theme for poetic 
 romance, and from whom the place may derive its name. 
 
 3 Car Ruaió, or Eas Aedha Ruaidh, Assaroe, the Salmon Leap, a cata- 
 ract on the river Erne, at the town of Ballyshannon in Tir Chonaill 
 (Tyrconnell), i.e., the country of Conall, which was nearly co-extensive 
 with the present county of Donegal, and takes its name from Conall 
 Gulban, the son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. — Book of Rights, p. 34, 
 note p. See also Oss. Soc. Trans , Vol. III., p. 115, note 8. 
 
1G 
 
 O. SsaIcajwac lo|t) LéjcjteAC Iao|, 
 
 coi;i) Hu^fiAióe 1 A3 buA^T) fie cjiaiJ ; 
 
 bO)tbAT) AT) bA]?T) Ó TT)A|5 2t)l)AO|T), 2 
 
 biijctte At) Iao]5 ó 3bl^AT)i) 6a n)A]l. 3 
 
 F°3 A n r e i l 3 e r^be 5-Citoc, 4 
 
 pUA]rt) t>A t)-0f U]Tt) fljAb 5-CuA; 5 
 í1)0T)5Á1ft t;AO|leAT)l) JO]t|tU]^ 6 caII, 
 
 5Aj]t í)a rt)-bAÓb 6y c]or)v at) c-t4ua5. 
 
 £újir)Arb CjteAc i)A rr)-bAjic jte cot)r), 
 AT)-uAjll cot)A]]tc bo ^b^u^ro-lif ; 7 
 b|i]AC|tA Bb|tAir) a 5~Cr)OC at) A]|t, 8 
 Y 1 1 t)A ffieAb u]tt) fl^Ab 2t)if\ 9 
 
 31ao6 Ofcu^jt A5 bul bo fe^l3, 
 
 30ÚA 3a8a|i aji Le^t5 i)A b-f^^VV ; 10 
 bei,c i)A f u|8e a rt)eAj*3 t)A p-bArt), 
 bA \)-'e bo tjtjac a rbi,Ar>. 
 
 St^fAT) bO TblAT)A]b Ot/CUJTt £é]l, 
 
 be]c A5 6]fceAÓc |te bé^rp 1*51, At ; 
 
 be^C A 5-CAé A-5 COf 3 A]t Ct>AtT), 
 bA b - & T*|1) & 3t)AC A rbjAT). 
 
 1 Cotjt) Hu5ttA]6e, Me wave of Rughraidhe ; a loud surge on Traigh 
 Rudhraidhe, in the Bay of Dundrum in the county of Down, which 
 drowned Rudhraidhe, the son of Partholan Four Masters, p. 1189. 
 
 2 2t)&5 2t)Aoit), the plain of Maon, otherwise called Maonmhagh, a ce- 
 lebrated plain lying around Loughrea, in the county of Gal way, the 
 inheritance of the Clanna Moirne. 
 
 3 3leAnn TÍ)&ll> Glen of the two heroes. 
 
 4 51] Ab 5-Citoc, Sliabh g-Crot. Now Mount Grud, in the townland of 
 Mount Uniack, parish of Killarory, barony of Clanwilliam, and county of 
 Tipperary. The fort and castle of Dun-g-Crot are situated at the foot 
 of this mountain, in the Glen of Aherlow [near Bansha]. — Four Masters, 
 Ed. J. O'D., A.D. 1058, note y. 
 
 5 SljAb Cua, Sliabh Cua. Now the parish of Seasgnan in the county 
 of Waterford, situated about midway on the road from Clonmel to Dun- 
 garvan ; and chiefly inhabited by the middle class of farmers, many 
 of whom have amassed considerable wealth by agricultural pursuits. 
 
17 
 
 0. The warbling of the blackbird of Letter Lee, 
 The wave of Rugljraidhe lashing* the shore ; 
 The bellowing of the ox of Magh-maoin, 
 And the lowing of the calf of Gleann-da-mhail. 
 
 The resounding of the chase of Sliabh g-Crot, 
 The noise of the fawns round .Sliabh Cua ; 
 The seagulls' scream on Iorrus yonder, 
 Or the screech of the ravens over the battle-field. 
 
 The tossing of the hulls of the barks by the wave, 
 The yell of the hounds at Drumlish ; 
 The. cry of Bran at Cnoc-an-air, 
 Or the murmur of the streams about Sliabh Mis. 
 
 The call of Oscur going to the chase, 
 
 The cries of the hounds at Leirg-na-bh-Fiann ; 
 To be sitting amongst the bards, 
 That was his desire constantly. 
 
 A desire of the desires of the generous Oscur, 
 Was to listen to the clashing of shields ; 
 To be in battle hacking bones, 
 That was his desire constantly. 
 
 Mr. James O'Keeffe, of Mountain Castle in the adjoining parish, Modeligo, 
 holds considerable landed property in this parish. One of the five pre- 
 rogatives of the King of Cashel was to - pass over Sliabh g-Cua with [a 
 band of] fifty, after pacifying the south of Eire. — Book of Rights, p. 5. 
 
 6 lonttur, Erris. An extensive and wild barony in the north-west of 
 the county of Mayo Four Masters. 
 
 7 *0|tuin)-lir. Kow Drumlease, an old church in ruins, near the east 
 extremity of Lough Gill, in the barony of Droinahaire, and county of 
 Leitrim — Four Masters, Ed. J. O'D., A.D. 1360, note i. 
 
 8 Ct)oc-At)-ivin, the Hill of Slaughter. A romantic hill in the county 
 of Kerry, situated near Bally bunian, at which there was a great battle 
 fought by the Fenians in the second century. 
 
 9 Sl]Ab STJir. Now Slieve mish, a mountain in the barony of Trough- 
 anackmy, in the county of Kerry. There is also another mountain of the 
 
 same name in the barony of Lower Antrim in the county of Antrim. 
 
 Book of Rights, p. 23, note x. 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 O. Sé pijt bé^5 bo cuAbrttAjt 
 
 bo fe|l5 50 ponrt)AO]l t)A b-"p]Ai)i); J 
 lAjti) fte b-^AbAt) crtojc At) ScajI, 
 b'tíéACAit) céAb uaca An 5-coileAt). 
 
 2it)rt)Ai)t)A *V bA occAi.n ánjnt), 
 bo béAjtAb óuic a 'CbAihjjyi?; 
 be]c bA rt-béi,]* ^ tnuA5 At) cúij*, 
 
 TT)Ot)UAn If Tt)éAlA AT) ]Ort)tÚ.]y. 
 
 9X)'e t:éiT) f At) j:Iai£ pioot), 
 
 a'i; tt)o rt)AX Ofcun i)A rt)-bé|rt)eAt)t) ; 
 
 'x bo buAjt) O BAOj^^e at* bnujb, 
 
 At) feA|i bub O 4Du]bi)e, í)|Antt)U]b. 
 
 T^Á|t)|5 M^t) pAolÁt) ^eAnÓA, 
 
 aY cn^un rt)AC 2lot)ceAnnbA BéAnnA; 
 
 3l^r, Af 5e^Tt|l, *'f 5obA l)Án 5At)T), 
 
 bo cleAcc Tt)6n-éAÓc a 5-cori)lAt)t). 
 
 ^M15 l 1W Cot)At) 5At) n)op)3, 2 
 
 a'|* CaoI céAbjojrjeAC 6't) G/Arbui.rtt) ; 
 
 Tt)AC Lu^AjÓ t)Án DAt)bA, a']* T)Ajt CA]|*, 
 
 a'|* n)*c ^t)6nt)A bo't) pi]nit)i). 
 
 !0 leiTtó-nA-b-riAtjij, an eminence or slope on the side of some hill in 
 Leinster, but not identified, where the Fenian hunters were wont to 
 muster preparatory to starting far the chase. 
 
 1 FonnjAoil t)A b Fjai) Formaoil of the Fenians. There is a place called 
 Formoyle in the barony of Upper Ossory, in the Queen's County, the 
 estates of William Palliser and Jonah Barrington, Esqrs., also of Mrs. 
 Judith Wheeler, as heirs at law, and Oliver Wheeler, Esq. of Grenane, 
 of which we have a large map on vellum, made in July, 1748, by Thomas 
 Eeading. From its contiguity to the Hill of Almhuin in Kildare, where 
 Fiona, had bis palace, it is likely to be the Formaoil referred to in the 
 text ; but there is another £onn)AO]l at Brandon bay in the county of 
 Kerry, to the north of Ctjoc aij ScajI; and in Professor Connellan's 
 Dissertation on Irish Grammar (Dub. 1834), p. 50, mention is made of 
 a place near CM Eatbuig Broin in the county of Sligo, called fonnjAoil 
 17A b-FjAijn, by the Irish- speaking people of the district, who allege that 
 the Formaoils were the hospitals of the Fenians. 
 
19 
 
 0. We went westwards sixteen men in number, 
 To hunt at Formaoil of the Fenians ; 
 Nigh the face of Cnoc an Scail, 
 To see the first running of our hounds. 
 
 The names of the two mirthful eights 
 I shall relate, Tailgin ; 
 To live after them is a sad fate, 
 Woe and sorrow are my lot. 
 
 Myself, and Fionn, the chief, 
 And my son Oscur of the blows ; 
 And he who delivered O'Baoisgne from bondage, 
 The black-haired O'Duibhne Diarmuid. 
 
 There came with us Faolan the manly, 
 And the three sons of Aonchearda Bearra ; 
 Glas, and Gearr, and Gobha the generous, 
 Who were accustomed to great feats in battle. 
 
 There came with U3 Conan without hair, 
 
 And Caol, the hundred-wounder, from Eamhuin ; 
 Mac Lughaidh who was neither effeminate nor weak. 
 And Goll Mac Morna was of the band. 
 
 2 Cotj'AV 5A1) it)oit)5, i.e., Conan without hair. This is the celebrated 
 Conan Maol so often referred to in these poems, and of whom there are 
 many ludicrous stories told. He was called Maol from the loss of his 
 hair, being bald-pated ; but the term Maol also signifies a person of 
 low stature, or the humblest menial in any employment. Donnchadh 
 Ruadh Mac Conmara, a Munster poet of the last century, in his Eachtra 
 Ghiolla an Amallain, applies the term thus : — 
 
 " W]oy. coiti 6ati) reAlAb bejc cati)aI tijati xi)Aol beA5, 
 
 as v-orx)A^ x)b A5 stiAjrAó, tjó A5 CAjtcAó ija c\ié reAl." 
 
 It was not right for me to be for a while like little Maol, 
 Digging, or hoeing, or tossing the clay. 
 
 There are various families in Ireland who derive their patronymic from 
 this term, viz. Maolruanaidh, Maolbrighde, Maolmhichil, Maoldamh- 
 naidh, Maoilsheachlainn, Maolmhuire, &c. 
 
20 
 
 O. too bj 'r)A|i iT)-buj6|t) L|A3<uj luAfrrjue^C, 
 
 tt)A]t Aor> aY toAjfte buAT) ac ; 
 3obA 5AO]ce a']* Cot>CAbATt at) &|3» 
 a']* CAOjlce c|iAT)t)CA]|t rriAC Korj&i,!). 1 
 
 <t)o b| BftAT) AfTA CO]í)élll A5 f]OV)V, 
 a'|* ]]♦ A^ATT)|*A bO b] S5eolÁT) j 
 'peAjtOvT) A5 tojA|irr)Ulb T)A TTJ-bAT), 2 
 a']* 2lÓT)UAlll ivgrTJAft A5 OfXUtt. 
 
 6|te bfieAC A3 'pAol&r) rt)<xc pbltft), 
 
 A5 "^ 2lor)ceA|t|tbA BéÁjiTtA, Biqll ; 
 
 ^3 3 e aTtjt, A V' A S 3°b<v t)A t)-e<\c t^Iat), 
 bo b) "fe&b A5111* FofCA|5. 
 
 too b] SeATtc A3 Coi)At> rt)Aol, 
 
 aY 6|i;ceAcc A5 CaoI |te t?a cAob ; 
 A3 Lu5A]8 lÁibifi V ^5 5oll, 
 
 bO b] pUAirt) A5U]* "pOCjtATl). 
 
 too b^ t,u<vf A5 L1A5ÍVT) luAirrioeAC, 
 a'p toACCAO]r) A3 toAiite buATjAC ; 
 té|rt) <V5 5obA 3*o]ce at; 3|iit)í), 
 A'f toAol A5 Caoilce tdac Korj&irj. 
 
 S3AO|lceA|t ÓÚ|t)T) 3AbA1|t TÍ)|C 2t)bóftT)A, 
 
 t:A irpeAllAib cijoc T)A b-c&irjqb ; 
 fÁ ciurbAfA^b cojvpojibA CboTtA]T)r), 3 
 a'|* béAl t)A lorb&t) 4 |ie i:at)A]6. 
 
 2lf fúb yo]\i 50 beiTit) BocAiít, 6 
 l]T)X) bA ceClrbATt aji rj-AÓAftcA.; 
 Fiji tobivme a 3-coill 30 3ii]c-b|T)T), 
 
 aY ^Ab A5 OfrjAÓAjl A1|t CA^TJClb. 
 
 1 ?í)ac Kot)íx]o» Mac Ronain. The chief occupation of Mac Ronain in 
 the Fenian ranks was to draw lots whenever any spoil was to be divided ; 
 hence the epithet Crannchair, of the lot. 
 
 2 t)jAtiTi)U|& tjA nj-bAi). This is Diarmui d O'Duibhne, the subject of our 
 
21 
 
 0. There was in our company Liagan the nimble, 
 Together with Daire of the duans ; 
 Gobha Gaoithe and Connor the valiant, 
 Arid he of the lots, Cailte Mac Ronau. 
 
 Fionn held Bran in a ólip, 
 
 And 'twas I that held Sgeolann ; 
 Diarmuid of the women held Fearan, 
 And Oscur held the lucky Adhnuaill. 
 
 Faolan, the son of Fionn, held the speckled Eile, 
 And Glas, the son of AonchearrdaBearra, held Eitill; 
 'Twas Gearr and Gobha of the pure steeds, 
 Who held Fead and Fostuigh. 
 
 , Conan the bald held Searc, 
 
 And Caol at his side held Eisteacht ; 
 Lughaidh the mighty, and Goll, 
 Held Fuaim and Fothram. 
 
 Liagan, the nimble, held Luadhas, 
 
 And Daire of the duans held Dathchaoin ; 
 Gobha Gaoithe, the merry, held Leim, 
 And Caoilte Mac Ronan held Daol. 
 
 We let loose the hounds of Mac Morna, 
 
 Throughout the borders of hills in numbers ; 
 Round the borders of Corann of the rocks, 
 While the fawns led down hill. 
 
 Thence eastwards to the peak of Bothar, 
 Most musical were our h^rns ; 
 The sweet-voiced men of Daire in the wood, 
 While shouting at the herds. 
 
 third volume, who is said to have had a ball seirce, or beaut}' spot on his 
 left breast, which caused any woman who saw it to fall in love with him. 
 
 3 CoftAtjTj, now Keash, or Ceis-choraino, in the couuty of Roscommon. 
 
 * lortjívt)» literally means a lamb, but is here applied to a the young deer. 
 
 5 bepjtj l)ócAju,'the peak of Bothar. Not identified. 
 
22 
 
 6 Rjnn-n&tAC 1 50 pocAO] ;' 2 
 CA05Ab pAolcot), CA05Ab rnon-conc, 
 5t)jOTT) A|t T)-65"C01) a b-*Fo]\rv*o]\. 3 
 
 Sit) at) céAb Iá bo r^AojleAb 
 
 jrujneAnr) b'A]t rAOjcjb cot) a 5-cluicce ; 
 a't* xj\ rrjAiniont) bÁ jtA^b a Iacaiji 
 uc ! a PbÁcriAic, acc roir'e. 
 
 21 PbÁcfiAic, if s nu *3 niir-e, 
 Art) feAT)ó]ri 50 b-AcujnfeAC ; 
 5AT) |t^irr>, 5At) CApA, 5At) qieojn, 
 A5 ctiiaII curt? AipnjtTi) 50 b-Alcó]n. 
 
 5at) Anb-piAÓAC LuACAin iDbeA^A, 4 
 5AI) TDjolcA flérbe Curlir)t) ; 5 
 5AI) bul a t)-5liAi6]b le T^oot), 
 5 At) Til An t^ol rt)An cleActA]nr). 
 
 5ai) beAbcA, 5AT) béAtJAtt) cueAc, 
 5AT) irt)inc An cleAfAib lúic ; 
 
 S AT) bul A3 r^msi 6 r e i l s> 
 
 6a céjnb t)A nAib rno Óújl. 
 
 P. Ssuin a feAnóju, lé]5 bob OAOir, 
 
 vf\ beA5 buic ^eAtTA a n-beAnnnAOif ; 
 frpuAiT) An r)A piArjcAjb ac& neort)Ab, 
 b'itnqg At? ^bl^W A5Uf» irt)ceocA]n. 
 
 O. 2t)Á irt)C|5]rt}, a PbÁcnAjc, nÁn "pAjcAn cufA, 
 
 a £in An crj^jbe cointDif^ce ; 6 
 bÁ roAjnpeAb ConÁr) Art) ÓájI, 
 V] l&15n^ e ^ eAC b° cjAnfAr). 
 
 1 Rjni)-n^Ac, a promontary, probably, in Ibh Rathach, (Iveragh) 
 county of Kerry. Perhaps Bolus head on Ballinaskellig bay. 
 
 2 Focaoi, not identified. 
 
 • porin;Aoil, see p. 18, note 7. 
 
 4 luACAjrt t>heA5A, now Sliabh Luachra, sometimes called Ciarruidhe 
 Luachra, from Ciar, one of the ancient kings of Munster, a long range 
 
23 
 
 0. Seven score of strong wild oxen, 
 From Rinn-rathach to Fochaoi ; 
 Fifty wolves and fifty huge wild boars 
 Were the spoils of our young hounds at Formaoil. 
 
 This was the first day on which were let loose 
 A portion of our noble hounds in the chase ; 
 And there lives not of those who were present, 
 Alas ! Patrick, but I. 
 
 Patrick, I am to be pitied, 
 
 Being a broken-hearted old man ; 
 
 Without sway, without agility, without vigor, 
 
 Going to mass at the altar. 
 
 Without the great chase of Luachair Dheaghaidh, 
 Without the hares of Sliabh Cuilinn ; 
 Without going into fights with Fionn, 
 Without attending schools as was my custom. 
 
 Without conflicts, without taking of preys, 
 Without exercising in feats ; 
 Without going to woo or to the chase, 
 Two amusements which I dearly loved. 
 
 P. Cease, old man, let be thy folly, [done : 
 
 Enough for thee henceforth what thou hast already 
 Reflect on the pains that are before you, 
 The Fenians are departed and thou shalt depart. 
 
 0. If I depart, Patrick, mayest thou not be left, 
 man of the ascetic heart ; 
 Were Conan new alive, 
 
 Thy growling would not be long permitted thee. 
 
 • 
 
 of mountain which extends from the harbour of Tralee in Kerry, to the 
 mouth of the Shannon. 
 
 6 SM<xb Cu]l|t)T), now Sliabh Guillinn in the county of Armagh. 
 
 6 Co|ftn)ir5ce, i.e.. ascetic, literally of the forbidding heart, because the 
 saint forbade him to enjoy many of his pleasures. 
 
24 
 
 O. ( D;\ rt)A8 6 At) liv bo bf "pfOt)D, 
 
 a 5~cACA]b Aflt)e a'|* a p^lfAb ; 
 
 CAft)fC AT) C01aT)I) 5AI) CeApt) 1 
 C*5&]WW 50 3leAt)1) &A ÓATÍ). 2 
 
 )f cu5Ab a cíu)5Af ort) ceAC fréft), 
 If bjteA^cA bAc A5uf 5t)AOf ; 
 A5 ]A]t]tAi6 AffTje Afft At) b-pbeit>t) ; 
 
 <t)o 5éAbAj|t A|]t5]ob ; óft, a'-j 4 bftu^c ; 
 bfob x ]V A5Ab A]]t bo cuA^b ; 
 frflC^ At)Off, bo flíVfÓ ^iood, 
 ]f Ti)jqb l]\)t) cu 6ul uAft)t). 
 
 Nf géAOAb Ai|i5|ob cu5Att? t)A 6ft, 
 
 acc cufA 5AT) ce^lc Aft At) b-'pefrn), 
 
 bo bejc A5Art) rt)Aft céfle fqjt. 
 
 Jf bflf ACAft bATt)f A, bO flA]Ó At) ftfg, 
 
 bÁ rt)-be|6]t)t)-f| jAt) rt)i)AOf fterrjj ftAe ; 
 t)A be^6ft)t) ATjAb-fA rt)A|t £]Oft, 
 
 Aft A b-£U]l 6 t)eATT) 50 f&Afl. 
 O C^Aff bO bflfACAft Afft b-cú|j% 
 
 Aft 0\x\t), a 5-clof* bo't) 'pbéf t)t) j 
 
 cuffijnjfe cufA po geif, 
 
 Tt)iti)A t)-beft)5fft freff IfOtt) péfij. 
 
 CoUij 5At} ceAijn, a headless body, an apparition. There are several 
 legends current amongst the Irish peasantry, regarding headless appari- 
 tions One of these legends, ** The Headless Horseman of Shanacloch," 
 by the late Edward Walsh, appeared in the Dublin Penny Journal, 
 Vol. ii. No. 57. pp. 33-35. Another legend of the same character is 
 related of a member of the Cosby family, interred in the vault of the 
 ruined church of Noughval, near Stradbally, in the Queen's County. It 
 was said that at stated periods, a black coach, drawn by four headless 
 
25 
 
 0. Or had it been on the day in which Fionn 
 
 Was engaged in glorious battles and conflicts ; 
 When there appeared to us a headless being, 
 At Gleann da dhaimh. 
 
 To thee have I come from my own home, 
 Of the most brilliant hue and shape ; 
 Requesting a gift of the Fenians, 
 To which they can give assent. 
 
 Thou shalt get silver, gold, and mantles, 
 As a rew r ard for thy visit ; 
 But depart now, said Fionn, 
 We think it time thou shouldst go from us. 
 
 Silver or gold I will not take, 
 
 royal chief of the pleasant speech ; [Fenians, 
 But thee thyself without concealing it from the 
 To live with me as my spouse. 
 
 By my troth, said the king, 
 
 If I were without a wife during my life, 
 
 1 would not consent to be thy husband, 
 For all that is from the heaven to the grass. 
 
 As thou wert the first to plight thy troth, 
 Says Oisin, in the hearing of the Fenians : 
 I adjure thee by a bond, 
 That thou become my partner. 
 
 black horses, with a headless coachman, and a headless footman, had been 
 seen driving at a furious rate, in the dead hour of mid-night, through 
 the village of Stradbally. The coach itself was said to contain one of 
 Cosbys ; but the writer of this note does not now recollect the particular 
 individual mentioned. 
 
 2 3le*\i)í) í?ív the glen of the two oxen. The Four Masters give 
 
 no account of this locality ; but at A.D. 945, there is a Gleann Damhain 
 mentioned situate near Diir lnis (the isle oi oaks), or Molana, an island 
 
26 
 
 O. u<\ifi bo rrrjuAjneAr ajji rr;o Iaot;, 
 
 C11511P ai) c-fa|ru V]rj a 5-céill j 
 bo lu|5|Of lé a 5-cof*iv|tb, 
 rrjAft bob' í too f&]i bo tt)T)Aoj. 
 
 2I5 ceACc bo'p plié|r)T) curt) bA]le, 
 
 r>AVc|t]U||t, 1)* 3-ceAC|iAiri, t»A 3-cú(5||t ; 
 A5 péACAj^ t>a TT)t;<v bob' A|li;e, 
 r>]0|t curp a leo cé'ft cújr^e. 
 
 2I5 ceAÓc bo'p coIajtjtj 5 at* ceArjr*, 
 
 bo b^ fúb 't-at? y-sle&yr) b'Ajr b-ceACc ; 
 If ^OtT}ÓA bflAO] bo b) £A clu, 
 
 beic 5-céAb cú a'j* be*c 5-céAb eAc. 
 
 <t)e]c 5-céAb e<\c 50t}A ]*|t| at*, 
 be|c 5-céAb cú 50TIA 5-co|r)|All; 
 be|6 5-céAb 5|oIIa t;a ftAjb T*eAjtc, 
 a't- 5-céAb f*eAji bo'i) |TT)ceAcc. 
 
 <t)e|C 5-céAb cojtr* T)A rrj-b] 6ri, 
 
 bejc 5-céAb clo|6eAri> cójjt a']* f3lAc; 
 bA rt)AÓ riiAOjbce 6att*|*a, be^c 5-céAb bó, 
 cu^at- bort) céile ai) aoíiIó ia&. 
 
 <t)o bejTt jj&iiroe b'Oinp ^aII, 
 If rr)*c]b l|orr? cti|aII borr; ceAC ; 
 bo 5éAbA|6 cu. 3 ac Ajf5e ua]6, 
 acc 5Ar* ujfje bo buAjt* le^f*. 
 
 Taid|5 ^^r)leó5 j:ao' at? b-^é^vv, 
 bo ft 115 at) fA|t;r)e fAO| at) loc ; 
 b'^rr-qj A1) ^Ai^e 6 fo]t) atjuat", 
 
 5AT) ft Of A T^éjl 5 u r A!)OCC 
 
 in the river Blackwater, in the barony of Coshmore and Coshbride, in 
 the county of Waterford, near Ballinatray, the seat of the Hon. Mr. 
 Moore, two and a half miles north-west of the town of Youghal. 
 The island is called Molana, from St. Maolanfaidh, its patron saint ; and 
 
27 
 
 0. When I reflected on my dear, 
 
 I put this thought in execution ; 
 I lay beside her without disguise, 
 Because she was meet to be my wife. 
 
 As the Fenians reached their houses, 
 In groups of threes and fours and fives, 
 To behold the most noble woman, 
 It was not indifferent to them who should be first . 
 
 When the headless being came, 
 There was then in the glen ; on our coming, 
 Many a druid of high repute, 
 Ten hundred hounds and ten hundred steeds. 
 
 Ten hundred steeds with their bridles, 
 Ten hundred hounds with their leashes ; 
 Ten hundred servitors in whom was strength, 
 Ten hundred heroes in our ranks. 
 
 Ten hundred goblets made of gold, 
 
 Ten hundred excellent swords and shields ; 
 Were it a boast for me, [there were] ten hundred 
 cows, 
 
 I bestowed them on my love in one day. 
 
 She gives a ring to the generous Oisin [and says], 
 'Tis time I should depart for my home ; [this, 
 Thou wilt obtain every thing thou desirest from 
 So that water will not touch it. 
 
 A swallow flew among the Fenians, 
 
 And carried off the ring towards a lake ; 
 The ring disappeared ever since, 
 Without any tidings of it unto this night. 
 
 in it are the ruins of an abbey of Regular Canons founded in the sixth 
 century by that saint, who was its first abbot. Here was buried Ray- 
 mond Le Gros, one of the co-adventurers with Strongbow in the invasion 
 of Ireland. — Smith's Waterford, p. 43. 
 
2S 
 
 O. 6<vr; ttuAb 1 t)A f3|AcAt) fi]AbAC, 
 
 'r éAi) beA5 ejle 2 fuAf t)a béAl ; 
 A S SAbAjl Á 5-cuAfib óf Afi 5-ceAt)t), 
 a 5 fe]t)t)]rt) T)A b-fOT)t) f<\T) AebeAjt. 
 
 t)o bAbAf A5Uf 'pjOT)!) fé]r), 
 A3 féACAT,T) T)A T)-éAt) fie feAl ; 
 
 5AT) f]Of, 5At) CUAl|t|f*5, CÁ T)-beACA^8 at) c-éAí), 
 T)A f|Of f5^AlA CA r)fc>eACA]6 A!) beAt). 
 
 P. )x beA5 fit), * ^e|5Tt)ic ^bvw, 
 
 t)\ |tA^b A5Afc> ii)t)te Act feAl; 
 
 If feAflTt f AT)ATT)U]t) TT)ATt A CAO], 
 
 t)a beic A|tjf t)A rt)eAf3. 
 
 O. 21 rr)]c 2tfiplui,T)t) at) JlójTt 6i,l, 
 
 If Tí)Ai.ft5 bejTt cAob Tte cléift t)a CI05; 
 bo bÁÓAf A3Uf CaoiIci, ttjo Iua&, 
 A5Uf bo bÁórrjAtt u<v|tt t) Aft bocc. 
 
 Ceól tte a 5-coblAb 'piOT)!) 3AT) bójc, 
 Iaca^t) ó loc t)a b-cjvj 3-CA0I ; 3 
 
 f5AlcA|H)AC l01T) i)l)0]Tte AT) CAIJIT)/ 
 
 A'f bÚjCjie AT) bA^TT) 6 3leAT)T)-T)A-3-CAOft. 5 
 
 <t)l)& Iaca]1)t) 6 Loc 6]TtT)e, 6 
 
 8a 8obAjt-co]T) 7 6 Loc ^Qe^ljje ; 8 
 8& 3eA|tTtf]Ab o't) Stjujpe caII, 9 
 A'f 8a feAbAC fléjbe 3-Cot)Aill. 10 
 
 1 Cat) tu*aó, reddish bird. The cuckoo is the bird referred to here, as 
 hovering over them in the air. 
 
 3 Cat) beA3 eile, another little bird. This is the W&V<>5 or hedge-sparrow, 
 which pursues the cuckoo in its flight, and is believed to make various 
 attempts to get into its beak when singing. 
 
 3 loc tjA o-cTti 5-CA0I, the lake of the three Caoh> This is the name 
 of a small lough near Kells in the county of Meath. 
 
 < t>o]Tte At) CbAÍTtt)» Derrycarn. Now Derrycarn in the county of Meath. 
 
29 
 
 . The reddish bird of the grey wings 
 
 And another small bird in its beak, 
 [Were] soaring around over our heads, 
 Singing their songs in the air. 
 
 Fionn and I together were 
 
 Gazing at the birds for a while ; [flown, 
 Without knowing or learning where the bird had 
 Or tidings whither the woman had gone. 
 
 P. That is nought, noble son of Fionn, 
 
 Thy possession of her was but for awhile ; 
 Better to remain as thou art, 
 Than to be again among them. 
 
 0. son of Calphurn of the bland speech, 
 
 Woe to him that confides in clerics or bells ; 
 
 I and Caoilte, my friend, 
 
 And we were for a time and did not want. 
 
 The music to which Fionn slept readily, 
 
 Was [the cackling of] the ducks from the lake of 
 
 the three Caols ; 
 The singing of the blackbird of Derrycarn, 
 And the bellowing of the ox of Gleann-na-g-Caor. 
 
 The two ducks of Lough Erne, 
 
 The two otters from Lough Meilghe ; 
 
 The two hares of yon brake, 
 
 And the two hawks of Sliabh g-Conaill. 
 
 5 SleAijtj i)<\ 5-CA0|t, the glen of the berries. Not mentioned by the 
 Four Masters; but there is a Gleann na g-Caor in the county of Cork. 
 
 6 loc Gifitje. Nok Lough Erne in the county of Fermanagh. Duald 
 M'Firbis and the Leabhar Gabhala agree as to the eruption of this lake. 
 See Four Masters, A.M. 3751. 
 
 7 OobAticoin, the otter. A remarkable instance of the voracious propen- 
 sities of this animal occurred lately at the glen of Aherlow near Bansha 
 in the county of Tipperary. A farmer, named Dwyer, found the throats 
 
30 
 
 O. fe&b ai) ^foU]ft ó 3bleAT)r> t)A rrj-buAb, 1 
 
 i;6 ó r3^1t lc cuuaiÓ ^bftuirr) le frtujc; 2 
 ceAjicA frfiAOjc ó CbftuACAt) Cbt 111 !^, 3 
 T)ó ^e^b óobAftcoir) í)bíiuirrj tie Coifi. 
 
 S5<xlc<v|tt)Ac loir) í)bo||ie AI) CArftf), 4 
 ^ cuaIaó jtiArf), bAft 30 be|rt)|0, 
 ceól bA bjrwe Ijorr) T)A é, 
 acc 50 tt)-bei6|!)r) £A bur) a T)eib. 
 
 of several of his sheep cut after the night, and, determining to watch 
 the thief, took his gun and concealed himself near the flock ; when about 
 midnight he observed something in the shape of a large clog attacking 
 the sheep, at which he took deliberate aim and killed him on the spot. 
 On approaching the animal, to his utter surprise it turned out to be a 
 monstrous otter, upwards of four feet long ; and although the river Suir, 
 from which it crawled upwards of half a mile by a narrow stream, 
 abounds with salmon and other fish at this season, (June, 1858), yet his 
 propensities for animal food was such that he preferred it to fish, no 
 matter how tender or delicious it tasted. 
 
 8 lot STJeilTje, the lake of Meilghe. The Four Masters record, under 
 date A.M. 4694, that Meilghe Molbhthach, son of Cobhthach Caol 
 Breagh, after having been seventeen years in the sovereignty of Ireland, 
 fell in the battle of Claire, by Modhchorb. When his grave was digging, 
 Loch Meilghe burst forth over the land in Cairbre, so that it was named 
 after him. It is situated on the confines of the counties of Fermanagh, 
 Leitrim, and Donegal. See Four Masters, A.M. 4694, note h. 
 
 9 %X)\x\T)e call. This must be some adjacent plain or green. 
 
 10 SljAb 5-Coi)AiU, the mountain or hill of Conall. Called after Conall 
 Gulban, who was nursed at the Beinn or peak of Gulban, where the 
 hardiest hawks in Ireland were found in the latter end of the fifteenth 
 century. 
 
 ' 5leAtjTj t)*\ nj-buAÓ, the glen of victories or conquests. Not men- 
 tioned by the Four Masters. 
 
 s fcfiujn) tie rf^f the ridge by the stream. Unknown. 
 
 3 CrtUAc&i) CfTfiu|Tn, the Cruachan of Crom. Cruachan was the name 
 of the ancient palace of the kings of Connaught, and was situated 
 near Belanagare, in the county of Roscommon, and is now called Rath- 
 croghan. However, we doubt whether this is the place referred to in the 
 text. Crom was the name of one of the idols of the Fagan Irish, to 
 which, according to Dr. Charles O'Conor (Prol. part I. p. 22), the early 
 colonisers up to the time of St. Fatrick, offered the firstlings of animals 
 
31 
 
 • 0. The whistle of the eagle from Gleann na m-buadh, 
 
 Or from the rough thicket of the Ridge by the stream ; 
 
 Or the grouse of Cruachan Chruim, 
 
 Or the whistle of the otter of Drum-re-Coir. 
 
 The song of the blackbird of Deny earn, 
 I never heard, by my troth, 
 Music more melodious to me than it, 
 Were I only beneath his nest. 
 
 besides other offerings. Here are his words: — "Magh-Sleacht canus 
 ronnim, ar is and ro bai High edhal Er. .i. in Crom-Cruach, agus da 
 fdhal deg do clochaibh uime, agus adhelbsain door, agus asse ba Be do 
 gach lucht ro gabh Eirinn go toracht Padric. Is do do idhbraitis ced 
 gen gacha sotha, agus primighgen gacha clainde. As cuige do riacht 
 Tigernmus mc Foil. JRi Er dia Samna, co feraibh agus co mnaibh Eir 
 rnaille fri Dia adhradh co ro sleacht sat uile idhu coro aemdhetar tuil an 
 edan agus etk a sron, agus faircledha anglun corra anuillend, conebladar 
 teor cethraimhe fher n Er ac na slechtaibh — unde Magh slecht dr." i.e. 
 Campus stragis ita appellatur, quia ibi fuit praecipuura Idolorum Hiber- 
 niae, nempe Crom-Cruach, et duodecim Idola Saxea circumstantia, et 
 caput ejus ex auro, et hie Deus fuit omnium populorum quotquot posse 
 erunt Hiberniam, usque ad ad ven turn S. Patricii. Huic sacrificaverunt 
 Primogenita cujusque Sobolis, et primogenita filiorum suorum. Hunc 
 Tigernmasius, filius Foil : Rex Hiberniae, precatus, est die Samnii, cum 
 Viris et mulieribus Hiberniae, tali adoratione, et ulnas suas rumperent, 
 cadendo et adorando, donee vulneribus infligerent etiam frontes suas, 
 contunderent nasus, et genua, usque ad sanguinem fundendum. Hinc 
 itaque dicitur Magh-Sleacht. Campus Stragis." And O'Flaherty (vide 
 Ogygia, part 3, p. 197, 4to. ed., Lond. 1685), says, " Cromcruach Ido- 
 lum, cui Tigernmasius rex, ut supra, cum uaiverso populo suo ex do- 
 drante vitam devoverant, totius regoi Idolorum omnium princeps ad 
 Idolomaniae in Hibernia per S. Patricium eversionem in campo Moy- 
 sleuct perstitit ; quod reges, et regni proceres summa, stataque sacrorum 
 rituum veneratione colebant ; eb quod responsa dare putabatur á populo 
 stulto, et insipiente, cui colebat illud, ut ait Jocelinus." (See Jocelin, in 
 vita S. Patricii, c. 56). Dr. O'Donovan says in a note to the Four Masters 
 under A.D. 1117, that there was a chieftain, named Cromdubh, in 
 Umhall [in Connaught] who was contemporary with St. Patrick, and, 
 though a powerful opponent of his, was afterwards converted by the 
 Saint to Christianity on the day called Domhnach Chroim Dhuibh. 
 
 * t)ojTie At) CbAjprj, Dtrrycarn. In the Transactions of the Galic 
 
32 
 
 O jf rr)A]|i5 b<\m £Iac bAtpceAb fi|Art), 
 
 II* olc bort) ot)ó|ji bAfi l|on) ; 
 Ajft rp-be|C 8A.it) ^aí) b|Ab, 5AT) beoc, 
 A5 béAT)Am cfior^A aY ú|ti)A|5ce. 
 
 P. H| b-olc, a fe&i)d]]\, bA]t Ijorrjj 
 
 bo T-éAOAift t)ao| b-]í|ccib bA||t5Íi) AfiAit); 
 5<>r>A r>-At)r)lAT) FjoijA a'p *ce6lA, 
 
 If Olc A T)-AbA1Jt CU, A feATJOIft. 
 
 Society of Dublin (1880), now a rare book, the following beautiful poem 
 ■will be found at page 194, addressed to one of these birds which fre- 
 quented Derrycarn wood in the county of Meath ; and which is accom- 
 panied by a spirited translation from the pen of Mr. William Leahy : 
 
 ** X)\W TW» A l °it) fcAitie CbAftii) ! 
 t*j cuaIat, At) At>b 'T at J ")-b*c, 
 Ceol bub biptje t)A bo juc, 
 l^GAf cu fa but) bo t)i&. 
 
 Slet) ceol ir bttjne t"A't) ti)-bic, 
 2D<xm3 D** ^irbetjt) ttir 3° roil, 
 
 21 TÍ)]C ÍÍlnptolT) T)A CC\OCC Tt)-b|T)t), 
 
 'S 50 tti-beTtcA Attfr Att bo i)0|t). 
 
 215AC, tt)Att CA AqATT) t-élt), 
 
 *OA ty-beic bei-inn rsé'l At ) eo Wi 
 
 "Do óérjcA bétiA 30 bjAti, 
 
 >S t)1 b]Ab c'Ajne Am £>JA 5° r°1 l - 
 
 21 cctiic loclAtj, t)A rtteb sotttt), 
 tfuAin *$) ac CúbAjl, t)A ccottt) f)be*t5, 
 2lt) c-ét) bo qci At)or, 
 215 ri'J a T3 el *> U 1 C 5° &e nb, 
 
 tioitte AT) CAITtt) At) CO|U úb ClAtt, 
 21)ATt a t)-béit)bir At) f hjAt) t:or ; 
 
 2ln iV]Ue 'rA*t CAeitije a cttAt)ti, 
 'S éb bo cuitteAb At)t) a*) lot). 
 
 55ol5Ai|te lojti bo]tte At) ChAtttti, 
 
 bÚICtie At) &A1TÍ) PbAjll t)A CCAeft, 
 Ceol le ccoblAb Fitit) 50 ttioc, 
 lACAttj 6 loc ca ccttj ccAel. 
 
 CettcA trttAeic utt) CbnuAcAit) cujt)ti T 
 |"eb3A]l bobftoirj fcfiuttt) bA loc ; 
 
 50CA T*flAl|t 3l]I) T)A r^^AC, 
 
 lot)5o)Tie cuac ct)U]c t)A rcoc. 
 
 5oca 3AbA|t 5lei)t)A CAejt), 
 Ir 5^m FbllAjn cAetc i)A rel5 ; 
 CAiTtti) t)A ccot) A3 ctt|Al 30 rx)oc, 
 XlrceAc ó cttAi5 ccloc t)-&efi3. 
 
 2lt) CttA]C bO TtJAJtl fttjt) »r At) J"b*At1, 
 
 t)ob Ant)fA leo fljAb t)A cjll, 
 Fa b]T)Tj leorAt) quisle lot), 
 5oca t)A CCI05 leo t)f*t bjt)." 
 
 Translation. 
 
 Hail tuneful bard of sable wing, 
 Thou warbler sweet of Carna's grove ! 
 Not lays more charming will I hear 
 Tho' round th' expansive earth I rove. 
 
33 
 
 Alas ! that I ever received baptism, 
 It affects my honor, I perceive ; 
 In being* without food and drink, 
 Whilst fasting and praying. 
 
 Not so, old man, I am sure, 
 
 Thou shalt get nine score cakes of bread ; 
 With thy fill of wine and meat, 
 Evil thou speakest, old man. 
 
 No melody's more soft than thine, 
 While perch'd thy mossy nest beneath ; 
 How sad to miss thy soothing song ! 
 When harmony divine you breathe. 
 
 O son of Alphron, cease thy bells, 
 Cease thy hollow- sounding strain ; 
 To Carna's grove thine ear incline, — 
 Thou wilt o'ertake thy psalms again. 
 
 O didst thou hear its mournful tale ! 
 Didst thou, as I, its story know ! 
 Thou wouldst forget thy God awhile, 
 And down thy cheeks would torrents flow. 
 
 Found was the bird on Lochlin's plains, 
 (Where purling flows the azure stream) 
 By Comhal's son, for goblets famed, 
 Which bright with golden splendor beam. 
 
 Yon lofty wood is Carna's grove, 
 Which bends to west its awful shade, 
 Where pleased with Nature's wild display, 
 The Fians — noble race ! delay'd. 
 
 In that retir'd and dusky wood, 
 The bird of sable wing was lay'd ; 
 Where the majestic oak extends, 
 His stately boughs in leafy shade. 
 
 The sable bird's harmonious note, 
 The lowing hind of Cora's steep, 
 Were wont, at morning's early dawn, 
 To lull the mighty Fionn asleep. 
 3 
 
34 
 
 O. bé<\l fo A5 jíjiiocaI leAc, 
 
 t)Aji ubAccAji h jte f A5A|tc ; 
 50 n/feATttt liort) bjiuf5ATt cfée fblUT), 
 i;a r\)0 cui,b bo't) coti)fto^r)T). 
 
 P. í)ob' é fjt) crmAfAC t>A b-pottt, 1 
 
 A 3 u r D5Aitb-cr)oc ; 
 
 ItrTteAijr) fuAiji óeijieAb, 
 A]t ] 4 5Ac butt T)-b]toic-c|teibirt7. 
 
 O. Njojt bA b -6 XV> bíl lW e 1*TVj 
 
 acc A]t IjoíjAÓ b'fóoi) a'j* b'-peójl ; 
 
 COfAC Cei|lC A'f 4 COCjtATD fleAb, 
 
 beocA Tt^lfe, a'j 4 các bA t)-ól. 
 
 A 3 u r T^t^r bA h]\)X) 5I0T1; 
 
 at) uAi|t t)ac lé]5ceA]t bú|í)r) a Iua6, 
 
 a Pb&qtAjC t)UA-j6, cÁ^t)15 °'i) HoiTt). 
 
 P. Ba ceAb \]w cu bÁ IuaÓ, 
 
 acc 50 b-CAbAi]t bAjfte A]t <t>bl* ATt b-cúf; 
 óf Ai)0|f if beijte bob' Aojf, 
 f3u1.lt bob' bAOjt;, a pjfi 5AI) lúc. 
 
 The noise which haunts the weedy pond, 
 That into triple straight divides ; 
 Where cooling in the crystal wave, 
 The bird of silver plumage glides. 
 
 The twitt'ring hens on Cronn's heath 
 And from yon water-girded hill, 
 The deepening voice of gloomy woe, 
 Sad, pensive, melancholy shrill. 
 
 The eagle's scream from Font's vale, 
 From the tall pine the cuckoo's song ; 
 The music of the hounds that fly, 
 The coral-pebbled strand along. 
 
35 
 
 0. This mouth conversing with thee, 
 
 May [it] never to a priest confess ; 
 
 If I would not prefer the crumbs of Fionn's house 
 
 To my share of your entertainments. 
 
 P. That was the picking of the banks, 
 And the chase of the craggy hills ; 
 Hell was his portion at the end, 
 Because of your unbelief. 
 
 0. Not so to us indeed, 
 
 But our fill of wine and meat ; 
 
 The first of justice and equality at feasts, 
 
 Delicious draughts and all drinking them. 
 
 Woe is me Diarmuid and Goll, 
 And Fergus of the tuneful voice ; 
 Since it is not allowed us to name them, 
 Patrick, lately come from Rome. 
 
 P. We would allow thee to name them, 
 
 But only give thy attention to God first ; 
 Since now thy life is at its end, 
 Leave off" thy folly, feeble man . 
 
 When liv'd brave Fionn, and all his chiefs, 
 The heath did more the heroes please, 
 Than church or bell they'd dearer deem, 
 The sable bird's melodious lays. 
 
 1 CijUAfAc i)A b.pojac, picking or gleaning of the banks. Here St. 
 Patrick intimates that Fionn's table was not so plentifully supplied after 
 all. That the viands consisted of berries picked up in the bays, and 
 of wild animals captured on the " craggy hills," which were for that 
 reason in poor condition and not easily eaten. 
 
36 
 
 21 PljACflAJC lt)l)]f b ATI) Cfl& TU'lí), 
 
 óy A^Ab aca Ar> c-eóluj* p3AttTt; 
 
 AT) lci3t;eATl Tt)0 ^AÓATt T)A T1)0 Cll, 
 
 l]ow 30 cúfjic ^3 r>A t>3ftAf? 
 
 21 feAT)Ój|t ACA ATt bAOlf, 
 
 A'f t;ac y^A-\m c]\]c bo cuji Oftc ; 
 t)Í l6|3peA|t bo 5a8aíi t)A bo cú, 
 
 leAC 50 CÚjjlC ]t1,5 T)A IteACC 
 
 Í)a TT)-bAÓ a5att)|;a b]AÓ AjcTie A|t <t)b| 
 a'í* 3° rr)-b]AÓ n>o cú borr/ ft^lT 1 > 
 
 bO pÁT]tCeOCATT)T) 6 bort) COI,^, 
 
 3|6 b'é bo béAftAÓ b]Ab Óatt) fé|T). 
 
 Ma l)-AbAT.]t a feAi;6||t, 
 a't; zn a T)-be]|ie b-Aojpe ; 
 
 T)| COCJtATT), 3AT) bfléA3, AT) bftOjC, 
 
 bo beijxiíi A|i Tt7o 1113-p. 
 
 <t)ob' £e&ji|t Aor) cujtAÓ att)á|t; l^]b|fi, 
 bo bj A|t pbjAT^Ajb 6]jieAi;í) ; 
 
 C|3eA]lt)A AT) CflÁbATb, 
 
 A3uf cut;a tréiT), a C\)ié]]X]^. 
 
 cÁT)A|* r)A brt]AC]tA bu]le ; 
 bob' -peÁfijt <t)TA fie b-Aor; ló, 
 T)A pJAl^Alb 6]|teAT)J) u|le. 
 
 0|6 cÁ|Ti)t;e atjotj* 5AI) v^léeAf, 
 a't; n;é |Afi 3-CAjcjorb n)'&o]ye ; 
 A PbACflAIC, T)& CAbAljt &]t\y, 
 bO TT»Al,C]b CÍA1)1)A BAOT]*CT)e. 
 
37 
 
 0. Patrick, tell me in confidence, 
 
 As it is thou that hast the best knowledge ; 
 
 Will my dog or my hound be let in 
 
 With me, to the court of the king of grace. 
 
 P. 0, old man, who art silly, 
 
 And of whom I can get no good ; 
 Thy dog or thy hound will not be let in 
 With thee, to the court of the king of justice. 
 
 0. If it were I that were acquainted with God, 
 And that my hound were at hand : 
 I would reconcile him with my hound, 
 Whoever gave food to myself. 
 
 P. Say not so, old man, 
 
 And thou at the end of thy life ; 
 Unjust, without doubt, is the sentence, 
 Which thou passes t upon my king. 
 
 0. Better were any one mighty hero only, 
 
 Who was in the ranks of the Fians of Eire, 
 Than the Lord of piety, 
 And thou thyself, Cleric. 
 
 P. Oisin of the sharp blades, 
 
 That speakest words of madness ; 
 God is better for one day, 
 Than all the Fians of Eire. 
 
 O- Though I am now deprived of lordship, 
 And am at the close of my life ; 
 Patrick, do not cast reproach, 
 Upon the nobles of the Clania Baoisgne» 
 
38 
 
 O. C)a rr)-b|Ab A5<\rT)T/A Cot)&t), 
 
 treAft TDj-lAbAncA r)<\ péiut;e ; 
 bo bft|pe<\& bo ceAT)T)f*A, 
 A T* C 13 An)eA-f*5 bo cléjjte. 
 
 P. Bbejc A5 fioftcriAcc A|t at) h-fé]\)iy, 
 
 a feArjójjt, i]* bAOc bo coti ; 
 cu^TbDis 50 b-cA]T)i3 bo tt<\e, 
 a'|* 5<vb tt)ac <t>é aji bo for). 
 
 21ca cu A]t|*A|6, po]|tbce, l]Ac, 
 b'irt)C]5 bo cjaII a']* bo jjteAi)!) ; 
 lé|5 b^oc at) corbriÁÓ bjAT), 
 a'|* b]Aib bo leAbAb a b-^lAiceA|* caII. 
 
 O. <£>o coblAf Art)ui5 ^á't; c-flTAb, 
 
 -pAO] bjtúcc 1]ac A|t bivri|i cjtArjr) ; l 
 rrjOTi cleAcc Ijorr) leAbAÓ 5AT) biAb, 
 feAÓ bo b]AÓ £t>6 A]t at) 5-cr)oc úb caII. 
 
 P. 21ca cu Afi roeAriujAb a T;-be]ne b-AOTfe, 
 
 ]b|jt flíáe Ó^jneAc A5Af catt) ; 
 
 A'f cioc^Ajb Ajr;5]l <Dé fAOt, b' ceArn). 
 
 O. <Da rr>-be|6ii)r)p A^ur 1 T-eArnjAf £]aI, 
 
 A311] 4 <t)|Arin)U|b at)Ot,t; A|t at) n)-bAll ; 
 
 Ai)T) 5AC flfée b'An 5AbAri)An Ti1 AT b> 
 
 5At) ceAb bo'r) clé]|t bo t^aoatdaou* Apr). 
 
 P. Pó]l, A Olfil), T)A Tt)ArlA15 AT) clé]T1, 
 
 CÁT)Ar* b|t|AC|tA AT) 5AC bAll ; 
 tt)ut)<v lé|5p|b cu 8|oc at) corbn&b b| at), 
 
 If TT)6n AT) p]AT) ACA Ab 6eAT)T). 
 
 1 bixriji criAtjT), tops of trees, i.e., his bed was made of the tender 
 branches of the trees, and of the foliage. The "grey dew" referred 
 
Í39 
 
 0. Were Oonan with me, 
 
 The reviler of the Fenians ; 
 He would break thy head, 
 Within among thy clerics. 
 
 P. To be ever talking of the Fians, 
 
 old man, is silly work ; 
 Remember that thy hour is come, 
 And take the son of God in thy behalf. 
 
 Thou art old, withered, and hoary, 
 
 Thy understanding is gone, and mirth ; 
 
 Leave off thy vehement talk, 
 
 And thy bed shall be in heaven beyond. 
 
 0. I slept out on the mountain, 
 
 Under grey dew on the tops of trees : 
 
 1 was never used [to go] to bed without food, 
 Whilst there was a deer on yonder hill. 
 
 P. Thou art astray at the close of thy life, 
 
 Between the straight way and the crooked ; 
 
 Shun the crooked path of pains, 
 
 And God's angels will come under thy head. 
 
 0. Were I and Fergus the generous, 
 
 And Diarmuid, now on the spot ; 
 In every path that we ever passed, 
 Despite the clerics we would pass. 
 
 P. Cease Oisin, do not insult the clerics, 
 
 Who proclaim God's word every where ; 
 If thou wilt not leave off thy insolent talk, 
 Great is the punishment that awaits thee. 
 
 to, is the hoar frost so frequent in the months of September and 
 October. 
 
40 
 
 O. <t>o bAÓAfA A3U|* t:Iaic t)A b-p|At)t), 
 
 a't* cojtc Aft ]atitiaiÓ uait)1) a i)5leAT)t); 
 
 bA TT)eAr*A l|Ort) T)AC b-fTACA At) jqAb, 
 
 t)A bo cl]Atif*A bejc 5AT) ceAt)t). 
 
 P. 2lcA cu bóUvt/Ac 5AI) c|aII, 
 
 it* njeAfA 6u]c t"|t) t>& beic &aII; 
 bA b-pu|5ceA bo Tt^ATtc AT/q-5, 
 bA rbófi bo C]Ot) Aft plAiceAf caII. 
 
 O, <t)ob' ATce \]or\) \'e]xt) at) pujc, 
 
 t)6 |tAb<vric Art bfiojc ]b]rt 6a jleAt)*) ; 
 
 T)A A T)5eAUAT)T) b^AlfA ÓAtT), 
 
 a't* a b-i:u|5ji;i) bo fulc a b-f:lAiceAT/ caII. 
 
 P. 21ca bo rbuiTijjir) bAOC 5AT) fliocc, 
 
 b'|rrjc|5 bo fulc A5ur- bo gjieATH) ; 
 rt)ut)A t^IacaÓ cu rt)0 córt)A|ftle 'tjocc, 
 t)í b-juiigió cú bei,c a bur- \)'<\ caII. 
 
 O. <Da it>-b6]ó]t)t)ri A 3 u r ^ Vh]WV Ai;]uj, 
 
 A]t beit)i) cr)0]c A5 cA|t|tA|i)5 Iat)T) ; l 
 b'ATrbóeojí) leAbAft, cIjatt, a't* clo(5, 
 biAS T105A A5u]t)r) bejc a bup t)ó caII. 2 
 
 P. tlí TtAlb TOT)T)CA ACC tt)ATt 5AI fltjp, 
 
 1)5 TT)ATl f UUC A5 CeACC Ó T^leATlt) ; 
 
 T)6 rt)ATi f]oc5AOjce ati rt)AO]lir)T) ct)0|c, 
 3AC lucc A5Aib bA |iA|b |t|Arb at)T). 
 
 O. <t)o b<vbAf a TT)-BeAurir)A At) bív Sbojll, 3 
 
 a b t:ocaiti lucc T)<v T)-Anrt) ceAt)T) ; 
 bob' -peAnn Ijort) a T)-Ai5ce A5A11), 
 
 1)A AT) cjiúp x° t1)-bACAl 5-CAtT). 
 
 1 Iat)h, a i/flí/e, sometimes means the head of a lance or spear. In 
 some copies of the poem the word beAnn, is incorrectly substituted for 
 Unt), by illiterate scribes. 
 
41 
 
 0. The Fenian chief and myself 
 
 Were in quest of a boar, in a glen, 
 
 'Twas worse to me that I saw not the deer, 
 
 Than if thy clerics lost their heads. 
 
 P. Thou art piteous and devoid of sense, 
 
 That is worse for thee than being blind ; 
 
 If thou didst get thy sight within, 
 
 Great would be thy attachment to heaven beyond. 
 
 0. I would take more delight in the bound of the buck, 
 Or in looking at badgers between two glens ; 
 Than in all that thy mouth promiseth to me, 
 And all the joys I would get in heaven beyond. 
 
 P. Thy hope is silly and fruitless, 
 
 Thy joyousness and mirth are gone ; 
 
 If thou this night receivest not my counsel, 
 
 It shall not be granted to thee to be here or there. 
 
 0. Were I and the Fenians this day 
 
 On the summit of a hill drawing swords ; 
 
 Despite of books, clerics and bells, 
 
 We would have our choice of being here or there. 
 
 P. They were but like the smoke of a wisp, 
 Or like a rivulet coming from a glen ; 
 Or like a whirlwind, on the peak of a hill, 
 Each clan of you that ever lived. 
 
 0. I was at Bearrna-an-da-Ghoill, 
 
 By the clans of the stout arms ; 
 
 I would prefer their face again, 
 
 To this troop of the crooked croziers. 
 
 2 21 bur t)ív caII, on this side or that. A common Irish phrase for M in 
 this world or the next." 
 
 3 UeivnptjA at) fc>iv 3bo|U, i.e., the gap of the two Golls. Not identified. 
 
42 
 
 P. )x MJA1C ACA A £10f* AJAft^ 
 
 ca b-fru|l An \]C a'|* con ua ce&r)t) ; 
 
 T3! u 1T t n^ >e ^ |tuA3AÓ le n|rb, 
 
 A'f 3Ai) luce r)e]|tc A5 ceACc bA CAbAin-. 
 
 O. Mi bi r>r> liort) bo glón 30.T; r-ult, 
 
 C]A CA CU 5l|C ATI bO |t AT)T) \ 
 
 xy\ clu]i?itT) jréiT) ^eAb at) loir), 1 
 bfieAC ati f nuc 2 t)*v cone a T)5leAT)r). 
 
 p. Ma Tt)eAllcA|t cu a 3-corbAinle At) co|np, 
 
 11» tíjaic leo f|t) ce<vcc Ab ceAT)i) ; 
 TtAic i)A cobA rnÓTTte Aft At) 3-cuib rt)-bi3, 
 ó t)ac rt)-beAT)r)u]3ceA|t iAb Abur* t)A caII. 
 
 O. <Da rt)-biA6 Ssolb Sseirte A3 Art), 
 
 T)Ó Of'CUri 3I1C t)A 3-CAC b-C6AT)T) ; 
 
 T)i biAbroAOjf 3AI) ^eólrbAc Ai)oec, 
 A|t corriAinle CI03 t)A f*e<vcc rt)-beAt)r). 
 
 P % Oifir), o b'irrjcjg bo ciaII, 
 
 3IAC t)4. bn]AcnA fo le 5neAt)r) ; 
 
 if beirbir) Itorn 30 b-cné^in at) fbl^O, 
 
 A']* 30 T)3éAbA|H le <t>]A t)A neAT)t). 
 
 1 Feab At) loio. The whistle or song of the blackbird. 
 
 a TjrieAC Art rrtttc, a trout in the stream. Aquatic sports formed another 
 of the Fenian amusements, and perhaps Oisin himself was the Izaak 
 Walton of his clay. Rowing boats (regattas ?) was another custom 
 to which they were much addicted ; for at page 49, Vol . I. of the 
 Society's Transactions, in a poem of six stanzas copied from the Book of 
 Leinster, a manuscript of the twelfth century, now deposited in Trinity 
 College Library, we find the following passage; — 
 
43 
 
 P. Well am I aware, [in his bead, 
 
 Where he is [stretched] on a flag-stone and a twist 
 Scourges assailing him with poison. 
 And no mighty clans coming to his aid, 
 
 0. Not sweet to me [is] thy voice without cheer, 
 Tho' thou art clever at thy verses ; 
 I hear not the blackbird's song, 
 A trout in the rivulet, or a boar in the glen. 
 
 P. Be not deceived by the counsel of the flesh, 
 They shall be glad to dwell with thee ; 
 The happiness of the great be on the few, 
 As they are not blessed here or there. 
 
 0. Were Scolb Sgeine with me, 
 
 Or the wise Oscur of battles fierce ; 
 
 We should not be without flesh this night, 
 
 At the command of the bells of the seven tolls. 
 
 P. Oisin, as thy understanding is gone, 
 Accept these tidings with joy ; 
 I verily believe thou wilt forsake the Fians, 
 And that thou wilt walk with the God of heaven. 
 
 " tLixpezeyb CAflbAC jrocfiuc, 
 ]i)rjiT),MTT) jute &0Ti)|t05; 
 
 ftO T1)AflbAf)t> COflC } CA]\\ CA]b, 
 
 Music, boating, rewarding, 
 The prey most difficult I chose ; 
 1 would kill a boar in the hard wood, 
 I would rob a vengeful bird* of its eggs. 
 
 * This bird is supposed to be the eagle. 
 
44 
 
 O. )x iot)5i)A Ijort) bo corbnAÓ b|At), 
 
 a clé]|i|5 bo ciiAftbA]^ 3AÓ b^ll ; 
 
 a txaó 50 b-cfté|3^|r)r) péjt) At) ^bl^W, 
 
 b|ioT)5 F<MT l m3 ^T 1 3*W- 
 
 P. <t>& b-pA-|cpeÁf a rr)U|T)qtt <t>é, 
 
 A3 fuibe 30 3léAjxA curt) pteAb ; 
 
 ir F<Mnnt>5 e b 1°r 3 a6 r°5> 
 
 i)Á A3 rniqncju pbltw 5]6 toóti a rneAT*. 
 
 Jf ^eÁjtft 30 tT)Ofl f3éAlfA ATJOIf, 
 
 3ló|jte 6|l a't* cun iot)A ceAr)t) ; 
 
 3IAC AT) AjCJt^e CÓ||l AT)0]f, 
 
 bé]T) leo||i3r;íorb Abuf a't* ita ca]U caII. 
 
 O. í)o CAill xx)h xx)o ciaII Abuf, 
 
 a't* xy\ bA rbeAf A- l|oit> i)A fir) ; 
 
 bO CA|lleAf ^jOQT) Al) Á|3, 
 
 'f r)A £]ri Ajlrje bo b] t^aI. 
 
 p. 2lcÁ f^Ont) a't* AT) "Fbl^tW ^TJOIf*, 
 
 30 bub|lÓt)AC ATI llC 1)4. b~p]AT) J 
 
 3A]b|*e le ti)ac t)é 'tja t)-a^c, 
 
 a't* t)'| beió bA03<xl ortc beic 3AT) c|<vll. 
 
 O. Mí cne]b]rt) péir; bo 3lón Anojf, 
 
 A 6lé]Tl|3 TJA TÍ)-bACAl 3-CArt) ; 
 
 30 TD-b]<x6 Piodp a't* ao ^pbl^^U ^r c 13> 
 n)ui)A b-T:u)3b^f fulc a bqc At)t). 
 
 p. 3Uc ad A|CTii3e coin at)0||*, 
 
 t-uI a 3-cii|ní:|6eA|i pjof Ab cjorjn; 
 3^ill bo <Dbl<*> a'i* bejó tl'foj 4 A3Ab, 
 
 C|A ACO AfEJ3 1)5 Art)U|C "pjOi)!;. 
 
45 
 
 0. I marvel at thy daring talk, 
 
 cleric who hast visited every land ; 
 To say that I would forsake the Fians, 
 
 An open-hearted hospitable people, who were not 
 niggardly. 
 
 P. Didst thou see the people of God 
 Seated attired at feasts ; 
 More plenteous have they of each good cheer, 
 Than the people of Fionn, tho' great their consi- 
 deration. 
 
 Better are my tidings now, 
 
 Glory bright and strive to attain to it, 
 
 Receive true repentance now, 
 
 Make atonement here and don't lose heaven. 
 
 0. I have lost my reason here, 
 
 And what I esteemed more than that ; 
 
 1 have lost Fionn the noble, 
 
 And the fine men, who were generous. 
 
 P. Fionn and the Fenians now are [lying] 
 Sorrowful on the flag-stone of pains ; 
 Take thou [follow] the son of God in their stead, 
 And there is no danger of thy being without sense. 
 
 0. I believe not thy talk now, 
 
 cleric of the crooked staffs ; 
 
 That Fionn and the Fenians should be within, 
 
 Unless they found pleasure in being there. 
 
 P. Receive just repentance now, 
 
 Before the summons shall be sent to thee ; 
 Believe in God, and thou shalt know 
 Whether Fionn is in [hell] or out of it. 
 
46 
 
 <t>C\ n)-b|AÓ "pjoot) a']* rnAC at) Loji; 
 
 b|Ap nAn ófiu]b 5 5le6 tja Iai)i) ; 
 bV|rr)Óeo|i; bo cl]An A5uf a 3-CI015, 
 IT A 5 u 1Ut) &o bejÓeAb At) bAll. 
 
 Wí b|AÓ y\r) co]6ce An bun 5-cun, 
 •\Y feAnn at) luce ACA AT)i) ; 
 tt)ac rt]5 Tje^rbe óíbneAf tja b-u^lc, 
 If rtjóft a C]09 An óu|ne 8aII. 
 
 2t)A'f bAll aca rou^nqn <t)é, 
 
 A'f 5unAb ]Ab t)A bA]U |f Annf a le|f ; 
 -jf copi?A|l nAc 5-cujnfeAÓ ai; ¥h]*VV 
 50 ceAÓ t)A b-p|At) b& n> n 1°r- 
 
 CnÁióceAcr one A feArjójn, 
 cát)A|* t)A bn^AcnA bujle ; 
 bob' feÁnn Í)|A ne Ij-Aon uA-jn, 
 t)a pjATjnA 6jneAi)r> ujle. 
 
 21 Pb^cnA]C t)a bACA^le cA|tne, 
 bo bejn onn? f neA5fiAb bAnA ; 
 bo bjAÓ bo dacaI í)A bnufjAn, 
 bA rt)-b|Ab Ofcun bo lAcAjn. 
 
 <t)A m-bejóeAb rno tt>ac Ofcun A$uf <t)|A 
 lAri? An U|rb An Cbnoc \)& b-^bl^tM) ; 2 
 bÁ b-f A^cfinnfe Tno rbAC An lÁn, 
 béAnf A|nn 5un feAn lA]b|n <t)iA. 
 
 C]or)rmf bob' féjbjn le ÍJja, 
 
 t)Á Á cl^An a bejc vf\ buf f eAnn ; 
 DA f]Ot)\) fU|É, Kí5 t>A b-^Ann, 
 bujt>e f|Al bo bí 5AI) cA^rn? 
 
 atj lojo, the name of Fionn Mac Cumhaill's spear. 
 
47 
 
 0. Were Fionn and Mac an Loin with me, 
 
 Two who never withdrew from the fight of the spears; 
 Despite thy clerics and their bells, 
 'Tis we that would hold the place. 
 
 P. That would never come to your turn, 
 A better tribe dwells there ; 
 The Son of the King of heaven, who expels evil, 
 Great is his love for a blind man. 
 
 0. If the people of God are blind, 
 
 And that the blind are they whom he loves best ; 
 'Tis likely, he would not send the Fenians, 
 To the house of pain to be exterminated. 
 
 P. Misery attend thee, old man, 
 
 Who speakest the words of madness ; 
 God is better for one hour, 
 Than all the Fians of Eire. 
 
 0. Patrick of the crooked crozier, 
 
 Who makes me that impertinent answer ; 
 Thy crozier would be in atoms, 
 Were Oscur present. 
 
 Were my son Oscur and God 
 
 Hand to hand on Cnoc-na-bh-Fiann, 
 
 If I saw my son down, 
 
 I would say that God was a strong man. 
 
 How could it be that God, 
 
 Or his clerics could be better men ; 
 
 Than Fionn the chief king of the Fenians, 
 
 A generous man without a blemish ? 
 
 * Crjoc ija b-FiAtjT), i.e., the hill of the Fenians. Probably Cnoc-an-air, 
 in the county of Kerry, is the hill referred to. 
 
48 
 
 O. A T)-AbAfl CU a't* AT) cl|ATl, 
 
 bo jtéjfi 111A5U6 |tí5 T)A fteAT)t) ; 
 bo bj pub a b-Y]M)\)&]b fhwv, 
 a']* cA^b a b-pÍAjceAf í)é 50 teAt)T). 
 
 <t)A ro-bei8eAb k\z at)T) fjot; t)a f UAf, 
 bob' peAjtTt i)A jdAjceAp <t)e ; 
 
 If AT)T) bO jtACAÓ ¥]01)X), 
 
 A'f a jtATb A^e bo'i) 'pbéltW» 
 
 21 bqft cufA t)ac b-cé]b t^aI, 
 
 50 \)-]f\ie*r)r) i)A b-piAi)i) 50 bjtAc; 
 i)j ttATb aoi) t>eAC Y*T) b-péi^o, 
 i)AC TtATb ^aI ATl^eAfS ca^c. 
 
 <t>A b-pAjCpeAfA, a cl^tMS ca^b, 
 
 AT) pbl^O liv Aft At) b-cttAig 1 úb ceAf ; 
 
 1)6 A 11 Át; ÍAlgeAT)!) 2 T)A T/TtOCAT) réjli), 
 
 Art at) b-'péT.rjT) bA tt)6ti bo rbeAp. 
 
 21 PbACjtAjC ^ApTtAI^ bO <t)bl^ 
 
 At) cui,Ti)|T) lei,!* A1 ) T^bl^TJO bo be]c beo ; 
 
 1)0 A b-pACAlb T/é fO]T1 T)A f"] ATt, 
 
 p!|t bob' -peÁttTt i)A T,Ab a r)^\eo? 
 
 116 a b-pACAT.6 pé 't)A óújcce féitb 
 5íó Á|tb é 6f A]t 5-qot)T); 
 a i)5i aII, . a 5-C03A8, t)6 a T)eAttt, 
 peA|t bo b) cótt)-ti)Aic le )^|OT)i). 
 
 1 Ctt&is» stran d- This must refer to the battle of Ventry (Fionn 
 Traigh ) fought in the third century of the Christian era, between Dairo 
 Donn, Monarch of the World, and the Fianna Eireann, now in pre- 
 paration for the Society, from a manuscript of the fourteenth century. 
 
49 
 
 0. All that thou and thy clerics tell, 
 
 According to the laws of heaven's king; [Fionn, 
 These [qualities] were possessed by the Fians of 
 And they are now powerful in God's kingdom. 
 
 Were there a place, above or below, 
 Better than heaven ; 
 'Tis there Fionn would go, 
 And all he had of the Fenians. 
 
 Thou sayest that a hospitable man 
 Never goes to hell of pain ; 
 There was not one among the Fenians, 
 That was not hospitable amongst all. 
 
 Hadst thou seen, chaste cleric, 
 
 The Fenians one day on yon southern strand ; 
 Or at Naas of Leinster of the gentle streams, 
 Then the Fenians thou wouldst greatly have es- 
 teemed. 
 
 Patrick, enquire of God, 
 
 Whether he recollects when the Fenians were alive ; 
 
 Or hath he seen east or west, 
 
 Men their equal, in the time of fight. 
 
 Or, hath he seen in his own country, 
 Tho' high it be above our heads ; 
 In conflict, in battle, or in might, 
 A man who was equal to Fionn. 
 
 2 tlAf lA]5eAi), now Naas, in the county of Kildare, a noted place 
 in Fenian history. 
 
 4 
 
50 
 
 p. Oiríinr Moo lion* bo siófi, 
 
 a't/ beArniacc írót/ le b-Ai;rr)U|T) pbltit) ; 
 
 A|r|t]f biijiji) ca rb^jb ^]a6, 
 
 bo TtJAjtbAjT; A|i Sblj^b t)A td-Bat) Fjorii). 1 
 
 O. <Do t*3AO]leATi}A|t aot) rbjle cú, 
 
 bob' pe&Titi lúc a't; bo b] 3AT15 ; 
 bo iu]z bív t^aó le jac cú b]ob, 
 a'|* at) ojftedb le]]» at) b-'péi.rvr) u|le. 
 
 <t)bk cojp béA5 A T l Sbl|^b Luactia, 2 
 b& co|i) rbojt a TT)-BeÁ|t|ti)<v ai) Sca|1 ; s 
 
 b& CO]!) A T)-|A|tC<N|t AT) ForbAjTl, 4 
 A'f 6 A CO] IT AT) ADA]!) BbATJTJA. 5 
 
 <t)b& cojt) A3 Cxjfisir) t)A 5-cloc, 6 
 
 a't* 6iv co]T) ATI Loc Jnr/e Cbujrjr) ; 7 
 
 6a CO]T) A b-'pbo^i^^Ojl T)A b-p^AT)T), 8 
 
 a't* 6a con; A]|t SbM^b t)a tt)-Bat) b-"f\)]or)t). 
 21 Pb^cftAjc, a 5-cuaIa6 cu at; c-i/eAl3, 
 
 A Tb]C CAlp|tU|T)t) T)A pfAlrf) T'ÁTt) J 
 
 tdati bo ]t^5T)eA6 le Pjoot) 1T>a aot)ati, 
 
 a't> 5AT) AOI) T)9AC AT)1) b"pbl A1)T)A^b pA1,l ? 
 
 1 SljAb t)A ti)-t)At) Fjonn, from rljAb, a mountain, tja nj-bAp, of the wo- 
 men, and Tjoijrj, fair-haired ; literally, the mountain of the fair-haired 
 women, now Sliahh-na-man in the county of Tipperary, which is situated 
 within four miles of the town of Clonmel, and two of Carrick-on-Suir. 
 Tor the legend of these fair-haired women, see an interesting paper on 
 the Fenian Traditions of Sliabh na m-Ban, in the Transactions of the 
 Kilkenny Archaeological Society, for 1851. 
 
 2 Sljab luAcrtA, now Sliabh Luachar, in the counties of Cork and Kerry. 
 * be&Tii^A At) Scaii, Gap of Seal. See note, p. 4. 
 
 4 ttorijAfi, now the Rower, an extensive district in the county of Kil- 
 kenny, separated by the river Barrow from the town of New Ross. 
 
 5 X)sr)t)A, the river Bann, in the county of Wexford, celebrated by 
 George Ogle in the beautiful song ;_ 
 
 " As down by Banna's banks I stray 'd. 
 
51 
 
 P. Oisiu, sweet to me is thy voice, 
 
 And a blessing furthermore, on the soul of Fionn ; 
 
 Eelate to us how many deer 
 
 Were slain at Sliabh-na-m-Ban Fionn. 
 
 0. We loosened one thousand hounds, 
 The swiftest, and the most fierce ; 
 There fell by each hound two stags, 
 And as many more, by all the Fenians. 
 
 Twelve hounds at Sliabh Luachra, 
 
 And two large hounds at Bearrna-an-Scail, 
 Two hounds on the west of the Kower, 
 And two hounds at the river Bann. 
 
 Two hounds at Carrigeen of the rocks, 
 
 And two hounds, at the lake of Inchiquin ; 
 Two hounds at Formaoil of the Fians, 
 And two hounds at Sliabh-na-rn-Ban-Fionn. 
 
 Patrick, hast thou heard of the chase, 
 son of Calphruin of the tuneful psalms ; 
 How it was made by Fionn alone, 
 And no one with him of the Fians of Fail ? 
 
 6 C*\iti5ii) tjA 5-cloc, Carrigeen of the rocks. This is the name of a 
 townland, on the Walsh mountains, in the county of Kilkenny ; but whe- 
 ther it is the Carrigeen alluded to in the text we cannot determine. 
 
 7 loc 1tjre Ui ChujtjT), the lake of Inchiquin, literally, the lough of 
 the Island of O'Quin. This romantic lake is situated in the parish of Kil- 
 naboy, barony of Inchiquin, county of Clare, and is about two miles 
 and a-half in circumference. It is bounded on its western side, by a range 
 of rugged but richly wooded hills. It is from this lake, that the barony 
 takes its name ; and the chief or head of the O'Briens, the Marquis of 
 Thomond, took his more ancient title of Earl of Inchiquin. For a very 
 interesting account of the connection of the O'Quin family, with this 
 locality, seethe Irish Penny Journal, No. 16, Dublin Journal, &c. Vol. 
 II., pp. 136, 152. 
 
 8 FofinjAoil tjA b-FjATjtj. This Formaoil is situated between Miltown 
 and Ennis, in the county of Clare. 
 
52 
 
 P. Nj CU<\IaÓ, A TT)|C AT) Rjj, 
 
 Aiqt]f* b&rt) a't* t)á cÁt) 36, 
 
 qorjbuf bo fijgrjeAÓ l]b At) c-peAls ? 
 
 O. CAt>Arr)AO]fr)e at) 'pblAtjr) 36, 
 
 aV bjiéA3 tMOji fATbUs jtiArr> ; 
 le tnTH^t) 4>T ^ e ?)eA|tc Ajt Iatt), 
 bo c|5rt?ír flAi? Af 3AC 5I1AÓ. 
 
 Níort f uió clé]|teAc a 3-cilt, 
 31Ó b]\)r) lib a CArjAib pfAtrtj ; 
 bob' ^eÁ]t]t ^ocaI i)a ai) 'p'biArjo, 
 j^ji t)A|t lac a t)3l|AÓ 5A|tb. 
 
 Wjoji fu]S clé^teAC a 5-qll, 
 
 A Pb&C|tAlC C^O]ít) If b|T)T) sldjt ; 
 
 bob' ^é]le t)Á 'piorjr) £é]T), 
 
 f eA|t T)AC CAol bO b|10t)í)AÓ 6|t. 
 
 <t)A n)A]|l]íeA& T1)AC 2t)Ó|tr)A Tt?eA]t, 
 T)6 Soil CAlrOA t)A|l CA]t i» éAb ; 
 
 t)6 tijac Uí «Dbujbrje t>a tt)~b&y f 
 At) Iaoc bo cujfieAÓ cac A]t céAb. 
 
