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R E L I Q^ U E S
f OF
IRISH POETRY:
CONSISTING OF
HEROIC POEMS, ODES, ELEGIES, and SONGS,
TRANSLATED INTO
ENGLISH VERSE:
WITH
NOTES EXPLANATORY and HISTORICAL;
AND THE
ORIGINALS IN THE IRISH CHARACTER.
TO WHICH IS SUBJOINED
AN IRISH TALE.
By Miss BROOKE.
21 Ojfjii, ctf h)ri t)T) -00 ^ge-ttlit.
Cut 5tí5)t<t.
GEORGE BONHAM, PRINTER,
SOUTH GREAT GEORGE'S -STREET, DUBLIN.
M.DCC.LXXXIX.
1íía4
R E F A G E.
J.N a preface to a tranflation of ancient Irlfli poetry, the reader
will naturally expedl to fee the fvibjedl elucidated and enlarged
upon, with the pen of learning and antiquity. I lament that the
limited circle of my knowledge does not include the power of
anfwering fo juil an expectation ; but my regret at this circmn-
ilance is confiderably leiTened, when I refled, that had I been
poíTeíTed of all the learning requifite for fuch an undertaking, it
would only have quahfied me for an unncceiTary foil to the
names of O'Conor, O'Halloran and Vallancey.
My comparatively feeble hand afpires only (like the ladies of
ancient Rome) to ilrew flowers in the paths of thefe laureled
champions of my country. The flowers of earth, the terrejlrial
offspring of Phosbiis, were fcattered before the ileps of vido-
rious War ; but, for triumphant Genius are referved the ccelef-
t'lal children of his beams, the unfading flowers of the Mufe.
To pluck, and thus to befliow them, is mine, and I hold my-
felf honoured in the taik.
a 2 "The
( iv )
" The efteem (fays Mr. O'Halloran) which mankind con-
" ceive of nations in general, is always in proportion to the
" figure they have made in arts and in ai'ms. It is on this
" account that all civilized countries are eager to difplay their
" heroes, legiflators, poets and philofophers — and with juitice,
" fince every individual participates in the glory of his illuftri-
" ous countrymen." — But where, alas, is this thiril for national
glory ? when a fubjeil: of fuch importance is permitted to a pen
like mine ! Why does not fome fon of Anak in genius ftep for-
ward, and boldly throw his gauntlet to Prejudice, the avowed
and approved champion of his country's lovely mufe ?
It is impoíTible for imagination to conceive too highly of the
pitch of excellence to which a fcience muft have foared which
was cheriihed with fuch enthufiailic regard and cultivation as
that of poetry, in this covintry. It was abfolutely, for ages, the
vital foul of the nation * ; and ihall we then have no cui-iofity
refpedling the productions of genius once fo celebrated, and fo
prized ?
True it is, indeed, and much to be lamented, that few of
the compofitions of thofe ages that were famed, in Iriih annals,
for the light of fong^ are now to be obtained by the moft dili-
gent refearch. The greater number of the poetical remains of
our Bards, yet extant, were written during the middle ages ;
periods when the genius of Ireland was in its wane,
* See the elegant and faithful O'Conor upon this fubjeft ; ( Dijfertations on the
Jiijhry cf Ireland, p. CS.) and he is fupported by the teilimonies of the moft
authentic of aotient and modern hiftorians.
" Yet
( V )
Yet ílill, not loft
All its original brightnefs-
Oa the contrary, many of the produélions of thofe times breathe
the true fpirit of poetry, beiides the merit they poiTefs with the
Hiftorian and Antiquary, as fo many faithful delineations of
the manners and ideas of the periods in which they were com-
pofed.
With a view to throw fome light on the antiquities of this
country, to vindicate, in part, its hiftory, and prove its claim
to fcientific as well as to military fame, I have been induced to
undertake the following work. Befides the four different fpecies
of compofition which it contains, (the Heroic Poem, the Ode,
the Elegy, and the Song) others yet remain unattempted by
tranilation : — the Romance, in particular, which unites the
fire of Homer with the enchanting wildnefs of Ariofto. But
the limits of my prefent plan have neceifai'ily excluded many
beautiful produólions of genius, as little more can be done,,
within the compafs of a fmgle volume, than merely to give a
few fpecimens, in the hope of awakening a juft and nfeful curio-
iity, on the fubjecft of our poetical compoiitions.
Unacquainted with the rules of tranilation, I know not
how far thofe rixles may cenfure, or acquit me. I do not pro-
fefs to give a merely literal veriion of my originals, for that I
fhould have found an impoíTible undertaking. — Beiides the fpirit
which they breathe, and which lifts the imagination far above
the tamenefs, let me fay, the injiifiice, of fuch a tailc, —there are
many complex words that could not be tranflated literally, with-
out:
( vi )
out great injury to the original, — without being " falfe to its
" fenfe, and falfer to its fame."
I AM aware that in the following poems there will fometimes
be found a famenefs, and repetition of tliought, appearing but
too plainly in the Engliih veriion, though fcarcely perceivable in
the original Irilh, fo great is the variety as well as beauty pecu-
liar to that language. The number of fynonimia * in which it
abounds, enables it, perhaps beyond any other, to repeat the fame
thought, without tiring the fancy or the ear.
It is really aftoniiliing of what various and compreheniive
powers this negleéled language is poiTelTed. In the pathetic, it
breathes the moil beautiful and afFeéling fimplicity ; and in the
bolder fpecles of compoiition, it is diftinguiilied by a force of
expreffion, a fviblime dignity, and rapid energy, which it is
fcarcely poffible for any tranilation fully to convey ; as it fome-
times fills the mind with ideas altogether new, and which, per-
haps, no modern language is entirely prepared to exprefs. One
compound epithet muft often be tranflated by two lines of
Engllili verfe, and, on fuch occafions, much of the beauty is ne-
ceiTarily loft ; the force and efFedl of the thought being weakened
by too flow an introdu(flion on the mind ; juft as that light
which dazzles, when flailiing fwiftly on the eye, will be gazed
at with indifference, if let in by degrees.
But, though I am confcious of having, in many inftances,
failed in my attempts to do all the juftice I wiihed to my origi-
* There are upwards of forty names to exprefs a Ship in the Irifli language, and
nearly an equal number for a Houfe, &c.
nals,
( vil )
nals, yet ftill, fome of their beauties are, I hope, preferved ; and
I truft I am doing an acceptable fervice to my country, while
I endeavour to refcue frona oblivion a few of the invaluable
reliques of her ancient genius ; and while I put it in the power
of the public to form fome idea of them, by clothing the
thoughts of oxir Iriih mufe in a language with which they are
familiar, at the fame time that I give the originals, as vouchers
for the fidelity of my tranflation, as far as two idioms fo widely
different would allow.
However deficient in the powers requifite to fo important a
taik, I may yet be permitted to point out fome of the good con-
fequences which might refult from it, if it were but performed
to my wiihes. The produdions of our Iriih Bards exhibit a
glow of cultivated genius, — a fpirit of elevated heroifm, — fenti-
ments of pure honor, — inilances of difinterefted patriotifm, — and
manners of a degree of refinement, totally aftoniihing, at a period
when the reft of Europe was nearly funk in barbarifm : And is
not all this very honorable to our countrymen ? Will they not be
benefited, — will they not be gratified, at the luftre refleded on
them by anceftors fo very different from what modern prejudice
has been ftvidious to reprefent them ? But this is not all.
As yet, we are too little known to our noble neighbour of
Britain ; were we better acquainted, we iliould be better friends.
The Britifh mufe is not yet informed tliat flie has an elder fiiler
in this iile ; let us then introduce them to each other ! together
let them walk abroad from tlieir bowers, fweet ambafTadrefTes of
cordial union between two countries that feem formed by nature
to
( viii )
to be joined by every bond of intereft, and of amity. Let them
entreat of Britain to cultivate a nearer acquaintance with her
neighboviring ifle. Let them conciliate for us her efteem, and
her affjclion will follow of courfe. Let them tell her, that the
portion of her blood which flows in our veins is rather ennobled
than difgraced by the mingling tides that defcended from our heroic
ancefl:ors. Let them come — but will they anfwer to a voice like
mine ? Will they not rather depute fome favoured pen, to chide
me back to the fliade whence I have been allured, and where,
perhaps, I ought to have remained, in refped to the memory,
and fuperior genius of a Father — it avails not to fay how dear ! —
But my feeble eiforts prefume not to emulate, — and they cannot
injure his fame.
To guard againfl criticifm I am no way prepared, nor do I
fuppofe I ihall efcape it ; nay, indeed, I do not wifli to efcape the
pen of the candid critic : And I would willingly believe that an
individual capable of no offence, and pretending to no pre-
eminence, cannot poflibly meet with any feverity of criticifm,
but what the miihikes, or the deficiencies of this performance, may
be juftly deemed to merit ; and what, indeed, could fcaixely be
avoided by one unfkilled in compofition, and now, with extreme
diffidence, prefenting, for the firft time, her literary face to the
world.
It yet remains to fay a few words relative to the Tale which
is annexed to this volume : for that I had no original ; the ftory,
however, is not my own ; it is taken from a revolution in the
hiilory of ancient Ireland, Anno Mundi 3649. And no where
will
( ix )
will the Mufe be furniilied with nobler fubjeds than that
negleded hiilory affords. The whole reign of Ceallat hain is
one continued feries of heroifm, and high-wrought honor, that
rifes fuperior to all the flight of Romance, and defies Poetic fable
to furpafs it. Alfo, the reign of Brian Boiroimh, and the
famous retreat of the glorious tribe of Dalgais ; befides many
other inftances too numerous for detail ; amongil which I feleéled
the fl:ory of Maon, as a fubjedl more fuited to my limited powers,
thanthofe which demand a " Mufe of fire," to record them.
I CANNOT conclude this preface without the gratification of
acknowledging the favours with which I have been honored, fince
the commencement of my work.
From the judgment and tafte of Dominick Trant, Efq; (a
gentleman too well known to need my panegyric) I have
received much information and aífiílance.
To the Right Honorable theCountefs of Moira I am indebted
for fome valuable communications ; as alfo to the learned William
Beauford, Efq; of Athy ; to Ralph Ousley, Efq; of Limerick ;
and to Theophilus O'Flanagan, Efq; of Trinity College,
Dublin.
To the learning and public fplrit of Sylvester O'Halloran,
Efq; I owe innumerable obligations ; and Joseph C.Walker, Efq;
has aflbrded every aíTiílance which zeal, judgment, and extenfive
knowledge, could give.
b Besides
( ^ )
Besides the literary favours of my friends, there are others
■which I cannot omit to acknowledge, as they equally tend to
evince their wifhes for the fuccefs of this undertaking.
The accompliflied family of Castle-Browne, in the county
of Kildare, have exerted all the influence of tafte, and charaéler,
to extend the fubfcription to this v^^ork. The learned author of
the Historical Memoirs of the I.<ish B vrds, and his brother,
Samuel Walker. Efq; late of Trinity College. Dublin have alfo
been equally zealous and fuccefsful ; and to thefe two families I
am indebted for the greater number of my fubfcribers, in this
kingdom. For the reft, I am obliged to the influence of the
Honorable Juftice Hellen ; Dominick Trant, Efq; Rich vrd
Griffith, Efq; the Reverend Edward Ryan, D. D. the Re-
verend T. B. Me ARES, and feveral other friends.
Amongst thofe of our iiflier country who have exerted themfelves
to promote the fuccefs of this work, the liberal ipirit of William
Hayley, Efq; has been moft particularly acilive. From die height
of his own pre-eminence in literary fame, he is ever ready to
reach, unaiked, the voluntary hand to thofe who come to pay
their vows at the flirinc of his favourite Mufe. I have alfo the
fame obligations to the Reverend Dodlor Warner, the fon of
him whofe hiftorical juftice, fuperior to modern prejudices, fo
generoufly aíTcrted the dignity and charadlcr of Ireland in a work
which muft ever refle6l the highcft honor on the candour, and
philanthropy, as well as the abilities of its author.
STbe
[ The Publication of this Work has bee ft delayed fame Time^ for the
piirpofe of bet fig ettabled to give the folloivittg Lifl cotnplete ; — -fill
there are fcveral Subfcribers isohofe Naifies are not yet cofne to
hand, attd the Lift is therefore fieccffarily, though relu&antlyy
printed without them. ]
SUBSCRIBERS NAMES.
A.
JV IGHT Honorable Lord Vifcount Allen.
Lady Vifcountefs Allen.
Sir Fitzgerald Aylmer, Bart. M. P.
Michael Aylmer, Efq; (Grafige.)
Robert Alexander, Efq;
Reverend William Adair, A. M. T. C. D.
James Arbuckle, Efq;
Mrs. Armflrong.
Reverend Mervyn Archdall, M. R. L A.
B.
Right Honorable Countefs of Bedlive.
Cardinal Boncompagni, (Rome.)
Honorable Mrs. Beresford.
Wogan Browne, Efq; M. R. L A. (Cafle-Broume,) fix Copies.
Mrs. Brovpne, fix Copies.
Mifs Browne, three Copies.
Mifs Eliza Browne, three Copies.
b 2 Reverend
( xii )
Reverend John Buck, B. D. and M. R. I. A.
Mrs. Birch.
Arthur Burdett, Efq; (Bella-villa. )
John Blachford, Efq;
Charles Builie, Efq;
Allan Bellingham, Efq;
O'Brien Bellingham, Efq;
William Bellew, Eiq;
Benjamin Ball, Efq;
Mrs. Blake.
Mrs. Bendge.
John Braine, Efq;
Reverend Matthew Blacker.
James Braddiih, Efq;
Reverend John Bradihaw, A. M.
Packenham Beaty, Efq;
Captain Burrowes, (London.)
Alexander Burrowes, Efq; (Fernjborough.)
Thomas Burrowes, Efq; (Fernjborough.)
John Burrowes, Efq;
J. O'Brien, Efq;
Reverend D. A. Beaufort, L. L. D. and M. R. I. A.
John Birmingham, Efq;
Reverend William Brooke.
Henry Brooke, Efq; fix Copies.
Thomas Brooke, Efq; fix Copies.
Mifs Brooke, (Great George s-Jreet^ Rutland-fquareJ ten Copies.
Mr. Henry Brooke.
Alexander
{ xiíi )
Alexander Bofwell, Efq;
Mr. Patrick Byrne, Bookfeller, fix Copies.
Mr. George Bonham, Printer.
C.
His Grace the Lord Archbiihop of Caihel, M. R. I. A.
Right Honorable Lord Vifcount Conyngham.
Right Honorable William Conyngham, Wl. P. and M. R. L A,
Right Honorable Lord Chief Juilice Carleton. M. R. L A.
Mrs. Carleton.
John Philpot Curran, Efq; M. P. and M. R. L A,
Daniel Corneille, Efq;
Charles O'Conor, Efq; M. R. I. A. (Belatiagar.)
Reverend Charles O'Conor, D. D. (Rome.)
Signior Abbate Melchior Cefarotti, (Padova.)
Turner Camac, Efq;
Auftin Cooper, Efq;
John Cooke, Efq;
Thomas Cob be, Efq; (Newbridge.)
Mrs. Crowe, (KellsJ
Mifs Carey, (Portarlington.)
John Corry, Efq;
Edward Croker, Efq;
Nathaniel Cairnes, Efq;
Walter Kavanagh, Efq;
John Clarke, Efq;
Mifs Cuthbert.
D. Right
( xiv ) .
D.
Right Honorable Lord Donoghmore, M. R. I. A.
Right Honorable Lord Doneraile.
Right Reverend Lord Bifliop of Dromore, F. R. S. and
M. R. I. A. two Copies.
Right Honorable Lord Vifcount Delvin, M. R. I. A.
Anthony Dopping, Efq; (Low-town.)
Major Doyle, M. P.
Reverend Dive Downes, D. D.
Arthur Dawlbn, Efq; M. P.
Mrs. Daniel.
Malachy Donnelan, Efq;
Hugh Dickfon, Efq;
Robert Douglas, Efq; two Copies.
Charles Duffin, Efq;
Mr. Sylveiler Dempfey, (Kells.)
Matthew Donnelan, Efq;
John De Courcy, Efq;
Counfellor Difncy, (Bray.)
E.
Right Honorable Lord Earlsfort, M. R. L A.
Lady Earlsfort.
Mrs. Efmond.
Mrs. Eccles.
Daniel Eccles, Efq; (Eccks-ville.)
Ifaac
( " )
Ifaac Eccles, Efq;
Gafper Erck, Efq;
Richard Eaton, Efq;
Reverend George Evans.
F.
Lady Flngal.
John Bourke O'Flaherty, Efq; M. P. and L. L. D.
Major Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Fitzgerald, (Killbegs.)
Major Ffolliott.
Theophilus O'Flanagan, Efq; A. B. T. C. D.
Mrs. Fox.
Anthony Ferguf3n, Efq;
Mifs Ferrar, (Limerick.)
Mrs. Frazier, (Waterford.)
Charles Faucett, Efq;
Mr. James Forbes.
Mrs. Anne Forbes.
Mrs. Sarah Forbes..
Richard Griffith, Efq; M. P. and M. R. I. A. (MiUiceni.J
Mrs. Griffith.
Mrs. Griffith, fen.
Mrs. Gordon, (Clotmel)
Reverend P. GouldA)ury.
Richard
( 'ívi )
Richard Gough, Efq; V. P. Antiq. Soc. London,
Mrs. Guy.
Mrs. St. George, two Copies.
John Geale, Efq;
Mr. Thomas B. Gaugh.
H.
Honorable Juilice Hellen, M. R. I. A.
Mrs. Hellen.
William Hayley, Efq; (Eartham, Sujfex.)
Sylvefter O'Halloran, Efq; M. R. I. A. (Lhnerkk.)
Thomas Hacket, Efq; two Copies.
Mifs Hacket.
Edward Hill, Efq; M. D.
Mrs. Hamilton, (Killilea Cajlk.)
Mrs. Holloway.
Mrs. F. Hamilton.
Richard Hornedge, Efq;
James HulTey, Efq;
Mrs. Hamilton, (Anne-brook.)
Edward Hodfon, Efq;
Leonard Hodfon, Efq;
Richard Hickes, Efq; (London.)
Henry Hugh Hoarc, Efq;
Mrs. Hugh Hoare.
Charles Hoare, Efq;
Mrs. Hughes.
Mrs.
( xvií )
Mrs. G. Hamilton.
James Edward Hamilton, Efq; (London.)
I.
Right Honorable Theophiius Jones, M. P.
William Todd Jones, Efq; M. P.
Francis Ifdall, Efq;
Eyles Irwin, Efq; (Belkvtew, County Fermauiigh.
Mrs. Irwin.
Reverend Mr. Johnfon, (Shrcwjhury.)
Mrs. Irwin, (Kentfield, County Galway.)
Reverend Thomas Jamefon.
Jofeph Jamefon, Efq;
K.
Lord Killeen.
Countefs Kollowrath, (Prague.)
Reverend Walter Blake Kirwan.
Right Honorable Juilice Kelly.
Mark Kerr, Efq;
Brien Paul Lynch De Killy-kelly, (Bilboa.)
John Kelly, Efq;
Mr. James King, two Copies.
L. Right
( xviii )
L.
Right Honorable Lord Loftus.
Right Honorable Lord Longford, two Copies.
Lady Longford, two Copies.
Right Reverend Lord Bifliop of LandaiT.
Reverend Edward Ledwich, L. L. D. and F. S A.
Mrs. Langley, (London.)
John Leefon, Efq;
P. Lattin, Efq; ( MorriJlo'Wn ) three Copies.
IV rs. Peter La Toiiche, two Copies.
William Lloyd, Efq;
Mrs. S. I^ynam.
]VTrs. L'Eilrange,
Mifs Lennox.
Mrs. John La Touchci
Mrs. Litton.
Mifs Letablere.
Mrs. Leigh.
John Leech, Efq;
William Long, Efq;
Mlichael Lewis, Efq;
M.
General Mafley.
Signior Giovanni Marfigli, P, P. di Botanica, (Padova.)
Mrs.,
( xix )
Mrs. Mauvlllon, (London.)
Alexander Marfden, Efq; M. R. I. A.
Mifs Marfden.
William Marfden, Efq; L. L. D. F. R. S. and M. R. I. A.
two Copies.
George Maunfel, Efq; (Limerick.)
Mrs. Maunfell, (Corville.)
John Thomas Munfell, Efq;
Samuel Malcolm, Efq; (J^ondon.)
Mrs. Macquay.
J. Macartney, Efq;
Reverend Thomas Burrowes Meares, ( Bally corkey.)
Cornet Whitney Mackean.
Mr. James Moore, Bookfeller, fix Copies.
N.
Sir William G. Newcomen, Bart.
Lady Newcomen.
Comit Frederick Noftitz, (Prague.)
Mifs Anne M'Neven, ( Prague. J
Mifs Biddy M'Neven, (Prague.)
William James M'Neven, Efq; M. D. (Buhlhi.)
Richard Neville, Efq; M. P.
Chriftopher Nangle, Efq;
John Neibitt, Efq; (London.)
Arnold Nefbitt, Efq; (London.)
Mr. Thomas Neil.
c 2 O. Ralph
( XX )
O.
Ralph Oufeley, Efq; M. R. I. A. (Limerick.)
Cornet William Oufeley.
James Ormiby, Efq;
Archibald Ormilon, Efq;
P.
Mrs. Pollock.
Mifs Hannah Pcttigrew.
R.
Right Honorable Earl of Rofs,
Honorable Mrs. Roper.
George Romney, Efq; (London.)
James O'Reilly, Efq;
Reverend Edward Ryan, D. D.
Mrs. Ryan.
Mrs. O'Riclly.
Mrs. Rawlins.
Brien Rielly, Efq;
Thomas Roberts, Efq;
Robert Roberts, Efq;
Mr. Samuel Ruifell.
J. Ritfon, Efq; (Grays-Inn^ London.)
Stephen
( xxi
Stephen Edward Rice, Efq;
Reynolds, Efq;
S.
Right Honorable Lord Vifcount Sackville,
Cardinal G. Salviati, f Rome. J
Bowen Southwell, Efq;
John Scanlan, Efq;
Nathaniel Nefbit Smith, Efq;
Mifs Seward, (Litcbjidd,)
Mifs SiiTon.
Mrs. Stannard.
Reverend William Sandford.
Samuel Stock, Efq;
Whitley Stokes, Efq; F. T. C. D. and M.R.I. A.
William Stokes, Efq;
Reverend Gabriel Stokes.
John Stewart, Efq;
Mrs. Charlotte Smith, (Middle/ex.)
John Sargent, Efqj
Edward Smith, Efq;
John Smith, Efq;
Mr. John Strangman.
Mrs. Mary C. Strangman»
■ Mr. William Sleater.
T. Lady
( xxii )
T.
Lady Tuito, (Sonna,) fix Copies.
Lady Tyntc.
Dominick Trant, Efq^ M. R. I. A. fix Copies.
Mrs. Trant, fix Copies.
Grenville Temple, Efq;
Mrs. Trotter.
Mrs. Cailaadra Travers.
Daniel Tracey, Efq;
Richard Turner, Efq; ( CaJile-CaulJicU.)
Mrs. Tuke.
George Tandy, Efq;
Charles Thefiger, Efq; (London.)
John Thompfon, Efq ;
Marmaduke Taylor, Efq;
Mifs Taylor, (Lewes, SiiJJex.)
Mifs Tennifon.
V.
Colonel Charles Vallancey, F. R. S. and M. R. I. A.
II Propoilo Curzio di Marchefi Venuti, (Cortona.)
W.
Solicitor General Wolfe, M. P. and M. R. I. A.
Right Reverend Lord Biihop of Waterford, M. R. I. A.
Nicholas Weftby, Efq; M. P.
Mrs.
( xxiii )
Mrs. Wade.
Robert Watfoii Wade, Efq; M. R. I. A.
Jofeph C. Walker, Efq; M. R. I. A,
Samuel Walker, Efq; A. B.
Peter Walfli, Efq;
Charles Wilde, Efq;
John Wetherall, Efq;
Rogers Wetherall, Efq;
John Wolfe, Efq; M. P. and M. R. I. A.
Reverend IVlr. Walfh.
Mr. James Richard Walih, (hyh College^ Rome.)
Thomas Walker, Efq;
Matthew Weld, Efq;
Mrs. IVary Weil. ^ '
Reverend John Warner, D. D.
Samuel Why te, Efq;
Mr. William Wilfon.
Y.
Right Honorable Lord Chief Baron Yelverton,
Mrs. Yelverton.
John Young, Efq;
Reverend Matthew Young, D. D. F. T. C. D. and M. R. I. A.
CONTENTS,
O N T E N T S.
HEROIC POEMS.
Page
}
An JntroduElo7-y Difcourfe to the Poem of Conloch. By Sylvejier .
I 24
O'Hallurati, Efq; M. R. I. A.
I. Conloch _----- 9
— Original of ditto .-- - --265
the Lamentation of Cucullen over the Body of his Son
Conloch - _ _ - - - -
— Original of ditto - - - - - 269
II. Magnus the Great - - - - 37
— Original of ditto - - - - - - 271
III. The Chafe - . _ _ _ 73
— Original pf ditto - - - - - 278
IV. Moira Barb - - - - - 121
— Original of ditto - - - -- 288
ODES.
( XXV )
ODES.
Page
An IntroduBory Dlfcourfe to the War Oik - ' - - joy
I. fl^'ar Ode to Ofgur, the Son of Oi/iii, in the front of the
Battle of Gahhra - - - - -
1
— Original of ditto - - - - - 296
II. Ode to Gaul, the Son of Morni - - - i6r
— Original of ditto - - - - - 298
1
181
III. Ode, by Fit%gerald, written on his fettnig out on a Voyage
to Spain - - - -
— Original of ditto - - - - - 300
E L E G I E S.
I. Elegy to the Daughter of Owen - - - 191
— Original of ditto - - - - - 304
II. Elegy _____ _ 200
— Original of ditto - - - - - 306
III. Elegy _ _ _ _ _ _ 208
— Original of ditto - - - - - 307
IV. Elegy on the Death of John Burke Carrentryle, ^fl> ~ 217
■— Original of ditto - - - - ~ 3^9
V. Elegy on the Death of Carolan - - - 225
— Original of ditto - - - - -31Í
d SONGS.
( xxvi )
SONGS.
Page
Thoughts on Ir'ijh Song - - - _ 220
I. Song^ for Gracey Nugent. By Carolan - - - 246
— Original of ditto - - - - _ .ji-
II. Song, for Mcible Kelly. By Carolan - - - 250
— Original of ditto - - - - _ o j 5
in. Song. By Patrick Linden - - - 255
■ — Original of ditto - _ - _ - -i 1 8
IV. The Maid of the Valley - - - . 259
— Original of ditto - - - . - 'iiq
IRISH TALE.
IntroduElion - - » « _ --lac
Maon : An Iri/Jj Tale - - - - »^^j
HEROIC POEMS.
1.
C O N L O C H;
POEM.
ADVERTISEMENT.
/ HAVE not been able to difcover the Author of the Poem of
CoNLOCH, nor can I af certain the exa£i time in which it was written;
hut it is impoffible to avoid afcribing it to a very early period^ as
the language is fo much older than that of any of my Originals,
(the War Odes excepted,) and quite different from the flyle of thofe
Pieces which are kfwwn to be the compofitions of the middle ages.
With equal pride and pleafure, I prefx to it the followifig Intro-
duélion, and regard it as an ornament and an honor to my ivork.
For many other valuable communications, I am alfo indebted to Mr.
O'Halloran; and am happy in this opportunity of returning my public
acknowledgments for the kind zeal with which he has affijled me
in the courfe of my undertaking; befides the informatioti which (in
common ivith his other admiring readers) I have received from his
inefimable Introdiiélion to the Hiilory and Antiquities of Ireland;
a work fraught ivith learning, rich with the treafures of ages,.
and animated by the very foul of Patriot fm, and genuine Honor !
A N
INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE
TO THE
POEM OF C N L C H.
By SYLVESTER O'HALLORAN, Efq; M.R.IA.
XT. AD the ancient hiilory and language of Ireland been
regarded in the very important light which both moil aiTuredly
merit, onr accounts of the Laws, Cuiloms, Legiflation and
Manners of the early Celtas would not now be fo imperfe(il and
confufed ; nor would modern writers prefume fo flatly to contra-
diéV the faéls recorded of them by the ancient Greek and Roman
hiftorians. But this is not the place to expatiate on fo interefting
a fubjedl : As an introduilion to the following Poem, I fliall
only fay a few words relative to the antiquity of Chivalry in
Europe.
B 2 It
( 4 )
It is a fail unanimoufly fubfcribed to, that the cuilom of
creating Knights in Europe originated not from the Romans, but
amongil the Celtos themfelves. The Romans, wherever they
carried their arms, waged war againft arts and fcienccs, as well
as againft mankind; and hence it partly proceeds that our ac-
counts of the greateft nations of antiq\iity are now fo meagre
and mutilated. The ancient Celtac were amongft the number of
thofe ftates that experienced this fad truth ; for though the early
Greeks confefs how much they were indebted to them for Letters
and Philofophy, though Paufanias bears teftimony to their Knights,
and though CEcfir — an eye witnefs— confeiTes that thefe Knights
were the fecond order amongft the Gauls ; yet, becaufe the fuc-
ceeding Romans were fo induftrious in the deftru<ilion of their
records, that fcarce a trace remains behind, our writers of the
prefent, and of the two laft centuries, agree that the firft infti-
tution of chivalry in Europe was about the time of the croifades.
But though all the other nations in Europe were overrun, and
of courfe their annals deftroyed, yet Ireland ftill remained free
and independent, receiving into her foftering arms the diftrefled,
and the profcribed of Britain and of the Continent. Here did thofe
Arts and Sciences flouriih, which there were annihilated by war
and rapine ; and here it is that Fezron, Menage, Bochart, Aldrite,
&c. fliould have appealed for a fatisfacilory explanation of the
fcodal laws and cuftoms ; the want of which has led them to
reprefent their early anceftors as a rude and illiterate people,
(notwithftanding the fulleft Greek and Roman teftimonies to the
contrary,) and that the feodal fyftem and military tenures were
inftitutcd,
( 5 )
inílituted, for thejirjl time, after the expulfion of the Romans from
Gaul ; whereas thefc, as well as chivalry, iiourilhed among the
Cekai in thofe days of politentfs and erudition, which long pre-
ceded the conqueils in Gaul, and were always in force in
Ireland.
With us chivalry flouriihed from the remoteft antiquity:
there were five orders of it ; four for the provinces, and one con-
fined to the blood-royal ; and fo highly was this profeihon
refpeóled among us, that a Prince could not become a candidate
for the monarchy, who had not the Gradh-Gaoisge, or order
of Knighthood, conferred vipon him. At a very tender age, the
intended cavalier had a golden chain hung round his neck, and
a fword and fpear put into his hands. At {e.ycn years old he was
taken from the care of the women, and deeply inílruéled in
Philofophy, Hiilory, Poetry and Genealogy. The uiing his
Weapons with judgment, elegance and addrefs, was alfo carefully
attended to ; principles of Morality were feduloully inculcated,
and a reverence and tender refpeél for the Fair, completed the
education of the young hero. By his vows he was obliged to
protedl and redrefs the injured and the opprefled. He was not
to reveal his name or his country to any uncotirteous Knight,
who feemed to demand it as a right. He was not to go out of
his road for any menace. He could not decline the combat with
any knight, how intrepid foever. And ilill further to ihew to
what a pitch of elevation they carried their ideas of military
glory ; even in death, they were to face this dcftroyer of man-
kind,
( 6 )
kind, armcd^ and ready to oppofe force to force. This is fo true,
that on Cuchullin's being mortally wounded at the battle of
Muirthievne, he had his back placed againil a rock, with his
fword and fpear in his hands, &c. And Eogain-more, after the
battle of Lena, was laid out completely armed, as our hiilory
has recorded. See alfo how thcfe accounts illuilrate later periods :
De Saint Palaye, in his Memoirs of Anciekt Chivalry, tells us,
that always, on the deceafe of a Knight, he was laid out in com-
plete armour. And Hume mentions an Engli'ili Knight, who,
dying, ordered himfelf to be armed, with his lance and fword
by him, as if ready to encounter death ! The Chevalier Bayard,
one of the braveil and moil accompliilied Knights of France,
during the reign of Francis the firfi:, finding himfelf mortally
wounded in battle, ordered his attendants to place his back againil
a tree, with his fword in his hand, and died thus facing his con-
quering, though commiferating, enemies.
The hiilory of the following Poem is briefly this : — In the reign
of Conor Mac-Neifa, King of Uliler, (about the year of the world
3950) Ireland abounded in heroes of the moil fliining intrepidity ;
infomuch that they were all over Europe, by way of eminence,
called the Heroes of the Western Isle. Amongil thefe were
Cuchullin, the fon of Sualthach ; Conal-cearach, and the three
fons of Uifneach, Naoife, Ainle, and Ardan, all coufins-
german. Cuchullin, in one of his continental expeditions, re-
turning home by way of Albany, or modern Scotland, fell in love,
at Dun-Sgathach, with the beautiful Aife, daughter to Aird-
genny.
( 7 )
genny. The aílairs of his country calling him home, he left
the lady pregnant ; but, on taking leave, he dire(5led, in
cafe his child fhould be a fon, to have him carefully brought up
to arms, at the academy of Dun-Sgathach : He gave her a chain
of gold to be put round his neck, and deiired that he fhould be
fent to Ulfter, as foon as his military iludies were completed, and
that he ihould there recognize him by means of the golden chain.
He alfo left the follovsring injundlions for his conduit : That he
fliould never reveal his name to a foe ; that he ilaould not give the
way to any man, who feemed to demand it as a right ; and that.
he ihould never decline the iingle combat with any Knight under
the fun.