 <Da Tt)Ai|tfeA6 'FeAftsuf* f?]le ^jaI, 
 
 ^eA|t A 3-CAT)CA bO ftOI)A A|t AT) b~Y&]r)v ; 
 
 T)6 í)Aijte bo feirjrjeAÓ 3AI) locc, 
 A T>3uc bo ÓI05 \y\ b|Ab mo fpéjf. 
 
 <t)A iijAiTipeAÓ roAC 3^T*ai8 t;a Iatw, 
 
 A1} f eA]l PATI gAtW A3 CU]t Ap AJfl ; 
 
 Ofcuri t)6 rpAC Kor;A]t) 
 
 bo cjiotjai? fAi? 3-cjll Trjojt f a|tt;. 
 
53 
 
 P. I have not heard, son of the king, 
 wise Oisin of the fierce deeds ; 
 Relate to me and tell no untruth, 
 How the chase was made by ye ? 
 
 0. We [the Fenians] never used to tell untruth, 
 Falsehood was never attributed to us ; 
 By truth and the might of our hands, 
 We came safe out of every conflict. 
 
 There never sat a cleric in a church, 
 
 Tho' melodiously ye think they chant psalms, 
 More true to his word than the Fians, 
 Men who never shrunk from fierce conflicts. 
 
 A cleric never sat in a church, 
 
 Patrick mild of the sweet voice ; 
 
 More hospitable than Fionn himself, 
 
 A man who was not niggardly, in bestowing gold. 
 
 If Mac Morna the swift were now alive, 
 The mighty Goll, who loved not jewels ; 
 Or, the son of O'Duibhne of the women, 
 The hero who used to engage a hundred in the fight. 
 
 If Feargus, the hospitable bard, were alive, 
 
 He who used to bestow their songs on the Fenians ; 
 
 Or Daire who used to sing without fault, 
 
 In the sound of thy bells, I would take no pleasure. 
 
 If Mac Garadh of the blades were alive, 
 He who was not slow, in making slaughter ; 
 Oscur or Mac Ronain the cheerful, 
 Your droning in the church would not be pleasant. 
 
54 
 
 O. fob rr)A||tfe<\6 2tobb BeA5 itjac ^h^ji), 
 
 t;ó )~aoIai) 5tMV)i; t)aji éAfiTi r;eAC ; 
 t;ó Coi)&t) 2t)Aol bo b| 5At) 5Jtua|5, 
 II* ^Ab b'f A5 rye f ao| 5ftuAirT) le feAl ! 
 
 Mo at; c-AbAC beA5 bo b| A5 7~|Oi;t;, 
 
 bo cu|TteAÓ 5AC bu]r)e t>a co|Tic|ro fUA|i; ; 
 
 bA b|T)i)e l|Ort) -puAjro a TbéAfi, 
 
 i;a a b-fu|l bo'r) clé||t a 5-qll A'f a b-cuAjc. 
 
 Of Ar)Occ t)ac n)<\|iteAt)r) at; 'pbl^O^ 
 
 t)A pi out) fi^i t>-&uAf ; 
 
 bO boÓAfl f | AT)f AT) t;a pfAltt}, 
 
 4s X 5I011 5Aftb pa 3-CI05 xr)0 cluaf. 
 
 P. Squill bo béAl A f eAt)6||t f ua|tic, 
 
 i;a b| feAfbA A5 Iua6 i;<v b-p|AT)T; ; 
 A'f 50 T)-beACAbA|t cojtc toati at) 5-ceó, 
 A V 5° "?-b^ib 50 bed a b-pjAr) ! 
 
 O. Na l)-AbAi|i a PbÁcriA]c 5I1C, 
 
 A'f 1)AC flA|b ATI b|C T)A ATI TjeATTJ T)A T)3flAf , 
 
 aoi; Iaoc le a TT)-béATipA|6e buAb, 
 ATI ceAtw at; c-fluA|5, Piot^t; at; á]5- 
 
 2t)ur;A Tn-bé^beAb tja 5eAf a bo h\ ati pbloi;p, 
 a'| 4 i;ati TbiAi; lejf bfi|feAÓ qt]b; 
 
 A b-fU|l |b|fl t)6ATb A5U|* lÁ|t, 
 
 t)| clAO|6f|b|f Iait) tt?o f.15. 
 
 P. jf é too THST 6 ^eAlbA]5 t>eAiT>, 
 
 If é bo be||r peAfic bo Iaoc ; 
 If e bo curt) at; b|oc-buAi), 
 If é bo be|fi Mac i;a 5-CfiAob. 
 
55 
 
 0. If Aodh Beag the son of Fionn were alive, 
 
 Or Faolan the jovial who never refused any one ; 
 Or Conan Maol who was without hair — 
 They left me sorrowful for a while ! 
 
 Or the little dwarf whom Fionn had, 
 Who put each man into heavy sleep ; 
 More melodious to me was the sound of his fingers, 
 Than all the clerics in church and laity. 
 
 As tonight the Fenians do not live. 
 Or the hospitable Fionn of the gifts ; 
 The loud chanting of the psalms, [hearing. 
 And the hoarse sound of the bells have deafened my 
 
 P. Cease thy talk, pleasant old man, 
 
 Be not henceforth talking about the Fenians ; 
 For they have passed thee by like a mist, 
 And will be for ever, in the fetters of pain ! 
 
 O. Say not so, O Patrick the wise, 
 
 For there was not on earth or in heaven of grace, 
 
 Any hero able to gain victory, 
 
 Over the head of our host, Fionn the noble. 
 
 Had it not been for the injunctions imposed on Fionn, 
 Which he would not break through ; 
 All that is between heaven and earth, 
 Would not subdue the hand of my king. 
 
 P. It is my king, who formed the heavens, 
 
 It is he, who gives might to the warrior ; 
 
 It is he, that created the universe, 
 
 It is he, that gives the blossom of the trees, 
 
56 
 
 P. )x é bo 6e<\lb<\J5 éAf3A Af 3tMA?J, 
 
 ir é bo bejjt ]Af5 Aft If 99; 
 If* é bo c|tuc<x]5 3opc a'j* j:éAjt, 
 
 1)1 b-]Ot^t)T) Af &ACCA 'pbftít). 
 
 O, I s ! 7 A]t éfiucu-i-AÓ 30|tC 1}A 
 
 c»3 njo T*!3-r e T^l 1 ? a 6u]l; 
 
 ACC AJI CO|*5A||lC COflpA lAOC, 
 
 Aft COftJAfi) CfVjOC, A'f Aft CUp A clú. 
 
 % f tt W5Í 6 ' A t l A|t feils, 
 
 A]t t)Occa6 ri)e]ft3e a b~cú|f* 5leó ; 
 Aft ]H)||tc *p]cc]lle,* a']* aji frjArb, 
 aY Aft pefceArb CAfc a b-c]3 At) 6|l. 
 
 i FjcceAll, Chess. This was the favorite game of the ancient Irish 
 chieftains; and is frequently referred to in the earliest manuscripts 
 extant. In leAbAfv tjA 5-CeATtc {Book of Rights), p. Ixi. the follow- 
 ing account of this game, copied from leAbAti i)A b-UjórM, a manuscript 
 of the twelfth century, is given ; and it will serve as a curious specimen 
 of the language of that period : - 
 
 "C]A c-Aiijti)-reo ? ol Goc\)A]6. Kf AfióAific rot), ol T^, 2t)|&m bfiei; 
 leic. Qb boc fioAcc ? ol GocbAjó ? t5o injbiric tnócille nwcru, ol r§. 2ltij 
 Ti)A]c re en), ol GocbA'ó, vofi V1^C]\\ ? 21 nioihAÓbúij, ol 2Hjb]fi. 21ca, ol 
 eocbAjó tWSAij 1 tj-a cocluó, ir le ]n cecb aca ]t) f jccell. Slcív ruijb 
 cetjAe, ol 2í)ib|ft Viócell tjAb njerro. 1>a trfr orjclAtt OAnsic ocur Hi* °in f 
 ocur rufirutjuó [.1 UrAó] caca \)&in.t>] ?on.x W cIah b| luc loTjrijAjfi, ocur 
 ^en bols b] V751 ttot)b CfiebmbAe. ecftuib ?})ibitt it) rióqll ]ATt ri*J« l^bift, 
 ol 2í)ib]|t. ríf injnjéTtAcc b] siull, ol CochAó. C]b sell b]Af At)t) ? ol 
 2i)ibiti. Cuti)tt)A l]Tt), ol CochAp. Koc b]A litpfA, ol St)jbin, ti)A cú better 
 Tt)0 cocell CAe5AC 5Abuft Tj-bubTjiAr." 
 
 " ' What is thy name ?' said Eochaidh. ' It is not illustrious,' replied 
 the other; ' Midir of Brigh Leith.' 'What brought thee hither?' said 
 Eochaidh. ' To play fithcheall with thee,' replied he. ' Art thou good 
 at fithcheall? said Eochaidh. 'Let us have the proof of it, replied 
 Midir. ' The queen,' said Eochaidh, ' is asleep, and the house in which 
 the fithcheall is bejongs to her.' ' There is here,' said Midir, • a no 
 
57 
 
 It is he, that made the moon and the sun, 
 It is, he that brings fish into a lake ; 
 It is he, that formed field and grass, 
 Not like the deeds of Fionn. 
 
 O. 'Twas not in forming fields and grass, 
 That my king took delight ; 
 But in mangling the bodies of heroes, 
 In contesting kingdoms and spreading his fame. 
 
 In courting, playing, and hunting, 
 And unfolding his banner, in the front of the fight; 
 In playing at chess and swimming, 
 And in beholding all in the house of drinking. 
 
 ■worse fithcheall.' This was true, indeed : it was a board of silver and 
 pure gold, and every angle was illuminated with precious stones, and a 
 man -bag of woven brass wire. Midir then arranges the fithcheall. 
 'Play,' said Midir. «I will not, except for a wager,' said Eochaidh, 
 'What wager shall we stake?' said Midir. 'I care not what,' said 
 Eochaidh. * 1 shall have for thee,' said Midir, 'fifty dark grey steeds, 
 if thou win the game.' " 
 
 In Hardiman's Irish Minstrelsy, Vol. II., p. 372, there is an Irish 
 poem ascribed to Aldfred, king of the Northumbrian Saxons, and said 
 to have been composed by him, during his exile in Ireland, A.D. 685, in 
 which he describes the Ossorians, as expert hands at the game, in the 
 following 6tanza : - - 
 
 " Ro bbeAc 6 Attojn cosle, 
 21 ccjjt Alojnn Orn«M5he, 
 2í)ioUa Ttj|lreAcb uaII njofi rnjAcbc, 
 fUnnA tforiA ri&hcbjolUchc." 
 
 I found from Ara to Gle, 
 In the rich country of Ossory, 
 Sweet fruit, strict jurisdiction, 
 Men of truth, chegs playing. 
 
58 
 
 21 PI;ACftA|C, CA flAlb bo <£>blA, 
 
 AT) CAT) CAjT^C At) b^Af* CAJT leAft ? 
 
 C115 leó beAt) rijg LocIat;t; t>A lot>3, 
 le'jt cujc lorrjAb yox)\) t*at) cfieAf ? 
 
 Nó AT) CAT) CA|T)|C AT) «DeATHJ b|AT), 
 TT)AC Tt]5 toclATJt) T)A fSI^É t>-Ó1Tl ; 
 CTléAb t>ATl POTICAI3 T115 t)A T)AOíf), 
 
 bó|b ATI bé]tT)]or)T)Ajb at; £]ti TT)óift ? 
 
 Nó ATJ CAT) CA1T)15 2t)A5T)UT* TT)6|T, 
 
 at; peATt bA bojtb a t)3leo t)áti qrr; ; 
 
 If COfrbA]l bA TT)A]]tpeAÓ bO Tl|5, 
 
 30 3-cu|beócA6 le AT)t)Aib 'pbl^* 
 
 N6 AT) CAT) CA]t)^5 T^Allc IT)AC T^teO]^, 
 
 AT) feATl ATI AT) b-pé]!)!) bO CU]jt AT; C-Afl 
 t)í le <t)lA bO CU1C AT) CUTIAÓ, 
 ACC le b-OfCUTl ATT)eAT*3 CAC. 
 
 2l]lleAT;T;, tt)ac Ba6tt)a tt)óiti, 
 
 le TT)illq 'CeATT)A|Ti t;a fluA5 b-crtéAt) ; 
 t)ío]t Iá]tt> ri^ tt^W b0 W3> 
 bul bA clAOjb acc pjot)!; péii;. 
 
 JorrjÓA cac, tí)A|6tt), a't* 3l]Ab, 
 bo corrjóriAb jie "piArjrjAib J-'&ll 
 trj cuaIaó 50 T)-beATiT;A éAÓc 
 T*Í3 t)A i;aott) ; t;a 311ft beATi3 a Iaitt). 
 
 Léi3irt)íf b'Aji 3-corDÓfiCAT* aji 3AC caoo, 
 a feAt)ó|Tt cjijT; acA 5A1; céill ; 
 CU13 30 b-pu]l <D|A ATi T;eAtf; t;a t)-0Tib, 
 A 3 u r Tm 01 ^ A V A fl°J3 ce u I^- e * b-pé|t)T). 
 
59 
 
 Patrick, "where was thy God, 
 When the two came across the sea ; [the ships, 
 Who carried off the queen of the king of* Lochlin of 
 By whom many fell here in conflict. 
 
 Or when the mighty Dearg came, 
 The son of the king of Lochlin of the golden shields ; 
 Why did not heaven's king protect them, 
 From the blows of the great man ? 
 
 Or when Maghnus the great landed, 
 He who was fierce in dread conflict ; 
 'Tis likely, had your king then lived, 
 That he would have joined the Fians of Fionn. 
 
 Or when Tailc mac Treoin arrived, 
 He who on the Fians great slaughter made ; 
 'Twas not by God the hero fell, 
 But by Oscur in the presence of all. 
 
 Ailleann, the son of Badhma the great, [spoiled, 
 By whom Temor of the powerful hosts used to be 
 There did not dare [even] if thy king lived, 
 To go to conquer him but Fionn himself. 
 
 Many a battle, victory, and contest, 
 Was celebrated by the Fians of Fail ; 
 I never heard that any feat was performed 
 By the king of saints ; or that he reddened his hand. 
 
 Let us cease our comparison on both sides, 
 Withered old man, who art devoid of sense ; 
 Understand that God dwells in heaven of the degrees, 
 And Fionn and his hosts are all in pain. 
 
60 
 
 O. Ba rbóp At) T)&lfte bo tobl** 
 
 3A1) Sl^f T)A b-pjAT) bO buA]t) b')^blOT)T) ; 
 A5Uf <D|A £&]t), bA TT)-b]AÓ' A TT)-b]tU|b, 
 
 50 b-cjtO]bj:e<\ó at) ^Ia^c cajx a ceAt)t). 
 
 HíO|t ^uIa]T)3 pjOl)!) A|t peAÓ a ftAe, 
 T>eAc bo bejc a b-p&]r)r) r>A a t>5uA]f ; 
 3AT) ^uAfslAÓ A]t le b-A^^eAb t)6 6ft, 
 le cac x)b sled, 30 rt)-be]jteA6 buAÓ. 
 
 )X TV*]t AT) C6A1)t) bATT) Afl bo 431)1^, 
 
 bqc Art?eAf3 a cl^jt, tdajx c^rp ; 
 5AT) b^AÓ, 3AT) éAbAc, 3At) ceól, 
 3AI) bqc A3 bjiOTjTjAÓ of|t Aft ó^^rb- 
 
 S^i) 3&iJt t)A t>3AbA|t T)& t)A fCOC, 
 3AT) bqc co^tb^Ab pojtc t)h cuat) ; 
 bo c|OT)t) a b-£uA|tAf b'eAfbAÓ At) frjfce, 
 njAiqti) bo |t]3 t)e|tbe att/ uacc. 
 
 5ai) rt)^ 3 AT > flA3A|8eAcc, 3At> Fio*^ 
 3At) ruinSÍ 6 n Al-bAT), 3At>rp6fic; 
 3AT) fu|6eA6 a tj-^orjAb rt)A|t bA óuaI, 
 3AT) ^oJlujTt) cleAf túc i)A 5leo. 
 
 p. Lé]3 cu|*a bo be^c b& fvjorb, 
 
 A TT)1C At) K|3 bA TT)A]C clúj 
 
 3^|U bo't) z'e bo 51^6 3AC Tt)Aic, 
 cjtort) bo ceAt)t) aY peAC bo ^lúr). 
 
 Bua^I b'ucc a'|* bo^jtc bo Óeóp, 
 cjie^b bo'i) cá 6f bo c|or)i; ; 
 318 311ft b'jot)3t)A leAc a Iua8, 
 If é bo |tu3 buA|8 Aft 'pbiot)?). 
 
81 
 
 Great would be the shame for God, 
 
 Not to release Fionn, from the shackles of pain ; 
 For if God himself were in bonds, 
 The chief would fight on -his behalf. 
 
 Fionn never suffered in his day 
 Any one to be in pain or difficulty ; 
 Without redeeming him, by silver or gold, 
 By battle or fight, till he got the victory. 
 
 It is a good claim for me on thy God 
 To be among his clerics, as I am ; 
 Without food, without clothing or music, 
 Without bestowing gold on bards. 
 
 Without the cry of the hounds or of the horns, 
 Without guarding harbours or coasts ; 
 For all that I have suffered for lack of food, 
 I forgive heaven's king in my will. 
 
 Without bathing, without hunting, without Fionn, 
 Without courting generous women, without sport, 
 Without sitting in my place, as was due, 
 Without learning feats of agility or fighting. 
 
 Cease recounting them, 
 
 son of the king whose fame was great ; 
 Submit to Him who doeth all good, 
 Stoop thy head and bend thy knee. 
 
 Strike thy breast and shed thy tear, 
 Believe in Him who is above ; 
 Though thou art amazed at its being said, 
 'Twas he gained victory over Fionn. 
 
62 
 
 O. 21 Pb&cftA|C, bA rt)-be]8|tn>n S^t) cé]ll, 
 bo ^a^a^o leb' c\&w a ; 
 V] b]Ab leAbAfi r>A oacaI btxt), 
 
 t>A CI05 CflACA AT)T) bo C]\l. 
 
 21 búbA]ftc 0]fjr), xrjo ?5éAl cjiuAg • 
 i)j b]t)\) l]on? yu^ny bo be|l ; 
 50]l|:eAbfA 50 F|tAf, acc v] ^h]*» 
 acc f AO] pbio^t) t)A b-^Atit) 5AT) be|c bed ! 
 
 P. 2t)A]t bo 5eAlU]f A|r|t|f biqrw, 
 
 c]té|5, feAcu]^, £uac a't £eA]t3 ; 
 ri)A]t bo geAlUif iwir ^^°ir* 
 ciOT)buf bo jt|5r)eAÓ l]b at) c-feAh;. 1 
 
 O. Níoft b'iot)5T)A óú|i)p a bejc bjt6i}AC, 
 
 aY ceAt)t) A|t fl6|5 bqc b'Ajt tH^c ; 
 5^6 b'é bo rbAojcfeAb Ofiu^r) 3AI) 5^]^ 
 If bújot) bob' ÁobAji be]c A5 cao] ! 
 
 1 2ltj c-reAb;, the chase. This poem, which forms part of the 2I5AIU1Í7, 
 and generally comes in here in our Irish manuscripts, is printed in full 
 in Miss Brooke's Reliques of Irish Poetry, p. 412, Dub. 1816, with a me- 
 trical translation at p. 91, to which we refer the reader. The Rev. 
 Dr. Drummond has also made a highly poetic translation of it, which 
 
63 
 
 0. Patrick, were I without sense, 
 
 I would take off the heads of thy clerics ; 
 There would not be a book or crozier bright, 
 Or matin bell left in thy church. 
 
 Oisin said, sorrowful is my tale ! 
 The sound of thy lips is not sweet to me ; 
 I will cry my fill, but not for God, 
 But for Fionn and the Fians not being alive ! 
 
 P. As thou hast promised, relate to us — 
 Forsake, shun, hatred and anger — 
 As thou hast promised, relate to us now, 
 How the chase was made by you. 
 
 O. No wonder we should be sorrowful, 
 
 Whilst bereft of the head of our host ; 
 
 Whoever may boast over us that we are not joyful, 
 
 'Twas we that had cause to weep ! 
 
 is published in his Ancient Irish Minstrelsy. The legend which gave rise 
 to the Poem of the Chase, is frequently alluded to in Irish Manuscripts, 
 and is interwoven with the romance, entitled " Feir CÍ5e Cfjonívin Cbwo 
 Sbléibe, which formed the Second Volume of our Transactions. The 
 scene is laid at Sliabh Guillinn, in the county of Armagh. 
 
O. <t)0 bATTJATl Ujle AT) ^bl^t) A*f T^iotjo, 
 
 a S-c6irbcior;6l Art at; 3-ct;oc fo fjAft; 
 
 A3 irr>]Ttc A]t cleAfAib lúc, 
 
 *Y XW> 3° fúbAc A3 cAiCjOTf) I1A3. 1 
 
 CjOÓ CTtACC bÚ|t)T) ATT)Ia1Ó t*|T), 
 
 a bubAjric brtAO] 'CeArbjtAC 2 30 3lir>t> 3I1C; 
 if eA3Al liorr>, a fblW i;a b-fblAW, 
 
 T)AC fAbA AT; |t1AT) 3UTI b0|l|5 
 
 CtiéAb |«o at;o||», bo TIA1Ó f]0t)t), 
 
 le a b-cu]3ceATi leAc ati 3-cútt* bobti6|t) ; 
 a't* t)Ac b-r:u]l Iaoc ^ao| at; t>5|téiT;, 
 t;ac b-tuijl fAt; b-^b^l^t) feAfATt; leó. 
 
 1 CArqorb l]A5, throwing or casting stones. This singular custom was 
 carried on to a great extent in the early part of the present century ; 
 and, it is traditionally said that the tullAlij or pillar-stones, found in 
 various parts of Ireland, were the " cIoca tjejfvc," of the Fenians, and 
 that Fionn Mac Cumhaill himself made no great boast of casting one of 
 these huge rocks from the hill of Almhuin (Allen), where his palace 
 stood, across to the hill of Howtb, a distance of about twenty miles. 
 In^GAccriA tt)|C tjA njí-coTÍjAjtUe," or The Adventures of an Ill-advised 
 Son, by Carroll O'Daly, better known on account of his rhyming pro- 
 pensities, as — 
 
 " CeATibAll buj&e tjA i)-AbtvM, 
 fco fejtjqeAó rcTieAtjtjcAtj ati ceAbAjb." 
 
 Swarthy Carroll the rhymer, 
 Who would play a ditty on the harp, 
 the custom is thus referred to : — 
 
 " lA i)A b-jreATi 't)UAir» CATA5 f Arj c-rl]Ab, 
 2l'r lA ija b-^eATi bo cAjrnqtJ M'05 tijati ia&." 
 
 On the day that the men were mustered, I met tbem on the hill, 
 On the day that the men were mustered I'd cast a stone as well as any 
 of them. 
 
T H E 
 
 BATTLE 
 
 OF 
 
 CNOC AN AIR. 
 
 O. We were all, the Fians and Fionn, 
 
 Assembled on this hill to the west ; 
 
 Practising feats of agility, 
 
 And we so mirthful casting stones. 
 
 Not long were we so, 
 When the Druid of Tara, wisely said ; 
 I greatly fear, Fionn of the Fians ! 
 That the time is not far when thou shalt regret. 
 
 What means this, saith Fionn, 
 That thou foretel our cause of grief ; 
 There is not a hero under the sun, 
 Who among the Fians cannot find his match. 
 
 Carroll O'Daly was the most celebrated wit of his day, as well as the 
 most eccentric character. He was the first harper of his time, and author 
 of that beautiful aud soul-stirring song " ejbljrj a Kuio," or, Ellen, the 
 secret of my heart, which he composed for the daughter of Kavanagh, 
 the history of which is so well known, that there is no necessity for 
 repeating it here. 
 
 2 t5fVAO| Ce*ut)f\Ac, the Druid of Tara. According to our ancient an- 
 nalists, Tigearnmas, monarch of Ireland, of the race of Heremou, was 
 the first who introduced the worship of idols into Ireland, about nine 
 centuries before the Christian era ; and it is stated, that while wor- 
 shipping the Crom Cruach, the chief deity of the Irish Druids, along 
 with a vast assemblage of his subjects at Magh Sleacht in Breilhe, on 
 the feast of Samhuin, one of their Deities (the day dedicated to whose 
 rites was the same as the last day of October), he himself, with three- 
 fourths of his people, were struck dead by lightning, as a puuishment 
 from heaven for his introduction of idolatry into the kingdom. See 
 Conneilan's Four Masters, p. 75, note. For a learned Dissertation oa 
 Druidism in Ireland, sec O'Conor's Serum Hibernicarnm Scripiore3 
 Veteres, Tom. I., Proicy. Pars. 1., pp. xx. — xxxiv. 
 5 
 
06 
 
 O. Crtejb u^njye, a ¥h]i)t), i)A 5-cjiua6 l&yt), 
 30 b-jnql At) z6]]i a i;50)|aeAcc bAO]b; 
 f 6ac i)A i)6aIa voIa 1 úb, 
 
 A5 bA5A|l ÓÚbAC CAO]b All CAO]b. 
 
 «D'tíéAC ^1,01)1) a c]Oi)T) fiiAT*, 
 
 a't* bo cor)A]|tc cuati ^oIa 50 CjléAT); 
 
 71* 6A5AI l^Oir), bO ^tA]b AT) fAOf, 
 
 50 b-c]OCí;Aió ATt-guAjT* ATI at; b-pb^jT)!;. 
 4)o goifi p|0i)t) cu]5e OfcuTt, 
 
 a't* bub TIC, A CUflAlb T)A lAT)T) 3&ATt, 
 
 if cu]be 6u]c a beic A3 caoj, 
 
 ■p6AC ATI f]5T)|b AT) Aeb||t. 
 21 ]t|5 T)A b-pb|AT)T), TtÁ]Ó OfCUfl, 
 
 t)A 5l^c b]oÓ5 t;A AT)bt;AT)r) c.Ti|b ; 
 ACÍV T)eAjtX a'|* lúc Ab 5^A5A]b, 
 a'|* CjtOTT)-fluA5 CTtéAT) Tieb' CAOjb. 
 
 'Do CA]ceAtT)ATi u]le at; T~b]M)V, 
 
 |*eAlAb A5 5Tl|1)1)-ATT)A|tC T)A T)Gul ; 
 
 bo b] bjteArt) A5U]t)T) fOjlbjTi, fúbAC. 
 aY bTieATO eile búbAC t;a 1)51)6. 
 
 *t)o lokbA^Tt Cot)ivi) 2 bo 511c Ajtb, 
 A 5 u r 11* & k° jtAjb' 30 bonb cjtéAT); 
 T/j b-pujl 1)eAC b'ATl ACTIA75 b&i, 
 Abbu^n) péiT) acc j:eATi £aot). 
 
 1 ftéAÍA voU, clouds of blood. The Irish still look upon any changes 
 in the clouds as portentous of some forthcoming event ; and here, Fionn 
 foresaw the destruction which awaited the Fenians at Cnoc-an-air. 
 
 2 Corj.'vvn was the most noisy person in the Fenian ranks, though, at 
 
67 
 
 0. Believe me, Fionn of the tempered blades, 
 That the foe is nigh at hand ; 
 Behold those clouds of blood, 
 Threatening gloomily side by side. 
 
 Fionn gazed above his head, 
 And he beheld a mighty omen of blood. 
 I greatly fear, saith the sage, 
 That a ruin of slaughter will come upon the Fians. 
 
 Fionn called Oscur to him, 
 And said, hero of the sharp blade, 
 'Tis likely that thou shalt be mourning ; 
 Beliold the portents in the heavens. 
 
 O king of the Fenians, saith Oscur, 
 Be not startled, or depressed by them ; 
 There is might and strength in thy arms, 
 And a mighty host at thy side. 
 
 We, the Fenians, all spent, 
 
 Some time keenty beholding the clouds ; 
 Some of us were merry and gladsome, 
 And others with gloomy countenances. 
 
 Conan spoke with a loud voice, 
 
 Exclaiming haughtily and proudly ; 
 There is no one whose colour changed, 
 I confess, but a coward. 
 
 the same time, the most contemptible. For an account of his enchant- 
 ment in the Bruighin Chaorthainn, and what he suffered there, wo would 
 refer the reader to that curious tract, which will hereafter form one of 
 the Society's publications. 
 
03 
 
 O. 2t Y\)]t)v ú)]c Cú?f)A|ll, &o |tA|b At; <£)fi<vof, 
 c]OT)6l bo bujbeAt) Ab' óSi-jl, 
 &X |iO|i)r)ceA|t |Ab leAc Aft leAc, 
 50 i)-bejt)]b pA^|te Aft ceAcc bo't) i)Ari)Aib ? 
 
 <Do f'e]i)t) piorvi) At; <t)6|ib pbjATjr), 
 a> b'-fl'fteA5A|]i fiAb Ida IJS^T 1 ^ 
 5AÓ peA|x rt)A Iuaic A5 ceAcc, 
 e-|b||i flA|c, qtjAc, a'|* cA]t). 
 
 2l|ót)eócAb <vt)0]f% A]i 'pjorjr) 50 £fori, 
 
 5AC rjeAc bAiD bu]8eAT) le'ji b'iot)t)f*A rrjé ; 
 A Y V°r TjeAC bA b-£U]l bott) £uac, 
 rt)A ciqjtib f uaj* A bejú borr/ |t6]]t. 
 
 O. 91 Ofcujft, bo jtAjb ¥]ot)i) A]t b-cúf, 
 
 Of* CÚ UflfA 1 A'f lÚC, 1)A b-'piAi)!) ; 
 
 Ai) b-pAfftfqÓ cú 50 lA fté cAc, 
 
 ceAcc bo'i) i)Aii)Afb cA cu5Afi)t) A5 cfifAll. 
 
 Ar> bul curt) fuAft) bob' Afl leAc; 
 tvjort rrjAffe 8ufc, &y bA rirj-clú, 
 rr)A'f eA5Al leAc i)Afri)be ceAcc. 
 
 Hj le b-At)bpAi)i) ftofri) lÁirb cAc, 
 bo ftAcj:Afi)i) cjiAc curt) fitAft) ; 
 acc 511ft -p|0]* bu]c 5un 5t)Ac Ifort), 
 
 CAff*béA1)AÓ b'^A^Afl Afl 3AC 5UA1|*. 
 
 Nf 6]úlcó|5 rt)|f*e £Affte fie cAc, 
 t)fl rt)5|t-r , 5Ac 't)A Ai)bfrAft)r) 0|iti); 
 5|óeAÓ if ba^aI \]ow, a }~bli)iJ> 
 511ft beAj bob' bu]be<\T) i)ac cajaI leo. 
 
 1 UrifA, a pillar, a prop or support, the frame on which a door hangs. 
 Oscur was considered the stoutest and most valiant of the Fenians ; hence 
 rionn designates hiin as above ; but we question whether he bore the 
 
G9 
 
 0. Fionn, son of Cumhall, saith the Druid, 
 Call thy forces in thy presence ; 
 And divide them into two separate bodies, 
 That they may watch the approach of the foe. 
 
 Fionn sounded the Dord Fhiann, 
 And they answered by a shout ; 
 Each man vieing to be first, 
 Noble, chief, and host. 
 
 I shall now truly discern, saith Fionn, 
 Such of my followers as are attached to me ; 
 And also such as do me hate, 
 If they refuse being led by me. 
 
 Oscur, saith Fionn at first, 
 
 As thou art the prop and strength of the Fians, 
 Wilt thou with others watch this night [us. 
 The approach of the enemy who are making towards 
 
 1 ask of thee now, Fionn, 
 
 If it be thy wish to take repose ; 
 
 It would not become thee, but bring ill fame, 
 
 If thou fear that foes may come. 
 
 'Tis not through dread of any man's hand, 
 That I would awhile go to rest ; 
 But thou knowest 1 am accustomed, 
 To have visions of every danger. 
 
 I shall not refuse keeping watch with the rest, 
 There's neither fear nor terror on me ; 
 Though I greatly fear, Fionn, 
 That the most of thy followers are in dread. 
 
 palm in heroism from Goll mac Morna ; or even his father the poet Oisin. 
 He was killed by Cairbre Lifeachair at the Battle of Gabhra. Vide 
 Transactions, Vol. I., p. 50. 
 
70 
 
 O. 5<>!fieA}* ¥]Oi)t) Aft <£>])] Anrniqb <t)onn, 
 
 a'p VWVV-^i^V 3° ce&t)t)Y& bo'n frAió ; 
 A1) b-£A-|jt£i8 cu hjau. Aon le lj-OfCUfi, 
 rnA'f iortrbu^ne leAt trte t>A cac. 
 
 Mjou cejb rrt^e vóy n^Ari), a ^bltrt), 
 
 a 3-cAc r>A 5-co|tb-eAf5<!c|t i)A b-c|tort)-fliiA5 ; 
 acc 50 rr>-b]A8 Ofcun. nain njo cjtojóe, 1 
 n6ri)Arn rtórn' 6|<x]5 le ceAcc buA&. 
 
 21 5boiU caIuja t)A 5-c|uia6 Iaiw, 
 An curnArtn leAC H]5 nA b-pjArtn > 
 
 At) b-^AT)V*A]Ó CÚ A b-pOCAJJt CAC, 
 
 7*jb tfqun. 11113 bA|t|t i)A P5A|t5 ^lj^ó. 
 
 l)-eA5Al Ijorn l&rb bA cnu<vÓAcc., 
 6 civ Occult T)A t>5u<vf* Art;' 8^1; 
 A'f «DiAnrnujb cnóÓA rtA b-piAnn, 
 bé|6 rnj|*e rrjAn. ^Ab 50 Ia. 
 
 *Cap)jc 'pAolÁrt 2 bo lACA]|t pbjrtrt, 
 A'f bo lAbA]|t 50 jrjocrbAji, Anb ; 
 ax bubAinc, a n^5 nA b-^Ant), 
 V}\ rnóft l^nn bu|c bo fuArt 50 Ia. 
 
 1 Kút) ttjo c|toióe, the secret of my heart ; or, my heart's treasure. This 
 is still a common phrase in Ireland, bat applied only as a term of affection. 
 
 2 £aoU\!J, or O'Faolain, now anglicised Phelan or Whelan. There were 
 many distinguished persons of this name in ancient times who gave 
 names to territories, tribes, and families in Ireland ; such as the Ui 
 Eaolain of Leinster, a name rather prominent in the county of Kilkenny 
 at the present day. Dr. O'Donovan writes of them ( Vide le^hari ija 
 5-CeAttc, Book of Rights, pp. 205—6), — " This was the name of a tribe 
 and territory containing about the northern half of the present county 
 of Kildare. It comprised the baronies of " Clane" and "Salt," and 
 the greater part, if not the entire, of those of " Ikeathy," and H Oughter- 
 anny." The town of Nas (Naas), and the churches of Olaenadh (Clane), 
 Laithreach Brain (Laraghbrine, near Maynooth), Domhnach Alor 
 Muigbe Luadhat (Donaghmore), Cluain Conaire (Cloncurry) ; and 
 
71 
 
 0. Fionn calls Diarmuid Donn, 
 
 And he asketh calmly of the sage ; 
 
 Wilt thou watch with Oscur, 
 
 If thou art more attached to me than the rest. 
 
 I never yet flinched, Fionn, 
 In battle or conflict of mighty hosts, 
 So that Oscur the treasure of my heart, 
 Were before or behind me in time of victory. 
 
 valiant Goll of the well-tempered swords, 
 Dost thou love the king of the Fians ; 
 Wilt thou remain with them, 
 
 Ye are the three who gained sway in fierce conflict. 
 
 1 dread not the hardiest hand, 
 
 As Oscur of the feats is with me ; 
 And valiant Diarmuid of the Fians, 
 I will be with them this night. 
 
 Faolan came into the presence of Fionn, 
 And exclaimed fiercely and loudly ; 
 Saying, Fenian king, 
 We grudge thee not thy repose this night. 
 
 Fiodh Clmillinn (Feighcullen), were in it. Aftsr the establishment of 
 surnames, [which happened in the reign of bfajAi? bófioiiije Brian 
 Boroimhe, or Boru, as the name is often for brevity's sake incorrectly 
 written] the chiefs of this territory took that of Mac Faolain, and soon 
 after, that of O'Brain (Anglice O'Byrne) ; but they were driven from 
 this level and fertile country, about the year 1202, by Meyler Fitz-ITenry 
 and his followers, when they retired into the mountains of Wicklow, 
 where they acquired new settlements for themselves ; and in the reigns 
 of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, they were possessed of more than the 
 southern half of the county of Wicklow." And at p. 222, note b {idem), 
 he says that, " Magh Laighean was another name for the territory of 
 the Ui Faolain. O'Faolain was the chief of a tribe, named Dcise, de- 
 scended from Fiacha Suighdhe, the elder brother of Conn of the Hun- 
 
72 
 
 O. 21 Cboij^t;) iíjaojI, bo nA|Ó 'piorji;, 
 £An a biiba, Lefc-Ajnb ; 
 
 curt) |*5A|tcA ida']* cgacc bo'r) ijArbAib. 
 
 2t)&'r* bul bArt) péii), a 'pbltWj bo'i) uaitt), 
 A 3 V*W e ^T 1 bu^nc, t)6 An cat) ; 
 ati? Aor)A|t 5<xi) ciijle bo'r) T^b&ltW, 
 50 T^ojttteAn w)h cneir/ lAn ? 
 
 M] ciqbe 6u]c, a Cbor)&]t) ttjaojI, 
 
 bjíllcAÓ pbltJr), bO TIA]6 IT)AC UlTJAjb, 
 
 acA t)A T1Í5 6f C|oi)t> t)A b-p|Ai;t), 
 a 5-corbriAC, a'j* a rrj-bjAÓ, 'fA t)-ó|i. 
 
 2t)A ca pjOtJT) t)A |i|5 o\ c|or)i) t)A b-^A^i), 
 a rb]C Lú-z^ó, bo nAi.6 Corj&r) ; 
 \)\ copbúil 5un c 111 be bAm, 
 bul Aro AOttAn 50 b-u<Mrb LeAC-A^ub. 1 
 
 Mfl t*at) b-^ATji) ujle, An ttjac L1154.C, 
 ■peAji córr;-tt)-b|or) bob' clo-^uc Ajib, 
 a't* clo^jqb at; T^bl^r; u]le bo gldft, 
 toa't* ceAcc bo'r; c6|n a ujAn bo'r) 2lnb. 
 
 M<v b] r:eAi'bA liorn bÁ lu&6, 
 a n)]C LújAió v& rtrjr) 56 A5 ; 
 b'pr;|or)i; r;<v bo'r; pb^rn;) t;j nACAb Ann, 
 cu|]tirr) puAf bo le rno nAe. 
 
 dred Battles, who were expelled from Deece or Deise Teamhrach, in the 
 county of Meath, by their relative Cormac, the grandson of Conn of 
 the Hundred Battles, about, AD. 2j4, when they settled in the county 
 of Watcrford about half a century back." One of their descendants, the 
 Rev. John Whelan, P.P. of Modeligo, who died in the year 1819, was as 
 fine a specimen of the old Irish race as one could wish to see. 
 
73 
 
 0. Conan the bald, saith Fionn, [Ard ; 
 
 Remain thou in the dark recesses of the cave of Leath- 
 As it is thou wlio can shout most loudly, 
 To warn us of the approach of the enemy. 
 
 If to the cave I shall go, Fionn, 
 To watch for troubles, or for hosts 
 Alone, without more of the Fians, 
 May I be pierced through the middle. 
 
 Ill it becometh thee, Conan the bald, 
 To refuse Fionn, saith Mac Lughaidh ; 
 Who is king over the Fians, 
 In battle, in food, and in gold. 
 
 Although Fionn be king over the Fians, 
 son of Lughaidh, saith Conan ; 
 'Tis not likely that I must go 
 Alone to the cave of Leath-Ard. 
 
 There's not among all the Fenians, saith Mac Lughach, 
 One who can shout so loudly as thou ; 
 And all the Fenians shall hear thy voice, 
 If the foe comes near the Ard. 
 
 Speak no more of this to me, 
 
 son of Lughaidh of the smooth limbs ; 
 For Fionn or the Fians I shall not go there — 
 
 1 refuse it during my life. 
 
 l UAiri) leAc 2lti&, the cave of Leath Ard ; or, Lahard. Mr. Daniel 
 Sheehan, of Ardagh, Newcastle West, county of Limerick, who has been 
 often on the top of Knockanar, near Bally bunion, says, that there is a cave 
 there, and a spot which to this day is called Lahard ; which circumstance 
 alone is sufficient to identify Cqoc-Atj.&nt as the scene of the battle. 
 
74 
 
 bo |t<V]6 Ofcuji, bé]6 Ab ó&]l ; 
 
 2io8 Be^5 ctióóa ttjac pb|T)r), 
 
 a'í* cujlle n)^v'f jtjaoj leAC b'^AgAil. 
 
 Bejji Wc peAjtAT) 1 a't* Bjiat) Iuac, 
 Sseólar), puA^rt}, a't* 2t)eAfiA5*u) ; 
 Bo5-lé]H) a't* 2li]teAc CbluAif, 
 *T 1^13 5^t) sfiuAiro, a Cboi^f), 
 
 í)o ^luAif Cot)Ar> A]t corbAj|tle OfCUl|t, 
 b^oi^A^ bojaAf t><v b rU ^Tb^ ; 
 t)A co|t; A5UI 4 2lo6 BeA5 ttjac y\)]i)\) } 2 
 bo leAi;AbA|t at) ca]T) cu<v]jtb. 
 
 ( X)0 CUA,]8 ^OTjl) ATJT) f|T) CUTT) |*UA^r), 
 
 a'i 4 t)] cjat) bo bí a ^uA^rbtJeAr* atjtj ; 
 
 AT) CAT) bO |*ATT)lu]5e0vÓ 80 cjfjb, 
 
 2lo8 BeA5 ttjac pbltW a be]c 5AT) ceATjr). 
 
 í)0 CA^t*béAT)A8 bO Tf)Ajl AOt) Tl]f f]T), 
 30 TtA^b 'Soil CTIÓ8a A l'<\]XX) ^l]^, 
 
 le 5A|| 4 5 : j6eAC jqo|t-éActAÓ, caIit;a, 
 
 b'ATl b'AjTJIlD "Ca^Ic TTJAC 'CTieOjT). 
 <Do TbÚrSA^l Af A COblA 50 pjTAp, 
 
 a'i* bo 50)11 cu|5e bTiAoj tja b-pjA^r) ; 
 
 b'Ajt bA cÓTt)-Air)jtT) bo flOjt, 
 
 <DfiAó] gaIaóat;, 3 tjo peAji £A]c-c]aII. 
 
 1 FeAriAi), SseóUvtj, t)rtAi), &c. These were the names of some of the 
 Fenian hounds ; and Vjíiaíj, which was Fionn's favorite one, was known 
 by the following marks : — 
 
 " CofA buióe b] A|t bbriAij, 
 21 bA cAeb bub *f A cAft 56Al ; 
 t3fiu|rn ruAjfní&e ór ceM}t) rels, 
 1f bA cluAjr copcru\ cori)-óeri5." 
 
75 
 
 0. Go there, Conan the bald, 
 
 Saith Oscur, and there will be with theo; 
 Aodh Beag the valiant son of Fionn, 
 And more if thou require. 
 
 Take with thee Fearan, and Bran the swift, 
 Sgeolan, Fuaim, and Mearagan, 
 Bog-Leim and Aireach Chluais, 
 And depart without sullenness, Conan . 
 
 Conan went by the advice of Oscur, 
 
 And made towards the door of the cave ; 
 The hounds and Aodh Beag, son of Fionn, 
 Followed in the track of the host. 
 
 Fionn, then, retired to rest, 
 And not long was he there in repose ; 
 When he saw in his sleep, 
 
 That Aodh Beag, the son of Fionn, was beheaded. 
 
 He likewise saw, 
 That Goll the valiant was engaged in battle, 
 With a mighty powerful champion, 
 Whose name was Tailc Mac Treoin. 
 
 He awoke suddenly from his sleep, 
 
 And called to him the druid of the Fians, 
 
 Whose synonyms always were 
 
 The Druid of art, or man of prescience. 
 
 Yellow legs had Bran, 
 
 Both her sides black, and her belly white ; 
 
 A speckled back over her loins, 
 
 And two crimson ears, very red. 
 
 2 2loó DoA5 rt)v\c FfjinTj, Little Aodh the son of Fionn. This 2loó was 
 the youngest son of Fionn. He was called " ocas" {small) from his di- 
 minutive stature. 
 
 4 fcttAoj gavIaóaij, i«e., the Druid of art, or one skilled in magic or sor- 
 cery. In " The Banquet of Dun na n-Gedh," &c, puhlishcd by the Irish 
 
76 
 
 O. <D'j:A|ri)é|p A fiúr) ^ortjlívT) bo'r; <t)|iAOi, 
 Ar)i; 5AC cAifbéAT)AÓ b]ob fúb ; 
 bo jt&|ó 'piorjr), a b-p^c-ciAll fjt) 
 IWir *9°ir 5AT) rbojll bú|T)i). 
 
 T^OC£A1Ó TtUACAjt Afl At) b-pé^í)T), 
 
 A lp})]\)t), ]\ bAOJAl, bO TlAjÓ A1) <t)riAO] | 
 
 5l6eA8 t>l 50]i)^eA]a at) bjr t*a T^lejc, 
 
 CAlnjA, CflÓÓA, T)A 2iob. 
 
 W^ori b-£Ab<v att?Ia]6 t^t) *>ú]x)\), 
 
 Al) CAT) bO CUaIatDATI UAlll-g&lfl, 
 
 bo fe|t)o 7^101)1) Ai) <t)orib pbjAtw, 
 a'i* b'frfteA5A-(ri biAt)-f5A|ric CboijAjt). 
 
 <Do sluAif Cot;Át) i)A criéAT) rqc, 1 
 
 a't* T)A CO|T) A^ lAr) lÚC T)A bjA]5J 
 
 b'^AT) 2loó BeA5 Ari briuAC t)A b-uArrjA, 
 5U]t cloirjeAÓ leir* ^uaiit) t)a fSjAc. 
 
 Archaeological Society, p. 46, note 6, the following curious recipe is given 
 for transforming a poet into a druid : — 
 
 " This is the way it is to be done : the poet chews a piece of the flesh 
 of a red pig, or of a dog or cat, and he brings it afterwards on a flag 
 behind the door, and chaunts an incantation upon it, and offers it to idol 
 gods ; and his idol gods are brought to him, but he finds them not on 
 the morrow. And he pronounces incantations on his two palms ; and 
 his idol gods are also brought to him, in order that his sleep may not be 
 interrupted ; and he lays his two palms on his two cheeks, and thus falls 
 asleep ; and he is watched in order that no one may disturb or interrupt 
 him, until every thing about which he is engaged is revealed to him, 
 which may be a minute, or two, or three, or as long as the ceremony 
 requires ; et ides Imbas discitur, i.e., one palm over the other across his 
 cheeks." But it is said {Idem) that " St. Patrick abolished it, and the 
 Teinm Loeghdha, and declared that whoever should practise them would 
 enjoy neither heaven nor earth, because it was renouncing baptism." 
 
 1 CfiéAt) TMc, swift running, fieetness of foot. The Fenians were re- 
 markable for nimbleness of foot ; and one of the qualifications necessary 
 for entering the service was that " the candidate should be a nimble 
 runner ; and that in his flight before a chosen body of the Fenians, he 
 should be able not only to outrun them, but even to defend himself intact 
 against their assaults." Even in modern times the Irish are remarkable 
 
77 
 
 0. He revealeth to the Druid the entire secrets, 
 Which he saw in each vision of these ; 
 Fionn saith, the meaning* of those 
 Tell us now without delay. 
 
 Slaughter awaits the Fenians, 
 
 O Fionn, I fear, saith the Druid ; 
 
 Yet the twain will not be wounded in the conflict, 
 
 Goll the noble and valiant, nor Aodh. 
 
 Not long were we thus, 
 
 When we heard a loud shout ; 
 Fionn sounded the Dord Fhiann, 
 And the fierce yell of Conan replied. 
 
 Conan ran with all his might, 
 And the hounds in full speed after him ; 
 Aodh Beag remained on the brink of the cave, 
 'Till he heard the clash of the shields. 
 
 for nimbleness of foot ; for in a very learned paper on the physical cha- 
 racteristics of the ancient Irish, by Dr. O'Donovan, published in the 
 twenty-third number of the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, we find the 
 following allusions to the agility of the Irish quoted from a French author 
 who visited Ireland in Dermod Mac Murrough's reign, and who was eye- 
 witness to the fact: — "They assailed us often both in van and rear, 
 casting their darts with such might, as no habergeon, or coat of mail, 
 were of sufficient proof to resist their force ; their darts piercing them 
 through both sides. Our foragers, that strayed from their fellows, were 
 often murdered [killed] by the Irish ; for they were nimble and swift of 
 foot, that, like unto stags, they ran over mountains and valleys, whereby 
 we received great annoyance and damage." 
 
 And again, quoting Froissart :— " But I shewe you bycause yc should 
 knowe the truth. Ireland is one of the yvele countries of the world to 
 make warre upon, or to bring under subjection, for it is closed strongely 
 and wydely with high forests and great waters, and mareshes, and places 
 [un]inhabytable ; it is hard to entre to do them of the countrey anie 
 damage . . For a man of armes beyng never so well horsed, and 
 ran as fast as he can, the Yrisshemen wyll ryn afote as faste as he, and 
 overtake hym, yea, and leap up upon his horse behynde him, and drawe 
 him from his horse." 
 
78 
 
 O. <bo fe]\)\) f]o\)\) at) <t>ójtb A]i]y, 
 
 ful bo ft&ji)|C |<sb Coitat? niAol ; 
 CjtéAb at? t;ac, bo ]tix|6 Opcuji, 
 ca't) coifi 1 cu5A|t)o, ca b-jrujl 2lob ? 
 
 <Do 2lo6 A rJ-bOTtUf 4 T)A b"W<XTt)<V, 
 
 at; cat) bo sluAif TTjjfe Art lúc ; 2 
 
 T^OTt ATTJAJlCAr* 6 fo^T) CAft TT)'A|f, 
 
 a't; V)o\i b'é 2lob bA riieAf a 1]ott}. 
 
 CjtéAb e]le bo ÓA]cr)íb, aji Ofcuji, 
 a Clior)Á|T; Ijoj-bA, tttaoiI, jat) cejll ; 
 cia aco f]OVi) t)A b-'pjATir), t)o rpjT/e, 
 t)0 C]A at) t;eAft ojle bo't) 'pbéi.tw. 
 
 M] b"^ ¥]Ot)t), CUT/A, 't)A T)6AC bo't) fb&WV* 
 tt)0 ÓA]CT)íb A T)-ATT> 5AC bé]TT) ; 
 
 5]6' 511ft iottttjuh) Ijorr) bufi ttjaic, 
 T>1 rjb tt)o bAjcojb, acc n;é t;éjf). 
 
 <t)o JluAT,! 4 OfcuTi bo lúc ct/ioat), 
 
 30 |tATT)^5 fé bOftltf T)A b"UA]Tb ; 
 
 bo t;uA|Tt 2lo8 BeA5 tdac ^phw) V e ]^i 
 
 5AT) AT)b|ÍAT)T), 5AT) ^AJ, 5AT) buAjflC 
 
 Crt^Ab at) -pÁc 2loó Bbi3 'Fbltw* 
 
 ATI OfCUft, plIfteAC A T)"b]A]5 AT) £|]t TtJAO^l ? 
 a't* T)ÁTT)Alb CAob leAC T1A Tt|C 
 
 A le(t)b, ttatt cujs 51^1 beA5 bVoft;. 
 
 C]A h] at; coT,ri a b-í:03uf bAm, 
 
 aV vc)h att)U|5 6 CAbAjri TiA b-'pjATTT; ; 
 T;]0|t ctit.octtut.t; vd\X)X)z\x) t)A ttto cftojbe, 
 
 T)A TT)0 rbjfTjeAC Tl]ATT) T)|0|t clAOjÓeAÓ. 
 
 1 Cóirt, pursuit ; one enemy in pursuit of the other. 
 
 2 lúc, nimbleness or agility. This and the two following stanzas show 
 how indifferent Conan was about the difficulties the Fenians had to 
 encounter ; so that he himself was able to make good his ground by a 
 speedy retreat, realising the old Irish proverb— 
 
70 
 
 Fionn sounded the Dord again, 
 Before Conan the bald arrived ; 
 What means this, saith Oscur, 
 The pursuers are coming', where is Aodh ? 
 
 Aodh was at the entrance of the cave, 
 When I left in haste ; 
 I have not looked behind since, 
 'Twas not Aodh that troubled me. 
 
 What else thy trouble, saith Oscur, 
 
 Conan, lazy, bald, and devoid of sense ; 
 Whether is it Fionn of the Fians ; or I, 
 
 Or what other man among the Fians ? 
 
 It is not Fionn, thou, nor any of the Fenians, 
 Concerns me at the time of each blow ; 
 Though I rejoice in the welfare of you all, 
 
 1 care for no one but myself. 
 
 Oscur ran with mighty speed, 
 Till he reached the entrance of the cave ; 
 He found Aodh Beag, the son of Fionn the generous, 
 Alive without terror, without trouble. 
 
 Why is it, Aodh Beag, son of Fionn, 
 Saith Oscur, [thou] remainest after the bald man, 
 And the foe nigh thee in full speed, 
 child, who perceivedst not thy tender age. 
 
 Though the enemy were nigh me, 
 
 And I beyond any aid from the Fians ; 
 My intellect or heart faltered not, 
 Nor was my courage ever subdued. 
 
 A good run is better than a bad stand. 
 
 He who fights and runs away, 
 Will iive lo fight another day. 
 
80 
 
 O. 2t)o cujftfe ! rt)0 cfteAC ! rt)o cúttjaó ! 
 A Pf)AcTiA]c, ]|* iin)At bo 131)! a ; 
 bA rf)A]ftf:eAÓ 2lo8 BeA3 attj' 6ajI, 
 bA bo]l]5 bo ^lívjrb 1 t)A 5-cl]ATi ! 
 
 P. 2iic]tir a Oint) Tt)]c "pbip^ 
 
 Cjtioc CACA CbtKMC AT) A^fl ; 
 
 t)] rbA]]teAt)r) 2lob BeA5 Ab bA]l, 
 
 a'j* cu^rt a 5-cÁf srvjorfj t)a 3-d] Aft. 
 
 O. CrjOC AT) A^fl 2 AT) CT)OC fO HAfl, 
 
 a'^ 30 Iá AT) bflÁCA b]Aj6 bA TJAf fttl) ; 
 A PbACTlA^C T)A TT)-bACAl TT)-b&T), 
 
 V] V&z C113AÓ at) c-a|t)tí). 
 
 P. Má 3IAC caoit), a Offjt) t^I, 
 
 A3 frT)AO|T)eAb aji "f})]0\)v t)a b-'pjAT)!) ; 
 3AC ATI éA3 A'f a b-fujl beó, 
 T)e]tt)T)i6 iAb ujle Acb <D]A. 
 
 O. Míoti T)e]Tbt;]6 ^joitd t)a b-'piAijo, 
 
 a']* r^OTt ye]n)i)]6 <t>|AjTii)u]b O <t)u]bi)e ; 
 V]o\i ve]ryr)]& 0fcu]t t)a Iat)T), 
 
 T)A 1)6AC bo'l) b-'pé]T)T), acc Cor)&T) 3|t]T)t). 
 
 P. <£>o b|tí3 311ft i)e]Tboi8 3 p]oi)i;, 
 
 í)]A]tTDU]b iDoi) t) a't* Ofxuft Á]3; 
 
 A'f AT) fh]&VV Tf)Ajt jAb, 
 
 V] ri)A!Tl|b TDATl iDbjA 1)A T)3JtAT\ 
 
 1 Sliviii), a shout, howl, loud talk, or clamour. 
 
 2 Cijoc at) &iTi, <Ae Mil of slaughter or destruction. Any one visiting 
 Ballybunion in the county of Kerry, noted for its caves, could not better 
 enjoy themselves than by paying a visit to this celebrated hill, which 
 lies quite close to it. The remaining portion of the poem, but somewhat 
 
81 
 
 0. My grief, my ruin, my sadness, 
 
 Patrick, who art obedient to God ; 
 Had Aodli Beag himself lived with me, 
 It would be ill for the clerics' clamour. 
 
 P. Kelate to us, Oisin, son of Fionn, 
 
 The conclusion of the battle of Cnoc-an-air ; 
 Aodh Beag doth not live with thee, 
 And question not the clerics' deeds. 
 
 0. Cnoc-an-air is this hill to the west, 
 
 And till the day of judgment 'twill be so called ; 
 
 Patrick of the croziers bright ! 
 
 Not without cause did it get the name. 
 
 P. Do not become faint, Oisin, the generous, 
 Reflecting on Fionn and the Fians ; 
 All that departed and those who live, 
 Were as nothing compared to God. 
 
 0. Fionn of the Fians was [more than] nothing,. 
 And so was Diarmuid Duibhne ; 
 Oscur of the spears was [more than] nothing, 
 And all the Fians, save Conan, the gay. 
 
 P. Because that Fionn was nothing, 
 
 Diarmuid Donn and Oscur the noble ; 
 And all the Fenians likewise, 
 They live not like the God of grace. 
 
 different from our version, will be found in The Transactions of the 
 Gaelic Society. Dub. 1808, p. 199. 
 
 * Ne]ri;Tj]ó, nothing. Here St. Patrick shows that the Fenian heroes 
 were insignificant beings when compared to the majesty of God. 
 6 
 
O. 21 PbíxqiAjc, t)) d v-&]rt)Y\\i tta h-lp]*t)ik 
 bo h) ai> t:oaii ffi) Í)ia ai;i; ; 
 If bcAjtb b<\ Tt)-b| aó f*0||t tto f|A|i, 
 3° r5 A l l K A ^ T"b|^i)J) le|]* a ceAirti. 1 
 
 P. <t>0 b] <t>|A AT}!) A l)-A|rt)I-|]t TTA b-^jAT^r), 
 
 acaCti]att't a't* bé]8 30 bjtÁc; 
 Hallow, A^uf hjaitivió 50 Cftioc, 
 
 i)í b-]ooAT)o tatt Fbiaw, * boccAp) l 2 
 
 O. 21 P1t&ciia]c, tt)aY t^oti bo |*3éAl, 
 
 AIT C-6A3 50 b-£UAT]t AT) pbl^Ut),' 
 
 clu]r)]Tt7 cu bA IuaÓ, 
 5U|t b'é |tU3 buAb o ft tta <t)f a. 
 
 P. BA TTTATC AT) pi) J AT)1) a'|* A 1)5T)]OTT1, 
 
 0]V]V SMP^í fO ATTTAT1T J 
 
 T)Á|t a8|ta6 leó att c-aoi; <D|a úb, 
 at;o]|* leAi; bújiTT) A|t Cbiroc-ATT-AT.ft. 
 
 O. <£)o cjtjAll at;t) -púb Aft At) b-péjTjOj 
 Ofcuji a't* 2lo6 BeA5 tta 6^]l ; 
 bob' ioi)rt)u|T;e Ijtjit cgacc tta bife, 
 tta bÁ b-c^eAÓ ^5 t;a t>5JtÁf*. 
 
 «D'^jApltAlÓ 'pTOt)!) b'OfCUJt Á15, 
 
 AT) b-TTACATÓ CATTT 3 TTA T^TTOb IaOC, 
 
 a bubATTtc Ofcujt 50 b-pAC^iÓ TAb, 
 
 A T 5° T^l^ * t)-lA|1ACC All ATT b-péjtMT. 
 
 1 21 ceAtji}, fas Aeac?. This phrase is very common in Ossianic poetry ; 
 and the pagan Oisin, must have been sorely irritated by the mild and con- 
 vincing- arguments of the Saint, when he gave vent to such blasphemous 
 expressions. In Mr. O'Grady's copy of the poem the stanza runs thus ; — 
 
 " 21 PJjíVCftAJC VÍ A fAOTJAl t)A b-FjATJt), 
 
 If cuisce t>o (Db|A TA bejc at)X) ; 
 
 ir beAttb b'ív n;-bjAó tja |t]Aij, 
 
 t)A be|óeAó t)A t]5eATTi)A or a 5-qotjt)." 
 
83 
 
 0. Patrick, 'twas not in the time of the Fians, 
 That that man God lived ; 
 Certain if he were east or west, 
 The Fians would have stricken off his head. 
 
 P. God was in the time of the Fians, 
 Always was and will be for ever, 
 He lives and will live to the end, 
 Not so with the Fians, poor creature ! 
 
 0. Patrick, if thy tale be true, 
 That the Fians are all dead ; 
 Let me not hear thee boast, 
 That it was God that overcame them. 
 
 P. The Fians and their deeds were good, 
 Pleasant Oisin, but in this alone, 
 They adored not the one true God, 
 Now proceed with [the tale of] Cnoc-an-air. 
 
 0. There marched towards the Fians 
 
 Oscur and Aodh Beag in his company ; 
 
 More delightful to us was the coming of the two, 
 
 Than had the King of Grace approached. 
 
 Fionn inquired of Oscur the noble, 
 Had he seen a host of heroes brave ; 
 Oscur said that he had seen them, 
 And that they were in search of the Fians. 
 
 O Patrick, if it were in the time of the Fenians, 
 That thy God had been living ; 
 Verily, if he were in their way, 
 He would not lord it over them. 
 
 * Uoccivt), a pauper, a beggar, a miser, Sfc. 
 
 8 C&ji), signifies a multitude, a host, an array, or any other muster 
 or assemblage. 
 
84 
 
 O. t)0 CATÍCATTTAfl. TT)A|1 \]X) 50 lA, 
 
 aV T)10|i IAttta cAc ceAcc po'rt Ti-béjr) ; 
 a PIjacttatc, ttto |*5^aI cjtmv^ ! 
 
 1)]0|t b-pAbA 5U|t C|tUA]6 AT) CéjTTT ! 1 
 
 P. )\)]Y tdati iy cu|rb|i) leAc, 
 
 a ú)]c CurbA-|ll, CAT/5 2 At) 5leo ; 
 
 AJCTITr A*]* WO beAI)T}ACC OftC. 
 
 ]*5^aI t; iojt, a'|* t)'<s cat) 56 ? 
 
 0. tlj cAiiTTjAojr-Tie At; *Fb|Ain> 56, 
 
 b|téA5 leo T)jori t/att)Ia8 |t]Arr? ; 
 acc le £ÍJT|i)T) &v r>eA]tc atx Iatt>, 
 c]5'rr)A0]|* i*Iát) A|* 5AÓ jljAÓ. 
 
 í t)'é]]t5 : j0rT)A]l 30 TT)0C ATT) AC ; 
 
 P]at)t;a 6]tteAT)i; t)a T)-eAC 4 t>eAT)5 ; 
 Aft at) 5-CTioc t/o l]or) at) C-T/I11A5, 
 Tr]op. b'i0T)5T)A 66jb ceACc 50 c6at)T)« 
 
 1 C6jn), which generally signifies a step, is used here to show the dif- 
 ficulty that awaited the Fenians. 
 
 2 £&f3i /awe, report. 
 
 8 oljAó, battle, strife, coiitention. 
 
 4 Gac, a sicca 7 . The earliest record wc have of the Fenians having 
 horses is in 2I5AUA1Í) ija SeAijoittis, or Dialogue of the Sages ; where it 
 is said, that at a chase at beiiitj h-ej&iri, (the Hill of Howth), a chieftain, 
 named 2l|tcúri ttjac beetle bttioc, son of the king of Britain [England], 
 
 took away by stealth three hounds belonging to the Fenians, namely 
 
 Bran, Sgeolan, and An-uaill ; and made for the mountain of Lodan 
 Mac Lir, where he made chase on his arrival. As soon as the Fenians 
 missed the hounds, the following chieftains were despatched after the 
 fugitive, viz., Diarmuid O Duibhne, Goll Mac Morna, Caol from 
 Eamhuin (Emania), Oscur the son of Oisin, Feardubhain the son of 
 Bogha-dearg, Raighne of the broad eyes, son of Fionn ; Cainche, son 
 of Fionn ; Glas the son of Aonchearda Bearra, and Mac Lughaidh. 
 
85 
 
 0. Thus we remained till dawn, 
 
 And none dared to approach us ; 
 
 Patrick, my woful tale ! 
 
 'Twas not long till our case grew perilous ! 
 
 P. Relate, as thou rememberest, 
 
 son of Cumhall, an account of the fight ; 
 Relate, and my blessing be on thee, 
 A true tale, and tell no lie. 
 
 0. We, the Fenians, never told a lie, 
 
 Falsehood to them was never known ; 
 But by truth and the might of our arms, 
 We came unhurt from each conflict. 
 
 We went forth early, 
 
 The Fians of Eire, of the slender steeds ; 
 Upon this hill the host mustered, 
 No wonder for them to come in force. 
 
 They landed at Inbhear Geiniath, in Britain ; and proceeded to the 
 mountain of Lodan Mac Lir ; where they were not long when they 
 heard the cry of the. hounds, and they surrounded Artuir, and slew 
 himself and all his retinue, and rescued their three favorite hounds. 
 Goll Mac Morna, more cunning than the rest, cast a side-look, and be- 
 held a magnanimous steed with reins of gold ; and saw another with a 
 silver bit chased with gold in its mouth; Goll captured both animals, 
 and handed them over to Oscur, who gave them in charge to Diarmuid 
 O Duibhne. They then returned to Ireland ; and never halted until they 
 reached old Moynealty, where Fionn was staying at the time ; and de- 
 livered the two horses to him ; one of which was a stallion, and the 
 other a mare, which gave eight births, and eight foals at each birth ; and 
 until then the Fenians had no horses, and these foals were distributed 
 amongst the most distinguished in rank of the Fenian chieftains. In 
 some copies it is said that Artuir's life was saved by Oisin- 
 
86 
 
 BeAi) bob' Ajli;e i)^v'o 3fi|Ai), 
 
 coi)<v]|ic ai? 'pbl^tM) ^3 ceAcc f at; le]jt3 ; ! 
 b^pbioov rr)&c CúrijAjll, lUfin? 6u|c, 
 bo beAi;i;A]j PÍogAjr) at) bjtujc be||t3. 
 
 lf Ajlfje T)j<vrb bjteATjcA beAlb, 
 If b|i;i;e \]ort) £UA]r») bo ^loffi, 
 'i;a a b-pujl fie ceól 50 beA|ib ? 
 
 M|Arb-i;uA6-C|tocAC, 2 -ji* é tt)\-\r)]x\), 
 
 A^b-ft^ 3l^A5, W ttjAllacc A^jt ! 
 bo i)A||*5 tí)6 ]te "Ca]Ic ttjac 'Cjtéj^. 
 
 CjiéAb bo be||t bA feAct)Ab cu, 
 t)A bépj fiúrj oftn) a t)0 1|* ; 
 A]i bo co^fic 30 lA Al) bji&c, 
 
 JAbAlTt) bO lA]tb CAjl A C]iO]X ? 
 3AT) f-'AC bO CU3A]* £UAC, 
 
 bAc A1) 5UA|l bo b] A|t a 51)6] ; 
 
 ÓA cluAj*, |A|tbAll, A'f ceArjt) ca^c, 
 
 tA A|t ai.) b-peA]t t)Ac rt)&]i ^éjib- 
 
 <t)o f]úblAf Ai) borbAi), jro éfif, 
 
 a']* tfjojt f AsbAf Ai)i) ]tí5 t)A ^Ujc ; 
 t)0CA|i fíjteA]* acc nbj-e, a ^pbwh 
 a'f ijjop geAll cjijac ti/ai;aca-|1 A||i. 
 
 ^joDpAb £11 a Ó|5, 
 
 bo fiA|ó 2t)<vc CúrbAill, i;Á]t cIaojÓ' jtjArb ; 
 1)6 cujcjqó ii|le A|i bo 1*5 Ac, 
 
 ■QA |*eACC 5-CAC ACA 'f ^ 1 ) b-pb|Al)í). 
 
 te|Tt5, « plain, a pathway, or />/ace 0/ meeting. See also note 10, p. 18. 
 Kjatt) tjUAó-cftocAc, i.e , the ray of the newest form. This lady is sup- 
 ed to be the daughter of Garadh the son of Dolar JDein, or the Fierce ; 
 
87 
 
 0. A woman more beauteous than the sun, 
 
 The Fians beheld approaching on the plain ; 
 
 Fionn Mac Cumhaill, I tell thee, 
 
 Was saluted by the queen of the red mantle. 
 
 Who art thou, queen, saith Fionn, 
 Of the gentlest mien and loveliest form ; 
 Truly more sweet to me is thy voice, 
 Than all the strains of music. 
 
 Niamh-nuadh-chrothach, is my name, 
 
 Daughter of Garraidh, the son of Dolar Dein ; 
 The chief king of Greece, my curse upon him ! 
 Bound me to Tailc Mac Treoin. 
 
 Why is it that thou shunnest him, 
 Do not conceal the fact from me now : 
 As thy protector till judgment's day, 
 I take thy hand against his will. 
 
 Not without cause did I hate him, 
 Black as the coal was his skin ; 
 Two ears, a tail, and the head of a cat, 
 Are upon the man of repulsive countenance. 
 
 I walked [travelled] the world thrice, 
 And did not leave a king or lord, 
 That I did not implore, but thou, Fionn, 
 And a chief never promised me protection from him. 
 
 I will protect thee, youthful daughter, 
 
 Saith Mac Cumhaill, who was never conquered ; 
 Or all shall fall for thy sake, 
 The seven battalions of the Fians. 
 
 king of Greece, who forced her to marry Tailc Mac Treoin, against her 
 will, and the tale recorded here is the result of that unhappy union. 
 
88 
 
 t>Ari bo U]Ti)-n a ^blVV, 
 
 }X beArib l]yr), 50 T)-beAfit>Air bfiéA5 ; 
 A'f Ar> cé ó'jt cejc n?e ua]6 a b-j:Ab, 
 50 b-cu]ceAt)r) le|f cac a'p céAb. 
 
 2lt) feAtt rt)ójt a bejrqrt) l]b, 
 
 1Y é b't:&5 trje le ^AbA b-pé]r)r) ; 
 
 ful Afl T)Af5AÓ TT)]|-e le^f, 
 
 bo rs^^r^ le ir v*<>] 65 ^ Sb^is. 
 
 Ma béAT) lOlTJATlbAÓ Af* A "^f^e, 
 A -pO]lc CAjf A|l bAC A1) Ó]|t ; 
 
 ó||t ry\ b-f u]l Iaoc £aoj At) i}5fté|t), 
 
 T)AC b-pAgAÓ fAI} b-'péfljr) £6Aft A cl6. 
 Jf 5 e ^T l T t 3° b-^ACATl)A|t A5 C6ACC, 
 
 at) c^o^eAc 'CaiIc b<v criuA^b l^rjr), 
 
 tnori útt)Iai3, A 'r beAprjA^ b'Ffyoi)i), 
 
 ACC ^ATlJlAf CAE CAjt ceArjr) a rbo^- 
 
 Cujrmrjb be]C 5~c6Ab tja ÓAjl, 
 
 bob' -peAfifi lArb a rj-AjTr^fi 5leó ; 
 
 bu^rje b]ob trjori nil cají A]f, 
 
 5At) cujqro ]te 'CaiIc tt?ac T/fteoit) ' 
 
 4)0 CU]TieAlT)Ari At)1), ^'f bA CÓ||t A Tt)A0|Ó6ATT} 
 3AT) ATTJTKVp, CAO^lce TTJAC K6r)Á^T) ; 
 
 be]C 5-céAb fj^c 50|trr; 5IA]*, 
 5or)A t:eA]iA|b cjtóbA b'feAjirt. 
 
 í)e|6 5^céAb cAo^eAc, 'tjaoj 5-céAb Iaoc, 
 bo b] cAob A]t cAob bVri rt)tqt)c|Ti £&1t); 
 A'f a PbatTiAjc, At) crtejbjrb criuAió, 
 X]X) A|t ceAfCAjb ua^i? be'i) b~Y&]X)T). 
 
89 
 
 By thine own hand, Fionn, 
 It is certain thou hast told a lie ; 
 For by him from whom I have fled afar, 
 Fall a battalion and a hundred. 
 
 The great man of whom I speak to you, 
 Is he who has left me long in pain ; 
 Before I was bound [wedded] to him, 
 He ravaged Greece twice. 
 
 Do not contend about his valour, 
 curling locks of the color of gold ; 
 For there lives not a hero under the sun, 
 Who will not find among the Fians a man his match. 
 
 Soon we saw coming towards us, 
 
 The chieftain Tailc of the hard spear ; 
 He did not salute or pay homage to Fionn, 
 But demanded battle on account of his wife. 
 
 We sent ten hundred to meet him, 
 Strong of hand in time of war ; 
 None of them ever returned. 
 All fell by Tailc Mac Treoin! 
 
 We sent there, and of it we should boast 
 Without doubt, Caoilte Mac Ronain, 
 Ten hundred shields blue and green, 
 With the mightiest and best men. 
 
 Ten hundred chieftains, nine hundred heroes, 
 Were side by side of our own people ; 
 And, Patrick, of the strict faith, 
 All these we lacked of the Fians. 
 
90 
 
 O. jAftjtAf* Ofcujt ceAb Aft fhioiyv, 
 5]8 bo^ \]0\x) é bo luab, 
 bul bo cottjtiac at) n)6||t, 
 at) cat) bo corx\]|tc bjc t)<v fluATj. 
 
 <£)o ^éAb^iri ce^b u<\ittj, aji 'pjorjr), 
 3^6 eA5^l liort) bo cuiciro cjvjb ; 
 é|fti5 ! a'|* be||t ttjo beAi)T>ACc leAC, 
 cu]tt)T)i6 bo 501I, A'f bo grrjit). 
 
 5luA|reAr- 0|*cu|t, at; peAti ajJ, 
 Aft a l&fir) rvjoji cu^rteAb béjft), 
 at) Iaoc caItt)<\ bob' r*eÁTifi Iaittj, 
 
 50 tlíV1T)]C yé T^Allc TT)AC T^|lé|T). 
 'CAOAffl A^AjO ÓATf)fA £é]t), 
 
 a T>\)&]\c ú)]C 'G]ié]v, A]t Opcujt A]§ ; 
 
 ó]jt bAji^eabpA 6joc bo ce&w, 
 
 a Tj'bíojAl At) bfie<\Ti) |'o 50]t) bo I&ittt. 
 
 <t>ATt bo UjTbfe, Of*cu|jt Á15, 
 
 516 bujóedc ójoc bÁfib 1 a'i* beATi; 
 
 blAÓ CÚ AJATT) j*A T)OCC 5AI} 6eAT)t), 
 
 a'i* b|Aió at; ^eAjt, pjOTjT), 50 leAtf). 
 
 1 VJATib, hard or poet. The Irish bards were always ready to chaunt 
 the deeds of their patrons in the most glowing language imaginable ; but 
 had they not been patronised they were equally ready to satirize and 
 decry them. In The Tribes and Customs of Hy-many, published by t!ie 
 Irish Archaeological Society at p. 104, we find under date A. D. 1351, 
 that " William Boy O'Kelly, who was celebrated by the Irish bards as a 
 prince of unbounded munificence, invited all the professors of art in 
 Ireland to his house, and entertained them during the Christmas holidays." 
 And in the same year, " William Mac Donnough Moyneagh O'Kelly, in- 
 vited all the Irish poets, brehons, bardes, harpers, gamesters, or com. 
 mon kearroghs, jesters, and others of their kind in Ireland, to his house 
 upon Christmas, where every one of them was well used during the 
 
91 
 
 0. Oscur asketh leave of Fionn, 
 Though I regret to tell it, 
 To go to fight the great man, 
 When he beheld the loss of the host. 
 
 Thou shalt get permission from me, saith Fionn, 
 Though I dread thy fall by it ; 
 Arise ! and take my blessing with thee, 
 Kemember thy valour and thy deeds. 
 
 Oscur, the noble, 
 
 On whose hand there never was a stain ; 
 The mighty hero of the valiant arm, 
 Went forth till he reached Tailc Mac Trein. 
 
 Encounter me, Tailc Mac Trein, 
 Saith Oscur of the noble deeds ; 
 For I shall take off thy head, 
 In revenge for those who were wounded by thy hand. 
 
 By thy hand, noble Oscur, 
 
 Though thankful to you are bard and maid ; 
 I shall have thee headless this night, 
 And the man Fionn shall be mournful. 
 
 holidays, and gave contentment to each of them during their departure ; 
 bo that every one was well pleased, and extolled William for his bounty ; 
 one of which assembly composed certain verses in commendation of 
 William and his house, of which the followiDg is the first line : — 
 "£ll|ó e\ie*t)x) 50 b-AO|t)-ceAc." 
 The bards of Erin to one house." 
 
 For an account of the Irish bards, we would refer the reader to O'Reilly's 
 «• Chronological Account of Four Hundred Irish Writers," " The Tribes 
 of Ireland," by Dr. O'Donovan, Walker's " Memoirs," Ilardiman's 
 "Irish Minstrelsy," and the Introduction to the " Tain Bo Chuailgne," 
 which will form a future volume of the Society's Transactions. 
 
92 
 
 O. 2ltt r;eAb cú|5 t)-o]6ce a'f cú]5 ls\, 
 
 b) AT) b]f* T)Aft cU]C A 1;5l]A]6 ; 
 
 5<vt) b(A&, 5AT) beoc, Afi b]c t/ua]T), 
 511T1. cujc T^Ajlc jte buAÓ tt)o rbjc. 
 