The youth (his education completed,) came to Ireland to feek
his father ; but it appears that he arrived in armour ; a manifeil
proof, according to the etiquette of thofe days, that he came
with an hoilile intention, and to look for occaiions to iignalize
his valour. On his approaching Emania, the royal relidence of
the Ulfter Kings, and of the Croabh-ruadh, or Ulfter Knights,
Conor fent a herald to know who he was ? A dire(il anfwer, and
he armed, would have been improper ; it would have been an
acknowledgment of timidity : In fhort, the queftion was only
a challenge ; and his being aflied to pay an eric, or tribiite, im-
plied no more than that he fhould confefs the fuperiority of the
Ulfter Knights. On his refufal to anfwer the queftion, Cuchullin
appeared : they engaged, and the latter, hard preiTed, threw a
fpeur, with fuch dire(5lion at the young hero, as to wound him
naortally.
( 8 )
mortally. The dying youth then acknowledged himfelf his fon,
and that he fell in obedience to the injuncfkions of his mother.
It appears, however, from the poem, that when Cuchullin left
her thofe injvmdlions, he was far from expecling that his fon
ihould have put them in force upon his arrival in Ireland. On
the contrary, it appears the effcííl of jealoufy in tlie lady, and of
revenge, hoping that Cuchullin (now advanced in years) might
himfelf fall in the conflidl ; for, though a gallant and moil in-
trepid knight, yet our hiilory proves that he was by no means
conftant in his attachments to the fair.
As to the numbers of knights engaged and vanquiilied by
Conloch, previous to his confli<fl with Cuchullin, it is all poetic
fidlion, to raife the characters of the two heroes. Even Conall-
Cearnach, Mailer of the Uliler Knights, is made to fubmit to
Conloch, who then falls the greater viclim to the glory of his
own father.
CONLOCH;
O N L O C H
O E M'.
■^BB
(^ONLOCH, haughty, bold, and brave,
Rides upon lerne's wave ! —
Fluili'd with loud-applauding fame.
From. Dunfcaik's walls he came ;
Came to viiit Erin's coail ;
Came to prove her mighty Hoil !
C Welcome,
* It is feared the meafure cholen for the tranflatlon of this Poem, may appear
greatly out of rule : but, in truth, I tried feveral others, and could fucceed in none
but this. I am confcious that the meafure of an irregular Ode is not ilriflly fuited
to an Heroick Poem ; the reader, however, as he advances, will perhaps find reafon to
acquit me ; as he will perceive that tlie variety in the fubjc£l:, required a variety in tlie
meafure ; it is much too animatc<l for the languid flow of lilegy, and too much
broken by paffion for the (lately march of Heroicks : — at lead: it exceeded my limited
powers to transfufe into cither the fpirit of my original.
( 1° )
Welcome, O youth of the intrepid mien.
In glittering armour dreft!
Yet, thus to fee thee come, I ween,
Speaks a ftray'd courfe, illuilrious Gueíl^ !
But now, that fafe the Eaftern gale
Has given thee to our view ;
Recount thy travels, give the high detail
Of thofe exploits from whence thy glory grew.
Do not, like others of Albania's land,
Rejedl our fair demand ;
Nor from its flieath the fword of conqueil call.
To caufe thy youth, like theirs, to fall :
Should'ft thou, like them, with fruitlefs pride, delay
The ufual tribute of the bridge to pay.
" If fuch, (the youth replied) ere while,
" Has been the praélice of your worthlefs lile «^ ;
" Yet never more a Chief fliall it difgrace,
" For this right arm iliall your proud Law efface."
Thus
•" It is here evident that the Herald only affects to miilake the meaning of Conloch's
martial appearance, with a view, perhaps, to engage him to change his intention ;
or, pofTibly, through polltencfs to a Stranger, he would not feem to think him an
enemy, until he had pofitively declared himfelf fuch. But, be this as it may, we
cannot avoid perceiving the extreme elegance and delicacy with which the Herald
addrcflcs him, and makes his demand.
' The fiercencfs of- this reply plainly denotes the imprcfTion which Conloch had
received of Ireland, from the jealoufy and rcfentment of his Mother, and that he
came firmly purpofed to evince it by all his adions.
( " )
Thus, while he fpoke, colleding all his might.
Fierce he addreft his conquering arms to fight ;
No flop, no flay his furious faulchion found,
Till his dire hand an hundred warriors bound :
Vanquiih'd they funk beneath his dreadful fway.
And low on earth their bleeding glories lay.
Then Conor "* to his bluihing hoil exclaim'd,
" Of all our Chiefs, for feats of prowefs fam'd,
" Is there not one our glory to reflore ?
" So cold is then become our martial heat,
*' That none will dare yon haughty youth to meet,
" His name and errand to explore,
" The flaughter of his dreadful arm reftrain,
*' And force his pride its purpofe to explain !"
'Twas then the kindling foul of Conall" rofe,
Vidloriotis name ! the terror of his foes !
His threatening arm aloft the hero rais'd,
And in his grafp the deadly faulchion blaz'd !
Secure of conqueil, on he moved.
The youthful foe to meet ;
But there a force, till then unknown, he proved !
Amazed we faw the ftrange defeat j
C 2 \Vc
■^ Conor Mac-Nefla, King of Uliler.
= Conall Cearnach, Mailer of the Uliler Knights, coufin-german and intimate
friend to CucuUin,
( '2 )
We faw our Champion bound ;
Subdued beneath fierce Conloch's arm he lay j
No more, as erft, to boafl unvanquillied fway,
A name, till then, for vidlory ftill renown'd.
" Quick let a rapid courier fly !
(Indignant AuliiFe cried,)
" Quick with the ihameful tidings let him hie,
" And to our aid the firil of heroes call,
" From fair Dundalgan's f lofty wall,
" Or Dethin's ^ ancient pride !"
" Welcome, Cucullin ! '' mighty chief!
" Though late, O welcome to thy friend's relief!
" Behold the havoc of yon deadly blade !
" Behold our hundred warriors bite the ground I
" Behold thy friend, thy Conall boiind !
" Behold — nor be thy vengeful arm delay 'd !"
No
f Dundalgan, (now Dundalk,) the refidencc of Cucullin.
s Dun-Dethin, the refulence of Dethin, the mother of Cucullin.
'■ This paflage exhibits a fpecies of beauty that has been often, and defervedly ad-
mired : Here is the poet's true magical chariot, that annihilates fpace and circum-
ftance in its fpeed ! We fcarce know that the meflenger of Conor is gone, until we
find him returned ; and without the tedious intervention of narrative, the bard places
his hero at once before our eyes. — Thus, in the inimitable ballad of Hardyknute :
The little Page flew fwift as dart,
Flung from his Mailer's arm ;
" Cum down, cum down Lord Hardyknute,
«' And red your King frae harm I"
( '3 )
" No wonder (he replied,) each foreign knight
" Should now infult our coail !
" Loft are the fouls of martial might,
" The pride of Erin's hoft !
" Oh ! iince your deaths, ye fav'rite fons of fame ' !
" Difmay, defeat, diftrefs, and well-earn'd ihame,
" Alike our lofs, and ovir reproach proclaim !
For
' Cucullin here alludes to the death of his kinfmen, the three fons of Ufnoth, (or
Uifneach,) who were cut off fome time before by the perfidy of Conor. As their
flory may perhaps be acceptable to my readers, I will here prefent them with it, in
all its fabulous array.
Deirdre, the beautiful daughter of Feidlim !Mac-Doill, fecretary to Conor king of
Uliler, had, from her infancy, been fliut up and ilrictly guarded in a fortrefs, to
frullrate the prophecy of a Druid, who had foretold at her birth, that flie fhould be
fatal to the houfe of Ulfter. On a day, as ihe looked abroad from her prifon, {he
perceived, a raven feeding on the blood of a calf, that had been killed for her table,
and had tinged with crimfon fome new-fallen fnow. — Immediately turning to Leavar-
cam, (her governefs,) ihe afked, if there was any one in the world fo beautiful as to
have hair black as that raven's wing ; cheeks of as bright and pure a red as that blood ;
and a (kin of the fame dazzling fairnefs as that fnow ? Leavarcam replied, that
there was ; and that Naoife, the fon of Ufnoth, more than anfwered the defcrip-
tion.
Deirdre, curious to behold this wonder, entreated her governefs to contrive fome
means by whi.h ilie might procure a fight of him; and Leavarcam, pitying her fitua-
tion and confinement, and thinking this a good opportunity to effeft her deliverance
from it ; went direftly to the young and gallant Naoife, informed him of the circum-
ftance, extolled her pupil's charms, and promifed to indulge him with an interview,
provided he would, on his part, engage to free the fair captive, and make her his
wife. Naoife joyfully accepted the invitation : — they met ; — mutual afloniihment and
admiration concluded in vows of the moft paiTionate love ! Naoife, with the aid of
his brothers, Ainle and Ardan, ftormed the fortrefs, and carried oíF his prize ; and
cfcaping thence to Scotland, they were there joined in marriage.
But
( '4 )
" For me, my friends, what now remains,
" When I behold yon mighty Chief in chains ?
Witli
But the fatal benuty of Deirdre prevented the peaceable enjoyment of her happi-
»efs : — a Prince of great power in Albany faw her and was enamoured ; and finding
that it was vain to fue, he had recoiufe to arms, to force her from the protection of
her hufband. But Naoife, with a few faithful followers, cut his way through all
oppofition, and made good his retreat to one of the adjacent iflandsj where expecting
to be again attacked, he difputchcd mefiengers to Ulfter, to entreat the aid of his
friends.
The nobility of that province, on being informed of his fituation, went in a body
to the King, requefting that Naoife might be alTdted and recalled ; and Conor now
trembling for the event of the prophecy, and perceiving that he could not by open
force efFctl the deaths of thofe whofc lives he feared would fulfil it, veiled his
treacherous purpofe under the mafque of generous forgivencfs to the raflinefs of a
youthful lover ; he afFeííed to engage with pleafure in the caufe of the unhappy pair ;
he granted the defired repealment, and fent a fliip to convey them back to Ireland,
and a body of troops to wait their arrival on the fhore, and efcort them to the palace
of Emania. But Eogain, the commander of this body, had received private orders
from the King to cut off the little band of Naoife on their landing ; and particularly
not to let Deirdre and the three fons of Ufnoth efcape. His comm.ands were too
fuccefsfully obeyed, and in fpight of the moil gallant refiilance, the unhappy brothers
were flain. But Deirdre was referved for ilill further woe : the murderous Eogain,
ftruck with her beauty, could not lift his arm againil her ; he therefore brought her
back a prifoner to the palace, and requeued her from the King, as the reward of his
guilty fervice. The bafe and inhuman Conor confenred to his wiihes, on obtaining
a promife that fhe fliould be kept confined, and ftriftly watched, to prevent the ac-
complifhment of the prediftion. The wretched viilim was accordingly placed in the
chariot, and by the fide of her hufband's murderer, who aggravated her anguifh by
the moft: brutal raillery ; and convinced her that death alone could free her from
horrors, yet worfe than any fhe had hitherto endured. Infpircd with the fudden re-
folution of dcfpair, (he watched a moment favourable to her purpofe, and fpringing
■with violence from the chariot, flie dalhed herfelf againil a rock and expired.
But the cruel Conor drew down on his houfe the denunciation that he dreaded, by the
very means through which he fought to avoid it. The friends of the unhappy lovers,
enraged
( '5 )
" With fuch a hero's conqueror ihould I cope,
" What could my humbler boaft of prowefs hope '^ ?
" How ihould you think my arms could e'er prevail,
" Where Conall-Cearnach's ikill and courage fail ?" —
" And wilt thou then decline the fight,
" O arm of Erin's fame !
« Her glorious, her unconquered knight,
" Her firft and fav'rite name !
" No, brave CuculHn ! mighty chief
" Of bright viólorious íleel I
" Fly to thy Conall, to thy friend's relief,
" And teach the foe fuperior force to feel !"
« Then,
enraged at his perfidy, affembled all their forces, and took ample vengeance on the
tyrant for his cruelty and breach of faith. His whole army was routed ; his palace of
Emania was felzed upon, and given up to the plunder of the foldiery ; and his favou-
rite fon, together with the chief officers of his houfehold, and all who were fuppofed
to be his friends, fell in the carnage of that day, as fo many vidims to the manes
of the murdered fons of Ufnoth.
Whatever part Cucullin had taken in revenging the deaths of his young kinfmen,
it appears that a kind of fuUen reconciliation was afterwards efFeaed between him
and the King of Ulfter ; fince we here find him (though reludantly) confenting to
figlit his battles, -.md obey his commands. But the feverlty of reproach, and the bit-
ternefs of recolleaion, which is implied in the fpeech before us, plainly demonftrate
that his grief and his injuries were Hill keenly felt, and warmly refented.
k Cucullin had been once a candidate for the Mafterftiip of the Ulftcr Knights, but
voluntarily ref.gned his claim to his kinfman Conall, as to one who had exhibited
greater proof of foldieriliip than he himfelf had, at that time, been happy enough to
have an opportunity of evincing.
a»
( i6 )
Then, witli firm ftep, and dauntlefs air,
Cucullin went, and thus the foe addreil :
" Letmc, O valiant knight, (he cried)
" Thy courtefy requeft !
" To me thy purpofe, and thy name confide,
" And what thy Uneage and thy land declare ?
" Do not my friendly hand refufe,
" And profFer'd peace decline ;
" Yet, if thou wilt the doubtful combat chufe,
" The combat then, O fair-hair'd youth ! be thine !"
*' Never iliall aught fo bafe as fear
" The hero's bofom fway !
" Never, to pleafe a curious ear,
" Will I my fame betray !
" No, gallant chief! I will to none
" My name, my purpofe, or my birth reveal ;
" Nor even from thee the combat will I ihun,
" Strong though thine arm appear, and tried thy martial
" ileel.
" Yet hear me own, that, did the vow
" Of chivalry allow,
" I would not thy requeft withftand,
*' But gladly take, in peace, thy proiFcr'd hand.
« So
( 17 )
" So does that face each hoftile thought controul ' !
" So does that noble mien poiTefs my foul !"
Reludlant then the chiefs commenc'd the fight,
Till glowing honor rous'd their fltimbering might !
Dire was the ilrife each valiant arm maintain'd,
And undecided long their fates remain'd ;
For, till that hour, no eye had ever view'd
A fieldyo fought, a conqueft^o pxirfu'd !
At length CuctiUin's kindling foul arofe ;
Indignant ihame recruited fury lends ;
With fatal aim his glittering lance he throws,
And low on earth the dying youth extends.
Flown with the fpear, his rage forfook
The hero's generous breaft.
And, with foft voice, and pitying look,
He thus his brave unhappy foe addreft.
" Gallant youth ! that wound, I fear,
" Is pail the power of art to heal !
" Now then, thy name and lineage let me hear,
" And whence, and why we fee thee here, reveal !
D " Tliat
' Deeply, as it is evident, tliat Conlocli had been prepoflefled againft CucuUin, yet
nature here begins to work ; and the figlit of the paternal face raifcs ftrong emotions
in his breaft. This is finely introduced by the mailerly poet, to heighten the diitrcfs
of the cataftrophe.
( i8 )
" That fo thy tomb with honor we may raife,
" And give fo glory's fong thy deathlefs praife !"
" Approach !" — the wounded youth reply'd"» : —
*' Yet — yet more clofely nigh !
" On this dear earth — by that dear fide
" O let me die !
" Thy hand — my Father! — haplefs chief! —
" And you, ye warriors of o\ir ifle, draw near,
" The anguiili of my foul to hear,
" For I muft kill a father's heart with grief!
" O firil of heroes ! hear thy fon,
" Thy Conloch's parting breath !
" See Dunfcaik's early care " !
" See Dundalgan's cheriili'd heir !
" See, alas ! thy haplefs child,
" By female arts begvul'd,
" And by a fatal promife won,
*' Falls the fad vicilim of untimely death !"
" O my
■ From this line, to the end of the poem, my readers will perceive the neceflity of
an irregular mcafure in the tranflation.
" Dun-Sgathach (i. e. the fortrefs of Sgathach) in the lile of Sky. — It took its name
from a celebrated Albanian heroine, who cftabliihed an academy there, and taught
the ufe of arms.
( '9 )
" O my loft fon ! — ^relentkis fate !-—
" By this curft arm to fall ! —
" Come wretched Aife, from thy childlefs hall,
" And learn the woes that thy pierc'd foul await !
" Why wert thoii abfent in this fatal hour ? —
" A mother's tender power
" Might fure have fway'd my Conloch's filial breail !
*' My fon, my hero then had ftood confeft !
*' But it is paft ! — he dies ! — ah woe ! —
" Come, Aife, come, and let thy forrows flow !
" Bathe his dear wounds ! — fupport his languid head !
" Waih, with a mother's tears, away the blood a father flied !'
" No more (the dying youth exclaim'd,)
" No more on Aife call !
" Curft be her art ! — the treacherous fnare ihe fram'd
" Has wrought thy Conloch's fall !
" Curfe on the tongue that arm'd my hand
" Againft a father's breaft !