 <Do có5bAroA|i, at) 'pbjAriT), Of&rib, 
 cAjt 6]f at) corbjiAic 5A]Ttb, 5lé]C ; 
 5A]|t cAO]T)ce cfte'fi CAjlleArrjAft bo't) }^})é|T)T), 
 a't; óa 5A]]t Tt)AO|6ce c|té éA5 "Clinic. 
 
 ^Aji bo lÁjrbfe, a ^bA^lc Ajg, 
 
 5Íó t)Ac bujóeAc bjoc bArtb t)A beAT) ; 
 
 cA cú A^ATTjfA 5AT) ceAT)T), 
 
 a'í; v) b]A]6 at) t;eATt p'jorjr), leArp. 
 
 ^Arb-rruAÓ-cftocAc, rr)óft- At) T36aI, 
 
 AT) CAT) COT)AT,ftC TT)éAb AT) A^JX ; 
 
 5IACA]* t) at, fie at) 5ftuAb beATtj, 
 
 A*) 4 CUjCeAf TT)ATtb A TT)eA|*5 CA]C. 
 
 Bat; t)A TvjogrjA, b'éjf 5AC u]lc, 
 1Y é 'two bo cu]|t Alt cAc, 
 
 ATt AT) 5"CT)OC T/O b'^f* AT) 5I7A.78, 
 bO DAjft AT) ^*!)] AT)T) Ct)OC-AT)-&1|1. 
 
93 
 
 0. For five nights and five days, 
 
 Were the two, who were not feeble, in battle ; 
 Without food, without drink, without sleep, 
 'Till Tailc fell conquered by my son. 
 
 We, the Fenians, raised on high, 
 After the fierce and rough conflict ; 
 A wailing cry for all we lost of the Fians, 
 And two shouts of joy for the death of Tailc. 
 
 By thy hand, noble Tailc, 
 Though not thankful to thee are bard or maid ; 
 I have thee now beheaded, 
 And the man Fionn shall not be mournful. 
 
 Niamh-nuadh-chrothach, sad the tale, 
 
 When she beheld the extent of the slaughter ; 
 Shame overcame her crimsoned face, 
 And she fell lifeless among the slain. 
 
 The death of the queen after all ills, 
 Was what preyed most upon us all ; 
 This hill after the conflict, 
 The Fenians named Cnoc-an-air.* 
 
 • The Hill of Slaughter. 
 
O. Njoti b-pAbA bújiir), Atbl^Ó y |r>, 
 3]6 t>ív|t f úbAC, ao^t), tiw; 
 3ujt cti]aII ^ó'ji T)-bé]t) cati leAft, 
 
 Níoji beAi}i)^15 f& bo ijeAc, 
 
 A'r Díojt úri)Ui3 b Tblopt), t>A bop FbjAíW ; 
 acc b^A^TiA^ fe bo 3I0TI bojib, 
 
 CA TlA^b ATI 5-COfpArb a't* ATI b-C|t]AC ? 
 
 ClA CU T^l) A sAirsl^is ^15> 
 
 A]t 21o8a BeA5 t;ati f cA]T)ceAc cjiojbe ; 
 t;o cjte<Nb bo CU5 bo'rj bul yo cu, 
 
 CA £Ab bO CUTlAf* t)UA]Tl |*5Aft|:A]|t IpfJ ? 
 
 CAbAfi^Ab bu]c t*5^^ A|i b]c, 
 tmtjuaittt 1 ] a le^^b 5u|i beA5 b'AOjf* ; 
 |i]0|* rr)o \\d\x) v) cAbajtfAb bo tjeAc, 
 50 D-p^A^S xx)h bul b'A5AlUrb 1~b|t)t> 
 
 «Do béA^Ab eoUf 6u]c, Ajt ¥h]or)V> 
 & 3 A ir3l 6 13 ") u 1^e t)A ri)ii; 5^5; 
 
 t)í TJAbA UAJC At) A]C A b-pU]l, 
 
 ATI AT) 5"CT;0C ATI leAJAÓ "CajIc TtlAC Tti6]T>. 
 
 <t)0 jluAlf 2l0ÓA Be^5 ATI luc, 
 
 aV at; SAjT^eAÓAc 50 blue t>A 6jai5, 
 30 TtA^jc leiti5 at; ajti, 
 
 \)A TlA^b ATI lAfl "Ca]Ic tTJAC 'CjléjT). 
 
THE LAY OF MEARGACH OF THE SHARP SPEARS. 
 
 0. Not long were we left thus, 
 
 Though being not pleasant nor gladsome ; 
 'Till there approached [us] from afar, 
 A mighty hero of the sternest deeds. 
 
 He did not salute any one, 
 
 Neither did he do homage to Fionn or the Fians ; 
 But he enquired in a most haughty manner, 
 Where our protector and chief was. 
 
 Who art thou thyself, valiant champion, 
 Saith Aodh Beag whose heart trembled not ; 
 Or what brought thee on this errand, 
 How far is thy journey when thou departest from us ? 
 
 I shall not give thee any information at all, 
 Remember, child, that thou art young ; 
 Knowledge of my secrets I will not give to man, 
 'Till I can see Fionn and talk to him. 
 
 I shall inform thee about Fionn, 
 courteous hero of the smooth arms ; 
 Not far from thee is the place where he is 
 On the hill on which Tailc Mac Treoin fell. 
 
 Aodh Beag went in haste, 
 And the champion close behind him, 
 'Till he reached the field of slaughter, 
 Where Tailc Mac Treoin was slain. 
 
9G 
 
 21 x) cat? bo coi}<\iftc at) pbl^t) *'f 'Pl ^ 
 at) b]y úb A3 ceACC T)A Tr-bA^l, 
 1T ^A5aI liort), bo itAi.6 At) «DjtAoj, 
 T)AC fAbA If AO]b|t)T) bo 2t)l)AC Curi)AT,U. 
 
 2ir> cu ^ot)t), bo jtA^ó at; feAtt caItt)a, 
 tnA'f cu, tyj cu^be bo óeAnb Iaoc, 
 &]V]ri) bo féAT)AÓ 50 lA A1) bnAcA, 
 t)ac cu bo x aua]5 "Ga^Ic tijac 'Cnéi.t). 
 
 bo buAÓ ino IAttja bo cu]c, 
 At) t;eAn t)A r)-5<V]nTT)ceAn "CatJc ri)AC 'Cnéjn 
 bo corij-Ai^jn? féjT) it)Ti|r Ai;o]r, 
 A'f bo geAbAift f|Of* c|A leA5 at) Iaoc. 
 
 2t)eAn5AC cnuA]8 «a Iat)t) T)3lAf r)3&Au, 
 
 TT)0 COTT)-A|TnTn, A T^bl^t) TÍT|C CurTTAjll ; 
 
 rrjoft 8eAU5 An Tno cojt-p Aifun, 
 
 A'f tvjon IuaóaÓ leó rr)é cun An 5-cúl. 
 
 <Do sluAjf Of*cun f Á guc An slójti, 
 Af bfiApnAij An leóri)An f5^c; 
 AT)T) bo buA^b' bo lAri)A A'f bo Iat)T), 
 nAC r^OjrjceAn attt) cu 50 bnAc ? 
 
 b-f ut,1 An caIatt) t)a b-cjiOTn-fób, 
 a 3-CAc T)A 5-coTbnAC 5Anb 5I1A6; 
 Iaoc bA ctté^e a r^Trjorb 5Ai,f5e, 
 bo 6eAn5 V- e b-Antn ottTn n^Ari). 
 
 Hí béi,6]Tt Ti)An x V), Ofcun A15, 
 
 tnuriA q^eAcc jte pAjnc bu^c bo'p }~b]AtW, 
 a 2t)beAn5Ai5 nA UnT) T^Uf T^éAjt, 
 30]nfeA]t cu Ani) 30 b^oÓAjb. 
 
O. When the Fians and Fionn beheld 
 These two approaching' them ; 
 
 I [greatly] fear, saith the Druid, [moured. 
 
 That Mac Cumhaill will not be long so good-hu- 
 
 M. Art thou Fionn? saith the mighty man, 
 
 If thou art it becometh not a great hero, 
 Ever to conceal his name ; 
 
 Art not thou [the man] that subdued Tailc mac Treoin. 
 
 F. Tell [us] thine own name, 
 
 And thou shalt be told clearly 
 
 That it is not by the might of my hands fell 
 
 The man whose name is Tailc mac Treoin. 
 
 Stern Meargach of the sharp tempered green blades, 
 Is my name, O Fionn Mac Cumhaill, 
 Arms reddened not on my body, 
 And none could boast of my retreat. 
 
 Oscur goeth at the sound of the voice, 
 And enquireth of the hero, without dread, 
 Is it by the victory of thy hand and spear, 
 That thou art never wounded. 
 
 M. There is not on earth of the heavy sward, 
 In battle or conflict fierce and tough, 
 A hero stout in feats of valour, 
 That ever reddened me by his arms. 
 
 Thou shalt not be so, saith the noble Oscur, 
 If thy visit to the Fians be not a friendly one, 
 Meargach of the green spears, 
 Thou shalt be wounded to the very heart. 
 
98 
 
 $CS*ir5Fi5i A 5 -1 ^ ir^AjtbUoc, 
 
 Ab ^|i]ocA]l t)j ÓéAt)<v]rt) cat*, 
 
 bA rbéffc» bo Óójc at- t)eATic t)A b-^At)!), 
 
 cujcput A5U|* ^Ab fietr/ lÁrb» 
 
 2t)ui)a, b-^u]l A5^b acc buAÓ Ajjirt), 
 5éA5 TjeAjtc CAlrtjA coijtp, a'] 4 5trjori) j 
 bo be]|t]rr> iiiati ÓeAjib óu]c n)0 lívrb, 
 50 t;-50|t)|:eA]t cu cjie Iaji bo CTioiÓe. 
 
 )t)V]V &ú]t)t), a 2t)í)|c CúrbAill CAlrrjA, 
 bo jie|Ti Tt)Aft 5eAllA]f bAti) ati b-cúf ; 
 c^a lejf*, t)0 c-\ot)v&y b0 cujc, 
 'CajIc c]téAr) at) t)e]jtc, 't-^ 5^1 T 1 ™}» 
 
 <Do cu|c T^Ajlc rt)AC CiteojT) ri)5]Ti, 
 le buAb r)e<\,ftc-l&]rbe Ofcu^jt A15 ; 
 bo cu]c le "Ca^Ic, bo'i) }~blAt)T) ati t-zdy, 
 \]ox) be|6 5-céAb b'^eAjiA^b cÁjb. 
 
 Nati ri)6fi At) i)Á]|te ÓirjcT-e, a 'pblWj 
 b'-pulA]T)5 at) riíg-beAr) bob' freÁ]tfi ca]1, 
 bo cuji curx) bí\]v \e]X At) b-'pfAtrrj, 
 A cu^qrt) if éA5 b'pblA^^A^b pAjl. 
 
 rt)^e t)Á AOt) bo't) ^pb^ltít), 
 C115 A^crje A|t At) éA5 bo'i) tt)t)<\o^ ; 
 
 ACC At) CAT) bO COT)AinC t>jt A1) C-fló|5, 
 
 at) éA5A]b bAjf bo cua|8 pj. 
 
 9X)'&x corbn^c acív u^c, ati 'piot)!), 
 a t)-é^Ti]C cu]qrt) t\)&]lc 't*^ ii)t)& ; 
 bo geAbAifi é ó óuji)e bo't) pbl^i)»^ 
 Do itt)ci3 30 ffeirb le pA^ic 
 
99 
 
 M. champion, whose appearance is that of a true hero, 
 Thy words I but little regard ; 
 Though great thy hope in the strength of the Fians, 
 Thou and they, by my hand, shall fall. 
 
 F. If thou hast but the sway of thine arms, 
 Mighty strength of body and action ; 
 I give thee my hand in pledge, 
 That thou shalt be wounded through thine heart. 
 
 M. Relate unto me, son of mighty Cumhall, 
 
 As thou didst promise at the commencement, 
 By whom, or how did fall 
 
 Tailc the strong and powerful and his bright love. 
 
 F. Tailc Mac Treoin the great fell, 
 
 By the power of the strong arm of Oscur the noble ; 
 There fell by Tailc, at first of the Fians, 
 Full ten hundred of spotless men. 
 
 M. Was it not shameful to thee, Fionn, 
 
 To suifer the princess of the loftiest fame, 
 
 To be put to death by the Fians ; 
 
 Her death will bring havoc among the Fians of Fail. 
 
 F. Not I nor any of the Fenians 
 
 Ordered the death of the woman, 
 But when she beheld the loss of the host, 
 Into the pangs of death she fell. 
 
 If it be battle thou requirest, saith Fionn, 
 For the death of Tailc and his wife ; 
 Thou shalt have it from one of the Fians, 
 Or depart quietly with good will. 
 
100 
 
 15]6 50 b-pufl njo f*lu<\|5 a b-t^AT* bArtV 
 
 An CAob AT) CT)0|C CO|T* T)A CflAgA J 
 
 IJÍ |o,|apAb a 5-cot)5i)Arb, a fblW, 
 a']» t)j £<\5f<\b acc b]f AjA]b beo. 
 
 C]A b"TAb At) bjr- -pft) b'frA5pAT|i beo, 
 a 2t)beA|i5A|5 t;a flag, ati F|OT)n ; 
 
 IT 1O950A IfOIT) THAU CU|5CeAfl leAC, 
 
 b&f leb peAfic bo CAbAjnc bú]T)T). 
 
 XSu]CceA|i l]orf) bun ro-bAf u]le, 
 acc cufA att)A]T) a'|* bo ttjac 2lo8 ; 
 
 ^A5pAh at) cpoc r*o 50 bnAc, 
 50 Tj-íocpAb bAf T^A^lc ttv|c 'Cneojí}. 
 
 NAn leon leACfA a 2t)beAji5Ai5 tja Iat)t), 
 f CAn a ceATjn bo cu]c]rn bo't) pbé|T)T) ; 
 a'i* 5^0 beA|t5-A|t bo CAbAjnc A|n cac, 
 a'-j* a I1A5ACC peAft cAjb bo cu^c le]f* £é]T). 
 
 N^on león IjOTnfA, a 'pbltM) t)A b-fi&yx), 
 t)á cnjun a Tj-bjol A bAj] 4 , 
 bA rf)-b]AÓ A5Ab at) 0||teAb e^le bo't) b-pb&IW 
 cujcpjb 50 léjn le tt)o lAjtrj. 
 
 MA CUfTl A T)-bÓlC bU]Z 1[:é]t), ATI pfOTJT), 
 
 5uft b-puilir>5 IfOTT) bfr tja aot>, 
 
 A t)-é^Tl]C bAfT* T^bAllc 'f* TT)t)A, 
 
 bo cu^c|rr) le b' lívirb bo'i) pbéjtTT). 
 
 <Da freAbAf bun IAttja a't* bun i)^t)]ort) f 
 a't* bA Tbefb butt \\oxy b'^eAftAjb cAfó, 
 
 V] fS^T 1 ^* 3 M D 5° ^ bnACA, 
 T)6 b]ol t)a TT?-b^T* bo 5eAbAb uA]b. 
 a copy in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy this stanza 
 
 " Qa z&ft njo x lUA)5ce cAO]b Monj, 
 
 t)i lAtir^o a 5-coi)5t?An) rút>, a Pbint) ; 
 T)i tt)1at) lion) b'jr&sbAil beó A5Ufb, 
 acc t>fr o 50](ij M)o cfionj-clo]ó]rt)." 
 
101 
 
 M. Although my hosts are nigh at hand, 
 
 On the side of the hill beside the shore ; 
 I shall not ask their aid, Fionn, 
 And I will only leave two of you alive. 
 
 F. Who are these two thou wilt leave alive, 
 
 Meargach of the hosts, saith Fionn ; 
 
 1 am astonished that thou shouldst think, 
 By thy strength to put us to death. 
 
 M. I am determined to kill all, 
 
 But thee only, and thy son Aodh ; 
 
 I shall never leave this hill, 
 
 'Till I repay the death of Tailc mac Treoin. 
 
 F. Is it not sufficient for thee, Meargach of the blades, 
 That two for his death should fall ; 
 And not deal red slaughter to all the Fians, 
 After all the brave men that fell by his hand. 
 
 M. They would not suffice, Fionn of the Fians, 
 Two nor three for his death ; 
 If thou hadst as many more of the Fians 
 They will all fall by my hand. 
 
 F. Do not imagine to thyself, saith Fionn, 
 That I would suffer two or one 
 For the death of Tailc and his wife, 
 Of the Fians to fall by thy hand. 
 
 M. Though great thine arm and thy deeds, 
 
 And though thick thy ranks of noble men, 
 
 I shall not leave 'till judgment day, 
 
 Or satisfaction for their death I shall have from you. 
 
 Although my hosts are nigli at hand, 
 I shall not seek their aid, O Fionn ; 
 I will only leave of you alive, but two, 
 From the venom of my heavy sword. 
 
102 
 
 21 PbAtnA]c! v) cejlf:eAb rt)o nun, 
 
 5U|t gUc A1)bf:A11)n ^JOnt) At) T^bjAUu, 
 
 acc Arbeit) 0|*cu]t t)A rn-béirneAnn, 
 
 T)An C|t|C nO]rt) AOl) neAC ttjArt). 
 
 21 2t)beA]t5Ai5 i)A t^Uf Unn nséAn, 
 bo |tA|6 ^ionn, bo jAfib 5ló|t, 
 
 bO TjeAbAIH COrt)|tAC Ab AOrtATlAt), 
 
 t)6 bul Ab óá]1 bo'n *}~h&]VV 50 leon. 
 
 9tyis,'y cujbe leACf a, a 'pbjrtn ")]c CútbAfll, 
 rnjfe bo corbjtAC bo rt)6n fluA5, 
 o freAn 30 j:eAn, no b'Aon béjrn, 
 b]ulcA t)] léjn 6u]c b'^A^Atl uaiii). 
 
 2t)Á cjjeAi^i) cu a'] 4 bo cnéAt) bujbeAn, 
 curt) caca ljnn leAc An leAc, 
 o bu]ne 50 céAb CAicpió At) 7~hlM)V, 
 lA^rb 6]At) bo conjrbAtl leAc. 
 
 KACAbfA At)0|f% A pblOO TT)|C Cúrt)A]ll, 
 
 tt)AU a b-pu|l A5Att) corbnAC le £A5A|l, 
 b'^of 1 rno fluA5, t)Ac ^AbA uA]rn, 
 a']* bj fUAj* 50 tnoc Art) 6aiI. 
 
 T^AbA]]t bo flójjce leAc lAicneAc, 
 
 An rt)^]b|t) ti)Af tt)A|c leAt, Aft 'pjonn ; 
 nj b-^u]l ceAls le b-1rt)inc one, 
 b|A6tt)AO|bt)e olUrb ^Á'b c]onn. 
 
 Bib, Aft rno ceAcc, bo uA]b ejfeAt), 
 At) Iaoc if cAltrtA An An b-p'ejnn ; 
 a rj-Aurt) 'r"* n-ejbe uórbAtn curt) caca, 
 50 b-f A]cpeAb a 5i)iort) a'j* a 5Íé]c. 
 
103 
 
 O. Patrick ! I shall not my secret conceal, 
 That terror struck Fionn and the Fians, 
 Save only Oscur of the blows, 
 Who never trembled before any one. 
 
 P. Meargach of the green sharp blades, 
 Saith Fionn, in a menacing tone ; 
 Thou shalt have single combat, 
 Or more of the Fians shouldst thou require them. 
 
 M. If it be desirable to thee, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, 
 That I should fight thy great hosts, 
 One by one, or by one great swoop, 
 Thy request I cannot refuse. 
 
 F. If thou and thy mighty followers 
 Come to fight us man for man, 
 From one to a hundred of the Fenians shall 
 Meet thee with a firm hand. 
 
 M. I shall now depart, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, 
 Since battle I am to have, 
 To visit my hosts, which are not far from me, 
 And be up early to meet me. 
 
 F. Bring thy hosts with thee here, 
 
 In the morning if thou like, saith Fionn ; 
 No treachery will be played upon thee, 
 We shall be ready on thy arrival. 
 
 M. Have, on my arrival, saith he, 
 
 The mightiest hero among the Fians ; 
 In shield and armour ready to fight, 
 That I may see his prowess in battle. 
 
104 
 
 O. <t)'jtt)C|3 2t)eA|i3Ac r>A Iadt) t^Uf, 
 
 v]oji jxAb leir 3° 1^1313 * f lu *3 ; 
 bo cu||t ^pio^í) qoi)ól A|t At) h-^e]X)\) y 
 *T b ]W]V bó]b n?éAb a 3UA]f. 
 
 'Do ftjW feAcc 3-CACA 1 Ai)t) fji) ^ob, 
 a'|* 3^c ]toit)T) <vo ior)Ab buA]l ; 
 
 IT 5 A 1TM & bA05Al uA^r)T). 
 
 <t)o lAOAjfi Afi b-cúf le]f Át) céAb cac, 
 bÁ t)50]|iq cac T)A Iaoc tf)]Ot) up. ; 
 b'-p|Ap]tA]5 bjob bo guc ofivjib, 
 At) b-cfiojbfqbíf bo 59AC 'i}A cújf*. 
 
 <D'£fteA5|tAbA|t b'^ot) aoi?ca b'pbiopr), 
 30 b-qioi&Fi&if C *T* * ceAt)t) 30 bjtAc ; 
 
 A bUDAlflC CAC T)A b-CAOJfeAC ATt)U]l, 
 
 ACC 30 leAT)£AbAO]f CAC T)A 3-CéAbCA IátÍJ. 
 
 21 bubAiftc c<vc V* b-peA|t njeob'tjAc, 
 a 5-cAc i?a a T)3le5 bA cjxépje 3I1A6 ; 
 t)A]t f A3bAbA]t ^é]t) a |ii3 cA]g, 
 a'|* t)A C|aéj3^]bíf 30 bjtAc AOt) cé]rt). 
 
 2i bubA]]ic cac t)A b-peAjt b-peof*Ac, 
 t)Aft ce^be b6]b 30 l& ai> bA]f ; 
 a']* cac i;a ti)-bur> peAfi rt)Aji At> 3~céAbt)A, 
 
 30 leAI^AbAO^ ¥'e\\) h tt)AJt cAc. 
 
 1 SeAcc 5-caca, seven battalions. The names of the seven battalions 
 are : — Cac n)ioTj-úTt, i.e. the battalion of fresh heroes ; which name they 
 bore on account of their fresh-looking complexion ; cac tja c--cAO|reAc, 
 the battalion of the chieftains ; cac tja b-freATi TijeAÓAtjtjAc, the battalion 
 of the middle-sized men ; cac tja b-^eAft b-treorAc, the battalion of the 
 middle-aged men ; cac ija n)-burj f eA|t, the battalion of the stout men ; 
 cac tja b-^eAti ti)-beA3, the battalion of the small men ; and cac ija 
 n-IAtttbAttfttj, the battalion of the rear guards. If we could find equiva- 
 
105 
 
 0. Meargach of the green blades departed, 
 
 And stopped not till he reached his hosts ; 
 Fionn summoned the Fenians, 
 And informed them of his danger. 
 
 He then divided them into seven battalions, 
 And put each division in its own place ; 
 Hearken, saith he, to my counsel, 
 Not distant is danger from us. 
 
 He first addressed the front battalion, [fresh ; 
 
 Who were named the battalion of heroes smooth and 
 He enquired of them in a loud tone, 
 Would they fight as usual in his cause ? 
 
 They all at once answered Fionn, 
 That they for him would ever fight ; 
 The battalion of the chieftains said likewise, 
 That they would follow the battalion with most hands. 
 
 The battalion of the middle-sized men said, 
 In battle or conflict however desperate, 
 That they never deserted their noble king, 
 And would never flinch one step. 
 
 The battalion of the middle-aged men said, 
 They would not flinch till the day of death ; 
 And the battalion of the stout men said also, 
 That they would follow him like the rest. 
 
 lent terms for the above, it would throw some light upon the military 
 history of the ancient Irish. In the Library of Trinity College, there 
 is a Fenian tract, in which the names of all the generals and officers 
 serving under Fionn is given ; and this, if published, would probably 
 illustrate the above military distinctions. In the British army there are 
 sappers and miners, pioneers, grenadiers, light infantry, sharp shooters, 
 &c, which terms, perhaps, owe their origin to the various ranks in the 
 army of Fionn Mac Chumhaill. 
 
106 
 
 O. 21 bubble cac tja b-freAri be^5 £oj% 
 
 a'p Ar> cac t)a i;-beo]5, t)a li-]A|iTÍ)A|tív]i) ; 
 50 TtAb^bAft pé|0 b^of T)A i)5t)iorb, 
 
 a'|* 30 leA1)pAbAO]f é TT)ATt CAC. 1 
 
 <t)o 50] ft cufje Orcujt, 
 
 rrjA]t feAjt cú]j* A]t ai) 5-CAC Tt)]Oí)ú|t ; 
 a'|* b'pjApftAig be at? corbfiAC Aojrjfift, 
 bo 2t)beAjt5Ac béAtt^Ab ati b-cúf. 
 
 21 bubAiftc Ofcuri 50 b-qubriAÓ ^éjt), 
 corbjiAC 60 cA|i ce<xr>t) t>A b-}^Ar)r> ; 
 a'f ttíív'r cu lc]iT) bArrj, a "f})]yv> Aft fé, 
 ]f eA5<\l 5UT/1 bAO^Al b=jb Art? SjA^g. 
 
 M| b-^Ujó rit) IT có|]t, A|t ^ODt), 
 b^ 6jc 6ú|T)r) cu cujqro cfijb ; 
 
 1,f CU Ajt b-CTieO|tt, a'|* Ajl b-C]t1AC, 
 
 Att b-cACA, A|t tM^D> A V ^T 1 t)-&íot). 
 
 J]* iot)Atk> búit)t) nt) t)ó fúb, a fblW, 
 Aft Ofcuft, t>& b) bA Iua6 ; 
 rrjA'f cirfqrr) bVoti rjeAC bo'rj pb^p)^ 
 rrj ]tACA^6 leif* fAOft pA buAÓ. 
 
 <Do gojft piorjr) 3°^ t)A CAlr^A rjeAjic, 
 A*f bA cjxuaó 5v)oú) j*leA5 a'j* clo]6)ii) ; 
 aY b'p^jtAig a T)-béAt)pAÓ córbfiAC, 
 le 2t)eA|t5Ac mójt bo leAc-cAOfb. 
 
 21 1Fb]VV, A]t 5oll, 5° 3*r*>* 5 l 1 c > 
 tfofi v] St 1 ^ leAC 
 bA rb|Ai) leAC rt?e cu]i a D5u<v]f, 
 a']* Ofcuri o'i? rp-buAÓAjfic bo beic f AOft. 
 
 1 This line reads thus in the Royal Irish Academy's copy : — 
 In the direct path till the day of death. 
 
0. The battalion of the small men said, 
 
 And the battalion behind them, the rear guards, 
 
 That they were faithful in their acts, 
 
 And that they would follow him like the rest. 
 
 Fionn called Oscur to him, 
 As commander of the battalion of brave heroes, 
 And asked him if it was in single combat, 
 He would encounter Meargach first. 
 
 Oscur saith, that he would himself, 
 Give him battle in behalf of the Fians ; 
 And if I fall, Fionn, saith he, 
 It is to be feared that you will be danger after me. 
 
 It must not be so, saith Fionn, 
 We would suffer by thy fall ; 
 Thou art our guide, our chief, 
 Our prop, our path, and our protector. 
 
 'Tis all the same to us, Fionn, 
 Saith Oscur, do not magnify him ; 
 If a single man of the Fenians fall, 
 He shall not depart victorious. 
 
 Fionn sent for Goll, of powerful strength, 
 Whose feats of sword and spear were great ; 
 And inquired if he would fight 
 The great Meargach in single combat. 
 
 Fionn, saith Goll cunningly and wisely, 
 'Tis true, thou lovest not me ; 
 Thou wouldst wish to put me in danger, 
 And Oscur from trouble to be safe. 
 
 by which the poet implies that the rear-guards would never desert their 
 colors but fight to the very last. 
 
108 
 
 MAft geAllAif-fe leb' co]l f&o\\, 
 30 5-cui|tpeívó cu ^éjt) a i;3UAir; 
 
 Aft Tt)0 forjfA ttJAfl geAll c&c, 
 3AI) feAfArb ]f tJAijteAC ua^c ! 
 
 <Do 5e<\lUr, a pblt)t), 3° ri ^ 
 50 leAi)£Ait>i) bo 5t)iorb roAjt cAc ; 
 xj\ jtACAb Aft 5-cúl OX) 5-CAC, 
 n)A 5<vbAt)t; 5AC peAjt é bo lA]rb. 
 
 <Do 50]|t 7^01)1) í)|A|ttT)lt|b <t)or)r)> 
 Af b '^A^ftA^ ^iood be 30 CAO|f) ; 
 
 AT) b-qubflAÓ COTÍ)|tAC AO|T) ^||t, 
 
 bo ^tJb^AjtjAC C|tuA]6 t)a lor>r> t^rrjorb. 
 
 Mí jtACAb a 5"CÓ|rb-3l]AÓ 30 bftAc, 
 le 2t)eAtt3Ac t)a r^Uf Iai)T) ; 
 a J-h]Vi)> TOÁ'f co|cceAr)r) At) cac, 
 b|Ab córb rtjAjc le t;eAtt at)o. 
 
 í)'t;|At:TtA]3 b"pbAolAt) bo 311c Aftb, 
 a f)-béAT)t;A6 corbrtAC CAft a c]ot)T) ; 
 a bubA]|tc fé le "plot)!) t)A b-'pjAtw, 
 ottc t^Oft c^ac bA b-cui.qr>r) atjt;. 
 
 <Do f AoileA]-r^> T] ox w, *v v^]^ 
 
 t>ac Ati)lA|ó Y]X) bo seAlUit; bú]i)í), 
 
 3AC Aft JeAUAf, A]t "pAolAT), 
 
 ]te two ftAe t)i ]tACAb Aft 5-cúl. 
 
 At) |tAC£Ab it)A AOi)A]t le]f ; 
 
 a bubAi|tc 3AC aot) bo't) cac rt)]Oi)\) ttjfi, 
 
 bo béA]trr)AOjb bjúlrAb 8ii]C. 
 
109 
 
 F Hast not thou promised of thy own free will, 
 
 That thou wouldst place thyself in jeopardy, 
 
 On my account as each has promised ; 
 
 Not to stand [to thy word] is shameful to thee ! 
 
 G. I did promise, truly, Fionn, 
 
 That I would follow thy deeds like the rest, 
 I shall not flinch from the battle, 
 If every man take his part. 
 
 F. Fionn called forth Diarmuid Donn, 
 And he enquired of him, mildly, 
 If he would give single combat 
 To stern Meargach of the powerful deeds. 
 
 I shall never engage in single conflict, 
 With Meargach of the green blades ; 
 
 Fionn, if the battle be general, 
 
 1 shall be as good as any there. 
 
 He asked Faolan in a loud voice, 
 If he would fight for him ; 
 He said to Fionn of the Fians, 
 Thou wouldst not be sorry if I fell there. 
 
 I imagined, saith Fionn, the chieftain, 
 That it was not thus you promised me ; 
 All that I promised, saith Faolan, 
 During my days I shall fulfil. 
 
 He asketh of every man of them, 
 If they would singly go with him ; 
 Each one of the battalion of the smooth armed men 
 We refuse thee. [said, 
 
110 
 
 O. 'D'piA^itA]^ tijan at> 3-céAbtiA At) 
 
 a 5-cAc t)A b-cAoifeac jreAji lAiti)-ce<VT)t); 
 
 bO béAJtpAÓ bllAlAÓ lAtt) ATI lA|TÍ), 
 
 bo 2t)l)eA|i5Ac Óat)a t)A t)31at* lat)t). 
 
 21 bubfiAbATi uile béAl ati béal, 
 
 i)AÓ |tA^b peA|t bo Iatt)t:aó pit) bo Iuaó ; 
 acc 50 |tAC|:AbAo^ le cé]\e, 
 a 5-CAC bA C|té]i)e cfiotD-fluAg. 
 
 <t>o lAbA^fi leó 6 cac 50 cac, 
 
 a't* t)j b-fmAifi T)eAC bo't) iorolÁ]T) ; 
 bul bo coTbftAc 2t)b^^T t 3 A 15 ^ A l*VV, 
 
 3U]t CIV|C At) CJtAT)T) Ajt t)A b-l^T^ATtAll). 
 
 <t)o lAbA]|t le cAO^eAC t)A T)-]ATttT)AítAt) 
 a'j* rvjofi loc t:eAji iatittoa ó't) 113I1AC ; 
 a búbA]]tc 5AC aot) bjob 50 beifte, 
 50 leAT)£AbAO]p e|le Caoiti-Iiac. 
 
 Oo C05 Y]ot)r) A3Uf Orcu|t &13, 
 u^ll 3Á]fi ófAjib A3 tDU]8eArb ; 
 
 T)A T)-]ATlTr)ATlAT) bO ^AbA^l AT) CACA, 
 
 a'|» t)A feACC b-CTléAl) CACA 6|ÚlcA]3 'prjji)!). 
 
 <Do cu&Órr)A|ít u^le curt) fuAit), 
 
 a't* Tj'jori fÁrb fuAjrbrjeAf óú]t)t) 50 Uv; 
 
 b'^Tl310f1)ATl 30 tT)OC Aft tt)A|blT), 
 
 A'r TVjOfí b-pAbA 30 b-pACATt)<\Tl AT) CÁT). 
 
 <t)o 3IAC Cao|í)-Iiac éjbe a't- Ajitt), 
 a't* bo buAil bé]rt) caca 30 ceAt)t) ; 
 cÁ]t)]3 2t)eA]T3Ac i)A lAt)t) T^IaT* 
 
 a'í- A fluA3 50 pflAp ATI AT) TTJ-bAll. 
 
Ill 
 
 0. He likewise enquired if there was [arm, 
 Among the battalion of the chieftains, a man of mighty 
 Who would give battle hand to hand, 
 To fierce Meargach of the green blades. 
 
 They all said with one accord, [speak, 
 That there was not one who would thus presume to 
 But that they all would go in a body, 
 In battle, however desperate, of mighty hosts. 
 
 He spoke to them from battalion to battalion, 
 And he found none of the whole 
 That would go fight Meargach of the swords, 
 Till the lot fell on the rear guard. 
 
 He addressed the chief of the rear guards [who said], 
 We never shrunk from the fight ; 
 They all said from first to last, 
 That they would follow Caoin Liath. # 
 
 Oscur the noble, and Fionn, 
 
 Raised a loud shout of applause ; 
 
 Boasting that the rear guard engaged in the battle, 
 
 After the seven great battalions had refused Fionn. 
 
 We all went to rest, 
 And our repose till dawn was not delightful ; 
 We arose early in the morn, 
 And 'twas not long till we saw a host, 
 
 Caoin Liath took his armour and shield, 
 And fiercely struck the battle-blow ; 
 Meargach of the blue spears came 
 With his host immediately to the spot. 
 
 * i. e. the gentle grey old man. 
 
112 
 
 ¥]*VP*]&*V ^A^C T)A U\)t) DjUf, 
 bo 2t)b^c Curtail le CjiéAt? gojrb slófi ; 
 Ajt b'é f]r> At) Iaoc CA5A]tcA, 
 boh) a t) éjbe caca, aj* a córb<x]fi ? 
 
 M] b"é 50 be]rr)]X), A|t ^oi^r) tíjac CúrbAill, 
 
 ACC C<VO|t)-l|AC C|t]AC T)A T)^ A|tTT)U]XAT) j 
 
 ijjoji cu]be le \)-&ox) tjeAC e|le bo'i) pbl^tW 
 cu conjtxAC acc é Ab c-<vor)A]tivr). 
 
 Cu^|i|:eAbfA, a T-blW)* T)^ corbb&^l f|ub, 
 ^eA]t ejle biv rrjACf Arbujl jréji) ? 
 c 15^ír 1 te cé^le bé]rt? Afi béjrT), 
 A]t 2t)eAfi5AC ctiéAi; t)A Iatw r)3éAft. 
 
 í)o 50|]t 2t)eA|t5AÓ freAft le]f* ^éjt) 
 b'A]t b'A]i)]H7 3t)ív]c <t>or)T) <DoficA]r); 
 b'jorjfAiJ r A cé]le atjt) f jr>, 
 50 caIti^v 5I1C A]t Cbr)OC-At)-Aifi. 
 
 Ba líOTpCA, £eAjl5<XC, ^ÍOCTT)A]t, 
 
 bo bi 4301)1) í)ojicÁ]T) aY Cao|T)-1|<vc ; 
 A 3 3°]^ A V A 5 cjtéAccújAb a ce^le, 
 
 5AT) C6ACCAft A5 5é]le Afl AOf) CAOb. 
 <£)0 bj AX) f])]AX)X) A|l CAOb Al) CX)0]C, 
 
 A5 ArbAjtc Aft cjtuc x)A Iaoc ; 
 aY 2t)eA]t5Ac, a'f a flu^3 ceArw, 
 A5 "pe^ceATT) le ceAT)t) CbAOir)-lé]C. 
 
 <t)o lAbA]]t Cox)'a\) 30 bojab cjtéAi}, 
 5é'jt b-f AbA ]*]<\]t é o't) x)^\e]c ; 
 cApA^b bo Vaxxj 30 b-qc]6 leac í>oi)t>, 
 A 0\)AO]V)'\]At CXWXA}^ t;<v Iatjt), Aft fé. 
 
113 
 
 0. Meargach of the green blades enquire th 
 Of Mac Cum hall in a fierce voice, 
 If he were the conceited hero, 
 Who was in armour in his presence. 
 
 Not I, indeed, saith Fionn Mac Cumhaill, 
 But Caoin Liath, the chief of the rear guard, 
 No other man of the Fenians but he dare venture 
 To fight thee singly. 
 
 Til send, Fionn, to meet him, 
 Another hero like himself ; 
 Let them meet face to face, 
 Saith fierce Meargach of the sharp blades. 
 
 Meargach called forth one of his own men, 
 Whose name was Donn Dorcain ; 
 Then the two attacked each other, 
 Dexterous and stoutly on Cnoc-an-air. 
 
 Fierce, angry, and vengeful, 
 
 Were Donn Dorcain and Caoin Liath, 
 Wounding and cleaving each other, 
 Without giving way at either side. 
 
 The Fians were on the side of the hill, 
 Beholding the appearance of the heroes ; 
 Meargach and his mighty host 
 Awaiting the head of Caoin Liath. 
 
 Conan spoke haughtily and fiercely, 
 
 Though far back from the battle he stood ; 
 
 Hasten thy hand till thou conquer Donn, 
 
 Caoin Liath, the hardy, of the swords, saith he. 
 8 
 
114 
 
 O. c Do bj AO bjj* Uv\|i chvjc 5I1AÓ, 
 
 A5 scÁiifiAÓ 50 b-ú|i coftp aY ball > 
 6 po^Ail 5|aé|i;e 50 veo]\) bó|b, 
 511J1 citjt <Oo})]) ÍJoitcAji) 5AI) ce<\i)i). 
 
 Tx>50Art)AOibi)e at) 'pblAUi) opAjtb, 
 5A|]t Tt)AO]6ce cpe ri)Afi éA5 
 <£)ot)r> ^DojicAir) 2t)beAft5A]5 r)A Iaiw, 
 C]A CA]1^5 CU5A]1)1) Cao^-I^ac y^o\), 
 
 2i biibAjftc ¥]Ot)x) &r)t) y]t) le Coi^^r^ 
 o cjAijA^b bA c|téAi) bo glóft ; 
 péAC Arjojf* TjeAfic bo lArb, 
 Ab c-aoijaji le peAfi bo't) c-fl65. 
 
 M] péAcpAb TjeAjts rr)0 lÁrb t><v rt)o 5i)]orb, 
 le b'AOi) i)eAC bjob 50 bji&t; 
 bÁ Tt)-bAÓ cu]C]rr) bAH) pAt) 5-cac, 
 t»)0 cdr^Ab 1 v]o]i b-^AbA opcp<v }-b]i)i). 
 
 21 1; cAt) coi;A]|tc 2t)eA|t5<\c i?a Iaiji), 
 50 b-cu5 Cao|i^-1]ac <Dot)i) po lÁjt; 
 bo TjléAp a copp cftuc-ÁluitW, 5IAI), 
 
 A 1)-é]be CACA T1)AÓrt?A a'p b&jj\ 
 
 <Do gluA^ 50 pfiAp bo lAcA]]t pbl^u, 
 a'p a bubA]|ic le]f bo bopb 516ft ceAi)i;, 
 é pep) bo 5Ab&]l a i)-é^be caca, 
 1)6 T) l<xoc bo b'pe&pp <^5 é cup Ai)ij. 
 
 1 2í)o cúthAó, literally grie/. Conan knew very well that the Fenians 
 ■would not regret his death, but on the contrary that tliey would regard 
 it a boon to be relieved from one upon whom they looked as their stul- 
 tified vilifier and defamer. In the romantic tale called the brtuijjeAt) 
 Cf)AOtu:A7T)t), or the Mansion of the Quicken Tree, it is related that Co- 
 nan and the Fenians entered the Mansion, which they found most sump- 
 tuously supplied with all the delicacies peculiar to such a place; and 
 after regaling themselves most comfortably, wondered why they saw no 
 
115 
 
 0. The twain, who were not feeble in battle, 
 Were freely cleaving bodies and limbs, 
 From the rising of the sun till evening, 
 Till Donn Dorcain fell a headless corpse. 
 
 We, the Fenians, raised aloud, 
 A cheer of exultation for the death 
 Of Meargach's hero, Donn Dorcan, 
 Though Caoin Liath came to us feebly. 
 
 Fionn then said to Conan, 
 Awhile ago thy talk was fierce ; 
 Try now the strength of thy hand 
 In single combat with one of the host. 
 
 I shall not try the valor of my hands or deeds 
 With any one of them for ever ; 
 If I fell in the battle, 
 
 Lament for me would not be long on thee, Fionn. 
 
 When Meargach of the blades beheld 
 That Caoin Liath laid Donn low ; 
 He armed his well-proportioned elegant body, 
 In battle armour for conflict and death. 
 
 He went quickly into the presence of Fionn, 
 And said to him in a fierce bold voice, 
 To gird himself in battle armour, 
 Or to send his bravest hero there. 
 
 servants or attendants whatever in the place, but saw that the various 
 splendours, and even the doors were vanishing, until it was finally re- 
 duced to a mere boc, or hut, save one entrance only. One of the Fenian 
 chiefs from this circumstance suspected it to be a place of treachery, and 
 exhorted the Fenians to leave as fast as they could ; but Conan, who re- 
 mained behind to do more justice to the viands with which the tables were 
 so abundantly supplied, was at length by some spell or other, f^tened 
 to the floor where he would have remained had not some of the Fenians 
 
116 
 
 O. ^'^fioAjAjp 'pjoiji) bo bojib jlóft, 
 
 a\- hiibv\||ic t)Ac lcóft lea-c Aft cujc ^óf ; 
 a bubA||ic fejfeAi), 'f ]|* bo bA t;iott, 
 T)&tt leófi rt)<\tt Ó^ol a t)-£a5 ^b^]lc! 
 
 <t)o 50]ft T^ioi)!} Aft Bbuo^O&i) bftM), 
 a't; c*MU13 5AI) j*5ic Aft l&T) lúéj 
 TP rrjófi ai) tAfiCAfprje, Aft 2t)eAft5<\c, 
 a fATT)U|l x\t) b'-peAft bo luab If tit?. 
 
 2t)« 3°l^P e ^^r A cfton7--fluA5 ujle, 
 
 Aft 2t)eA|i5AC t:ó ^1^5 le Flow; 
 |*5AO|lpeAb rjA Iaoctxa fro céjle, 
 |A]trbA]t t)A "péjotJe t)& Iua6 IjotT). 
 
 O. Nfojt b-fAbA 50 b-p<\CArt)<\]t a 5 ceACC, 
 
 Of-cuft A^eArjcA t)a rt)-bef rt)fot)T) 5-cftuAfó ; 
 
 a Iai)i) IjorbcA t)a óeAf l&fti) bo bf, 
 
 a PbAcfi<\fC ! if* bfc Ai) t;eAfi bo luAÓAfrt). 
 
 P. 2l|cfiir 6úit)t) <v Oint) f^U 10 * 
 
 c]oyr)&Y bo cuAfb at) cac bo'i) bf f ; 
 i)6 At) le 2t)eAfi3Ac t)A Iat)T) r^lAt;, 
 bo in]z bo tt)ac, at) c-Ofcurt 5tto|6e ! 
 
 O. Ji)t)inn) bujc, a pl)AcftAfc, Aft b-cúf, 
 511ft bo|l|5 l]OTi) a beft rt)A]t cAfrt) ; 
 
 A T)-bf Af§ Ot/CUfft a'|* 1)A b-pfAT)!), 
 
 a tt)eAt;5 ^ A S'^I^T 1 5 A1 ? ?o]T)T) AftafT) ! 
 P. 21 cfiuA5<\|T) bojct ! ]f bAfcrvjb léf ft, 
 
 1)AC A TT)eAt;5 T)A 5-clf Aft bltfC O CÚf* 
 
 i)í befceA 't)0|f b& Iuaó 5AT; céjll, 
 a'p bo leArjpÁb 50 pf aI ftfg t)a T)-búl. 
 
 taken compassion on him, returned and pulled him with all their might 
 and succeeded, but not without leaving the most part of the skin of his 
 hack stuck to the floor. It is traditionally recorded by the peasantry 
 
117 
 
 O. Fionn replied in a fierce tone, [fallen ? 
 
 And said, art thou not content with all that have 
 Meargach answered, and with truth, 
 That it was not sufficient for the death of Tailc ! 
 
 Fionn called Bunanan the melodious, 
 And he came without delay in full speed ; 
 Great is the affront, saith Meargach, 
 To talk of such a man to us. 
 
 M. I shall muster all my mighty hosts, 
 Saith Meargach angrily, to Fionn ; 
 I shall let the heroes loose on each other, 
 Of thy Fenian reserves do not speak to me. 
 
 O. Not long was it until we beheld approaching 
 Exasperated Oscur of the stern blows, 
 His polished blade in his right hand he bore, 
 Patrick! sad is the loss of the man of whom I speak. 
 
 P. Relate to us, pleasant Oisin, 
 
 How fared the battle with the two ; 
 
 Or was it with Meargach of the green blades, 
 
 Thy son fell, the heroic Oscur. 
 
 O. 1 tell thee, Patrick, at first, 
 That I regret being as I am, 
 After Oscur and the Fenians, 
 Among the clerics without much bread. 
 
 P. poor wretch ! it is much to be regretted, [beginning ; 
 That it was not among the clerics thou wert from the 
 Thou wouldst not now be speaking foolishly, 
 And thou wouldst modestly follow the king of the 
 elements. 
 
 that his comrades ran to a flock of sheep which they saw grazing in a 
 field, skinned a huge Hack ewe, and fastened the skin tightly to Conan's 
 back, by which mark he was known ever after. 
 
118 
 
 O. TnuA^ 5AI) tAjí/e 6115 Ab féji), 
 A 3 u r 3° fí ! 1 curi) bo cl| An ; 
 T)A b-AOAfft Ijon) 50 leAr^T)!) ^i^, 
 aV 3° b-zpéisww) cu|ac nA bJp]*t)V' 
 
 P. Má bí8 bA fu]5eArb, a Ojnt) tbjc pblW, 
 cu]n bú|t)r) cnioc An cac cr>o|c at) At,n, 
 bo b] at) pbl^tW cnéAt) 50 leon, 
 ATjojf* if bófb 50 ^Ann-lA5 clAic. 
 
 O. 21 PbÁcnAjC ! rrjÁ'f é <t>| A t)a t>3UAf, 
 CU5 AT) CÁfS rit) An AT) b-^épn) ; 
 t)A cne^b ua]6 fo fuAf, 
 aot) T)^6 luA^b^ ]b leAc leb' nAe. 
 
 SÍTCftjf* bATI) AT)0|f A PbAC|tA]C, 
 
 at) é at) <D|A 5nA6n)An f|T) a bubAjfic ; 
 50 nus £6tt) buAb An at) b-TF^rvT), 
 a't 3 11 ! 1 ^'^ i,pneAT)T) f uAn 1 a 5-cl^b. 
 
 P. jooin^ 6u 1 c > A'f t)í bnéA^, 
 
 5un ÓeAnbu^ béAl <Dé 6Ú]T)t); 
 at) bneATi) t)ac T)-b^AT)]:Ai6 a néjn, 
 ]f neAT)T) bAon 5un b'e- a rj-biir) ! 
 
 O. óe&jtT)AÓ at) T^bjAnn a nejn nj attj> 
 
 t)A cnejbp t)A |*Aob glon ; 
 liKMf ^ATt) n)A'f 6 nu5 bu<vb, 
 ca b-^uA^n fluAjgce a 5-cuh)AT/ bójb. 
 
 P. Jr é <t)fA nus buAÓ An at) b-'pé]!)^ 
 
 A*f i/jon 1 Ann bA 66at)atí) cac t)a flog ; 
 
 ACC A COT)5T)ArT) p&|T) 'fA COTÍ)ACCA C]tA]C, 
 
 Y t|* ]i)cnej6ce t)ac plAf* a glón. 
 
 » fUAfi, coW. The poet seems to have been acquainted with the opinion 
 of some of the schoolmen, that the damned pass from one extremity of 
 
110 
 
 0. Misery without redress attend thyself, 
 And truly thy clerics 
 
 Do not say to me that I would follow God, 
 And that I would forsake the chief of the Fians. 
 
 P. Do not be arguing, .0 Oisin son of Fionn, 
 
 Tell us how the battle of Cnoc-an-air ended ; 
 The Fians were mighty enough, 
 But now they are weak and feeble. 
 
 0. Patrick ! if it be the God of grace 
 
 Who spread that report about the Fians, 
 Do not believe from him henceforth 
 Anything he tells thee during thy days. 
 
 Relate to me now, Patrick, 
 If it be that God of love who said, 
 That he himself conquered the Fians, 
 And that cold hell is their habitation. 
 
 P. I tell thee, and 'tis no falsehood, 
 
 God's own mouth hath declared to us, 
 That those who will not follow his counsel 
 A hell of pains will be their dungeon ! 
 
 0. The Fenians never followed his counsels, 
 
 Believe not thou God of the feigned speech, 
 Tell me if it were He that obtained victory 
 Where he found hosts their match. 
 
 P. It is God who obtained victory over the Fians, 
 And did not ask the aid of battalions or hosts, 
 But his own strength and timely power, 
 And truly his speech is not feigned. 
 
 suffering to another, in the next life — from the most intense flames of 
 fire, to the most intolerable degree of cold. 
 
120 
 
 Na cfiejb t)jÓ Aft b|C bA luAbAt)*), 
 
 rt)A be^fi 50 ftu5 bitAÓ Ajt ai> b-^éjui) ; 
 
 3At) filing t)A ZO]]i t)A bAjl, 
 
 t)A 56aII 50 bjtAc acc é pé^t). 
 
 If 6 <D|<v có|tt a'f tjeAftc cAc ; 
 
 II* é <D]A 71115 buAb Aft At) b-'pe^t), 
 
 aY t)j le T>eA|tc Iaoc i)A cójfi c&t>. 
 
 2loo]f £AO] bftij bo leAbAifi bAitr, 
 A*f bo OACAflle cA le t>A Ajf, 
 ■pAO] f|Ai)|*Ái) bo ÓI03 glóft Aftb, 
 At) b-pu^l b|téA5 ior)A |iA|6ceA|t leAc? 
 
 21 OirlP cfte-b uA^m 30 tfoft, 
 
 5AC pmocAl bA t)-ii)t)|nn7 bu]c Ajt <t)b|A 
 50 b^u^b sat) cefe 5AI) b]aei3, 
 a'|* 5iifi b'é jíéjr) bo feójl 6ú|t)I) jAb. 
 
 5a6 f fljOCAl b'A|t A|C|t|f btt]C, 
 
 vj\ rt)6]\ rt)0 ce-\yz, acc Art? Ajt) ; 
 tDAji a be]fi Igac 5U|t Ab ua]6 pé]r;, 
 IU15 buAÓ Afi At) b-*pé|i)i) ai) AOt)AftAt). 
 
 <t)o |tu3 bu<\6 Aft a b-cA|i)i3 póf, 
 6 idy A1) bori)Aft) rbojfi 30 pjofi ; 
 a'|* béAftfíAf 4 Aft a b-qocpA t)A t)-b|A|3, 
 bA cfté]t)e fAb 30 bejfte At) c-f*AO]3fl. 
 
 Há cftejb ^ocaI bA t)-bubAf|ic ftjAtt), 
 t)A póf bA T)-béA|if A|6 le t)A fiAe ; 
 6y 30ÁC leff befc bA Iua6, 
 3u|t b'e fu.13 bit <v6 Aft ai; b-^éioo. 
 
121 
 
 0. Believe nothing that he saith, 
 
 If he say that he obtained sway over the Fians, 
 Without hosts — without help at hand, 
 Or pledge at all but himself. 
 
 P. God himself is all hosts [all powerful], 
 God is the might and pursuer of all, 
 'Tis God who obtained sway over the Fian3 
 And not by the strength of heroes or pursuit of hosts. 
 
 0. Now, on the virtue of thy white book, 
 And thy crozier which lies at its side, 
 Under the chiming of thy high-sounding bells, 
 Dost thou lie in what thou sayest ? 
 
 P. O Oisin, believe me truly, 
 
 Every word that I relate to thee of God ; 
 
 Is without guile or falsehood, 
 
 And 'twas himself who taught them to us. 
 
 0. Each word that I have related to thee, 
 My query is not much, but only, 
 Whether he tell thee that it was by himself alone 
 He obtained sway over the Fians. 
 
 P. He obtained sway over all that have been 
 From the beginning of the world surely, 
 And he will, over all that will come after, 
 Though great their might, till the world's end. 
 
 O. Believe not a word he hath ever uttered, 
 
 Nor yet what he may say during his day, 
 
 As he is constantly proclaiming 
 
 That 'twas he who gained victory over the Fians. 
 
122 
 
 P. )x beAjtb leACfA 30 n/peAftfi ai; "pbl^PO, 
 t)& b-c&]rM5 TM Ar b A V ^ b-ciocpA^ó fóf* ; 
 'X if beAjtb l|orr?rA 30 ti/peAftft <£>i<\, 
 i)A cufA A3uf ^Ab, a feAt)6]|t ! 
 
 O. coynjii]l t)ac b-pACA cu at; "pbl^UO, 
 
 t)A b-cjor)6l 3I1AÓ a t)-ATi) 3le6 ; 
 ^Ojt cofTbú^l ]ie f|Aí)fÁr) p|»Alrt), 
 
 T)A |te Cl0j3 A3 CAfT1}A|JlC, A 3-Ceol. 
 
 Wjoji coprbújl le tojA, a Pb^c|tA^c, 
 a f I11A3 iDóftÓÁUc, ój|t8eA|tc, fúb ; 
 
 TVj CUaIa]8 CÍV|*3 éACCAC ji]Arb, 
 
 acc a 3 _ cu||t]|tfe Y^t) clfAfi bA clú. 
 
 P. ft|oji -<v|Cfv|r twiye t?a Ar) clfAji, 
 
 ó cup bu]c CftjAi} A rbA^c ^orb '■> 
 tt)A]c bo-cjrjocr^gre, A XX)b\t, 
 
 O. M] 3§ill^m, & Pb^c^c, bo i)biA; 
 
 T)Á pop bob' bfi]AC|tA if leATt) 3l6fi ; 
 
 5uji Ttxvjc e pé]i) i;á a 3^0117, 
 
 op bu|t)e é bo b]op 3AI) cac, 3AT; plo?;. 
 
 P. Mí |AflAT)t) c ^||t CACA T)A ploTJ, 
 
 A 0]f]t) 50 bed t)A bA^l ; 
 
 acc pio^rweAp coqtArt? bo fi^fi cu|l]rb, 
 
 a'p v] b-p AgArji) TT)|lleA6 6 T)A i)ÁrpA|b. 
 
 Cfiqb uAjru pop Ap 3é]U 50 flop, 
 a 0]fji) bAO|c i;ac i)5|tívÓAi)T; <t)]A ; 
 a'p nj&'p ti)A]c 1)0 olc leAc é, 
 1P & bo co|f3 ftéjri) T)A b-^iA^i). 
 
123 
 
 P. Thou imaginest that the Fians were mightier 
 
 Than all who ever came and will come hereafter, 
 But I believe that God is stronger 
 Than thou and they, old man ! 
 
 0. 'Tis likely thou hast not seen the Fians 
 Mustered for battle in time of war ; 
 Not like the humming of the psalms, 
 Or the clangor of bells, was their music. 
 
 Not like unto God, Patrick, 
 
 Were his [Fionn's] proud illustrious hosts, 
 
 I never heard of any great feat [by him, i.e. God,] 
 
 But what thou and the clerics spread of his fame. 
 
 P. The clerics or I have not told thee 
 
 One-third of his good deeds since the beginning, 
 Goodness without end is his goodness, 
 Oisin, it is truly. 
 
 0. I do not submit, Patrick, to God, 
 
 Nor yet to thy words which are foolish, 
 
 That either he himself or his actions were great, 
 
 As he was a man without battalion or hosts. 
 
 P. He asketh not for the pursuit of battalions or hosts 
 For ever, Oisin, in his presence, 
 But distributes equally according to merit, 
 And he never gets a hurt from his foe. 
 
 Believe me still and truly submit, 
 silly Oisin who lovest not God, 
 And whether it seems good or ill to thee, 
 'Twas he who checked the career of the Fians. 
 
124 
 
 <t)o cAt)4|f bjiéA5, xj\ b-é Dja, 
 
 11113 buAÓ tja b-)^|4T)i), t>a a TD-bAf* ; 
 
 a't* b& T)-beAjiTiA|Ó ceAftc T)a cocftAn) ft]Arb 
 
 bo ftoir)r)t:eAÓ 50 jíiaII at) c-ajiat). 
 
 Ko|t)oceA|t leAC AfiAi) a'j* beoc, 
 
 bo 5AC cu]b bA b-pA^ATir) at) cI^ati ; 
 cui5qori liorr) 311T1 r>A]fteAC bujc, 
 tt)a.j4a a'í* 511c bo cAbAijtc bo í>blA. 
 
 2t)A 5e]b|rt)fe AriAT) a't* beoc, 
 
 a't* í*ú]l 3A1; co|*5 ATDeAt^ t)^ S'cll^T 1 * 
 
 A PbACflAIC ! T)í TbeAf*Ain7 AJl AOT) COft, 
 
 bo «Dbl^ 30 b-pAiceArjr) at> TtjATt. 
 
 ClOtjijAf bob t:é]bi]t bo le<xc |t7<V|t, 
 at) cat) 5e|b]fi b|AÓ rT)A|t cac ; 
 V] cor-rbú|l 5U|t leAc-cuíDAÓ y]X) f 
 * 0)YW> lf W]V\c bo gtÁiTb ! 
 
 21 PbAcTtAjc ! t)j ctteibtirjr) bo <DblA, 
 
 CUfA, T)A 't) cl]ATt T)AC CAO|T) > 
 
 ttjA't* a Ti-éitípeAcc ^eAbrt^AOjb b]Ab, 
 
 5U|l Ab JOIJAIJI) AT) Tt|A|t fA TtO|r)l> 
 
 21 Oifji) r)Á cujrt a fuirr) T)] bup rr)ó 
 
 A b-pUAlfllf b'AT)t)Tt66 AroeAfS T)A 3-cliAfi 
 leAC-CUTTlAb 1)] ÓeATlllAbATt Tt1ATT>, 
 
 'v 1T P^ATtji a r)-olc r)& rrjAjc t)A b-'pjArjr)' 
 
 Olc A5Uf A|t5uir) ófArtb, 
 
 bo cujcim a i;-bÁ]l bo cIj^ti; 
 
 a'í* t)A TtAbA]|t|*e -j'Aorx 6 1)A i)50|rf), 
 
 ó|ji f)ío|i cofrf)ú|l r*|b le flu*j t)A b-'pjAijri 
 
125 
 
 0. Thou hast told a falsehood, 'twas not God [death, 
 That obtained sway over the Fians, or caused their 
 And if he ever acted justly or evenly, 
 He would generously share the bread. 
 
 P. Bread and drink is shared with thee, 
 Of each meal the clerics get ; 
 I perceive it is shameful to thee 
 Abuse and scandal to give to God. 
 
 0. If I get food and drink, 
 
 And a willing share among the clerics ; 
 Patrick ! I cannot think on any account 
 That thy God seeth my share. 
 
 P. How is it that thou couldst get but half diet, 
 "Whilst thou gettest food ljke the rest ; 
 It is not likely that it is injustice 
 O Oisin, how constant is thy clamour ! 
 
 0. Patrick, I would not believe thy God, 
 Thou, nor the clerics, who are not mild, 
 If it be together [i. e. at one table] we are fed 
 That the portion each gets is alike. 
 
 P. Oisin talk no more, [clerics; 
 Of all the hardships thou hast undergone among the 
 Injustice they never did, [of the Fians. 
 
 And their worst acts are better than the best deeds 
 
 0. Ills and loud contention 
 
 Mayest fall among thy clerics ; 
 
 And may thou not escape their venom, 
 
 For ye are not like the Fenian hosts. 
 
126 
 
 P. Jp olc l|Ort) a fe^uó|ft lé|c, 
 
 tjac jOi;rbu|t) leAC clé||i i)ív C £)|A ; 
 
 cjocfAió ctiaic 'ijati bjc le-cvc e, 
 
 50 bojlb a T)-bAOft 5lAf tja. b-p|At)ii, 
 
 O. jp leóft l]ort) &o óaoji tjIat* piAi), 
 
 bejc Ati^eAf5 tja 5-cI]ati tttati tA|ir> ; 
 A5 ^eiceATT) Afi gjiAfAib tíé, 
 
 bO |tO]T)I)eAf 50 CAOI AT) C-AflAf). 
 
 copi^l fib r)A búji t)-í)]A, 
 
 le FlOT)f) A3 Tt|ATl Af A5 ]tO]t)1) ATlAji;, 
 
 rrjoTi Tbu]|teA|t l lejf ]*luA5 t>A b-p]Ai;t), 
 a'|* a b-c|5e<\6 t;ac |Ab tja 6'<\]l. 
 
 Ml rr)A]t fir; biqcfe A'f bob clejjt, 
 t)Á b'A bújt fAOft-tHAic if rt)6|t catI ; 
 if ttjoti l]b ctuiaJat) 2 bocc, 5 At) jtiAT), 
 at) bii]i rt)eAf5 a curtiplAcc at) t;oIa]T). 3 
 
 P. <t>ob' ioT}tf)tiir) Ijrjrje a't* le <t)|A, 
 
 a feAi)ó]ji I] ac cu be^c b'Ari Tiéjri ; 
 t)'<\ beic ^Aob-jtAjbceAC Iiotxa, 
 
 IT) ATI 1f 5t)AC CUfA, A Ojni) OAOjC ! 
 
 O. 21 PbÁCTiAic ! bo 0£ai)t:ait)t; bo TiéjTt, 
 
 a't* bob' lorjrriuiri 1|0it) péjt) bo ^rjjA ; 
 
 ACC 5UTI Tt)]X)]C llOtt) bO UlAÓAITl, 
 
 50 TIU3 bllAÓ ATI ^blOTJI) T)A b-'pJATVTJ. 
 
 1 2T)u|rieAfi, a burthen, a family. Here Oisin indicates that Fionn 
 would not close his doors or refuse food to any that visited him, no matter 
 how numerous they came. 
 
 2 CfiuATj&t). This word signifies a person in the most abject state of 
 poverty and want. 
 
127 
 
 P. It id grievous to me hoary old man, 
 
 That thon lovest not the clerics and God ; 
 A time will come when thou shalt regret it 
 Sorrowful in the bonds of pain. 
 
 0. It is enough for me of cruel bonds of pain 
 To be with the clerics as I am, 
 Awaitiug the grace of God, 
 Who slenderly shares with me the bread. 
 
 Not like are ye or your God, 
 
 To Fionn sharing and giving bread, 
 
 He would feel no burthen in the Fenian hosts, 
 
 Or in all who came in his presence besides them. 
 
 Not so with thee and thy clerics, 
 Or thy chief though great his fame ; 
 Ye grudge a poor feeble wretch 
 To dwell among you, crying horde. 
 
 P. We and God would rejoice 
 
 hoary old man, that thou wert of our way, 
 Nor to be vainly garrulous and tedious 
 As thou always art, silly Oisin ! 
 
 O. Patrick ! I would do as thou desirest, 
 And 'tis I that would love thy God, 
 But only that thou too often proclaimest [Fians. 
 That 'twas he who obtained sway over Fionn of the 
 
 s 5ol&t) signifies one that is constantly crying or growling. The poet 
 uses, the expression here in reference to the singing of psalms and hymns 
 by St. Patrick and his choir ; for while he himself was obliged to fast, 
 the singing of psalms was not very much to his taste ; and, therefore, 
 taunted the saint on every possible occasion. 
 
128 
 
 P. BeAT)i)Acc ie CACA|b i)A h-1p]*\)t), 
 
 b<v citéAT)Tt)Aft i,Ab a't; bA rbAjc a 5-CAjl; 
 &]i\i]X bújtjT) AT)Oit; 3AT) brtói), 
 T^S buAÓ A]t ct)oc at; Ajfi ! 
 
 O. CfA 511JI rt^AT) IfOtt) a b-cjtACC fúb, 
 A bejc A|t fjuoAl le i,on)Ab pATjtc : 
 leAT)pA& bu]c, rt)A jeibjrt) ItjAjt, 
 Aft cójrbfsleó 6]at) óttojc at) AjTt ! 
 
 ^VtfMS ^)e<\]t5Ac t)A Iat)T) t^Iat/, 
 aY 0|*cu|t, 50 ceAT)T), a s-có^rb-jléjc ; 
 a Pb&cttA]C ! bA b-pejc^eA at) bjj% 
 rvj rbolpAÓ 5^011) aot) rb^c <t)é ! 
 
 <Do bArt)U]ti ujle At) pbl^T), 
 
 a 5-CTteACAib b"j at) t;A bttóT) 50 clívé ; 
 
 le b-CA5Al 5UTt CU|C]TT) b'Att Iaoc, 
 
 le 2t)eATt5AC c]té<\T) t)A 5-CTtiiAÓ lArt). 
 
 1)0 bj fluA5 2t)beA|t5Ai,5 t)a t^Uf Iat)í), 
 5AT) cítojóe, 5at) 5|teAT)T), aj t^le beójt ; 
 b'eA$lA n)A]tbAÓ a 5~ceAT)T) cftjAc, 
 le r)-0]*cu|i b| at) t)a Iat)t) T)5éAjt. 
 
 21 PbAu|tA]C ! bA r^-bejcpeAb A5 tréACAjTiT), 
 A|t 5AC jt] At) cu|l5-bé|Tt) CTtuAjó; 
 
 bA TtATjb Att COTtpAjb 1)A TT^ATtb IaOC, 
 
 'DjA T)A 't) clé||t T)í bejcpeA luAjb. 
 
 P. 91 0]f]v ! T3* 1 l co|ic 30 trojll, 
 
 bo bjijActtA bAoi_t; a't; leAt) bob' tttAcc ; 
 IWMT few] t)t) cjA 'co bo't) bj|% 
 
 bO bllA]6 A1) 5T)Í0Tt) Aft CT)OC AT) Ajjt ! 
 
129 
 
 P. Peace be with the battalions of the Fians, 
 
 They were mighty and their fame was gr eat; 
 
 Relate to us now without grief, 
 
 Who gained the victory at Cnoc-an-air? 
 
 0. Though it would be my desire to talk of them, 
 And to relate it with much pleasure, 
 I shall tell thee if I am served [with food], 
 Of the fierce conflict at Cnoc-an-air ! 
 
 Meargach of the green blades, 
 
 And Oscur, engaged fiercely in single combat, 
 
 Patrick ! hadst thou seen the two 
 
 Thou wouldst not praise the actions of God's only son. 
 
 We, the Fenians, all were 
 
 Trembling intensely, and in heavy grief, 
 
 Apprehensive our hero would fall 
 
 By the mighty Meargach of the stern arms. 
 
 The hosts of Meargach of the green blades 
 Were spiritless and joyless, shedding tears, 
 Fearing for the fall of their head and chief 
 By Oscur of the severe arm and sharp blades. 
 
 Patrick ! wert thou a spectator 
 Of all the traces of the sharp swords 
 Which were on the bodies of the stern warriors, 
 Thou wouldst not mention God or the clerics. 
 
 P. Oisin! leave off a while 
 
 Thy silly words, and pursue the tale ; 
 
 Tell us which of the twain, 
 
 Was victorious in the action at Cnoc-an-air. 
 9 
 
130 
 
 O. 21 2t)l;eAfi3Aj3 ! Aft Of-cup ór&]ib, 
 bo 6eA|t5 rf)0 Iat)!) aji bo cojip ; 
 bo seAfiftAÓ l]oro b'peoil 30 cxy&rxj, 
 a'|« civ ^1131)66 ai? b&|f* A3 ceAcc ojtc ! 
 
 2t). N] b-eA5Al l]orr) b&f* ób' U]rb, 
 
 t)Á cu]]x a 3-c*xf rrje, Ofxujft ^éjl ; 
 II* beAjib l|ort) bo cujqrr) l]t)t), 
 
 a n)A]fieAi)r; bjob bob' filial £éji). 
 
 O. Jf beAjib l|oro a 2t)be4|t3<M3 cfiuAjb, 
 
 T)AC £AbA UAjC 30|1) A1) bÁ]f, 
 
 a'|* 30 b-CU|Cp|jl-f| a'|« bo cftorrj-fluAg, 
 ljorr)fv\ a'|* le fWg pbi<MK><v F^l. 1 
 
 <Do 3IAC Ofcii|t 30jtb aY Ft 1 ^ ^ 
 a'|« bo CÓ3 a lAr)t) lAr>-buAbAc ; 
 le rr)||te rf)eAi)Tt)<vT) a'j* rjeAfit Ia?t>, 
 3ujt cejh; Iáji 2t)eA]t3AC c|tu<v|8. 
 
 li|0]a b-j*AbA bo't) Iaoc aji CAlrbujr), 
 Ai) cAt) be^g 5 A1 ? c ^r ^lti 
 bo 3Ab' tJAjfte |A|i F 6 ^! 1 ' 
 a'|* bo rbéAbu|3 a i^eAftc 'fA 30ÍOTT). 
 
 1 V]M)y\ V&]1> the Fians of Fail, pall, or 1rj]r F&jl, according to 
 Keating, was one of the ancient names of Ireland. At the Tuatha De 
 Danann invasion the country received this name from a celebrated stone 
 which they brought with them, called the I1A5 V&]\, or Stone of Destiny, 
 and of which the poet writes : — 
 
 " O't) 5-cloc ro civ ion)' ó& x s\]\, 
 1f u&]ie ^ÁvióceAit 1tnr 
 
 From this stone which is under my two heels, 
 
 The Island of Fail is called. 
 This stone was considered enchanted and held in great veneration for its 
 supposed power of making a terrible noise resembling thunder, which 
 could be heard at a great distance, when one of the royal race of Scy thia 
 sat upon it to be crowned. It was then the custom, upon the decease of 
 the reigning monarch, that his successor should sit upon this stone for 
 
131 
 
 0. Meargach ! saith Oscur aloud, 
 
 My spear lias reddened in thy body ; 
 
 I have cut thy flesh to the bone, 
 
 And the anguish of death cometh upon thee ! 
 
 M. I dread not death by thy hand, 
 
 Be not concerned for me, generous Oscur ; 
 I verily believe thou shalt fall by us, 
 And all that survive of thy hosts. 
 
 0. I verily believe, stern Meargach, 
 
 That thy death wound is not far from thee, 
 And that thou and thy mighty host will fall, 
 By me and the hosts of the Fians of Fail. 
 
 Oscur became furious and vehement, 
 And he wielded his all-victorious blade, 
 With such heroic courage and might of arm, 
 That he laid Meargach the hardy low. 
 
 Not long was the hero on the ground, 
 When he arose without dread again ; 
 Shame then seized the man, 
 And his strength and valor increased. 
 
 coronation ; but if the candidate so sitting was not of the royal blood of 
 Scythia, neither motion nor noise of any sort proceeded from the stone. 
 All the monarchs of Ireland upon their succession were crowned upon 
 it ; and from its great fame, Fergus Mac Earca, first king of Scotland, 
 sent to his brother Murtough, who was then king of Ireland, requesting 
 him to send it to Scotland, in order to be crowned thereon king of that 
 country. He believed thereby that the crown would be more firmly pos- 
 sessed by him and his posterity, by its innate extraordinary virtue. The 
 king of Ireland complied ; and about A.D. 513, Fergus received upon it 
 the crown of Scotland. It was preserved with great care at the Abbey 
 of Scone in that country, for the purpose of crowning their kings upon 
 it, until the time of Edward I., king of England, who brought it from 
 Scotland. It is said to be now placed under the coronation chair in 
 Westminster Abbey, where it has lost all its former virtue and power. 
 
132 
 
 O. <£)o cajc Ai) bjp be^j-Uoc sIaí), 
 
 o Att)A]ic tt)A]bt)e 30 b-1*|t-tfeoiT) ; 
 
 sad rfc, 5<vi) rofAb, 3 At > c^ji&e, 
 
 OC ! A Pb^VC|tA]C, A T)-b]AT)-5le6. 
 
 iD'piAVitAij 2t)eAft3Ac b'Ofcujt A13, 
 At) b-cfiéi5p|ó 50 lA At) 5le6; 
 a bubA^jtc Ojxujt bo geAbAift bo Tt)|At), 
 a'|* bo f3it]]teAbA|t ^Ab a fiAOt). 
 
 T3Ar)5^bA|i At) b|f Iáií) a|í lÁ]tt), 
 
 a'f bo gAb At) ^At)u]5e a fluAg fréft), 
 bo gluAif Ofcujt 50 caIh)A, tt)eAft, 
 fAt) le||t5 Ati)AC ]io|ri) At) b-T^b^T^tJ- 
 
 Bbí bfteAtt) A5ti]t)t) 50 fúbAC, f uA]ftc, 
 a']* b|teAtí) ejle ^A gfiuAin) t)A t)5t)é, 
 
 50 b-^I^Sl 6 St^ltJS AJt T)A tí)Á|tAC, 
 
 311ft c|ot)6l At) t)Ari)A]b cu3<V|i)i) 50 cjtéAt). 
 
 <t)o cua^ó Ofcuft a t)-éjbe caca, 
 
 A*f bo jlAC a Afitt) t*3lAc t)A 65] b ; 
 bo cftjAll a 3-córbóA]l \& 5-co]t)t)e, 
 2t)beA|t5A]5 rbjjte, ai) cjiéAt) leórbAt). 1 
 
 to'iowr^iS At > b 1f *9 ^T 1 ^ 
 A|t ti)A]b]t) 50 lAtt)~5]tob b^At) ; 
 A3 3eA|t|tAÓ A'f A5 c]téAccÚ3Ab a céjle, 
 
 At V']0]l b-f AbA 5U|t 5Al|l 2 At) pb|AT)t). 
 
 » teótijAT}, a /ton. This name is also applied by the poets to a hero, or 
 one who distinguishes himself in battle. 
 
 2 5&i]t, a s/towf. The Fenians were wont to shout loudly at any signal 
 victory obtained by them, whether in the field or elsewhere ; and Donn- 
 chadh Euadh mhic Conmara, in his CAcqtA 3bjolU An ZltyAlUji), or, 
 Adventures of a Slave of Adversity, thus describes the shout of Charon, 
 the boatman of the Styx ;— 
 
133 
 
 0. The two noble brave heroes spent [the time] 
 From morning's dawn till evening, 
 Without quarter, without cessation, without delay, 
 Alas ! Patrick, in severe conflict. 
 
 Meargack asketh of Oscur the noble, 
 If he would relinquish the battle for the night ; 
 Oscur saith " thou shalt have thy desire," 
 And they both left separated. 
 
 The two came hand in hand, 
 
 And the stranger went to his own host ; 
 Oscur strode forth bravely and stoutly, 
 On the plain before the Fians. 
 
 Some of us were merry and humorous, 
 And others looked sullen in their countenance ; 
 Till the rising of the sun on the morrow, 
 When the foe mustered around us powerfully. 
 
 Oscur went forth in battle armour, 
 And he took his arms and shield in his hand, 
 He went onwards to meet 
 Angry Meargach, the lion of bravery. 
 
 The two attacked each other on the second day, 
 In the morning with fierce blows, 
 Cleaving and wounding each the other, 
 And 'twas not long till the Fians shouted. 
 
 '* t5o itU3 At) tíjacatíj A|t b&it T1)0 ri)éAttA]b, 
 t5o ttji) ré 5&jfi ór&Ti& A 'f béjceAc, 
 le £UAiti) a 50CA t>o cniceAó t)A rpéA|tcA, 
 t5o cuaIa at) ctiuiotje é A'r cu]t> ijrrieAt)!) 56111? Ar." 
 
 The giant seiz'd my hand with gladden'd soul, 
 Then louder roar'd than mightiest thunder's roll ; 
 Heaven's high cope trembled at his bellowing shout, 
 The round world heard, and hell's black depths cried out. 
 
 aS. Hayes's Translulion. 
 
134 
 
 P. CjtéAb At; f:Ac ati i^iti At) y\)]AVV, 
 * °in» 51*ÍW AjCftir bú]T)t) ; 
 t)A beAjirrjAb, A|cctrt), bo ti&]6, 
 if rt^r 1 bo t*5eól Atfi fúb. 
 