" That bound me to obey her dire command,
" And with a lying tale my fovil poffeft ;
" That made me think my youth no more thy care,
♦' And bade me of thy cruel arts beware !
D 3 *' Curft
( 20 )
" Curíl be the tongue to whofe deceit
" The anguiih of my father's heart I owe.
" While thus, to bathe his facred feet,
" Through this unhappy iide,
" He fees the fame rich crimfon tide
" That fills his own heroic bofom flow !
" O yes ! too furely am I thine !
" No longer I the fatal truth conceal.
" Never before did any foe
" The name of Conloch know;
*' Nor would I now to thee my birth reveal,
" But fafety, even from thy dear hand decline,
" Did not my ebbing blood, and fliort'ning breath,
" Secure thy Conloch's honor — in his death.
" But, ah Cucullin ! — dauntlefs knight ! —
" Ah ! — had'ft thou better mark'd the fight !
" Thy ikill in arms might foon have made thee know
" That I was only half a foe !
" Thou would'il have feen, for glory though I fought,
" Defence, — not blood I fought.
" Thou would'il have feen, from that dear bread,
" Nature and love thy Conloch's arm arreil !
" Thou
( 21 )
■" Thou would' íl have feen his fpear inilindivc ilray ;
" And, when occaiion dar'd its force,
" Still from that form it fondly turn'd away,
" And gave to air its courfe "."
No anfwer the unhappy iire return'd,
But wildly thus, in frantic forrow mourn'd.
" O my lov'd Conloch ! beam of glory's light !
" O fet not yet in night !
" Live, live my fon, to aid thy father's fword !
" O live, to conqiieft and to fame reilor'd !
" Companions of the war, my fon, we'll go,
" Mow down the ranks, and chafe the routed foe !
*' Ourfelves an hoft, fweep o'er the proilrate field,
" And fquadrons to my hero's arm ihall yield !
" Not mighty Erin's felf, from wave to wave,
" Not all her chiefs could our joint prowefs brave !
" Gone ! — art thou gone ? — O wretched eyes !
" See where my child ! my murder'd Conloch lies !
*' Lo ! — in the dull his lliield of conqueft laid !
" And proilrate, now, his' once viifloriovis blade !
Olet
" Here is one of thofe delicate ilrokes of nature and fentiment, that pafs fo direilly
to the heart, and fo powerfully awaken its feelings ! — Sympathy bleeds at every
line of this paflage, and the anguifli of the father and the fon arc at once transfufed
into our breafts !
( " )
*' O let me turn from the foul-torturing fight !
" O wretch ! defertcd and forlorn !
" With age's fliai-peft anguiih torn ! —
" Stript of each tender tie ! each fond delight !
" Cruel father ! — cruel ilroke ! —
" See the heart of nature broke ! —
" Yes, I have murder'd thee, my lovely child !
" Red with thy blood this fatal hand I view! —
*' Oh, from the iight diilraclion will enfue,
" And grief will turn with tearlefs horror wild !-
" Reafon ! — whither art thou fled ?—
" Art thou with my Conloch dead ? —
*' Is this loft wretch no more thy care ?
" Not one kind ray to light my foul ;
*' To free it from the black controul
" Of this deep, deep defpair !
" As the lone ikiff is tofs'd from wave to wave,
" No pilot's hand to fave !
" Thus, thus my devious foul is borne !
" Wild witli my woes, I only live to mourn !
" But all in death will ihortly end,
" And forrow to the grave its vidlim fend !
Yes
( 23 )
" Yes, yes, I feel the near approach of peace,
" And mifery foon will ceafe !
" As the ripe fruit, at ihady autvimn's call,
" Shakes to each blaft, and trembles to its fall ;
" I wait the hour that fliall afford me reft,
" And lay, O earth ! my forrows in thy breaft.
Here ends the Poem of Conloch : the fubjedl is indeed conti-
nued in the following pages ; b\it it is in a diftinól and feparate
piece, of which I have feen a number of copies, all in fome
degree differing from each other, and none of them connected
with the above, except in this one copy, which I got from Mr.
O'IIalloran. The following poem, however, is poíTeíTed of
confiderable merit ; and, befides the pathos that it breathes, it
exhibits a fpecies of originality in its way, that is unique^ and
ftriking to a very great degree.
The above tranilation is made from Mr. O'HalloRAn's copy,
bvit the original of the poem here fubjoined, being rather fuller
than the one which was annexed to his, I have for that reafon
adopted it.
( 24 )
THE
LAMENTATION of CUCULLIN,
OVER THE
BODY OF HIS Son CON L.O C H.
XxLAS, alas for thee,
O Aife's haplefs fon !
And oh, of fires the moil undone.
My child ! my child ! woe, tenfold woe to me !
Alas ! that e'er thefe fatal plains
Thy valiant ileps receiv'd !
And oh, for Cualnia's " wretched chief
What now, alas, remains !
What, b\it to gaze upon his grief!
Of his fole fon, by his own arm bereav'd !
Ohad
" Cucullin was called, by way of pre-eminence, the Hero of Cualnia, that
being the name cf his patrimony, which it ftill retains, in the county of
Louth.
( 25 )
O had I died before this hour ! —
My loft, my lovely child !
Before this arm my Conloch's arm oppos'd ;
Before this fpear againft him was addreil ;
Before thefe eyes beheld his eye-lids clos'd,
And life's warm ftream thus iíTuing from his breaft !
Then, Death, how calmly had I met thy power !
Then, at thy worft of terrors, had I fmil'd !
Could fate no other grief devife ?-~
No other foe provide ?
Oh !• — could no arm but mine fuffice
To pierce my darling's fide ! —
My Conloch ! 'tis denied thy father's woe
Even the iad comfort of revenge to know ! —
To rufh upon thy murderer's cruel breaft,
Scatter his limbs, and rend his haughty creft ! —
While his whole tribe in blood fliotTld quench my rage.
And the dire fever of my foul aíTuage " !
The debt of vengeance, then, ftaould well be paid,
And thoufands fall the vidims of thy ihade !
E Ultonian
^ What a piilure of a heart torn with forrow is here exhibited, in thefe wild
ftartings of paflion ! — the foul of a hero, preffed down with a weight of woe, — ftung
to madnefs by complicated aggravations of the moil poignant grief, and ftruggling
between reafon, and the impatient frenzy of defpair ! — How naturally does it rave
around for fome obje£l whereon to vent theburftings of anguiih, and the irritations of
a wounded fpirit !
( 26 )
Ultonian knights ' ! ye glory of our age I
Well have ye fcap'd a frantic father's rage \
That not by you this fatal field is won !
That not by you I lofe my lovely fon ! —
Oh, dearly, elfe, fhould all your lives abide
The trophies from my Conloch's valour torn ;
And your Red-branch, in deeper crimfon dy'd,
The vengeance of a father's arm lliould mourn !
O thou loft hope of my declining years I
O cruel w^inds that drove thee to this coaft!
Alas ! could Deftiny aíFord
No other arm, no other fword,
In Leinfter of the pointed fpears.
On Munfter's plains, or in fierce Cruachan's '' hoil,
To quench in blood my filial light,
And fpare my arm the deed, my eyes the fight !
O had proud India's fplendid plain
Beneath thy prowefs bled,
There, funk on heaps of hoftile flain,
Had thy brave ijpirit fled,
That
* Thefe were the famous heroes of the Red-branch.
In Connaught.
á
( «7 )
That then Emania* might the deed purfue.
And, for thy fate, exadl the vengeance due !
Expiring milUons had thy ranfom paid,
And the wild frenzy of my grief allay'd !
O that to Lochlin's land of fnows
My fon had ileer'd his courfe !
Or Grecian ' ihores, or Perfian ^ foesj
Or Spain, or Britain's force J
There
* By Emania he means the knights of the Red-branch, as a confiderable part
of that palace was occupied by this celebrated body. The part appointed for their
refidcnce was called Teagh na Craoibhe-ruadh (i. e. the palace of the Red-eranch),
where there was alfo an academy inftituted for the inltruttion of the young knights,
and a large hofpital for their fick and wounded, called Bron-hheargy or the Houfe of
the Warriors' Sorrow. See O'Hall. Int. to the Hijl. of Ireland, p. 40. See alfo
Keating.
The palace of Emania, or Eamania, ftood near Armagh. Some ruins of it were
remaining fo late as the time of Colgan. Vide Collect, de Rch. Hib. vol. III. p. 341.
f s The anti-hibernian critic will here exclaim — " What knowledge could Cucullin
" poiTibly be fuppofed to have had of Greece, or Perfia, or of proud India's fplendid
•' plain ? — Does not the very mention banifli every idea of the antiquity of this
•' poem, and mark it out at once as a modern produftion .'"' It is granted that this
would indeed be the cafe, had our early anceRors been really fuch as modern writers
reprefent them: — Barbarians, dejcended from barbarians, and ever continuing the fame t
but their Phoenician origin of itfelf fulRciently accounts for their knowledge of the
fuuation, inhabitants, manners, Sec. of the various nations of the earth ; fince the
Phoenicians, a maritime and commercial people, traded to every port, and were
acquainted with every country.
Befides this, the literary and intelleftunl turn of the ancient Irifli, frequently fent
them, in quell of knowledge, to difterent parts of the globe. " Our early writers
" (fays Mr. O'Hall OR an) tell us, (and Archbilhop Usher aihrms the fame,) that
E 2 '< the
( a8 )
There had he fallen, amidft his fame,
I yet the lofs could bear ;
Nor hon-or thus would ihake my frame,
Nor forrow be — Defpair ! —
Why was it not in Sora's barbarous lands
My lovely Conloch fell ?
Or by fierce Picliih chiefs", whofe ruthlefs bands
Would joy the cruel tale to tell ;
Whofe fouls are train'd all pity to fubdue ;
Whofe favage eyes unmov'd that form could view !
Rejoice, ye heroes of Albania's plains !
(While yet I live, my conquering troops to lead,)
Rejoice, that guiltlefs of the deed
Your happy earth remains !
And
" the celebrated champion Conall Cearnach, Mailer of the Uliler Knights, was
" a£lually at Jerufalem at the time of the crucifixion of our Saviour, and related the
" ilory to the King of Uliler on his return." He alfo adds that one of our great
poets, in tlie fifth century, traverfed the call, and dedicated a book to the Emperor
Theodofius. Many fimilar inilances and proofs could alfo be here fubjoined ; but the
limits of my defign oblige me to refer my readers to the learned works of O'Conor,
O'Halloran and Vallancey, names dear to every fpirit of liberahty and fcience,
but by Irijhmen peculiarly to be revered.
^ The period, when the Pi£ls firft invaded North-Britain, has not (I believe) been
exadly afcertained. — We here find that country divided between the Picts and the
Albanians, and the former mentioned as a bloody and cruel people. — It was not till
two centuries after this that a third colony from Ireland, under Carbry Riada, was
eítabliíhed there.
( í9 )
And you, ye chiefs of Galia's numerous hoíl ;
Blefs the kind fate that fpar'd your favour'd coail '■ !
But what for me — for me is left !
Of more, and dearer far than hfe, bereft !
Doom'd to yet unheard of woe !
A father,' doom'd to pierce his darhng's fide, '
And, — oh ! with blailed eyes abide
To fee the lail dear drops of fiUal crimfon flow !
Alas ! — my trembling limbs ! — my fainting frame " !^
Grief! — is it thou?
O conquering Grief! — I know thee now !
Well do thy fad effecfts my woes proclaim !
Poor Victor ! — fee thy trophies, where they lie ! —
Wafli them with tears ! — then lay thee down and die !
Why
■ I had nearly forgotten to acknowledge, that fome ftanzas of the original of this
poem are omitted in the tranflation ; Cucullin, before this, enumerates the heroes of
the Red-branch ; viz. Conal Cearnach, Loire Buahach, Cormac Conluingeas,
Dubthach, Forbuidh, &c. &c. and tells them, one by one, that they happily
efcaped being guilty of the death of his fon, and the vengeance that he would
have exa£ted. In fome other copies of the poem I do not find thefe ftanzas ; I there-
fore took the liberty of leaving them out, as I thought they broke the pathos of the
compofition ; and, befides, they were (in point of poetry) rather inferior to the reft
of the piece.
" The beautiful lines, in my original, from which the three following ftanzas are
tranflatcd, were not in Mr. O'Hall gran's copy.
( 3° )
Why, why, O Aife ! was thy child
Thus cruelly beguil'd !
Why to my Conloch did'il thou not impart
The fatal fecret of his father's art ?
To warn him to avoid the deadly fnare,
And of a combat on the waves beware '.
Alas, I fink ! — my failing fight
Is gone ! — 'tis loft in night !
Clouds and darknefs round me dwell !
Horrors more than tongue can tell !
See where my fon, my murdered Conloch lies !
What further fuifej-ings now can fate devife !
O my heart's wounds ! well may your anguifli flow.
And drop life's tears on this furpaíTing woe !
Lo, the fad remnant of my flaughter'd race,
Like fome lone trunk, I wither in my place ! —
No more the fons of Usnoth to my fight
Give manly charms, and to my foul delight I
No
^ Some of our romances and poems afcribe to Cucullm the property of being in-
vtilnerable in water, and in relating this circumftance of his life, fay, that (when
hard prefll-d by Conloch) he took the refuge of a ford, and then tJnew the fatal cath-
BOLG, -«'ith whicli lie was fure of kiUing his antagonifl. The preceding poem makes
no mention of this fable, perhaps through tendernefs for the honor of Cucullin ;
and from this, and fome other circumftances, I am tempted to think they were not
written by the fame hand.
( 31 )
No more my Conloch ihall I hope to fee j
Nor fon, nor kinfman now furvives for me !
O my loil fon ! — my precious child, adieu !
No more thefe eyes that lovely form fhall view !
No more his dark-red fpear ihall Ainle " wield !
No more fliall Naoife thunder o'er the field !
No more ihall Ardan fweep the hoilile plains !—
Loft are they all, and nought but woe remains !—
Now, chearlefs earth, adieu thy every care :
Adieu to all, but Horror and Defpair !
" Ainle, Naoife, and Ardan, were the three fons of Ufnoth, whofe tragical
ilory is related in the notes to the preceding poem.
II.
MAGNUS ^HE GREAT:
POEM.
( 35 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE language of the following Poem ^ as it fiow fands, is cei--
tainly too modern to he afcribed to an earlier period than the middle
ages ; — int, whether it did or did not exi/I, prior to thofe times ^ in a
drefs more ancient than that in 'which ive nozvfnd it^ is a matter which
I confefs niyfelf unquaUfied to detcrinme : for, though there be many
reafons to fuppofc that this is really the cafe ; yet there are alfofotne cir-
cumfances in the Poem, which feem to conlradidl the fnppofttion. If
by the Magnus of our Bard, he meajis the Ki?ig of that name, who
made fome defcents on Ireland about the latter end of the eleventh cen-
tury, he is then guilty of a great anacronifn, in fynchronifing heroes,
lahofourifjed at fuch differetit periods ; and we muffx the date of his
compofition at fome time in the twelfth, or thirteenth century. This,
however, is mer-e conjcElure, upon the frength of which, it would be
unfair to judge, much lefs to condemn our Bard. Magnus is a name
fo common among f the Northern princes, that it cannot determine our
opinion.
According to the accounts that Irif hifory gives of Danifh Invafons
in this kingdom, the earlie/l was about the end of the eighth century ;
we therefore cannot fafely re/l upon the credit of our Bards, who tell
us of numberlcfs defcettts, •which that fcrce and warlike people made
upon our coajls, wherein they ivere oppofed and beaten back by kings
and heroes, who fouri/Jjed here in the earlicjl ages of Chri/lianity,
Tet, fmall as is the faith to be placed in mere poetical authority, it ought
F 2 not
( 36 )
7iot to be wholly dlfregardcd : it fcems to me that they miijl have had
fome foundation for their perpetual allnfions to the early period of Dani/h
depredations in Ireland ; nor is the fdence of our hi/lory a fujfficienl
rcafonfor concluding that all their accounts are founded in fBion only.
The greater part of our hi/lorical records are lojl, and^ doubtlefs^
amongf them, many authentic accounts of events much more interejlitig
than this noiv in quefion ; and ijuhich are not mentioned in the feiv of
our annals that yet remain. Befides this, an invafion, fuch as that re-
corded by our Bard, might eafly have paffed unnoticed by either a con-
cife or a carelefs hiforian. The Danes, under his hero, acquired no
footing, gained no viBory in our if and ; they ivere onlyjuf landed, and
beaten back : fo fruitlefs an attempt might have been purpofely omitted by
the hiforian, as not of fifficient confequence to take up room in his
annals; or it may perhaps have been noticed iji fome of our more volu-
minous records, lohich are lof. Add to this, that numbers of the
Latin vuriters (from the commencement of the fourth, to the clofe of the,
tenth and eleventh centuries) fpeak fully of an intercourfe between the
old Inhabitants of Ireland, and the Northern nations. All thefe cir-
cumfances coufidered, it is left to the judgment of the reader, whether
to acquit our Bard of anachronifm, or not.