 O. M^oft 5Á]|t tt)AO]6ce, <\ Pb&cjtAjc t)úa6 \ 
 bo CÓ5 AT) pblApt) AT) cjtAc úb ; 
 acc 5A]]t cAO]t)ce a't* CTl^lÓceACC, 
 
 P. CriéAb t:ac A^t cAO|t)eAbAti at) pblAtw, 
 
 -Jf £AbA IjOtT) 50 T)OCCA1Tt £AC, 
 
 1]* cofrbu^l tt)<\Ti leAT)<\f bo Iaoi, 
 
 50 TtA^b OfCUTl A l|OT) CTlUAÓ-ÓAjf 
 
 O. <t)ob' é ^ac tVti ^Atrt aa 'pblAt)^, 
 
 a PbAcrtAtc t)a cléitte 50 beAfib ; 
 
 Ar> cTteAp h&]m CU3 2t)eATi5AC t)a Iaí)^ 
 
 b'j*A5 OfCUfl 50 t?AT)T) TTAOj CAlAtT? ! 
 
 2lt) CAT) bO C0T)ATIC1T)ATI Of CUft ATI IATI, 
 
 bO f" AO 1 16 ATT) ATI a'|* CAC 30 TTO^b 5AT) AT)AIT) A a 
 ACC TVjOTl b-TTAbA bo'l) IaOC CTIÓÓA, 
 
 At) cat) b'é]Ti^5 beó t>a feAfAtr) ! 
 
 21 OpCUJft, ATI T^OTJt) t)A b-'pJAT)!), 
 T)] t/ACAf T^Ati) bO CO Tip ATI líVTl j 
 ATI Ú]|t CAlli)AT) jut* At)1lt, 
 
 A5 AOt) SAifSÍóeAÓ bA bujftbe lArr;. 
 beAjtb IjotDpA ati 2t)eAft3Ac t)a Iat)i), 
 
 30 tD-biAb OrcuTi 30 t:AT)r) sat) rp^r; 
 
 A5Uf* at) cu^b etle bo't) pblAT)^ 
 
 ACC CUfA A3U|* 2lo8 BeA3 ATt)A]T). 
 
 1 2T)]ljr bo róeól, sweei thy tale. The saint here indicates to Oisin that 
 he was well pleased with his narrative ; and urged him to proceed, for it 
 is to be supposed that Oisin grew silent for a time, thinking mournfully 
 of the great achievements he had witnessed of old. 
 
13o 
 
 «• 
 
 P. Why is it that the Fians shouted, 
 
 pleasant Oisin relate to me ; 
 
 Do not forget, I implore, thy narration, 
 Delightful is thy account of it [to me]. 
 
 [arrived ! 
 
 0. 'Twas not a shout of exultation, Patrick, recently 
 That the Fenians raised at that time, 
 But a shout of sorrow and misery, 
 A shout of lamentations and [deep] woe ! 
 
 P. Why is it that the Fenians wailed ? 
 
 1 long to hear thee reveal the cause ; 
 'Tis likely as thy lay goeth on, 
 
 That Oscur was in a perilous position. 
 
 0. This was why the Fenians wailed, 
 Patrick of the clerics, truly ; 
 The third blow given by Meargach of the blades, 
 Left Oscur weak upon the ground. 
 
 When we beheld Oscur down, 
 
 We and the rest supposed him dead ; 
 But 'twas not long till the valorous hero 
 Arose alive and stood up. 
 
 Oscur, saith Fionn of the Fians, 
 Thy body was never seen laid 
 
 On the clay of the earth till to-day, 
 By any hero however mighty his hand. 
 
 1 verily believe, saith Meargach of the blades, 
 That Oscur will be feeble without delay, 
 And the rest of the Fians, 
 
 But thou and Aodh Beag only. 
 
 2 3atj At)Arr>, literally without spirit, meaning that he was a lifeless 
 corpse. 
 
336 
 
 O. ^ub-fl&i) i)A i i)i)e 
 
 a ^t)beA|t5^]5 c|tu<\]8 i)A l^t)i); 
 
 o beAfi5<\0 If on) Afi bo cojtp, 
 
 i)í l)-eA5Al bo'i) y-bl^i)0 bo ceAi)t). 
 
 Cu|rbi)|6, a Of*cu|ft, aji Coi)Ai) H)aoI, 
 bo cu|c]ri) bo't) ^bl^tH) 5u|t b]c ; 
 
 CU]Ú)t)]& Aft 5AC CAC CjtUAlÓ, 
 
 bo f e ^r»b u 13ir &° f lu *13 c 1 b Pbji)!). 
 4Do f p|teA5 Coi)&i) Opcuji Ajj;, 
 
 a'|* CU3 AgA^Ó 50 bÁt)A A|t 2t)l)6Á|t5AC C|t6AT>^ 
 TVj £ACAÓ ^rÓj*, A PbÁC|tATC ! 
 
 CAC bob' peAjifi Tb]|\ b]y Iaoc. 
 
 <Dob' 6 fúb Al) CAC bA 8]A.T), 
 
 A PbACftA^C ! 1)A 3-clf A|t 5AI) 56 ; 
 CAC 5At) fOfAÓ, CAC 5AT) p&1]tC, 
 
 cac 5AI) f caoi)A a tJS^ftb 5le6. 
 
 <t)o b] at) bfr bob' Aili)e cye&y, 
 
 Ofcujt A5uf ^t)eA|t5Ac a beAjt rrje ; 
 
 Ai) bA|iA lA Aft b-ceAcc i)eojt), 
 
 a'|* t>iofi b _ Aici)6 a 3-cló 1)Á |*5é|ii). 
 
 ]iA]b b^ll bA 3-cofip^b CAori), 
 3A1) |t]Ai) cjtéAcc, i)A 501 1) Iai)í) ; 
 
 o bACAf 1 C]i)t), 30 b01)l) Cfl&CC, 2 
 bÚ]1)I)6 A*] 4 bO CAC TVjOft 3|t6Al)1). 
 
 21 Ofcuift! cu|Tbi)]b 311ft leb' lAfii), 
 bo cufc 3fiuA3<\c Ai) <Dúfi) 0|ft ; 3 
 rt)A cujicAjt \e 2t)eA]t5AC Aft 3-cul CÚ. 
 
 1)f AfCl^b búfl)l) CÚ, Aft pfOl)!) 1)A b-pbl^t)!). 
 
 1 tMcAr. This is the name by which the crown of the head is known j 
 and it is generally believed that talented men lose the hair off this part 
 of their head at an early age. The celebrated poet Carolan is represented 
 as a bald-pated man in a print prefixed to Hardiman's Irish Minstrehy. 
 
137 
 
 0. The Fenians completely defy thee, 
 
 Stern Meargach of the green blades ; 
 
 As I have reddened thy body, 
 
 The Fians need not dread thy power. 
 
 Benaember Oscur, saith Conan Maol, 
 Thy fall to the Fians will be a loss ; 
 Remember every hard battle 
 Thou sustained for the hosts of Fionn. 
 
 Conan roused the noble Oscur, 
 
 And he boldly faced the powerful Meargach ; 
 
 I have never yet seen, Patrick, 
 
 A better fought battle between two heroes. 
 
 That was the battle that was severe, 
 
 Patrick ! of the clerics, without doubt ; 
 
 A battle without cessation, a battle without partiality, 
 
 A battle without intermission in fierce conflict. 
 
 The two were of the fairest feature, 
 Oscur and Meargach I say ; 
 
 On the second day on the approach of evening, [ed. 
 That their form or appearance could not be distinguish- 
 There was not a spot of their smooth bodies 
 Without trace of scars and wounds of blades, 
 From the top of their heads to the sole of their feet, 
 To us and the rest it was not pleasant. 
 
 Oscur ! remember it was by thy hand, 
 The wizard of Dunore fell ; 
 If by Meargach thou art vanquished, 
 We recognise thee not, saith Fionn of the Fians. 
 
 2 Cttftcc. or botjx) cti&cc, used poetically for cfloig, the foot ; however, 
 t>ot)T) zp.í\zz, or botjt) cftois, means the sole of the foot. 
 
 » t3úi) Óftt, i.e., the fortress of gold. There are three localities in Ire- 
 land bearing this name— one of which (Dunore) is situated in the county 
 
138 
 
 O, Mac cu|rb]i) leAc 511]% ceAi)r> bo bj, 
 No|fi)|AÓ pUi)T)bA at) Ojfi, 
 o T)AC T)-A]ci)Í5ceA|t l|r>T> bo 31)6] f, 
 clo]T)ceAji 1|T)T) 5AÓ cpAc bo gldft. 
 
 Mac cu|TT)]t) leAc cA]t éjp at) ajti, 
 
 311ft Igac bo cu|c Da^Ic tt)ac T|teo|t) ? 
 A Y 5^ir5l ée ^c *Y qiéAr) flu A3, 
 bo C113 a cuAjt' A|t At) b-pb&1T)T). 
 
 Ba ÓeAfib l|t)t) u^le, at) pbl^tW* 
 TJATt b-pAbA Ó't) T)-bi|* AT) c-éA5 ; 
 bA 5eÁ|t|t 5U|t b'AOjbjTK) bú]T)T), 
 Ajt b-cu|C]rt> 5 At) lúc bo'i) feAft cjiéAT). 
 
 C|A CUT.C ATI CaIatT) AT) IaOC, 
 A 5-CTteACAlb éA^A bATt l|T)T); 
 b'éT,Tt5|8 50 CAll1)A Tt)eA|t Ajt^, 
 
 &'y búoAjTtc, T,r bic fo bo'y y\)^]VV- 
 
 <Do b^ AT) T)e6(T) A b-TiOJUt; bÚ|T)T), 
 
 a't; bo cujseAÓ bo'rj pb^T) aY bo c&c ; 
 50 tt)o cujbe at) b|f Iaoc, 
 bo j*5uTt o T) T)5leo 30 Ia. 
 
 i>0 UbA]]t plO^T) |t||* t)A £T,jt 6aItT)A, 
 
 a't; bubAT,Ttc 5UT/1 tt)ai f*e bó]b attaot); 
 |*caot)A ó't) 3-cAc bo co^l a céjle, 
 30 b-e]|t5í6 5|té]T)e a rf)&TtAC lAe. 
 
 21 búbA]|tc 2t)eA|i30wc t)a t^Iat; Iattt), 
 
 |f CU1.be y\X), A pbl^T) TT)]C CuT1)AlU, 
 a'|* T)|0|t CA|llA|6 ItjATT) l|Otl) A T)5le|C, 
 
 Iaoc if cTté|t)e tJeATic aY lwc« 
 
 of Kerry ; the Fort del Or of the Spaniards near Smerwick ; the second 
 is now a castellated rock in the southern shore of Cape Clear in Cork ; 
 and the third is in the county of Meath. There is an Ossianic Poem in 
 our collection, entitled (5acz]\a at) ?lit}At>&ii) 2t)hó|jt, i.e., The Adventures 
 
130 
 
 0. Dost not thou remember bow powerful wot 
 Nosniadh, the flower of Dunore ; 
 As we recognise not thy countenance, 
 Let us always hear thy voice. 
 
 Dost thou not remember after the slaughter, 
 That it was by thee Tailc Mac Treoin fell? 
 And each hero and mighty host, 
 That made a journey towards the Fians. 
 
 We, the Fenians all, perceived, 
 That death was not far from the two ; 
 'Twas not long till we were joyful, 
 On the feeble fall of the mighty man. 
 
 Though the hero fell to the ground, 
 
 In the spasms of death, as we thought, 
 He arose quickly and fiercely again, 
 And saith, " this is sad for the Fians." 
 
 The evening was nigh at hand, 
 And the Fians and all conceived, 
 That it was better the two heroes 
 Should cease from the conflict for the night . 
 
 Fionn spoke to the mighty men, 
 And said it would be to the renown of the two, 
 To give up the battle of one accord, 
 Till the rising sun on the morrow. 
 
 Meargach of the green blades said, 
 
 That is but just, Fionn Mac Cumhaill ; 
 And I never yet encountered in battle, 
 A hero mightier in strength and vigour. 
 
 of the Big Fool, or Simpleton ; in which reference is made to 5flu*5AC 
 of bbÚT) Ax) Ójft, which may refer to either locality. This poem will 
 appear in our Transactions at some future period. 
 
140 
 
 O. O t)ocz attjac, a 2t)beAji5A]5 ctiuaiS, 
 cu]Ti]n? fuAf 6u|Cfe, a'j- b"pb|ot)T); 
 bo ló i)ó b'ojóce, A3uf 50 bftAc, 
 T)6 511TI bAp bo ceAccAfi 6ú]pr>. 
 
 <t)o |*3ui|t at) bif beAg-lAoc ot) t)5leó, 
 at; o^bce fit) a't* bA cti^accac qt)t* ; 
 
 A 5-COjTlp, A b-^eÓ|l, A'f A 5-CT)ÁrbA, 
 
 5A1) b|tí3, 3AI) bl&b, 5At) r e 1 & 1^« 
 
 2ift 1)A TT)ÁriAC Aft AITJATtC Ia6, 
 
 t>]or)t)y^]^ a céjle At) b^f 50 b]At) ; 
 bA caWa rjeAfic a'i* 3t)iorf) IAitja, 
 ATI caIait) bÁ b-cíviT;]5 |t}ATb« 
 
 ^ob' ^Ab y\xt>, a PbÁcfiAic, At) b|f, 
 bA gAjTibe, a'] 4 b^ iyih\t)e a t)3leó ; 
 
 'f If f^^T 1 CUjTieAÓ AfCeAC 50 CTJATTJt, 
 lAt)T) b'A lÁjtf) 1 bA b-pACAÓ £Óf\ 
 
 TÍACAf* £6j* b']Y TTJATl 1Ab, 
 A TjSATlC, A ft] At), t)A b-C]téAt) lÚC ; 
 A 5"CAlTt)ACC, A iDjTie, a'j 4 a nrf-p^AC, 
 
 A']* A t)-1TT)]TlC ATI tT)eAt)T0A1t), bATt l^OTf). 
 £aCA6 A fATTjUjl T'Úb ATIAOT), 
 
 A3 £ulAt>5 CTion)-béirf)eAi)t) ctiu^ó ; 
 A5 3eATi|tA6 T^eolA, a']* crjeAf cAorb, 
 
 A3 T , eA] 4 ATÍ7 3AI) TileAb, 3 At) fUAT). 
 
 21 b-cfiejfe, 2 a b-cfiéjt)e, 'fA lúc, 
 5AI) settee a b-poi)t) 't)A T)bA]l ; 
 bo b] At) bif 3At) rS 11 ! 1 't) t)3t>1°"?> 
 bo ló t)6 b'ojbce a^ti peAÓ bejc Ia. 
 
 1 Iaijij Uxri)„ a su'orrf o/f Mei'r hands. Specimens of the swords used 
 by the ancient Irish can be seen in the hall of the Mansion-house, 
 
141 
 
 0. From this night forth, stern Meargach, 
 I will not by thee nor by Fionn ; 
 Neither by night nor by day, nor for ever, 
 Until either of us is dead. 
 
 The two brave heroes relinquished the battle 
 For that night, and sorely wounded, 
 Were their bodies, flesh and bone, 
 Without vigor, without fame, without force. 
 
 On the morning of the morrow, 
 The two encountered each other fiercely ; 
 They were the strongest and mightiest of arm, 
 That ever came on earth. 
 
 These, Patrick, were twain, 
 
 The roughest and mightiest in battle ; 
 The most skilful to strike unto the bone, 
 A lance off their hand, that I have seen yet. 
 
 Two like them have not yet been seen, 
 
 In strength, in pursuit, or in robust agility ; 
 In prowess, in swiftness, and in courage, 
 And in feats of dexterity I apprehend. 
 
 I have not seen the like of the two, 
 In enduring heavy severe blows ; 
 In cleaving flesh, and soft skin, 
 Or in enduring without food or repose. 
 
 In might, in strength, and in agility, 
 Without want of feats or deeds ; 
 The two gave not up the action, 
 For day or night during ten days. 
 
 Dawson- street, Dublin, which no man of the present day could wield 
 with one arm. 
 8 In other copies a b-ctieATAjb. 
 
14á 
 
 A|t Ot/cujt, 50 ceArw ófAjtb ; 
 
 ■J]* TDÓJt AT) T)ÍV|Tte ÓÚjr)!} AjtAOT), 
 
 £Ab ca't) 5leó A]|t A]t Iatíja. 
 9X). 21 Ofcu^Tt ! if cú at/ ctiua]8 Iatti, 
 
 b'AJl lTt7]]t ATT) CÓTT)8A|l Jl] ATT1 j 
 
 bo cu]C|TT} l]orr? é crvjoc 
 
 Att 2t)eAfi5^c, a't; bo Ijor) tja b-pfilArw. 
 
 O. b-é rtio cfi]Oc tta cjvjoc r>A b-pbl^TjT), 
 
 a 2t)beA|t5Ai5 cjtuAiÓ t)A t>5lAf Iat)T) ; 
 cujc^rt} rr)A|i luAÓAjjt leb' lÁ^rr), 
 ATt OfCUTt t)A jiÁ^Óce ceAr)T). 
 
 <t>0 glAC OfCUft T)A Iatjt) T>5éAft, 
 
 Tl^eAl^UjT), C]A 5UTI bAOC A fI)UAÓ J 
 
 Tjjojt. b-t:AbA 50 T)-búbAi|tc cATt éj-f, 
 
 AT) ceAT)T) glóft 2t)eATt5<XC ; bA TÍIAJC f UATTi 
 
 Bia^ó cu A|t b^c b]6 t)á t/uA]r), 
 
 a ^t)beA|i5<V]5 c|auA]8 ! aji Otxufi Á^5 ; 
 
 1)6 5UTt ÓlljC A|t b]C C|T)T), 
 
 t)Ó ÓArbfA, TT)Afl TT)U|5||t, A]t lÁ]t. 
 
 lÍÍOTt b-£AbA 8Ú]T)T) cAob Ajt CAob, 
 
 A 3 ^ejceATÍ) a't; A5 éjpceAcc leó ; 
 50 TtAjb 2t)eA|t5^c Att cúl f5éT,ce, 
 A3 Ot;cu]t t)a rti-béiTDeATW 5-ctuiat i 8. 
 
 t1| b-t:uA]|i T)A T/opAÓ 6 Oí/cuft, 
 
 acc 5AÓ béjn) co]l5 b<v leAjAÓ 50 ceAT)T), 
 
 A b-TrOT^tCeArTT) AT) COTTJTtAjC CTtU<V|Ó, 
 bo ^tJlieATiSAC, 511 \\ buAjl) A ÓeAT)1) ! 
 
143 
 
 0. stern Meargach of the green blades, 
 Saitli Oscur, stoutly and aloud, 
 Great is the shame to us both, 
 That the conflict is on our hands so long. 
 
 M. Oscur ! 'tis thou that hast the hardiest hand, 
 That ever played with me ; 
 Thy fall by me will be the end, 
 Saith Meargach, and the end of all the Fians. 
 
 0. It is not my end, nor the end of the Fians, 
 stern Meargach of the green blades, 
 To fall, as thou sayest, by thy hand, 
 Saith Oscur of the stern words. 
 
 Oscur of the sharp blades assumed 
 
 Courage, though weak was his appearance ; [said, 
 It was not long afterwards till the boastful Meargach 
 It would be well if we took repose. 
 
 Thou shalt not take food or repose, 
 stern Meargach ! saith noble Oscur, 
 Until thou art beheaded, 
 Or that I, as thou boastest, shall have fallen* 
 
 Not long were we on both sides, 
 Ministering and listening to them ; 
 Till Meargach was behind his shield, 
 Prepared for Oscur of the severe blows. 
 
 Oscur did not give him rest or quarter, 
 But severely dealt each fierce blow ; 
 At the close of the severe combat, 
 Of Meargach he cut his head. 
 
144 
 
 O. <Do có5bAíi)A]}ii;e, Art *Fbl*T>0, t^u^ti), 1 
 a']* cac 5A]jt cAO|T)ce 30 c|tuA|8 ; 
 a búbA]]tc toac 2t)beAti5Ai5 rtA Urtrt, 
 c|5eAÓ peAja Art) corbbAil uA]b ? 
 
 T^b^1t>l3 co]\)-^rr)]^, a'j* t><* córbbAil, 
 Lon5AbÁrt trtAC BrutA^r) rtA rt-eAc; 
 Airtjrt) Trtjc 2t)beAn3Ai5 da Urtrt, 
 C]A|tbArt bob' fó^AllAC a b-ctteAf. 
 
 Sul f6 b-CU5ATrt CA]»5 At) CACA, 2 
 
 Ofcujt bA c]tuA5 5Art cuji a ]*ujrn ; 
 
 bo bí IjoncA bo cn&AccAib AÓbAl, 
 
 o 2t)beAjt5AC cnóbA rtA 5-cnuAÓ srvjorb* 
 
 Ku5Art)A|l Art IaOC CAltrtA, 
 
 o ArbArtc i>a b-^eAjt rnoji-cneArt, 3 
 a'j* b'jAnjt ceAb Aft pbiortt) An b-cup, 
 bul bo corbftAC Trtjc 2t)b^^5^15 V&]V' 
 
 Níofi aot)cu]5 ^ortrt bo'rt Iaoc cajó, 
 bul bo corb|iAC le CjAnbArt rneAjt; 
 bo cujjteAÓ leigeAf ne a órteAÓAjb, 
 
 r ir 3 e *w 5° Wis 6u iw A " r^n* 
 
 1 To show how various copies of the poem differ ; as indeed do all our 
 Ossianic and other compositions, when transcribed by illiterate scribes* 
 we quote the following stanzas from Mr. O'Grady's copy, which was 
 written in 1845, by an intelligent blacksmith, named Griffin, in Kilrush, 
 county of Clare :— 
 
 "ftt* cujcjn) t>o 2J)heATi5Ac ceAiw, 
 bA bofib P05AUAC a &-cúr 5le6 ; 
 A tmbAjTic a tíjac le slóft i)Aft 5iieAi)T7, 
 
 C|5eAC A1JIJ ^CAtt ATI? CÓ|fW" 
 
 Upon the fall of stout Meargach, 
 Who was fierce and destructive in the beginning of battle ; 
 His son said in an unpleasant tone, 
 Let a man meet me here. 
 
145 
 
 We, the Fenians, raised a shout of triumph, 
 And the foe a bitter wail ; 
 The son of Meargach of the spears said, 
 Let a man from among you come to meet me ? 
 
 There came in his presence to face him, 
 
 Longadan, the son of Brodin, of the steeds ; 
 The name of the son of Meargach of the swon 
 [Was] Ciardan, the avenger in battles. 
 
 Before I render an account of the battle,* 
 Pity that Oscur should not be immortalized, 
 He was covered with huge wounds, 
 By heroic Meargach of the hard deeds. 
 
 We brought the magnanimous hero [with us], 
 From the sight of the great mighty men ; 
 And he asketh leave of Fionn first 
 To go fight Meargach's son. 
 
 Fionn would not consent that the noble hero, 
 Should go to fight Ciardan the swift ; 
 Healing medicine was applied to his wounds, 
 And soon to us it was sad. 
 
 Again ; — 
 
 " Sul A &-CU5A& CUATlAtSbívl AT) CACA, 
 
 Orcuti bA ctAUA5 5ATJ a cutx a ruitr) ; 
 &o b) ceirjTj ctiéACCAC Fatjtj, 
 
 5AI) CApA 5ATJ TtieAbAJtX 3AT) !" 
 
 * Before I relate the account of the battle, 
 Pity that Oscur would not be noticed ; 
 He was sick, wounded, and weak, 
 Without agility, without sense, without strength ! 
 
 Again : — 
 
 44 50 CIieAr&A 6 ATTJAttC CAC." 
 
 Mildly from the gaze of the rest. 
 
 10 
 
146 
 
 O. cat; b'T*A5bArt)ATi ati Iaoc, 
 
 T*jT)ce 50 £aoi) ati leAb<v fuAfr) ; 
 a't 1 luce £|te<xf*b<v]l l t)A corbel, 
 
 CAf)5ATT)ATt bO IaCATTI A!) CAC<\ luA8Af*. 
 ^'jOT^A]^ C^ATl-bAT) 30 CaItT)A, 
 
 A5iif Loo5AbÁT) bA 3^|tb 5le6ó ; 
 a't* T/joTi b-pAbA b5|b a r^le^c, 
 
 At) CAT) CUJfteAÓ TT)AC B|1UA]bjT) ATI ^GÓJ ! 2 
 
 <Do iu]z, a Pb^criA^c, b'Ári b-pb^ir)r), 
 
 le C]ATtbAT), A T)-AOT)ATt, AT) céAb Ia ; 
 
 be]cr)eAbATi a't* cé<\b b't*eATtAib óftuAiÓ 
 bA 6A]Ci)]b biiiT)i) UA]r)t) Ajt TT)-bl<xc. 3 
 
 <t>0 CUTC lejf AT) bATlÁ IA, 
 
 3 at) beArnjAÓ Aft a ctjeir* cAojrt) ; 
 bA céAb t:eA]t bA caIttja lúc, 
 
 A Pf)ÍVC|tAlC ! bA ÓÚbAC AT) CéTtT). 
 
 21t) CAT) bO COT)A|TtC 3^U TT)AC 2t)ÓTtT)A, 
 CfATlbAT) A5 CÍOTtbAÓ T)A fluAj ; 
 bo sluATf T*éjT) T)A c6tt)6atI, 
 
 a'|* T)jOTl b-t^AbA ATI lAft 50 b-puA]Tl. 
 JaTI b-CUTCTTT) bO Cbl^TtbAT) Tie 
 
 bo 5ÁIT1, bo 5lA]tT), a't/ bo caojt) cac ; 
 bo g&ifi lé ll4C5A^Tl A1) pbl^t)^ 
 5^6' T)*VTt f AÓTl ]Ab Ó ÓlOTT)bÁÓ. 
 
 TA]t)i3 beATib|tACA]Ti bo CbiATib^i), 
 
 b'&Tl bA C0TT)-A1T)TTT) Lta5&T) TT>eATl ,* 
 
 bA CTtÓbA CaItT)A é TT)ATt IaOC, 
 
 a't* ATI TreAbAf T)A ^*6TT)T)6 b'f:Ó5A]Tl CAC. 4 
 
 1 luce ntcArt>A|l, i.e., attendants, or persons to wait upon him, nurses. 
 
 2 peóó, or peócAó, to fade, wither, er decay. 
 
 3 L>Uvc, flower ; by which the poet indicates that the flower of the 
 Fenian army were slain in the engagement. 
 
147 
 
 0. When we left our hero, 
 
 Feebly laid upon a bed of repose, 
 
 And attendants with him, 
 
 We made towards the battle I announced. 
 
 Ciardan encountered stoutly, 
 With Long'adan the tough in battle, 
 Nor long were they in the conflict, 
 When the son of Brodin was put to death ! 
 
 There fell, Patrick, of our Fians, 
 By Ciardan alone, on the first day, 
 One hundred and ten of hardy men, 
 Sad to us was the loss of the flower [of our hosts] . 
 
 There fell by him on the second day, 
 Without his smooth skin being reddened, 
 Two hundred men with sinews strong, 
 O Patrick ! sorrowful was the deed. 
 
 When Goll Mac Morna beheld 
 Ciardan sweeping away the hosts, 
 He himself went forth to meet him, 
 And 'twas not long till he laid him low. 
 
 On the fall of Ciardan by Goll, 
 
 He shrieked and yelled, and his friends wailed ; 
 The Fenians shouted with gladness, 
 Though they were not free from sorrow. 
 
 A brother of Ciardan arrived, 
 
 Whose name was Liagan the active ; 
 
 He was a hero valorous and stout, 
 
 And the bravest of the Fians he challenged. 
 
 * fc'^osAifi caz, he proclaimed battle, i.e., he challenged the best among 
 the Fians to combat. 
 
148 
 
 O. ^<MtM3 ** 3-córbbA|l lejf* fúb, 
 
 Céffijt) ttjac LúTjAfó b<\ 6|Ar) livrr?, 
 
 trjoji b-f*AbA 66|b A3 ffúbAl, 
 
 tHiAfTi b| Céjfrjr) ttjac LugAjÓ Aft lAft. 
 
 b'Aji b'Afrjftt) 2t)A5tmj* tdac LobAjt&|r), 
 bo cujc t^r) a'j* céAb bo't) b-pé^r)?), 
 le l/fA5&t> cjxoóa <vn AotiAfiAt). 
 
 í)o 3lu<\,]f Corj&t) tjati b|&t) a 3-CAC, 1 
 a']* rjATt l^tfi cÁ]l 5A^5e t><v 3Trjrb ; 
 a 5-c6ri)ÓÁ]l L|A3Á]i^ aji ceAcb bo l&cAift, 
 II* bAoc bo cuA|]tb a trfft. rbAOfl ! 
 
 J Aft b-ceAcc bo Cfyoy&f) a b-t*03uf* bo, 
 bo CÓ5 L]A3ívt) 30 cji58a a Uv|rb, 
 If* cftefpe ottc at) t:eATt A|t bo cúl, 
 t)A rt)f j*e fiorrjAb, Aft Cot)&t>« 
 
 í/péAC I/IA3ÁI) CjtÓÓA t)A 8|A|3, 
 
 a'|* b<V CApA At) JArtTlACC, A3 Cot) At) ; 
 t>í T^I^IS ^ e 1T t^ACATT) CAJ1 ATf*, 
 AT) CeATir) 3UJ1 t*5ATl Ó T)A TT)U|t)éAl ! 
 
 Míott feAT/AfTt) Cotjat) ^t) bAll, 
 
 a't* TTfOTt |A|tji t:eAtt a ceÁcc a o-atc; 
 
 bo 3luA|r* bo cójTt jieACA |*AOf 'tt b-pfA^T), 
 
 A'f bO CATC A lAlK) Óf* A lÁflT). 
 
 t)'^! Af*ftA|ó pAolar) bo't) b-t;eAri ttjaoI, 
 cftéAb t*ac t)Ajt feAfrbAfb av) ball, 
 
 5Uft llAlfteAC A1) 3t)fOTT) bo JlTt)t), 
 
 a'|* 3UT/1 le ceAhj cufc L1A5AI} aí)1). 
 
 1 N&t 1 ólAi) a 5-CAc, noí powerful in battle. In this stanza Conan is 
 represented as the greatest of cowards. He never sought praise for any feat 
 he performed, and very justly, because he did nothing to boast of, having 
 exhibited the most glaring acts of cowardice on every occasion. On this 
 
149 
 
 0. There arrived in his company, 
 
 Ceirin, the son of Lughaidh, of the vehement hand ; 
 
 Not long were they engaged, 
 
 When Ceirin the son of Lughaidh fell. 
 
 Another of the Fianna arrived, 
 Whose name was Magnus Mac Lobharain ; 
 He with one hundred of our men fell 
 By Liagan the heroic alone. 
 
 Conan, never potent in battle, 
 And who never sought fame for valour or deeds, 
 Went to meet Liagan, who when he came in his pre- 
 sence, 
 
 Said, " silly is thy visit, thou bald man !" 
 
 When Conan came nigh to him, 
 Liagan fiercely raised his hand ; 
 More dangerous for thee is the man behind, 
 Than I before thee, saith Conan. 
 
 Liagan the heroic looked behind, 
 
 And quick was the blow made by Conan ; 
 
 Before he could look forward, 
 
 His head was severed from the neck ! 
 
 Conan did not maintain his ground, 
 Nor did he ask any to take his place ; 
 He ran with all haste towards the Fians, 
 And flung his blade from his hand. 
 
 Faolan enquireth of the bald man, 
 Why he did not maintain his ground ; 
 That he was guilty of a shameful act, 
 And that 'twas by treachery Liagan fell. 
 
 occasion, however, he was cunning enough to alarm his antagonist Liagan, 
 falsely telling him of an attack from the rear ; and thus avail himself 
 of the opportunity, whilst he looked backwards, to cut off his head. 
 
150 
 
 O. ^ív b-c|5e<v8 l|orr)f^ le b _ Aor)bé]rt), 
 
 at) |*Iua3 cttéAT) bo curt curt) b&jf ; 
 le cejlj, T)|on T)An l^orr) at) be^vnc, 
 a't; t)| b-p^5bAO]|* V°i*5 Artie Af 5 t)<\ b-'pjA'OT). 
 
 )rr)C]5, An T^aoIAt), ór/Aub, 
 
 a't/ 5IAC Ab l^rt) bo Iat;t) f ; 
 
 A V r^^S^lT 1 CA «^ caIti)<v cuóóa, 
 
 An t;eA|t bo'rr c-fl65 rn&f A] I, t)0 Aft 6jf\ 
 
 geAbAb bo coT^A^nle, An ConAT), 
 5|6 b'é A5u^b le'n r)An rr)o JrvjorT); 
 -p65nAÓ -pé]t) cac Ay corbrtAC, 
 An ^eAn t)5 66 bo't) c-t/luAg-buTb^T). 
 
 'Cjti.odl Art) 6Á]lfe, An T^aoIat), 
 
 a't; coT)5bAi8 Iátí) lion) at)t)|* a T)3l|Ab ; 
 tda't; tuiqrr) 6att) le't) ce qoct/AT/, 
 5A^nrr) cu3Ab ^eAn bo't) )*bl^t)p. 
 
 M] jtACAb ATT) AOT)Ajt AT)T), 
 
 T)A ^oj* Ab bAilf], An at) treAn tttaoI ; 
 biv Ti)0 cuiqTt) bArbpA a "pb^olA^n, 
 Tjjort b'é att) bArn bejc A3 51ao6^c ! 
 
 'Cai.u Tt)<vn aot) 1]oti), a £]n tí)A0]1, 
 a'i; r AbA|n leAc Aníf bo Iat)t) ; 
 1)A t/at) att) ^ocaiji rn&f Ai,l We, 
 VQ'&y eA5Al leAc các bob' c6at)t) ! 
 
 <t)0 C^aII pAolÁT) A't; AT) peAfl TT)Aol, 
 
 30 nAT)3AbA]t a n^OT) coj* An co]\ ; 
 
 at) A^c 't)a nAtb t|A3AT) An Ian, 
 
 a pb^olAjT) ! An CoT)&T), b] Ab COfb ? 
 
If I could by one blow 
 
 Put the mighty host to death, 
 
 By artifice, I would not blush at the deed, 
 
 And they would not be sheltered by the Fians 
 
 Go, saith Faolan, loudly, 
 
 And take thy sword in thy hand again, 
 And proclaim battle fiercely and heroically, 
 To one of the host if they will, or to two. 
 
 I shall not take thy advice, saith Conan, 
 Whoever of you is ashamed of my act, 
 Let himself proclaim battle and fight, 
 Against one or two of the host. 
 
 Approach with me, saith Faolan, 
 
 And give me a helping hand in the battle ; 
 If I fall by him that comes, 
 Call to thy aid one of the Fians. 
 
 I shall neither go there alone, 
 
 Nor yet with thee, saith the bald man ; 
 
 "Were I to fall, O Faolan, 
 
 Then it would be too late for me to call ! 
 
 Come along with me, bald man, 
 And bring with thee again thy sword ; 
 Stay not with me if thou likest, 
 If thou art afraid of losing thy head. 
 
 Faolan and the bald man proceeded, 
 Till they both reached step by step, 
 The place where Liagan lay, 
 Faolan ! saith Conan, be silent ? 
 
152 
 
 í)0 CÓ5 AT) peATl TTJAol A Ut)1), 
 
 a't* bo ti^c 50 ceAT)i) t^aoi, at; b-péjiro; 
 b'r^ó^AiTi 'pAolAT) at) cac 50 Ji-Ajtb, 
 ati r^eAbAT' r-165 c&c a 5-có]Tb-5lqc. 
 
 <Do caii)]5 50 b-éAf5A 'tja cdrb^Ail, 
 Iaoc £OftriAT)cA bA 5ATib 5ló|t; 
 
 ^Aol-CjAb 1 bO 5T)A]C A A1T)]rt), 
 
 a't* a Iaitt) 't*^ T31^ t)^ beAj* Ia]tí?. 
 
 MjOjt b-^AbA bo't) b]y a b-c|to|b tja Iatjtj, 
 50 b-pACArr)<\ri, a't* bA 5fieAT)r) Tie các ; 
 pAolAi) c\]ybe, ati T)5ATib Iaoc, 
 ati cíil fséjce A5 <t)AOlc]Ab AlT). 
 
 <Do CÓ5bAbATl CÁC 5&TICA 5|tlT)T), 
 
 cé'jt 6o]l|5 A 3-CA07 cTie bÁf L7A5A19 ; 
 
 bo có5bArr;AiTiT)e jAtica 50]! 
 
 cTie cjié^OT) a tjeipc bo pb^olAT) ! 
 
 130 CUaIa|6 OfCUJt ATI TJ-UAjll 5Á]Tl, 
 ATI A leAbA TTJAft A jlA]b Z° V^VV > 
 CA AT) CAC CO^CCeAT)!) A|t fé, 
 
 a'-|* t)í bejb t)8Ac bo'i) ^béitro tiottjattj j:ao| c6AT>t>. 
 
 I^OTl b-T^AbA 30 b-"pACATT>ATt A 5 CeACC, 
 
 at) Iaoc tdbati caIida ati CTiéAt; lúc ; 
 ijjoTt b-peAf bú]T)0 511TI Ab é b] atjt), 
 511T1 beAt)T;u75 50 ceAtWfA b'pbioTM). 
 
 <t>0 f AOjl TTjé, A "pbltW ! Aft fe, 
 
 AT) CAT) CUaI<V|Ó AT) ^Á^Tl ÓobjTOjT) ; 
 T)AC TlA^b IaOC Of5ATlÓA ATI AT) 5~CT)0C, 
 
 aY bu^T)e A5u^b t)& TiA^b beó! 
 
 1 i.e., The dark-haired 
 
153 
 
 0. The bald man raised his sword 
 
 And ran quickly towards the Fians ; 
 
 Faolan loudly proclaimed battle 
 
 To the bravest of the foe single-handed. 
 
 There came quickly to meet him, 
 A valiant hero with bombastic talk, 
 Daolchiabh was his usual name, 
 And his shield and spear were in his right hand. 
 
 The two were not long fighting with their swords 
 Till we saw, and to our foes it was a cause of joy, 
 Faolan the active, our brave hero, 
 Behind his shield by noble Daolchiabh. 
 
 They [the enemy] raised a shout of joy, 
 
 Though sorrowful they wept at the death of Liagan ; 
 
 We raised a shout of wailing 
 
 For the failure of his strength by Faolan ! 
 
 Oscur heard our loud shout 
 
 In his bed where he was feebly laid ; 
 
 The battle is general, saith he, 
 
 Before I arrive the Fians will be all beheaded ! 
 
 It was not long till we saw approaching, 
 The stout swift hero in full speed ; 
 "We knew not that 'twas he was there 
 Till he courteously saluted Fionn. 
 
 I imagined, Fionn ! saith he, 
 When I heard the sorrowful wail, 
 That there was not a brave hero left on the hill, 
 And that not one of you was left alive ! 
 
lo4 
 
 O. <Do b] ^aoIívi) Af <DaoIc|ad, 
 
 a t^leo A5ur* a 5-corbftAc cfiuAib ; 
 A3 5eAfiftAÓ ^eólA, cojtp, a't* cy'&rt), 
 
 A T)-ATT)AjtC ATKVOT) bA CJlUAg ! 
 <t>'|ATiri ¥101)1) ATI AT) lAOC CaItTJA, 
 
 Ofcuji A]5eAT)CA it* é luAÓAirr), 
 
 bal Aft] i* cA|i Ai|» bo't) bur), 
 
 A 'r 5<H> £uijie<vc £0 lúc at) gleó. 
 
 TtACAb CAfl tr/AlT*, A f\)]VV CA1Ó ! 
 ATI OfCUTt TTÁTl cIáIC A T)5l]AÓ ; 
 T)6 50 b-^ATCpeAb C]A aco bo'ti b]f, 
 
 bo cujcpeAT* t*at) vsvjott) le b-éA5« 
 
 <Do b] pAol&T) bÁ CJ1AOCAÓ 50 TÍTÓTl, 
 A5 <t)A0l6lAb 50 CTIÓÓA, teATJT) j 
 A T^b^oUlT) ! ATI OfCUTl T)A Ut)T) T^ATl, 
 
 cu iu]Z]rt) le <DaoI liom tMOTi 5|teAirt>. 
 
 «tVfíéAC pAolAT), a'|* bA CTIUA1Ó A CAf, 
 
 ATI Ofcurt le bjortiOAÓ itja SO^lf ; 
 
 A frlATC T)A lAOC CAllt)A, ATI fé, 
 
 tt)á cuiqrr) r)A CTieij rr>o cuif\ 
 cujqrr) buic le «DAolcjAb 
 
 A pbAolÁIT) ! CIA b|AT) A CttOTT) flog ', 
 CUIC^eAbT-A A5UJ* filing T)A b-'PlAT)!), 
 
 1)6 cu]CT:|& <t)Aolc]Ab Ab óeojg. 
 
 Cuiriwis, a fb*ol*MT) ! *|t OfcuTt cjiéAi), 
 3UTV b'iortiÓA Iaoc bo cuic leb' Iaitt); 
 aV 1)AC cuibe 6u|c a T)-Arr)ATic t)A b-'pjAtii), 
 
 5 At) feAfATT) le ^AolciAb A T)-bÁ]l. 
 
155 
 
 0. Faolan and Daolchiabh were 
 In battle and hard conflict ; 
 Cleaving flesh, body and bones, 
 To see them both was pitiful ! 
 
 Fionn asked the chivalrous hero, 
 Oscur the magnanimous, I mean, 
 To go back again to the Dun, 
 And not to remain under the excitement of the fight. 
 
 ■ £ * ■ ■, 
 
 I shall not return, noble Fionn ! 
 Saith Oscur who was not feeble in battle, 
 Until I see which of the two it is 
 That will fall in the action. 
 
 Faolan was greatly overpowered 
 
 By Daolchiadh the valiant and stout ; 
 
 Faolan ! saith Oscur, of the sharp blades, 
 
 Thy fall by Daol would not be pleasant to me. 
 
 Faolan gazed, and perilous was his position, 
 On Oscur, with grief in his countenance, 
 prince of heroes brave, saith he, 
 If I fall, forsake not my cause. 
 
 If thou fallest by Daolchiabh, 
 
 Faolan ! though fierce his great hosts, ■ 
 The Fenian hosts and I shall fall, 
 Or Daolchiabh shall fall after thee. 
 
 Eemember, Faolan ! saith the valiant Oscur, 
 That many a hero fell by thy hand, 
 And that it ill becomes thee before the Fians 
 If thou stand not with Daolchiabh hand to hand. 
 
156 
 
 N]Ofi b-t: AbA 6íqr)t) n)A|t fjt), 
 30 b-£ACATT)ATi a'j* bVoityiK) ai; f5éAl ; 
 í)Aolc]Ab A3 'pAOlíU) 3At) ceA^t), 
 
 A'f bO CÓ3bATt)A|l 3Á||X 3|t]T)f) Tt)A|t b'éA5 t 
 
 21 búbAiftc 0|*cufi bo 311c Ajtb, 
 c|3eAÓ các u]le bVot) cAO]b ; 
 A Y S^bAjb cac co]cceAT)o S^T 1 ^ 
 3At) tt)OjU le feA|i3 fluA^ce FblW- 
 
 f3^|tfAb]*A A]t pAolAT) 1)A lA1)1>, 
 
 30 b-cuitj^ó Ijort? tujle bo't) c-fl.63; 
 lerr/ Iá^tí? £é]t) b"^or)A]tÁT), 
 Tt?ur)A 3-cu]tcA]t le các aji ^eog ! 
 
 )t)V]r, * 0]r)r), &'y t)Á cap bjtéA3, 
 
 c|téAb t)ac cac co]cceAT)n, ceAt>t), 
 £UA|fi 2t)eAjt3Ac 'f^ f Iwa^ A|t b-cúf ? 
 
 21 PbÁcjtAic ! T)ío|t 31^0 le^f at) b-pé^rj, 
 3AT) jtó^A 5I1A8 bo CAbAijtc bo các ; 
 trjoji ío^Tbujr) leó ceAls t)A ?t)eAt>3, 
 t)6AC bo't) bjteArr; trjojt b'é civ^l. 
 
 Híojt óiúltui.3 At) 'pblApt) |te da 
 
 a 5-CAc t)Á 3-co|rbeAf3u|i cjié]t) fló^, 
 
 CAC CO]CÓeAT)I) 1)6 At) AOT)Afl, 
 
 bo cAbA]|tc bVor) b'^AftpAÓ é. 
 
 «Dob' cuAjiA^bíVjl 30 jqojt leAi), 
 
 30 b-jrA^tDAOjb c|qoct)Ú3AÓ At) caca cjiuaiS, 
 
 1)6 aji iu]z at; £eA|t bojib úb, 
 
 bÁ i)30||iceA|t bo 3t)AC leAc pAol&t)? 
 
157 
 
 0. Not long were we thus [situated] 
 
 Till we saw, and pleasant was the sight, 
 
 Daolchiabh by Faolan beheaded, 
 
 And we raised for his death a shout of triumph ! 
 
 Oscur saith in a loud voice, 
 Let them all come at once, 
 And they shall encounter a fierce general battle 
 Without delay from the wrathful Fian-host. 
 
 I shall not give up, saith Faolan of the blades, 
 Till more of the host shall fall, 
 By my own hand in single combat, 
 Unless they put me to death. 
 
 P. Kelate, Oisin, and tell no lie, 
 
 If ye, the Fenians, were the most expert, 
 Why was it that a determined general battle 
 Meargach and his hosts did not encounter at first ? 
 
 0. Patrick ! it was not customary with the Fenians 
 Not to give choice of the fight to their foes, 
 They cherished not treachery nor malice 
 'Twas not the fame of any of the tribe. 
 
 The Fians refused not to give during their time 
 Battle or contest of mighty hosts, 
 General battle, or single combat, 
 To any one who sought it. 
 
 P. Thy narrative follow truly 
 
 Till we find how the hard battle ended, 
 Or did that mighty hero fall, 
 Whom so often thou calledst Faolan ? 
 
153 
 
 £ati é]y <DbAotc]Ab bo cun euro b&fp ; 
 b'jATiu P'aoIím) ceAb Aft ) r b|oi)t), 
 bul bo corbjtAc tjat) cAjjrbe ah b]c, 
 le Iaoc e|le bo fluAg CA]C. 
 
 2Í0Í)CA T)A }^]T)T)e At) CAT) pUA]U, 
 
 b'j:05Ain 50 cnuA^b cac ati cAc ; 
 ca^t)|5 Iaoc b'An bA córb-A]T)]rrj, 
 Cjat) ttjac Lacctja T)A CÓTT)bA]l. 
 
 «D'jo^r^lá Ai) b^p beA5-lAOC a cé|le, 
 50 cnéAT) caIttja cuua]Ó ; 
 tvjon b-f AbA 5un b'AO^bitír) bú]T)r) ; 
 A,'? các 50 búbAc f ao] I AT)-3Jiu a ]ttj. 
 
 CUJ pAolÁT) AT) bATIA bélTT), 
 
 curt) CblAit) tt)]c Lacctja t)a 5-cnuAÓ IaT)T); 
 
 AT) CAT) bO COT)CATT)ATl A5 CeACC, 
 
 jvjo^AjTi cAilce bA bneÁ^A 5t)Ú]t\ 
 
 <£)0 CUJC C]AT) TtlAC L<VCCT)A le pAOl-AT), 
 
 t-ul t:a b-cÁ]t)i5 A t> T^ ^^ CU5AIW ; 
 bo f5u|Tt A t) 3^6 au 5AÓ cAob, 
 a 5 T:e|ceAtt) t)A beA5-ri)T)A ub. 
 
 <Do co5bA& Tie các jatica cao], 
 
 ATI A]ZX)e T)A TTjog-TfjTjA bÓ]b, 
 
 bO b] AT) 'pbl^t) 1)^ I'OT'b bA V)-^TT)ATIC, 
 
 A 1 *s ríon fi le ! 
 
 21] jt a ceATjT; bo b=j at) £olc ótiÓa, 
 
 A Pb&CTlAlC ! T)| 50 bATÍ7 A TT)A0]Ó6ATb 
 V) £ACA CUfA T)A bO 4Dbl<S 
 
 a f An;u|l bo C]Ab ATI aot; TbrjAOf. 
 
159 
 
 After putting' Daolchiabh to death, 
 Faolan asketk leave of Fionn, 
 To go fight without any delay 
 Another hero of the host. 
 
 When he obtained the consent of the Fians, 
 
 He vehemently proclaimed battle against the foe ; 
 
 A hero, whose name was 
 
 Gian Mac Lachtna, came to meet him. 
 
 The two brave heroes attacked each other, 
 Mightily, fiercely, and sternly ; 
 'Twas not long till we rejoiced, 
 And the foe was sorrowful and gloomy. 
 
 Faolan had hardly dealt the second blow, 
 To Cian Mac Lachtna of the hard blades, 
 When we beheld approaching 
 A fair princess of noble features. 
 
 Cian Mac Lachtna fell by Faol an 
 Before the princess arrived ; 
 The battle was relinquished on each side, 
 Waiting the arrival of that fair lady. 
 
 The enemy raised a wail of grief 
 On recognising the princess ; 
 The Fians were silently gazing at her, 
 Whilst she incessantly shed tears ! 
 
 On her head were the golden locks, 
 
 Patrick ! it is no falsehood to proclaim, 
 
 Thou nor thy God never saw 
 
 Such hair upon [the head of] any woman. 
 
160 
 
 i^l^ftAib f j bo tjIóji bA focrrrA, 
 civ ttAib f]or)r), |tl3 t>A b-T^jAT)^ ; 
 i)6 Aft cu]c a ce^le caotí), rrreAft, 
 a'j* a &if it) ac cA'tt 5<xb flAb. 
 
 Cja bo cé]\e caott), Aft piotw, 
 ft)T)ff* búftft) a't; bo 6)y rt)AC ; 
 ti)a't* cufC|rt) bóib ati crjoc at) Afjt, 
 bo TjeAb^ji a b-cAf*5 le bfiejc leAc? 
 
 SifT^rr) tt)0 cé^le bA rt)óft ouaó, 
 2t)eA]t5Ac cftuAfó t)A Iat)t) r^lAf ; 
 a't* ti)o óíf it)AC, CfAftbAT) bA cftéAt), 
 A511T/ 1/|A5at) bo b] ceAt)i) a 5-CAC. 
 
 21 ftjo^AfT) c&fó, bo ftAjb pfO^T), 
 
 CfA 50 T1)0 l^OrbcA, CApA, CfléAT); 
 
 bo cufteAbAfi At) cjt]uft ub luAÓAff*, 
 a 5-CAC t/a T)5lf aó bÁ ri)éfb a lúc. 
 
 <Do rs^eAb Ajuf bo 5<vjft at) ftfosAfT) Af5, 
 A5ut; bo jrteAb t)A bAf*A 50 lort) CTIUA5 ; 
 bo f|l 50 5u^|tc t:ft<vf*A beott, 
 a't; búbA^Ttc, Tt)o bftói)! ca b-t:ufl ri)0 cft|ujt 
 
 <t)o 5IUA11* Ai) ftiogAjT) c Alice, 
 50 bf at) A5 T/5]teAbA f:6't) Aft ; 
 50 Tta]T)i5 f*f 50 beAcc At) Aic, 
 1t)A jtA^b a cé]le 'f*A fc>ÍT* Art l&ft. 
 
 <Do C]OT)ól AT) T^blA^T) AT)Offt 'fA T)f Aft, 
 
 a']* bo qorjol c&c Tt)Att iAb 50 claic ; 
 
 Of 3AC CAob A? Aftb bo'T) CT)OC, 
 
 A3 éfpceAcc le CAOi^-juc t)A tt)T)A. 
 
101 
 
 0, She enquircth in a gentle voice, 
 
 Where was Fionn, the king- of the Finns, 
 Or did her gentle husband fall, 
 And where were her two sons ? 
 
 Who is thy gentle husband, saith Fionn, 
 Relate to us, and thy two sons ; 
 If they fell on the Hill of Slaughter, 
 You will get their history to bring home. 
 
 The name of my husband, whose sway was great, 
 [Was] hardy Meargach of the green blades, 
 And my two sons were Ciardan the valiant, 
 And Liagan, who was stout in battle. 
 
 noble princess, saith Fionn, 
 
 Though accomplished, agile, and mighty, 
 
 The Three thou speakest of fell 
 
 In battle and conflict, though great their agility. 
 
 The noble princess cried and wailed, 
 And wrung her hands in dismal grief ; 
 She shed a bitter flood of tears, 
 And exclaimed ! where are my Three ? 
 
 The bright princess went forth 
 
 Intensely wailing among the slain, 
 
 Till she reached the spot, 
 
 Where her husband and two sons fell. 
 
 The Fians mustered east and west, 
 The foe, in like manner, feebly came 
 From every side and peak of the hill, 
 Listening to the caoin of the woman. 
 
102 
 
 9X Pb^cfiAjC ! t>í £ aca bo «Dbl^, 
 bo clé||t frof, r>&, cú t:éiTi ; 
 rr)ACf\<XTT)uil tta tt)T)& úb, 
 A b-peATtf a, a 3-cló, Y A n^lffN 
 
 cat) cí\]r)]5 6f cjor)t) tta 3-coTip, 
 bo ftoc a ^olc b) Afl ÓAC AT) ó]|t ; 
 
 bO fjt) CATtfTJA A]t AT) b-CTtlÚft, 
 
 3 AT) CAp<V, 3AT) lÚC, 5AT) CfteOjTt ! 
 
 i)'ACftA|5 A ll-éAbAT) TT)A1T*eAC, TT)]^, 
 
 a be&TtCA 5Ti1t>t) beAft.3 3ftuAÓ ; 
 a leACA, a b&Al, a't* a cjtuc 50 léjjt, 
 A t»att)utI bo't) éAj bA cttuaJ ! 
 
 M]0]t b-fTAbA 6Ú]t)T), A Pb^XCTtATC ! TT)ATt flTT, 
 50 T)-beACAT& T*! A TT-éAÍATb bAlf, 
 
 <Do c55<x]b at) t)AtT)Aib uaiII-cao] 3é<\ft, 
 
 A*f AT) pbl^t)0 £&TT) bj pAO} 6"JOTT)bA8 ! 
 
 <t)0 |*AO]leATT)A|TlT)e a'j* £óf CAC, 
 30 b-tniAjTt b&f at)0 5At> &W\rt) \ 
 
 bO CA]T)]3 T)A CJtUC t:6]T) ATVjf, 
 
 A't; bO CAT) A3 CAO| AT) U0| TtlAjt leAT)A]* ! 
 
163 
 
 0. Patrick ! thy God bath not seen, 
 Nor yet thy clerics, nor thyself, 
 The equal of that woman, 
 In figure, form, and countenance. 
 
 When she stood over their bodies, 
 
 She tore her hair, which was of the colour of gold, 
 
 She stretched across the Three 
 
 "Without movement, energy, or strength ! 
 
 Her beautiful and smooth forehead changed [colour], 
 Her sparkling eyes and crimson face, 
 Her cheeks, mouth, and form all over, 
 Her equal to face death was woful ! 
 
 Not long were we, Patrick I thus, 
 Till she fell into the swoon of death ; 
 The foe raised a bitter wail, 
 And the Fians themselves were in grief ! 
 
 We and the foe imagined, 
 
 That she had there died withput a moan ; 
 But she assumed her own shape again, 
 And sung in tears the lay that follows ! 
 
.i. 2l^loe fr)UAÓ-5eAl, a t)-b|A]5 * £11* A 5 u r A 
 bo cu]C aji cnoc At) A|ft. 
 
 O. 21 2t)beAjt5<M5 0*- tv5lA|*-lAr)r) r^éati, 1 
 bob' ^orobA 5I1A6 a'j* cfiort)-cAc; 
 a b-c|oi)6l -pluAg a'|* AOi)A|i^r), 
 
 bO CUjC leb' C|tUAÓ-lA|Tb feAl. 
 
 MjO|t b-peA^«NC rrj6 50 fiA^b ^t;a t)-b]A]5, 
 
 CjléACC 1)A JljAl) ATI bo COflp ; 
 
 Y ir beAjib lioir> 5u]t ce]l5, a 5|ta6, 
 aY t)^c rjeATic IáH) bo buA^Ó 0]tc ! 
 
 <l)ob' f AbA bO CftjAll AT) 1TT)C]AT), 
 
 6b' qri da caoit) 50 b-JiJir P^l^ 2 
 b'iowWS 6 pbiun A5ur tja b-^iAT)^ 
 bo ceAl5 mo cjt]A|t bo'p tij-b&p ! 
 
 1 Tins is a good specimen of the ancient Irish caoin or lament, and is 
 also valuable as embodying and representing the belief in omens by the 
 ancient Irish ; and sufficiently bears out the opinion entertained by those 
 who closely study the early history of our country, as to the eastern 
 origin of its first colonisers. A fragment of this curious poem has al- 
 ready appeared in print, having been published by the late Philip F. 
 Earron of Waterford, in his Magazine, entitled Ancient Ireland, (See 
 Lamentation of Ala over Mordhaigh, p. 105, Dub. 1835) ; but a comparison 
 between that and the present version will show considerable variance 
 and difference. 
 
 2 fair Island of Fail. At p. 130, note 1, referring to this term, we 
 stated, on the authority of Keating, one of the most learned antiquaries of 
 his time, that the Ija Fftjl, from which Ireland received the above name, 
 was removed to Scotland, and thence to Westminster Abbey : where, 
 according to our author, it now lies; but since writing that note, we have 
 consulted Dr. Petrie's Antiquities of Tara Hill, where, at page 150, the 
 learned Doctor states that the Lia Fail is still at Tara, which important 
 discovery, if we might rely on his arguments, would entitle him to the 
 marked thanks of the Irish nation. He states, that after the eventful 
 year, 1798, it was removed from its antient situation in the Rath, called 
 
THE LAY OF THE WIFE OF MEARGACÍI, 
 
 I.E. OF AlLNE, OP THE BRIGHT COUNTENANCE, OVER HER 
 HUSBAND AND TWO SONS WHO FELL AT CnoC-AN-AIR. 
 
 O. O Meargach of the sharp green blades, 
 Many a conflict and severe fight, 
 Amidst the hosts and in single combat, 
 Came oft' by thy hardy hand in thy time. 
 
 I never knew that there remained after them, 
 A wound or scar upon thy breast, 
 And I feel assured, that it was treachery, love, 
 And not the might of arms that overpowered thee ! 
 
 Long was thy journey afar, 
 
 From thine own fair land to Innis Fail ; 
 
 To visit Fionn and the Fians, 
 
 Who treacherously put my Three to death ! 
 
 the Forradh, to mark the grave of the insurgents, slain at Tara in the 
 outbreak of that year. At p. 162, he gives a woodcut representation of 
 this stone, which he describes as but six feet high above ground, but that 
 its real height is said to be twelve feet. It is a matter of surprise that the 
 Council of the Royal Irish Academy, if they believe this to be the Lia Fail, 
 has made no effort to save such a relic, leaving it thus exposed to destruc- 
 tion. Surely when that body makes such strenuous efforts to rescue mat- 
 ters of minor importance as they often do, they should not leave the Lia 
 Fail to merely mark the graves of rebels on Tara Hill ! The identification 
 of the existing stone with the Lia Fail, requires, however, some further 
 corroboration. Taking it that the LiaFail stood upright originally as at pre- 
 sent, and that the monarch inaugurated, stood on the apex of it, while it 
 audibly expressed approbation when the right heir occupied that position, 
 we can hardly conceive that he could have found a locus sta?idi on a space 
 bo unfitted for an exhibition of the kind as the narrow-rounded summit 
 of this stone presents. The account given by our bardic historians of the 
 Lia Fail would lead one to believe that it was a small fiat stone, such as 
 the one now under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey, and not 
 a pillar-stone six feet above ground, and six more below, as Dr. Petrie's 
 account represents it. 
 
166 
 
 O. <Diort)b&6 ! tijo céjle, rt)o ceAijr), 
 
 ho cA^l-leAf le n)eAt)5 i)A b-pjArirj; 
 
 n)0 óíf 05I&C, n)o 8jf itjac, 
 
 11)0 b'feAjiAib bA jAjtb jljAÓ ! 
 
 2t)o curb a ! mo bf a6 A5uf ti)0 Óeoc ! 
 rrjo cuit)a! ii)0 co|*5 ó 5AC A^ab; 
 n)0 curb A I ii)0 crqAll ai) itdciai?, 
 A'f S^T 1 cAjlleAf rt)o Iaocua cA^Ó ! 
 
 2t)0 CÚÍÍ)A ! 11)0 ^bÚl) AH l&ft, 
 
 11)0 curb a ! 11)0 fjAc *Y V5\*t > 
 rr)o curi)A ! 2t)eAU5Ac A'f C]AnbAi), 
 n)0 cutt)A L|A5At) ! bA bneAg cl^Ab ! 
 
 2t)o cuii)A ! n)o coirbeAb A'f rt)o 6jor>, 
 ti)o cutt)a ! n)o bn]5 A5Uf ipo ceAi>r>; 
 n)0 cúif)A ! b'é Af bo^lb ó't) olc, 
 ri)0 cúri) a Ai)Occ ! f |b 50 f Ai)t) ! 
 
 2t)o curi)A ! ri)0 lucj&ijt A'f n)o 5|teAr)r> ? 
 n)o cúrbA ! n)0 geAll Ai)i) 5AÓ A^e, 2 
 rt)o cúrbA ! ii)o luc A'f rr)o rjeAftc, 
 
 11)0 CÚTT)A ! Ó 1)0CC AM)AC 50 b|tAC ! 
 
 2t)o curb<v ! rt)0 qteojn A'f vt)o ch]aII, 
 H)0 cúrbA ! rf)0 rbjAT) 30 IVi) bA^f, 
 rrjo curi)A ! ii)o cA^fje A'f ii)o nejrt), 
 rt)0 cúrbA ! rrjo Iaocua6 bA ca^Ó ! 
 
 2t)o cúrbA ! mo leADAÓ a'j* rrjo f uat>, 
 rrjo curi)A ! n)0 cuA^nc A'f rf)o ceACC ; 
 
 t1)0 CUTT)A ! TT)'0]be A'f 11)0 blAÓ, 
 
 11)0 curi)A c|iA]8ce ! rt)o crqún f eAn ! 
 
 1 Cexujt) means also a head, and in pronunciation and signification 
 strongly resembles the Persian word khan. 
 
107 
 
 0. Sorrowful ! my husband — my chief, 
 I lost by the wiles of the Fians, 
 My two youths — my two sons, 
 My two men who were fierce in battle ! 
 
 My grief ! my food and my drink ! 
 My grief! my precept everywhere, 
 My grief! my journey afar, 
 And that I lost my noble heroes ! 
 
 My grief! my Dun laid low, 
 
 My grief! my shelter and shield, 
 My grief ! Meargach and Ciardan, 
 My grief Liagan ! of the broad chest ! 
 
 My grief! my ward and defence, 
 My grief! my strength and might, 
 My grief it is ! and gloom from evil, 
 My grief this night ! to find ye slain ! 
 
 My grief! my joy and my pleasure, 
 My grief! my desire in each place ; 
 My grief! my agility and my strength [are gone], 
 My grief ! from this night evermore ! 
 
 My grief! my guide and my path, 
 
 My grief ! my love till the day of my death, 
 My grief ! my treasure and my sway, 
 My grief! my heroes who were noble! 
 
 My grief ! my bed and my slumbers, 
 My grief ! my visit and my arrival ; 
 My grief! my consoler and my renown, 
 My sore grief! my three men ! 
 
 2 Aliter, iv|t&, height, everywhere. 
 
1GS 
 
 O. 2t)o cúrb a I iyo n)A]|*e too f3<Mb? r 
 too cutoa ! too féAbA too CAjfje 
 too cutoa ! wo c]ybe a'j* too TOAOit), 
 too cutoa ! too cobble 3A]T3 e • 
 
 2t)o curb* ! too CA^ube a']* roo 3A0I, 
 
 rrjo cutoa ! x\)0 rbu^r)ciTi a']* too CAHAib,. 
 rt)ó cutoa ! tt/ac&iti a't- too rbACAift, 
 tt)0 CUTOA a']* Tt)0 cat- ! f ]b roAub ! 
 
 2t)o cutoa ! n?o pA-|nc a'i* m'^^lce, 
 too cútoa ! rt)0 fl^r)ce 3AC ato, 
 too cúrbA ! too rbéjÓ]fi a't* too fótAf, 
 too 6o^l]5 bolA^f ! i*ib 50 £AOt) ! 
 
 2t)o cutoa ! bo f teA5 a't- bo Iat)0> 
 
 too cutoa ! bo ceAT>r)r'ACc a'i* bo 3uaó, 
 TOO CUTOA ! bO C}Tl a']* ^0 bAjle, 
 too cutoa ! r-]b bo t3^1? e 0T t>' b *M^ • 
 
 2t)o cúrbA ! too cuat) A*f too caIa^c, 
 too cutoa ! too cai^e a'|* too f éAT) ; 
 TOO CUTOA ! TOO TOÓflÓACC a't- too iTjgeACC,, 
 too cutoa a'f too ÓAOj Í fjb 50 b - ^5 • 
 
 2t)o cúrbA ! too nAc 30 b^oro-flAti, 
 too cutoa ! Y]b at) ato 3I1AÓ ; 
 too cutoa ! too qorjdl ^°3> 
 too cutoa ! too cn^An leórbAT) 3no]Óe ! 
 
 2t)o cutoa ! ro'iTOjnc A3uf ro'ól, 
 
 too cutoa ! too ceól A3U|^ ro'AOjboeAf ; 
 
 TOO CUTOA ! TOO gnjATJAO 1 &\ WO bATJOCftACC, 2 
 
 too cutoa caoo^Iac ! r-jb clAO^bce ! 
 
 1 5M^T}ívtj, a summer house, such as is found in gentlemen's gardens, 
 where the ladies of the houshold and their atteudants take shelter from 
 the burning heat of the sun in the summer season. Grianan also was the 
 
169 
 
 0. My grief! my beauty and my adornment, 
 My grief! my jewels and my wealth, 
 My grief ! my treasures and my chattels, 
 My grief ! my three valorous torches of chivalry ! 
 
 My grief! my kindred and my relatives, 
 My grief ! my people and my friends, 
 My grief! my father and my mother, 
 My grief and my sorrow ! that ye are dead ! 
 
 My grief ! my affection and my welcome, 
 My grief ! my health at all times, 
 My grief ! my blitheness and my solace, 
 My harsh desolation ! that ye are feeble ! 
 
 My grief! thy spear and thy lance, 
 My grief ! thy gentleness and love, 
 My grief ! thy country and thy home, 
 My grief ! that ye are separated from me ! 
 
 My grief ! my havens and my coasts, 
 My grief! my wealth and my prosperity, 
 My grief! my greatness and my possessions, 
 My grief and my wail ! are ye till I die ! 
 
 My grief ! my riches all, 
 My grief! your absence in battle time, 
 My grief! my muster of hosts, 
 My grief ! my three heroic lions ! 
 
 My grief ! my games and my festivities, 
 My grief ! my songs and my pleasures ; 
 My grief ! my summerhouse and my train, 
 My crying grief ! that ye are feeble ! 
 
 name by which that portion of a castle or palace set apart, or appropriated 
 for the use of ladies was called — probably our drawing-room or boudoir. 
 2 DAt)i)cftAcc, female attendants, ladies in waiting, &c. 
 
170 
 
 O. 2t)o cúrbA ! tt/f or>o A5uf n/piAbAc, 
 ttjo cúri?A ! tt)0 cft|A|t beAfib Iaoc; 
 rtjo cúri?A oc ! tijo curt) a ]Ab ! 
 a'j* a At) |rt)C|At) bo't) ¥h&]W • 
 
 «DViqt) rt)é Afi At) fluA3 ríge 1 cfiéAr), 
 bo b] a i)5le]c 6y C]ot)y At) í)úlr) ; 
 a 3-CAc le cé]le <v t)3^^c]b Ae^bjfi, 
 30 jtA^b At) léAf) le buA]t)c bori/ qtjúji ! 
 
 Í)'a|C|T) rrjé Aft At) b-jrógAft-guc fjije ! 
 bo fejb 30 Cfiu]t)t) AjreAc An? cluAff ; 
 t)Afi b-pAbA ua^id 30^ t)UA6 f5§il, 
 búfi b-cufqn? é bo cuaji ! 
 
 <D'AfC]t) iDé a b-cúf At) Ue, 
 
 bo ]*3A|t n)o cjtjúfi beA3-lAoc \]ort) ; 
 Aft ArpAjtc béA|tA ^oIa t)A t)5ftu&6, 
 t)Att b-jqlleAÓ j:ao] biiAÓ cú^rr) ! 
 
 «D'AjCjt) rt)é Ajt 3UC t)A Tt)-b<v8b, 
 At)t) buji 3-caca]|i rbe]6]|t 3<vc \)eo\\) ; 
 
 6 |*3A|tAbA||t l]OTT) 30 CftOCAC CAOTT), 
 
 3ujt b-p05uf bATt) léAt) a'j 4 bjtór) ! 
 
 )y C\X\tt)\X) IjOIT) A C^Uffl bA CJléAt) ! 
 
 3U|t Tt)]i)ic n)é l]b bo luAfÓ; 
 
 bÁ rr/frrjceAcc 30 1)-&ffi]t)t) bjb, 
 
 t)AC b-^e^cp]t)r) bújt t>3t>AO| ^ao] bu^ó ! 
 
 l SIUA5 XÍ5 e , fairy host. The recital of the long list of omens in the 
 following stanzas is particularly beautiful and characteristic. A belief 
 in omens is of remote antiquity in Ireland, and, prevails in many 
 parts of the country among the people at the present day. In no 
 other poem in the Irish language is such a long list of omens strung 
 together as in the present one.. Ailne knew by the legions of fairies she 
 saw in a vision fighting in the air, that her heroes would never return 
 to her alive ; also by the hosts in the glens of the sky — by the voice 
 
171 
 
 0. My grief! my lands and my chase, 
 My grief ! my three heroes true ; 
 My grief alas ! my grief are they ! 
 Conquered afar by the Fians ! 
 
 I knew, by the mighty fairy host, 
 That were in conflict over the Dun, 
 Fighting each other in the chasms of the air, 
 That evil would befall my Three ! 
 
 I knew, by the fairy strain, 
 That came direct into mine ear, 
 That evil tidings were not far from me, 
 Your fall was what it portended ! 
 
 I knew, on the morn of that day, 
 On which my three noble heroes parted me, 
 On beholding tears of blood on their cheeks, 
 That they would not return victorious to me ! 
 
 I knew, by the vulture's croak, 
 Over your delightful mansion each evening, 
 Since ye parted me in strength and beauty, 
 That sorrow and gloom were at hand ! 
 
 Well do I remember, mighty Three ! 
 How often I had told to you, 
 That if to Eirinn ye did steer, 
 I would not see you crowned with victory. 
 
 of the sprites of the hill, as it was wafted to her ear on the breeze, — by 
 the mournful cry of the Banshee, which she heard round the Cathair 
 each night, since her heroes departed- -by the deep croak of the raven 
 each morning — by the foam of the torrent, when it changed to the colour 
 of blood — by the visits of the eagle every evening and wheeling ominous 
 in flight over the Dun — by the withering branches of the trees before 
 the Dun— and by the black raven, which she saw flying before them on 
 the way on the day that they left for Eirin— by her broken rest at 
 
172 
 
 O. <t)'AiqT) rrjé Aft guc at) £éjc, 
 
 5AC TT)AlbeAT) Ó CfllAll f]b UA]?t) ; 
 
 3uti cu^qrt? b^b, 6 OATijiArrjuil flop, 
 a't- t)Ati b-p]lleA6 8]b bo'i) qji le buAÓ ! 
 
 <£>'A1C1T) TT)6 A C|tlU]|l bA CA1Ó, 
 
 ati T)-beATiroAb bujt t)-iaII-coi) bjb ; 
 T)Afi b-filleAÓ 6]b ATvjf le buAÓ, 
 3AT) ceAls 6 fluA^qb T^blt»^ 
 
 íí'AiqT) rné a cojr)T)le SA^^e ! 
 
 fftUC AT) eA|*A A5 CAOjb AT) *t)Ú] T) ; 
 ATI TT)-beiC AT) pttll le l]f)T) búft &-C|t|Alll, 
 AT) ^eAll fO fl| ATT) 50 TtAlb A b-p|01)T) ! 
 
 ID'aICIT) TT)e ATI CUAJftb AT) loUlft, 
 
 5AC T)eoiT) A3 ^jlleAÓ ó\ qoT)t) at) Í)ú-it); 
 t)áti b-pAbA 50 3-cIuit)t:it)t) t:6|T), 
 
 CÁf5 bTT0TC-T*5éll 6n)' CTl|UTt ! 
 
 ^'aicjt) TT)é at) cat) b'peoig at) bile, 
 
 'fc>|Tt 56A3 a't* 6u|lle b\ coTf)Ai|t at) 43ú|T), 
 
 T)ATl ceACC £0 buAÓ CA|t T)<V|T* b]b, 
 6 CeAl5A]b ^blt)" TT)]C CÚTT)A]U ! 
 
 tlÁ 1TT)CA]l) p|Ot)T) ! A TXÍ05A1T) A]5 (ATt 3^1^), 1 
 T)A t:6r 1tT)CA]T) AT) pbl^T) J 
 
 T)í le ceil5, t)á le rf)eAT)3, 
 bo cujceAbAfi Ai)T) bo cttiati ! 
 
 C113 at) PI03AIT) T:neA3TtAÓ ati fyc, (ati 5bp*Mi)T)e), 
 
 A3Ur T)ÍO|l CU]Tl T*U]TT) T)A 3I0TI ' 
 
 acc leAi)ri)ú|T) bÁ CAO]í)e a't* bA CAO], 
 30 ffiA]* A3 flop f |le bedTt ! 
 
 night — by the floods of tears which alarmed her in her sleep— by the 
 mournful cry of the favorite hound of Ciardan every evening. — In 
 one dream, she imagines herself to be in the form of a spectre — in 
 another vision, she sees a lake of blood on the site of the Dun ; by all 
 which phenomena she conjectured the fall of her heroes. In the Tale of 
 
173 
 
 0. I knew, by the raven's croaking voice, 
 Each morning since ye left me, 
 That your fall was true and certain, 
 And that ye would not return victorious to your land ! 
 
 I knew, noble Three, 
 
 In forgetting the leashes of your hounds ; 
 That ye would not again return with victory, 
 Without treachery from the hosts of Fionn ! 
 
 I knew, ye torches of valor ! 
 
 By the cascade's stream, near the Dun, 
 Having changed into blood at your departure, 
 That this guile was ever found in Fionn. 
 
 I knew, by the eagle's visit 
 Each evening over the Dun, 
 That ere long I would hear 
 Evil tidings from my Three ! 
 
 I knew, when the huge tree withered, 
 Both branch and leaves before the Dun, 
 That victorious you would never return 
 From the wiles of Fionn Mac Cumhaill ! 
 
 Do not decry Fionn, noble princess (saith Grainne), 
 Nor yet decry the Fians ; 
 'Twas not by treachery nor craft, 
 That thy Three [heroes] fell ! 
 
 The princess made no reply to Grainne, 
 And she heeded not her talk ; 
 But continued her caoine and her wail, 
 Incessantly shedding tears ! 
 
 Deirdre, published in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society (Dub. 1808), 
 similar visions appear to her, respecting Naisi, Ainle, and Ardan. 
 
 » 5n&]We, Grace. This lady was the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, 
 who was monarch of Ireland in the Third Century. She was betrothed 
 to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, but her subsequent amours with Diarmuid 
 O'Duibhne, forms the subject of our Third Volume. 
 
174 
 
 43Vic|i) r\)'e An An^nc búft t)-b]A}£, 
 At; Ia &o cn^All f|b ox) xy-Qxxx) ; 
 A|t ejql At) nóri)A]b atdac, 
 
 1)Ajt CÓrbAjtCA TtJAIC Afl CAfA CÚ5ATI) ? 
 
 ^D'Aiqt) m& An co]i) CblAn&Ait), 
 A5 sIátií) 3ac Tjeoit) ; 
 
 i)Á|t b-fA&A 50 b-^A5AlT)t), t1)0 f>|At) ! 
 bún b-cA|*3, A c|t^A]t, rtjo óobnói) ! 
 
 <t>'Aiqt) rn& Aft eAfbA r^lt)> 
 
 3AÓ o^bce buAT) jro f nocAjb beón ; 
 óxx) nor3A]b 6 rs^t 1 ri° lion?, 
 
 T)Ajt CUAfl CÚri)Í5A]5 6jb|*e A fonc. 
 
 <t)Aiqi) m& An At) Airl]t>5 bn6]t), 
 bo ceA]*bA^t) njo suA^f £>Arn ^éjt) ; 
 5u|t jeAnnAÓ mo ceAnn A'f rno lAri^A Ójoin, 
 3un f^bfe bo h] 3At) néjn? ! 
 
 «D'Aiqn m& An UAict)]!) bít)t)-5l6|tAc, 
 5AÓAfí bA nó-feAnc lero' L]A5at) ! 
 
 A3 3lATt)30]l 5 AC Tt)A^b]t) 30 XXJOC, 
 
 tt)0 iri]ú\x 3U]t C]t)r)ze 66]b At) bAf ! 
 «D'A^qt) rné At) cat? ceA|*bAt)AÓ Óati?, 
 
 At) IOC ^oIa A]t AJC Afl <t)u]t) j 
 
 concAncA 30 nA^b mo cnjun, 
 
 o x) 3-ce]l3 t>&n f <*on niAm ^joot) ! 
 
 Ma bj A3 Ajcir Fbjnn (An SnA^ne), 
 a beAt), c]A cnÁ]6ce bo cno]8e, 
 cnéi3 ^eAf&A bejc A3 ]ít)CA|t)e, 
 t)A b-p'iApt) rnójtÓÁlAc, i;A ^joni?. 
 
175 
 
 0. I knew, on looking after you, 
 
 The day on which ye left the Dun, 
 
 And on the flight of the raven before you, 
 
 That it was no good omen of your return ! 
 
 I knew, by the hounds of Ciardan, 
 Mournfully howling every evening, 
 That ere long, I would hear, my pain ! 
 Of your fate, Three, my dark grief ! 
 
 I knew, by the want of rest, 
 Each long night past with tears streaming ; 
 Dowu from my eyes since ye left me, 
 That such did not forebode luck to you. 
 
 I knew, by the sorrowful vision 
 That revealed my doom to me, 
 That my head and hands were cut off, 
 That it was ye who were bereft of sway ! 
 
 I knew, by melodious Uaithnin, 
 The favorite dog of my Liagan ! 
 Howling each morning early, 
 That death was certain for my Three ! 
 
 I knew, when in a vision I saw, 
 A pool of blood where the Dun stood, 
 That my Three were vanquished 
 By the wiles from which Fionn was never exempt ! 
 
 Do not reproach Fionn (saith Grainne), 
 woman, though sorrowful be thy heart, 
 Give up henceforth to be speaking ill, 
 Of the proud Fians, or of Fionn. 
 
176 
 
 O. 21 5bn*MWe í Afi T*1°5<MT) *0 óiti-ciatj, 
 
 bA TT)0 leAC AT) CTI1ATI fO Aft Iati; 
 10TT)CA]T) T)0 A1C1T* TVjOTl leÓTl leAC, 
 TTJATl Ójol 50 beATtb 1T)A TT)-bA|* ! 
 
 <Da b-£AT)bAOTf* T)A 3-cóirb-qTi féiT), 
 
 A TliogATl) fé|TT), ATI 5l^1t>T)e Vb]1)t) 
 
 a't* 5AT) ceACc bo óíotjaIc rbjc T^fteoiT), 
 ó'r) b-pé|T)T) T)]OTi Ó6]b bA 6|c ! 
 
 <t)A Tt)-bAÓ cuiciTT) bójb le cocjtA-rr) Iatjt;, 
 5AT) ceAls t>A Tt)eAT)3, a Sb^^l^e caoit); 
 
 \j\ lH?CA1T)piT)T)n AT) pblAtJT), 
 
 A*f t>í TT)A]Tllb CUTT) £1*5*11) llt>0 ! 
 
 <t)A TDAITieAbAOIT*, A Tl]05A|T) *]£, 
 T)] TTT)CATT)T:ibíf féjT) at) Fbl^TTT) : 
 if le ctióóacc a'i* T)eA]tC a IAtt), 1 
 
 b'fAjbAbATl ATI l*jl bO CTtjAft ! 
 
 «t)o qocpAÓ leó, a 3bTi*1tM}e> At) 5T)íott), 
 a 5-cuTi fó STiAoi^eACc ATi b-cúf ; 
 J f if coyn)ú]\ juti bVrblAib b], 
 
 t)6 I^Ofl CU]C|TT) 50 bflAC bOTT)' CfllUTt. 2 
 
 Cjteib UA1TT)j A TtíO^AlT), ATI 5l^1^t)e, 
 T)AC TIAlb CeAhj f*AT) lA|TT), T)A TT)eAT)5, 
 
 bo leA5 2t)eATi5AC i)A Iat)t) tjjIat*, 
 a't* bo ce]l5 le TjeAjic be a ceAi)i) ! 
 
 1 A liter " 21) ATI IT ttWéjó 6u]c, bjc a 5-qtjtj, 
 
 "Hac le njeAT)5 &o leA5AÓ ]Ai>." 
 
 As their headless bodies bear thee witness, 
 
 That it was not by treachery they fell ! 
 
 2 AUter "t)o b'£eji>rri, a SbtiA^Tje, a &ejriin), 
 
 a leASAó le cejl5 a't le ti?eAt?5 ; 
 
177 
 
 0. Grainne ! saith the princess of the golden hair, 
 If those Three who have fallen were thine, 
 Truly, reproach or shame would not suffice thee, 
 As satisfaction for their death ! 
 
 Had they remained in their own country, 
 
 mild princess, saith Grainne of Fionn ; 
 And not come to be avenged for Mac Treoin, 
 From the Fians they would receive no hurt ! 
 
 Had they fallen in fair battle, 
 
 Without deceit or treachery, gentle Grainne, 
 
 1 would not reproach the Fians, 
 
 But they do not survive to bear me witness ! 
 
 Had they survived, noble princess, 
 
 They themselves would not decry the Fians ; 
 'Twas by valour and might of arm, 
 They laid low thy Three ! 
 
 They might, Grainne, the deed perform, 
 By putting them under magic spells, at first*; 
 And 'tis likely that it was so, 
 Or else my Three would never fall. 
 
 Believe me, O princess, saith Grainne, [arm 
 That there was neither venom nor treachery in the 
 By which fell Meargach of the green blades, 
 And that by might cut off his head ! 
 
 A'r a 1)-&]A]5 Ttj-bejc cfiApU|5re óójb, 
 
 a T).&icceAt}ijAó le trojftneATtc Uijtj." 
 It may be possible, O Grainne, I say, 
 
 To slay them by treachery and malice, 
 
 And after their being decrepid, 
 
 To behead them by the force of swords ! 
 12 
 
173 
 
 Jurjinm bujc pop 5AT; bfiéA5, 
 
 aij bjp bo le^5 50 pAoi) bo clAt)f) ; 
 
 T)Ari cujbe atc|T* bo cAbAiftc bójb, 
 
 a' 1* t>Art b-f?eAj*AC bójb bfiAo^eACC t)A rr)eAf)5 
 
 21 3b|i^lt)t)e ! ati at? T 1 ! ^ 1 ? ^ISí 
 b'Aji b'A]t)]m 2l|li)e 5eAl-fi)UAÓ ; 
 V] c]te|bin? uajc, t>A ó'tj h-fé]t)t), 
 5it]t cutctti) bATT) lAocfiA TTiAft IuaÓajji. 
 
 Wa b] ^eAfbA l|í)rj bA IuaÓ, 
 
 A V 5^c cjrjb 5|tu<v]rt) r)A veATt.5 ; 
 V] fiTArr) cgaIs 't^ 1 ? h-fé]t)i), 
 acc si^OTtJAjtcA Iaocuij* A5up 5ATp5e. 
 
 Miri"? bu]c tróf 5A9 bfié]5, 
 
 T)A CA]T)]5 jl] ATT) lAOC T)A CÓTTt T)A T^bA^l, 
 bO JIU5 A TT)-buA6 A 5-CeATlC T)A IaT)T), 
 
 a'|* 50 TT)-beTb ArblA^b 50 lA a TT)-bAi,r ! 
 <t)Á b-CU5AbA01^ ceATtc t)A COfft, 
 
 bOTT)' cTtjúri bA cjtóÓA a V5V]ow ; 
 a't 4 bA fluAg cfiéAtírriAji CAc-buAÓAC, 
 
 A b-CUTCTrt? TjjOft UATTJAT) l|T)r) ! 
 
 21 2l|lr)e ! if Alitor) ft)uAÓ a't* 5t;)aoi, 
 6 t)AC 5-C]teib]Ti X)VV bA Iuaó ; 
 1t)t?lf 1^ *>u]z 5° b-cu^cpib civile, 1 
 ful f3Ajtj:Aib l]\)i)e bo rbójt 1H11A5 ! 
 
 21 5bj*aii)t>e ! At t At; Tt1°5 A 1t) *M3, 
 
 A]t |*OT) T)A 5-CjiuAb-^eATi bo 6ul b'éA5 > 
 cá 6eA|tb 65|c A3ATi)pA Af cAc, 
 50 5-cu|tt|:|b A]t Afi ai; b-péirjr). 
 
 yl/i7cr " leAstrAib At) FbjAijt) at t)t le ceAl5, 
 
 cu]Uc at* At) leAtis &ob' crtort)-fUiA5 !" 
 
179 
 
 I tell thee again without falsehood, 
 The two who laid thy children low, 
 That reproach was not due to them, 
 And that they knew not sorcery nor guile ! 
 
 Grainne ! saith the noble princess, 
 Whose name was Ailne of the fair form ; 
 I believe not thee nor the Fians, 
 
 That my heroes fell as thou sayest. 
 
 Do not henceforth to us proclaim, 
 And do not be sullen or angry at it ; 
 There never was treachery in the Fians, 
 But feats of heroism and valor. 
 
 1 tell thee still, and 'tis no falsehood, [them, 
 That there never yet came a hero or pursuit to meet 
 That obtained sway [over them] by right of the sword, 
 And that they shall be so till their death ! 
 
 Had they dealt justly or honourably, 
 With my Three who were mighty in action ; 
 And with their victorious mighty hosts, 
 Their fall then would not surprise me ! 
 
 Ailne ! of the most elegant shape and form, 
 As thou dost not believe what I say, 
 I tell thee that more will fall, 
 Ere thy great hosts part us ! 
 
 Grainne ! saith the noble princess, 
 
 For the sake of the hardy men who have died, 
 I have great hopes that my hosts 
 Will deal destruction to the Fians ! 
 
 The Fians will slay, and not by treachery, 
 More in the field of thy great troop*. 
 
180 
 
 21 2l|lt>e ! Aft 5l^!Oi;e at) Sfiirjri, 
 ]f beATib l|r)t) ^Ajb bo c|tf aII ; 
 
 CAIfl l|OTt)fA a'í 4 le|f At) b-péjt)!), 
 
 50 5-cA|ceATt) le céjle beoc a't* b|A& ? 
 
 «Do b|iilcu]5 2l^lt)e 5eAl-fr)UAb, 
 
 at) cujTieAÓ ^uA^ft ó 5bn^lt)r)e pbltW ; 
 zs'y a búbAinc 11 Art cujbe \é] ?&V)> 
 ^rleAÓ t;A jréAfbA ó luce a t>5trjiT) ! 
 
 5o T)5eA[tncA|t rtio cojrp £OtT)' lAft, 
 bo TtA^b Cot) At) bo 5Anb 5I6T1; 
 50 t)-|ocpA]Tife, a 2l]lt)e geAl-frmAÓ, 
 itT)cAji) Ati T*luA5 5AT) c5]|t ! 
 
 21 "p|Ti TbAOfl ]y jTiAiwe bejlb, 
 bA b-^ACAb ati aot) le]fi5 tróf ; 
 ]y beATib l]ort) 5UT1 íocat* 50 CTiuAfb 
 a t)-]TT)cA|t), a't* bA cnuAg at) f5eól ! 
 
 JocpAfÓ CÚ T^Of CTUlAÓ, ATI Cot)At), 
 A]C||* a'|* 1tT)CA]T) T)A b-'pJA^T) J 
 
 bAjtrtreAb At) ceAt)i) óti-^o^Ic b]Oc, 
 tt)A 5e]b|Tt) ceAb pblOt) t)A b-'pjAi)!). 
 
 Ttiófi co|TiceAtt)U]l bo cortp, 
 
 A*f 5U]T leACAT), lotT), CTtOC bO tTJAOfl j 
 
 a't» CÚ TlATTtATl-CtJATbAC, TqgjTt-T^ÚeAC, tTjeATt, 
 
 Tt)ATl Ó6Alb T)AC Tt)A]C ATI IaOC l 1 
 
 <£)0 CÓ5bAtT)ATl U]le AT) }~blAl)T), 
 
 5A]|t bA 6jAT) 3tieAt)T) a't* 'cAc; 
 at; cat) b'irr)6eATi5 At) be At), 
 
 At) peATl tT)A0l leATT) a'|* b']TT)CA|T). 
 
 Aliter. " 5eAUirore tjac ttjajc At) Uoc." 
 
 I promise that the hero is not brave. 
 
181 
 
 0. Ailne ! saitli the pleasant Grainne, 
 
 I know that thou hast come from afar, 
 Come with me and with the Fians, 
 Till we together eat and drink ? 
 
 Ailne of the bright form declined 
 The invitation given her by Grainne of Fionn ; 
 And she said it was beneath herself 
 To partake of cheer from people of their deeds. 
 
 May my body be rent in two, 
 Saith Conan, in a surly voice ; 
 But thou wilt pay, O Ailne bright, 
 For unjustly stigmatising our hosts. 
 
 bald man of the ugliest aspect, 
 That I have yet met on any plain ; 
 I apprehend I have sorely paid 
 For the stigma given, and how sad the tale ! 
 
 Thou shalt pay more sorely, saith Conan, 
 For the scandal thou hast given the Fians, 
 I will cut off thy head of the golden locks, 
 If I am permitted by Fionn of the Fians. 
 
 Though huge and bulky is thy body, 
 And though flat and bald is thy skull, 
 And tho' thou art thick-boned, tough-sinewed, swift, 
 These are marks which ill becomes a hero ! 
 
 We, the Fenians all, raised 
 A shout of joy, and so did the foe, 
 When the woman rebuked and reproached 
 The silly bald man [Conan]. 
 
182 
 
 <Do tjIac At) peApt ttjaoI ttjóji peApt3, 
 a'p bo l^bAjji bo 3Ajtb 311c Apib, 
 cújp caoj A311P pftocA beófi, 
 5U|8irt} bo't) pbé]t)r) a'p bo cac ! 
 
 <t)o CA]t]tA1T)3 A Ut)l) Ap A CflUAjll CAI^e, 
 
 A*f CU5 píc 5<v|tb cutd t)A ttwa; 
 
 bo buAi,l Opcuri Apt cruiAiÓ-béi.rrj, 
 
 bo buAjt) V^l"? *T ^ é l c A r CboT)Át)! 
 
 <D'uaiU Coy&v, & V b'fé&c 50 cftuA^ 
 
 A]t OpCUfl T)A 3-CftUAÓ IaT)T) f)5^AJt, 
 
 a búbAijtc Cot)&r), r^pi 3V]or\), 
 bo gojtMp rrjo cljó 6 cAob 30 c&ob ! 
 
 M] 30jT)p^r)r) bo cljó r)A bo copip, 
 acc 30 b-pACAÓ 3u|i b'olc bo n)é]r)t), 
 V)o]t cu]be Óu^c tjocca bo clo^6|Tb, 
 
 A|t ATbAjtC 31)AO| T)A Tt)t)A t>ÍV P5&1,rT). 
 
 b-£U]l ii^o f u]Ti) a f3^]rb t>A rt)r)A, 
 
 T)A 3T)Ú]f ÁluiT)T), 1)Á T)A 3DA0], 
 TP TTjeApA \]Ott) AjCjp 3AT) C1.aU, 
 
 A3 ]xx)cb]X) t)A b-^Atir) ^5up pblW I 
 
 <Do sluA^p ^|Ot)t) 'pAi) fbjAtW ó'i; 3-cooc, 
 a't* Opcupi aco T)A ^eAjt c]r)r) ii|A]r) ; 
 bO Cpl|All cAc Y At) IvjogAit) pé]rb, 
 Apt a b-CAob ^éjr» 30 p|tAp roA]t ^Ab. 
 
 2ipi T)A rbÁjiAc cA]^3 Af) 'pbl^tít), 
 
 Apt AT) 3-CT)0C plAlb AT) C-Aft j 1 
 
 a'p T)ÍO|t b-pAbA 30 b-pACATl)ATl A5 CeACC, 
 
 2l]lr>e f rjÚAÓ-geAl A3up các. 
 
 Aliter. u 5o soinjeATbujl &]Atj cunj aí) Airx." 
 
 With venom severe towards the slaughter. 
 
183 
 
 0. The bald man became very angry, 
 
 And he spoke in a loud rough voice, 
 A cause of weeping and floods of tears, 
 I pray for the Fians and their foes ! 
 
 He drew his sword from its costly scabbard, 
 And made a fierce dart towards the woman ; 
 Oscur gave him a hard blow, 
 That made Conan shriek and roar ! 
 
 Conan howled, and looked piteously, 
 On Oscur of the sharp -tempered blades, 
 And he said, shameful is the deed, 
 Thou hast pierced my breast from side to side ! 
 
 I would not pierce thy breast nor thy body, 
 But that I saw thy bad intent ; 
 It was not meet for thee to unsheath thy sword, 
 On seeing the shape and beauty of the woman ! 
 
 I am regardless of the beauty of the woman, 
 Of her fine features or her shape ; 
 I think worse of the undeserved reproach 
 She has cast on the Fians and Fionn ! 
 
 Fionn and the Fenians left the hill, 
 And Oscur with them as their guide ; 
 The gentle princess and her hosts 
 Sped their own way in haste like them. 
 
 In the morning the Fians came 
 On the hill where lay the slain ; 
 And 'twas not long till we beheld approaching, 
 Ailne of the bright countenance and her hosts. 
 
184 
 
 O. <l)o jluAjp 3fi&|uue tja 3-cÓTí)ó<x|t, 
 
 &'x bo |tu5 ah. l&jri) au. 2l]li)e féfií? 
 
 le T)& Cé]le Art AO?) ]t|AT) Af fjn, 
 
 At; b]f nt> c]3 ^ b-cúf ai) c-(-Iuai3. 
 
 po'n Art) 't)a |t^T)5AbA]t fit)"? 
 bo fe]T)i) ÍJAfne b]nt)-CAc ceojl; 
 bo fejt;n ^onn An BAnn-bu&ó, 1 
 A*f bo 5A]|trn fo luAp a cnorn-fl53. 
 
 21 2l]lne f oiiAb-geAl ! Apt 
 
 An Arbl<v]6 if A]l le<\c b^p beA3-lA0C ; 
 bo 8ul a j-có^rh-gljAÓ nA lAnn, 
 no cac co]cceAnn An 5AÓ caod. 
 
 21 3brt&inne! Sljlne bA ^eAl fnu<v8, 
 If ArplAjb if cuibe An 3AC cAob ; 
 cjrjocAb 2 bo Iaocjia nA b-^Ann, 
 
 A'f cpi.ocAb TT)A|t ^Ab A 3-c6l i rt)-3lé] C ! 
 
 5<M, nn > cujAb bo cnfocAb Iaoc (a]x St^ltwe)* 
 An An le||i5 n^ n-AOrtAfiAn ; 
 A V 30i|tfeAbfA cnjocAb n* b-'pi.Ann, 
 30 b-cu5<v|b cac bi^n an cnoc at; a^i ! 
 
 1 'b^Tttt-buAó, sometimes called b&nt> bUAbÁit. This and the t)óftt> 
 fhiAOO» were the war-trumpets used by the Fenian chiefs to summon 
 their troops to battle. 
 
 2 Citfoc-Ab, thirty. Here Ailne proposes to Grainne, that thirty com- 
 batants a side should be chosen to decide the conflict, which number 
 they summoned forth in their turn — each calling the bravest hero or 
 combatant in the ranks. Among the names of those so called, the fol- • 
 lowing bear a striking resemblance to some of those of the present day ; 
 Thus — ConAtt&i), seems identical with the present Conran ; KtiAjctje, (writ- 
 ten Riuxiqrte, in the copj T consulted by us in the Royal Irish Academy), 
 
185 
 
 0. Grainnc advanced to meet them, 
 
 And took gentle Ailne by the hand ; 
 
 They walked together on the one path, 
 
 And the two approached the front of the hosts. 
 
 At the time that they reached us, 
 
 Daire sounded the melodious music of battle ; 
 Fionn sounded the Barr-buadh, 
 And called in haste his mighty hosts. 
 
 bright Ailne ! saith Grainne, 
 Is it thy wish that two heroes, 
 Should fight with their blades, 
 Or a general battle on each side. 
 
 Grainne ! saith Ailne of the bright countenance, 
 It is thus it should be at either side, 
 Thirty of the Fenian heroes, 
 And thirty their match, to meet ! 
 
 Call to thee thy thirty heroes (saith Grainne), 
 On the plain by themselves, 
 And I shall call thirty of the Fians, 
 Till they give severe battle on Cnoc-an-air ! 
 
 would go far to identify the name Renehan or Rooney ; Conine or Cor- 
 5A|tcAc, now Cosgráve, is a name famous in Irish History (see Ossianic 
 Trans. Vol. I.). GAi[\U]]\e may be the modern name Uficujle (Hurley) or 
 U|t£U]ce, O'Herlihy, whom Dr. O'Brien in his Irish Dictionary, at the end 
 of the letter /, describes as chiefs of a district in the barony of Muskerry ; 
 and also states that they were hereditary wardens of the Church of St. 
 Gobnait, at Ballyvourney ; and were possessors for many years of the 
 large parish of that name. Smith states that they were chiefs near Ma. 
 croom. For an interesting account of this family see Connellan's edition 
 of the Four Masters, p. 199, note. 
 
.186 
 
 2i TbuAjibAjT) ! A|t 2l|li)e firuA,6-5eAl, 
 bo cu]c leb' \is\rv at) aot) 16, 
 cfijuji A5uf céAb feAjt caItt)A tt)eATt, 
 cAiftT/e A5 cA3]tA& Ab ceAtw sleó ! 
 
 21 Sbl^bÁit) 1 A|t 5itA]i)r)e 5|*Á]tb, 
 bo cut,c leb' lÁ^rbfe at) aot) cac, 
 cTvj céAb Ajuf t/e t^ti béA5, 
 feAfit)A]ó A]t cAob jte t/ait/. 
 
 21 2t)beAt)ú]tt ! Att 2l|lt)e, c^aII leAt, 
 bo cu5CiVÓ at) t;ia6 nreATt ó't) c-flt.Ab, 
 le Iuat; bo 6a co|f lúcri)ATt CTtuAi,b ; 
 1)1 Tt)eAcA if buAl biqc 3I1AÓ. 
 
 21 KuA1,CT)e ! ATI 5n^1t)^ AT) 3flT,T)T), 
 
 t)1 b|t|T;T;eÁ6 t;ob' ctio]3 at) ctvjoT)&T), 
 le bé^e bo cójTt aji Ion) lúc, 
 bejTt cl|fbe bo fúb a 3-cott)-óát i I. 
 
 21 Cb0r>ATtAT,T) ! T)^|t T;A3 f^ATT) 
 CT)ATT) T)A p]ACAT_l flAT) A5 IaÓC, 
 b'ATt COri)TtAT,C leAC A 5-CAC T)A T)5leó, 
 TT)e^T;A1TT) 5UJI COjft cu ^UoÓac. 
 
 21 Cbor5AT,ft.e ! A|t 3^1 we 50 ceAi)i), 
 bo cu||tt;eA6 at) ceAT)i) b , AOT)-béT ) rt), 
 
 TT)íle O'T) 3-C0luT,t)T) b't;eATtAT)T) Úft, 
 
 3AbA]Tt)fe cú a 3-có|TT)-5le]c. 
 
 21 &ATtlA|Tte ! T)A TtTÓft CTtéACC, 
 
 bo cujt ATt C0TtpA]b Iaoc le T)]ti) ; 
 If rrreATXA 5UT/1 cu|be 6ut,c cttjAll, 
 a'p cu]ri)i)i3 at) c|i|iifi bo ciqc ! 
 
187 
 
 0. Thuardan ! saith Ailne, of the bright countenance, 
 There fell by thy hand in one day, 
 One hundred and three mighty swift men, 
 Come thou as leader in the fight ! 
 
 Giabhan ! saith Grainne aloud, 
 There fell by thy hand in one battle, 
 Three hundred and sixteen men, 
 Stand thou by his side. 
 
 Meanuir ! saith Ailne, go forth, 
 Thou that hast brought the swift deer from the hill ; 
 By the swiftness of thy two fleet hardy legs, 
 Cowardice is not thy character in battle. 
 
 Ruaithne ! saith pleasant Grainne, 
 Thou wouldst not crush the withered grass, 
 When in pursuit [of the foe] by thy fleetness, 
 Thou shalt match him in the conflict. 
 
 Conaran ! who never left 
 
 A bone nor a tooth sound in any hero 
 Who engaged thee in battle or conflict, 
 I think thou shouldst be called ! 
 
 Cosgaire ! saith Grainne firmly, 
 Who would send the head by one blow 
 From the body a mile of soft ground, 
 I will have thee in the combat. 
 
 Earlaire ! who left large scars, 
 On the bodies of heroes with venom ; 
 'Tis determined that thou shouldst go, 
 And remember the Three who fell ! 
 
188 
 
 <t)o bj AT) b]f bo ri)t)A]b f^ri), 
 
 2l]lt)e A3ur 5n&iwe, beAT) FblTW ; 
 
 ^3 S^IT 1 "? *5 co 3^ b-peATi, 
 
 5u|t l^oi) cpiocAb 50 beAcc Aft 5AC cAO]b. 
 
 «D'lOTWfuiseAbAft T)A c|té^T)-piít a cé^le, 
 3<\c b)x b)ob a 5-c6]rb-5liAÓ cjiuAjó ; 
 a b-^6||tceAt)i) At) caca irjojt ri)<MTt bo't) l]ot), 
 
 A PbÁCJtAJC ! ACC bo't) y\)]6X)t) ! 
 
 i)'A]t b-cftiocAfbTje bo TbÁ-jTi at) b^r-, 
 If* "P^t)0 *VO criojbe 6 be^c b& Iua6 ! 
 t>1 cfiéiSpeAfi lioip rt)o cjiAcc 50 ^6|ll, 
 a Pb&cjiAic ! 6't) K6|rb, At) criejbjrb cftuA]8. 
 
 21 1) CAT) bO COT)AflC At) lPbl^t)0, 
 AT) cuiqrt) 50 b]AT) ATI cAc, 
 bO CÓ5DAbATl CTTj 3ATICA 3|t]1)tí, 
 
 bA clof a t)3l]')t) a't* a t)-A|tb. 
 21 2l|lt)e geAl-f t)úaÓ ! ati Sl^l^e, 
 
 1p tljdfl AT) CAf ATI 3 AC CAOb ; 
 ATI T)A lAOC bA CflUAÓ SAjf^e, 
 CTljAll leAC 'f^ T1)A1TI6AT)T) bob' bu]6]T). 
 
 CftjAlljTAb TJé^T) T^b, 
 
 * 3bp&1W)fc • Tj-bujcce pé|T), 
 
 1)0 50 b-cu^c^|b n<xb 50 bejrie, 
 
 50 b-FAgAjb b|b-T-eiTi3 ati at) b-^|T)i) J 
 
 J'Win * ^ U 1 C > * 2t-(lt)e! t)A i)5eAl 3IAC, 
 
 30 TTj'Tje^TlTl 6]b TTAb bo't) CÓJTI, 
 
 30 Tioccuji) bújr b-qjt Alti|T)r) £é|T), 
 t)6 "pe ati fséjl t)í tiaca]& beó ! 
 
189 
 
 The two gentle women, 
 
 Ailne and Grainne, the wife of Fionn, 
 
 Were calling and choosing the men, 
 
 Until exactly thirty were mustered at a side. 
 
 The mighty men attacked each other, 
 
 Each two of them in hand to hand conflict, 
 At the close of the battle there only survived, 
 
 Patrick ! but two of the Fians ! 
 
 Of our thirty the two survived, 
 My heart is sick from its recital ! 
 
 1 shall not cease my narrative yet, 
 
 Patrick ! from Rome, of the harsh faith. 
 
 When the Fians beheld 
 The foe falling fast, 
 They raised three cheerful shouts, 
 Which were heard in valleys and on hills. 
 
 Ailne bright ! saith Grainne, 
 'Tis a sad case on both sides, 
 The slaughter of the valorous heroes, 
 Depart with what survives of thy hosts. 
 
 Neither they nor I shall go, 
 
 Grainne ! to our own country ; 
 Till they fall to the last man, 
 And are avenged of the Fians ! 
 
 I tell thee, Ailne ! of the fair hands, 
 That 'twere better for you to cease the pursuit, 
 Till you reached your own fair country, 
 Than that no one to bear tidings shall go alive ! 
 
190 
 
 Nj cniAll búitjr), b'Ajt b-qjt, A|i 2l]lt;e ! 
 50 cujqro b'^ori)lAt) aji |*Iua3 ; 
 Tjo 30 rt)-be]|teATt) lit)t) a \)-b]o^\ cac, 
 ceAtw 'pbltW cnuAb-lAtt) a T)5leó. 
 
 2it) cAt) bo cuaIa|Ó t)A b-^Ai)^, 
 
 5l6|t At)-t1)]At)t)AC t)A Tt)T)A Úb ! 
 
 bo f e ]VV ¥]or)r) AT) BAnjt-buAb, 
 A5 5A|jtrr? a fluAg t)A clújb. 
 
 <Do c|tu|t)r)^5eAroA|t 6 3AC Ajtb bo't) ct)OC, 
 At) rbé^b bo frj A]t lAtAiji Atjt) ; 
 a bubAiftc 'pjotjt) bo 311c Ajib M^O* 
 có|rbf5leó a'j* b^o^Al b)b &t)0]V 50 ceAtjt;. 
 
 jiA]b AftfAió T)A 05IAC tt?eA|t, 
 bo fluAi5C]b CAlrrjA cjtóbA 'FbltW J 
 t)An 5IAC 50 pjiAp Ajtro a'|* é]be, 
 
 A ? f CAC 54.T) fCAOt)AÓ tt}AJt flW» 
 
 21 2l|lt)e fouAÓ-geAl ! ]f* bojlb Ijort), 
 bo fiAjb piorjt) t)A 3-Cftu<\&-5leó ; 
 3eAllA|rt) biqc A*f \y\ 5ló|t bjtéj3e, 
 tjac tT)A]|tj:eAÓ A3Ab Aorj t)eAc bed ! 
 
 <t)o fejw ^oi^ At)9 ri^ of&itb, 
 At) 'Dófib le 5Á][t-30]Tt) curt) sleó; 
 b'jotJtJfuigeAbAji a céjle 6 5^6 c&ob, 
 a']* bo j:eAjtAÓ at; cnéAt) cac 30 b]At)! 
 
 \Xc\), A PbAqtAic ! bob' é púb At) cac, 
 bA cjtéit)e a']* bA caIh)a lAtb 3I1 ajó ; 
 b'Aji CU3A6 ó cúf At; bott^Ajt;, 
 a'j* bo't) |tío3A]t) ceAt)t) bA óobnot) ! 
 
101 
 
 0. We shall not proceed to our country, saith Ailne ! 
 Till all our hosts shall fall ; 
 Or that we bring in revenge 
 The head of Fionn, the firm hand in battle. 
 
 When the Fenian hosts had heard, 
 The hostile declaration of that woman, 
 Fionn sounded the Barr-buadh, 
 To summon his hosts in his presence. 
 
 We mustered from all parts of the hill, 
 Such of us as were present there ; 
 Fionn saith in a loud tone, 
 Battle with vengeance now proclaim. 
 
 There was not an aged nor an active hero, 
 Of the mighty warrior hosts of Fionn, 
 Who did not instantly take arms and armour, 
 And the foe without faltering did likewise. 
 
 Ailne the bright ! I much regret, 
 Saith Fionn of the hardy deeds ; 
 I promise thee, and 'tis no falsehood, 
 That one shall not be left alive to you ! 
 
 Fionn then vehemently sounded, 
 The Dord with a call for vengeance to the fight ; 
 They attacked each other at either side, 
 And the battle was fought furiously ! 
 
 Alas, Patrick ! that was the battle, [flict, 
 The fiercest and the mightiest of hand to hand con- 
 That was fought since the beginning of the world, 
 And to the stubborn princess 'twas disastrous ! 
 
192 
 
 O. <t>0 CftjAll 0|*CUp A b-CU|f T)A b-)^]A1)T), 
 
 a't* a l<U)i) ljori)CA T)A beAp bó]b ; 
 
 50 riAT)3Ab<s,Ti jréfT) A5Uf cAc, 
 
 Aft le||i5 At; A]|t A'f At) cójrbfsleo, 
 
 21 Pb&CjtAIC ! pi CAT)<XTTT) ACC tfOTl, 
 
 c^a 511T1 cjiuAb-lArbAÓ 5t)íott)Ac cAc ; 
 bo civ|ceAbATi ujle le]y at) b-"p]AT)T), 
 
 ACC CJt]UTl, a't* AT) jVjojAir) ATT)A]T) ! 
 
 <t)o cujc ]*At) 5~c^c úb bA 5Ajtb b]AT), 
 bo 1]ot) fluA5 t)a b-'pjAT)!) fféirj ; 
 be]CT)eAb^Ti a't* f*é céAb ^eAtt, 
 bo Iaoctia bA gArib sIta^ó ! 
 
 <D'ltT)C15 AT) ITÍ^^ 'r *v WW 
 
 a't* TTjofi b-freAT* bú|i)T) cA'ft ^AbAÓ leo ; 
 
 bA 6ÚbAC ^Ab Aft A b-C|t|All, 
 
 Cé ATI 1)^TbA|b 1Ab ! bA ÓobflÓT) ! 
 
 2l5 CTVjOC AT) CACA CftUA]8, 
 
 A Pb&CjlATC TTUAÓ! 1 T)A TT)-bACAl Tt)-bAT) ; 
 
 o |*]t> atoac bo dajtx at; pbl^T)9; 
 
 ATI AT) 5~CT)0C fO f JATl CT)OC AT) Á1TI ! 
 
 P. Mir * °im ! 3^ 
 
 t)A Iaoctia ctióóa bo't) pbl^tw; 
 
 A TJ-feASTTJAT]* AT) CfVjOCAb CA]6, 
 
 bO CU]C fAT) ATI Aft AT) 5"CT)OC fO f I ATI ? 
 
 O. < Cu<\TiuT > 5bA^l bo béAjTAb 8ujc, 
 
 ATI 3AC pTijOTb-ceATic 3<vftb Iaoc ; 
 
 bO CUjC ATI AT) 3"CT)OC Tie CAC, 
 
 Af leif at) b-treAjt bAi)A, 'CajIc tt)a,c 'Cjieii) ? 
 
 1 21 prj&cTiAjc i)UA6, Patrick newly arrived. This phrase is very 
 common in Ossianic poetry when St. Patrick's name is introduced, and 
 it goes far to show that these compositions were written immediately on 
 
193 
 
 0. Oscur went forth at the head of the Fians, 
 With his polished sword in his right hand, 
 Until they and the foe met, 
 On the field of slaughter and conflicts. 
 
 Patrick ! I relate but the .truth, 
 
 Though the foe were hardy and fierce, 
 
 They all fell by the Fians, 
 
 Except three and the princess herself. 
 
 There fell in that severe and fierce battle 
 Of the Fenian hosts, 
 Six hundred and ten men, 
 Heroes who were valiant in fight. 
 
 The princess and the three departed, 
 And we know not whither they went ; 
 Sorrowful they were at parting, 
 And, Patrick of the clerics, 'twas sad ! 
 
 Thus ended the severe contest 
 
 O Patrick, of the white croziers, lately come ; 
 
 Henceforth the Fians named 
 
 This hill westwards, the hill of slaughter ! 
 
 P. Relate to us, Oisin ! without guile, 
 The mighty heroes of the Fians, 
 Besides the noble thirty [men] 
 Who fell in the slaughter on the hill of battles ! 
 
 0. An account I shall give thee 
 
 Of the history of each robust hero, 
 
 That fell on the hill by the foe, 
 
 And by that daring man Tailc mac Treoin. 
 
 the Saint's arrival in Treland, modern as the language and phraseology of 
 the compositions may appear to us of the present day. 
 13 
 
<t)o cu]c Att ci)oc At) A] ft, le flu^b 2t)be^3<M5b. 
 
 O. <t)0 CU]C ATt AT) 5-Cl)0C fO f JAfl, 
 
 Cot)t) C^AbrtAC bA gAjtb jleó ; 
 
 bo b't^eATtji Iatí) A't; t)eAttc a t)5l|AÓ, 
 
 t)A cac <t)é c]A leAc -\y tt)ójt ! 
 
 Jt; at)t) bo cu]c b]ort)bA8 l]ott), 
 
 í)|tAllA6 }~lA1)t), bA bllAt) a 3-CAc ; 
 a'|* b'-|it)]te6cAÓ Att lúc a. lArb p))ort), 
 le ttjac <Dé b'j a'í; v) cjubttAÓ ceAb. 
 
 Jf* At)t) bO CU1C V ir CjlUAj l]t)t), 
 
 "Luat)At) 5A0]|* t)& b-cjtott) Iat)t) ; 
 bo CUJAÓ At) cottc ó't) c-fl^Ab, 
 le ttU|C lÁt) 8^AT) A jATtbbAll. 
 
 )X At)i) bo cujc CrtuA5Át) CAltt)A, 
 b'^ceAÓ At) tt)ATtc At)t) AOt) pjioirn); 
 a'|* bA fricci,b bA^ttgit) bo't) AttAt), 
 A'f bA rrjAjTteAÓ bA 3ftA]t) le^t; clé^tt t)A Koti)A ! 
 
 jt/ ai)1) bo iu\z CaoI "LuAjrboeAc trjeAtt, 
 Att lúc bA luA^ée t)A At) 5A0Ú ; 
 
 C]ATtt)At) t)A 5-CTtéACC lAt)t) CjlUAlÓ, 
 
 bA tDA^teAb, rvjojt fuA^ttc bob' clé||t ! 
 
 )X At)t) bo cujc <t)ojicAt) tt)eATt, 
 bob' t;eÁ]i]t a 3-cAC t)Á <D|A úb ; 
 bo geAjittAÓ t)A cujtvp a't/ t)A ct)Att)<v, 
 A*f bo |tO|t)i)eAb At) c-AjiAt) 50 
 
NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL FENIAN HEROES 
 
 THAT FELL ON CNOC-AN-AIR, BY THE TROOPS OF MBARGACH. 
 
 0. There fell on this western hill 
 
 Conn Ciabhrach the fierce in battle ; 
 Of firmer hand and might in conflict, 
 Than God's hosts of whom thou boastest ! 
 
 'Twas there fell, and my grief ! 
 Dralladh Flann, who was firm in the fight, [arms, 
 And who would play in regard of agility and feats of 
 With the son of the Jiving God, and would not suc- 
 cumb. 
 
 And my grief! 'twas there fell, 
 
 Luanan, the wise, of the heavy spears ; 
 Who would bring the wild boar from the hill, 
 By the great swiftness of his robust limbs. 
 
 'Twas there mighty Cruagan fell, 
 Who would devour a cow at one meal, 
 With forty cakes of bread, 
 
 Had he lived how he would hate the Roman clerics ! 
 
 'Twas there Caol the swift fell, 
 Who in swiftness was fleeter than the wind ; 
 And Ciarnan inflicter of severe wounds ; 
 Had they lived it would not be pleasant to thy clerics. 
 
 'Twas there Dorcan the nimble fell, 
 
 Who was stronger in battle than thy God, 
 Who hacked bodies and bones, 
 And cheerfully did share the bread. 
 
190 
 
 O. )\ Af)1) bO CU]C CaoI bUAl)AC Tt}eAft, 
 
 BohjAifte, SeAjxc, A3up C|t|A3&t); 1 
 ceAC|t<v]t 3^^ib bo Iaoca^o cjtuA^b, 
 tt;o ÓAct)AO]b ^Ab u<virt) A]i £Ar) ! 
 
 Attt) bO ClllC LlAJAT) TT)]1) 56*3, 
 
 bA cl||*ce a'í* bA cfiéAT) a 5-cAC ; 
 
 A'f *>0 bj A5 ^JteAfCAl t)^ b-'plATM), 
 30 rA]|iriT)3, U|t, piAll, 1)A feAl. 
 
 J|» AT)i) bo ciijc 2t)eAT)3^t) caotí), 
 ba, cojtcAjtcA b&]n? a b-cfiort) Tjleo ; 
 2t)eAT)bu-ffte A3U1* C]At)AbAr), caItija, 
 c^újt bA rbóft nxx^c 3^1) 30 ! 
 
 )x At)t) bo cu]c Lo|t3Ai|ie bA cftéAi), 
 CiA|tbívi) bot)r) bA ctjeAfbA roé|r)r; ; 
 5a]13^t) bo co|*3A]xcac cr)&rbA, 
 2t)]Ai}Ai? a'|* í)or)])-3lÁ]fte bA caott). 
 
 Jf At)t) bO CU]C CéjflÍT) 2 cop caoI, 
 
 Cjiu<xbAr) a'|* 2lob t)a T)-ó|i rbeAijr), 
 c|t]A]t bob' f Ai]tf |r>5 cA]l &y clú, 
 A J f bA ri}A]c lúc a i;3le6 tja Ur>r>. 
 
 Ar)t) bo cu|c pollArb&r) buAÓAC 
 BiofÁt), LuAife, <t)AO]fe Ay La]3 ! 
 CA]t;ce, Lioi)Ár), &'y 3*Mt>e fé^ri). 
 ^iiujlleAb, BIaoó, A311]* Ce&yyz&m. 
 
 )y at)T) bo ciqc Cúfti^Ár) beoÓA, 
 
 Hoi3t)e, 5ló]|tue, Ci<\|t a']* BfiAb ; 
 BeAlU]|te, Cú]fifrjT), a'|» 2t)e<vr)r)bÁr) TtjeAfi, 
 "LAifrje, pjtAoc, M]aII a'p 3W* 
 
 1 C|tiA5ívt). This name is similar to the present O'Cregan, and pro. 
 bably the Ulster family of that name descended from him. 
 
197 
 
 0. Twas there Caol the poetic and swift fell, 
 Bolgaire, Searc, and Criagan ; 
 Four stout and hardy heroes, 
 Alas that they are away from me ! 
 
 Twas there fell Liagan of the smooth ]imbs, 
 The active and mighty in battle ; 
 He who entertained the Fians, 
 Plentifully, freely, and generously, in his time, 
 
 Twas there gentle Meangan fell, 
 
 Whose blow was deadly in fierce battle, 
 
 Meanduire and Cianadan the brave, 
 
 Three of great worth, without exaggeration ! 
 
 Twas there the mighty Lorgaire fell, 
 
 Ciardan the brown [haired] of gentlest disposition, 
 Gargan the hacker of bones, 
 Mianan and Donn-ghlaire the mild. 
 
 'Twas there Ceirin, the slender-legged, fell, 
 Cruadan and Aedh, of the goldeu diadems 
 Three whose fame was wide spread, 
 And who were expert in the fight of spears. 
 
 Twas there the victorious Follamhan fell, 
 Biosan, Luaise, Daoise, and Laig; 
 Cainte, Lionan, and Gaine the gentle, 
 Druilleadh, Blaodh, and Cionntair. 
 
 Twas there fell Curnan the lively, 
 Eoighne, Gloirne, Ciar and Brad, 
 Beallaire, Cuirnin, and Meanndan the swift, 
 Laisne, Fraoch, Niall and Glas. 
 
 2 Céinftj. There are numerous families in Ireland, at the present day 
 bearing this name. 
 
193 
 
 O. )y bo cujc 2t)uAUi) r)A t)-éACt, 1 
 a 3-CTU1AÓ501I i)A 5-CAC bA ceAt)T) ; 
 A5uf TorDAb e|le, a Pb<vcjiATc t>u<\8 ! 
 i;ac b-£U|l|rr) bA Wb atjojt* at)T). 
 
 « 
 
 P. JtWir Offfl), rgiv'r cuttt)11) leAt, 
 
 cfc'jt c|t]AllAb leAc aY leTf at) b-pé^r; ; 
 T<\ji b-f:&3b&]l At) ati-ct)01,c frjb, 
 leAi; 30 -pioft a'|* t>& cat) bjteA3 ! 
 
 0. <t>0 CTtUJT)1)eATT)ATTt A]t 3-co|t) Y^t 1 t)54&A1ft, 
 
 a clé]|t]c tro -pe]ó']Tt), a't* r>í bjtéA3 ; 
 bo luA&rtiuiri u]le bul bo feilj, 
 A|t bfiUAC a'i* A|t leirij Loc<v LéTT). 
 
 t:Ab<v rt)|t;e, a PbAtjtATC t)ua8 ! 
 5AT) beACA A5 lu<\6 buic t*3&aI; 
 rvj co|*rbúil leAc t)a leb' i>b|A, 
 3urt Ab ]or)rbu]T)e l|b cIiati r)A trie ! 
 
 P. ^AOA]Tt cuArtufsbAil t>a feThje bui^o, 
 a Oino! A 'r Wo r°r c-irricivii; ; 
 ir)t)||* bú|r)r) At)rt)AT)t)A T)<v 5-coi) j*AO|ce, 
 a't; t)A t>3A0A|i b<\ b|T)i) 511c a'j* S&IT^ 
 
 O. 21 Pb&ctaAic ! bo ge^DATT) 30 l& at) bjt&c, 
 
 TTDCe&CC a'|* Cfl&CC ATI AT) b-)^Tt)T) ; 
 
 at.ji ATt 3-co'OAib, a't; ati t;3^6a|tt 3uc-b]i)t), 
 uc 1 if 4 c|tuA3 at) b]c a beic bÁ T>beTf ! 
 
 > Aliter, tjA tj-exxc, of the steeds. 
 
199 
 
 0. Twas there fell Mualan of the exploits, 
 In the midst of the battle's rage ; 
 And many more, recent Patrick ! 
 That I cannot now name. 
 
 P. Tell me, Oisin, if thou rememberest, 
 Where you and the Fenians went ; 
 When ye left the slaughter hill, 
 Kelate truly, and tell no lie ! 
 
 0. We gathered our hounds and dogs, 
 
 Cleric in want ! and 'tis no falsehood, 
 
 We all agreed to go and hunt, 
 
 On the banks and plains of Loch Lein. 
 
 Long am I, OP atrick, lately arrived ! 
 Without food, telling thee tales ; 
 'Tis not likely that thou and thy God, 
 Would be fonder of the clerics than of me. 
 
 P. Kelate to us an account of the chase, 
 
 Oisin ! and leave off thy complaining ; 
 Tell us the names of the high-bred hounds, 
 And the dogs most melodious in voice and cry. 
 
 0. Patrick ! I could till doom's day, 
 Go on and tell about the Fians, 
 Of our hounds and melodious dogs, 
 Alas ! how sorrowful to live after them I 
 
sejL5 loctra ie)H- 
 
 O. SluAir^WAOjbtye AT) IjOT) &0 TÍ)A1]t, 
 
 caji é]f caca at) A|]t bo'r> b-'péit)!) ; 
 
 50 ]iÁT)5An)A]|t ai; f<\]ice féAji-jUt; úb^ 
 
 AJT bjlUAC cjurbfA^b Loca LéjT). 1 
 
 Jr h x]t) at) loc if AT,it)e rs^i^ 
 
 bÁ b-pu^l tío't) T)5]téiT) 50 beAcc ; 
 If 10ti)6a fcóft aca 6't) D-pe^T), 
 
 AT)T) 5 AT) b|ié]5 A b-CA]|*5e A T)OCC ! 
 P. jT)t>ir *>*]VV, A OlpT) f éjl, 
 
 ct,ot)t)at; b'^AT) ó't) b-'péT.i)!) |*at) loc ; 
 
 C]A ACO Ófl T)Ó A^^eAb é, 
 
 a'|» cjtéAb at) cé]tt) bo a cot^. 
 
 O. &T)T) f Úb fAT) CAob ÚUA^, 
 
 cA05<xb lú]|teAc 50|tn) sUf, 
 
 ACA AT)1) fAT) CAOb f ^ATt, 
 CAOJAb CÍ05Ab AT) AOT) leACC. 
 
 1 loc léjo, Loch Lein. This was the ancient name of the lakes of 
 Killarney in Kerry, retained to the present day. The O'Cearbhaills 
 or O'Carrolls, of the race of Aedli Beannan, king of Munster, were 
 chiefs of this district, and had their residence there ; but the O'Donn- 
 chadhas, (of the second branch of whom The O'Donohoe, M.P., is the 
 present lineal representative) ; who were originally seated in the plain 
 of Caiseal (Cashell), having settled at Loch Lein, dispossessed and 
 reduced the O'Carrolls, with other families descendants of Conaire Mor, 
 and erected a new territory, to which was given the name Eoganacht 
 Locha Lein ; and afterwards Eoganacht Ui Dhonnchadha. One of the 
 five prerogatives of the king of Munster, was to remain to enjoy the 
 feast of Loch Lein from one Monday to another ; and, according to the 
 poet Benean or Benignus, who is said to have been a disciple of St. 
 
THE CHASE OF LOCH LEIN. 
 
 0. We proceeded, such of the Fians as survived, 
 After the battle of the great slaughter, 
 Till we reached the verdant plain, 
 On the banks and borders of Loch Lein. 
 
 This is the lake— the fairest to be seen, 
 That is under the sun truly ; 
 Many treasures belonging to the Fians, 
 Are in it, doubtless, secured this night. 
 
 V. Relate to us, generous Oisin, 
 
 How they were left by the Fians in the lake, 
 Or whether it be gold or silver, 
 And what it is that detains it there ? 
 
 0. There are there in the northern side [of the lake] 
 Fifty blue-green coats of mail ; 
 There are in the western side, 
 Fifty helmets in one pile ! 
 
 Patrick, the king of Loch Lein was exempt from paying tribute to the 
 king of Caiseal. Here are his words : — 
 
 a (5) c ^ &o chAini ijí com, 
 
 Til tUicbleAi)t>, fit lachA lé|n." 
 There are three kings in great Muniha, 
 Whose tribute to Caiseal is not due j 
 The king of Gabhran whose hostages are not to be seized on 
 The king of Rathleann, the king of Loch Lein. 
 
 leAbAft ija pp. 58, 59. 
 
 The following stipends were given by the king of Caiseal to the king of 
 Loch Lein : — Seven steeds, seven drinking horns, and seven shields, and 
 seven hounds (lb. pp. 68, 69), And at pp. 256, 257, (idem), we find the 
 
202 
 
 O. 21ca Av)\) y&t) c^ob ie&y, 
 
 be]6 5-céAb clo^beArb leACAi) 5IAI), 
 bejc 5-céAb f5|At a'|* at) ^o^b T^bl^t)^ 
 
 a'j* A1} BÁ|l|t-buAÓ Aft AOl) |t|A1). 
 2ÍCA A 1)1) f A1) CAob fOfft, 
 
 ójt a']* éAbAc 50 leójt, a']* 50^1 ; 
 1*c6|t bob' -|oit)A|icac le jiAb, 
 c]5eA6 a 3-cép) 5AC lA CA]t n?u||t. 
 
 C]A bo]l|5 bo feAt}6|]t t>a t)-beo]5, 
 
 A Pb^VC|lA]C ! pAO] bflÓT) bA luAÓ, 
 
 a ]iA]b A5u]r)T) bo cor)A]b fAO]ce, 
 
 a'|» bo gAÓAjjt 5uc-b|T)p bo geAOAijt UA]ri). 
 
 <Do b^ at)o SseolAp A5uf BfiAi), 1 
 Lort)Ai|te, Bftob, A5uf Lorrj-lúc, 
 cú^5 coi^a, a b-túf fe^e 5t)íorr)A, 
 t>Ac |*5A|ia6 cojbce le 'pjOtJt) ! 
 
 <t>o frj A5 ¥]or)\) bo gAbAjiAfb bjr^e, 
 Uaict)^, B|tío5Tt>A|t, A5U1» UA]ll-be5 ; 
 SceAllAijte ReAccAi|ie &\ ^iArj-ftAf, 
 CAllA]]te ; T'l^'^t) A'f S3|Atilo5. 
 
 <Do bj A]5e 2t)AT)Ai|te A5Uf T>]ié&i), 
 LuAf, Saocaji, SeA|tC A'f CuA||íb, 
 BAl)bU]|l, CAÚbuAÓ, A5U|* LfAfAr), 
 HAbAi|te ; 5|t1At)AT), A5U]* pUAlrt). 
 
 following awards granted by the king of Caiseal to the king of Loch 
 Lein : — 
 
 &IÍ5I& cutijaji; cb&lttbeATnAjl, 
 
 fici bó Acur trjebi eAc, 
 
 pjcbl I0175 t>ó — x)] &fiocb. bfteAcb." 
 
 To the kiug of extensive Loch Lein, 
 Is due a friendly return, 
 Twenty cows and twenty steeds, 
 Twenty ships to him — no bad award. 
 
 See also Windele's Notices of Cork and Killarney, and Mrs. Hall's Hand- 
 book for Killarney. 
 
203 
 
 0. There are in the southern side 
 
 Ten hundred broad and glittering swords ; 
 Ten hundred shields and the Dord Fhiann, 
 And the Barr-buadh likewise . 
 
 There is in the eastern side 
 
 Gold and raiment in plenty, and spoils, 
 
 Treasures too many to describe, 
 
 That came afar each day across the sea. 
 
 Though [it be] doleful for an old man living after them, 
 Patrick ! to be in sorrow recounting them, 
 The names of all our well-bred hounds, 
 And melodious dogs you will get from me. 
 
 We had there Sgeolan and Bran, 
 Lomaire, Brod, and Lom-luth ; 
 Five hounds foremost in the chase and actions 
 That never parted Fionn ! 
 
 Fionn had of melodious dogs, 
 Uaithnin, Brioghmhar, and Uaill-bheo ; 
 Steallaire, Keachtaire, and Dian-ras, 
 Callaire, Fiadhman, and Sgiarlog. 
 
 He had also Manaire and Trean, 
 Luas, Saothar, Searc and Cuaird ; 
 Banduir, Cathbuadh, aud Liasan. 
 Kadaire, Grianan, and Fuaim. 
 
 1 Here Oisin relates to St. Patrick the names of the principal hounds 
 which the Fenians brought from Cnoc-an-air ; and if we are to rely upon 
 the category, many of the names have something significant about them ; 
 — For instance — Brioghmhar, signifies the strong or vigorous; Uaill- 
 bheo, a lively howl ; Steallaire, spatterer ; Dian-ras, swift in the chase ; 
 Trean, strong ; Luas, swift ; Saothar, expeditious ; Searc, affection ; 
 Cuaird, to go on an errand ; Cath-bhuadh, victorious in battle ; Radaire, 
 pleasing; Grianan, suubright ; Fuaim, noise; Lom-bhall, bare-limbed: 
 Monaran turf-ranger; Feargach, wrathful; Ras, race. 
 
 The classical reader will, no doubt, recollect a similar enumeration of 
 
204 
 
 O. í)o bj A^e Lotu-OAll 2t)or)A|t&r;, 
 peArnjAC, fe&p&r), Botw A^ur- R&f> 
 Cr)A5Ajrie, 'péijtío, ^uy BAll-ujt, 
 2t)AllA]|te, T|téAo-lúc A5111 4 Kir>r;-bAru 
 
 ^o b] A]5e yoy í)uAi)Ar; rrjeAri, 
 Suavjat), Be Arte, A5ur* 'peAll, 
 leA5A]]te, *FojtA]jte, A5ur* SliorbAr), 
 Crqqrie, LAjtbArtAi?, A5uf* 3^aU. 
 
 ^5 T)V A50cbfA a Pb&crtAic bA]r> ! 
 at) Ijot) cot) A]lr>e & y 5a6a|i criéAr) ; 
 bo ]tu7j T^orjr; ó crjoc at) A]ri, 
 50 le|]t5 a'|* 50 fleAfA^b Loca Lé]r>. 
 
 4Do bj A5 Ofcufi bo f ao]c cor)A|b, 
 
 'peAb A5U]* )^ofCA]5, CIua^i) a't* 'pAobAft ; 
 21] [te, 2t)jrie, pAjrte, &\ LuAr*, 
 <DaoI, Spu^l 11 ^ T^l ^ 1 a 'y CaoI. 
 
 <Do b] 't)A t)-bA]l bo 5A6|tA]b bjijrje, 
 CleAf, FjlleAÓ, 2t)<X]5, aV Kua]5, 
 2ilcAr), 'pAfiftAjrie, Sic-criuA]6 a'i* Se&T 1 ^ 
 «DftAijAifie, Réjtr;, ObAi)t; a'j* Cuai?, 
 
 <Do b] A|5e LoriSAjrie, 'pejceArb a't 1 Borjr), 
 Cof5A|rie, peAir;, BuaIcai), a'^ *f\\&oc, 
 CeA^Ar), 2t)e<\r)5, PjieAbAijte, a'|* Pjat), 
 SqiACAjrte, K|Ar>, SlófiÁr; a't* Caottn 
 
 <t)o b] A5 'pAolAp bo cor)A]b A]lr;e, 
 
 2li)-UAjll ÁgrbAjt, Ua]U A5UI* To}*ca]5, 
 B^ticAt), peATtJAjrie, CaoIai} a']* Cuac, 
 <DaoIai), Suái), 2l|tft A'f 'pocfiAn). 
 
 the names of Acteon's dogs, that pursued their master, transformed into 
 a stag by the goddess Diana, in punishment for having surprised her 
 whilst bathing with her nymphs (Ovid's Metamorphoses, lib. iii.) The 
 Latin poet, however, is neither so tedious nor so unvarying in his enu- 
 meration, as the Irish bard, in the present instance, for having given 
 distinctive characteristics to his dogs. He breaks off with the words: — 
 
20s 
 
 0. He had Lom-bhall, and Monaran, 
 
 Feargach, Fearan, Bonn and Has, 
 Cnagaire, Feirin, and Ball-ur, 
 Mallaire, Trean-luth, and Rinn-bhar, 
 
 He bad likewise Duanan the swift, 
 Suanan, Beart, and Feall ; 
 Leagaire, Foraire, and Sliomhan, 
 Crithire, Larbharan, and Geall. 
 
 Here thou hast, Patrick ! the fair [haired] 
 The number of fine hounds and stout dogs, 
 Which Fionn brought from Cnoc-an-air, 
 To the plains and borders of Loch Lein ! 
 
 Oscur had of true bred hounds 
 
 Fead and Fostaigh, Cluain and Faobhar, 
 Aire, Mire, Faire and Luas, 
 DaoJ, Gruaim, Fior and Caol. 
 
 He had along with them of melodious dogs 
 Cleas, Filleadh, Maig and Kuaig, 
 Altain, Farraire, Sith-chruaidh and Gearr, 
 Dranaire, Reim, Obann and Cuan. 
 
 He had Lorgaire, Feitheamh and Bonn, 
 Oosgaire, Feam, Bualtan and Fraoch, 
 Cealgan, Meang, Preabaire and Pian, 
 Stracaire, Rian, Gloran and Caomh. 
 
 Faolan had of fine hounds 
 An-Uaill the lucky, Uaill and Fostaigh, 
 Barcan, Feamaire, Caolan and Cuach, 
 Daolan, Suan, Arr, and Fothram. 
 
 " Quosque referre mora est,"— Lib. iii., v. 225. 
 In some of our modern Anglo-Irish hunting songs and ballads, the names 
 of the dogs of the chase are likewise given. Can it be that our bards 
 and song-writers followed a classical model, without a consciousness of 
 the fact? 
 
206 
 
 O. <t)o bj A|5e bo gAbfiAjb bjOO-slófiAC, 
 
 C0I5ÍVT), T*Af5A, 'piijórb&T) a'f CjieAC, 
 
 t)o b^ A^e pó|* Spirit) *Y Beol&i), 
 
 poftrrjAOil, C]A|ib^T), 5UiA]f a']* Lofi3 ; 
 'G\aib&y<\r), C]A|tbocc, A3111* C]Ar)-ciiAutb, 
 Occat), Jol£uAi|t, pleAs, A5U1* 'pofXAis. 
 
 <t)o bj A5 &0 coi)Aib fAO]ce, 
 
 3luA||te, C]i6acc a'i* 2ll]tc ; 
 
 C]av, Ka8a|xc, &|fbeAct a'j* P&jjic, 
 TfteAthlúc, B^ifie, 6jC]oll a'|* 'peAf. 
 
 <t)o b] A^e 'puUi)^ A3uf 6<vbfiorr), 
 'puAjt&r), Baja, A5uf "CeAOÁi) ; 
 2iftb-lé]rr), S'A]i-]xii]i, A5UI* JrocjAi), 
 3<Mtb&o> T'l^U, A5uf LeAi)AT). 
 
 <t)o bj A^e bo gAbftAjb uA]ll-b|i)i), 
 Bo5-léjrr?, S3ÍC, 5^lÁr) A3Uf Cófft, 
 SeAfib&r>, ^T 1053-11 ^^ ^3 u r SeACftAt), 
 'Po^luAjrp, 'peAb-á&jfi, A3uf H<vt)c6f|t. 
 
 <Do bí A^e £óf 2t)AO]l|t) b]t>r>, 
 
 TuA^A^e, R]i)3, Ajuf ^tíjaIátj, 
 
 <D|lA1)Alfie, Mirb-^ACAll, A5UJ 4 ScjlACA, 
 
 CluAi?Aifte, 'Gftorn-geAftft, A3111* SeAjic&i). 
 
 <t)o b] bo coijAib A3 21)ac LúJacI}, 1 
 SeAbAC, Lú|i)3eAC, A3Uf 6|jxleAC ; 
 943ó]t-cÁit), CurrjAr), A3itf }niAfUT)A, 
 ^IoIat), Ssu^bA, ^3uf* 'pAoba-ji 
 
 1 9X)ac I115ACÍ). This Fenian chief was son of Daire Dearg, son of 
 Fionn Mac Curahaill. His mother's name was Luigheach— so called 
 from luigh, to swear, because all the females belonging to his household 
 swore that she was a daughter of Fionn. Hence he was called Mac Lu- 
 
20V 
 
 0. He had of melodious dogs 
 
 Marbhan, Forfhogra, Fiar and Teilig, 
 Colgan, Fasga, Finomhan and Creacli, 
 Leir-sgrios, Feall, Uaill-bhinn and Leirg. 
 
 He had also Glaisin and Beolan, 
 
 Formaoil, Ciarbhan, Gluais and Lorg, 
 Truadhnan, Ciarbhocht and Cian-chuaird, 
 Ochtan, Iolghuair, Fleagh and Fostaigh. 
 
 Goll had of noble hounds 
 
 Gluaire, Bioga, Creacht and Aire, 
 Cian, Kadharc, Eisdeacht and Pairt, 
 Trean-luth, Baire, Eitioll and Feas. 
 
 He had also Fulang and Eadrom, 
 Fuaran, Eaga, and Teanan, 
 Ard-leim, Sar-ruith, and Imchian, 
 Garbhan, Fiall, and Leanan. 
 
 He had of melodious dogs 
 
 Bogleim, Sgith, Golan and Toir, 
 Searbkan, Grod-uaill, and Seachran, 
 Fogkluaim, Fead-ghair, and Eantoir. 
 
 He had likewise Maoilin the melodious, 
 Tuargaire, King, and Amalan, 
 Dranaire, Nimh-fhiacail, and Straca, 
 Cluanaire, Trom-ghearr, and Searcan. 
 
 Mac Lughach had of hounds 
 Seabhac, Luingeach, and Eirleach, 
 Mor-than, Cuman, and Fuarma, 
 Aolan, Sguaba, and Faobhar. 
 
 ghach, after his mother's name ; because it was considered disgraceful 
 to call him after his father. It was Lughaidh Lamha the Momonian that 
 struck Fionn at the feast in the palace of Tara. Vide Agallamh na Sean- 
 oiridh, or Dialogue of the Sages. 
 
«Do bj A]5e bo ijAbjtAib beób<v, 
 LuAbjtíxr), *Se6lAb, A3iif 'CacowÓ ; 
 Cúl-|-AOfi, ^t)|OT)-^A]]te ; A5iif Scu^jrr), 
 BjAbAi;, BfiuACAifi, A5U|* CAfAb. 
 
 <Do bj A]5e j:óf Jorrjl&t) cfiuAi^, 
 C<vo|tAr>, <Duai]ic, A5uf Cu]leó5, 
 ^lftju^T), BfteAC-bAll, A511]* <Dut)ú||i, 
 2t)eA|i-bAll ; piorwbúift, A3Uf T|tuf*ló3 
 
 <Do bí A3 21)ac Foi)Á]t) 3TMtW> 
 bo coi^b luA^ce A3uf ^AOjce, 
 CuAT)-co]it)éAb, A5u|* 2t)ACA-||te njeAjt, 
 
 Cv)&TT)AC, UjlUc, A5U| 4 S^ojce. 
 
 <Do b| A]5e p6f N]ATT)flAC Iiia^c, 
 2l]i)rbeA|t, 'Cu<xi]ac, A3up WéAl, 
 6óIac, l.Ab]tu|i), A3Uf B0I3 f e <M)3> 
 2t)eAi)rbu|t), 'peATt), A3up T^fiAOfT. 
 
 <Do bj Ai3e bo 3Ab|tA]b jrÓTjluAirrweAC, 
 
 CjtAipiéiti, Suai), A3ur 'Coirs ; 
 
 Cú]x)t)e, 3wa3át), <Docc, a'i* <bd]t, 
 Buai^At), ^óijt, A3uf poirs- 
 
 <t)o b^ A^e <t)uAftb&i} A3U1* Srjap, 
 LomAi), Cac, A5iif CA0f*5u|t; 
 C&]b]x), 3^AlAt), a't luAjc-gléAf, 
 ^oicjij, BéAf, A3uf BAO^fe. 
 
 <t)o bí Ai3e £Óf ^Aflb-UAlll géAft, 
 )^UA1C|1), T'AOTDAb, A3U]» LojtcÁr), 
 
 CuAi)Ai|t, BoijrjUjce, A3U|* tUri?&i> 
 
209 
 
 He had of sprightly dogs 
 
 Luadran, Seoladh, and Tacadh, 
 Cul-saor, Mion-ghaire, and Stuaim, 
 Biadan, Bruachair, and Casadh. 
 
 He had likewise Iomlan the hardy, 
 Caoran, Duairc, and Cuileog, 
 Argnin, Breac-bhall, and Dunuir, 
 Mear-bhall, Fionnduir, and Truslog. 
 
 Mac Ronain the social had, 
 Of swift and noble hounds, 
 Cuan-choimead, and Machaire the swift, 
 Cnainhach, Urlach, and Gaoithe. 
 
 He had also Niamhrach the swift, 
 Ainmhear, Tuairt, and Neall, 
 Eolach, Ladruin, and Bolg the slender, 
 Meanmhuin, Feam, and Traost. 
 
 He had of well bred dogs 
 Craipleir, Suan, and Toisg, 
 Cuinne, Guagan, Docht, and Doith, 
 Buanan, Foir, and Foisg. 
 
 He had Duardan and Snap, 
 Loman, Cath, and Caosgur, 
 Caibin, Gealan, and Luaith-ghleas, 
 Foithin, Beas, and Baoi3e. 
 
 He had also Garbh-uaill the sharp, 
 
 Fuaithin, Taoniadh, and Lorcan, 
 
 Alpuire, Grod-ghair, and Tearc, 
 
 Cuanair, Bonnlaice, and Uanihan. 
 14 
 
210 
 
 too b] <%5 to]A|irr)ii|b 0'touibi)e, 
 bo copAjb f*AO|ce a loit? lúc, 
 
 tou|lleó3, LéjíT)pAbA, A3111* Clúib. 
 
 too bj A]5e bo 5^S|tA]b ye]l^e, 
 CuaIai;, Lo||t5eAc. ; A5uf 3^1 n)t 
 toub-5fte]8|ir), - pollA]]te, A3uf Jati|iacc, 
 puAjtcA*), 5lA.rf)A|iae, A5iif 2loi;A{tAr). 
 
 too b] bo cor^b A3 CAOrij, 
 
 < C]ieADA]]ie, Se^rs, A3uf 2t)6|t-8^l, 
 LuAbAi), BuofAC, SeAt>5Ai|ie ; a']* C|t|All, 
 
 Loj^ítT), ScjAllAjjie, A5'.l|* "Gfl&CCAT). 
 
 too frj bo 5Ab)tAib A^e t>& b-poc<\]fi, 
 JaUaí), Cof5A]|t, T^ieAf A5uf "Cjtú^Ab ; 
 C]ai)ívtj, 3^1^10, ^aIIa A3u|* TjtéAi;, 
 K]Art)Ai^ Se||tce, Bajic Ajuj* C]tu. 
 
 too bj A3 'PeAjisuf |;|le pb]W 
 
 bO COlJA^b bA 31)|OTT)AC, luA|C ; 
 3l0bat>, 'pUAbAC, A3Uf K^-flUfC, 
 
 LuAbjiAr), puji^eATÍ), 5é|be<M)r> A3111* toúql. 
 
 too bj A|3e bo 3Ab]iAib 3lArt)-b|r)r>e, 
 *fu&i'<\y, toUcc, pjojt A3up L|or)Af) ; 
 
 CliAf AC, B|t-b|T)t), A3UI* 5|tUA3AC, 
 
 IXah}Ac, BleAce, A3uf* tolAccAi}, 
 
 too b] A3AlDr^ * PbAC]tA|C ! 
 
 A3uf A5 cac 6 f|r) fUAf ; 
 
 A T)-éA3rt)<\|f T)A 5"COi; a'j* 1)A T^AÓAft úb, 
 
 be|c 3-céAb A]t lúc i;ac b-pu|l|rf) bo Iuaó. 
 
211 
 
 O. Diarmuid O'Duibhne had, 
 
 Of noble, fierce, and swift hounds, 
 Coisir, Noinin, and Gear-leana, 
 Duilleog, Leim-fhada, and Quid. 
 
 He had of dogs for the chase, 
 Cualan, Loirgeach, and Glaimh, 
 Dubh-ghreidhim, Follaire, and Iarracht, 
 Fuarcan, Glamaire, and Aonaran. 
 
 Glas the gentle, had of hounds 
 Treabhaire, Seasg, and Mor-dhail, 
 Luaban, Bunsach, Seangaire, and Triall, 
 Lorgan, Stiallaire, and Trachtan. 
 
 He had of dogs along with them, 
 Iallan, Cosgair, Treas and Trughadh, 
 Cianan, Gaimbin, Falla and Trean, 
 Riaman, Seirce, Bare and Cru. 
 
 Feargus, Fionn's poet, had, 
 Of swift and active hounds ; 
 Giodan, Fuadach, and Rin-ruith, 
 Luadran, Fuinneanih, Geibheann and Duil. 
 
 He had of dogs of the sweetest cry, 
 Fuathan, Dlacht, Fior and Lion an, 
 Cuasach, Bith-bhinn, and Gruagach, 
 Uamach, Bleacht, and Dlachtan. 
 
 I had myself, Patrick ! 
 And so had all the rest, 
 Besides those hounds and dogs, 
 Ten hundred more for the chase that I do not name. 
 
212 
 
 P. JvviV * Oinu, t)A v)-£acc cfiuA]6 ! 
 
 Iaoj 3A9 b]iéi5 t;A feihje 6Ci^i^^ ; 
 
 ^|A]8 lejr^e At) Ioca úb? 1 
 
 O. 21 Pb^qiA-|c! a 3~cuaIa cii ai) c-feib;, 2 
 
 A TÍ)JC 2UpjUl|l) t)A pfAlrt) rÁri) ! 
 
 rr?A|t bo Jii3t)e ai) bcAr) le T^orjr), 
 A i* 3AT) Aor; t)eAC At)r> t)A córbbAil. 
 
 P. hY] bójc 30 5-cuaIa a rb]c At) jvj3 ! 
 
 A]C|t]|- óúirjr) 3At) cujrtT-e b\\d]\), 
 cjotjAp bo |tl3t)e leó At? c-feAh; ? 
 
 O. ÓAi)n)AO]p)e At) fbi&w 3Ó, 3 
 
 tjjori cujbe é bo f ArblúijAb leo, 
 le jrjt^tirje A*!* le rjeArtc Att Iattj, 
 bo q3Tt)AO]f flat/) óf* 3AÓ sled. 
 
 M]0]t fujb i)eAC Ab c]ll, 
 
 a PbACitA^c, ^ b]r)y puA]tD 3l6|t Í 
 bob' Fíwwíse t>& 'Fiodd £étt>, 
 At) feA|t i)Á|t caoI bo b|tor)AÓ ójt. 
 
 ftíofi fqÓ T)eAC a 3-qll, 
 
 5)6 b]t)r) l]b a CA^Ajb pj* A^lrn, 
 bob -peÁ|i]t -pocAl t)A at) ^pbl^W^ 
 jqji rj&ft lo]C a t^leó 3A]tb. 
 
 1 Pilfer " 21í) p]AÓ f|l) AT) Ioca ÚD." 
 
 The deer of that lake. 
 21 5-cuaU cú At) c-reil5 ? Have you heard of the chase t The chase 
 referred to here is that of Sliabh Fuaid, (which will be given in a subse- 
 quent volume of our Transactions), where Ailne transformed herself 
 
213 
 
 P. Eelate, Olsin, of the marvellous deeds ! 
 Without falsehoods, a lay of the chase ; 
 I am mistaken, or you soon slew 
 The deer of the plains of that Lake. 
 
 0. Patrick ! have you heard of the chase, 
 son of Alpruin of psalms sublime ! 
 That the woman caused to Fionn, 
 And no one present in his company. 
 
 P. 'Tis not likely I have heard, son of the king ! 
 Oisin the wise, of terrible deeds, 
 Relate to us without the sadness of sorrow, 
 How the chase was performed by them ? 
 
 0. We, the Fians, told no lies, 
 
 Such should not be laid to our charge ; 
 By truth and the strength of our hands, 
 We came unhurt from every battle. 
 
 A cleric never sat in thy church, 
 O Patrick, of the melodious voice ! 
 More truthful than Fionn himself, 
 The man who was not niggardly in bestowing gold. 
 
 None sat in a temple, 
 Though sweet ye think they chant psalms, 
 More strict of their word than the Fians, 
 Men who faltered not in fierce conflict. 
 
 into a deer in order that the Fenians may give her chase, for the purpose 
 of entrapping them, to be avenged for the death of her husband and sons 
 who fell at Cnoc-an-air. 
 
 3 36, a lie. This expression very frequently occurs in Fenian poetry, 
 because a strict adherence to truth was one of the chief characteristics 
 of the Fians. Even at this day a liar is held in utter contempt by the 
 peasantry. 
 
214 
 
 i)ó CAln)A c<vti t/éAb ; 
 i)6 21)ac U] í)buibi;e 1)4, rt)-bAi), 
 at; Iaoc bo ciqjteAb* c<vc aji ce^b! 
 
 <Da ti^ftfíeAÓ }^eA|i5ur; ^jle pblttt)* 
 
 jreAjt a 5ce-||tc bo fiopjr) a it At) b pép)i) ; 
 t)ó c t)<xi]te bo fe|t)i)eAÓ 5 at) locc, 
 a T>5uc t)<v 3-CI05 \y\ beic rt)o tP^ir- 
 
 <Da roAiTttreAÓ 2t)eAji3AC i)A Ut)T), 
 At) peATi 5 A t)t> ^3 CUTt At) Ai.it ; 
 Ot;cu]t a't; 21)ac HórjAjt) 3|tíW; 
 bo cjtói)Ai) pM) 5-qU t)íott f Arb ! 
 
 <Da roA^ntíeAÓ 2loé BeA3 rt)AC ftyyi), 
 1)6 pAolat) 5Ttjt)t) t)Áfi éAttji t)eAC, 
 i;6 Cot)At) ti)aoI bo h) 5A1) 5|tuA^3, 
 If -|Ab b^Á3 Tt)e fAO-| 3111^1,11) le T/eAl ! 
 
 Hoi) c-Ab<\c be A3 bo b] A3 1-1,01)1), 
 
 bo cujTteAÓ 3AÓ aot) a b-co]|tC]rf) t/UA]i) ! 
 
 bA b]i)i)e l|orf) £iiA]rt) a ri)éATt, 
 
 t)ív b-t;u^l bo clé]it a 3-cjll \<\ b-cuAC ! 
 
 Of AT)0]t; T)AC T1)A]TteAl)T) At) pbjATWj 
 
 i)Á ¥\or)t) f^AlrbAtt i)A i)-buAf ; 
 bo bo8A]t -f*|AT)t;Ái) t)A pt/Alrf), 
 
 P. S3U||t bO béAl A feA1)6jtt f UA]TtC ! 
 
 t)<\ b] feAfbA A3 Iua6 t)A b-p]At)t) ; 
 50 i)-beACAbA]t tottc rt)Att at) 3-ced, 
 a'|* 30 ti)-be]b 30 beó a t)5Uf i)A b-p|At) ! 
 
210 
 
 0. Had Mac Morna the swift lived, 
 
 Goll the mighty, who loved not gems, 
 
 Or Mac Ui Dhuibhne, the beloved of women, 
 
 The hero who vanquished one hundred [men in battle] ! 
 
 Had Fergus, Fionn's poet, lived, 
 
 He who distributed justice to the Fians, 
 
 Or Daire, whose music was faultless, 
 
 To the sound of the bells I'd give no heed. 
 
 Had Meargach of the spears lived, 
 
 He who was not scanty in dealing slaughter, 
 
 Oscur and Mac Konain the pleasant, 
 
 Thy humming in the church would not be agreeable. 
 
 Had Aodh Beag, the son of Fionn, lived, 
 
 Or Faolan the pleasant, who refused not any one, 
 Or Conan the bald, who was without hair, 
 'Tis they who have left me in gloom for a time. 
 
 Or the small dwarf, who belonged to Fionn, 
 Who lulled each one into heavy sleep ; 
 The sound of his finger was dearer to me 
 Than all thy clerics in church and country. 
 
 As it is now that the Fians do not live, 
 
 Or Fionn the generous, the bestower of rewards, 
 The hum of the psalms and harsh sound of the bells 
 Have deafened my ears. 
 
 P. Close thy lips pleasant old man ! 
 
 Henceforth do not name the Fians ; 
 
 They passed off like a mist, 
 
 And shall be for ever in bonds of pain. 
 
216 
 
 O. <t>A ri)6|b clo|5 aca Ah c|U, 
 
 i;j cfíe]bp|i9t) bo bfie]c aji at> b-'péji)^ 
 t)A bftejc bo cléjfte acc Arijujl. 
 