There are numbcrlefs copies of this Poem in the hands of the learned
and curious. The one from which I have tranfated is in the col-
lection of Mr. Jofeph C. Walker. The author (or perhaps only the
modernifer of the piece) is faid to have belonged to the family of the
O'Neils ; but, what his name was, I have not been able to learn.
MAGNUS
MAGNUS* THE GREAT
A POEM.
OisiN. St. Patrick.
OiSiN. I Care not for thee, fenfelefs clerk!
Nor all thy pfalming throng,
Whofe ftupid fouls, unwifely dark,
Rejed the light of fong :
Unheeduig, while it pours the ilrain.
With Finian glory fwell'd ;
Such as thy thought can fcarce contain,
Thine eye has ne'er beheld !
Patrick.
^ tri(l?i1ir< is pronounced in the Irlih, Mams -, but the name being ^[^''f^
one. is here purpofely written according to the fpelling of the origina . The Irjih
nanies are, in general/given in fuch fpelling as will convey the found of the or,gn.al.
( 38 )
Patrick. O fon of Finn! the Fenil's fame
Thou glorieft to prolong ;
While I my heav'nly King proclaim.
In pfalm's diviner fong.
OisiN. Doil thou infult me to my face ?
Does thy prefumption dare
With the bright glories of my race
Thy wretched pfalms compare ?
Why did my folly let thee live,
To brave too patient age.
To fee how tamely I forgive.
And preach me from my rage !
Patrick. Pardon, great chief! — I meant no ill;
Sweet is to me thy fong ;
And high the themes and lofty ikill
Its noble ftrains prolong.
Sing then, fweet bard ! thy purpos'd tale.
While gladly I attend.
And let me on thy grace prevail
Its lovely founds to lend.
OlSIN.
( 39 )
OisiN. Once, while we cliac'd the dark-brown deer %
Along the fea-girt plain,
We faw a diilant fleet appear, »
Advancing on the main.
Quick ceas'd the hunt : — to eaft, to weil
Our rapid mandate hi'd ;
With inilant march the Fenii preil
To join their leader's iide.
Beneath the chief of mighty fame,
Whom lovely Morna " bore,
Seven warlike bands "^ to join us came,
Colle(5led on the fliore.
Then
" " Thefe hunting matches (fays O'Conor) continued feveral days -, and, in fome
<' feafons, feveral months : at night they encamped in woods, and repofed in booths,
*' covered with the fkins of tlie animals they hunted down." The chafe was alfo, to
them, " a fort of military fchool, which rendered toil eafy, and annexed pleafure to
" the rudeft fatigue. It gave them great mufcular ftrength, and great agility and
" firmnefs againft the feverity of the moil rigorous feafons. It befides taught them
" vigilance ; ikill in archery, and great patience under long abitinence from food.
" They came out of the foreft expert foldiers ; and no nation could excel them in
" rapid marches, quick retreats, and fudden fallies. By thefe means it was, that they
" fo often baffled the armies of South-Britain, and the Roman legions, united."
O'Conor's DiJJertatioiis, p. 71, 10 1.
<^ Morna, or Muirne monchaoimh, (i. e. the beloved maid, with the gentle, or en-
gaging wiles,) was the mother of Finn, and it was in right of her that he poifeiTed
his palace of Almhain. Vide Keating, p. 271.
^ Thefe were the Fiona Ereann, the celebrated militia, fo renowned in the annals
of
( 4° )
Then Finn, the foul of Erin's might,
With fame and conqueft crown'd ;
To deeds of glory to incite,
Addrefs'd the heroes round.
« Which
this country, and in the fongs of her Bards. Dr. Warner gives the following account
of that formidable body.
" The conftant number of this ftanding army in times of peace, when there were
no difturbances at home, nor any want of their afTiftance to their allies abroad, were
nine thoufand men, divided equally into three battalions. But in cafe of any appre-
henfions of a confpiracy, or rebellion againfl the monarch, or if there was any
neceffity for tranfporting a body of troops to Scotland, in order to defend their
allies, the Dalriada's, it was in the power of Finn, the generaliihmo, to encreafe
his forces to feven battalions, of three thoufand each. Every battalion was com-
manded by a Colonel ; every hundred men by a Captain ; an officer, in the nature of
a Lieutenant, was fet over every fifty ; and a Serjeant, refembling tlie Decurio of
the Romans, was at the head of every five and twenty. When they were drawn
out for a£lion, every hundred men were diftributed into ten files, with ten (of
courfe) in each ; and the leader of the file gave the word to the other nine. As it
was thought a great honor to be a member of this invincible body of troops, their
General was very ftriil in infilling on the qualifications neceflary for admiffion
into it."
" The parents, (or near relations) of every candidate for the militia, were to give
" fccurity that they would not attempt to revenge his death, but leave it to his fellow-
" foldiers to do him juilice. He muil have a poetical genius, and be well acquainted
" with the twelve books of poetry. He was to ftand at the diilance of nine ridges
" of land, with only a (tick, and a target ; and nine foldiers were to throw their
" javelins at him at once, from which he was to defend himfelf unhurt, or be re-
•• je£led. He was to run through a wood, with his hair plaited, purfued by a com-
" pany of the militia, the breadth of a tree only being allowed between them at
" fetting out, without being overtaken, or his hair falling loofe about him. He was
" to leap over a tree, as high as his forehead; and eafily ftoop under another that
" was as low as his knte. Thefe qualifications being proved, he was then to take
( 41 )
" Which of my chiefs the firft will go
" To yon infulted ihore,
" And bravely meet the daring foe,
" Their purpofe to explore !"
Then
" an oath of allegiance to the King, and of fidelity to Finn, his commander in
" chief.
" The reader will judge of the propriety of moil of thefe qualifications; but tliis
" was not every thing that was required, in order for admiirion into this illuflrious
" corps. Every foldier, before he was enrolled, was obliged to fubfcribe to the fol-
" lowing articles. That, if ever he was difpofed to marry, he would not conform to
" the mercenary cuitom of requiring a portion with his wife ; but, without regard to
" her fortune, he would chufe a woman for her virtue, and courteous manners.
" That he would never ofl^er violence to any woman. That he would be charitable
" to the poor, as far as his abilities would permit. And that he would not turn his
" back, nor refufe to fight with ten men of any other nation.
" In the times of peace, they were required to defend the inhabitants againil the
*' attempts of thieves and robbers ; to quell riots and infurreftions ; to levy fines,
*' and fecure eftates that were forfeited for the ufc of the crown ; in fliort, to fup-
" prefs all feditious and traiterous pradlifes in their beginning ; and to appear under
" arms, when any breach of faith required it. They had no fubfiftence money from
" the monarchs but during the winter half year, when they were billeted upon the
" country, and difperfcd in quarters. During the other part of the year, from the
" firil of May to November, they were encamped about the fields, and were obliged
«• to fifh and hunt for tlieir fupport. This was not only a great eafe to the monarch
" and his fubjeds, but it inured the troops to fatigue, preferved them in health and
«' vigour, and accuilomed them to lie abroad in the field : and in a country which
«' abounded fo much with venifon, fiili, and fowl, as Ireland did, it was no other
" hardiliip than what was proper to the life of foldiers, to be obliged to draw their
" fubfiftence in the fummcr feafon from thofe articles.
" They made but one meal in four and tvi'enty hours, which was always in the
« evening ; and befidcs the common method of roaft:ing their meat before the fire,
" they had another very remarkable, and which they fcem mofl: to have praélifed.
G « The
( 42 )
Then Conan ' of the froward mind,
The bald M'Morni fpoke,
And as his fpleenful foul inclin'd,
His fneering accents broke.
" O chief
" The places, which they chofe to encamp in, were always in :he neighbourhood of
" wattr, where great fires were made, in order to heat fome large ftones, for fod-
" dening of their meat ; here large pits were dug, into which they threw a layer of
" ftones, when they were hot, and then a layer of flefh, covered up in fedges or
" ruflics ; then another courfe of ftones, and another of flefti, till the pit was full,
" or their quantity of meat was finiflied. While their food was ftewing in this man-
" ner, they waflied their heads, necks. Sec. till they had cleanfed themfelves from the
« duft and fweat, occafioncd by hunting -, and this contributed as much to take off
" their fatigue as it did to promote their health and cleanlinefs. When they were
" drcfled, and their meat v/as ready, they uncovered the pits, and took out their food,
" of which they eat large quantities with great chearfulnefs and fociability.
" If their exercife led them, as it often did, to too great a diftance to return to
" the camp, as foon as dinner was ended they erc£ted little temporary tents or
«' booths, in which their beds were laid out, and conftrufted with great exaftnefs.
«' Next the ground were placed the fmall branches of trees, upon which was ftrcwed
" a large quantity of mofs, and over all were laid bundles of rufiies, which made a
«« very commodious lodging, and which, in the old manufcripts, are called « The
" Three Beds of the Irifti Militia.' The mirks . of their fires continue deep in the
" earth, in many parts of the ifland, to this day ; and when the hufbandman turns up
•' the black burnt clay with his plow, he immediately knows the occalion of it; and
" even now that foil is called by the name of ' Fullacht Finn.' The militia were as
" much under difcipline, when encamped thus in the fummer, as when they were at
" quarters, and they were at ftated times obliged to perform their military exercife.
" Befides thefe regulations for the army, the celebrated Finn, who was as great a
" philofopher as a general, drew up feveral axioms of jurifprudence, which were incor-
" porated into the celcftial judgments of the ftate." Warner's Hi/?, of Ire/and, p. 289.
* Conan, wherever he is mentione^S or wherever he appears, always bears the fame
characler for infolcnt pcrverfenefs ; but, like Homer's Therfites, he was endured; and
probably for the fame reafon.
í»
( 43 )
" O chief of Erin's batt'ling hoíl !
" Whom íhould yon navy bring ? —
" Haply feme Prince, or hero's boaft,
" To match our ivond^rotis King !
" Let Fergus, peaceful Bard, advance
" To meet their haughty lord ;
" He, with accuftom'd art, perchance
" The threaten'd blow^ may w^ard '."
" Peace, tongue accurs'd, bald, froward fool
(The graceful Fergxis cry'd)
" Think'ft thou I move beneath thy rule,
" To go or to abide ?
" Yet, for the Fenli, I will go
" To yon infulted fliore,
" And meet, for them, the daring foe,
" Their purpofe to explore."
G 2 Bright
f In the trandation of this pafTage, more is given than is ahfolutely cxprefTed in the
original, but not move than is implied : the words of Conan here are very few ; — he
only fays " Who, O mighty Finn of battles! who iliould there be but fome great
<« chief, or prince, coming againfl thee ? — let Fergus then, with his coniummate art,
" go and meet him ; he is acculiiomed to fuch errands." From the epithet pervcrfi,
oxfronuard, being bellowed on Conan, immediately before ; and from the angry reply
of the ufually gentle Fergus, I coUeded the full force of the intended irony, and uii-
deritood whatever my tranflation has added.
( 44 )
Bright in the glittering blades of War,
The youthful Fergus goes ;
Loud fovinds his martial voice afar %
And greets the diftant foes.
" Whence are thofe hoils ? Come they the force
" Of Finlan arms to brave ? —
" Or wherefore do they fteer their courfe
" O'er Erin's guarded wave ?"
" Mac-Mehee, of the crimfon ihields "",
" Fierce Magnus heads our bands,
" Who Lochlin's mighty fceptre wields,
" And mighty hoils commands."
« Why
s " With us (fays Mr. "Walker) as with the ancient Greeks, (Iliad, b. v.) before
" the ufe of trumpets was known in our armies, it was the bufinefs of thofe Herald-
" bards, (who had Stentoric lungs,) to found with the voice the alarm, and call the
" fquadrons together." H'Jl. Mem. of Irijl} Bards.
A loud and well-toned voice was, indeed, peculiarly neceffary to the Bard ; fincc,
without it, it was impoíTxble that the animated exhortations of his Í^O^g-CítCd
could be heard, amidit the din of arms.
'' The ihields of the Danes were ufually coloured crimfon. We find in Holin-
shed's Chronicle, where he defcribes the army led by Hafculphus againft Dublin, in
the reign of Henry II. that " their ihields, bucklers and targets, were round, and
" coloured red, and bound with iron." Perhaps, however, it is only in a figurative
fenfe, that the redjlncld is here mentioned by the poet, as having been often dyed in
the blood of the enemy; it is in this fenfe that we frequently read of the red /pear,
the redfivord, &c.
( 45 )
" Why does he thxis our coails explore,
" And hither lead his power ?
"If peace condudls him to our iliore,
" He comes in happy hour."
The furious Magnus fwift reply'd,
With fierce and haughty boail,
(The King whofe navy's fpeckled' pride
Defied ovir martial hoft.)
** I come (he cried) from Comhal's fon
" A hoilage to obtain ;
" And, as the meed of conqueft won,
" His fpoufe and dog to gain".
« His
■ Breac, fpeckled. — I have nothing but conjeci^urc to offer upon this epithet ; and
muft leave it to thofe who are better verfed in Northern antiquities, to determine what
kind and degree of ornament is here meant.
* It is not certain, whether fuch a demand as that of " the fpoufe and dog"
was ufual, upon fimilar occafions, amongft the Scandinavian, or Celtic nations.
Among the Afiatics and other ancients, it was the cuitom to demand " earth
and water," as a token of fubmiíTion. The " fpoufe and dog" are here infifted on,
evidently in the fame fenfe ; and perhaps it was the praiflife of the Northerns to
do fo.
( 46 )
" His Bran', whofc flectnefs mocks the wind,
" His fpoufe of gentle love :
" Let them be now to me reiign'd,
" My mightier arm to prove."
" Fierce will the valiant Fenii fight,
" And thin will be their hoft,
" Before onr Bran fliall, in their fight,
" Perform thy haughty boaft ;
" And Finn will fwell green Erin's wave
" With Lochlin's " blood of pride,
" Before his fpoufe ihall be thy flave,
*' And leave his faithful fide."
" Now by that generous hand of thine,
" O Fergus ! hear me fwear,
i " Though bright your Finian glories lliine,
" And fierce you learn to dare ;
" Or
• This Bran is much celebrated in many of the Finian talcs and poems, for fidelity
and extraordinary endowments.
" Lochlin is the Gaelic name for Scandinavia in general.
( 47 )
" Or Bran íhall foon the dark-bro^vn deer
" O'er Lochlin's hills purfue ;
" Or foon this arm ihall teach you fear,
" And your vain pride fubdue."
" Though ftrong that valiant arm you deem,
" "Whofe might fo loud you boail ;
" And high thofe martial troops efleem,
" Whofe numbers hide our coail ;
" Yet, never with thy haughty will
" Shall Erin's chief comply ;
" Nor ever deer, o'er Lochlin's hill,
" Before our Bran fliall fly."
Mild Fergus then, his errand done,
Return'd with wonted grace ;
His mind, like the unchanging fiin ",
Still beaming in his face.
Before
" The reader's attention is particularly called to the peculiar beauty of this image,
and indeed of the whole preceding paiTage. How exquifitely is the charadler of
Fergus fupported ! He greets the enemy with courtefy ; he is anfwered with in-
folence ; yet ftill retains the fame equal temper, for which he is every where diftin-
guiihed. We fee his fpirit rife, but it is with fomething more noble than rcfent-
ment ; for his reply to Magnus breathes all the calmnefs of philofophy, as well as
the energy of the patriot, and the dignity of the hero.
( 48 )
Before bright Honor's generous chief,
His noble fire, he goes ;
And thus unfolds, in accents brief.
The meíTage of his foes.
" Why fliould I, from the valiant ear,
" The words of death withhold ;
" Since, to the heart that knows no fear,
" All tidings may be told.
" Fierce Magnus bids thee inilant yield,
" And take the granted hour ;
" Or foon the dire contefted field
" Shall make thee feel his pow'r ;
" Fleet-bounding Bran, his deer to chafe,
*' And prove his mightier arm ;
" And thy foft love, his halls to grace,
" And his fierce foul to charm ;
" Thefe are his proud, his ftern demands,
" Or foon, from ihore to fhore,
" His fpear ihall defolate thy lands,
" And float thy fields with gore."
" From
( 49 )
«* From me ftiall my foft love be torn,
" A ftranger's halls to grace ? —
" Or my fleet Bran away be borne,
" A ill-anger's deer to chafe ? —
*' Oh ! firft fliall ceafe this vital breath,
« And ufelefs be this blade ;
« And low in earth, and cold in death,
" This arm be powerlefs laid !
*♦ O Gaul ! fliall thefe redoubted bands
" Stand cold and filent by ;
« And hear fuch infolent demands,
" And not to vengeance fly !
" Shall we not chafe yon vaunting hofl:,
" With rout and death away,
« And make them rue their haughty boafl:,
" And rue this fatal day ? "
" Yes, by that arm of deathful might,
" O Comhal's noble fon !
" Soon fliall our fwords purfue their flight,
" And foon the field be won j
H " Yon
( 5° )
" Yon King, whofe fliips of many waves
" Extend along our coaft,
" Who thus thy power infulting braves,
" And dares our gallant hoft.
" Soon lliall this arm his fate decide,
" And, by this vengeful blade,
" Shall that fierce head of gloomy pride
" In humble duft be laid !"