 )y rt)]W\c a coblAf Art)U]6 Aft fl]Ab, 
 
 £AO] ftftílCC l|AC ^AO] bAjtjt CflAt)t) J 
 
 a'|« UÍOfi cleAcc l]oro leAbA 5AT) bjAÓ, 
 feAÓ be^c f jAb 1 ajx At) 5-cr>oc úb caII ! 
 
 P. Mj bibeAt)r) A5Ab leAbA 5At; bjAÓ, 
 
 bo jejbeAT^r) zú feAcc ro-bAifigjO ajxaií), 
 
 aV ti7]Of5ÁT) rt)6|t bo'i; ^rt), 
 
 a'|* ceÁCfiAnjAÓ rbA^|tc 5AC AOi) Ia. 
 
 O. 'Do COf)A|]tC XX)h CAOfl CAOftCA]!)];, 2 
 
 bA tt)6 ^ao^ 06 v'<\ bo rbeAp5&i) ; 
 
 a'|* bo cooAjtc rr>é bu|lleÓ5 ejórjeÁp), 
 
 bA tÍ)5 a']* bA lejce ^y<^ bo bA^agjo AftAjT) ! 
 
 1 "P{a8, Jeer. The most perfect skeletons of this animal, the Cervust 
 Giganteus, as we assume, now known in Ireland, are preserved in the 
 Museums of the Royal Dublin Society, and of Trinity College, where 
 there are three specimens to be seen. There is also a very perfect skeleton 
 in the Belfast Museum, into which we were conducted during a recent 
 visit to that town, by Mr. Robert Mac Adam, a gentleman who takes 
 peculiar interest in matters of archaeology ; and to whose exertions 
 we believe the Museum of that town is mainly indebted for the vast 
 collection of antiquities therein preserved. This skeleton stands upwards 
 of six feet high, and is perfect in every respect. 
 
 2 Caoji CAo|tcu]t)i;, i.e.. The Berry of the Rowan Tree. It is tradi- 
 tionally recorded that, in order to defeat the arguments of St. Patrick, 
 respecting the quantity of food given to Oisin, the latter, though aged 
 and blind, set out, attended by a guide, and on arriving at Glenasmoil, 
 which is supposed to be]the valley of the Dodder, near Dublin ; the guide 
 called his attention to a huge tree bearing fruit of enormous size, of 
 which Oisin, told him to pluck one and preserve it. Proceeding 
 further in the glen, the guide's attention was attracted by the great size 
 of the ivy leaves which covered the rocks, and which from their immense 
 size overshadowed the valley from one end to the other ; of these Oisin 
 
217 
 
 O. Though many bells are in thy church, 
 
 Chanting and dolefully humming psalms, 
 
 I would not credit thy judgment respecting the Fians, 
 
 Nor the judgment of thy clerics but regard it alike. 
 
 I often slept abroad on the hill, 
 
 Under grey dew, on the foliage of trees, 
 And I was not accustomed to a supperless bed 
 While there was a stag on yonder hill ! 
 
 P. Thou hast not a bed without food, 
 
 Thou gettest seven cakes of bread, 
 
 And a large roll of butter, 
 
 And a quarter of beef every day. 
 
 0. I saw a berry of the rowan tree 
 Twice larger than thy roll ; 
 And I saw an ivy leaf 
 Larger and wider than thy cake of bread. 
 
 also directed him to pull a leaf and preserve it. They then proceeded 
 to the Curragh of Kildare, where Oisin sounded the Dord Fhian, which 
 lay concealed under a Dalian, and a flock of blackbirds answered the call, 
 among which was one of enormous size, at which Oisin let loose a favorite 
 hound that after much wrangling killed the bird. They cut off a leg which 
 they brought home, and laid the rowan berry, the ivy leaf, and leg of 
 the blackbird before St. Patrick, to show that Oisin was right, and the 
 Saint wrong in his notions respecting the dietary of Oisin whilst living 
 with the Fenians. A very curious paper on the Fenian traditions of 
 Sliabh-na-m-ban, where the scene of this legend is laid, by Mr. John 
 Dunne of Garryricken, will be found in the Transactions of the Kilkenny 
 Archaeological Society, for 1851, p. 333. 
 
 We are informed that large and luxuriant ivy leaves grow at Chapel- 
 izod, county Dublin, and also at Glenasmoil, one of which was procured 
 by an official on the Ordnance Survey, and now preserved as an original 
 illustration of the text, in the manuscript volume of " Letters on the An- 
 tiquities of the county Dublin," preserved in the Archives of the Irish 
 Ordnance Survey Office ; as a proof that the large ivy of former days 
 had not yet degenerated in Ireland. The largest ivy leaf we have seen, 
 grew on the old walls of St. John's Church, Kilkenny, in July, 1858. 
 
218 
 
 O. <t)ó cotiAfic xt)h ceAcnAri)A8 lojr), 
 
 b& vc)b t)A bo ceAcrtArb&S trjAncAit) ; 
 If* é bo \\o\) vs)o cnojbe le cti|rife, 
 be]c Ab c|5f|, a boccAjr) ! 
 
 Jf rx)-\\)]c bo bAÓAfA 30 ^aII, 
 
 A tJ-4)Úr) AT) flfé t^Tt 5At)1), 
 
 Art -peAÓ rx)]oy a 3-ca|C|tt) bo't) rt)-b|Ab, 
 
 &0 b|A& CATt 5AC C]OX)l). 
 
 2t)ut)A n)-beic t)a 5eAfA h) Aft 'pbiorjr), 
 A'f t>A|i rb]Ai) tejf cuiqro cnjb, 
 
 A TtAfb ATI T)eATf) 'f A b-fUjl Ajt l&ft, 
 
 ry\ clAOjbf eAbAO]f Iatt> mo rtíg ! 
 
 P. )\ é xx)o rrjgfi, b° 8eAlbu]5 rjeATT), 
 If é bo bejtt TjeAftc tia Iaoc ; 
 if h bo curt) at) b]oc-buAi;, 
 If é bo bejjt Mac tja 3-criAob. 
 
 Jf é bo 6eAlbu]j é-Af3& A'f 3Tt]AT), 
 if é bo be^Tt ]Af3 ati \\\)\) \ 
 if & bo CTtucu]3 30|tc A J f f éA[t, 
 V] b - lor)Ai)r) A'f 6acca 'pblW ! 
 
 O. A]t ctiucúJaÓ 3ottc r)& féAft, 
 
 cu^ rt)o rtfáfe féfr; a búfl ; 
 acc A5 cof*3A^|t cortpA^b Iaoc, 
 A3 cof 11ATT) ctvjoc A'f A3 curt a clú ! 
 
 % f u W3í 6 *n i"?m c > A n f e 1 l o.« 
 
 ati t)Occa6 TT)e]n3e a b-cúf T>\eo, 
 
 ATI 1tT)]TlC f^CCjlle A'f ATI f tl^ri), 
 
 A'f ati f ejceAíf) các a b-c|5 At; 5|l. 
 
219 
 
 0. I saw a quarter of a blackbird 
 
 Which was larger than thy quarter of beef ; 
 'Tis it that fills my soul with sadness, 
 To be in thy house thou poor wretch ! 
 
 I often had pleasant times 
 
 In the Dun of the generous king ; 
 What food I [now] use in a month 
 I would have left after me at each meal there. 
 
 Had it not been for the prohibitions which bound Fionn, 
 And that it was not his wish to violate them, 
 All that dwell in heaven and earth 
 Would not vanquish the hand of my king. 
 
 P. 'Tis my king made heaven, 
 
 'Tis he who gave the hero might, 
 
 'Tis he who held eternal life, 
 
 'Tis he who gave blossom to the trees. 
 
 'Tis he who made the sun and moon, 
 'Tis he who brings fish into the lakes, 
 'Tis he who created fields and grass, 
 Not such were the deeds of Fionn ! 
 
 0. 'Tis not the creating of fields and grass 
 My king took as his choice, 
 But the hacking of bodies of heroes, 
 Protecting territories, and spreading his fame. 
 
 The wooing, the play, and the chase, 
 
 The unfolding of banners in the battle's front, 
 
 The playing at chess and swimming, 
 
 And the entertainment of all at the festive board. 
 
220 
 
 O. 21 PbACfiA]c ! ca tiAjb bo í)bi<v, 
 
 AT) CAT) CA|T)15 AT) fe| f CAJt leAjt ? 
 
 C113 leó beAT) riÍ3 LocIat)t) t)a Iot)5, 
 le'jt cujc ]OTT)Ab Iaoc t;at) crieAf ? 
 
 Wó AT) CAT) CÁjT)T,5 ^tjAjrjuj* rr)6fí, 
 at) j:eAft bA bopb 5le6 T)&ri c]tt) ; 
 -\X coyn)ii]\ bA rDA^ttreAÓ bo <DblA> 
 50 5-cu]be6cA le f]^r)^]h ftywV' 
 
 tló at) cat) ca^ois ^*|lc H)AC T4teoT,T), 
 
 AT) peATt ATI AT) b-'pé^T) bO CU]Tt AT) C'Afl ! 
 
 1)Í leb' í>biA bo cu|c at) cufiAÓ, 
 acc le })-Orcu]t a T^eAt'S ^ac. 
 
 SIIat^A, 1 TT)AC Bb^^TD^ TÍ)Ó||t, 
 
 le rt)|Uq "CeArbAiri t)a ^63 cjiéAT); 
 T)jori \eo]\x) n)<v rb aitx bó ^bl^ 
 bul bA cIaot.6 acc }~iot)T) t;é]T). 
 
 Jr* jot^Óa cac, rr)AÓn), a't; 5I1AÓ, 
 bo coiT)ófiAÓ le 'pi.ArwAjb "pbl^O ; 
 
 \j\ CUaIa 50 T)-beA|tT)AÓ éACC, 
 
 T)A T)AOTT) T)A 5U|t 6eAfi3 a Iatt) ! 
 
 P. Lé^eATDAOlb b'ATl 5-COrT)ÓTtCUf A]t 5AC CAOO, 
 
 A feAT)Ó||l Cfl]OT) AC Á JAT) Cé]ll ', 
 CU15 50 b-^Ujl C D|A Ajl T)eATT) T)A T)-Óflb. 
 
 a't/ 'Fjo^T) r*A flójTjce ir|le a b--péi i i)T) ! 
 O. Ba Ti)ó|t at) T)Á|rie fji) bo t>b]A, 
 
 3 AT) 5IAT; T)A b-p]AT) bO buA|l) b"pblOT)T), 
 
 a't; ^Dja. ^é]T) bÁ n)-be|c a n)-b|io|b, 
 30 b-c^iojbpeAb at) frlAjc cajx a ceAT)r>. 
 
 1 Aliter, 
 
221 
 
 O. Patrick ! where was thy God, 
 
 When the two came across the sea ? [the ships, 
 Who carried off the wife of the king of Lochlin of 
 On whose account many a hero fell in conflict. 
 
 Or when Magnus the Great landed, 
 He who was in battle fierce, 
 'Tis likely if thy God had lived 
 That he would have aided the Fians and Fionn ! 
 
 Or when Tailc Mac Treoin landed, 
 
 He who dealt slaughter to the Fians, 
 
 'Tis not by thy God the hero fell, 
 . But by Oscur in the midst of the foe ! 
 
 Or Alama, the son of Badhma the Great, 
 By whom Temor of the brave hosts was pillaged, 
 Thy God dared not, had he lived, 
 Go fight him but Fionn himself. 
 
 Many a battle, strife, and conflict, 
 Was waged by the Fians of Fionn ; 
 I never heard of any deed performed [hand. 
 By the king of the saints, or that he reddened his 
 
 P. Let us cease our contention on both sides, 
 O withered old man devoid of sense ! 
 Know that God dwells in heaven of the orders, 
 And that Fionn and his hosts are in bonds. 
 
 O. Great would be the shame of God 
 
 If he did not release Fionn from his bonds, 
 And if God himself, were a captive, 
 The chief would fight for his sake. 
 
222 
 
 NjOft piUt)5 J~]Ot)\) Aft £6^6 A flAC, 
 
 t;eAc a bejc a b-pé|í)r> t)A t^uatt*, 
 at) truA|*3lAÓ atti. le A||t5eAb t)ó 6|t, 
 a 3-CAc t)iv t^leó 50 rr?-béA|t^6 buAÓ. 
 
 Jf TT)A|C AT) CeAT)T)AC bATT) ATI bO <£>fy]&, 
 
 bejc ATT)eA]*5 a cIt^ttji ttjati cA^tt) ; 
 5AT) b|AÓ, 5AT) éAbAÓ, 5A1; ceól, 
 5AT) bejc A5 b|toT)Ab 6|ji ati bA^rb. 
 
 OAT) 5A]]t T>A T^AÓAjt T)A T)A fCOC, 
 
 5AT) he]i A3 co]rbéAb poTtc t?A cuat) ; 
 5TOI) A b-TTUATTAf b'eAfbAb AT) b]6, 
 TT)ATC|T1) bO TT/J5 little ATT)' UÓACC ! 
 
 5<M) p^n), T;iAÓ5u]8eACC, 3AT) piOT)^, 1 
 
 5at) r^nsi 6 pi^i-bAT), 5AT) rp 6 r* c ; 
 
 5AT) fujbe at) TOT)Ab rríAjt bA 6uaI, 
 5AT) fotjIujit) cleAfA lúc t)A 3leó. 
 
 21 feAT)Ó|Tl CTÍÍOT) At A Alt bAOjT*, 
 
 f5UTTt a't* T)A bí A3 ^flTOCAl 3AT) Céjll J 
 Tl)<VTCfeA|t le <D|A ÓUTC A b-CÁ|T)|3. 
 
 peAfCA tt)AY Isac a Ttéjjt. 
 Sat*atÍ) óutc tréTT) t)á bob' ^bj-os 
 
 A cléjTtjg T)A 3-cl]A|t Vj\ CAOATlpAb; 
 3AC A T)beATTT)AT/ bÁ TT^-Tt] Afl, 
 
 T)j bu|6eACAf Ijorn OTiujb a rbATceAii? ! 
 
 )X CTXUA3 \]OXX) bO CTtUC CT1]OT), 
 
 a 0]\ |t) ! t)A bj A3 ^tt]ocaI 5at) céjll ; 
 
 -Jf T)ATJt ÓUTC, bAJt ItOTT) 30 tfOTI, 
 ATTTIUTlc bO fjOJt ATt TT)AC <£)e ! 
 1 Aliter, FotjTj, music, lands, inheritance, &c. 
 
223 
 
 O. Fionn never suffered, in his day, 
 
 That any should be in pain or bonds ; 
 Without his ransom by silver or gold, 
 By battle or conflict, till he won success. 
 
 It is sufficient punishment for me from thy God, 
 To be among his clerics as I am, 
 Without food, clothing, or music, 
 Without bestowing gold on bards. 
 
 Without the cry of the hounds or the sounding horns, 
 Without guarding havens and ports, 
 For what I suffer for lack of food, 
 I forgive heaven's king in my will ! 
 
 Without swimming, hunting, or Fionn, 
 
 Without wooing modest women, without sports, 
 Without being seated in my place as was my due, 
 Without learning feats of agility or war. 
 
 P. withered old man who art silly, 
 
 Cease henceforth thy foolish talk ; 
 
 God will forgive thee all that has passed 
 
 If in future thou follow his laws. 
 
 0. Satisfaction to thyself or thy God, 
 
 cleric of the clerks ! I shall not make ; 
 All that I have transgressed of his laws, 
 
 1 do not thank you to forgive ! 
 
 P. I pity thy withered form, 
 
 O Oisin ! cease talking such silly words ; 
 Shameful it is for thee, I believe truly, 
 Thy constant mockery of the son of God Í 
 
224 
 
 bo rS^WW cléjit a 3-c]i)t> ; 
 ty\ bejc bACAl tja leAbATt b&i), 
 
 T>&. Cl05 Cfl&CA attií bo C]ll ! 
 
 té|5 cut;a bo bejc bAOc, 
 
 a rb]C at? ]t]j bA tt)A]c clú ; 
 5é|ll bo'rj ze bo T t xy\'6 5<vc rrjAjc, 
 cttorr) bo ceAty) a't; T;eAc bo glut) ! 
 
 Buai.1 b'ucc a't; bo]ttc bo beojt ! 
 crtejb box) ze ac& óf bo c\o\)\), 
 ce 5urt b^0T)5r)A6 leAc a Iuaó, 
 If é bo ttus bu<\6 A|t ftyovt) ! 
 
 21 Pb&cttAic ! Tt)0 fjéAl crtuAg ! 
 rrj b]t)t; l^orr) pu^rr) bo hé]l; 
 50]lt;eAb 50 prtAp a> tfl ^bl^ 
 acc 'pjorw, a't; At) T^blArjt), 5AT) be]c bed. 
 
 Bi Ab cofb, a -feAtiójri piAjjtc, 
 c n é 13> r e ^u]t), truAc Af peATis ; 
 rr)A|t bo geAlUjf, A]cttit; bú|i;r), 
 qotwAt; bo wsye led Ar> c-feAh; ? 
 
 Níojt b'|OT)5T)A6 8ú]t)T; a be^c brto^AC, 
 a't; ceAi)T) Art T/tóg bo bejc bVfi tJ-bjc'; 
 c|A 5uft H7U15 Oftu]t;r) ^eAT) a't; S&jTte, 
 II* t>(i]t)r) bob* ÁÓbA|t be]C A5 caot, ! 
 
225 
 
 Patrick ! were I devoid of sense, 
 I would rid thy clerics of their heads ; 
 There would not be a crozier or white book, 
 Or matins bell in thy church ! 
 
 Cease thou to be silly, 
 
 son of the king of great fame ! 
 Submit to Him who doeth all good, 
 Stoop thy head and bend thy knee. 
 
 Strike thy breast and shed thy tear, 
 
 And believe in Him who is above thy head, 
 Though thou art amazed at Him being named, 
 'Tis He who obtained sway over Fionn ! 
 
 Patrick ! my woful tale ! 
 
 The hum of thy lips Í3 not sweet to me, 
 
 1 shall bitterly cry, and not for God, 
 
 But that Fionn and the Fians are not alive ! 
 
 Hush ! thou pleasant old man, 
 Forsake, shun, hate and anger ; 
 As thou hast promised, relate to us 
 How they performed the chase ? 
 
 No wonder that we were sorrowful 
 And we bereft of our chief ; 
 Though reproached for smiles and laughter, 
 'Tis we that had cause to weep ! 
 
 15 
 
22G 
 
 The following Stanzas were written by Caoilte Mac Ronai 
 on the occasion of some feud arising between the king 
 Minister and Fionn Mac Cumhaill : — 
 
 c2io]ir:e ho c\)%n. 
 
 or cii ca]t>t3 30 CeAnr) Cot? 
 3at> Ajcceó, 3AU éjljÚTjAÓ. 
 
 CorrjjtAC fh]\)t) dt'f ^5 2í)úrbAU, 
 roc^fce b& rt}-b]AÓ púÓAft, 
 
 A H l 3n cix ^ ^1°^ A céjle, 
 b>\ cujtACA a 3-có|rb6||t5e. 
 
 21 fcei|i]Tt)|*e fi]b jiaó l>3lé, 
 bA frjojt bAn; ai) ^Ajrbjné, 
 b]A]Ó bjtAC-^eA|i a b-2llrbuit), 
 
 &o't) CAC "pÓ3|tAÓ Oflt A 'pblUT). 
 
 CAOILTE SANG. 
 Proclaiming war on thee, Fionn, 
 man of the sweet melodious words ; 
 Because thou hast come to Ceann Con, 
 Without reproaching, without accusation. 
 
 The combat of Fionn with Minister's king, 
 A meeting that gave occasion to grief, 
 One of them plundered the other, 
 Their contention was most heroic. 
 
 I say unto thee a plain saying, 
 That my prediction is true, 
 There shall be spies at Almhuin, 
 For the war proclaimed on thee Fionn. 
 
r)K M21 H-Ó5. 
 
 THE LAND OF YOUTH. 
 
 KDITED BY 
 
 BRYAN O'LOONEY, 
 
 DUBLIN : 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY. 
 
 1859. 
 
The Council of the Ossianic Society do not hold them- 
 selves responsible for the authenticity or antiquity of the 
 following poem ; but print it as an interesting* specimen of 
 the most recent of the Fenian Stories. In the tract which 
 follows it will be found one of the most ancient of the re- 
 cords that describe the exploits of Finn Mac Cumhaill. 
 
TO 
 
 WILLIAM SMITH O'BRIEN, ESQ., 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY. 
 
 Sir, — Pursuant to your wishes, and at your very kind suggestion, I 
 have undertaken the following translation of the Ossianic poem, on 
 Cfn ija Tj-05 (" Land of Youth,") in the humble but confident hope that I 
 may, however, unpretending as an Irish scholar, be in some measure in- 
 strumental in restoring our neglected lore to its former style and stan- 
 dard. 
 
 Prom my knowledge of the Fenian stories, and Ossianic poems which 
 circulate in this country, I would classify them under three different and 
 distinct heads, 1st, Fenian history, which comprises all based upon fact 
 and supported by the ancient records and chronicles of our country, such 
 as Cac 3AbftA, Cac CtjucA and the like, which it would be absurd to dis- 
 credit against the forcible evidence of our trustworthy annals. 2nd, 
 inventions and poetic fictions which are entertaining, and intended by the 
 authors more to amuse the reader and to embellish history, than, as some 
 say, to impose on his understanding, and claim the credit of truth. 3rd, 
 the poems and prophecies of V]ox)x), Cojftioll, CaoiIcg, and others of the, 
 Fjatjt)a Gjriiotjn (Irish Militia), which are very interesting, and I should 
 think entitled to as much credit as the early traditions of any other 
 nation. 
 
 Some assume that the genuine old poems and stories cannot be dis- 
 tinguished from the modern fictions, and consequently that they cannot 
 be credited, but that all must be considered worthless. This is a very 
 unjustifiable assumption. The Irish scholar will at once know the com- 
 position of the Fenian period, as the language and style is different 
 from that of latter times. From the fourteenth to the beginning of the 
 
230 
 
 eighteenth century, we have another class of poems and romantic tales, 
 which exhibit a later stage of the language, but which are well worthy of 
 attention. My own convicton is that the Ossianic poem on the " Land of 
 Youth" is of this last class and date, and from the testimony of many 
 corroborating facts supported by the result of an inquiry which I insti- 
 tuted at your suggestion, I believe it to have been written by the learned 
 Michael Comyn, contemporaneously with the romance of Coftolb tijac 
 ScATtitj, -\c. (Torolv the son of Starn), about the year A.D. 1749. By 
 comparing Cffi tja 17-05 with the occasionally interspersed verses in the 
 romance of Torolv the son of Starn, &c. whose author is universally ac- 
 knowledged to be Michael Comyn, it will be perceived that there is such 
 a similarity and almost identity of style in them as to leave no doubt that 
 they are both the productions of the same master mind. As further 
 proof of this I may state that an illiterate man of my acquaintance can 
 repeat several verses of it, but knows it under no other name but that of 
 Iaoj At) Co]Tiutjj5 (Comyn's Lay), and that his father had it from Comyn's 
 manuscript. Another man states in a letter to me, that his copy of 
 it was written in the year 1 762 by a celebrated Irish scholar, who lived 
 in Ruan, County of Clare. In this poem we have an account of Z\\\ V* 
 V-ZAowe tt)A]ie (Land of the good people), the elysium of the Pagan Irish 
 as related to St. Patrick by Oisin, when he returned to Erin after a lapse 
 of more than three hundred years, which he spent in the enjoyment of all 
 bliss, with his charming spouse, the golden headed (haired) Niamh. 
 While Oisin sojourned in the paradise of perpetual youth, it was (it seems 
 falsely) said of him that he was dead, but as those who enter the *' Land 
 of the J ust" can never die, so Oisin lived until he returned to relate the 
 history of his adventures, and of this happy elysium. The inhabitants, 
 of the eastern countries believed that in the west there was a happy final 
 abode for the just which was called Cifi tjA ij-bAojne njAjce (Land of the 
 good people.) 
 
 This elysium is supposed to be divided into different states and pro- 
 vinces, each governed by its own king or ruler, such asCfn tja n-05 (Land 
 of youth) Z)\x ha TTj-beo (Land of the Living) Cjn ha nj-biuÓA (Land of 
 virtues) and several others. According to traditional geography and his- 
 tory the '* Land of Youth" is the most charming country to be found or 
 imagined, abounding in all that fancy could suggest or man could desire, 
 and bestowing the peculiar virtue of perpetual youth, and hence the 
 name. In the " Land of Virtues," or as some call it, the Land of Vic« 
 tcries," (but the latter name 1 suppose to be a mis -translation, as I have 
 never heard of a battle or strife in this country) ; it is all peace, tran- 
 quility and happiness. As there is no conflict there can be no victory — 
 and there is no virtue to be desired which is not to be had on entering 
 
23] 
 
 this country! The "Land of Life" is supposed to give perpetual life 
 to the departed spirits of the just. These are suppose! to be located 
 somewhere about the sun's setting point, and have means of approach, 
 chiefly through the seas, lakes and rivers of this world, also through raths, 
 duns and forts. The seas, lakes and rivers act as cooling atmospheres, 
 while the raths, duns and forts, serve as places of ingress and egress to and 
 from them. There are besides, different grand-gates, as it were, through, 
 out the world, such asCjll SjCttflrjO (Kill Stuifin), situate in Liscannor Bay, 
 supposed to be one of the chief entrances into Cfrt V* 17-65 (" Land of 
 youth.") This is said to be a beautiful but small city, marked by the white 
 breaking waves between leAcc (Lahineh,) and l]or-CeAunúiri (Liscannor). 
 The white breaking waves, which are always seen in this part of the Bay, 
 are said to be caused by the shallowness of the water over this enchanted 
 little city, which is believed to be seen once in seven years, and of 
 which, it is observed, that those who see it shall depart this world be- 
 fore the lapse of seven years to come ; but it is not supposed that those 
 persons die, but change their abode, and transmigrate from this world of 
 toil, into the elysium of the just, i.e. Cin tjA tj-05 (" Land of Youth,") 
 where they shall, at once, become sportive, young and happy, and con- 
 tinue so for ever. It is also believed, that those who see those enchanted 
 spots, are slightly endowed with the gift of prophecy, from the time 
 they see it till they depart this world, and that they pass through this 
 enchanted passage, so magically shewn them, prior to their departure. 
 For further information on C7II Scun;ii) (Kill Stuifin), read Comyn's Ro- 
 mance, called Cacc^a Coytojlb toaic ScAiTtn A5Af a enjufi roAc (the ad- 
 ventures of Torolv Mae Starn and his three sons). Contiguous to this 
 place is another spot called Cnoc ha r]05\íóe (Fairy Hill), this was the 
 ancient name of Lahineh, before the death of the Chieftain, O'Connor of 
 Dumhach, (the Sand pits), who had been treacherously slain there, and in 
 memory of whom there had been raised a monument called Icacc u] Corj- 
 cubAiit (O'Connor's monument), which in Irish is the present name of this 
 little town, but in its anglicised form Lahineh, orLahinchy, it has lost all 
 sight of the old derivation. It was called Cnoc tjA S]05\íóe (Fairy Hill), 
 from its being the meeting place of the fairy nobles of this section of the 
 country, who, it seems, lived on terms of intercourse with the nobles of Cfrt 
 i}A 0-65 («« Land of Youth,") and this hill is traditionally believed to be the 
 place where both tribes met and held their periodical conferences. The 
 nobles of this country are said to live in the great and large duns, for- 
 tresses, lisses, and raths, and to act as agents to the nobles of Cffi ija ij-05 
 (" Land of Youth,") and to those of all the states of the lower paradise. 
 One of the duties of their station is to mark the persons suitable to the lower 
 country, and by their supernatural power they meet or send messengers to 
 
232 
 
 carry off those persons. It is in the shape of a beautiful lady, such as 
 "Hiatíj C]t)f) ójti, golden-headed, (haired) Niamh, that this messenger is 
 generally seen. After the human creature whom she has visited has 
 seen her, she vanishes in some magic way, and goes back to her own 
 country. Ere lontr the person visited will pine away by some formal 
 disease, and will be said to die, but fairy tradition proves that he or 
 she (whichever it may be), does not die, but that they go into this 
 elysium, where they will become young again and live for ever. 
 
 There are several such passages in this country, to describe which, 
 would be both needless and endless. Suffice it to mention a few of the 
 greatest celebrity — 16 or lb bneAfAl (O'Ereasail's country), lb leii'w, 
 (O'Leihln's country), Inchiquin and Lough Gur. The great Earl of 
 Desmond is supposed to have been submerged in the latter, where he 
 is seen once in every seven years, anxiously awaiting the destined hour 
 of return to his country. On reference to the ancient records and Pagan 
 history of different nations, it will be seen that they have their traditions 
 of Pagan elysiums as well as Ireland. 
 
 B. O'LOONEY. 
 
 Monreel, October 6th, 1858. 
 
 Since the above was written, the Honorary Secretary to 
 the Ossianic Society has been furnished with a similar 
 legend. 
 
 9, Artglesea-st., Dublin, Jan. 20th, 1859. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " There is a similar legend to that related in the following poem told 
 of Oisin's descent, and living for three hundred years in tUjn) tja C^o|iac 
 5lAire (the cavern of the grey sheep), a large cave which is situated at 
 Coolagarronroe, Kilbenny, near Mitchelstown, in the county of Cork. 
 After the printing of this poem had been decided upon, I wrote to Mr. 
 "William Williams of Dungarvan, who is a native of the district, for in- 
 formation respecting any legendary lore connected with this cave, from 
 whom I received the following answer, as being current among the pea- 
 santry." 
 
 J. O'D. 
 
233 
 
 LEGEND OF THE GREY SHEEP'S CAVE AT COOLAGAIÍ- 
 RONROE, NEAR KILBENNY. 
 
 " Oisin went into the eave, met a beautiful damsel, after crossing the 
 stream, lived with her for (as he fancied) a few days, wished to revisit 
 the Fenians, obtained consent at last, on condition of not alighting from 
 a, white steed, with which she furnished him, stating that it was over 
 300 years since he came to the cave. He proceeded till he met a carrier, 
 whose cart, containing a bag of sand, was upset ; he asked Oisin to help 
 him ; unable to raise the bag with one hand, he alighted, on which the 
 steed fled, leaving him a withered, decrepid, blind old man." 
 
 " On a certain May morning long ago, a grey sheep was seen to come 
 out of the cave, and to go to a neighbouring farmer's field, where she re- 
 remained, until herself and her breed amounted to sixty grey sheep. 
 
 " The boy who took care of the sheep, was a widow's only son, a dis- 
 ciple of Pan ; for he played on the bag-pipes. 
 
 " His master, the farmer, ordered him one fine day to kill one of the 
 sheep, he proceeded to the field for that purpose ; but the old sheep 
 knowing his intention, and resolving to frustrate it, bleated three times, 
 which instantly brought all the other black sheep around her, when they 
 disappeared altogether into the cave. The boy followed them but 
 having crossed the enchanted stream which runs through the cave, he was 
 unable to return ; as no one ever re-crosscd it but Oisin. On reflecting 
 on the anguish his loss and absence Avould cause his mother, he raised a 
 mournful strain which he accompanied by the music of his bag-pipes. 
 On every May day from that day to this, the lamentations of the boy, 
 and the music of his pipes are heard in the cave." 
 
\,9\0)<£>\) OJSjN 21R T,\)jK M 2i N-Ó5, 
 2t)A|t bVjCftif fé bo P&bftu]5 t)Aorbc<\. 
 
 P. 21 0|fjt> uAfAil • A "J1 C W Í 
 
 bo b'pe^jtri svion) 3^ir5 e V 3 l 1* e ; 
 
 qor>i}U|* rb^l^ir CA 1í t é lf tf* b-^At)i) ? 
 
 O. JrnjeopAb 6u|c, a PAbnu]3 tju&6, 
 5ÍÓ bo^lb Ijort) a Iuaó ój* Aftb 
 cA^n eif ai; caca S^bjiA 1 cjiuAjb, 
 
 AT)!) Afl Tl)A|tbA8, XX)0 1}UAJl ! At) C-OfTJAfl Ág. 
 
 Lá b*A ftAbAr^A^|iT)e u]le At) ^p^T;i) 
 7^101)1) ^aI 'r^T 1 ")<MP b 1W Ai)r), 
 3ÍÓ 50 rrjbA bojlb, búbAC An ]*3&aI, 
 tA^fi An lAoc]tA]6 be^c 30 £at>i) ! 
 
 21 |*ejl3 bú]t)t> A|i Tt)A]b]T) ceóÓAC, 
 A i)']rt)iol bónbA^b Loca \,é]r) f ' 2 
 rr)A]t A ftA]b cua^i) cúrbfiA bA n^llfe Mac, 
 
 'X Céol 3 AC CJIAC 30 b]1)T) A3 ejn. 
 
 ÍXiifjJeAÓ l]T)r) Ai) ejljc ri)Aol, 
 bo b'^eAftjt \é]n). nu]c 'f lúc ; 
 b] An 3-co|T) V ^n t)"3 A&A n i 3° lé m 
 30 blue 'rjc» bé]g ^A Iat? fíubal. 
 
 1 S^briA. Garristown in the county of Dublin. See the Introduction 
 to Vol. I. of the Transactions of the Ossianic Society, also the note from 
 Mr. J. Reid in same book, page 112. 
 
 Gabbra is not Garristown, but a stream which flows into the Boyne, 
 
LAY OF OISIN ON THE LAND OF YOUTHS; 
 
 AS HE RELATED IT TO SAINT PATRICK. 
 
 P. ! Noble Oisin, ! son of the king ! 
 
 Of greatest actions, valor, and conflicts, 
 Relate to us now without despondency, 
 How thou livedst after the Fians ? 
 
 0. I will tell it thee, O Patrick ! lately arrived, 
 Though mournful to me to say it aloud : — 
 " After the hard battle of Gabhra, 
 In which was killed, alas ! the noble Oscar. 
 
 One day we, the Fianna, were all assembled, 
 
 Generous Fionn and all of us that lived were there ; 
 Tho' dark and mournful was our story, 
 After our heroes being overcome. 
 
 We were hunting on a misty morning 
 Nigh the bordering shores of Loch Léin, 
 Where thro' fragrant trees of sweetest blossoms, 
 And the mellow music of birds at all times. 
 
 We aroused the hornless deer 
 
 Of the best bounding, course, and agility ; 
 Our hounds and all our dogs 
 Were close after in full chase. 
 
 not far from the hill of Skreen, near Tara, in the County of Meath 
 
 J. O'D. 
 
 2 loc le]T?, the old Irish name of the Lakes of Killarney in the county 
 of Kerry. 
 
236 
 
 NjOfl b'^AbA 50 b^ACATT)Al|t A T)|A|t, 
 
 aí) njAfiCAC b]At) A5 ceAcc cú^]t)\o ! 
 Aor) Tt}ACAOTt) TTjr)Á bo b'A^lle bjteAÓ, 
 A]t cAel-eAC bÁt) bA rr)]|ie lúc. 
 
 í)o fCAbArt7A]]i u]le be't) cfefe 
 A|t Art7A|tc be^lbe t>a -^ot^vox)'^ ; 
 bo 3A]b -[0i^5Ai;cAf pjotJt) V *t> Tiatjt), 
 t;ac pACAbAft tijAri) beAT) córt) bjtéAj ! 
 
 B] co|tó]t) PÍ03&A ^T 1 & ceAt)t>> 
 
 A5Uf b|tAc boijt) be'r) c-fjobA ÓAOjt ; 
 buAjlce fte jtéulcAib be<v|t3 ó]|t, 
 A5 jíoIac a b|i65A f\oy 50 |íéAft. 
 
 B] ^Ái^e 6i|t A|i cjiocaÓ fjof, 
 
 Af 5<\c bu<vl birjóe b'A blAOig iDAft óji ; 
 a ]tOf3A 50|trt7A, 5Ut)a 3At) fn}úlb 
 n)Ajt bjiAOt) b]túccA Afi b&|t At) -pe6||t. 
 
 Ba bej-ftse a 3ftu<\,|8 't>A At) jiój*, 
 
 V bA 3]le a fi}óó 't)A gaIa Afl CU|t)t) \ 
 
 b<v rt)íllfe blAf a bAlf*AH) £óf*, 
 
 'tja rr>]l a beAb" jtól tfté 8eA|t3-f]oi)i;. 
 
 Bí bfiAc ^A|ifA]r>3, -pAbA, fté-jó, 
 A3 -poUc At) i*céib-eic b&]t> ; 
 bjAllAib 3|teAi)CA be 8eA|t5-6|t, 
 A3AI 4 f JtjAt) béAl-6|]t 't)A beAf-líviii). 
 
 Bl ce]t\ie cfiúó 30 cúttjca £ao], 
 be't) ójt btqóe bA 3lA]t)e f3A]l, 
 ^leAf3 Ai|t3ib a 3-cúl a qt)t), 
 f i>í |tA]b 'fAt) c-|*AO]3eAl eAC bo b^eív|t|t 
 
237 
 
 0. 'Twas not long 'till we saw, westwards, 
 A fleet rider advancing towards us, 
 A young maiden of most beautiful appearance, 
 On a slender white steed of swiftest power. 
 
 We all ceased from the chase, 
 
 On seeing the form of the royal maid ; 
 'Twas a surprise to Fionn and the Fianns, 
 They never beheld a woman equal in beauty. 
 
 A royal crown was on her head ; 
 
 And a brown mantle of precious silk, 
 Spangled with stars of red gold, 
 Covering her shoes down to the grass. 
 
 A gold ring was hanging down 
 
 From each yellow curP of her golden hair ; 
 Her eyes blue, clear, and cloudless, 
 Like a dew drop on the top of the grass. 
 
 Kedder were her cheeks than the rose, 
 
 Fairer was her visage than the swan upon the wave, 
 And more sweet was the taste of her balsam lips 
 Than honey mingled thro' red wine. 
 
 A garment wide, long, and smooth, 
 Covered the white steed ; 
 There was a comely saddle of red gold, 
 And her right hand held a bridle with a golden bit. 
 
 Four shoes well shaped were under him, 
 Of the yellow gold of the purest quality ; 
 A silver wreath was on the back of his head, 
 And there was not in the world a steed better. 
 
 Perhaps figuratively meaning that such curl was like a loop of gold. 
 
238 
 
 too ibws rí b ° i&cAifi ^Fi^t), 
 
 bo lAbAifi 30 caot,t) cpeAT/bA a b-fuAiTT) ; 
 A3Uf A bÚbAjflC T/Í, " A |tí3 T)A b-^At)^, 
 1f fAbA, C]AT) A TTOjf TT)0 CUA]|tb. 
 
 " Cta cu few, a nioSAiT) 013, 
 ij feÁ|t|i clóó, Tt)Aite V 3^ A0 1» 
 AlC|t]f bUT^T) t;ac bo t5 eo 1^ 
 cV^rt) i£e\f) A'f bo qft ?" 
 
 " HjATÍ) Clt)t) ÓjTl, If 6 TUA|W, 
 
 * fatW SAfbA da Toófi-flais ; 
 
 CAfl tÓl)Á|b AT) bOr^T), frUAITieAf ^A^TtTT) 
 
 ir 1P5 e ^ cA|lce B15 tja T)-ó3." 
 
 " 2l]Cttir bu^t), a Tti03Aio cA]t> 
 
 ctteAb t:Ác bo ceAcc cAtt leATi a c-cé]\) ; 
 
 at) 6 bo céjle b^rtjqg uatc, 
 
 Mo CAb é AT) buA|8|T^C AtA OTIC t:éT,i) ?" 
 
 M Mí 1)& 11)0 cé]le b'^roqg u^n). 
 
 Y f/op T)io|t IuaóaÓ rr)é le 1)A6T) feAjt, 
 A PIS fl* ?éiwe if AojTtbe catI, 
 
 acc t/eATtc iy 3TtÁÓ bo cinjAf bob' tt)ac !" 
 
 " Ct,A ACA 6OTT) clojT), A pgeAT) blÁjC, 
 
 V b-cu3A]f 3^6, r°r 3 e *^ 
 
 T)A CeT,l OTtU|T)T) A T)0|T/ £AC, 
 
 a't/ A^C^lf bUT,T)T) bo CAT/, A beAT) ?" 
 
 " jT)T)eórAb t:éT,T) t/jt) &utc, a ¥h]W, 
 bob' ii)AC 3Tt]T)T), ATtro-cjtUAib ; 
 
 O^T) TT)eAT)<VTT)T)AC T)A b-CJtéAT)-lÁTT), 
 AT) lAOC AC A] It) AT)0|f bO IuAJÓ," 
 
239 
 
 0. She came to the presence of Fionn, 
 
 And spoke with a voice sweet and gentle, 
 And she said, " 0, king of the Fianna, 
 Long and distant is my journey, now." 
 
 F. " Who art thou, thyself, youthful princess ! 
 Of fairest form, beauty, and countenance, 
 Eelate to us the cause of thy story, 
 Thine own name and thy country." 
 
 " Golden-headed Niamh is my name, 
 0, sage Fionn of the great hosts, 
 Beyond the women of the world I have won esteem, 
 I am the fair daughter of the King of Youth." 
 
 F. " Eelate to us amiable princess 
 
 What caused thee to come afar across the sea — 
 
 Is it thy consort has forsaken thee, 
 
 Or what is the affliction that is on thyself." 
 
 N. " 'Tis not my husband that went from me, 
 
 And as yet I have not been spoken of with any man,* 
 
 ! king of the Fianna of highest repute, 
 
 But affection and love I have given to thy son." 
 
 " Which of my children [is he] blooming daughter, 
 To whom thou hast given love, or yet affection — 
 Do not conceal from us now the cause, 
 And relate to us thy case, woman." 
 
 " I will tell thee that, Fionn ! 
 Thy noble son of the well- tempered arms, 
 High-spirited Oisin of the powerful hands, 
 Is the champion that I am now speaking of." 
 
 * i.e., I have not been betrothed to any man. 
 
240 
 
 CneAb At) v&i a b-cu5A|j* 3|ia6- 
 a i?)5eAi; aIa|t)T) ai; fujlc |té|8, 
 
 bOrt) ri?AC fé|T) feACAf CAC 
 
 Y A l|ACC ^lA|C Aftb f a't) t>3né|T) ?" 
 
 Hí sat) a8dau a jtí5 t)A b-'P|Ar)r) > 
 
 bO Úai)3A| 4 A 5-C]Al) fA T)A Óé|l} 
 
 ACC CUA|lAf5bÁ]l b'fAgAjl A|t A 3A|f3e, 
 
 feAbuf a pe<\nfA|Ttt> A5Uf a rt)&]\)" 
 
 )X |OM?6a rt)AC |t|5 A5Af A|tb-ftA|C, 
 
 bo cu5 bort? 3eAt) A3uf rioi^ST*^ 
 t>ion AOtjcirjTjeAr |t]ATt) bVei) feAn, 
 30 b-cu5Af feAnc b'Oint) ívi5 I" 
 
 í>A|t Al) líVTt) f |T) OftC, A pAbftU]3 ! 
 3]6 T)A|t T)A||ieAC l|Oi1) Tt)A|t |*3&aI, 
 
 x)\ |iA|b Aet) bAll bjon} t)ac nA|b a r)-3ftA8, 
 le b-1T)3eAt) &lA|r)i) ai; fU|lc né|8. 
 
 <t)0 |tU3A|' A]t A lA|ri) ATT)' ÓÓ|b, 
 
 bíibjtA]» bo 3ló|t 3uc-b|i)T) ; 
 
 |qon-CAO|T) £ &]lce ]1ÓTT?Ab, 
 
 a TtjOSAit) 0Í3 bo'i) ci]t. 
 
 " Jr ™ ir 3i le > r ir nw^ t>U| C , 
 
 If cu bo b'feAnn Ijort) n)A|t rbt>AO| ; 
 II* cu njo nogA cAjt rr>r)&|b at? bori)A|t), 
 a -n^AlcAjr) rb6ÓATT)A|l |f be|j*e 5i)AO|." 
 
 " 3 eA r A ^AC fulAT)5A|b f|0|t-lAO|C, 
 
 a 0|ni) fé|l, cu||X|rt} Ab' cóit)A||t 
 ceAcc l|ort) fé|r) At;o|f An n/eAC ; 
 30 n|5eA?i) cAin Air 5° ^ín V* V-05. 
 
241 
 
 0. " What is the reason that thou gavest love, 
 
 ! beautiful daughter of the glossy hair, 
 To my own son beyond all, 
 
 And multitudes of high lords under the sun/' 
 
 " 'Tis not without cause, 0, king of the Fianna ! 
 
 1 came afar for him — 
 
 But reports I heard of his prowess, 
 
 The goodness of his person and his mien." 
 
 u Many a son of a king and a high chief 
 Gave me affection and perpetual love ; 
 I never consented to any man 
 'Till I gave love to noble Oisin." 
 
 " By that hand on thee, Patrick, 
 Though it is not shameful to me as a story, 
 There was not a limb of me but was in love 
 With the beautiful daughter of the glossy hair." 
 
 I took her hand in mine, 
 And said in speech of sweetest tone, 
 " A true, gentle, welcome before thee, 
 young princess to this country !" 
 
 u 'Tis thou that art the brightest and the fairest of form, 
 'Tis thee I prefer as wife 
 
 Thou art my choice beyond the women of the world 
 mild star of loveliest countenance !" 
 
 " Obligations unresisted by true heroes 
 
 generous Oisin I put upon thee 
 
 To come with myself now upon my steed 
 
 Till we arrive at the ' Land of Youth.' 
 16 
 
212 
 
 O. " S] A1) €\$ if Aoibrje le f&5*|l, 
 If njo c&il Arjojf f<v't) D-5fiéit); 
 
 C|tA]1)T) A3 CftOrtfAÓ le COfTlCA 'f bl&c, 
 
 A'f bujlleAbAji A5 f Af aji OAjtfiAjb 36113. 
 
 " Jr v*itws i^ ce ^i 1 > riot), 
 
 'f 3AÓ u]le xj\ b'A bfe<xcov f ú|l 
 t>í tiacaiÓ cAiceAtb oric leb' jiAe, 
 bÁf t)6 it»eAc r>í fe|Cf]6 cii. 
 
 " <t>o 5eAbA^|t fleAÓ, ]ir>i|tc 'f 6l, 
 bo geAb^ift ceol b]rw A]ji ceab ; 
 bo 36Ab<\]fi A]|i3]ob A3<vf 6fi, 
 bo geAbAjji fóf ]ott)Ab féAb. 
 
 " <Do 3eAb<v|ii céAb clo]beArb 3<vi; 36, 
 JeAbAjjt céAb bjtac f |tójl be f jobA Óaojx ; 
 3eAb<Mji céAb eac ^f n^jte a r)-3leo, 
 'f 3eAbA||i céAb leó be cot^b 3éujt. 
 
 " <t>o 3eAbAi]t ^0^-^036 a H15 i)A 1)-(Í>3, 
 
 T)AC CU3 |t]An) fOf bO 1)6AC f ÍV^) l)-3flé]l), 
 
 bo óéAT)f Af b^jor) bu^c b'o^óce 'f ló, 
 a 3-CAc, a i}-5leó 'f a t)-3A|tb-3léAÚ. 
 
 " <£)o geAb^ii lú]|teAc cúrbbA^, c6||t, 
 A'f clo]Óe<\rb c\x)X)-ó}}\ if cl^fbe bé]rt); 
 t)A'ft céAjtt)A]3 TjeAc it^ATb ua8 beo, 
 i;oc cot)A^|tc f 6f at) c-Ajtrf) 3éuji. 
 
 " 'Do geAbA^ri céAb é^be 'f léjt)e f jtójl, 
 geAbA^ri céAb bó, 'f fóf céAb IaoJ ; 
 TjeAbo^jt céAb caojia, 3ot)a lornriA^b 5]ti, 
 3eAbAi|t céAb feób r>AC bfiql 'f at) c-f ao3<\1. 
 
243 
 
 It is the most delightful country to be found, 
 Of greatest repute under the sun 
 Trees drooping with fruit jmd blossom 
 And foliage growing on the tops of boughs. 
 
 Abundant, there, are honey and wine 
 
 And everything that eye has beheld, 
 
 There will not comedecline on thee with lapse of time, 
 
 Death or decay thou wilt not see. 
 
 Thou wilt get feasts, playing, and drink, 
 
 Thou wilt get melodious music on the harp strings, 
 
 Thou wilt get silver and gold, 
 
 Thou wilt get also many jewels. 
 
 Thou wilt get, without falsehood, a hundred swords ; 
 Thou wilt get a hundred satin garments of precious 
 silk, 
 
 Thou wilt get a hundred horses the swiftest in conflict, 
 Andthouwiltgetahundred with them ofkeen hound3. 
 
 ' Thou wilt get the royal diadem of the ' King of Youth,' 
 Which he never yet gave to any person under the sun, . 
 'Twill protect thee both night and day, 
 In battle, in tumult, and in rough conflict. 
 
 ' Thou wilt get a fitting coat of protecting mail 
 And a gold headed sword apt for strokes, 
 From which no person ever escaped alive 
 Who, once, saw the sharp weapon. 
 
 [satin, 
 
 ' Thou wilt get a hundred coats of armour and shirts of 
 Thou wilt get a hundred cows and, also, an hundred 
 calves, [fleeces, 
 Thou wilt get a hundred sheep, with their golden 
 Thou wilt get a hundred jewels not in this world. 
 
244 
 
 r-OjllpcAC, lor)t)ri<vc, rt)<\ri At) t)-5rxéfi; ; 
 if t:é<vriri bejlb, cftuc, A5111* ttjóó, 
 Y IT bjrine béojl 'tja ceól t>^ r>éAi). 
 
 " Se^o^MT 1 céAb l<vec ip c|té]t)e a i;-5leó, 
 ir* cl]t*be fóp a lúc ; 
 
 A;trt)c<x, éjbce, op bo cortxvjri, 
 a b-T/jri t;<v i)-Ó5, rrjA c|5||t l]Orp. 
 
 " iDo geAbAjjt 5AC t)í b'ív r)-bubjtup Wc, 
 a't* AOjbrjeAf pop t)Ac lé|]t barbpA 'IuaÓ, 
 5eAbA]|i ri}4|p3 ; t)eAftc a'p bridge, 
 't/ b]Abf*A t:éft> AjAb tt)ati ttwaoj." 
 
 " ( D]ulx<xb Afi b]c 1;] béiiTttrab uajid, 
 
 A fl^AT) C-fUAITtC T)<V 5"CUAC^ T)-0||t; 
 
 II* cú rrjo jtojA cA|t ri?t)&lb at) bori)Air), 
 &y ]t<vcATi7 le tx>t)t) 50 T>]]i t><v ^-05." 
 
 2l||t n)u]v At) ejc, cuAÓrrjAjri AfiAor), 
 A||t njo béulA, bo tuijb" ai) 6)5; 
 a búbA||tc, " a 0|ni}, fAtXurj 50 rtéió, 
 50 ji|5eArt7 béul at) tt)<\tia rbó|ri." 
 
 2lt)i) f]t) b'eíjtgió At) c-eAC Ajt lúc, 
 
 at) crt&c Tij-zjeATTJAfTi 50 CjúrfjAif T)<v cft&3<v 
 bo criojc é t:é]t) At)t) fjt) curt) fjúbAil, 
 'r *>° crtj 5t)úif Ap Of Á|tb. 
 
 2lt) crtÁc coritJAific 'pjoot) 'r *V ¥b]M)V, 
 At) c-eAc 50 bjAi; c-T/]úbAl ; 
 A5 CAbA1|tC A^Ajb Aft At) b-cftéAt)-rbu]fi, 
 bo lé^eAbAjt cj-rj 5Aft|tcA 511]! 't* cúrbAjÓ ! 
 
245 
 
 0. " Thou wilt get a hundred virgins gay and young 
 Bright, refulgent, like the sun, 
 Of best form, shape, and appearance, 
 Whose voices are sweeter than the music of birds. 
 
 " Thou wiltget ahundredheroesmostpowerfulin conflict, 
 And also most expert in feats of agility, 
 In arms and armour waiting on thee 
 In the * Land of Youth' if thou wilt come with me. 
 
 " Thou will get everything I promised thee (f) 
 And delights, also, which I may not mention, 
 Thou wilt get beauty, strength, and power, 
 And I myself will be thy wife." 
 
 " No refusal will I give from me, 
 
 charming queen of the golden curls ! 
 Thou art my choice above the women of the world, 
 And I will go, with willingness, to the 'Land of 
 Youth.' " 
 
 On the back of the steed we went together, 
 Before me sat the virgin ; 
 She said: " Oisin let us remain quiet, 
 Till we reach the mouth of the great sea." 
 
 Then arose the steed swiftly, 
 
 When we arrived on the borders of the strand 
 He shook himself then to pace forward, 
 And neighed three times aloud. 
 
 When Fionn and the Fianna saw, 
 The steed travelling swiftly, 
 Facing against the great tide, 
 They raised three shouts of mourning and grief. 
 
 t Every verse with this mark (f) is taken from a MS. which I lately 
 got, and was not in the MS. transcribed for the president or in Mr. 
 Griffin's copy. 
 
240 
 
 " 21 Oipr;," An Y]OW), 50 n)e]\\h, cuéjc, 
 " rt)o éúriiAÓ yie\\) cu A5 ]rnceAcr uAirp; 
 'f 5 AT ? A 3 u 1t)0 A|tif bo ceAcc, 
 cinjArn cAft A]f fAO] Iat) buAb !" 
 
 Í)\\^c]ti5 <v 8ejlb A5Af a Xcfi]rt)> 
 'y bo f |l trnAfA béAn ArniAf ; 
 5U]t tHiuc a b|top)t)e, V A ^eal-grje, 
 Y bubAjnc, " rno léun cu, a 0|f]r) uA|rr) 1 
 
 • 
 
 21 P^bnA|3, bA búb&c at) fjéAl, 
 An f5AnArrminr) ne céjle Ann rub ; 
 j*5An<vrbu]i) An acau ne nA toac £éiri, 
 If búbAC, IA5, f Aon be]c b'Á Iuaó ! 
 
 <Do p65Af-f A n/ACAlfl 50 CAOjl), CAOrt», 
 
 't/An cornAjnn céAÓnA, truovineAp uaó ; 
 b '-pÁ5A{* t/Iai?, u|le A5 at; b-^éi, nn, 
 'j 4 bo f |l i)A béAUA 'rmAf le rn' jjtuAjb ! 
 
 )X jornbA U AO|bjnn, bíof-fA \ Fiorn), 
 
 't A t) TFb]AT)r) 'r)AJl 5-C|OT)T) £AO] lAT)-né|TÍ) 
 
 A5 irrnnc tqccille A3A1; A5 6l, 
 
 'y A5 clof* ceo^l, At) birjbeAr) bA cneAn. 
 
 2I5 t-eAl5A|neACC a n-5leAin>cA|b n>in, 
 'f An i)5<\ÓA|n bejl-b|r>i) A5ufnn aih) ; 
 ^eAUb ejle &d]\)t) a n-5Anb 5I1AC, 
 A5 cneAt;5Aiuc Iaoc 50 Utn-ceAnn. 
 
 21 0]r)v oaoic, cné|5 50 ftfjl, 
 
 be b' 3A|f5e rnón An An b-^éjnii ; 
 qontnif bo cua6a||- 50 T^n i;a 0-Ó5, 
 a't* leAt) bújnn jatj 50 An bo t^éAÍ. 
 
247 
 
 O. "0 Oisin I" said Fionn slowly and sorrowfully, 
 
 " Woe it Is to me that thou art goiDg from me, 
 I have not a hope that thou wilt ever again, 
 Come back to me victorious." 
 
 His form and beauty changed, 
 And showers of tears flowed down, 
 Till they wet his breast and his bright visage 
 And he said, " My woe art thou, 0, Oisin ! in going 
 from me." 
 
 Patrick, 'twas a melancholy story 
 
 Our parting from each other in that place, 
 The parting of the father from his own son — 
 Tis mournful, weak, and faint to be relating it ! 
 
 1 kissed my father sweetly and gently, 
 And the same affection I got from him ; 
 I bade adieu to all the Fianna, 
 
 And the Tears flowed down my cheeks. 
 
 Many a delightful day had Fionn and I, 
 And the Fianna with us in great power, 
 Been chess-playing and drinking, 
 And hearing music — the host that was powerful ! 
 
 A hunting in smooth valleys, 
 
 And our sweet-mouthed dogs with us there ; 
 At other times, in the rough conflict, 
 Slaughtering heroes with great vigour. 
 
 P. ! foolish Oisin, forego a while 
 
 Thy great actions of the Fenians, 
 
 How didst thou go to the " Land of Youth," 
 
 Proceed, faithfully, with thy tale to us. 
 
248 
 
 'Do cujArtj^ijt Aft 5-cúl bo't; cíft, 
 
 bo cfta^ At; ri)ít)-ti)U||t ]tórb<v|t), 
 
 Y bo Ijot) 'i;a b|iojt;t;cib |Oi;Afi t)-b]Ai5. 
 
 <Do COr)CAtT)A]1t ]Ot)5AT)CU^ 't;A|t f]úb<vl, 
 
 cacjiaca, cú|riceAt;A A5Af CA^rleA]t;, 
 p]olA|q6e £]Oi;i;aoIca, A5Aj* bú|t;ce, 
 
 5ft]AT)&ir) loi;t;flACA, A5Af p&l*V|f\ 
 
 430 cor)CAn}A]|t, yóy ]te aji c-cAeb, 
 e|l]c ri)Aol Aft léjrg lúc ; 
 &y 5a6a|í cluAif-6eA]t3, bÁT), 
 A5 tAcpAt;t; 50 b&r)A c-fíúbAl. 
 
 <t)0 COf)CAtt)Al]t "pÓJ-, 3A1) 56, 
 
 A|t)b||i 65 A||t ftéAb-eAC born;, 
 úball ó]|t 't)A oeAf-lÁjrb, 
 
 Y 1 A 5 fti;ceAcc A|]t bÁjift i;a b-corw, 
 
 <Do coT)CAtr)A||t 'rxv Óeójs, 
 rr;<X|tcAc 05 Aft fcéAb bÁt) ; 
 £AOf bitAc cojtcufft beA|i5 n^l^ 
 clo]6eArb Cft;t;-6jft 't)A óeAf-lAfrrj. 
 
 " Cf a ty&b Atj bff úb, bo Cfbfrt;, 
 a ftfo^Ajt; CAOft;, fi;t;ff borrj £ac; 
 at) beAr) úb ff* Aflt;e 5t)A0f, 
 
 Y rrjAftCAc j*l|órr; At; efó bAjt; ?" 
 
 " Má cuf jt fttfit; 'r)A b-pe|cp|6 cú, 
 a Of pi; úrf)A]l, 't;& b-£ACAff* f?óp, 
 1;] b-pu]l fot;t;cA ufle acc i;e|ri;-i;f 
 50 ftfgeAn; 50 T^jt K15 t)A g-Os." 
 
249 
 
 We turned our backs to the land 
 And our faces directly due-west, 
 The smooth sea ebbed before us, 
 And filled in billows after us. 
 
 "We saw wonders in our travels, 
 Cities, courts and castles, 
 Lime-white mansions and fortresses, 
 Brilliant summer-houses and palaces. 
 
 We saw also, by our sides 
 
 A hornless fawn leaping nimbly, 
 And a red- eared white dog, 
 Urging it boldly in the chase. 
 
 We beheld also, without fiction, 
 A young maid on a brown steed, 
 A golden apple in her right hand, 
 And she going on the top of the waves. 
 
 We saw after her, 
 
 A young rider on a white steed, 
 
 Under a purple, crimson mantle of satin, 
 
 And a gold- headed sword in his right hand. 
 
 " Who are yon two whom I see, 
 
 gentle princess, tell me the meaning, 
 That woman of most beautiful countenance, 
 And the comely rider of the white steed." 
 
 " Heed not what thou wilt see, 
 
 ! gentle Oisin, nor what thou hast yet seen, 
 
 There is in them but nothing, 
 
 Till we reach the land of the ' King of Youth.' 
 
250 
 
 <t>0 COT)CATT)A]Tt UA|T) A 3-ci<\T)r>, 
 pAlAf 3titat)tt)Ati, ucc-blA]c; 
 bub bftéA^cA bejlb A3AP 51)6, 
 b'& jtA|b 'pM) c-t-ao^aI le jtAtjatI. 
 
 " Cja At) but) J1163ÓA, |tó-b|t6A5, 
 
 A3Af tróf, if Á^lrje b'A b-^ACA^ó y ú^l ; 
 't)A b-puiljrrrjb A3 ctt]aII 'i)A ó&jl, 
 T)6 C|A 11* Á|tb-plA]C AT)T) pub ?" 
 
 " Jr)36AT) ]t]3 qtt t)A rr)-béo, 
 
 ir bAiDníosAjt) róf At)r>r' *t> bíi ^; 
 
 C113 T^orbon BuilleAC 1 6ftujrT)e I05AC, 
 leif le ^ójnrjeAfic 3^3 lú]c. 
 
 " 5eA]*A CUIfl fí A||t AT) b-c]téAr), 
 3AT) beAt) bo 6éAt)Arb b| 30 bjiAcAC ; 
 30 b-£Á3AÓ y\ cuftAb t)6 t^ott-Iaoc, 
 bo feAprbóÓAÓ 3l|AC lejf Iatt) atti Ia]tt)." 
 
 " Be]|t buAb Á3uf beAi)T)Acc, a N]att) c]T)T) ój|t, 
 1)Í cuaIat* bo céol ttjatt) ]f ^eív|tfi ; 
 'r)A cAO]t)-3U]c b|t)i) bo rbjl^-béoil, 
 Y If Wóp. A1 ? bfiór) l|i)t) beAT) b'A caiI. 
 
 " 'CéjTjóeArr) At)0|f b'Á triót* bOT) but), 
 a'j 4 b--péibi|i 3ii]t bú|r)T) acá \b a T)-bAt); 
 
 AT) CfléAT)-lAOC Úb bO CU|C|TT) IjOtl), 
 A 3-deA|*Alb lÚ|C, TT)ATt bAÓ 3T)&C." 
 
 *Do CllAÓTTJAIÍt AT)T) J*|T) bOT) bÚT), 
 
 a't* cá|1)13 cÚ3Aii)t) at) HÍ03AT) 03 ; 
 
 bo b']OT)AT)t) beAllnAb 8] 'p bo'T) 5Jté|t), 
 
 a't* bo cu]n céAb £A|lte Tt6n)A|t). 
 
 1 Porijorv l)U]UeAc, i.e. í/ie striking Giant, was the despotic ruler of the 
 Land of Virtues," — a country not mentioned in any other copy of this 
 )cm that 1 have seen. 
 
251 
 
 0. We saw from us afar 
 
 A sunny palace of beautiful front, 
 
 Its form and appearance were the most beauteous 
 
 That were to be found in the world " 
 
 " What exceeding — fine, royal mansion, 
 And also, the best that eye hath seen, 
 Is this, that we are travelling near to, 
 Or who is high-chief of that place ? " 
 
 "The daughter of the king of the ' Land of Life, 5 
 Is queen, yet, in that fortress 
 She was taken by Fomhor Builleach,of Dromloghach, 
 With violent strength of arms and activity. 
 
 " Obligation she put upon the brave, 
 Never to make her a wife, 
 Till she got a champion or true hero, 
 To stand battle with him hand to hand." 
 
 " Take success and blessings, golden-headed Niamh, 
 I have never heard better music 
 Than the gentle voice of thy sweet mouth, 
 Great grief to us is a woman of her condition. 
 
 " I will go now to visit her to the fortress. 
 And it may be for us it is fated 
 That that great hero should fall by me, 
 In feats of activity as is wont to me." 
 
 We went then into the fortress, 
 To us came the youthful queen, 
 Equal in splendor was she to the sun, 
 And she bade us a hundred welcomes. 
 
262 
 
 Bj cuIa]6 be fiobA biqbe, 
 
 aji Ai) itíogAjt) bo bV]lt)e |*o6Ó; 
 a ctjeAT* cA|lce TDAji aIa Ajfi cuii)i), 
 
 'f A 6a 5|1UA]6 b] A1|t 6ac AT) Tt6f*. 
 
 2l|t 6ac at) 6f]t bo b] a yolz, 
 
 a't- a 50]tTD-]tot-5A 5Ui)A sat) ceó j 
 
 A bé]ljt) TTjeAlA A]|t 6AC T)A 5-CAOTl, 
 'X A TT)aIa CAOI bA 5fteAT)CA cló6. 
 
 <t)o fú]6eATr)A]|i aiít) t']°V> 
 
 5AC T)-AOT) bjT) Aft CACAOJTt Ó||t * 
 
 bo leAjAb cu5A]t)T) mójtAT) b'jó, 
 a't* cu||tT) frj^e b] IjorjCA beo^i. 1 
 
 2lT) CftAt CA]CeATT)A]Tt ATI T*A]C b|6, 
 
 a'j* ^oit)Ab TqoijrjcA T^lir oil ; 
 
 bO lAbAJTt AT) TvjogAIT) 65, C&0]1), 
 
 it* e6 búbAfjtc fj, " ^1T C M ori ? 5° V°fi" 
 
 Wwvw *>ú]yT) r\oy a> t:ac a r5 é l l - 
 bo f]l t;a beórtA le t)a 5TUIA16, 
 a búbA|]tc r)Aji b-£jlleA6 6] 6'a z]\\ 
 Y a 'pACÁc criéAi; bo bejc 50 buAt/. 
 
 " Bj bo cofb, a |iio5A]T) 6|5, 
 T*5u^|t be'b b|t6r)T), a't* t>a b] caoj6 ; 
 a't* bo beiTt|fr> 6u|c rrjo Iattj, 
 
 AT) C-ACAC Alft, 50 b-CU|Cp]6 l]T)T) I" 
 
 " bp^l Iaoc at)0]t* le t:á5A]1, 
 b'Á t]\é]ve cáiI f aoj't) ij-5jié|ri, 
 bo béutt^Ab córbftAC Iait; ati tA]rb, 
 bo't) acac bAi)A i;a S-CTtUAlb-bélTT)." 
 
 1 Although this word resemble the word " beer," the liquors were very 
 
253 
 
 0. There was apparel of yellow silk 
 
 On the queen of excelling beauty, 
 
 Her chalk-white skin was like the swan on the wave, 
 
 And her cheeks were of the colour of the rose. 
 
 Her hair was of a golden hue, 
 Her blue eyes clear and cloudless ; 
 Her honey lips of the colour of the berries, 
 And her slender brows of loveliest form. 
 
 Then we there sat down, 
 
 Each of us on a chair of gold, 
 
 There was laid out for us abundance of food 
 
 And drinking-horns filled with beoir. 
 
 When we had taken a sufficiency of food, 
 And much sweet drinking wines, 
 Then spoke the mild young princess, 
 And thus said she, " harken to me awhile." 
 
 She told us the knowledge and cause of her tale, 
 And the tears flowed down her cheeks ; 
 She said, " my return is not to my own country, 
 Whilst the great giant shall be alive." 
 
 " Be silent, young princess ! 
 
 Give o'er thy grief and do not mourn, 
 
 And I give to thee my hand 
 
 That the giant of slaughter shall fall by me I" 
 
 " There's not a champion now to be found 
 Of greatest repute under the sun, 
 To give battle hand to hand 
 To the bold giant of the hard blows." 
 
2oí 
 
 " )x)\)}x\n) óujc, a fiío-^r; c<\oib, 
 
 i;ac f5í\crOA|t l|on) a ceAÓx att/ óajI, 
 íT>ui;<x, b-cu]cp|ó Ijorr;, bo bft]5 njo 56*5, 
 50 b-cujcpeAb |:é|i) A|t bo fjAC." 
 
 N]ori b'^AbA 50 b-pACAtt)A]|t a 5 ceAcc, 
 ai; c-acac cfiéAn bA rr)6 5|t^|0, 
 beAjtc aji be crio|cr)e ]:|a6, 
 a'j* lu]t5-^eA]t|'A|b ia|ia]iii; -|oi)<\ Iaitt). 
 
 Míojt beAi)T)<v|5 'f irjOfi urbluii; óújrvr), 
 acc b'péAc a i)-5i)ú]t* r)-ó5-rbi;Á, 
 b'piA5A][t cac A5A]* córbfiAC cjiéAi), 
 
 A'f CUAÓAf £é|1) ]01}A CÓri}ÓA]l. 
 
 2l|i ^eAÓ crq r>-o]óce A5111* cjvj lív, 
 bo bÁit>u]|i 'f&r) ij-stiÁfSAjt ceAT)r) 
 5=jó 50 rr)-bA cjtéAr) é At) c'acac Ájj, 
 bo bA|t)eA|* 5AI) fp&f be a ceATjt; ! 
 
 21 1) cjtÁc cot^r)Ai|tc at) frjr* bAT) 05, 
 Ai) c-acac mófi 50 £AOr) Aft ; 
 bo lei5eAbA|i crrj 5AJ1ÉA "5]i]VV, 
 le ri)óii-TT)AO]óeArb A5AT* luc^Ajft! 
 
 <t)o cuAÓit;Ai|t AT)r; bo'r) búi;, 
 't* bo b]oó-f a briújjce, U5, £Aor> ; 
 A5 T'jleAÓ ^oIa 50 lívi;-ú|t 
 a ceACC 50 blúc A|* rrjo cjté^cb ! 
 
 <Do ca|1)|5 irvgeAt) Tt]^ r>A rrj-beó, 
 
 bo cujrt ]ce Y bAlfAit) Art)' ci;éAÓA, 
 'r* bob ]Of fé]T) flag 'i;a béjg. 
 
255 
 
 0. " I tell to thee, gentle queen, 
 
 I am not daunted at his coming to meet me, 
 Unless he fall by me, by the strength of my arms, 
 I will fall myself in thy defence." 
 
 'Twas not long till we saw approaching 
 
 The powerful giant that was most disgusting, 
 A load was on him of the skins of deer, 
 And an iron bar in his hand. 
 
 He did not salute or bow to us, 
 
 But looked into the countenance of 
 Proclaimed battle and great conflict, 
 And I went myself to meet him. 
 
 During three nights and three days 
 We were in the great contest, 
 Though powerful was he, the valiant giant, 
 I beheaded him without delay. 
 
 When the two young maidens saw 
 The great giant, lying motionless, weak and low, 
 They uttered three joyful cries, 
 With great boasting and merriment. 
 
 We then went to the fortress, 
 
 And I was bruised, weak and feeble, 
 Shedding blood in great abundance, 
 Coming closely out of my wounds. 
 
 The daughter of the " King of the Living" came 
 In truth to relieve myself; 
 She put balm and balsam in my wounds, 
 And I was whole after her. 
 
 [maiden, 
 the young 
 
2oG 
 
 O. 4)0 CA|CArt}<\0|fi Aft b-pfi0|f)f) 50 pubac, 
 
 a'í; b* TtjeAÓjtAC Óúirjt) atjt; f*]r) b'A éff*; 
 bo cófftf^eAÓ f*ÚT)t) at)i; f-A'u búi;, 
 leApc&cA clúib be clurb tja t)-£at). 
 
 í)o cu|]teArt)U|]tr)e at? f*eAft rr)órt, 
 
 a b-f*eAftc £6b-bO]ri)|i), £<vitf*Ajr)3, ftéfó, 
 
 bo co5b<\f a l]A of* a leACc, 
 
 A V r3í t 1 0D<v r A ^l^l 1 ^ a T)-03Arr)-cftAob ! 
 
 21 |l T)A TT)AJtAC, Aft ATT)AftC ldO|, 
 
 bo Óúff*f5n)Affi Af Aft t)éAl, 
 " cftiAll 5AI) f5íc b'&jt b-qrt t;éfT)." 
 43o 5leA|*Arr?A|]t 0|ijaAfT;r) 3AT) f*cAb, 
 
 'f* bO 5AbArt?Alft Aft 5-CeAb ftff* Ar> ó|5, 
 
 bub búbAC bubftoo&c |*| r)t> 'v* ^1^15» 
 
 'f rjjoft c&ffte bo'i; 5fi|Ai;-be<vi) fotjAft t;-beof3 ! 
 
 V] V e *Y ^l 1 ?- * P^b]iA|5 f é 1^> 
 CAb bo c&|xIa bo'r) fvjo3Afr> 015 ; 
 ó't) Ia |-5A]tArr)u|]ti)e AftAor) léf, 
 \)o Aft f*|ll f:éfr> 50 q jt t;a rt>-be6. 
 
 P. Mío|t i^irir a Oirít) jimw, (t) 
 
 Cf a't? tfjt 'tja ftAOAff* péfp ; 
 
 aY Isai) Aftjf* ft* at? bo n>efl. 
 
 O. T/jrt r)A rrj-buAÓ at) Cfft úb, 
 
 A> 3° ^1^10 i)1 bjtéA3 ad c-Ajrm); (f) 
 njív ca slójjie a b-plACAt; TtjAjt b| aht), 
 bo 6|A le 3|teAT)T), cAbAftf*A|T)r) 3Afftrr). 
 
257 
 
 0. We consumed our feast with pleasure, 
 And then we were merry after, 
 In the fortress were prepared for us, 
 Warm beds of the down of birds. 
 
 We buried the great man 
 In a deep sod-grave, wide and clear, 
 I raised his flag and monument, 
 And I wrote his name in Ogham Craobh. 
 
 On the morrow, at the appearance of day, 
 We awoke out of our slumbers, 
 " It is time for us," said the daughter of the king^ 
 " To go without delay to our own land." 
 
 We prepared ourselves without a stay, 
 And we took our leave of the virgin, 
 We were sorrowful and sad after her, 
 And not less after us was the refulgent maid. 
 
 I do not know, mild Patrick ! 
 
 What occurred to the young princess, 
 
 Since the day we both parted her, 
 
 Or whether she herself returned to the Land of Life. 
 
 P. Thou didst not tell us, pleasant Oisin, 
 
 What country it is in which thou wast thyself; 
 
 Reveal to us now its name, 
 
 And continue again the track of thy story. 
 
 0. That country is the " Land of Virtues," 
 
 And certainly the name is not miscalled, 
 
 If heaven hath glories as were there, 
 
 To God, with love, I would give praise. 
 17 
 
<£)o cinjArrjAiji ív|t 5-cúl bo'i; buij, 
 Ay An rréAb yd]i)v £AO| lAn-néitt) ; 
 Y 30 rt)b<\ liiAice le]|* At) eAÓ bi\r), 
 't)& 3A0Ú rrjAucA An ónujrn.fléjb. 
 
 MjOji b-pAb<v 311ft Óohcajs An rpéin, 
 a'|- 3un eí|t5i8 5<\oc Ann'f 34,6 Ainb ; 
 bo Iat* An iT)6n-TT)uTji 30 cnéAn, 
 'f 91 l^Ajb Ari)<\nc 3]té|oe le PA3A1I ! 
 
 SeAlAb búinn A3 ArbAnc nA néull, 
 'f An 1)A néulcA b^ £A frníqb ; 
 
 b ?: jfl]3 AT) C-Ar)£A A3Af A1) 3AOC, 
 
 a'j* bo foiling Pfyoebur* oj* An c-ceAnn. 
 
 í)o conncArrjAin ne An b-CAOjb, 
 qn nó-AO]beAn pAO^ lAn-blAc, 
 a'f T17A3A n)A]|*eACA ; né]8e nrjn, 
 a'-j* búi> 1^0584, bA ito-bfieAjA. 
 
 M=j jt^jb bAC b'A b-peACA yá]l, 
 be 30jtrt) ún, b'uaicne, 'f bAn ; 
 be concun 6eA|i3 a't* be bu]8e, 
 
 T)AC |tA]b 'fAI) T l 1°3"^[ t0 3 CAO]lD bo |tÁ8, 
 
 <t)o b] A]t at) b-cAob ejle 6e't) bút;, 
 5n]Ai)ATi; lorjrvtiACA A3Uf pAUif ; 
 béAncA uile be cIoca buAÓA, 
 le lArbA f ua8' A3AT- fAort-céATib. 
 
 Mjon b-fAbA 30 b-peACArr)A]n cÚT^jnn, 
 A3 criiAll ó't) n-bún ion An 3-córr)8A|l, 
 tjvj ÓA05Ab lAec bo b'-r*eAnn lúc, 
 cl|ú, a'i 4 bo b 5 AO|nbe cá|1» 
 
250 
 
 We turned our backs on the fortress, 
 And our horse under us in full speed, 
 And swifter was the white steed, 
 Than March wind on the mountain summit . 
 
 Ere long the sky darkened, 
 
 And the wind arose in every point, 
 
 The great sea lit up strongly, 
 
 And sight of the sun was not to be found ! 
 
 We gazed awhile on the clouds, 
 And on the stars that were under gloom 
 The tempest abated tind the wind, 
 And Phoebus brightened o'er our heads. 
 
 We beheld by our side, 
 
 A most delightful country under full bloom, 
 And plains, beautiful, smooth and fine, 
 And a royal fortress of surpassing beauty. 
 
 Not a colour that eye has beheld 
 Of rich blue, green, and white, 
 Of purple, crimson, and of yellow, 
 But was in this royal mansion that I am describing. 
 
 There were at the other side of the fortress, 
 Radiant summer-houses and palaces, 
 Made, all of precious stones, 
 By the hands of skilful men and great artists. 
 
 Ere long we saw approaching 
 From the fortress to meet us, 
 Three fifties of champions of best agility, 
 Appearance, fame and of highest repute, 
 
260 
 
 " C]a at) qrt aIat^o j pub, 
 
 a ipjeAT) ciu]^i;a b-cj^opAl ó]|t, 
 lí 4 bfieATjcA bjieAc b'A b-jreACA pujl, 
 t)ó't) í fíib 'Cjfi t)a t)'ó5 ?" 
 