" Not fo ! (with eager warmth exclaim'd
My generoxis fon of Love)
" Yon King, though fierce, though widely fani'd,
" Thy Ofgur's arm ihall prove !
" Soon his twelve Judges' tribe '' before
" My valiant troop iliall flee ;
" And their proud King ihall fall, no more
" His iile of boars to fee."
" No,
P In the original, clctH cttl TDct COnltt)ftte-clC "D^d^. (tribe of the twelve
Counfellers or Judges). <' Odin, the conqueror of the North, eftabliihed in Swe-
" den a fupreme court, compofed of twelve members, to ailill him in the functions
" of the prieflhood, and civil government. This, doubllefs, gave rife to what was
«' afterwards called the fenate ; and the fame eftablifliment, in like manner, took
*' place in Denmark, Norway, and other Northern ilates. Thefe fenators decided,
" in the lad appeal, all differences of importance ; they were, if I may fo fay, the
" afleflbrs
( SI )
" No, mine" (the famed Macluya '^ cry'd)
" Mine be yon vavinting foe !
" Mine be the taik to check his pride,
*' And lay his glories low !
" Dark Norway's King myfelf will meet,
" And well his arm employ :
" For danger, in thy caufe, is fweet,
" And life is rifqvi'd with joy."
" No, I to glorious fame will fpring !
(Brown Dermid ' cry'd) " or die ;
" Mine be to meet yon ftranger king,
" His boailed arm to try :
H 2 " Strong
" afleflbrs of the prince ; and were in number twelve, as we are exprefsly informed
" by Saxo, in his Life of King Regner Lodbrog. Nor are there other moruments
" wanting, which abundantly confirm this truth. We find in Zealand, in Sweden,
" near Upfal, and, (if I am not miflaken) in the county of Cornwall alfo, large
" flones, to the amount of twelve, ranged in the form of a circle, and, in the midfl:
'< of them, one of fuperior heighth. Such, in thofe rude ages, was the hall of
" audience ; the ftones that formed the circumference were the feats of the fenatcrs ;
*' that in the middle was the throne of the King." Mallet's Northern Antiquities,
p. 44, note ■=.
1 Mac Luigheach.
' For an account of Dermid ; fee notes on The Chafe.
' Fcelan.
( 52 )
" Strong though it be, it foon iliall yield,
" While in thy caufe I fight ;
" Or foon thefe eyes, on yonder field,
" Shall clofe in endlefs night."
" My vifion now I call to mind !
(The ilarting Fallan ' cry'd)
" I dream'd that with ' the Mooriih ' King,
" Alone the fight I try'd :
" At length, methought, one lucky aim
" Struck OÍF his gloomy head ;
" And thence my foul forebodes our fame,
" And fees our glories fpread !"
" Bleft be your fouls, ye arms of war " !
(The blooming Finn exclaim'd)
" May victory bear your triumphs far,
*' To diilant nations fam'd !
« But,
i?)5 t)^e lid Í3^ectjt Hgrij^ttl. — Literally " the King of the country of the
Moors." This feems a (Irange paflage, and I rnuft; confefs myfelf unable to conjeflure
whence it could have taken rife, or what connei^ion there could have been between
the Iriili and the Moors.
" How natural and how beautiful is this burfl of feeling ! We fee the affciflions of
Finn exult ilill more in the attachment of his heroes, than his piidc does in their
prowefs.
( S3 )
" But, my brave troops ! your chief alone,
«' Shall chief in danger be ;
" And Magnus fliall be all my own,
« Whate'er the fates decree.
« Strong though his arm, the war to wage,
" I mean that arm to try ;
" Nor from his might, nor from his rage,
« Shall Erin's chieftain fly '."
Then, girding on each warlike blade.
And glorying in their might.
Our martial hoil advanc'd, array'd.
And ardent for tlie fight.
Aufpicious arms around us blaz'd %
Each thigh its weapon grac'd ;
And, on each manly ihoulder rais'd,
A fpear of war is plac'd.
Each
» There is not one of the heroes who fpeaks with fo much modefty as Finn, the
grcateft of them all. The reft promife, with confidence, a certain fuccefs to their
valour-; he alone fpeaks without a boaft, and is modeft, though determined.
y The pagan Irifli had a cuftom, which was introduced by the Tuatha-de-Danans,
of ufing charms, to enchant their weapons, previous to their going to battle ; but
perhaps, by the mora aufpicious, the poet only means that their weapons had- been
tried and vidorious in fight.
( 54 )
Each chief with ardent valour glows,
To prove the faith he fwore ;
And forth we march, to meet the foes
Encamp'd upon the ihore.
No mirth conduds the night along ;
No wax ^ illumes our board :
Nor faíFron % banquet, wine or fong.
The darkfomc hours afford.
At length we fee grey morning rife
Upon its early dew ;
And the firft dawn of eailern fkies
Gives Lochlin's hoil to view.
Before us, on the crouded ihore.
Their gloomy ftandard rofe.
And many a chief their navy bore,
And many princely foes.
And
•'■ It appears ftrange to meet with luax-lights amongft the antient Irifh, but thofe
xnentioncd in this paflage were probably a part of the plunder of the Roman pro-
vinces.
' I cannot conjcdlure the reafon why faffron is here introduced, and mufl:
therefore difmifs the paflage without any thing more than a faithful adherence to my
original.
( 55 )
And many a proud and boiTy iliield,
And coat of martial mail ^^
And warlike arms of proof they wield,
To guard, or to aíTail.
And
*> We here fee a marked difference between the arms and appearance of either
hoft. The troops of Magnus are covered with fteel ; but we meet with no coats of
mail amongft the chiefs of the Fenii.
" It ihould feem (fays Mr. Walker) that body armour of any kind was un-
" known to the Iriih previous to the tenth century, as we find King Muirkertach, in
" that century, obtaining the afcititious name of Muirkertach na geochall croccann,
" for fo obvious an invention as that of the leathern jacket. Yet coats of mail are
" mentioned in the Brehon laws, and the word mail is fuppofed to be derived from
" mala in Iriih. Though the poets * of the middle iiges defcribe the heroes of Oifin,
" as iliining in polifhed iteel, no relic of that kind of armour has efcaped the wreck
<f of time in Ireland ; nor has there even a fpecimen of the brafs armour, in which
" it is faid the Danes fo often met the Iriili, fallen under my obfervation. Smith
<' indeed tells us that corfelets of pure gold were difcovered on the lands of Clonties
" in the county of Kerry f ; but thefe might have been left there by the Spaniards,
" who had a fortification called Fort del Ore, adjoining thofe lands.
" That the bodies of Iriihmen fliould have been totally defencelefs with refpeil to
«' armour, during their feveral bloody contefts with the Danes, I am neither prepared
" to admit nor deny; but I confefs myfelf inclined to think, that their inflexible
«« attachment to their civil drefs would not yield to the fafliion of the martial garb
" of their enemies, though it gave thofe people an evident advantage over them in
" the field of battle. It is however certain that the Engliih did not find them cafed
" in armour %•" H'Jl. Ejfay on the Drefs and Armour of the Irifj, p. lo6.
* The poet before us is, however, (as well as many others) an exception.
+ Nat. and Civ. Hijl. of Kerry, p. 187 One of thefe corfelets was purchafed by Mr. O'Half.oran, the
gold of whicli was fo duilile, as to roll up like paper. Introd. to Hiji. of Ireland, p. 21 0.
Í Vide SrFNCER*j Stats of Ireland.
( 5« )
And many a fword with iluds engrav'd '
In golden pomp was there ;
And many a filken ftandard wav'd
Its fplendid pride in air.
And many a chief in fight renown'd,
Finn of the banquets led,
And many a helmet '' darkly frown'd
On many a valiant head.
And
« I am not certain whether thefe four lines relate to the troops of Magnus, or thofe of
Finn, and have therefore purpofely given to the tranilation, the fame ambiguity which
is found in the original. It is, however, moil probable that the poet here fpeaks of
the Fenii, becaufe the two lines from which this verfe is tranflated begin a ftanza in.
the oritrinal, and in the third line, " Finn of the banquets" comes in. However,
" Golden-hilted fwords have been found in great abundance in this kingdom ; and
«« wc are told, in the Life of St. Bridget^ that the king of Leiniler prefented to Dub-
" tachus, her father, a fword ornamented with many coilly jewels, which the pious
" virgin purloined from Dubtachus, and fold for the charitable purpofe of relieving
" the neceflities of the poor." Hijl. EJfay on the Drefs and Armour of the hip, p. 1 1 8.
<• At what period helmets were firft worn in Ireland, is a matter of mere con-
ie£lure. That they were in ufe, previous to the tenth century, is certain, from
ifome coins, difcovered in the Queen's county, in the year 1786; (Tranf. cf the Royal
Irl/J}. Acad. 1787. See alfo Simon'.; EJJhy on Iríjh Coins.) But how much earlier, or
of what kind of metal they were formed, I have never been able to difcover. Mr.
Walker's memoirs of our ancient armour, give an account of a golden helmet, which
was found in the county of Tipperary ; it is defcribed as refembling in form a
huntfman's cap, with the leaf in front divided equally, and elevated, and the fcull
encompaffed with a ribband of gold crimped. Golden helmets are fometimcs, but
fcldom, mentioned in the Irilh poems which have fallen under my obfervation ; but
with helmets of fome fort, all their warriors are armed. Clogad in general they are
called.
( 57 )
And many a warlike axe * was there,
To hew the ranks of fight ;
AikI many a gUttering fpear ^ in air
Arofe with ilately height.
And
called, but hardly aver defcribed ; and when they are, it is In fucTi figurative language,
that one can neither determine on the form, nor the material of which they are com-
pofed. " The ftrong helmet," and " The dark frowning helmet," are the moil common ;
but fometimes we meet with " The golden helmet," " The helmet enwreathed with
" gold," and " The helmet blazing with gems of the Eaft." Thefe latter are in
general defcribed as a part of the armour of foreigners, not of Iriih.
* The Irilh were particularly expert in the ufe of the Cudi-CctCtt, or battle-axe.
Cambrenfis, in fpeakiiig of this dreadful weapon, as wielded by our countrymen, hys,
" They make ufe of but one hand to the axe, when they ilrike, and extend their
«< thumb along the handle, to guide the blow, from which neither the crefted helmet
" can defend the head, nor the iron folds of the armour, the body ; whence it has
" happened, in our time, that the whole thigh of a foldicr, though cafed in well-
«' tempered armour, liath been lopped off by a fingle blow of the axe , the whofe
" Jimb falling on one fide of the horfe, and the expiring body on the other."
^ A great number, and a variety of fpear-heads have been found, in diiFerent parts
of this kingdom. The Colle&aiiea de Rebus Hibernicis has furniilied drav/ings of feve-
ral, and feveral more are given in Mr. Walker'/ Memoir on the Anmtir of the Irifi.
Stanihurst has defcribed the dexterous manner in which the Iriih ufe the fpear
or lance. " They grafp (fays lie) about the middle, heavy fpears, which they do not
" hold pendant at their fides, under their arms, but hurl with all their ftrength over
" their heads." In fpight of tlie incommodious length of thefe weapons, Harris
tells us, that the Iriih ufually cail them with fuch might, as no Haubergcon or coat
of mail were proof againft their force, but were pierced through on both fides.
Hiberii. p. 52.
I The
( s8 )
And many ? a chief of martial fame,
And prince of mighty fway,
All rang'd beneath our banners came
That memorable day.
Bright -waving from its ílafF, in air,
Gall-grena " high was rais'd,
With gems that India's ' wealth declare,
In radiant pomp it blaz'd.
The
The helmet, the fword, the axe, and the ipear, are the only arms with which the
poet before us has funiiflied the Irifli troops *, though to the enemy he has given
coats of mail, and iliields; and this circumilance fo far confirms the moil corredt
ideas that we have been enabled to form of the arms of our ancient countrymen.
This, however, does not invalidate the authority and antiquity of other poems, in
which we find fome of the moil diftinguiflied chiefs of the Fenii pofleffed of ihields ;
not the wicker target, but of metal, and fometimes embofled with gold. Thefe we may
very well fuppofe were trophies borne away from vanquiihed enemies, and therefore,
though we ihould find them ftill more frequently mentioned, it would not be a
matter of wonder.
Í The repetition of the word many is exaftly literal ; it had an admirable effect in
the original, and, I thought, alfo, appeared well in an Liiglifh drcfs.
* The blazing fun. — This was the celebrated itandard of the Finian general.
■ The words in the original are cXocy^X) Cjjlg- dllOjjl, i. e. precious ftones from
the country cf the ealt.
»
• Etcd the target is not mentioned ; but this appear* only an omiflion of the pott, for it ii certain that it
was univerfali; in uic amongft the auticnt Iriih.
( 59 )
The next in rank, and next in name,
Gaul's Fu'tlla'tng-torrlgh ' rofe,
Attendant on its mailer's fame,
And dreadful to his foes ;
Oft, while the field of death he brav'd,
Triumphant in his might,
High o'er the ranks its beauty wav'd,
And led the rage of fight !
At length we mov'd ; — then was the Ihock !
Then was the battle's roar !
Re echoing iliouts from rock to rock
Refounding, fhook the fliore !
With tenfold might each nerve was ilrung ;
Each bofom glowd witli flame I
Each chief exulting, forward fprung,
And ruih'd to promis'd fame !
The foe recoil'd ? — fierce on we preft,
For freedom or for death !—
Each arm to vengeance was addreft.
And viclory gafp'd for breath»
' The ftandard of the tribe of Morni.
I 2 Almoft
( 6o )
Almoíl the bloody field was won,
When through the ranks of fight,
Dark Lochlin's king, and Comhal's fon,
Iluili'cl forth, like flame, to fight.
Pound on their falling hoft?, their eyes
With rage and grief they threw ; —
Then, fwift as bolts from angry ikies,
They fierce to vengeance flew !
Each Chief, with the colle6led rage
Of his whole hoil was fir'd ;
And dire was the fufpence, O Sage !
That dreadful fight infjiir'd !
As when two finewy fons of flame
At the dark anvil meet ;
With thuiodering found, and ceafelefs aim
Their mighty hammers beat :
Such are the fierce contending kings !
Such ftrokes their fury fends ;
Such thunder from their weapons rings,
And fparkling flame afcends !
Dire
( 6i )
Dire was the rending rage of úght^
And arms that ilream'd with gore ;
Until dark Lochlin's ebbing might
Proclaim'd the combat o'er.
Beneath the mighty Finn he lay,
Bound ' on the blood-ilain'd field j
No more to boaft his martial fway,
Or hoilile arms to wield,.
Then, bafe of foul, bald Conan fpoke—
" Hold now the King of Spears,
" Till, with one juil and vengeful ftroke,,
" I eafe our future fears !"
" ITngenerous chieftain that thou art !
(The haplefs Magnus cry'd)
" With thee no mercy can have part ;
*' No honor can abide !
« Not
t
» From this, and many fimilar paflliges, if appears that our ancient countrymenj,
in their martial contefts, thiriled rather for honor than for blood. In the heat and
confufion of a mixed engagement, numbers were necefHirily flaughtered ; but, where-
ever mercy could be (hewn, we find that ihe conqueror fpared the life of even his
bittereft enemy, and was content with the honor of laying him " bound on the
« field."
( 62 )
" Not for thy favour e'er to call
«' My foul flaall I abafe ;
" Beneath a hero's arm I fall,
" Beneath a hero's grace,"
" Since then to me the glory fell
" Thy valour to fubdue,
" My arm Ihall now thy foes repel,
" Nor injure thofe who fue.
" For thoxx thyfelf an hero art "",
" Though Fortvme on thee frown ;
" Rife therefore free, and free depart,
" With unimpair'd renown.
" Or chufe, ftrong arm of powerful might !
" Chufe, Magnus, now thy courfe :
" With generous foes in peace unite,
" Or dare again their force.
" Better
" The ancient Iriih have been repeatedly ftigmatifed with the name of Barhar'tans.
Their fouls, their manners, and their language, were thought alike incapable of any
degree of refinement. The reader will cafily judge how lictle of the marks of barba-
rifm appear in the paflage before us ; yet this poem has been the favourite of many cen-
turies; and its antiquity has never been queftioned, though the date cannot be exactly
afcertained. Heie, however, it may be urged, that we do not contend for its bei;ig
of prior date to the middle ages. Does this then invalidate the proof? and were
we lefs barbarians, when torn with civil broils, and foreign invafions, than when we
were a conquering and flourifliing people ?
( 63 )
*' Better our friendíhip to engage,
" And be in peace ally'd,
" Than thus eternal warfare wage,
*' Defying and defy'd."
«' O never more my arm, through life,
" Againft thee, Finn, ihall rife !
« O never fuch ungrateful ilrife
" Shall Mehee's fon devife !
" And O ! that on their hills of fnow
" My yoxiths had ilill remain'd,
« Nor thus agalnil a generous foe
*' Unprofpei-Qus war maintain'd !
«' Exulting in their confcious might,
" And glorying in their fame,
" And gay with fpoils of many a fight,
« And fluih'd with hope they came !