 " Jr í 5° ke]ri)jT), a OiríD ^éjl, 
 
 t^ott ]\)V]ye^T b]téA3 6tqc 6'a cao|0, 
 T)fl T)í b'Ajt geAlUf-f a 6u|c ye]V> 
 i)ac b-puil fO|llé|Tt A5A& bo fíort." 
 
 <Do ca^ 171,5 cÚ5A-(i)T) ior)f)A 6eó|5, 
 céAb be<u) 05 bo b'Ajlle ; 
 •pAO^ brtACA fjobA IjorjcA b'órt, 
 A5 ^AilqCiTjAb" ]tórbA|t)r) b'A b-qri £éfT>. 
 
 í)0 COT)t)CAri)A|ít Ajtíf A5 ceAcc, 
 bii^beAT) bo 5lé||ie, 5IAT) t/Iuat; ; 
 
 A 5 u r TM5 0]T/tbeA1tC, CÓTTJACCAC, CJléAT), 
 
 bo b-feAttjt r5é]rb, be^lb, 'f fOUAb. 
 
 B| lé^e bivjóe be ffobA fftoll, 
 
 A5Af T)]Ari)-bjiAc ófibA of a cjot)í) ; 
 frf cofiojr) b|t]cte<vi)r)AC be'i) 6|t ; 
 50 foillr/eAc, loi)i)ítAc A|t a ceAi)T). 
 
 &0 COT)T)CATt)A]Tt A3 C6ACC 'i;a beófá, 
 
 at) bAiT)rtío5^]T) 65 bo b'A]|tbe cA-]l ; 
 
 Af CA05Ab b]lU]T)1)eAU TDllllf, CÓjTt, 
 
 bo b'Ajle clóó, iot)A córb&A]l. 
 
 2I5 ceAcc bójb u]le aji aot) bAll, 
 bo lAbA^jt 50 ceAT)i)t;A ^5 t)a T/65 ; 
 A5uf a búbAjiu;, " ]y é yeo OjpT) tt;ac Í^tjt), 
 
 Cé]le CAOTJ) t^ATI) C|1)T) 6||t." 
 
261 
 
 " What beauteous country is that 
 
 gentle (laughter of the golden locks ! 
 Of best aspect that the eye has seen, 
 Or is it the * Land of Youth ?' " 
 
 " It is, truly, generous Oisin ! 
 
 1 have not told a lie to you concerning it, 
 There is nothing I promised thyself 
 
 But is manifest to thee for ever.'" 
 
 To us, came after that 
 
 A hundred maids of exquisite beauty, 
 Under garments of silk filled with gold, 
 Welcoming me to their own country. 
 
 We saw again approaching, 
 
 A multitude of glittering bright host, 
 And a noble great and powerful king, 
 Of matchless grace, form and countenance. 
 
 There was a yellow shirt of silken satin 
 And a bright golden garment over it, 
 There was a sparkling crown of gold, 
 Eadiant and shining upon his head. 
 
 We saw coming after him 
 
 The young queen of highest repute ; 
 
 And fifty virgins sweet and mild, 
 
 Of most beautiful form in her company. 
 
 When all arrived in one spot, 
 
 Then courteously spoke the " King of Youth,' 
 And said, " This is Oisin the son of Fionn, 
 The gentle consort of ' Golden-headed Niamh 
 
too ]uit } x'e ojitt) atjtt fjT) ati lA'tir, 
 
 A5U|- a biibAific ^ 3-córfi-ATib bo'i) c-t-Iót; ; 
 
 " A Oj-pjl) CaItTTA, A TTT|C AT) fVjj, 
 CéAb TTJjle fAllce Tt-OTTTAt." 
 
 " 2ll) Cft ro 10l/ ATI CA1T)3]T« péll), 
 
 1^ cejlpeAb |*5&aIa otic 3AT) 56; 
 7f T^AbA, buAt) é bo f A05AI, 
 a't* be]6 zu t^éTT) cojbce 65." 
 
 " Hj'l AO|bt)eAt; bA'fi t<tt)AO]T)T3 Cfuvjóe, 
 t)ac b-r:u]l 'f A t> cíjt feo t:Á'b córbA]ft, 
 a 0|ni), CTteib uAftt) 50 jrjoti, 
 3UTV rt^fe Tií5 tfti t;a TT-03." 
 
 " 215 yo AT) bAT^TXÍO^AlT) CAOTT), 
 
 rr/iTjjeAt) t:éTt) Niattt cití ó'ti; 
 bo cuAió CA]t tt)ít)-tttu]ti t^Áb' 6é]t), 
 cutt; beTC tttati céjle atc] 50 beó." 
 
 too 5AbAp bú]beACAT* leTf at) 1^3, 
 
 a't* b'ÚTfrluí5eAT* fíof* bo't) Tvjo^ATi) co]fi, 
 
 T/jOft TTAbAb AT)T) f]1) 50 })é^X^]6 \]t)V), 
 
 50 TtÁi)5Arr>AiTi |tío3^°3 1*13 t>-03. 
 
 í)0 CATT)]3 UAjfle 1)A CACjlAC CAOITt/, 
 
 ibjTl T*eATl A3AT* 1T)T)A0| 101)' ATI 3-CÓTT)6Ajl j 
 
 b] TrleAÓ a't* péAfbA atmt bo fjoTi, 
 ATI -peAÓ beic t)-o|óce a't* beic Ia. 
 
 too pófAb rrré le HiArb cjtttt ojti, 
 
 A PAb|tAT5 ó'l) Kó|Tt? T)A TT)-bACul TT)-bÁT), 
 T/jt) T^^T 1 CUAÓAT* 30 C^fl T)A 1)-Ó5, 
 
 3^6 bojlib b|i6r)AC Itott)|*a cttacc. 
 
263 
 
 0. Tie took me then by the hand, 
 
 And said, [aloud to the hearing of] the host, 
 " O, brave Oisin ! 0, son of the king* ! 
 A hundred thousand welcomes to you !" 
 
 " This country into which thou com est, 
 
 I'll not conceal its tidings from you, in truth, 
 
 Long and durable is your life, 
 
 And thou thyself shalt be ever young." 
 
 " There's not a delight on which the heart hath mused 
 But is in this land awaiting thee ; 
 ! Oisin believe me in truth, 
 For I am king of the ' Land of Youth !' " 
 
 " This is the gentle Queen, 
 
 And my own daughter the Golden-headed Niamli, 
 Who went over the smooth seas for thee 
 To be her consort for ever." 
 
 I gave thanks to the King, 
 And I bowed down to the gentle Queen, 
 Nor staid we there, [but proceeded] soon, [Youth." 
 Till we reached the royal mansion of the " King of 
 
 There came the nobles of the fine fortress, 
 Both men and women to meet us ; 
 There was a feast and banquet continuously there, 
 For ten nights and ten days. 
 
 I espoused (i Golden-headed Niamh," 
 ! Patrick from Rome of white croziers ! 
 That is how I went to the " Land of Youth," 
 Tho' woeful and grievous to me to relate. 
 
S64 
 
 Le<\t> bíi|r)t> peAfbA ati bo f5eol, 
 a Ojfír) óf|t t;a vwri) t>-Ati ; 
 
 II* £AbA ^óf Ijort) 50 T)occA]|t £AC. 
 
 Jt^t)||- bú|T)T) at)0]t- le n)ó]t 5TxeAt)t), 
 
 AT) TlAjb AOT) cIaTJÍ) A^Ab Tie M^ATf), 
 
 tjó't) £AbA bíbif a b-T/jji t)a Tj'65, 
 
 AlCTljl* 5AT) bjTÓT) bÚ|T)Tj bo f5&Al 
 <t>0 b| A3ATT) fie NjATb C]T)T) Ó||l, 
 
 be clo|T)T> bu6 Tio-rr)A|ú 30AO| a'f fSéiH) 
 bo b'^eíVTiTi bejlb, ctiuc A3Uf fTjoó, 
 bjT* ttiac 65 A5uf -\W5e&i) CAOTT). 
 
 <t)o ÓA|ceAT* CTieiTbfe -pAbA C|At;, 
 z]í) céAb bliAÓAio Vj°V Wó; 
 
 5U|t pTJAOjOIS ^ e 5° "^a ^'é "M* 1 ?* 
 
 T^otjt) 'r^tJ 1*1^t)t) b'v&iCT]t) bed. 
 
 21 0|fjT), c-fuA^Tic leAi) bob' f3e<\l, (f) 
 A'f ITWjr bú|T)t) ca b-£U]l bo cIat)!); 
 cAbA^i 6ú|t)t; 3<vt) Tbojll a T)-A|T)rr>, 
 
 A'f AT) CTljC 't)A b-|ÍU]llb AT)i; ? 
 
 Bí A3 ftjATb t:a t)A 3-c5rb<v|Ti, (f) 
 
 T^Tl' T)A T)-03, T)A TT)-beO 'f* 1)A trj-buAÓ ; 
 
 a'i* |on)Ab T*eo]b tjac Tvjir) bo Iúa8. 
 
 T>W5 MlATT) ATI TT)0 6)f TTjAC, (f) 
 
 A]i)rf) rr)'ACA|i a't* too Óejg-Tbjc ; 
 'Fiotw 0|Ti6eATic, ceAT)i) tja fluA^, 
 
 'fAT) C-OT-3AJT OÍTl-A|tTT)-TlÚA6. 
 
265 
 
 P. Continue for us further thy tale, 
 
 golden Oisin of the slaying arms ! 
 
 How didst thou leave the " Land of \outh," 
 
 I, yet, think it long till you reveal the cause. 
 
 Tell to us now with great pleasure, 
 Hadst thou any children by Niamh, 
 Or how long wert thou in the " Land of Youth," 
 Relate to us, without grief, thy story, 
 
 0. I had by Golden-headed Niamh, 
 
 Of children of surpassing beauty and bloom, 
 Of best form, shape, and countenance, 
 Two young sons and a gentle daughter. 
 
 I spent a time protracted in length, 
 Three hundred years and more, 
 Until I thought 'twould be my desire 
 To see Fionn and the Fianna alive. 
 
 P. pleasant Oisin continue thy story, 
 And tell us where are thy children ; 
 Give us, without delay, their names, 
 And the land in which they are. 
 
 0. Niamh had awaiting them, 
 
 The Land of Youth — the Land of Life, and the land 
 
 of Virtues : 
 A wreath and crown of the kingly gold, 
 And many Jewels I do not mention. 
 
 Niamh gave to my two sons 
 
 The names of my father and of my good son, 
 Noble Fionn — head of the hosts — 
 And Osgar of the red golden arms. 
 
266 
 
 'Cinjuf f*é|t) bon) CAot^-ft)3ft), (f) 
 
 fie l)-AOT)CA NfArb At) Offl-CfT)T); 
 
 bo buAb a TDAffe 'f*A 3T)e-7;eAi), 
 
 AT) C-AfT)TT) fífOfl, plúfl T)A TT)bAT)«" 
 
 «D'fAftfiAf* f?éft) ceAb a ft At) KfTj, 
 
 a'|* ATI TT)0 Célle CAOft), MjATT) CfT)T) Óffl ; 
 bul 50 l)-6|Tl|t)t) CATl Aff ATlíf, 
 
 b'féACA]t) y^]V)i) A5AT 4 A rt)6fi-T*tó|5. 
 
 " í)o 5eAbA]|i ceAb uattt)," ati at) ft)3eAT) caott) 
 " cfó bojlb At) f5éAl liort) cu be|c b'Á IúaÓ ; 
 
 ATI eA5Al T)Afl CeACC ÓUfC Aflff* TtGAb fie, 
 bOTT) qji péft), A Off/fT) buAÓAI^." 
 
 " CfieAb TT/ eA5Al búp)!), A TlfO^Aft) blÁJC, 
 
 't*ai) t-eAc b&t) bo befé t:á'tt) fiéffi ; 
 ti)íi]T)T:|6 At) t-éoluf* bújt)t) 50 f&rt), 
 
 A'f "PlUflÓ flÁt) CATl t/AfT 5 CÚ5<\b fíéfT).'' 
 
 " CÚ]tí)I)]5 A Ojfjt), CAb CÁ TT)é flAÓ, 
 TT)A leA5AT|t CflACC Aft CaIatT) fléf8 ' 
 
 i)Ac ceAcc bujc cofóce ati]t; 50 bfiACAC, 
 bot) ft ÁlA]t)t)-f*eo Va b-f*Ufl|rt) f:éfT). 
 
 " 21 beiTTTTT) leAC-fA A Tiff* 3AT) 3Ó, 
 TT)A tU|fllfT)3(fl f!0|* be't) eAC OAT) j 
 T)A cfucfiAffi cofbce 50 Zyjfl t)A T)-Ó5, 
 
 A Offft) Offl t)A T)-Afltt) T)'Af5- 
 
 " 21 beffiiti) leAC bo't) cfieAf* freAcc, 
 tt)aY ceAcc be't) eAC óufc fíéft) ; 
 50 TT)-be|6ffi Ab' feAt)6||t cfvjoT)A óaII, 
 
 5AT) lÚfC, 3At) 5fieAT)t), 3AI) flft, 3A1) léjTT) ! 
 
2G7 
 
 0. I, myself, gave to my gentle daughter, 
 By consent of golden-headed Niamh, 
 In virtue of her beauty and loving countenance, 
 The true name — Plur-na-mban, [the flower of 
 women.] 
 
 I asked leave of the king, 
 And of my kind spouse — golden-headed Niamh, 
 To go to Erinn back again, 
 To see Fionn and his great host. 
 
 " Thou wiltget leave fromme," said the gentle daughter, 
 " Though 'tis a sorrowful tale to me to hear you 
 mention it, 
 
 Lest thou mayest not come again in your life 
 To my own land, victorious Oisin !" 
 
 " What do we dread, blooming Queen ! 
 Whilst the white steed is at my service, 
 He'll teach me the way with ease, 
 And will return safe back to thyself." 
 
 " Kemember Oisin I what I am saying, 
 If thou lay est foot on level ground, 
 Thou shalt not come again for ever 
 To this fine land in which I am myself. 
 
 " I say to thee again without guile, 
 
 If thou alightest once off the white steed, 
 
 Thou wilt never more come to the ' Land of Youth,' 
 
 golden Oisin of the warlike arms ! 
 
 " I say to thee for the third time, 
 If thou alightest off the steed thyself, 
 That thou wilt be an old man, withered, and blind, 
 Wi tli out activity, without pleasure, without run, 
 without leap. 
 
268 
 
 " )X Wl3 l^ort), a 0}f]i) sniw, (t) 
 cu 6ul 30 l)-6|]t]i)t) 30 beó5 ; 
 t)]l X] ^0°ir ^TO^il bo h] ; 
 
 Y V] ^Cpilt CO]86e ^1,0!)!) T)A flogAÓ. 
 
 " Ml'l ADOjf a i)-fe|ttit>r> in>, (f) 
 acc ACAjft u]]tb 'f flój^ce Maori) ; 
 
 T)^ CA^Airi C0|Ó6e, 30 T/jjt T)A D-63." 
 
 ^tréAcut; r uA r 'v* swr le cjiuAj, (t) 
 
 Y bo f |l orr/ |io|*3^ bofiCA beoti ; 
 a pAb|tu]3 bub cjtÚAg leAc i, 
 
 a fiAobAb i:olx AT) CJÍ)!) Ó|]1. 
 
 <Do cujn -f*i rr)é ^ao] £eAfA criu&jb, (f) 
 bul if ceACC 3AT) buA]T)c tie bAt), 
 a't* bubA^nc l]0it) bo buAÓ a ro-bnije, 
 b*A ro-briffiTjr) i,Ab 't)& caxx^]VV fl&t). 
 
 <t)o geAllAr* b] 3AC t)] 3<u) briéA5, 
 
 30 s-cóirbVjorjFAjT)!) "F^ip a T)-búbA||tc fj M on ) 
 bo cuAÓAf Art rbuir) at) e^c bA]T), 
 aY bY&3b<v|* fl^T) A5 luce at) búp). 
 
 <t)o pÓ3Ar'-t , A rpo cé]le caojt), 
 
 Y bA búb ac T-]Tit> A3 r^AtiAb \h] ; 
 rt)o 6]y rt)AC, Y "M^at) 
 
 bo h] t;aoj onor; A3 T/jleAÓ béAfi' ! 
 
 <t)o JléAfAj* ofirt) curt) |*|úbA^l, 
 
 Y bo CU3AI* rtjo cúl bo T/jri tja t)-53; 
 bo rii,c at) c-eAc 30 béAfSAjó t;úti), 
 
 Tt)Ari bo n^i) liort), aY le Ni,<mt) c|T)1) ójfi. 
 
269 
 
 0. " 'Tis a woe to me, loving Oisin, 
 
 That thou ever goest to green Erinn ; 
 
 'Tis not now as it has been ; 
 
 And thou never shalt see Fionn of the hosts. 
 
 " There is not now in all Erin, 
 But a father of orders and hosts of saints ; 
 loving Oisin ! here is my kiss, 
 Thou wilt never return to the * Land of Youth V* 
 
 I looked up into her countenance with compassion, 
 And streams -of tears ran from my eyes, 
 
 Patrick ! thou wouldst have pitied her 
 Tearing the hair off the golden head. 
 
 She put me under strict injunctions 
 
 To go and come without touching the lea, 
 And said to me by virtue of their power, 
 If I broke them that I'd never return safe ; 
 
 I promised her each thing, without a lie, 
 That I would fulfil what she said to me ; 
 
 1 went on the back of the white steed 
 
 And bade farewell to the people of the fortress. 
 
 I kissed my gentle consort, 
 
 And sorrowful was I in parting from her, 
 My two sons, and my young daughter 
 Were under grief, shedding tears. 
 
 I prepared myself for travelling, 
 
 And I turned my back on the u Land of Youth," 
 
 The steed ran swiftly under me, 
 
 As he had done with me and " golden-headed Niamh." 
 
270 
 
 O. Mj \)-&]i\i]yze&\i An f5éAl 50 beAcc, 
 
 aji 3AC xj\ b&'ft ceAr)5rb^ib lion) t:éin; 
 no 50 b-cA]n|3 tne Anir c<vn naif, 
 50 b-é|n]nn 3IAT 4 nA Tj'ionjAb r éub * 
 
 21 pAb|xu]5 i)A n'ojtb A311T/ ija t)Aorb, 
 trjojt ]})\)]X e ^T bnéxx5 biqc n]An) yoy ; 
 X]t) AjAb-fA £Ac ino rs^il, 
 'f n)A|i b'^baf £é]t> 'Cífi nA n-65. 
 
 Í)'a rnbei^nn-fe jjéjB, a PAbnAi3, 
 attjajI bo biof-f a at) Ia úb £é]n, 
 bo cujnf^nn bo clé]ft 50 lé]jt euro b&ip, 
 a']* ceArvn Art bnAgAjb nj beAb Arn 6é|5 ! 
 
 Í)'A b^A^Ait; nr*e trlujnfe Óé'n n-AfiAn, 
 rnAn 5e]b^nn 3AC cn&c o "pjonn; 
 bo suibpiW curt) nÍ3 t>a n-3n.Ar, 
 cu be]c 50 flAt) ó|* a cjonr). 
 
 P. <t)o jeAbAjn A|T&n AjAj* beoc, 
 
 3 An Aon locc Ano||* uA]rn ; 
 ]y bjnn l]oro-fA 311c bo beó^l. 
 'y leAn bu^iin yoy An bo njéAl. 
 
 O. 2lfi ceAcc born £éi,n An y]\) a b-cjrt, 
 
 b'^éACAf cpuinn An 5AC u^le Ainb ; 
 
 bo frnAoineAf Ann n n 5° VÍ ^* 
 
 nAc TiA]b cuAinifS ^inn &5Arn le PÁ5A1I !. 
 
 Mjoji b-fAbA óorn ^3^f ^í !* c]at), 
 
 50 b-peACA at)] An A5 ceAcc y&'rt) 6é]n j 
 TnAncf-luAj n)6n ibjrt tl*eAnA|b A511T; rr?nA, 
 'y bo cÁn3AbAfi An)' Iaca]ji fiéin. 
 
271 
 
 O. Our story is not told in full, 
 
 Of every thing that occurred to myself, 
 
 Until I came again back 
 
 To green Erin of the many jewels. 
 
 Patrick of the orders and of the saints, 
 I never yet told you a falsehood, 
 There is to thee the reason of my story, 
 And how I left the " Land of Youth/' 
 
 If I myself had been, Patrick ! 
 As I was, that self-same day, 
 I would put thy clerics all to death, 
 And a head on a neck would not be after me. 
 
 If I got plenty of the bread 
 
 As I used to get, at all times, from Fionn, 
 I would pray to the king of grace 
 To have thee safe, over it. 
 
 P. Thou wilt get bread and drink, 
 
 Without any fault now from myself, 
 Melodious to me is the voice of thy mouth, 
 And continue for us still thy story. 
 
 0. On my coming, then, into the country, 
 I looked closely in every direction, 
 I thought then in truth 
 
 That the tidings of Fionn were not to be found. 
 
 'Twas not long for me nor tedious, 
 
 Till I saw from the west approaching me, 
 A great troop of mounted men and women, 
 And they came into my own presence. 
 
272 
 
 <Do be<u>i)ui3é<\b<\fi óorr; 30 caojí), yé]W, 
 a'f bo 5A^b \ox)^\)z^x 5AC t>-aoi) bjob ; 
 A]t ^<v]Cf|r) Tt}é&b ttjo peATifAT) i:é]r), 
 rt)o Óejlb, rt)0 336 a3A|* ttjo 5t)AO|. 
 
 ^D'pl^Pltúlse^ ^é|t) At)r> ]»]t) b^ob fúb, 
 Ai) 5-cu^UbA|i "F]ox)r) bo he]i beo ; 
 t)6 Aft ri)Ai|t aotj e|le bet) fa\t)t) 
 t)6 cjieAb é at) léur) bo b^jt) bójb ? 
 
 " <t)o cuAlArt)<v^rir)e qt&cc ati ^iotm?, 
 A]t TjeAjtc, Aft ld]t, A5itf Aft cftéAt) ; 
 
 T)<\C flAfb T^AIT) A f ATb<V]lc fúb, 
 
 a b-peA]tfAjr)i), a 5-clú, aju] 4 a ti)é]\)r)* 
 
 ")X ioiT)bA leAOATt r*5riíobc<v fjof*, 
 
 T)AC l^r) Ajcriir &ujc 50 tfoji, 
 A]t éAccAfb pi^tr A3ut* ati at; b-^e^t). 
 
 " 4Do cuaIattjaíti 30 TtAfb A 5 
 
 TTJAC buÓ l0T)T)]tAC T*5é|TT) 'f clÓÓ, 
 
 30 b-cÁ^T)]3 613-beAt) ^ao] t)& 8é]i;, 
 t*3 A t)-beACA|6 lé] 30 T^^ti t>a ^-65." 
 
 Hu<vi|t cuaIa|* £é]t> at) córbfiAÓ úb, 
 
 t)A'ti tt)A^t ^jOT)!) 't)A t>eAC be\) y^'eVWt 
 bo 5IACA]* cu]Tife a'|* it)6ti ciiriiAb, 
 Y bA líVT)-búb<xc nié fOT)A T)-bé|3 ! 
 
 MjOTl fCAbAf-fA AT)T) & e ' 1 ) TtéjTT?, 
 
 50 Iuac éAfSAjb 3<vt) aotj rbo|ll ; 
 30 b-cu3*f iDASAjb 50 5IA10 fiéjó, 
 
 ATI 2llrbA11? éACCAC, leACAT) LA]3eA1J. 
 
273 
 
 They saluted me kindly and courteously, 
 And surprise seized every one of them, 
 On seeing the bulk of my own person, 
 My form, my appearance, and my countenance. 
 
 I myself asked then of them, 
 Did they hear if Fionn was alive, 
 Or did any one else of the Fianna live, 
 Or what disaster had swept them away ? 
 
 " We have heard tell of Fionn, 
 
 For strength, for activity, and for prowess, 
 That there never was an equal for him 
 In person, in character, and in mien. 
 
 There is many a book written down, 
 
 By the melodious sweet sages of the Gaels, 
 Which we in truth, are unable to relate to thee, 
 Of the deeds of Fionn and of the Fianna." 
 
 We heard that Fionn had 
 
 A son of brightest beauty and form, 
 
 That there came a young maiden for him 
 
 And that he went with her to the " Land of Youth." 
 
 When I myself heard that announcement, 
 That Fionn did not live or any of the Fianna, 
 I was seized with weariness and great sorrow, 
 And I was full of melancholy after them ! 
 
 I did not stop on my course, 
 Quick and smart without any delay, 
 Till I set my face straightforward 
 To Almhuin of great exploits in broad Leinster. 
 18 
 
274 
 
 O. Ba njófi é rr/]or)3<\T)cur ai)í) 
 
 t)ac ^e<vcA]8 cú||ic y-]vv UA r-ló]3 ; 
 if\ jtA^b 't)A b]o»;Ab ai;í) 50 f?íoft, 
 acc viAÓAjle, ^06 A5uf T>eAt)t)có5 ! 
 
 Uó A PÁbftll]5 ! A'f UC, T1)01)UAri ! 
 
 bA beAlb ad cttrAfjic a3<uí;-|*a 6, 
 
 3<V?) CUAIjtJfS ^Jt)!) 'tJA T)A b-]^Ar>T), 
 
 b f&jj £wO| p|<vi; ir>6 le'rt) fié ! 
 
 p. 2i Ojht) ! f5U|]t At)0]j* be'b bjtoi), 
 
 f|l bo Óeojft A]t <D})jA t)A i)-3ft&í% 
 ca 'pfonr) 'i^') ^Pj^W cIá]6 50 leó|t, 
 a'j* t)f l a b-|:6|tt|5ÚiT; ]úb 30 bjií\c. 
 
 0. Ba TT)ÓJ1 A1) c|tUA3 y]t), A PAbflA^, 
 
 7^|0i)r) 30 bjiftc bo be|c a b-péji); 
 t)ó cjteAb é at) có|]t bo T1115 a^i buA^ó^ 
 '|*a i|Acc Iaoc criuA^b bo ciqc lejf fé]t). 
 
 P. ]y é <Dja bo |tu5 Luaó A]|t 7*|or)r), 
 
 A^r* i;eA|ic i)C*ri)Ab 'tjá cjtéAi)-lAri), 
 A 3 u f ^T 1 A ^ b-'péjtw rrjArt é, 
 a v~]VV- eM ^ bAop. b'A fjojt cji&b ! 
 
 O. 21 P&bfiAi3 fcW^S T^tJ 
 
 't)A b--pu|l 'pjorjfi Art l&fri) A3UI* At) ^fAi)»), 
 Y i)] b-pu|l ]p|teAi)r) 't)a ^Ia]C6A]* Ai)i), 
 bo cujrifeAb £á ceAT)i)frt)Acc iAb. 
 
 2t)A'f A?)i) acá Op3v\|t ti)o tT)AC £é]T), 
 At) Iaoc bA crié]t)e a b-cjtorp-gleó ; 
 i)|0|t cu?t)a6 -\x) ]^|ieAt)T) 't)(v b-jrlAjteAf* <Dé, 
 bú]6eAt) b'<\ rf)é]b i)ac c]ieAf*5A|t63<s6 ! 
 
275 
 
 0. Great was my surprise there, 
 
 That I did not not see the court of Fionn of the hosts ; 
 There was not in its place in truth 
 But weeds, chick-weeds, and nettles. 
 
 Alas, Patrick ! and alas, my grief! 
 A miserable journey it was to me, 
 "Without the tiding-s of Fionn or the Fianna ; 
 It left me through life under pain. 
 
 P. Oisin ! now desist from thy grief, 
 
 Shed thy tears to the God of Grace, 
 Fionn and the Fianna are weak enough, 
 And relief is not theirs for ever. 
 
 0. That would be a great pity, Patrick ! 
 
 That Fionn should be in pain, for ever ; 
 Or what pursuers gained victory over him, 
 Since many a hardy hero fell by himself. 
 
 P. It is God who gained victory over Fionn, 
 
 And not the strength of enemy or strong hand, 
 
 And over all the Fianna like him, 
 
 Condemned to hell, they are eternally tormented. 
 
 0. Patrick ! direct me into the place 
 
 In which Fionn is in hands and the Fianna, 
 And there is not a hell or a heaven there 
 That will put them under subjection. 
 
 If Osgar my own son be there, 
 
 Tlie hero that was bravest in heavy conflict, 
 There is not created in hell, or in the Heaven of God 
 A host tho' great, that he would not destroy. 
 
276 
 
 P. Lé|5jtt)íh b'Ari T)-|on}<\|tb^i6 Ari 3AC caob, 
 a'|* leAi) T*3^aI, A Olrí 1 ) *M3 > 
 CAb bo cAtiIa 8u]c 'da 6^13, 
 caji 6|p i;a pé|t)i)e bejc Ari lArt ! 
 
 O. Ji)!;e5fAb v^t) no 6u^c, a P&bftiqs, 
 
 c^it éjf* trjé j-'&5bív|l 2llrbu|t) LA^eAT), 
 T)] |tA]b AOi) A]C]teAb 't)<v TiA^b ai; Pjatm), 
 t;C\'|t cuAftcuí^eA) 4 50 b]At) 3411 Aot) rbo^ll. 
 
 2lti roo 5<xb<xil boiT) c|té TjleAijr) at) pijójl, 1 
 bo coi)t)A]|tc rr>é n)óit-c|tu| Ú5A6 atm) ; 
 cfq ceAb peAri A5Uf bA rr)6, 
 bo b] rtórbAri) At>i)f** ai} r)-5leAT)i). 
 
 í)o lAbA]]t bu|t)e 8e'i? crtéAb, 
 
 A5A|* a búb<x]fic fé be 3UÓ óp A]ib ; 
 " cAftri b'Ari 5-CAbA||t, A |iío5-l<vo]é, 
 a'|* ^uAf5A]l f*f r>r> Af at) 3-CfiuAÓ-cAi* !" 
 
 T^A|i)]3 roe aoo fjo bo lAcA]fi, 
 
 A> V M°3 "?6|t ")A|trt)ii||t A3 At) fló5 ; 
 b) TTjeAÓACArj t)a lejce oricA aouaj*, 
 'f*A cu|t bjob fiiAr-, v]o\i b'pé|b]|t leó ! 
 
 2lo cuib aca, b] ^A'o l]c fjof 5 , 
 
 bo b]obA]t Ó*A 5-clAO]6eAri) 50 f aoo ; 
 
 le cfiujroe at? u<\Iai5 tbojjt, 
 
 bo ca]U 30 leóft bjob a roeAbAiji ! 
 
 í)o lAb<\]|t bujoe bo oa ttjaojti, 
 
 A3uf a bubAjrvc, " a ní03-3Air3 e ^^15 ó 15 5 
 ■puAf3Ail ^eAjXA A|i tt)o bujbeAO, 
 T)6 bu]t)e Ójob, oj bé|ó beó ! ' 
 
 1 31cat)i) At) rn?ó|l, the valley of the thrush, now anglicized Glenasniole. 
 
277 
 
 P. Let us leave off our controversy on each side 
 And continue thy story, valiant Oisin ! 
 What occurred to thee after that, 
 Subsequently to the Fianna being low. 
 
 0. -I, myself will tell thee that, Patrick !— 
 After I left Almhuin of Leinster, 
 There was not a residence where the Fianna had been, 
 But I searched accurately without any delay. 
 
 On my passing thro' the glen of the thrushes, 
 I saw a great assembly there, 
 Three hundred men and more 
 Were before me in the glen. 
 
 One of the assembly spoke, 
 And he said with a loud voice : 
 " Come to our relief, kingly champion ; 
 And deliver us from difficulty !" 
 
 I, then came forward, 
 And the host had a large flag of marble, 
 The weight of the flag was down on them, 
 And to uphold it, they were unable ! 
 
 Those that were under the flag below, 
 Were being oppressed, weakly, 
 By the weight of the great load 
 Many of them lost their senses. 
 
 One of the stewards spoke 
 
 And said : — " princely young hero ! 
 
 Forthwith relieve my host, 
 
 Or not one of them will be alive." 
 
278 
 
 )y T)&f|ieAc Ai) beA|ir, Ai)0|r le jtAb, 
 a't* At) ojrieAb az'a b'feAftAjb at)1), 
 t)ac qoc^AÓ le i)eAfit At; c-f*l6|3, 
 at) Ijoj-p cÓ5bA|l 30 lAi)-teAT)t)." 
 
 tt)A|rtCA8 Of5ATl tT)AC OlfjT), 
 
 bo béArtpAÓ Aft At) líoj-r^o 't)a beAf-lAirt), 
 bo cu||tpeA0 b'urtCArt \ cati At) fluATj, 
 t)] briéA5 if buAl bort) At)0|f bo tt&6. 
 
 'Do lu]8eA|* A|t rt)o cl|Ac*vt) beAf, 
 Y bo rtu5Af A|t At) le|c Art) lAfrt) ; 
 le i;eA|ic A311T* le lúc n)o 3éA3, 
 bo cujiteAT* feAÓc b-pé|Tt|*e j 6 t)a l)A|C. 
 
 le fefbrt) t)A lejce lAr)-ri)6|Ti, 
 
 bo bri|r* 3|0|tcA 6|ft at) e|6 bA|t) ; 
 
 bO CAT^Af-fA AT)UAf 50 lAl)-bOCC, 
 ATI b0T)T) TT)0 6A COf ATI AT) Tl)-bAT) ! 
 
 M| CU||-5e CA|T)|5 Tt)é A^UAf, 
 
 T)A 5IAC uatÍ)AT) At) c-eAc bAi), 
 
 b'|tT)C|5 At) fltf curt) T-|úbA|l, 
 
 'X "?1T e pú&^T 1 5° l A 3> clA|c ! 
 
 <Do CAllleAf ATt)A|tC Tt)0 ffil, 
 
 TT)0 ÓeAlb Tt)0 j^UIT 1 'f Tt)0 f5A|l, 
 
 bo b]of ATt)' feAT)6|Tt bocc 6aII, 
 5AT) b|t|3, 3A0 TbeAbAifi, 3AI) A||ib ! 
 
 % PAb|tA|5, fft) A5Ab Tt)o t5 é ^> 
 Tt)A|t c&tiIa bort) fé|t) 3AT) 36; 
 Tt)o bid A3U| < t^'itDceACC 30 beAcc, 
 <sy tr)0 ceAcc cati td'ah* 6 T^ji r;A t>-05 ! 
 
879 
 
 'Tis a shameful deed, that it should now be said, 
 And the number of men that is there, 
 That the strength of the host is unable 
 To lift the flag' with great power. 
 
 If Oscur the son of Oisin lived, 
 
 He would take this flag in his right hand, 
 He would fling it in a throw over the host — 
 It is not my custom to speak falsehood. 
 
 I lay upon my right breast, 
 And I took the flag in my hand, 
 With the strength and activity of my limbs 
 I sent it seven perches from its place ! 
 
 With the force of the very large flag, 
 The golden girth broke on the white steed ; 
 I came down full suddenly, 
 On the soles of my two feet on the lea. 
 
 No sooner did I come down, 
 
 Than the white steed took fright, 
 
 He went then on his way, 
 
 And I, in sorrow, both weak and feeble. 
 
 I lost the sight of my eyes, 
 
 My form, my countenance, and my vigour, 
 
 I was an old man, poor and blind, 
 
 Without strength, understanding, or esteem. 
 
 Patrick ! there is to thee my story, 
 As it occurred to myself without a lie, 
 My going and my adventures in certain, 
 And my returning from the " Land of Youth." 
 
280 
 
 The following Prophecy by Caoilte, respecting Cluain 
 Cheasain, deserves preservation ; but want of space must 
 excuse our offering a translation : — 
 
 C210JIX6 KO Ct)2lN. 
 
 CIuait) CbeAf^jT) fió clor Art)AC, 
 5ur a b-cAjii^eAÓ tdac Lú^Acb, 
 ho. Kor rb]c 'GrteoTT) 1 ^Ojt att) t>5fiii)T) 
 tie fiAe co]5eAcc At) "C^Xt^^x). 
 
 2lcc 5]6 catjcati p|*A|lrt} ^6 feAC, 
 
 a 5-CluAju CbeArA^t) i)A 5-cléifieAc; 
 Ab cor>r)A]tc at) CI)Iuait) cTteTbri)eAC, 
 
 •pÁ ÓATT)TIA1Ó JtUAÓ ftÓ beAT)T)AC. 
 
 be]i leT^eAr ir AT J l^it), 
 jió b] cat) at)T) bA b-orcA^ll ; 
 -\OT)b&]S bA liru) ft)Ari) <M) c-t*tiuc, 
 
 AÓbAÓ CflAT)t)A AT) cluATT) CflOCAC. 
 
 2t)Aic a clúrf), A CAti|tT)A, a b-^rj, 
 
 TT)ATC A TTjeAf* JIaIaC flO CjtéAT) ; 
 
 CAorf) a b-^MJtrvjbe a't* a b-úblA, 
 Tt)Aic a b-ublA t:|Oi)t)-cúbArtcA. 
 
 TaTT)^ AT) CATtTl1)5ATTte CATjl, 
 
 CluAjT) CeAfAjT) ^3 'CATl5eAT)T)Alb, 
 A bÚbAITtC "F]Ot)V £1aI ^ÁTljeAC, 
 50 TT)A1C T)eiTT)e T)<VOTT) AIT^leAC, 
 
 Ttv| pjccjoc ftiogAjt) 50 fteACC, 
 
 bÁ&Ajt AJATT) If TT)ÓTl ATTbTjeATIC; 
 
 50 irjbff) a leArA uile, 
 TiobfATT) cleACCAC cluAT)U]6e. 
 
 1 R09 mic Treoin is the old and present Irish name of the town of 
 New Ross in the county of Wexford. 
 
íJt)2lC-3N)2t)2lRt2l FJNN 21)210 CU2t)2tjll. 
 
 THE BOYISH EXPLOITS 
 
 OF 
 
 FINN MAC CUMHAILL. 
 
 EDITED BT 
 
 JOHN O'DONOYAN, LL.D., M.R.I.A. 
 
 CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, BERLIN. 
 
 DUBLIN : 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY. 
 
 1859. 
 
Letter addressed by Dr. John 'Donovan, to the 
 President of the Ossianlc Society. 
 
 Dublin, Bee. 27th, 1858. 
 
 Dear Sib Having, at your request, undertaken to translate into 
 
 English — to lengthen out the abbreviations, and to fix the grammatical 
 endings of the contracted words, in this notice of the boyish exploits of 
 the celebrated Finn Mac Cumhaill, the Fingal of Mac Pherson's Ossian, — I 
 beg to offer you a few observations on the age and importance of the 
 little tract, as well as of the manuscript from which it has been taken. 
 This tract was copied letter for letter, and contraction for contraction 
 from a fragment of the Psalter of Cashel now preserved in the Bodleian 
 Library at Oxford (Laud. 610), by the Kev. Euseby D. Cleaver, M. A., 
 of Christ Church, Oxford, in 1854, and now curate of S. Barnabas, 
 Pimlico, London, whose progress in the study of the Irish language is 
 truly wonderful, considering the slight advantages of oral instruction 
 which he has possessed. He has copied this little tract so faithfully that 
 I was able to understand it as well as if I had the original manuscript 
 before me. No artist ever copied a portrait or inscription more accurately. 
 This manuscript was examined in the year 1844 by the Rev. Dr. Todd, 
 S.F.T.C.D., who published a full account of its contents in the Proceed- 
 ings of the Royal Irish Academy, vol. 2, p. 336, sq. In 1846 1 examined 
 it again with the most anxious care, and published a brief notice of its 
 more important contents in the introduction to Leabhar na g-Ceart. It 
 consists of 292 pages folio, vellum, and was transcribed in 1453 by John 
 Boy O'Clery and others at Pottlerath, in the barony of Crannagh, and 
 county of Kilkenny, for Edmund Butler, the head of the sept of Mac 
 Richard, who afterwards became Earls of Ormonde. This manuscript 
 remained in the possession of Mac Richard Butler till the year 1462, 
 when Ormonde and he were defeated in a battle fought at Baile-an-phoill, 
 now Pilltown, in the barony of Iverk, county of Kilkenny, by Thomas, 
 Earl of Desmond, to whom he was obliged to give up this very copy of 
 the Psalter of Cashel, together with another manuscript (now unknown), 
 
284 
 
 called the Book of Carrick-on-Suir. This fact appears from a memoran- 
 dum on fol. 110, p. b, of which the following is a literal translation : — 
 " This was the Psalter of Mac Richard Butler, until the defeat at 
 Baile-an -phoill, was given to the Earl of Ormonde, and to Mac Richard 
 by the Earl of Desmond (Thomas), when this book and the book of 
 Carrick, were obtained in the redemption of Mac Richard ; and it was 
 this Mac Richard that had these books transcribed for his own use ; and 
 they remained in his possession until Thomas, Earl of Desmond, wrested 
 them from him. " 
 
 The foregoing memorandum was written in the manuscript, while it 
 was in the possession of Thomas, Earl of Desmond, whose name ' ' Thomas, 
 of Desmond," appears in English, in his own hand, on fol. 92, a., See 
 Leabhar na g-Ceart, Introduction, pp. xxviii — xxx. The publication of 
 this manuscript, as it stands, would be a great desideratum in Irish liter- 
 ature, and I trust that Sir J ohn Romilly will not think it unworthy of 
 his attention. 
 
 I am of opinion that this little tract is of great antiquity, and contains, 
 perhaps, the oldest account we have remaining of Finn and his cotem- 
 poraries. You will observe that the style is extremely simple, and alto- 
 gether devoid of that redundancy of epithets which characterises the 
 prose compositions of later ages, which are equalled only by those of 
 "El famoso Felicia.no ds Silva." 
 
 The celebrated Irish antiquary, Duald Mac Firbis, in his genealogical 
 work, pp. 435, 436, gives various pedigrees of the famous Irish hero, 
 Finn Mac Cumhaill. Some deduce his descent from the Orbhraighe of 
 Druim Imnocht, others from the Corco Oicbe, a sept of the Ui-Fidhgeinte, 
 who were seated in the present county of Limerick. Some state that he 
 sprung from the Ui-Tairsigh of Ui-Failghe, a plebeian sept, while other 
 genealogists maintain that he came of the Ui-Tairsigh of the Luaighni 
 Teamhrach of Fera-Cul in Bregia, which was one of the three septs from 
 whom the chief leader of the Fians, or Irish militia, was elected. Mac 
 Firbis, however, states that this discrepancy must have arisen from mis- 
 taking one Finn for another ; but that by far the greater number of the 
 authentic Irish authorities agree in deducing the pedigree of the famous 
 Finn Mac Cumhaill from Nuada Neacht, the fourth son of Sedna 
 Sithbhaic, the ancestor of the kings of Leinster. 
 
 By the mother's side, Finn Mac Cumhaill was descended from Tadhg, 
 son of Nuadhat, son of Aice, son of Daite, son of Brocan, son of Fintan 
 of Tuath-Daite in Bregia. This Mac Firbis believes to be his true ma- 
 ternal descent, though others state that his mother was Torba, daughter 
 of Echuman of the Ernaans of Dun-Cearmna (the old head of Kinsale, 
 in the county of Cork), and that he had a half-brother by the mother's 
 side, who was called Finn Mac Gleoir. 
 
285 
 
 Mac Firbia adds that Finn Mac Cumhaill possessed, in right of his 
 office of leader of the Fians, seven ballys, or townlands, out of every 
 tricha-ched, or hundred, in Ireland ; that he was born in the third year of 
 the reign of Conn of the Hundred Battles, and died in the year 283. 
 
 Some genealogical books give the pedigree of our hero thus : — Finn, son 
 of Cumhall, son of Trénmor, son of Subalt, son of Ealtan.son ofBaiscne, 
 son of Nuada Necht : others, Finn, son of Cumhall, son ofBaiscne, 
 son of Trénmor, son of Ferdarath, son of Goll, son of Forgall, son of 
 Daire, son of Deaghaidh, son of Sin ; but of the various pedigrees of 
 our hero which Mac Firbis has copied from Irish authorities, the follow- 
 ing is the only one that can be considered authentic : — 
 
 1. Nuada Necht, 
 
 I 
 
 2. Fergus Failge, ancestor of the Kings of Leinster, 
 
 L I 
 
 3. Rossa Ruadh, 3. So-alt, 
 
 I I 
 
 4. Finn, the poet, king of Leinster, 4. Alt, 
 
 5. Conchobhar Abhraruadh, 5. Cairbre Garbhroin, 
 
 I I 
 
 6. Moghcorb, king of Leinster, 6. Baeiscne, 
 
 7. Cucorb, king of Leinster, 7. Modh, 
 
 8. Nia Corb, 8. Buan, 
 
 I I 
 
 9. Cormac Gealtagaoith, 9. Fergus, 
 
 10. Feilimidh Firurglais, 10. Trendorn, 
 
 11. Cathaeir Mor, monarch of Ireland, 11. Trenmor, 
 
 A.D., 177. I 
 
 12. Cumhall, 
 
 13. Finn Mac Cumhaill, si. 284. 
 
 He had a sister named Sidh, who was proverbial in Ireland for her 
 fieetness of foot, and who was the mother of Caoilte Mac Konain, also 
 famous in the Fenian tales for his agility. He had another si6ter, 
 Seogen, who was the mother of Cobhthach, son of Crunnchu. 
 
 I have always believed that Finn Mac Cumhaill was a real historical 
 personage y and not a myth or god of war, like the Hercules of the 
 Greeks, the Odin of the Scandinavians, or the Siegfried of the Germans. 
 He was the son-in-law of the famous Cormac Mac Airt monarch of Ire- 
 land, and the general of his standing army. He was slain in the year 
 A.D., 284, according to the Annals of Tighernach, a period to which our 
 authentic history unquestionably reaches. (See Ogygia, part iii, c. 70). 
 
 This celebrated warrior was, as we have seen, of the regal line of the 
 kings of Leinster, of the Milesian or Scotic race (for my ingenious friend 
 Mr. Herbert F. Hore has theorised in vain to prove him of Scandinavian 
 
28(3 
 
 origin) ; he had two residences in Leinster, one at Allen (Almhain,) in the 
 present county of Kildare, and the other at Moyelly in the (now) King's 
 County, both of which descended to him from his ancestors. Pinkerton, 
 the mo3t critical and sceptical writer that has ever treated of Irish and 
 Scottish history, has the following remarkable words, in which he ex- 
 presses his conviction of Finn's undoubted historical existence : — 
 
 " He seems," says he, «■* to have been a man of great talents for the 
 age, and of celebrity in arms. His formation of a regular standing army, 
 trained to war, in which all the Irish accounts agree, seems to have been 
 a rude imitation of the Roman legions in Britain. The idea, though 
 simple enough, shows prudence, for such a force alone, could have coped 
 with the Romans had they invaded Ireland. But this machine, which 
 surprised a rude age, and seems the basis of all Finn's fame, like some 
 other great schemes, only lived in its author, and expired soon after 
 him." — Inquiry into the History of Scotland, vol. ii, p. 77. 
 
 Our own poet and historian, Moore, who read all that had been writ- 
 ten by the Mac Phersons and the modern critics on the history of Finn, 
 expresses his conviction that he was a real man of flesh and blood, and 
 no god of war or poetical creation. He concludes his account of him in 
 the following poetical strain. 
 
 " It has been the fate of this popular Irish hero, after a long course of 
 traditional renown in his country, where his name still lives, not only in 
 legends and songs, but yet in the more indelible record of scenery con- 
 nected with his memory, to have been all at once transferred by adop- 
 tion to another country' (Scotland), and start under a new but false 
 shape, into a fresh career of fame." — History of Ireland, vol. i. p. 133. 
 
 The only known descendants of our hero, now known to exist, are the 
 Dal-Cais, i.e.. O'Briens of Munster and their correlatives. Cormac Cas, king 
 of Munster, who married Samhair (Samaria), the daughter of Finn by 
 Gráine, daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, monarch of Ireland, and had by 
 her, according to the Irish genealogists, three sons, Tinné and Connla, of 
 whose race nothing is known, and Fearcorb, the progenitor of the Dal 
 Cais, the hereditary enemies of the race of Conn of the Hundred Battles. 
 After the death of Finn, the monarch Cairbre Liffechair, son of Cormac, 
 the grandson of Conn of the Hundred Battles, disbanded and outlawed 
 the ClannaBaeiscné, of whom Finn was then the head, and retained in his 
 service their enemies, the Clanna-Morna, a military tribe of the Firbolgs 
 of Connacht. The Clanna-Baeiscné then repaired to Munster to their 
 relative, Fearcorb, who retained them in his service, contrary to the 
 orders of the Irish monarch. This led to the bloody battle of Gabhra 
 (near the Boyne in Menth), in which the two rival military tribes 
 slaughtered each other almost to extermination. In the heat of the ac- 
 tion, Oscar, the grandson of Finn (and son of Oisin,) met the monarch 
 
287 
 
 in single combat ; but fell, and the monarch retiring from the combat, 
 was met by his own relative Semeon, one of the Fotharta, (a tribe that 
 had been expelled into Leinster) who fell upon him after being severely 
 wounded in the dreadful combat with Oscar, and despatched him by a 
 single blow. 
 
 Oisin and Caeilte Mac Ronain survived all the followers of our hero, 
 and are fabled to have lived down to the time of St. Patrick ( A.D. 432), 
 to whom they related the wonderful exploits of Finn and his cotempo- 
 raries. This, however, is incredible ; but it is highly probable that both 
 lived to converse with some Christian missionaries who preceded the 
 great apostle of Ireland, and M'ho found it difficult to convert them from 
 their pagan notions. 
 
 There is a very curious dialogue, partly preserved in the book of Lis- 
 more, and partly in a MS. in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, said to 
 have been carried on between Caeilte, son of Ronan, and St. Patrick. 
 This dialogue, notwithstanding its anachronism, or perhaps rather mis- 
 nomer, is of great value to the Irish linguist, topographer, and antiquary, 
 on account of the curious ancient forms of the language which it pre- 
 serves, and the various forts, mounds, sepulchres, plains, mountains, 
 estuaries and rivers which it mentions by their primitive and mediaeval 
 names. 
 
 Hoping that this tract will soon see the light under your auspices, as 
 President of our Society, 
 
 I remain, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 JOHN O'DONOVAN. 
 
 To 
 
 William Smith O'Brien, Esq. 
 President of the Ossianic Society. 
 
^?ic-3Nj2tmRt2i rjnn jmn so sjs. 
 
 O conjtjijól A15, ocuy im^cl) beAbcb<S 
 
 TAi|ttt|*|3 a iu&tyott) [.i. cuac] Curgujll. 
 T^ojtbA, it)5p) 6ocbArt)A]i} bo 6jir)Aib, 
 \ bA b^t)-cele bo Cbun)ull, t)0 co 
 cA|tb 2t)iqftr)e 2t)ui)CAirt?. Tucaó ^ ajiuh? 
 
 1tDor) fjArjA^ecc ocuf ]rt) Afibrr)Aeji- 
 A^ecc feiftei^r), -|biji Currjull n?AC 
 'C|iet)Tr)6||t, ocuf U]it5|ter)i) n?AC 
 Lu^ecb Cu^jtjt, bo "LuAistje, .1. bo 
 Cojico Ocbe Cu^le Cbot)cui)b bot) 
 
 CAcb Cr)uc'bA eAcuftjtA .1. ]z\]\ Curpull ocuj* Uft5fiei)b. 
 
 í)A]|te «DeA^, tt)ac 6cbAi8 pjtjb, rt)]c Co]fipfie 3aU]3, 
 tDjc °^)u||ieAbAi5, ocuf a thac, .1. 2leb, CAbAjftc -\xy 
 
 cb^cbA ^AftftAb ^t)u|t5ft]T)t). 2l]t)rt) tJAjll bOl) i)Al|te ]*]T> 
 
 2t)ojtr)A °4)ut)CAirT). <Do bejtAjt ^Aftim) ]t) CAcb ]A|t ; 
 bo jiaIa jcejt Lu]cec ocuf 2ieb, tijac 2t)ojit)A ; ]f ft) cb<xc; 
 30t)ur iucec 2leb, co jiof n)|ll a lecb-^ofc, cor)jb be |to l]l 
 a a^ti} 5°W n^> e - ^° cu 1 c ^ u cec Ia 5oU ; sorjAf 
 bAr> j:eft co]ii)écA cojipbujhj a fee p e in9 Cunjull -\yv) 
 
 1 Chieftainship of the Fians, i.e. the leadership of the Irish militia. 
 
 2 Cumhall. The best account of this military leader will be found in 
 the battle of C nucha, preserved in the book of Lismore. 
 
 3 Luaighni, a famous military sept in Meath descended from Luaighni, 
 one of the brothers of Conn of the hundred battles. Ogygia, part iii. c. 57. 
 
 4 Cuil Contuinn, a territory situated on the borders of the present 
 counties of Meath and Cavan. 
 
 5 Cnucha. Connell Magheoghegan states in his translation of the 
 annals of Clonmacnoise, A.D. 726, that this is the place called Castle- 
 knock, [near the river Liffey, county of Dublin.] 
 
THE BOYISH EXPLOITS OF FINN, DOWN HERE. 
 
 HERE happened a meeting of va- 
 lour, and contention of battle, re- 
 specting* the chieftainship of the 
 Fianns, 1 and the head-stewardship 
 of Erin, between Cumhall, 2 son of 
 
 Tréanuior, and Uirgrenn, son of Lughaidh Corr, [one] of 
 the Luaighne, 3 i.e. this Cumhall was of the Corca-oiche of 
 Cuil-contuinn, 4 for of these the Hui-Tairsigh his tribe were 
 [a subsection] . Torba, daughter of Eochaman [one] of the 
 Ernaans, had been the wife of Cumhall, until he married 
 Muireann Munchaemh, [Murinda of the fair neck]. The 
 battle of Cnucha 5 was afterwards fought between them, i.e. 
 between Cumhall and Uirgrenn. 
 
 Daire Dearg, son of Eochaidh Finn, son of Coirpre Ga- 
 lach, son of Muiredhach Muinderg, and his son Aedh, were 
 fighting the battle along with Muirgrenn. Another name 
 for this Daire was Morna Munchaim. The battle was then 
 fought, Luichet and Aedh son of this Morna met to- 
 gether [in single combat] in the battle ; Luichet wounded 
 Aedh, and destroyed one of his eyes, so that from this the 
 name of Goll 6 [Luscus] adhered to him from that time 
 forth. Luichet fell by Goll. The keeper of his own 
 corrbholg 7 of séds [treasure bag] wounded Cumhall, and 
 
 6 Goll is glossed Caech, and means one-eyed, the same as the Latin 
 
 7 Corrbholg, i.e. a round bag, sed means a jewel or any article of 
 
 luscus. 
 
 value. 
 
 19 
 
290 
 
 cac. <t)o cu|c Cumuli Ia Soil m^c 21)oui;a ]r i«; each, 
 ocitf bejrijb a pojbb ocuj* a cerjb le^f, cot)]b be fit) buj 
 •p]cb burjAb icjn pftm ocuj* tdac 2t)oni)<x, coi;ib be fji) 110 
 cec ]i) feAT;cbA]6 : — 
 
 JJoll m^c <t)ATie ^e]^ co mblajb, 
 2i)fc 6cb^b fiw), ftt)y a 3A1I, 
 2i)jc CA||ipne 5^]b co t>5Ail, 
 2t)jc 2í)u|]teAbA]5 a pjr)bm<M5« 
 
 Ko mA]tb 5°H t-ujcec t)A ceb, 
 21 cAcb CrmcA, rjocbA bnec, 
 Lujcec w SAifceb ^U]\) 
 La mAc 2t)o|ii)A bo fiocbAift. 
 
 Jf leij* bo cu|c Cumuli m6]t, 
 J cac CijucbA v;a CAcb-|*lo5 
 2ijne cuc^ac it) CAcb cerjb, 
 Jm f lArjAibecc t)A b-é]|iei)b. 
 
 Bacaji clArjbA 2t)6nr)A -|fir) CAcbj 
 Ocuf LuA|5t)e t)A 'CemjtAcb, 
 21] n bÁ leo piAt)Uf* fejt }~A]l, 
 
 }~|t1A IaITI) CAC ]í]5 co ]tobA]5. 
 
 Bu^j m^c ac Cumuli co m-buA]b, 
 Ji) fuilecb f Aebun cnuAjb ; 
 'pjtm ocuj* 3°H ^DÓu a mblAb, 
 "Cnet) bo ]tor)T)f*ACA|t cojAb. 
 
 jA|t H 1 ) 530 ltOt?T)|*ACA|l fl6, 
 
 f]\)b ocuy 'Soil T>A ceb r)^r)]n), 
 Co tojicuiri BAi)b S]t;i>a be, 
 T^ai) rf)u]cc a 'Gemujri LuAicjte. 
 
 2leb bA b<vi^m bo m^c <t)Aine, 
 Coji jAeb Lu^cec cor) AjtJe, 
 O ]io ^Aec mAc LuAi5t)e lorjb, 
 i)Ai|te coi^itujceA jtij* ooll. 5- 
 
 1 Finnmhagh, otherwise Maghfinn, a plain in the barony of Athlone, 
 county of Roscommon, at this period possessed by the Firbolgs, of whom 
 the Clanna-Morna were a sept. 
 
291 
 
 Cumliall fell by Goll son of Morna in the battle, and carried 
 off his arms and bis bead ; and from this there was a funda- 
 mental hatred between Finn and the sons of Morna, con- 
 cerning' which the historian sang : — 
 
 " Goll was son of Daire Dearg of fame, 
 Son of Eochaidh Finn of valiant deeds, 
 Son of Cairbre Galach of prowess, 
 Son of Muireadhach of Finnmhagh. 1 
 
 This Goll slew Luichet of hundreds, 
 In the battle of Cnucha, no falsehood, — 
 Luichet Finn of noble chivalry, 
 By the son of Morna fell ! 
 
 It was by him fell Cumhall the Great, 
 In the battle of Cnucha of embattled hosts 
 What they fought this stout battle for, 
 Was for the Fian leadership in Erin. 
 
 The Clanna Morna were in the battle, 
 And the Luaighni of Teamhair 
 For the Fiannship of the men of Fail was theirs 
 Under the hand of each valiant king. 
 
 The victorious Cumhall had a son ; 
 The blood shedding Finn of hard weapons, 
 Finn and Goll of great fame, 
 Mightily they waged war. 
 
 After this they made peace 
 Finn and Goll, of the hundred deeds, 
 Until the Banbh Sinna fell 
 On the plain at Teamhair Luachra, 2 
 
 Aedh was the name of Daire's son, 
 Until Luichet wounded him with dexterity, 
 But since the stout son of Luaighne wounded him 
 He was called by the name of Goll." 
 
 * Teamhair Luachra, a place in Kerry not far from Castle Island, in 
 the district of Sliabh Luachra. 
 
292 
 
 TojtftAcb fto ACCAjb Cutijull a n)t)A* .1. 2t)u*|it)e, ocuf* 
 bejfvfb x\ tt)ac, ocuf* bejtA a\x)xxj bo, .1. <Den)')e. *C*c 
 
 P|ACCA]l tt)AC Coi)qi)1) OClir Bobb^All, bAT)bftA], ocuj* 10 
 
 L]Aci) Luac|ia bo fAi^ob 2t)u||ti)e, ocuf* bejnjb leo ]t) 
 rpac, Aifi ii||t Iati) a rb^cAijt a bee A*cce. l-ujbff* 2t)iiffti)e Ia 
 t>leo*n LArr)-beft5, l& m l.Art)n<N|5e lAfibArt), coí)| be^fjbe 
 it) ]iAb, 'pft)?) njAC oleojfi. Lii'b c|xa BobbrtjAll ocuf* 
 jij L^acT), ocur rt)AC leo i ^ojCjijb Slejbf BlAbrt)A. Ko 
 IjAiieo *t> fi)AC <vi)b f|t) | cA'be. «De'cbbni ory, ah bA 
 bfrt)bA 5|Ua cA;IcA]]t qT)T)efi)Ac, ocuf* Uecb T)efrt)T)ecl) 
 í)<\}íi)b]-e, ocur fefT)|b £e*«i5Acl) £Ufc1)i)ufAcb bo Uecftfb 
 LuAijije, octtf bo fr?ACv\^b 2t)oni)A f?ofi cf ^i) rt)]c fft), ocuf* 
 "CuIca nj-c Cun)uill. Ko Aflfec ]A]turf) ^ bAT)f*efi)bf5 
 
 "C]C a rt)&cA]fi a c|T)b \h r»)bl]AbAt) ]Ajt fft) bp]|* a rt)fc, 
 ^1 ft bo bji)»;n b fe l A bee if*|r) ^rjAb uc, ocuf 4 bo jto bA b^CAfl 
 le n?<vc £t)out)<x bo. C^b cjtAcc AtftAcc a|* cac ^Af Acb 1t)A 
 céle, co ftAjt)fcc fiO|c|a|b Slebe BlAbti)A; ^°5 e 1^ V> Kl^i)- 
 bojcb ocuf ]t) rrjAC 1*)A cobUb ]i)r)c*, ocuf cocbA^b -p At) 
 rt)AC ii)A buebe lAftbAit), ocuf 4 c]TT)fA]5e £n|A be, ocuf 4 f 4 ] 
 Efton) TAftun). Coi)fb At)b *r|i) bo fioft) i)A nAt)T)A ]C rr)U|ftt) 
 in> a n)AC — 
 
 CobAfl |te |*uat)at) fAfrrje, ^nl. 
 
 Ti*t)i;a|* At) it)5it) celebjtAb bo t)a bAt^e^bebujb -(Aft 
 V]t), ocuf 4 Acbejtc £n*u 1)0*1)5 Abb A] y ]t) n)AC coti)Ab ^t)- 
 
 1 Muireann. This was very common as the proper proper name of a 
 woman among the ancient Irish. It is explained in Cormac's Glossary, 
 as meaning mor*fhinn> long-haired. 
 
 2 Lamhraighe, a people of Kerry in the west of Munster. 
 
 3 Sliabh Bladhma, i.e. the mountain of Bladhma, (Ogygia III., 16.) 
 now Slieve Bloom on the confines of the King's and Queen's Counties. 
 It is sometimes called Sliabh Smoil. The summit of this mountain is 
 called 2t)ulUcb eiite-ATjtj, the summit of Erin, and from it, the O'Dunnes 
 have taken the motto of 2í)ulUcl) éifieAtjT) ívbu ! 
 
293 
 
 Cumhall left his wife pregnant, i. e. Muirenn, 1 and she 
 brought forth a son, and gave him the name of Deiinne. 
 Fiacail the son of Cuchenn, and Bodhmall the Druidess and 
 Liath Luachra came to Muirenn and carried away the son, 
 for his mother durst not keep him with her. Muirenn 
 afterwards married Gleoir the Redhanded, king of Lamh- 
 raighe, 2 from which Finn is called the son of Gleoir. 
 However Bodhmall and Liath taking the boy with them 
 went to the forests of Sliabh Bladma, 3 where the boy was 
 nursed secretly. This was indeed necessary, for many a 
 sturdy stal worth youth, and many a venomous inimical hero 
 and angry morose champion of the warriors of Luaighni, 
 and of the sons of Morna, were ready to despatch that boy, 
 and [also] Tulcha the son of CumhalJ. But however the 
 two heroines nursed him for a long time in this manner. 
 
 His mother came at the end of six years after this to 
 visit her son, for it was told to her, that he was at that 
 place, and she feared the sons of Morna for him, i.e. [might 
 kill him.] But however, she passed from one solitude to 
 another, until she reached the forest of Sliabh Bladhma 
 [Slieve Bloom,] and she found the hunting booth \_hut] and 
 the boy asleep therein, and she afterwards lifted him and 
 pressed him to her bosom, and she then pregnant [from her 
 second husband,] and then she composed these quatrains 
 caressing her son : 
 
 " Sleep with gentle pleasant slumber, &c." 4 
 
 The woman afterwards bids farewell to the heroines, 
 and asked them if they would take charge of him till he 
 
 * The rest of this Lullaby is lost. Indeed it would appear from the 
 shortness of the sentences, and the abrupt and flighty nature of the 
 composition, that the whole story has been very much condensed, and 
 in some places mutilated. 
 
204 
 
 feioébA é, ocuf jio fOfibAb ]y tt)AC [Alciiurt) ]t) rb]c] ]A]t 
 f p) cuji b<\ b|T)fel5A é. 
 
 "Co-p^c ii) ttjac ii)A Aet)u|t irt)Ac1) 1») AftA^le Ia Ai)b, ocuf |b 
 cor)bA||tc jjt) pjtAf lAcbA co] t)A \&c\)6.]X) fojtf p) loc. 
 T^ajiIajc itftcbufi fitprbib ocitf jio cefCAiit a fp)t)fAb ocuf 
 a l;ecebA bj, co cocupt cAti)i)ell fu^iie, ocuf ]io 5AbfAtt) 
 1A|tUTt? ; ocuf ]tOf fuc lejf bo cbun) i;a fiAi)boicl)i. Cor)|b 
 li] fit) ceb 1*^5 PlT)^. 
 
 Lujbfiurt) Ia Aef ceAitbA lAitcAp f oft cecbeb rt)AC 2i)ojt- 
 i;a ; co rt)boi f o CjtoccAib accu. )ze a T)-At)ti)At)bA f ]be, 
 pucb ocuf Kucb ocuy Ke5t)A ^Ab-^ebA, ocuf Ten)le, 
 ocvy Ojlpe, ocuf Rosep). 'Caji)^ irt)buile CAifiifirt) At)b 
 fit), co i)beftt)A CA|iitAcb be, coi)ib be bo 5AniceA c Deirt)t)e 
 2t)v\el be. Bi f05lA]6 a ÍAijet; ji; cai) fit) .1. T^iaccaiI 
 ri)Ac Co6t)A ef ibe. <Do ixaIa bp) PjacaiI i 'pjb 5^1 D ^ e V°V-Y 
 At) Aef ceAfibAj, ocup ito rt)Aitb uf l| acc Cteirt^e a Aei)Uft ; 
 buí fUTT) AC "PiacaiI rt)AC Co6t)A i^ii fit) it)A CJ5, a fef- 
 cp)t) uAntbeoil. T^eccAic 11) bÁ bAt)féit)bi5 bti beAf co 
 cecb PiacIa rt)]c Cobt)Ai, foit ]A|tA]fi í>eirt)i)e, ocuf bo 
 befiAp. boib é ; ocuf bo bejtAic leo a t)bef bé lAitcArt) cuf 
 -jT) ii)i)Ab cebi)A. 
 
 <t)o cbuAibfort) Ia Aile At)b a Aet)Afi Art)Acb co fiiAcbc 
 
 2i)^5 M£ e 3° ^T 10 !^ ^Út) A1)D, COJ)Of f ACCA|b 11) TDACftAlb 
 
 65 oc irt)Ait) foft fAicbe it) búp)e. 'CiCfiurT) corrjlub t)0 
 corrjtroAp) fjtiufiirt). T"/ic lAjt t)A bAjiAcb ocuf bo bejtAc 
 cecl)|tAin)e ]t)i)& *5A]b ; qc|c Aji]f a cfi|<vi) p; a A^Ajb. 
 Cjb qi&cc aci)<v5ac uile it)t)* A^Ajb fA beoi5, ocuf bo 
 bejteb-futi) led) clipcbe fOftjtA ujlf. Cja b^JUT) vfl ¥°V- Z > 
 
 1 ^áí them. The original Irish is defective here. The words obviously 
 omitted are supplied in brackets. In Feis light Chonain, p. 129, it is 
 stated that Finn in his first chase killed the pras-lacha (widgeon?), and 
 her clutch of twelve young birds. 
 
 2 Crotta, i.e. Crotta Cliach, now the Galty mountains in the south 
 of the county of Tipperary. 
 
 3 Ftdh Gaibhle, now Feegile, in the parish of Cloonsast, north of 
 
295 
 
 should be of heroic age ; and the son was afterwards reared 
 by them till he was fit for hunting. 
 
 The boy came forth alone on a certain day, and saw the 
 [the pras lacha with her brood of] ducks upon the lake. 
 He made a shot at them, 1 and cut off her feathers and 
 wings, so that she died, and he afterwards took her to the 
 hunting booth : and this was Finn's first chase. 
 
 He afterwards went away with certain poets to flee from 
 the sons of Morna ; and they had him [concealed] about 
 Crotta. 2 These were their names, Futh and Ruth, and 
 Regna of Mad Feada, and Teimle, and Oilpe, and Rogein. 
 Here he was seized with the scurvy, so that he became a 
 carrach [scald,] and was thence called Deimne Mael. There 
 was a plunderer in Leinster at this time, by name Fiacuil, 
 son of Codhna. Fiacuil came into Fidh Gaibhle 3 upon 
 the poets, and killed them all except Deimne alone, 
 who was afterwards with Fiacuil (in his house in a cold 
 sheskin [marsh]. The two heroines came southwards 
 to the house of Fiacuil, eon of Codhna, in search of 
 Deimne, and he was given to them ; and they took him from 
 the south to the same place [where they had him previously]. 
 
 He went forth one day alone [and never halted] till he 
 reached Magh Life, 4 and on the green of a certain Dun [fort] 
 there he saw youths hurling. He went to contend in agility 
 or to hurl along with them. He came with them next day, 
 and they sent the fourth of their number against him. He 
 came again, and they sent the third of their number against 
 him, and finally they went all against him, and he won one 
 game from them all. What is thy name said they? 
 
 Portarlington, in the King's County. This was the name of a famous 
 wood in Leinster, in which St. Berchan, the Irish prophet, erected his 
 church of Cloonsast, the ruins of which still remain. 
 
 * Magh Liffe, i.e., the plain of the Liffey; a very level plain in the 
 county of Kildare, through which the river Liffey winds its course. 
 
290 
 
 ol f|Ac, <be]xY)t)e, ol fé. )\)ty\xP 1') r»)ACftA|b bfjji V)*>vlx)&\o 
 10 0] f JO* ^AjtbAíó f |be é njAb corjcujcr], ro<\f a curoActAcb] 
 é, ol fe, t)) cAerrjfArrjAif tj\ bo, ol f]Ac ; cujiAb toejrrjrje a 
 A|i;rt>. CjobAf a beccofc, ol fé. 2t)ACAero cuccAcb, f1t)b, 
 ol ffAc, If ^IOi) bo í)en)r)e }~iv>b Art)lA]b fjo, ol fé-feArrj. 
 Coijjb be fjo Abbejicif ^ TTjACjiAjb f ftjfuro f^vt). 
 
 T,]c\\xxr) ]Ajt r)A bunted) bjA f Ai3]b, ocuf lujb cuccu ]\)& 
 
 du^cb] fO CejtCAC A lOjtJA fA][t AT}AeT)peCC. Jn)AfA]ff un ? 
 
 fujcjbfjuro, ocuf qiAfcjtAjb rooftfefjji ^- u 1 b uA^cbib 
 
 a fojcbj^b Slebe BlAbnjA. 
 
 T,\c jAfiun) ] ctyrjb feccroiqoe jaji fjo? cuf ]y n)b&]\e 
 cébrjA» Jf ahjIa^Ó bAcujt -f t> rt)AC|tA|b |C ft)Arb fojtf ji) locb 
 b| ]t)A fAjiftAb. 3T* e 00<M5ic 1 1 ? mAC|iA|b e|f]urt) ]tr)zec})z 
 bjrr;bAbA fftju. Lji^bfio if ]i) locb cuca ^aji fit), ocuf 
 bÁb|b ooi;bun &jb for) locb, ocuf zh]z fé|t) fA Sl|Ab BlAbroA 
 -|A|t \]\). C]A tio bA]b -\xy tDAcriAjb, ol cAcb- 7*1 1)9* ol f]AC ; 
 cor)Ab Af y]x) no leATjAb pint) é. 
 
 T/fCf|uro fecc AT)b cati SljAb BUbrr)A AtrjAcb, ocuf ]t) bA 
 bAr)pér)b|b ^rrjroAiUe frftij* j coijacau aIuja irr)b|CfC|n b'A5A|b 
 Allu]b f OKA^f |T) f lébe. 2t)or)UAn ctia on ]y bA feocujoo, 11] 
 Cjc b^Tjii Afcub t)e]cb b^b fúb acca^i^t). T^c b^rof a, [ol'pioo] 
 ocuf |t]cbA|b founo, ocuf AfCAjb bÁ r)A5 b^b, ocuf be]n]b 
 lejf b|A f]AT;i)bo|cb' 43o 5t)|f|un7 feh; co 50&cAcb bojb ]An 
 -pit). 6|fvjÓ buAjo fefCA, a 5ille, on oa bAOféoebA fn-|f, 
 A]n aca]c n)]c 2t)ójir)A fO|t Aiqll bo rrjAjtbcA. 
 
 c Do lii|bpun) a AeijAjt u<xb]b co ]t|AcbcLocb t-cjr) [ocuf] op 
 LuAcbAijt, cu|t accu]|i a ATt)fA]r)e ac ]i|5 Ber)CfiA]5e At)b 
 tiu; T)l |t6 floiDbn") int) IWJAb no be, acc cer>A, ij] bu^ 
 If 10 f]0 re^o^lT 16 a jrwfArolA; Af At^lAjb ^be|tc ]\) ]\] 
 
 1 Xoc/i Xei'n, now the Lakes at Killarney in Kerry. 
 
 2 Luachra, i.e., Luachair Deaghaidh, a district in the now county of 
 Kerry, containing the two Pap mountains. 
 
 3 Bcantraighe, a district in South Munster, believed to have been co- 
 extensive with the barony of Bantry in the county of Cork. 
 
297 
 
 Deimne replied he. The youths tell this to the owner of 
 the dun [fort.] " Do ye kill him if he comes again, if ye 
 are able," said he. We are not able to do aught unto him, 
 replied they ; Deimne is his name. What is his appear- 
 ance?" said he. He is a well-shaped fair [Jinn] youth, 
 replied they, Deimne shall be named Finn therefore, said 
 he. And hence these young men used to call him Finn, 
 
 He came the next day to them, and joined them in their 
 game, they attacked him all together, with their hurlets, but 
 he made at them and prostrated seven of them, and [then] 
 made off from them into the forests of Sliabh Bladhma. 
 
 He afterwards returned at the end of a week to the same 
 place. What the youths were at [then] was swimming 
 in the lake which was close by [the dun.] The youths 
 challenged him to swim with them. He plunged into the 
 lake to them, and afterwards drowned nine of them in the 
 lake, and then made to Sliabh Bladhma himself. Who 
 drowned the youths ? enquired all. Finn, replied they [i.e. 
 the survivors]. And from this the name of Finn clung to 
 him [among all who heard of this deed of drowning.] 
 
 He came forth on one occasion out beyond Sliabh Bladh- 
 ma, the two heroines being along with him, and they per- 
 ceived a fleet herd of the wild deer of the forest of the moun- 
 tain. Alas ; said the two old women, that we cannot detain 
 one of these with us. I can, [said Finn] and he ran upon 
 them, and catching two bucks of them, brings them with 
 him to his hunting booth. After this he used to hunt for 
 them constantly. Depart from us now, young man, 
 said the female warriors to him, for the sons of Morna are 
 watching to kill thee. 
 
 He went away from them alone [and halted not,] till he 
 reached Loch Lein 1 , and over Luachair, 2 ^till he hired in 
 military service, with the king of Bentraighe. 3 He did 
 not go by any name here, but there was not at this time a 
 
298 
 
 £jt]f : b]A ^AcbAb Cunjull tdac, ol ye, ai) bAjtlAC |to bo 
 cuf a é ; acc cei)A, i)] cuAlArt)Ufti)e ti)ac bt:AcbÁ]l bo Acbc 
 "CulcArpAC CumAill, ocup AcAfjr) ac 7t] 2tlbAi) }\) Arrjt;A]i)e. 
 
 CelebTiA^ót;|TT) bor> |t| i<\ta f|T), ocuf céc uA]bi,b co Caiíi- 
 b^e .i. C|ATtiiAi3e 1 t)bju, ocup acou]5 yc a ^3 ri 1 ) 
 a T;-An)|-A]T;e. I^c ]i) TM l^|iun) ac ^bcellACc ]i) AftAile lo. 
 X^eco]| < 5]bt;|TT7 lA]f* ocut; beia^b fecc cluicb] b|A-|3 Ajtojle. 
 C|A CYfj'A ? ol -jr) n). 21)ac A]cbl3 k° LuAi3i)]b T3en)jiAcb, 
 ol fe. 2lcc, ol p) ; acc iy cú \r> tdac jtofpuc 2t)uifii)e 
 bo CurrjAll, ocuf* t)A b| |*ui^t) UÍ 1f T1*> f&jtuc Tt)A]tbcA|t £0|i 
 Ttjerjecb-t 4 ^- Lujb aj* ]A]t r> co Cu^ll^b O Cuai)ac, co cec 
 Loca^i) -plA^c 5obAi)i) í ii)5Ji) fio cAeti) Ia^* ]be .i. Cjtir|cbi)e 
 a b<Mt)iD : Abi)A]3 fjbe 5|tAb bor> 31IU. <Do béjifA rtj]V' 
 511) bujc, ol it) 50OA, qt) co ^ecAjt C]A cu. ^AÍb^ -jr) ii)5|t) 
 le]f iv 5jIIa TAjtcAii). <Déi)& fle3A bAtt), ol 11) 3iIIa jt] f 
 ]\) r>3ob<XT)t). <Do 51)1 b|i) LocbAr) b] flq5 bo. CeleAbjtAjb 
 bAt) bo LocAt) ocup lir|b ^e^rne. 21 rt)]c, Aft Locai), 
 bei^S IT 1^ fM5 e * ^"^i at) irrnc b^Ai)A AitW 11) Beo ; 
 IT tl T 10 K^rr^]^ rpeoboi) 2t)un)ui). Ocuj* ||*{*eó cjtA bo jiaIa- 
 boi) 3ilU bul j:oftf id fl|3e r* ! 1 |i) n)uc. 2lbi)Ai5 ft) 
 tducc ciqce fA|i ^pocejjib^irt) bt)A ujtcujt b| fle|3 
 
 ■pu|it|ti, co jia lujb cjvjce, co ]tuf fAjtCAjb cei) Ai)Ti)uii). 
 Be|]tib-fiuti) bi)A cei)i) i)A n)u]cce le^p boi) 3obAji)i) a 
 cojbcbe a ii)5íi)e. )\ be aca Sl^Ab n)uice a 2t)uiDv\]t)i). 
 