*< (O fad reverfe ! O fatal hour !
" In mangl'd heaps to die !)
« Too mighty Erin ! to thy power,
« Pale viaims, here they lie."
Thus
X
( 64 )
Thus was the mighty battle won
On Erin's founding ihore ;
And thus, O Clerk ! great Comhal's fon
The palm of valour bore !
Alas ! far fweeter to my ear
The triumphs of that day,
Than all the pfalming fongs I hear.
Where holy zealots pray.
Clerk, thou haft heard me now recite
The tale of Lochlin's Haame,
From whofe fierce deeds, and vanquiih'd might,
The battle took its name.
And by that hand, O blamelefs ilige !
Hadft thou been on the fliore.
To fee the war our chiefs could wage ;
The fway their prowefs bore : —
From Laogare's fweetly flowing ftream %
Had'il thou the combat view'd,
The Fenii then thy thoughts would deem
With matchlefs force endued.
Thou
° In hopes of being able to afcertaln the fccne of this battle, I have endeavoured
to find which of our rivers was anciently called by the name of Laog<jre's Stream,
but
( 65 )
Thou hí^íl my tale, — Tho' memory bleeds,
And forrow waftes my frame,
Still will I tell of former deeds.
And live on former fame !
Now old, — the ilreams of life congeal'd.
Bereft of all my joys ! *
No fword this wither'd hand can wield,
No ipear my arm employs".
Among thy clerks, my lail fad hour
Its weary fcene prolongs ;
And pfalms muil now fupply the pow'r
Of vidory's lofty fongs.
but in vain. I can difcover nothing more of it than what the poem points out, that it
is near to and within fight of the fea.
° How beautifully pathetic is the clofe of this poem ! Surely every reader of fenfi-
bility muft fympathife with a fituation fo melancholy, and fo very feelingly defcribed !
K
III.
The chase
O E M.
K 2
( % )
ADVERTISEMENT.
MT curiofity refpcBing the Poem of The Chafe, -was frjl
awakened by a long extras from it, which I faw in Mr. Walker's
Memoirs of the Iriili Bards. / accordijigly wrote to that Gentleinan,
to reqtiejl an entire copy of it, and alfo bis opinion refpeEling the age
in which it was compofed ; together with aiiy anecdotes upon the
fubjeEl, which his knowledge of Irifh Antiquities might enable him to
afford me. To this requef I received an anfijuer, from which I have
obtained Mr. WalkerV permiffion to give the following extracl, as an
uitroduBion to the Poem,
" / am happy tofnd that my work has been the means of intro~
" ducitig the Poem of The Chafe to your notice. It is indeed eminently
" dcferving of the judg^nent you have pajfcd upon it. The fory is ex-
" tremely inter ejling, and admirably well conduced; and for brilliancy
*' of fancy, and powers of defcription, we may almofl rank the author
" with Arioilo himfelf^
" / a7n forry I cannot afford you all the information I could wifj
" tipon the fubjeB of this beautiful Poem : indeed I have little more to
" offer than vague conje&ure.^'
" The legend "which either gave rife to, or was taken from the Poem
" of The Chafe, is frequently alluded to, in many of the written, as
" well
( 70 )
" well as traditional tales of the Irifi. It is alfo ingcnioujly interwoven
" with the romance of *fe-)f C)j;e- Cctiia)t1. Of its antiquity I cattnot
" fpeak with any certainty ; all my enquiries concerning the author, and
" the a^e in ivhich it was written, have been unfuccefsful. Nor can
" we gi-ce it (at leafl in its prefent drefs,) either to Oifin, or to any
" other poet of the age in which he lived. The marks of a claffical
" hand appear frequently throughout the ivhole ; and the mention of
" bells alfo feein to bring it forward to more modern times ; fo that
" I far we fjotdd rifk an error in afcrihing it to any period earlier than
" the middle ages"
" / have never had an opportunity of vifiting the fcene of this
" Poem, though I often faw Slieve Guillen, at fome d fiance, as I
" travelled through the county of Armagh. But a friend, whofe
" bufinefs often leads him to that mountain, drew up, at my requef, the
" following defcription of it, in "which you will fnd mention of the
'* lake zvhere the poet tells us the gallant Finn paid fo dearly for
" his complaifance, when he fought the Enchantref s ring ; and alfo
*' of the cave nvhence fhe iffued, when preffed by the Finian heroes to
" re/lore their beloved chief to his pr'fline form."
' / am tenant to a lady for Slieve Guillen, (fays my correfpondeíit,)
and often vifit it, during the futnm.er, to fee my cattle. In July laf,
(1788) I went over the extent of this m.ountain : From bottom to top it
is reckoned two miles. On the fiimmit there is a large heap of f ones,
ivhich is called Cailleach Birrn's Houfe ; in which it is faid that
Finn Mac Cunihal lies buried ; and, at an hundred paces di/lance, on
* nearly
( 7' )
* nearly the fame Itvel^ there is a circular lakc^ the diameter of ivhich
* is about one hundred feet ; and is about tiaenty deep. On one fide of
' this lake^ another heap of f ones is piled ; and round it, at all fea-
' fons, is a beaten path, leading to the Old Lady's, or Witch's Houfe.
* Lately, fome pcafants, expeBing to fnd out this old "woman, ("who,
* however, has at no time thought proper to appear,) threw donvn her
' houfe, and came to a large cave, about twenty feet long, ten broad,
*■ and fve deep, covered ivith large fags, in ivhich either the dame,
' or tnoney was expe&ed, but only a fe-w human bones were found.
' From thefummit of this mountain, if the day happens to be clear, you
* command an extenfve view of Lough-Neagh, and all the circum-
* jacent country.^
Mr. Walker, after this defcription of the mountain by his friend,
adds his regret that he was not poffeffed of a complete copy of The
Chafe ; but I afterwards procured one from Maurice Gorman, of
this city ( a profeffor of the Irifj language), and from that copy I have
made my tranfation.
The
The chase
M.
"OisiN. St. Patrick.
OiSiN. V_/ S O N of Calphrum ! — fage divine !
Soft voice of heavenly fong,
Whofe notes around the holy flirine
Sweet melody prolong ;
Did
* There are numberlefs Irifli poems ftiU extant, attributed to Oifin, and either
addrefled to St. Patrick, or like this, compofed in the form of a dialogue between
the Saint and the Poet. In all of them, the antiquary difcovers traces of a later
period than that in which Oifin flouriihed ; and moil of them are fuppofed to be the
compofitions of the eighth, ninth and tenth centuries. But be they of what age
they may, as produdlions abounding with numberlefs beauties, they plead for prefer-
vation, and recommend themfelves to tafte : and as, (at the very lateft period to which
it is poiTible to afcribe them,) they muft certainly relate to an age of mucli antiquity,
L and
( 74 )
Í)ld e'er my tale thy curious ear
And fond attention draw,
The ftory of that Chafe to hear,
Which my fam'd father faw ?
The Chafe, which fingly o'er the plain,
The hero's fteps purfu'd ;
Nor one of all his valiant train
Its wond'rous progrefs view'd.
Patrick. O royal bard, to valour dear,
Whom fame and wifdom grace.
It never was my chance to hear
That memorable Chafe.
But let me now, O bard, prevail !
Now let the fong afcend ;
And, thro' the wonders of the tale,
May truth thy words attend !
OlSIN,
and re^edl much light on manners, cuftoms and events that, in confequence of
modern pyrrhonifm, have been doubted to have eve»- exifted, tbey furely have a high
and ftilous claim to attention, and tall equally upon the poet, the hiftorian, and the
public-fpiiitcd, to prefcrve thcfe rcliques of ancient genius amongfl: us ! But Jr'.Jljmen
— all of them at lead who would be thought to pri-le themfelves in the name, or to
reflect back any part of the honor they derive from it ; — they are particularly called
upon, in favour of thSir country, to refcue theie Httle fparks from the aihes of her
former glory.
( 75 )
OisiN. O Patrick! — to the Finian race
A falfehood was unknown ;
No lie, no imputation bafe
On our clear fame was thrown ;
But by firm truth, and manly might
That fame eílabliíh'd grew,
Where oft, in honorable fight ",
Our foes before us flew.
Not thy own clerks, whofe holy feet
The facred pavement trod,
With thee to hymn, in concert fweet.
The praifes of thy God ;
>iot thy own clerks in truth excell'd
The heroes of our line.
By honor train'd, by fame impell'd
In glory's fields to iliine !
O Patrick of the placid mien,
And voice of fweeteil found !
Of all thy church's walls contain
Within their hallow'd round,
L 2 Not
■* The heroes of ancient Ireland were fworn never to attack an enemy at any difad-
vantage. O'Halloran.
( 76 )
Not one more faithful didft thou know
Than Comhal's noble fon.
The chief who gloried to beftow
The prize the bards had won ' !
Were Morni's valiant fon '' alive,
(Now in the deedlefs grave,)
O could my wifh -from death revive
The generous and the brave !,
Or
^ In ail thefe poems, the charafter of Oifin is fo inimitably well fupported, that
we lofe the idea of any other bard, and are for a time perfuaded it is Oifin himfelf
who fpeaks. We do not feem to read a narration of events, wherein the writer was
neither a witnefs, nor a party : — it is the Son, — the Father, — the Hero, — tlie Patriot
who fpeaks ; who brentlies his own paflions and feelings on our hearts, and compels
our fympathy to accompany all his griefs ; while, in a ftrain of natural and inipaf-
fioned eloquence, he defcants on the fame and virtues of a parent whom he defcribes
as at once fo amiabls, and fo great ; and bewails the lofs of all his former friends,
kindred, and companions, and laments his own forlorn and difconfolate ilate, in
apoftrophes that pierce the very foul of pity ! — Befides paflages which occur in this, and
the two poems of Magnus and Moira borb, the rtgdltclrtl Ojlill 1 pct"n)1ir5
exhibits a very patheric iiiftance, where,, lamenting the lofs of his father and his cele-
brated Fenii, he exclaims, " To furvive them is my depth of woe ! the banquet and
" the fong have now no charms for me ! Wretched &nd old, — the poor folitary rem-
" nant of the Fenii ! Why, — O why am I yet alive I — Alas, O Patrick ! grievous is my
" ftate ! — the laft of all my race ! — My heroes are gone ! my íírength is gone ! —
" Bells I now hear, for the fongs of my bards •, and age, blindncfs and woe are all
" that remain of Oifin !"
■^ The celebrated Goll, or Gaul Mac Morni. He is a favourite hero, in mod of
the Fian tales ; and is in general ranked next to Finn Mac-Cumhal, and equal to
Ofgur, in point of prowefs. Great as is Oifin's pirtiality in favour of the heroes of
hfe own race, yet we find him, on all occafions, doing ample juftice to the cha-
racter
( 11 )
Or Mac-0'Dhuivne% graceful formy
Joy of the female iight ;
The hero who would bread the ftornv
And dare the unequal fight.
Or he whofe fword the ranks defy'd,
Mac-Garra, conqueil's boaft,
Whofe valour would a war decide,
His fnigle arm an hoft
f
Or could Mac-Ronan s now appear.
In all his manly charms ;
Or — Oh my Ofgur " ! wert thou here,
To fill my aged arms !
Not
Tafler and valour of a chief, who was not allied to his family, and whofe tribe had
even, at diíTerent times, been their very bittereft enemies.
* Diarmad, or Dermot Mac O'Dhuivne. This hero was celebrated for his extra-
Ordinary beauty, and the graces of his form : — but we find he was not lefs brave
than beautiful.
' PolTibly this was the Mac Garraidh Mac Morni, king- of Connaught, mentioned
in the War-Ode to Oigur at the battle of Gabhra. His having been, at that time, the
enemy of the Fenii, would not be a reafon fuíBeient to prevent the poet from making
Oifm fpeak thus highly of him here ; — on the contrary, the Iriih heroes were in-
ftrufted, from their youth, to refpeft a brave enemy ; and made it a point of honor
to fpeak of them in honorable terms. It is very feidom that an inftance to the con-
trary occurs, as the attentive reader will perceive, through the whole courfe of thefe
poems.
s Caoilte Mac Ronain ; he is a very diíllnguiíhed chief amongfl: the Fenii, and a
favourite with all their poets.
* Ofgur, the fon of Oifin, who was killed at the battle of Gabhra.
( 78 )
Not then, as now, iliould Calphruin's fon.
His fermons here prolong j
With bells, and pfalms, the land o'er-run.
And hum his holy fong !
If Fergus ' liv'd, again to fing,
As eril, the Fenii's fame ;
Or Daire % who fweetly touch'd the firing,
And thrill'd the feeling frame ;
Your bells, for me, might found in vain,
Did Fiugh the little, live ' ;
Or Fallan's " generous worth remain,
The ceafelefs boon to give ;
Or
' Fergus, the brother of Oifin, and chief poet of the Fcnii. See D'Jf. on the
War-Ode.
* We find nothing particular related of this Daire, further than his (kill in mufic.
This enchanting fcience, as well as poetry, was cultivated by the chiefs of antient
Ireland.
' Hugh, or Aodh beag Mac-Finn.
f We meet this hero again, in the poem of Magnus.
( 79 )
Or Conan bald", tlio' oft his tongtie
To rage provok'd my breail ;
Gr Finn's iinall dwarf", whofe magic fong-
Oft luH'd the ranks to reft.
Sweeter to me their voice would feem-
Than thy pfalm-iinging train ;
And nobler far their lofty theme.
Than that thy clerks maintain !
Patrick. Ceafe thy vain thoughts, and fruitlefs boafts j
Can death thy chiefs reftore ? —
Son of the King of mighty hofts.
Their glories are no more.
Confide
» For the charafter of Conan, fee the notes on the preceding poem.
" It is not eafy to determine whether the poet, here, only means, that this dwarf
had a voice of that particular cadence, as naturally to incline his hearers to fleep -, or
whether he means to afcribe to him the aitual powers of magic. Upon the fubje£l
of the dwarf, I have only conjecture to offer. In the learned and curious work of
Monf. Mallet, we find that, amongft the nations of the North, the Laplanders
were confidered as dwarfs, on account of the comparative lownefs of their ftature ;
and alfo, that their extreme ingenuity in the mechanic arts, which a difpofition of
mind, naturally pacific, gave them leifure and inclination to purfue, had acquired
them the reputation of being {killed in magic. Perhaps the little Being here men-
tioned miglit have been one of thofe. Oifin, we fee, piqued at the infinuation of
St. Patrick, takes pains to iliew him, that, from the firil of the heroes, down to the
laft ■, . even the very dwarf that belonged to Finn, was dearer, and more acceptable to
him than he was.
( 8o )
Confide in him whofe high decree
O'er-rules all earthly power ;
And bend to him thy humble knee,
To him devote thy hour j
And let thy contrite prayer be made
To him who rules above ;
Entreat for his almighty aid.
For his protecting love 1
Tho' (with thy perverfe will at ftrife,)
Thou deem'il it ftrange to fay,
He gave thy mighty father life.
And took that life away.
OisiN. Alas ! thy words fad import bear,
And grating founds impart ;
They come with torture to mine ear.
And anguifli to my heart !
Not for thy God thefe torrents fpring.
That drain their weeping fource.
But that my Father, and my King,
Now lies a Ufelefs corfe !
Too
( Si )
Too much I have already done.
Thy Godhead's fmile to gain ;
That thus each wonted joy I fliun,
And with thy clerks remain !
The royal robe, the focial board,
Mufick and mirth are o'er.
And the dear art I once ador'd
I now enjoy no more ;
For now no bards, from Oifm's hand.
The wonted gift receive p ;
Nor hounds, nor horn I now command.
Nor martial feats atchieve !
j^ O Innisfail !
p All Iriih HlftoHcs, Chronicles and Poems, concur In teftimony of the high re-
fpea in which the office of the Bard, and the favours of the Mufe, were formerly he d
In this kingdom. Oifin, at once a Hero and a Bard, is fuppofed to have felt equally
for bothi as a Bard, to have felt the dignity and importance of thofe talents, winch
Aad power to confer the immortality of fame. that, as a Hero, he fo ardently de-
fired We, therefore, are not to wonder if we find him frequently recurnng with a
pleafed, yet melancholy retrofpeaion. to thofe happy days, when he jomed, to the
luxury of beftowing, the glory of encouraging an art, of which he was h.mfelf a
mailer.
( 82 )
O Innisfail ! thy Oifin goes
To guard thy ports no more";
To pay with death the foreign foes
Who dare infult thy iliore ' !
I fpeak
" Dr. Hanmer, in his Chronicle, gives us a long lift of the chieftains, under the
command of Finn-IS'Iac-Cumal, who were particularly appointed to the care of the har-
bours of Ireland ; at the end of which he adds, " Thefe were the chiefe commanders
" by direftion from Fin M'Koyll, who tooke farther order that beacons ihould be fet
" up in fundrie places of the land, where, in time of danger, they might have
" diredlion for reliefe, and to draw a head for their defence.