 C)o lujb ji) 5|Ua ito|Ti)e 1A|I ] Coi)i)ACCAib, b'|A|iiiA|b 
 C|iiri)AiU tí)]C D|téi)rT)6||a. 2lH)A]l jio buj ^o|i a féb co 
 
 1 Albain, i.e., Scotland. 
 
 2 Ciarraighe, now Kerry. The territory so called extended in ancient 
 times only from Tralee to the Shannon. Its more ancient names would 
 appear to have been Cairbrighe, or Corbraighe. 
 
 3 Cuilleann O" g-Cuanach. This is the present name of Cullen, in the 
 county of Tipperary, near the borders of the county of Limerick. It 
 originally belonged to the territory of Coonagh, now a barony, in the 
 north-east of the county of Limerick. 
 
299 
 
 hunter like him, and so the king* said to him : if Oumhall had 
 left any son, methinks thou art he, but we have not heard 
 of Cumhall having left any son, but Tulcha Mac Cumhaill, 
 but he is in military service with the king of Albain. 1 
 
 He afterwards bids farewell to the king, and goes away 
 from him to Cairbrighe, at this day called Ciarraighe 2 
 [Kerry], and he staid with this king in military service. 
 The king came one day to play chess. He [Finn] played 
 against him, and won seven games in succession. Who art 
 thou ? said the king. The son of a peasant of the Luaighni 
 of Teamhair, replied he ; Not so, said the king ; but thou 
 art the son whom Muirenn [my present wife] brought 
 forth for Cumhall ; and do not be here any longer, that 
 thou mayest not be killed while under my protection. After 
 this he went to Cuilleann g-Cuanach 3 to the house of 
 Lochan, a chief smith : he had a very comely daughter, 
 Cruithne by name ; she fell in love with the youth. I will 
 give thee my daughter, said the smith, although I know 
 not who thou art. The daughter then cohabited with the 
 unknown youth. Make lances for me, said the youth, to 
 the smith. Lochan then made two spears for him. He then 
 bade farewell to Lochan, and went his way. My son, said 
 Lochan, do not go on the passage on which the boar called 
 Beo is usually [to be] seen ; it has devastated the [whole 
 of] Middle Munster. But the youth happened to go on 
 the very pass where the pig was. The pig afterwards rushed 
 at him ! but he made a thrust of his spear at it, and drove 
 it through it, so that he left it lifeless, and he brought the 
 head of the pig with him to the smith as a dower for his 
 daughter. From this is derived Sliabh muice 4 in Munster. 
 
 The youth then went into Connaught to look for [his uncle] 
 Crimall, son of Trenmor. As he went on his way he heard 
 
 4 Sliabh Muice, i.e., the Pig's mountain, now Slieve Muck, situated 
 between the town of Tipperary and the glen of Aherlow. 
 
300 
 
 cuaU]& 311I t)& })-ét) rt)t)b. Li^b ^A] co t)-acca id r\)X)&], ocut; 
 bA béuA £oIa cecb ne pecc, ocut; bA fcéjc ^oIa t,n peAcbc 
 Ai,le, co rnbA bens a bél. J|*ac bél ben5, a ben, ol fé. 
 21ca be|cb||t ocutn, ol j*j ; tn'oen rrjAC bo rn<vnbAÓ b'oen 
 lAec £0|t5jtAr)bA rnon bo uaIa cucurn. C|A &}\)xx) bo 
 tine, ol fé. 3l°t)bA a A^r)rt), ol y). )\ be aca 2ltb 
 T>-3k>i;i)* ocut; 'CócAn f)-3loi)t)A t/on 2t)<xen?nu|5, ocut; tT 
 00 bél be]tt5] aca 2lcb rn-Bel ^ejusi 6 nrj ]lle. Lui,b 
 bi,n p]r)b ^r)be5A]b t,n lAjcb, ocut; penA^c cornlom) ocur; 
 bo \\x\z Ia^i* é. Jt; att)Ia]6 jrnonnu bnj y]t), ocuf* counbols 
 i;a féb A|5| .1. feojb Curnujll. )y be b]n bo uocbAjn atjo 
 f]t> .1. l/|Ac LuACftA. )x é céb 5U]n Curnull | cAcb CnucbA. 
 
 T)é|b ] Cor^rxvccAib 1.AU |*jt), ocut; yA^e^b CfijrrjAll ^tjA 
 penojTt a Tj-bjcbftejb CA^lle Anb, ocut; bjietn bon \e-\x)ye]\)\) 
 rnAjUe wiy, ocur; TT ]Ab pp) bo 51)] |*el5A bo. T;dcb&]6 
 }\) connbol5 b]n bo ocur; Acpec a fcelA 6 cut; co be^ne, 
 ocut; ArbA^l ]io tnAjtb pen nA j*eb. CejlebnAjb pjrjn bo 
 CnjrrjAll, ocut; lu|b no|rr)e b'^05lA|rn &}c\} co pjinjecer; no 
 bo] pon Bojn. Mjn lonn utnonno bejcb * n-Bnjon cerjA no 
 co n-becbA]b ne t;il|becc, au eA5l<v rrj<vc Ujjtsnenn ocut; 
 rnac 2t)ónnA. 4 
 
 Secbc n)-bl|Abr)A bo p|nr)éc|t; pou Bop) oc unt)A]5e 
 1Acb 1-1 nne 1~ e 1 c > ^lf 1 b0 A c^|fi|ti^5T |n.e bo eo "péjc 
 bo con?A]lc, ocut; cen t)A Ai,nt;|t; Tcjn jAiuirn. "pnt,cb ]W 
 rn-bnAbAn, ocut; no b - enbab bo <De|rr>r;e un)0|tno p bnAb&o 
 
 1 Maenmhagh, Moinmoy, a territory lying round Lough Reagh in the 
 present county of Galway ; but the situations of Ath-Glonda , i. e. the 
 ford of Glonda, and of Tochar-Glonda, the causeway of Glonda, are now- 
 unknown by these names. 
 
 2 Ath-Beldeirg, i.e., ford of Red mouth, not identified unless it be Bal- 
 lyderg. 
 
 3 The Boinn, i.e. the river Boyne in Meath. 
 
 4 Here ends folio 1 19 of the original MS. and on the upper margin of folio 
 120, in tbe handwriting of the scribe, is the following observation ; — 
 
30 J 
 
 the wail of one [solitary] woman. He went towards her, 
 and viewed the woman : The first tear she shed was a tear 
 of blood, and the other was a gush of blood, so that her 
 mouth was red. " Thy mouth is red, woman P said he- 
 I have cause for it, said she : my only son was killed by a 
 huge ugly hero, who came to me. What is thy son's name ? 
 said he. Glonda is his name, said she. From him Ath- 
 Glonda and Tochar-Glonda in Maenmhagh 1 are called, and 
 from this Belderg the name Ath-beldeirg 2 remains ever since. 
 Finn then went in pursuit of the hero, and they fought a 
 combat, in which he fell by him [Finn.] The way he was 
 situated was, he had the treasure bag with him, i.e., the 
 [bag containing the] treasures of Cumhall. The person 
 who fell here was Liath Luachra, he who first wounded 
 Cumhall in the battle of Cnucha. 
 
 He now proceeds into Connaught, and finds Crimall, 
 then an old man, in a desert there, and some of the old 
 Fianns along with him, who were wont to chase for him. 
 He gave him the Corrbholg, and told him the news from 
 beginning to end : — how he had killed the possessor of the 
 treasures. He bids farewell to Crimall, and goes forward 
 to Finéces [who lived at the Boinn 3 ] to learn poetry. He 
 durst not remain in any part of Ireland until he took to 
 iearn poetry, from fear of the sons of Uirgrenn, and the sons 
 of Morn a. 4 
 
 Seven years Finn-eges remained at the Boinn [Boyne] 
 watching the salmon of Linn-Feic, 5 for it had been prophe- 
 sied that he would eat the [sacred] salmon of Fee, and 
 that he would be ignorant of nothing afterwards ! He 
 caught the salmon, and ordered [his pupil] Deimne to roast 
 
 44 21 TtjujtM ir V^&a co qc Gnjunn 5tj cojtjTje." 
 O Mary [Virgin] it is long till Edmund comes from the meeting. 
 
 This was Edmund Butler for whom the MS. was transcribed. 
 
 5 Linn Feic, i. e. the pool of Fee, a deep pool in the River Boyne, near 
 Ferta ferfecc, the ancient name of the village of Slane, on this river. 
 
302 
 
 bo t- 4 u]t)e, ociif* Aj-'beftx At) pjle t:|T|t* cei) \)\ boi) bftAbAt) bo 
 coida^Ic. <t)o bejtc it) 3]ll<v bo at) bftAbAi) iati t)a t:u|T)e, 
 ir)Ajt zo\vl\V V] boi) bjiAbai), a 5|Ua, ol it) T:*le. Mfco, 
 ol 5|Ua, acc ttjo ófibu bo lo-fcei/, ocuy bo TiAbup ]\t) 
 
 beolu 1ATtCA]T). Cl,A b-Al^n) frfl OTlCfA, a 5]Ua, ol fé. 
 
 <De]n)i)e, ol ^t) 31IU. pim) bo A]T)rt), ol fé, a 31IU, ocuf 
 if biijc cucAb]r) bfiAbAT) b]A coir)A]lc, OCUT* 1|* cu iTjpjrjb CO 
 ^ífi. Tojroljb it) 51IU 1t) bjtAbAi) lAjtcAii). f]t> c]tA 
 bo tiac 11) -pff bo f]VV -i. at) cat) bo bejteb a OTibAir) if) a 
 beolu, ocuy ijocat) cti^a "CeitfiulAesA, ocup jto ^AillnceA 
 
 bO 1ATIATT) IT) TVj TtO bjb 't)A AITVpjf. 
 
 Ko -p05luiri)Hiirf) it) c|te|b be tJertic^uf ^l^b .1. Te]T)rt) 
 lAe3A ocuf )rt)uy pott Ot*t)a, ocuj* <D]cebul b|ceT)T)A^b. )]* 
 Ai)b t*]T) bo ]to|T)e ^ipt) it) Iá]5 X] oc pitOTbAb a é]C|*| : 
 
 Ceccen)A|T) cait) Ttee ! tio t*aiti Ai)b cud)t ! 
 Cat)A]C Iu^t) lA^b Ia^t), b^A Tt)-be]cl) LA15A13 at)t). 
 ^A^tib caí, cnuA]b beAT), ]]* t;ocer) fAri) fA^ri, 
 Kujb|3 T*iT)e T*]Ti, bfiuirrtje cetib cai,U cTtA^b. 
 
 CeATtbujb T*AtT) tUiA1.ll fTtud), T^ISI^ ST^IS IWACI) llt)T), 
 
 teACA]b t:olc t;obA t:tiatc1), t;o]tbrt]b cat)ac1) f*At)r) t:]T)r), 
 PuAbAjn b^sell fceiU fl51')e> l»Drt1& |teib tiiat) tiicb 
 
 TteAT)A, 
 
 CumicbeATi t*aI fuAi), cu|3cbl]t blAC 1t) bjc. 
 BenAjb # # # 
 
 1 Finn is thy name. It appears that our hero had concealed from his 
 master Finn-Egés that he had been known by the name of Finn, after he 
 had drowned the nine boys in Magh-Liffe. But the poet finding that 
 he had first tasted of the salmon of Linn Feic without intending it, 
 saw that the ancient prophecy was fulfilled in him, and that his real 
 name must be Finn. O'Flaherty states that our hero assisted his father- 
 in-law Cormac son of Art, in compiling codes of laws ; and the Life of 
 St. Columkille compiled by Manus O'Donnell, states that he possessed 
 the gift of prophecy, and foretold the birth and future greatness of St. 
 Columbkille. 
 
303 
 
 it, and the poet told him not to eat of the salmon. The 
 young man brought him the salmon after cooking it. 
 Hast thou eaten any part of the salmon, O young* man ? 
 said the poet. " No," replied the young man, but I burned 
 my thumb, and put it into my mouth afterwards. What 
 name is upon thee, youth ? said he. Deimne, replied the 
 youth. " Finn is thy name, 1 youth," said he, and it was 
 to thee the salmon was [really] given, [in the prophecy] to 
 be eaten [not to me], and thou art the Finn truly. The youth 
 afterwards consumed the salmon, and it was from this the 
 [preternatural] knowledge was given to Finn, i.e., when he 
 used to put his thumb in hie mouth, and not through Teinm 
 Laegha [poetical incantation,] whatever he had been igno- 
 rant of used to be revealed to him. 
 
 He learned the three compositions which signify the 
 poets, namely the Teinm Laegha? the Imus for Osna, and 
 the Dicechd dicennaib ; and it was then Finn composed 
 this poem to prove his poetry : 
 
 May-day 3 delightful time ! how beautiful the color ! 4 
 The blackbirds sing their full lay, would that Laighaig 
 were here 
 
 The cuckoos 5 sing in constant 6 strains, how welcome is 
 the noble 
 
 Brilliance of the seasons ever; on the margin of the 
 
 branchy woods 
 The summer suaill 7 skim the stream, the swift horses 
 
 seek the pool, 
 
 The heath spreads out its long hair, the weak fair bog- 
 down grows. 
 
 Sudden consternation attacks the signs, the planets in 
 
 their courses running exert an influence : 
 The sea is lulled to rest, flowers cover the earth. 
 
 2 Teinm Laegha. For a curious account of this poetical incantation as 
 given in Corraac's glossary, the reader is referred to the " Battle of Magh 
 Rath," printed for the Archaeological Society, p. 46. It is said that 
 
304 
 
 St. Patrick abolished the Teinm Laeyha and the Imbas fur Osna, as being 
 profane rites, and allowed the poets to use another called Dichedal do 
 chendaibh, which was in itself not repugnant to Christianity, as requiring 
 no offering to false gods or demons. 
 
 3 May-day, ceccenjAjn, is glossed bellcAjtje by O'Clery. It signifies 
 the beginning of summer. 
 
 4 Color, eucc, gl. &ac, color, gl. cuiwre, gl. 5t)é, face, countenance, 
 mien. 
 
 5 Ca], gl. cuaca, cuckoos. 
 
 6 Constant, ctiuaó, gl. &]At). 
 
 7 Summer suaill, gl. the swallows. The words of this fragment, which 
 was considered to be the first composition of Finn, after having eaten the 
 salmon of the Boyne, is very ancient and exceedingly obscure. The 
 translation is only offered for the consideration of Irish scholars, for it 
 is certain that the meaning of some of the lines are doubtful. The poem 
 obviously wants some lines at the end ; and Mr. Cleaver states, that the 
 remaining portion of the manuscript is so defaced as to render it totally 
 illegible. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Agallarah na Seanoiridh, quoted, 
 14, n. 
 
 Aherlow, glen of, 16, n., 29, ».. 
 
 299, n. 
 
 Albain (Scotland), 298. 
 Allen, 286. 
 
 Almhuin, 286. bill of, 18, n. 
 
 Ancient Irisb swords, where de- 
 posited, 140, 7i. 
 
 Ancient map, quoted, 18, n. 
 
 Ancient prophecy, fulfilment of, 
 302, n. 
 
 Antrim, 4, n. 
 
 Antrim, (Lower), 17, n. 
 
 Apparitions, 24, n. 
 
 Armagh, 23, n., 63 n. 
 
 Assaroe, 15, n. 
 
 Ath Beldeirg, 300, n. 
 
 Ath-Glonda, its present name, 
 
 300, n. 
 Athlone, 290, n, 
 
 B. 
 
 Ballinaskellig bay, 22, n. 
 Ballybunion, 17, n., 73, n., 80, n. 
 Ballyderg 300, n. 
 Ballysbannon, 15, n. 
 Ballyvourney, 185, n. 
 Bania, 4, n. 
 
 Bann, river, 50, 50, it., 57. 
 Bansha, 16, 29, n. 
 Bantry, 29 e n. 
 Bardic satir s, 90, n. 
 Barrington, Sir Jonah, estates of, 
 18, n. 
 
 Barron, Philip F., 164, n. 
 Barrow, river, 43, w., 50, n. 
 Battle of Downpatrick, 14, n. 
 Beantraigbe, 296, n. 
 Bearrna-an-da-Ghoill, 40, 40, n.,41. 
 Bearrna-an-Scail, 50, 50, n., 51. 
 Belanagare, 30, n. 
 Beinn Bothair, 21, n. 
 Benignus, 200, n. 
 Blackbirds, 217, n„ song of, 4, n. 
 Bladhma, mountain of, 292, n, 
 20 
 
 Boinn (the Boyne), 300, 300, n. y 
 301. 
 
 Boroimhe, Brian, 71, n. 
 Bothar, peak of, 20, 2 1 . 
 Bolus head, 22. n. 
 Boyne, river, 235, n., 286, 300, 
 
 301, n. 
 Brandon bay, 18, n. 
 Bregia, 284. 
 Breifne, 65, n. 
 Butler, Edmund, 283. 
 
 C. 
 
 Cairbre, land of, 30, n. 
 Cairbrighe, 298, n. 
 Caiseal (Cashel), 201, n. 
 Cambrensis E versus, quoted, 3, n. 
 Cape Clear, 138, it. 
 Carbury, barony of, 14, n. 
 Carolan the poet, 136, n. 
 Carrick-on-Suir, 50, n, 284. 
 Carrigeen, 50, 51, 51, n. 
 Cas, Cormac, 286. 
 Cashell, 200, n, kings of, their pre- 
 rogatives, 17, n. 
 Castle Island, 291, n. 
 Castleknock, 288, n, 
 Cavan, 288, n. 
 Ceis-Chorainn, 21, n. 
 Chess-playing, antiquity of, 56, n. 
 Ciarraighe (Kerry), 298, n. 
 Ciarruighe Luachra, 22, n. 
 Cill Easbuig Broin, 18, n. 
 Cill Stuifiu, 231. 
 Clanwilliam, barony of, 16, n. 
 Clanna Morna, their inheritance, 
 
 16, n, 
 
 Claire, battle of, 30, n. 
 Clane, barony of, 70, n. 
 Clare, 51, n., 140, n., 230. 
 Cleaver, Rev. E. D„ 2S3. 
 Clonmacnoise, annals of, quoted, 
 
 288, n. 
 Clonmel, 16, n., 50, n. 
 Cloonsast, parish of, 294, n. 
 Cnoc-an-air, 16. 17, where situated, 
 
 17, n. 
 
306 
 
 Cluain Conaire, (Cloneurry), 71, ». I 
 Crioe-an-Scail, 18, n. 
 Cnu, 4, 5. 
 
 Cnucha, battle of, 288, 288, n., 289. 
 Cobhthach Caol Breagh, 30, n. 
 Comyn, Michael, 230. 
 Conall Gulban, 30, n. 
 Connall, country of, 1 5, n. 
 Conn of the hundred battles, 71, n., 
 286. 
 
 Conan Maol, 19, n., anecdote of. 
 
 114, n. 
 Connaught, 30, n., 286. 
 Connellan, Professor, quoted, 18, n. 
 Coolagarronroe, 232. 
 Corann, where situated, 21, n. 
 Corcaguiny, barony of, 4, n. 
 Corca-oiche, 284, 288, 289. 
 Cormac Mac Airt, 173, n. 
 Coonagh, territory of, 298, n. 
 Cork, 29, n., 50, n., 138, n., 232, 
 
 284., 296, n. 
 Corrbholg, 300, 301, its use, 280, n., 
 
 288, 289. 
 Coshbridge, barony of, 24, n. 
 Coshmore, barony of, 24, n. 
 Crannagh, 283. 
 
 Crom, one of the idols of the pagan 
 Irish, 30, n. 
 
 Crom Cruach, 31, n. t 65, n. 
 
 Crora Dubh, 31, n. 
 
 Croraleac, where found, 4, n. 
 
 Orotta Cliach, 294, n. 
 
 Cruachan Chruim, grouse of. 30, 
 31, where situated, 30, n. 
 
 Cuckoo, 28, n., ancient Irish name 
 for, 304, n. 
 
 Cuilcontuin, 288, 289. Where si- 
 tuated, 288, n. 
 
 Cuillean O'g-Cuanach, 298, n. 
 
 Cullen, 298, n. 
 
 D. 
 
 Daire Dearg, 206, n., 288, 289. 
 Dáir Inis, (isle of oaks), 24, n. 
 Dalian, (pillar stone), 217, n. 
 Dal Cas, the O'Briens, k86. 
 Dearg son of Fionn, adventures 
 
 of, 15, n. 
 Deece, 71, n. 
 
 Deers, their skeletons, where depos- 
 ited, 216, n. 
 
 Deise, Teatnrach, 71, w., a tribe 
 name, 71» n. 
 
 Derrycarn, 28.29, 32, n., song of the 
 blackbird of, 30, 31., where situ- 
 ated, 28, n. 
 
 Desmond, the great Earl of, 232, 
 283, 284. 
 
 Dinn Senchus, quoted, 42, n. 
 
 Dodder, river, 216, n. 
 
 Doire an Chairn, 31, n. 
 
 Domhnach Chroim Dhuibh, 31, n. 
 
 Donegal, 15, n., 30, n. 
 
 Dord Fhiann, 4, 5., 68, 69, 76, n., 
 217, n. Its use, 2, n. 
 
 Down, 16, n. 
 
 Downpatrick, ancient name of, 14,«. 
 
 battle of, 14, n. 
 Dromahaire, barony of, 17, n. 
 Drom Dearg, 14, 15. its ancient 
 
 name, 14, n. 
 Druim Lis,(nowDrumlease), where 
 
 situated, 17, n. 
 Druim-re-Cor, otter of, 30, 31, 
 Druim Imnocht, 284. 
 Drumcliff, ancient name of, 14, n, 
 Drumlish, 16, 17. 
 Drum Lease, see Druim Lis. 
 Dublin, 140, n., 216, n. 
 Ducks, 28. 29. 
 Dumhach, 231. 
 
 Dun Cearmna, its present name, 
 284. 
 
 Dundalethghlas, 14, n. 
 
 Dundrum, bay of, 16, n. 
 
 Dungarvan, 16, n., 232. 
 
 Dun g-Grot, fort and castle of, 16,n. 
 
 Dunne, John, 217, n. 
 
 Dunore, where situated, 137, n. 
 
 Dwyer, 29, n. 
 
 E. 
 
 Eamhuin, 18, 19. 
 
 Eas Aedha Ruaidh, 15, n. 
 
 Eas Ruaidh, 14, 15. 
 
 Erne, river, 15, n. 
 
 Erris, where situated, 17, n. 
 
 F. 
 
 Fail, Fians of, 50, 51. 
 
 Faoidh, meaning of the term, 14, n. 
 
 Fee, pool of, 301, n. 
 
 Fenian hounds, their names, 202, 
 
 203, signification of, 2j3. n 
 Feegile, its ancient name, 294, h. 
 Fenian games, 4, n. 
 
307 
 
 Fera cul, 284. 
 
 Fermanagh, 29, n., 30, n. 
 
 Fiachadh, Suighdhe, 71. n. 
 
 Fians, their chieftainry, 288, 289. 
 
 Fidh Gaibhle, 42, n., 294, n. 
 
 Finland, king of, 4, n. 
 
 Finn-eges, 300, 301, 302, n. 
 
 Finn's first poem, 302, 303. His 
 pedigree, 285. 
 
 Finnmhagh, where situated, 290, n. 
 
 Fiodh Chuillinn, (Feighcullen, )7 1 , n. 
 
 Firbolgs, 286, 290, n. 
 
 Fochaoi, 22, 22, n., 23. 
 
 Formaoil, 18, 19, 22, 22, n. y 23. 
 
 Formaoll-na-bh-Fian, where situa- 
 ted, 18, 71. 
 
 Fothartas, 287. 
 
 Four Masters, quoted, 16, n., 17, n., 
 24, n„ 30, n., 31, w. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gaelic Society, transactions of, 
 
 quoted, 32, n. 
 Galty mountains, 294, n. 
 Galway, 14, 15, 16, n., 234, n., 
 
 300, n. 
 Garristown, 234, n. 
 Garryricken, 217, n. 
 Gleann-na-g -Caor, stag of, 28, 29, 
 
 29, n. 
 
 Gleann Damhain, 24, n. 
 Gleann-da-dhaimh, 24, 24, »., 24. 
 Gleann-da-Mhail, loAving of the calf 
 
 of, 16, 17. 
 Gleann-na-m-buadh, whistle of the 
 
 eagle of, 30,31. 
 Gleann-na-Sgail, 4, 4, n., 5. 
 Glenasmoil, 216, n. 
 Glen of the two oxen, 24, n. 
 Glen Rath, 4, 5. 
 Gleoir, the redhanded, 292, 293. 
 Glonda, the ford of, 300, n. 
 Gilla-Brighde Mac Conmhidhe, 
 
 chief poet of Ulster, 15, n. 
 Grenane, 18, n. 
 Grianan, its meaning, 168, n. 
 Griffin, Martin, 140. n. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hares, 28, 29. 
 Hawks, 30, n. 
 Hore, Heibart F., 285. 
 
 Horses,how brought to Ireland 85,n 
 Howth, hill of, 84, n. 
 Hui Tairsigh, 288, 289. 
 
 I. 
 
 Ibh-rathach, 22, n. 
 Idol worship, 65, n. 
 Ikeathy, 70, n. 
 Inbhear, Geiniath, 85, n. 
 Inchiquin, 232, lake of, 50, 51,51, n. 
 Inis Fail, 164, n. 
 
 Iorrus, scream of the seagulls of, 
 
 16, 17. 
 Irish druids, 65, n. 
 Irish proverbs, 79, n. 
 Irish names, their identity, 184, n. 
 Irish families to whom the prefix 
 
 "Maol" belongs, 19, n. 
 Iverk, barony of, 283. 
 Ivy leaves, their great size, 216, n. 
 
 K. 
 
 Keash, 21, n. 
 Kells, 21, n , 28, n. 
 Kelly, the late Rev. M., D.D., 
 3, n. 
 
 Kerry, 4, n., 17, n., 18, n., 22, 
 23, w., 50, n., 80, 138, n., 
 200, n., 285, n., 291, n. f 292, n., 
 296, n. 
 
 Kilbenny, 232. 
 
 Kildare, 18, n., 49, n., 70,n., 217, n., 
 
 286, 295, n. 
 Kilkenny, 4, 50, n., 51, n , 70, n., 
 
 217, n., 283. 
 Killarney, 235, n. Ancient name 
 
 of the lakes of, 200, n. 
 Killarory, parish of, 16, n. 
 Kilrush, 140, n. 
 Kilnaboy, 51, n. 
 
 King's County, 286, 292, n., 295, n. 
 Kinsale, old head of, 284. 
 Knockanar, 73, n. 
 
 L. 
 
 Laithreach Brain, 70, n. 
 
 Lake of the three Caols, 28, 29. 
 
 Where situated, 28, n. 
 Lamhraighe, 292, n. 
 
308 
 
 Lahineh, 231. 
 
 Laraghbrine, 70, n. 
 
 Leabhar Gabhala, quoted, 29, n. 
 
 Leabhar na g-Ceart, quoted, 5, n. 
 
 Leac-an-Scail, 4, n. 
 
 Leacht-an-Scail, 4, n. 
 
 Leahy, Mr. William, 32, n. 
 
 Leath Ard, 72, 73, 73, n. 
 
 Leirg-na-bh-Fian, 16, 17, 18, n. 
 
 Leitrim, 17, 30, n. 
 
 Leinster, 18, n., 70, 285, 286, 
 
 287, 295, n. Ancestors of the 
 
 kings of, 284. 
 Letter Lee, 4, 4, n., 5. Blackbird 
 
 of, 16, 17. 
 Liars, held in contempt by the 
 
 Irish peasantry, 213, n. 
 Liifey, plain of, 295, n. 
 Limerick, 73, n., 284,, 298, n. 
 Linn Feic, 300, 301, 301, n. 
 Lismore, book of, 287, 288, n. 
 Loch Lein, 200, n, 201, n. 
 Loch Meilghe, 29, 29, overflowing 
 
 of, 30, n. 
 Lodan, Mac Lir, 85, n. 
 Lough Erne, 28, 29. The ducks 
 
 of, 28, 29. Where situated, 29, n. 
 Lough Gill, 17, n. 
 Lough Gur, 232. 
 Loughrea, 16, n. 
 Loush Reagh, 300, n. 
 Luachair Dheaghaidh 22, 22, n., 23. 
 
 where situated, 226, n. - 
 Luaighni, their history, 288, n. 
 Luaghni Teamhrach, 284. 
 Lumhan, meaning of the term, 
 
 21, n. 
 
 M. 
 
 Mac Adam, Eobert, 216, n. 
 Mac Airt, Cormac, 286. 
 Mac Cumhaill, Fionn, 284. 
 Mac Conmara, 19, n. 
 Mac Faolain, 71, tt» 
 Macroom, 185, n. 
 
 Mac Lughach,why so called, 206, n. 
 Mac Firbis, Duald, quoted, 29, n., 
 284. 
 
 Mac Murrough's reign, 76, n. 
 
 Mac Ronain, Caoilte. How occu- 
 pied, 20, n., his agility, 285. 
 
 Mac-an-Loin, 42, 42, n., 43, 46, 47, 
 
 Maenmhaigh, its present name, 
 3U0, n, 
 
 Magh Feimheann, 4, n. 
 
 Magh Finn, 290, n. 
 
 Magh Laighean, 71, n. 
 
 Magh Life,its present name, 295, n. r 
 
 drowning of nine youths in, 302, 
 
 302, »., 303. 
 Magh-Maoin, 16, n., bellowing of 
 
 the ox of, 16. 17- 
 Magh Sleacht, 31, n., 65, n. 
 Maon. plain of, 16, n. 
 Maonmhagh, 16, »/ 
 Maynooth, 71, n. 
 Mayo, 17, n. 
 
 Meath, 28, n..32,n., 72, n., 138, n„ 
 
 235, 2«6, 288, »., 300, n. 
 Meilghe, lake of, 30, n. 
 Miol muighe, (the hare), 4, n. 
 Mitchelstown, 232. 
 Modhchorb, 30. n. 
 Modeligo, 72, n., parish of, 17, n. 
 Molana, 24, w., 25, n. 
 Molbhthach, Meilghe, 30, n. 
 Moore, quoted, 286. 
 Moore, the Hon. Mr. 24, n. 
 Mount Grud, 16, n. 
 Mount Uniacke, 16, n. 
 Mountain Castle, 17, n. 
 Moyelly, 286. 
 
 Muirenn, her pregnancy, 292, 293. 
 
 Muireann, a general name for wo- 
 men among the ancient Irish, 
 292, n. 
 
 Munster, 286, 296, n. King of, 
 200, n. 
 
 Musical Instruments peculiar to 
 the Ancient Irish, 2, n. 
 
 N. 
 
 Naas, 48, 49, 49, »., 70, n. 
 Newhall, 31, n. 
 
 New Ross, 50, n., ancient name of, 
 280. 
 
 Niall of the Nine Hostages, 15. n. 
 O. 
 
 O'Brain, fO'Byrne,) 71, n. 
 O'Breasail's country, 232. 
 O'Briens, 51, n. 
 
 O'Cearbhaill's (O'CarrolPs), 200, n. 
 O'Connor, 231. 
 
 O'Connor, Dr. Charles, quoted 30,n. 
 O'Clery, John Boy, 283, 304, n. 
 O'Connor, Hugh Mac Felim, 14, n. 
 O'Cregan, 196, n. 
 
 O'Daly, Carroll, anecdotes of, 64, n. % 
 65, n. 
 
309 
 
 O'Donchadhas, 200, n. 
 O'Donnell, Manus, 302, n. 
 O'Donohoe, M.P., The, his descent, 
 200, «. 
 
 O'Donovan, Dr., 31, n-, 76, n. 
 
 O'Duibhne, Diarmuid, his ball 
 searc, or beauty sj)ot, 20, n. 
 
 O'Dunnes, how they got their mot- 
 to, 292, n. 
 
 O'Flaherty, quoted, 4, n., 31, n. 
 
 Ogle, George, 50, n. 
 
 O'Grady, 82, n., 140, n. 
 
 O'Herlihy, 185, n. 
 
 Oisin, legend of, 233, 
 
 O'Keeffe, Mr. James, 17, n. 
 
 O'Kelly, William Boy, his hospi- 
 tality to bards, 90, n. 
 
 O'Leihin's country, 232. 
 
 Omens, belief in, by the ancient 
 Irish, 170, n. 
 
 O'Neill, Brian, 14, n. 
 
 O'Quin, family of, 51, n. 
 
 Ormonde, 283, 284. ■ 
 
 Oscur, great call of, 16, 17. 
 
 Ossory, Upper, barony of, 18, n. 
 
 Ossorians, expert chess-players, 
 57, n. 
 
 Otter, remarkable instance of the 
 
 voracity of, 29, n. 
 Otters, 28, 19. 
 Oughteranny, 70, n. 
 
 P. 
 
 Pagan worship, 65, n. 
 Palliser, William, estates of, 18, n. 
 Pap mountains, 296, n. 
 Petrie, Dr., quoted, 164, n. 
 Piltown, 283. 
 Pinkerton, quoted, 286. 
 Portarlington, 294, n. 
 Pottlesrath, 283. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Queen's County, 18, n., 292, x. 
 R. 
 
 Eathcroghan, 30, n. 
 
 Raymond le Gros, his place of inter- 
 ment, 25, n. 
 
 Reading, Thomas, 18, n. 
 
 Remarkable headstone for rebels, 
 165, n. 
 
 Ridge by the stream, 30, 31. 
 
 Rinn-rathacli, 22, 22, 23. 
 Riofog, English name of, 21, n. 
 River Erne, n. 
 
 Roscommon, 21, n., 30, n., 290, n. 
 Round Towers, 14 n. 
 Rower, 50, 50, n., 51. 
 Ruan, 230. 
 21, n. 
 
 Rudhraidghe, son of Partholan, 
 
 where drowned, 16, n. 
 Rughraidne, wave of, 16, 16, n., 17. 
 
 S. 
 
 Salmon of Fee, 300, 301. 
 Salmon Leap, 15, n. 
 Salt, barony of, 70, n. 
 Seasgnan, (now Slievegoe), parish 
 
 of, 16, n. 
 Seal Balbh, (the Stammerer), 4, n. 
 
 His monument, 4, n. 
 Scotland, 164, n. 
 Shannon, river, 298, n. 
 Sheahan, Daniel, 73, n. 
 Sheep, slaughter of,by an otter,30,n. 
 Sidh, Fionn's sister, her fleetness of 
 
 foot 285. 
 Skreen, hill of, 234, n. 
 Slane, ancient name of, 301 , n. 
 Sliabh Bladhma, 292, 292, n., 293. 
 Sliabh g-Crot, 16, n. Chace of, 16, 
 
 17. 
 
 Sliabh Cua, 16, 17, n. Fawns 
 
 of 16, 17. 
 Sliabh g-Conaill, from whom called, 
 
 30, n. The hawks of, 28, 29. 
 Sliabh Cuilinn, 22, 23. 
 Sliabh Guillinn, 23, n., 63, n. 
 Sliabh Luachra, 22, n., 50, 50, n., 
 
 51, 291, n. 
 Sliabh Mis, (now Slieve Mish), 
 
 where situated, 17, n. Murmur 
 
 of the streams of, 16, 17. 
 Sliabh Muice (the Pig's Mountain), 
 
 299, n. 
 
 Sliabh-na-m-ban 5, n., 50, 50, n., 
 51. Fenian, traditions of, 217, n. 
 
 Slieve Bloom, 292, n. 
 
 Slieve Muck, where situated, 299, n. 
 
 Sligo, 18, 71. 
 
 Smith, quoted, 25, n. 
 
 Smerwick, 138, n. 
 
 Specimen of an ancient Irish Lul- 
 laby, 292. 293. 
 
 Stone of destiny, 130, n. 
 
 Stone-throwing, antiquity of, 64, n. 
 
310 
 
 Strongbow, 25, n. 
 
 S. Barnabas, 283. 
 
 St. Bercban, 295, n. 
 
 St. Columbkill quoted, 302, n. 
 
 St. Gobnait, church of, 185, n. 
 
 St. Molanfaidh, 25, n. 
 
 St. Patrick, 31, n., 81, n., 201, n., 
 
 203, /1., 216, n., 287, 304, n. 
 Suir (the river), 4, 4, n., 5, 30, n. 
 Surnames, 71, n 
 Swallows, 26. 27 
 
 T. 
 
 Tara, 234, n. Druid of, 65, n. 
 
 Hill of, 164, n. 
 Teamhair Luachra, where situated , 
 
 291, n. 
 
 Thomond, Marquis of, 51, n. 
 
 Thrush, 4, 4, n., 5. 
 
 Tipperary, 5, n., 16, n., 29, n., 
 
 50, n., 294, n., 298, n., 299, n. 
 Tir Chonaill, (Tir Connell), 15, n. 
 Tobar Glonda, 300, n. 
 Todd, Rev. Dr., 283. 
 Traigh Rudhraighe, 16, n. 
 Tralee, 298, n., harbour of, 23, n. 
 Troughanackmy, barony of, 17, n. 
 Tuathal Teachtmhar, 4, n. 
 
 U. 
 
 Ui Faelain, 70, n. 
 
 Ui Failghe, 284. 
 
 Ui Fidhgeinte, 284. 
 
 Ui Tairsigh, 284. 
 
 Ulster Journal, quoted, 76, n. 
 
 Ulster families, their descent, 196, n. 
 
 Umhall, 31, n. 
 
 W. 
 
 Walsh mountains, 50, n. 
 Walsh, the late Edward, quoted, 
 5, n. 
 
 Waterford, 16, n , 24, n., 72, n., 
 164, n. 
 
 Westminster Abbey, 164, n. 
 Wexford, 50, n., 280. 
 Wheeler, Mrs. Judith, 18, n. 
 Wheeler, Oliver, 18, n. 
 Whelan, Rev. John, P. P., 72, n. 
 Wicklow, 71, n. 
 Williams, W., 232. 
 Windele, quoted, 202, n. 
 Wolves, 22, 23. 
 
 V. 
 
 Youghal, 25, n. 
 
MEMBERS. 
 
 A. 
 
 Adamson, Arthur, Esq., Court 
 
 Lodge, Rathkeale. 
 Ahern, Rev. Maurice, P.P., Castle- 
 
 mahon. 
 
 Anster, John, Esq., LL.D , Barris- 
 ter, Regius Professor of CivilLaw, 
 T.C.D., 5, Lower Gloucester- 
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 Appleyard, Rev. E. S., M.A., Til- 
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 Armstrong, Adam, Esq., Bally- 
 gawley, Co. Tyrone. 
 
 Asher, Messrs. A. and Co., Pub- 
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 Atkinson, Edward, Esq., M.D., 
 Drogheda. 
 
 B. 
 
 Broderick, the Hon. Miss Charlotte, 
 Bath. 
 
 Barron, Mrs., Bonn, Germany. 
 Burton, Mrs., Burton Hall, county 
 Carlow. 
 
 Baldwin, Thomas, Esq., Professor 
 of Agriculture, Board of Educa- 
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 Barry, Rev. Edward, P.P. Mul- 
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 Black, Rev. Wm., M.A., Raheny. 
 
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 South-hill Avenue, Blackrock, 
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 Bourke, Rev. Ulick J.. Professor of 
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 Bourke, Thomas, Esq., C.E., Rail- 
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 Bourke, John, Esq., 42, Marlbo- 
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 Bourke, Thos., Esq., St. Patrick's 
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 Bradshaw, Henry, Esq., Fellow of 
 King's College, Cambridge. 
 
 Brady, Mr. J., Glasnevin, Dublin. 
 
 Brash, Richard Robert, Esq., Sun- 
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 Breen, John, Esq., A.B., C.E.,Kil- 
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 Esq., Moate, Westmeath. 
 
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 Burke, Joseph, Esq., Barrister, 17, 
 Fitzwilliam-place, Dublin. 
 
 Burke, Rev. Michael, P.P., Kil- 
 chreest, Diocese of Kilmacduagh. 
 
 Burke, Joseph, Esq., Bray. 
 
 Burton, John,Esq., Assembly Build- 
 ings, cor. 10th, and Chestnut- 
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 Butler, James John, Esq., 23, 
 Ellis's-quay, Dublin. 
 
 Byrne, Rev. P., P.P., Castletown- 
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 Byrne, Myles, Esq., Ovoca. 
 
 C. 
 
 Cleaver, Miss Fanny A., St. Leo- 
 nards on Sea. 
 
 Cahalan, Rev. Thomas, P.P., Kil- 
 tulla, Athenry, Co. Galway. 
 
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 Carr, Rev. John, Carmelite Church, 
 Aungier street, Dublin. 
 
 Carroll, Peter, Esq., 54, Rathmines 
 Road, Dublin. 
 
 Casey, Rev. John, P.P., Kilrosenty, 
 Lamybrien, Co. Waterford. 
 
 Casey, Rev. James, C.C., Kilronan, 
 Co. Galway. 
 
 Casey, Rev, John, P.P., Killarney, 
 
 Casey, Rev. Michael, C.C., Bally - 
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 Casey, Kennedy, Esq., Rathkeale. 
 
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 Cleaver, Rev. E. D., M.A., S. Bar- 
 nabas, Pimlico, London. 
 
312 
 
 Clelland, James, Esq., Irish-street, 
 Down patriek. 
 
 Cole, W. L., Esq., Proprietor of 
 the Irish. American, New York. 
 
 Coleman, Rev. Wm., C.C., Glaun- 
 tane, Mallow. 
 
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 F.R.A.S., F.R.C.S., General Re- 
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 Collins, Rev. J., C.C., Innishannon, 
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 Advertiser, Hull. 
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 Co. Clare. 
 Condon, Pierse, Esq., Brooklyn. 
 
 New York. 
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 lege, Cork, and Dublin. 
 Considine, Mr. Donald, Jail-street, 
 
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 Conway, M. E., Esq., General Post 
 
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 Cooper, Rev. Leonard Leader, 
 
 A.B., The Castle, Antrim. 
 Coote, Henry C, Esq., Doctors' 
 
 Commons, London, E.C. 
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 aderreen, Mayo. 
 Costello, John, Esq., Galway, 
 Cousins, Rev. Sidney Leslie, A.B., 
 
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 Mountjoy-square, Dublin. 
 Crean, Thomas J., Esq., Dungarvan 
 Cronnolly, Mr. Richard, Kilcolgan, 
 
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 Askeaton. 
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 Joseph, Clondalkin. 
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 Cuming, George, Esq., Markethill, 
 
 Cummins, Rev. Jeremiah, C.C., 
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 Cunningham, D. P., Esq., Crohane, 
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 D. 
 
 Dunraven, The Rt. Hon. the Earl 
 
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 Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. 
 Davenport, Tyrrell, Esq., Bally- 
 
 nacourty, Co. Clare. 
 Dee, Jeremiah, Esq.,Newtown-San- 
 
 des, Co. Kerry. 
 Delany, George, Esq., Longford 
 
 Terrace, Kingstown. 
 Delany, Mr. Hugh, Glandore, Ros- 
 
 carberry, Co. Cork. 
 De Vere, Aubrey, Esq., Curra- 
 
 chase, Adare. 
 De Vere, Stephen, Esq., M.P., Cur- 
 
 rachase, Adare. 
 Dinan, Rev. Michael, P.P., Clon- 
 
 dagad and Ballynacally Co. Clare. 
 Doherty, Rev. Philip Vincent, O.P., 
 
 Chapel House, Denmark-street, 
 
 Dublin. 
 
 Doherty, John Izod, Esq., Bloom- 
 wood, Monkstown, Co. Dublin. 
 
 Doherty, William Izod, Esq., 21, 
 Westland-row, Dublin. 
 
 Dolphin, Mrs., Corr-House, county 
 Galway. 
 
 Donesran, John, Esq., Dame-street, 
 Dublin. 
 
 Dowden, Richard (R.), Esq., Rath- 
 Lee, Sunday's Well, Cork. 
 
 Dowling, Robert, Esq., 107, Great 
 Howard-street, Liverpool. 
 
 Drummond, Rev. Wm. Hamilton, 
 D.D., M.R.I.A., 27, Lower Gar- 
 diner-street, Dublin. 
 
 Drummond, William, Esq., Rock- 
 vale Castle, Stirling. 
 
 E. 
 
 Eassie, William, Jun., Esq., Glou- 
 cester. 
 
313 
 
 Egan, George William, Esq., M.D., 
 Dundrum, Co. Dublin. 
 
 Ellis, Richard, Esq., Glenasrone, 
 Abbeyfeale. 
 
 Enright, Timothy, Esq., Castle- 
 martin, Kathkeale. 
 
 F. 
 
 Fairholme, Mrs., Comragh House, 
 Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. 
 
 Faughney, James, Esq , Castlebar. 
 
 Ferguson, Samuel, Esq., Barrister, 
 20, N. Gt. George's-st., Dublin. 
 
 Field, John, Esq., Blackrock, Co. 
 Dublin. 
 
 Finn, Jeremiah, Esq., 114, Patrick- 
 street, Cork. 
 Finn, Rev, Thomas, C.C., Ardfi- 
 
 nan, Clonmel. 
 Fisher, Rev. Wm. Allen, Kilmoe, 
 
 Schull, Skibbereen. 
 Fitzgerald. Edward, Esq., A.B., 
 
 Nelson Terrace, Youghal. 
 Fitzgerald, Robert, Esq., Geraldine 
 
 Place, Kilkee. 
 Fitzgerald, Gamaliel, Esq.,George's- 
 
 street, Limerick. 
 Fitzgerald, John Lloyd, Esq., Gle- 
 
 nastar House, Newcastle West, 
 
 Co. Limerick. 
 Fitzgerald, Rev. F., Donnybrook. 
 Fitzgerald, Very Rev. Archdeacon, 
 
 P.P., Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. 
 Fitzgibbon, Danl., Esq., Rathkeale. 
 Fitzpatrick, W. A., Esq., Kilma- 
 
 cud Manor, Stillorgan. 
 Fleming, John, Esq., Clonea, Car- 
 
 rick-on-Suir. 
 Foley, Rev. Daniel T., D.D., Pro- 
 fessor of Irish, Trinity College, 
 
 Dublin. 
 
 Foley, Mr. John, Royal Marine Ar- 
 tillery, The Fort, Cumberland, 
 Portsmouth. 
 
 Foley, John W., Esq., 19, Shepper- 
 ton Cottages, New North Road, 
 Islington, London. 
 
 Forrest, Rev. John, C.C., D.D., 
 Kingstown. 
 
 Foster, Capt. Francis Blake, J.P., 
 H.C.T.C., Forster Park.Galway. 
 
 Fowler, Thomas Kirwan, Esq., 
 Alexandria, Egypt. 
 
 Franks, Rev. James S., Reens, 
 Rathkeale. 
 
 21 
 
 Frazer, Rev. D., Manse of Fearn 
 
 by Tain, Scotland. 
 Frost, John, Esq., Solicitor, Ennis. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gabbett, Lieut. -Colonel, Madras 
 Artillery, India. 
 
 Gabbett, Rev. Robt., M.A., Glebe, 
 Foynes, Co. Limerick. 
 
 Gauge, — , Esq., Museum of Irish 
 Industry, Dublin. 
 
 Geoghegan, J. C, Esq., Surveyor- 
 General of Excise, London.Ennis. 
 
 Geoghegan, Henry, Esq., M.A., 
 C.E.,' Calcutta. 
 
 Gibson, John, Esq., Kilrush, Co. 
 Clare. 
 
 Gilligan, Rev. P. J., C.C., 61, 
 
 James's-street, Dublin. 
 Glennon, T. P., Esq., Coventry. 
 Goff, Michael, Esq., 4, Barker-st., 
 
 Waterford. 
 Good, Rev. John, C.C., Galway. 
 Goodman, Rev. James, A.B., Ard- 
 
 groom, Castletown, Berehaven. 
 Graces, Rev. Chas., D.D.,F.T.C.D., 
 
 M.R.I.A., Dublin. 
 Graves, Rev. Jas., A.B., Kilkenny. 
 Grealy, Rev. Thos., P.P., Kiltho- 
 
 mas, Diocese of Kilmacduagh. 
 Greaven, Anthony, Esq., Grand 
 
 Parade, Cork. 
 Green, Thomas, Esq., Ennis. 
 Griffin, Mr. Martin, Kilrush. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hill, Lord George Augusta, Ramel- 
 
 ton, Co. Donegal. 
 Hackett, Wm., Esq., Midleton. 
 Hallinan, Mr. John, Ballinakilbeg, 
 
 Castlemahon. 
 Hammond, Thos., Esq., Drogheda, 
 Hanley, Joseph, Esq., Barrister, 
 
 25, Lr. Gardiner-street, Dublin. 
 Hanley, Wm. Francis, Esq., M.D., 
 
 Holycross, Thurles. 
 Hanna, J. W., Esq., Saul-street, 
 
 Downpatrick. 
 Harold, Charles, Esq., Curah, 
 
 Crookstown, Co. Cork. 
 Harpur, Geo., Esq., Sheep House, 
 
 Drogheda. 
 Hartigan, Patrick, Esq., Cloonagh, 
 
 Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. 
 
314 
 
 Hart, James Charles, Esq., B.A., 
 Clifden, Connamara. 
 
 Hartney, Rev. Murtough, P.P., 
 Corofin, Co. Clare. 
 
 Haverty, Patrick M., Esq., 112, 
 Fulton-street, New York. 
 
 Haverty, M., Esq., Askeaton. 
 
 Hawkes, Z., Esq.,Moneens,Bandon. 
 
 Hayes, Cornelius, Esq , Rathkeale. 
 
 Hayes. Edward, Esq., Melbourne, 
 Australia. 
 
 Hayes, Mr. Nicholas, Cahir-Guil- 
 laraore, Bruff. 
 
 Hayman, Rev. Samuel, A.B., Nel- 
 son Place, Youghal. 
 
 Healy, William, Esq., Castlebar. 
 
 Hegarty, Jeremiah, Esq., 2, St. 
 David-street, Cardiff. 
 
 Henegan, D., Esq., Bantry. 
 
 Hennessy, Maurice, W., Esq., Al- 
 bert Road, Kingstown. 
 
 Hester, Rev. Bartholomew, P.P., 
 Ardcarne, Boyle. 
 
 Hewitt, Thomas, Esq., Barrister, 
 Cork. 
 
 Hickey, Rev. James, C.C., Church 
 of St. Nicholas, Francis-street, 
 Dublin. 
 
 Hickey, Cornelius, Esq., Abbey- 
 view, Rathkeale. 
 
 Hickey, Wm. R., Esq., Surveying 
 General Examiner of Excise, So- 
 merset House, London. 
 
 Hill, Rev. Thomas, C.C., Coore- 
 clare, Ennis, Co. Clare. 
 
 Hodges, Smith, and Co., Messrs., 
 104, Grafton-street, Dublin. 
 
 Hodges, John, Esq., M.D., Belfast. 
 
 Hodnett, Jeremiah, Esq., Solicitor 
 and Town Clerk, Youghal. 
 
 Hooper, Charles T., Esq., A.M., 
 28, Mary- street, Dublin. 
 
 Hore, Herbert F., Esq., Pole-Hore, 
 Wexford, 
 
 Humphries, Thomas, Esq., Kilma- 
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 Hynes, Patrick, Esq., 83, Fonte- 
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 I. 
 
 Inchiquin, The Lady, Dromoland, 
 Newmarket-on-Fergus. 
 
 Inchiquin, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Dro- 
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 Irwin, Rev. Wm., C.C.. Metropoli- 
 tan Church, Marlborough-átrcet, 
 Dublin. 
 
 J. 
 
 Joly, J. R., Esq.,LL.D., Barrister, 
 38, Rathmines Mall, Dublin. 
 
 Jordan, Mr. Patrick, 32, Wardour- 
 street, Oxford-street London. 
 
 Jottrand, Mons., Rue Royale, Ex- 
 teriure, Bruxelles. 
 
 K. 
 
 Keane, The Right Rev. Wm., D.D., 
 Bishop of Cloyne, Fermoy. 
 
 Kildare, The Most Noble the Mar- 
 quis of, Carton, Maynooth. 
 
 Kavanagh, Miss Julia, 21, Glou- 
 cester-st., Queen's-sq., London. 
 
 Kavanagh, James, Esq., Swanlin- 
 bar, Co. Cavan. 
 
 Kane, Thos., Esq., M.D., Limerick. 
 
 Keane, Rev , C.C., St. Ligouri's, 
 
 Great Hamilton -street, Glasgow. 
 
 Kean, Francis N., Esq., Hermitage, 
 Ennis. 
 
 Kearney, Matthew, Esq., Catholic 
 University, Dublin. 
 
 Keating, M. J., Esq., Butter Ex- 
 change, Cork. 
 
 Keegan, Francis Michl., Esq., 29, 
 Crown-st., Soho-sq., London. 
 
 Keightley, Thomas, Esq., Fairfax 
 House, Chiswick. 
 
 Kiersey, Michael, Esq., The Mills, 
 Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. 
 
 Kelly, Denis Henry, Esq., D.L., 
 J. P., M. R. I. A., Castlekelly, 
 Mount Talbot. 
 
 Kelly, Rev. Thomas, P.P., Tonha, 
 and Tonaharna, Lisdoonvarna, 
 Co. Clare. 
 
 Kelly, Hugh, Esq., T.C., Great 
 Brunswick-street, Dublin. 
 
 Kelly, Wm. B., Esq., 8, Grafton- 
 street, Dublin. 
 
 Kelly, John W., Esq., C.E., Ennis. 
 
 Kelly, Stephen. Esq., Galway. 
 
 Kelly, Thos. Esq., Wilkinstown, 
 Navan. 
 
 Kenedy, Patrick, Esq., 6, Anglesea- 
 
 street, Dublin. 
 Kenedy, William, Esq., I. N. S., 
 
 Rathkeale. 
 
315 
 
 Kennifeck, Rev. Maurice, P.P., 
 Rathcormack, Co. Cork. 
 
 Kenny, James C. F., Esq., A*B,, 
 J.P., M.R.I.A., Barrister, Kil- 
 clogher, Monivea, Co. Galway, 
 and 2, Merrion-sq., S., Dublin. 
 
 Kerin, Michael, Esq., Church-st,, 
 Ennis. 
 
 Kilroy, Andrew, Esq., 24, Temple- 
 bar, and Anglesea-st., Dublin. 
 
 King's Inns, The Hon. Society of, 
 Dublin. 
 
 Kirwan, John Stratford, Esq., 
 Moyne, Dangan, Co. Galway. 
 
 Kirwan, Patrick, Esq., Graigavalla, 
 Carrick-on-Suir. 
 
 Knox, J. B., Esq., Proprietor of 
 the Clare Journal, Ennis. 
 
 L. 
 
 Leahy, The Most Rev. Patrick, 
 D.D., Archbishop of Cashel and 
 Emly, Thurles. 
 
 Lamb, Rev. Patrick, P.P., New- 
 townhamilton, Co. Armagh. 
 
 Lanphier, Somerville, Esq., 61, 
 George's- street,*Cork. 
 
 Lane, Rev. M., P.P., Donough- 
 more, Coachford, Co. Cork. 
 
 Langan, Patrick,'! Esq., Battrams- 
 town, Duleek. 
 
 Lawler, James, Esq., 17, Water- 
 street, Liverpool. 
 
 Lawler, Patrick, Esq., Liverpool. 
 
 Leader, Rev. T., C.C., Youghai. 
 
 Leahy, Rev. Patrick, C.C., Church 
 of St. Nicholas, Francis-street, 
 Dublin. 
 
 Leech, G. Wm., Esq., Rathkeale 
 Abbey, Rathkeale. 
 
 Lemane, James, Esq., Irish Reve- 
 nue Department, Custom House, 
 Dublin. 
 
 Lewis, H., Esq., Literary Sale 
 
 Rooms, 31, Anglesea-st., Dublin. 
 Littledale, Rev. Richard Frederick, 
 
 A.B., T.C.D., 10, Crown-street, 
 
 Soho, London. 
 Logie, Daniel W., Esq., Portland 
 
 Terrace, Park Road, Oldford 
 
 Bow, London. 
 Lynch, Mr. Patrick, Knock Firenn, 
 
 Ballingarry, Co. Limerick. 
 
 Lyons, Michael, Esq., Rathkeale. 
 Lysaght, Michael, Esq., Ennis. 
 
 M. 
 
 Manchester, His Grace the Duke 
 of, Tanderagee Castle, County 
 of Antrim. 
 
 Mac Adam, Robert. Esq., 18, Col- 
 lege-square, East, Belfast. 
 
 Mac Cartie, Daniel, Esq., Skibber- 
 een, Co., Cork. 
 
 Mac Carthy, Rev. Justin, P.P., 
 Mallow. 
 
 Mac Carthy, Rev. J., C.C., Mallow. 
 
 Mac Carthy, John George, Esq., 
 South Mall, Cork. 
 
 Mac Carthy, Wm., Esq., Derryna- 
 noul, Mitchelstown. 
 
 Mac Carthy, Michael Felix, Esq., 
 A.M., Dublin. 
 
 Mac Carthy, Daniel, Esq., 2, Port- 
 land-place, Bath. 
 
 Mac Dermott, Joseph, Esq., 1, 
 Cowley-place, Dublin. 
 
 Mac Douall, Professor Charles, 
 Queen's College, Belfast. 
 
 Mac Dowell, Patrick, Esq., R.A., 
 74, Margaret-street East, Caven- 
 dish-square, London. 
 
 Mac Kenzie, John Whitefoord, Esq., 
 F. S. A. S., 16, Royal Circus, 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 Mac Lauchlan, Rev. T., M.A., 
 F.S.A.S., Free Gaelic Church, 
 and 4, Viewforth, Edinburgh. 
 
 Mac Loughlin, Very Rev. Francis, 
 O. S. F., Willowbank Convent, 
 Ennis. 
 
 Mac Mahon, Rev. John. P.P., Kil- 
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 Mac Mahon, Rev. James, C.C., 
 Ennis. 
 
 Macmahon, Rev. Patrick, P.P., 
 Mouutshannon Daly, Whitegate, 
 Co. Galway. 
 
 Mac Namara, Daniel, Esq., Tullig, 
 Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. 
 
 Mackesy, Mrs. Margaret E., Castle- 
 town-Kilpatrick, Navan, Meath. 
 
 Mac Namara, Michael, Esq., Soli- 
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 Macray, Rev. W. D., M.A., 69, 
 Holywell, Oxford. 
 
 M'Carthy, Rev. John, C.C,Mallow. 
 
316 
 
 M'Carthy, T., Esq., Bandon. 
 M'Cullagh, Niall, Esq., Buenos 
 Ayres. 
 
 M'Devitt, Rev. James, C.C., St. 
 Patrick's College, Maynooth. 
 
 M'Evoy, D., Esq., Urlingford, Co. 
 Kilkenny. 
 
 M'Gauran, John, Esq., Westland- 
 row, Dublin. 
 
 M'Ginty, M., Esq., Bray. 
 
 Madden, Rev. John, C.C., Gort, 
 Co, Galway. 
 
 Madigan, Thomas, Esq., Kilrush. 
 
 Madigan, Andrew, Esq., Kilrush. 
 
 Magauran, Patrick, Esq., Ballina- 
 more, Co. Leitrim. 
 
 Magennis, Edward Augustus, Esq., 
 8, North-street, Newry. 
 
 Maguire, Edward, Esq., J.P., Bar- 
 rister, Gortoral House, Swanlin- 
 bar, Co. Cavan. 
 
 Maguire, Nathaniel, Esq., Bone- 
 brook, Bawnboy. 
 
 Mahony, Rev. Laurence, Buttevant, 
 Co. Cork. 
 
 Mahony, Richard, Esq., Dromore 
 Castle, Kenmare. 
 
 Marnel, Mr. John, Pallas, Mary- 
 borough. 
 
 Martin. John, Esq., 26, Rue Lace- 
 pede, Paris. 
 
 Meagher, Very Rev. Monsignore, 
 William, D.D., V.G., P.P., Rath- 
 mines, Dublin. 
 
 Meagher, Rev. John, C.C., Lorrha, 
 Borrisokane. 
 
 Meany, Rev. Patrick, C.C., Bally- 
 knock, Carrick-on-Suir. 
 
 Meany, Rev. G., C.C., St. James's 
 Church, Blackburne Lancashire. 
 
 Moloney, Rev. Michael, C.C., Kil- 
 bride, Wicklow. 
 
 Moloney, Rev Thomas, C.C., Mul- 
 lough, Miltownmalbay. 
 
 Moloney, Rev. E., P.P., Clough- 
 jordan & Monsea, Co. Tipperary. 
 
 Moloney, P., Esq., Jail-st., Ennis. 
 
 Monsell, Rt. Hon. William, M.P., 
 Tervoe, Co. Limerick. 
 
 Moore, John, Esq., Solicitor, Mid- 
 leton, Co. Cork. 
 
 Moore, Rev. Philip, C.C., Piltown, 
 Co. Kilkenny. 
 
 Moore, Mr. Wm. E., N.T., Castle- 
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 Moran.Rev. Patrick, C.C., Kilkee. 
 
 Moran, Michael, Esq., Drumgra- 
 nagh, Ennis. 
 
 Moriarty, M., Esq., St. Mary's 
 Cottage. Dumfries. 
 
 Moroney, Jeremiah, Esq., Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 Morris, Henry, Esq., 4, Little Ship- 
 street, Dublin. 
 
 Moxon, Wm. Milson, Esq., Survey- 
 ing General Examiner of Excise, 
 Somerset House, London. 
 
 Moylan, John, Esq., Rathkeale. 
 
 Moynahan, Mortimer, Esq., Skib- 
 bereen, Co. Cork. 
 
 Mulcahy, Rev. E., P.P., Timo- 
 league, Bandon. 
 
 Mullane, Mr. Miehl., Castlemahon. 
 
 Murray, Rev. Thomas L., P.P., 
 Kilcolman, Mallow. 
 
 Murphy, Rev. Dominick, South 
 Presbytery, Cork. 
 
 Murphy, Rev. Wm., C.C., Skib- 
 bereen, Co. Cork. 
 
 Murphy, James, Esq., 1, Lombard- 
 street, Dublin. 
 
 Murphy, M. A., Esq., 7, James's- 
 street, Liverpool. 
 
 Murphy, Rev. T., P.P., Youghal. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nash, David William, Esq., Bar- 
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 Nash, Rev. A., Rathkeale. 
 
 Nealon, Jas., Esq., Toonagh, Ennis. 
 
 Newell, Rev. T., C.C., Ennistymon. 
 
 Newport, Rev. Andw., C.C., Ennis. 
 
 Nicholson, John Armitage, Esq , 
 Belrath, Kells, Co. Meath. 
 
 O. 
 
 O'Brien, Rt. Uev. Dominick, D.D., 
 Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, 
 Waterford. 
 
 O'Hea, Most Rev. Michael, D.D., 
 Bishop of Ross, Skibbereen. 
 
 O'Brien, William Smith, Esq., 
 M.R.I.A., Cahirmoyle, Newcastle 
 West, Co. Limerick (4 copies). 
 
 O'Brien, Edward W., Esq., Sch., 
 40, Trinity College, Dublin, and 
 Cahirmoyle, Newcastle West, 
 Co. Limerick. 
 
317 
 
 O'Brien O'Fiely, T., Esq., A.B., 
 LL.B., Ruby Lodge, Dalkey, 
 Co. Dublin. 
 
 O'Beirne-Crowe, John, A.B., Pro- 
 fessor of Celtic Languages, 
 Queen's College, Gal way. 
 
 O'Boyle, Rev. Thomas, C.C., South 
 Gloucester, County of Carleton, 
 Canada West, North America. 
 
 O'Brickley, Mr. David, 27, Hatton 
 Garden, London. 
 
 O'Brien, Patrick, Jun., Esq., Clare 
 Castle, Co. Clare. 
 
 O'Brien, Richard, Esq., 56, Cam- 
 den-street, Dublin. 
 
 O'Brien, Robert, Esq., Old Church, 
 Limerick. 
 
 O'Brien, Mr. Daniel, St. David- 
 street, Cardiff. 
 
 O'Brien, Rev. William, C.C., Kil- 
 mihil, Kilrush, Co. Clare. 
 
 O'Brien, Mr. John, Ballycullen, 
 Ashford. Co. Wicklow. 
 
 O'Byrne, John, Esq., 7, Jardin 
 Royal, Toulouse. 
 
 O'Byrne, Messrs. P. & Co., Aston's- 
 quay, Dublin. 
 
 O'Callaghan, Eugene, Esq., Lime- 
 rick. 
 
 O'Carroll, Rev. Vincent. O.P., St. 
 Saviour's Priory, Limerick. 
 
 O'Carroll, Rev. Christopher, C.C., 
 Rue Castle, Craughwell. 
 
 O'Cavenagh, John Eugene, Esq., 6, 
 Essex-street, Islington, London. 
 
 O'Connell, D., Esq., M. D., Flint- 
 field, Mill, street, Co. Cork. 
 
 O'Connor-Kerry, Rev. Chas. James, 
 C.C., Sandiford, Dundrum, Co. 
 Dublin. 
 
 O'Connor, Michael, Esq., Glena- 
 geary, Kingstown. 
 
 O'Connor, Mr. Thomas, 19, Shep- 
 herd-street, Oxford st , London. 
 
 O'Connor, Mr. Michael, 97, St. 
 Martin's Lane, London. 
 
 O'Connor, Patrick, Esq., Secretary, 
 Scientific and Literary Society, 
 Kilrush. 
 
 O'Daly, John, Esq., O'Daly's 
 
 Bridge, Kells. 
 O'Daly, Mr. John, 9, Anglesea-st., 
 
 Dublin. 
 
 O'Donnell, Michael, Esq., Solicitor, 
 Charleville. 
 
 O'Donnell, Rev. Patrick, C.C., 
 Carrick-on-Suir. 
 
 O'Donoghue, Rev. Edmund, C.C., 
 Shannon-view, Shanagolden. 
 
 O'Donoghue, Rev. Philip, C.C., 
 New York. 
 
 O'Donohue, Francis, Esq , Bally- 
 gurreen, Newmarket-on-Feriius. 
 
 O'Donovan, John, LL.l) , M.R.I. A. 
 Barrister, 36, Upper Bucking- 
 ham-street, Dublin 
 
 O'Donovan, Mr. J., Lisbehoge, De- 
 sert Serges, Bandon. 
 
 O'Donovan-Rossa, Jeremiah, Esq , 
 Skibbereen, Co. Cork. 
 
 O'Duffy, John, Esq., 75, Dame- 
 street, Dublin (4 copies. ) 
 
 O'Driscoll, Denis Florence, Esq., 
 A.B , Senior Scholar in Natural 
 Philosophy, Queen's Coll., Cork. 
 
 O'Driscoll, John, Esq., 10, Angle- 
 sea-street, Dublin. 
 
 O'Driscoll, Patk., Esq., C.E., Ennis. 
 
 O'Farrell, James, Esq., 1, Bevois 
 Cottages, Bevois Valley, South- 
 ampton. 
 
 O'Farrell, Rev. Mark, P.P., Fer- 
 
 bane, Diocese of Ardagh. 
 O'Farrell, M. R., Esq., 28, Upper 
 
 Pembroke-street, Dublin. 
 O' Flaherty, Martin, Esq , Galway. 
 O'Flanagan, Mr. John, Wellbrook, 
 
 Corofin, Co. Clare. 
 O'Flynn, Rev. John L., O.S.F.C., 
 
 Church-street Friary, Dublin. 
 O'Gorman, Thos., Esq., 28, Heytes- 
 
 bury-street, Dublin. 
 O'Grady, Admiral, Erinagh House, 
 
 Castleconnell. 
 O'Grady, Standish Hayes, Esq., 
 
 Erinagh House, Castleconnell. 
 O'Grady, Rev. Thomas, Berehaven. 
 O'Grady, Rev. Thomas Standish, 
 
 P.P., Adare. 
 O'Grady, Mr. Stephen, Kilareidy. 
 O'Grady, Edwd., Esq., Rathkeale. 
 O'Hagan, John, Esq., Barrister, 
 
 20, Kildare-street, Dublin. 
 O'Hanlon, Rev. John, C.C., 17, 
 
 James'-street, Dublin. 
 O'Hanlon, David, Esq., M.D., 
 
 Rathkeale. 
 O'Hunnigan, John, Esq., Dungar- 
 
 van, Co. Waterford. 
 O'Hara, Randall, Esq., 2, John- 
 street, Cardiff. 
 
318 
 
 O'Hara, John, Esq., Curlougli, 
 Bawnboy. 
 
 O'Hea, Patrick, Esq., Bandon. 
 
 O'Herlihy, P., Esq., 33, Ebenezer 
 Terrace, Sunday's Well, Cork. 
 
 O'Higgin, Rev. R. J., Limerick. 
 
 O'Horgan, Rev. C.C., St. Lau- 
 rence O'Toole's, Dublin. 
 
 O'Kelly, Wm, Esq., 32, Chestnut- 
 street, Liverpool. 
 
 O'Keeffe, Connor, Esq., Queen's 
 College, Cork, and Abbeyview, 
 Kilcrea. 
 
 O'Kennedy-Morris, Michael, Esq., 
 A.B., M.D., Queen's University, 
 Boulie, Kilcooley Co. Tipperary. 
 
 O'Laverty, Rev. James, C.C., Dio- 
 cesan Seminary, Belfast. 
 
 O'Loghlen, Sir Colman M., Bart., 
 20, Merrion-sq., South, Dublin. 
 
 O'Loghlen, Bryan, Esq., Rockview, 
 Ennis. 
 
 O'Looney, Brian, Monreel, Ennis- 
 tymon. 
 
 O'Mahony, Rev. Thomas, P.P.. 
 Crusheen and Rath. Co. Clare. 
 
 O'Mahony, Rev. Thaddeus. A.B., 
 24, Trinity College, Dublin. 
 
 O'Mahony, James, Esq., Bandon. 
 
 O'Mahony, James, Esq., Ballivil- 
 lone, Bandon. 
 
 O'Meara, John, Esq., Birr. 
 
 O'Neill, Geo. F., Esq., B.A., Newry. 
 
 O'Neill, Neal John, Esq., Marino 
 Crescent, Clontarf, and 82, Marl- 
 borough-street, Dublin. 
 
 O'Neill, Rev. James, C.C., Rath- 
 cormick, Co. Cork. 
 
 O'Regan, Mr.,— N.T., Ballyvohan. 
 
 Ormond, Robert, Esq., Mulgrave- 
 street, Cork. 
 
 O'Rourke, Rev. John, C.C., Kings- 
 town, Co. Dublin. 
 
 Orr, Samuel, Esq., Flower Field, 
 Coleraine. 
 
 O'Sullivan, Denis, Esq., Bantry. 
 
 O'Sullivan, Mr. James, 2, Cowane- 
 street, Stirling, Scotland. 
 
 P. 
 
 Parker, John H., Esq., Shamrock 
 Lodge, Harold's Cross, Dublin. 
 
 Parkhouse, Thos., Esq., Tiverton, 
 Devon. 
 
 Petty, John, Esq., C.E., Ennis. 
 
 Phayer, William. Esq., Limerick. 
 Phelan, Mr. William, Walshestown. 
 Fierce, Richard, Esq., Waterloo 
 
 Place, Wexford. 
 Pigott, John Edw., Esq., M.K.I. A., 
 
 Barrister, 96, Lr. Leeson-street, 
 
 Dublin. 
 
 Pontet, Marc, Esq., 8, Upper 
 Sackville-street, Dublin. 
 
 Power, Rev. Joseph, M.A., Uni- 
 versity Library, Cambridge. 
 
 Power, William, Esq., 116, Bar- 
 rack-street, Waterford. 
 
 Power, Patrick James, Esq., Cool- 
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 Prim, John G. A., Esq., Proprietor 
 of the Moderator, Kilkenny. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quaid, Rev. Patrick, P.P., Drom- 
 
 collogher, and Broadford, Char- 
 
 leville, Co. Limerick. 
 Quin, Very Rev. Andrew, P.P., 
 
 V.G., Kilfenora and Kiltoraght, 
 
 Co. Clare. 
 Quinlivan, Rev. Michael," P.P., 
 
 Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co.Clare. 
 
 R. 
 
 Raleigh, F. Gibbon, Esq., Castle- 
 mahon. 
 
 Reade, Rev. Geo. Fortescue, A.B., 
 Inniskeen Rectory, Dundalk. 
 
 Reeves, Rev. William, D.D. Lusk, 
 Co. Dublin. 
 
 Reeves, Rev. John, C.C., Kilmeady. 
 
 Reynolds, Thomas, Esq., City Mar- 
 shall, Dublin. 
 
 Roche, Lewey, Esq., 49, Patrick-st., 
 Cork. 
 
 Roche, Mr. Michael, Castlemahon. 
 Rooney, M. W., Esq., 26, Anglesea- 
 
 street, Dublin. 
 Rowan, Very Rev. Archdeacon, 
 
 D.D., M.R.I.A., Tralee. 
 Rowland, John T., Esq., Solicitor, 
 
 Drogheda. 
 Royal Dublin Society, Library of, 
 
 Kildare-street, Dublin. 
 Russell, Thomas O'Neill, Esq., 103, 
 
 Grafton-street, Dublin. 
 Ryan, Andrew, Esq., Gortkelly 
 
 Castle, Borrisoleigh. 
 Ryan, Patrick, Esq., St. Patrick's 
 
 College, Maynooth. 
 
31 
 
 s. 
 
 Scott, William, Esq., Ranelagh, 
 Co. Dublin. 
 
 Shairp, John Campbell, Esq., the 
 University, St. Andrews, Scot- 
 land. 
 
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 West Post Office, Co. Limerick. 
 
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 street, Cork. 
 
 Sheehy, Geo., Esq., Castlemahon. 
 
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 Ballingarry, Co. Limerick. 
 
 Siegfried, Rudolf Thomas. Ph D., 
 Trinity College, Dublin. 
 
 Sigerson, Geo.. Esq., A.B., Queen's 
 College, Cork. 
 
 Skene, William F., Esq., 20, In- 
 verleith-row, Edinburgh. 
 
 Smiddy, Rev. Richd., C.C., Mallow. 
 
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 Exchange Buildings, Cornhill, 
 London. 
 
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 Scariff, Co. Limerick. 
 
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 alia, Ennis. 
 
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 hagen. 
 
 Stephens, Thomas, Esq., Merthyr 
 
 Tydfil, Wales. 
 Sullivan, W. K., Ph. D., Museum 
 
 of Industry, Stephen's Green, 
 
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 Sweeny, Mr. William, Tanlehane. 
 Synan, Very Rev. Dr., P.P., Sha- 
 nagolden, Co. Limerick. 
 
 T. 
 
 Talbot de Malahide, The Rt. Hon. 
 
 Lord, Malahide Castle, Malahide. 
 Talbot, Marcus, Esq., Ennis. 
 Thomson, Miss M. M., Ravensdale, 
 
 Flurry Bridge, Co. Louth. 
 Tierney, Daniel, Esq., A.B., C.E., 
 
 Queen's University, Blackwater 
 
 Lodge, Shannon Baidge, King's 
 
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 19 
 
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 elles. 
 
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 street, Cork. 
 Vaughan, Rev. Jeremiah, P.P., KU- 
 
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 dale, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. 
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 Cashel. 
 
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320 
 
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 Thurles. 
 
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 brumshambo, Co. Leitrim. 
 
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 Artillery, Waterford. 
 
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 deacon, Sydney. 
 
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 dale. 
 
 Corish, Rev. M. A., O.S.B. 
 Beart, Mr. Bryan. 
 Brien Mr. James. 
 Caraher, Mr* Owen Joseph. 
 Cleary, Mr. James, (Maryborough.) 
 Cleary, Mr. Richard. 
 Coverny, Mr. Robert. 
 Crane, Mrs. Patrick. 
 Cunningham, Mr. Edward. 
 Davis, Mr. Wm. M. 
 Davis, Mr. John. 
 
 Hilbert, Mr. J. 
 
 Kearney, Mr. Denis. 
 
 Lennan, Mr. James. 
 
 M'Cormac, The Widow. 
 
 Mac Donnell, Mr. Randall. 
 
 M'Evilly, Mr. Walter. 
 
 Moore, Mr. Jeremiah. 
 
 O'Dwyer, Mr. John. 
 
 O'Molony, Mr. P. O'D. (Secretary.) 
 
 O'Neil, Mr. Thomas. 
 
 O'Neil, Mr. Morgan. 
 
 O'Neill, Mr. James. 
 
 O'Neill, Mr. Cornelius. 
 
 O'Reilly, Mr. Robert M. 
 
 .Reidy, Mr. P. 
 
 Smith, Mr. James. 
 
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 M'Cann, Philip, Esq. 
 
 Norris, Patrick G., Esq., Solicitor. 
 
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 Robinson, William, Esq. 
 Shanly James, Esq., Barrister. 
 Tierney, John M., Esq., (Law Stu- 
 dent,) Secretary. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 32, note, for 1880, read 180S. 
 
 ,, 152, stanza 5, line 4, for ceAtjt), read ceAtjt). 
 
 ,, 166, ,, 1, ,, 1, insert reference to the word ceAijtji. 
 
 ,, 213, line 1, note, for may read might. 
 
 ,, 221, stanza 6, line 4, for bonds read pain, 
 
 THE END.