' "We find Oifin, in this paflage, does not appear fo old, or fo infirm, as he is re-
prefented in many other of the Flan Poems; on the contrary, he laments — not his
inability — but the religious reftraints which detain him from the field. Perhaps the
poet here means to ihew the over flrained zeal of the early Chriflian miflionaries,
who, finding the Irilh chiefs fo paflionately devoted to military glory ; fo haughty,
high fpirited and impatient of injury; thought it impoflible ever to bow their minds
to the dodrine of meeknefs, without carrying it abfolutely to an extreme, that ex-
ceeckd the reafonable bounds prefcribed by its divine Teacher. They were, however,
fuccefsful : — the fame enthufiafm that led our heroes to the field, foon after plunged
them into cloifters. Still it was a fenfe of duty ; the obje£t only was changed ;
through an unhappy error, they thought themfelves performing an acceptable fervice to
heaven, by contradicting the very purpofes for which heaven defigned them ; by re-
fufing to fulfil the obligations of acftive life, and withdrawing alike from the fpheres of
domcftic and public duty, to devote themfelves to the auftcrities of fecluded penitence,
produdlive only of individual^ inftead oi general advantage. Still, however, they were
impelled by an ardour to perform, in its fuUeft extent, that fervice which they con-
ceived to be their tluty ; and therefore, for the confequcnces of fuch a miftake, they
were more to be pitied than condemned.
Of the fame nature were tlie motives that influenced the hofts of Ifrael (confider-
ing only the letter of the law,) to fubmit themfelves tamely to the fwords of their
enemies, rather tlian defend their lives, at the hazard of offending heaven, by what,
they
( 8j )
I fpeak not of the fall fevere
Thy rigid faith has taught ;
Conipar'd with all the reft I bear,
It is not worth a thought.
Patrick. O! Olfin of the mighty deed!
Thy folly I deplore ;
O ! ceafe thy frenzy thus to feed,
And give the fubjeá: o'er.
M 2 Nor
they conceived, would be a breach of the fabbath day. But Mattathias, and his
heroic fons, more enlightened — not lefs religious than their miflaken countrymen,
flood forth and faid, " If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our
" lives and our laws, againft the heathen ; they will now quickly root us out of
" the earth. Whoever fhall come to make battle with us, on the fabbath day, wc
" will fight againft him ; neither will we die all, as did our brethren !" — And the cou-
fequence was, that «' the work profpered in their hands, and they recovered the law
" out of the hands of the Gentiles, and out of the hands of Kings, and fuffered
" not finners to triumph." Maccabees, b. i. ch. 2.
But the Iriih, lefs inftru£led in Uiefpirit of true religion than the fons of Ifrael had
been, did not fo foon perceive, and recover from their error -, an error to which, Mr.
O'Halloran thinks, we may in part attribute the fuccefs of Danifh invafions,
and of Engliih arms in Ireland ; for, while fuch numbers of their princes and chiefs
abandoned the government, and the defence of their country, for the barren duties of
a cloifter, the remaining patriots, who faid, " Let us fight for our lives and our laws
" againft the heathen," were not always fufficient to the talk. Thofe of their princes
and nobility, who were led away by a noble, but unhappy miftake, had they enter-
tained the true fenfe of what Chriftian duty demanded, would have been the
braveft defenders, the firmeft friends of their country ; but, deprived of them, flie
remained, for the moft part, a prey to foreign invaders ; or elfe, torn by the tumults of
her own factious fons, — too few of her nobler offspring remaining for her de-
fence.
( 84 )
Nor Finn, nor all the Finian race.
Can with his power compare,
Who to yon orbs afligns their place.
And rules the realms of air !
For man yon azure vault he fpreads.
And clothes the flow'ry plains ;
On every tree ibft fragrance ilieds.
And blooming fruit ordains !
'Tis he who gives the peopl'd ilream.
Replete with life to flow ;
Who gives the Moon's relplendant beam.
And Sun's meridian glow !
Would'il thou thy puny King compare
To that Almighty hand,
Which form'd fair earth, and ambient air.
And bade their powers expand ?
OiSiN. It was not on a fruit or flower
My King his care bcfliow'd ;
He better knew to fliew his power
In honor's glorious road.
To
( 8s )
To load with death the hoftile field ;
In blood, his might proclaim ;
Our land with wide proteélion íliield,
And winff to heaven his fame !
*t>
In peace, his tranquil hours to blefs,
Beneath foft beauty's eye ;
Or, on the chequer'd field of chefs %
The mimic fight to try ;
Or
* t)ZC)ll, is thc.Iriih name for Chefs. " I have not been able to find the Irlih
" names of the niín of this game, but it was univerfally played by the ancient nobi-
" lity of Ireland. Dr. Hyde fays, the old Irifli were fo greatly addifted to chefs,
" that, amongft them, the polTeffion of good eftates has been often decided by it :
" and, adds he, there are fome eftates, at this very time, the property whereof ftill
" depends upon the iffue of a game at chefs. For example, the heirs of two certain
" noble Iriih fapiilies, whom we could name, (to fay nothing of otiiers,) hold their
" lands upon this tenure, viz. that one of them ihall encounter the other at chefs, in
" this manner; that which ever of them conquered, iliould_ feize and poflefs the
" eftate of the other. Therefore, (fays the doctor,) I am told they manage the affair
" prudently among themfelves ; once a year they meet, by appointment, to play at
" chefs ; one of them makes a move, and the other fays, I will confider how to
" anfwer you next year. This being done, a public notary commits to writing the
" fituation of the game ; by which method, a game that neither has won, has been,
" and will be continued for fdme hundred of years.
" I find, in the old Brehon Laws, that one tax, levied by the Monarch of
" Ireland, on every province, was to be paid in chefs-boards, and complete fets of
« men : and that every iruigh (or inn-holder of the ftates,) waS obliged to furniih
" travellers w:th fait provifions, lodging, and a chefs-board, gratis.'' Vallancey's
Iri/b Grammar^ EJfay on the Celtic Lang. p. 85.
( 86 )
Or Sylvan fports ', that well befeem
The martial and the brave ;
Or, plung'd amid the rapid ftream,
His manly limbs to lave.
But, when the rage of battle bled !
Then — then his might appear'd,
And o'er red heaps of hoilile dead
His conquering ftandard rear'd !
Where was thy God, on that fad day,
When, o'er lerne's wave,
Two heroes plough'd the wat'ry way.
Their beauteous prize to fave ?
From Lochlin's King of Ships, his bride.
His lovely Queen they bore,
Through whom unnumber'd warriors dy'd.
And bath'd in blood our ihore ".
Or
■• See O'Conor's Differtntiom, p. loi.
" A note for this paflage was furniilied from Z_ctO)"D 3l)f15e-£tT7 thÚ)^,
.(i. e. tlie Poem of Aivgean the Great) in the colleclion of J. C. Walker, Efq; the
ilory of which is briefly this.
Two heroes, (Mac-Connacher and Ainle,) were forgotten by Finn at his feaft :
They refented the neglccl of their chief, tlefertcd from his ftandard, and went over to
that of his enemy, Airgean, King of Lochlin.
The
(
( 8? )
Or on that day, when Tailk's ^ proud might
Invaded Erin's coaft ;
Where was thy Godhead in that fight,
And where thy empty boail ?.
While
The graceful beauty of Ainle's form, infpiring the young Queen of Lochlin with a
guilty and fatal pafTion, flic fled with Iiim and his friend to Ireland, whither they were
purfued by the furious King, who determined, if pofllble, to facrifice all the Fenii,
for the crime of a fingle hero. The poet exprefsly tells us, that Finn would have
compelled the guilty pair to make all the reparation which the nature of the cafe
would admit of; and further, offered from himielf fuch conditions of peace, as he
thought might prevent the neceflity of his fighting in fo difhonorable a caufe : — but
his overtures were rejedled with difdain, and he w;is conllrained to the iíTue of a
battle. The ilaughter on each fide was dreadful ; the Iriili, in the end, were vi£to-
rious- Ainle himfjlf was killed in the engagement •, but the poet does not deign to
take any further notice of the unhappy partner of his crimes.
^ Tailk or Tailc Mac Trein. — A Poem on this fubjeft is ii> the fame co!Ie£lion with
Ú\:í\.qí A'ti-gcan the Great; there is alfo another copy of it, entitled LttO)"D CHOC tljft
Hit ^t (i. e. the Poem of the Hill of Slaughter). It contains fome beauties, but,
upon the whole, is fcarce worth tranflation. The flory, however, is here extradled,
to gratify any curiofity tliat may be excited by the line to which this note refers.
A Grecian Princefs flies, in difguft, from the brave, but fierce and deformed Tailk
Mac Trein, whom her father had compelled her to marry, and folitits the proteition
of the Finian commander. He grants it, of courfe, but his generofity cofts him ácar,
Tailk purfues his wife, and fights the Fians, who refufe to give her up to him. After
an incredible flaughter, he is at length fubdued, ami killed by Ofgur, the grandfon of
Finn.
The Princefs beholds the havoc flie has occafioned, and overcome by the emotions
of grief, terror, and fufpence, which fhe had fufTered, during the conflift, and fhock-
ed to fee the numbers of her generous proteftors, that had fallen in her defence, flie
finks beneath the prefTure of her feelings, and expires in tlie midil of her fur-
viving deliverers.
( 88 )
While rotind the braveft Fenii bled,
No help did he beilow ;
'Twas Ofgiir's arm aveng'd the dead,
And gave the glorious blow !
Where was thy God, when Magnus came ^ ?
Magnus the brave, and great ;
The man of might, the man of fame,
W^hofe tlireat'ning voice was fate !
Thy Godhead did not aid us then j —
If fuch a God there be.
He ihould have favour'd gallant men,
As great and good as he !
Fierce Anninir's wide-wailing fon,
Allean ^, of dreadful fame.
Who Tamor's treafures oft had won.
And wrapt her walls in flame ;
Not by thy God, in iingle fight.
The deathful hero fell ;
But by Finn's arm, whofe matchlefs might
Could ev'ry force repel !
" Vide Poem of Mn^ritis the Great.
In
'^- No connedled, or probable account, has been learned of this hero, and his con-
^uefts.
( 89 )
In ev'ry mouth his fame we meet,
Well known, and well believ'd ;-
I have not heard of any feat
Thy cloudy King atchiev'd.
Patrick. Drop we our fpeech on either fide,
Thou^ bald and fenfelefs fool ' !
In torments all thy race abide ",
While God in heaven fliall rule.
OisiN.
» It muft be owned, this railing is rather of tlie coarfeft ; but our poet feems more
partial to his heroes than to his faints, or he would hardly have put this language into
the mouth of the good biihop.
" In the 2L5<lltttiil 0)f ,tl "I pít'T?|l'Ví5 (i. e. Dialogue between Oifin and St.
Patrick), the Saint gives his reafon for fuppofing what he here aflerts.
p. )f itHfee-dlt te- we-<t"D<x)f tict cco-m,
S'le- |ijc()i iict fluctj 5<tc la,
21511^ gciti ^nnici)rie-tfD it ft "Djii,
?Lcct '^)o^\ -net i?-<:jttti ittttjMt.
2Lti 'ptú.^ hwrb {t)n\ <t5 bftOT^ctt) of ft.
2hie-)fijc c-ct^ufiiiibct]^ <t)|i T))!.!,
Cct fe- ttrcjs lid bpf''^'" 1^"^ hii\ún.
In Engliili, — " It is becaufe his whole time, and delight, were engrofled by the plea-
«« fures of the chafe, and the pomp of warlike hofts -, and becaufe he never beitowed a
" thought upon God, that Finn of the Fenii is in thraldom. — He is now confined in
N " torment;
( 9° )
OisiN. If God then rules, why is the chief
Of Comhal's gen'rous race
To fiends coniign'd, without rehef
From juftice, or from grace ?
When, were thy God himfelf confin'd.
My King, of mild renown,
Would quickly all his chains unbind,
And give him back his crown.
For
" torment ; nor does all his wealth, or generofity avail him, for the want of piety to-
" wards God : — for this he is now in forrow, in the Manfion of Pain."
To thefe lines, immediately follows a paflage, that very much refembles this part of
The Chafe.
^0. ílldJHe-ítT) 'fdOldfl, CtgUf ^ott,
?l5 "D'viiie-, 110 dg 2>')it
f^) bejc f ^011 iia b■f)iX^\ ttlajiii !
21>ct tnrtj|iett"D ctctnnci 9/o5titie- fcjj,
yV"o ctii-Mtici 6<iqjf5iie- {)^ ba rjiectii,
f/o hc-)t dii zeúc ítcct 'fe-)n !
In Engliih, — " If Fallan and Gaul now furvived, Dcrmot of the dark-brown
" locks, and Ofgur of the mighty arm ; — nor man, — no nor even Deity, ihould have
" power to detain their King in bondage ! If the tribe of Morni yet lived, or the
" heroes of Boiflnie's gallant race ; — forth from thence their mighty Finn would they
" bring, or rend the infernal dominion from its immortal ruler !"
( 91 )
For never did his generous breail
Rejedl the feeUng glow ;
Refufe to fuccour the diilreft,
Or flight the captive's woe.
His ranfom loos'd the prlfoner's chains,
And broke the dire decree ;
Or, with his hofts, on glory's plains,
He fought to fet them free " !
O Patrick ! were I fenfelefs grown,
Thy holy clerks Ihovild bleed.
Nor one be fpar'd, to pour his moan
O'er the avenging deed !
Nor books, nor croiiers ihould be found,
Nor ever more a bell ""j
Within thy holy walls fliould found,
Where prayers and zealots dwell,
N 2 Patrick.
■= What a beautiful idea of the chara£ler of Finn, thefe wild ftanzas convey ?
■* " Small bells, (fuch, we mean, as were appended to the tunic of the Jewifli
" high prieft, and afterwards employed by the Greeks and Romans, for various reli-
" gious purpofes, but particularly to frighten ghofts and demons from their temples,)
" — were undoubtedly introduced with Chriilianity'^into this kingdom; being then
«' univerfally, as now, tinglcil occafionally at the altars of the Roman Catholics, by
" the ofliciating prieft. Their ufe amongft the Chriftian clergy is fuppofed to hs
-" coeval
( 92 )
Patrick. O Oiíin, of the royal race I
The actions of thy fire,
The king of fmiles, and courteous grace,
I, with the world, admire ;
Thy
" coeval with their religion ; and the miflionaries who were fent to convert the
" pagan Iriili, would not omit bringing with them an appendage of their profeflion
«' which io ilill thought fo necelTary.
" But the period at w hich large bells, for belfries, were firft ufed here, is not fo
*' eafy to determine. Primate Uiher informs us, that bells were ufed in the churches
«' of Ireland in the latter end of the feventh century ; but as be does not afcertain
«' the fize of the bells, nor mention belfries, we may conclude he only means the
" fniall bells alluded to above. Sir John Hawkms, on the authority of Polyd.
" Virgil, afcribes the above invention of fuch bells as are fufpendcd in the towers,
«' or ftecples of churches, to Paulinus of Nola, about the year 400 ; but W. Strabo
" affures us, that large fufpended bells were in his time (in the ninth century) but
" a late invention. Now, as the perfecuted Chriftians, in the infancy of the church,
•« dared not openly avow their profeflion, much lefs publicly fummon a congregation
" by the found of a bell, we are inclined to lean to Strabo's aíTurance ; fo that we
" cannot venture to give an higher antiquity to large fufpended bells in this kingdom,
" than the calm which immediately fucceeded the expulfion of the Danes ; at which
•' time, according to Walfh, the Chriflian clergy converted the round towers into
" fteeple-houfes, or belfries ; ' from which latter ufe of them (continues he,) it is, that
' ever fince, to this prefent time, they are called, in Irifh, Cloghteachs ; that is,
* belfries, or bell-houfes, doc and clog fignifying a bell, and teack, a houlc, ia
' that language." /////. Mem. of the Irj/h B^rds, p. 93.
Of the large fufpended bell, Mr. Walker certainly fuppofes the poet to fpeak, when
he fays, that " the mention of bells feems to bring the poem forward to more modern
" times." But this gentleman, not having the original of the paffage now before us to
confult, did not perfedly recolleft the precife words that muft determine the diftinc-
tion. There is not the Icaft mention of a fleeple or belfry ; — the words are finiply
thefe — >I0 clog tlct tCftuC ctfj "DO C)Ll (literally) " nor a bell of prayer time in
" thy church ;" Cflttc is in the genitive cafe, yet I conceive that it muft mean
" a bell at prayer time," (of or diritig the time of prayer). The reader is, however,
at liberty to decide.
( 93 )
Thy ilory therefore I await,
And thy late promife claim,
The Chafe's wonders to relate,,
And give the tale to fame.
OisiN. O Patrick ! tho' my forrowing heart
Its fond remembrance rend,
I will not from my word depart,
Howe'er my tears defcend !
Full joyous pail the feflive day
In Almhain's ftately hall %
Whofe fpears, with ftudded fplendours gay,,
Illum'd the trophy'd wall-
The
' Almhain, or Almhuin (pronounced Alwin) the palace of Finn Mac-Cumhal, in
Leiniter : It was built on the top of the hill called, from it, " The Hill of Allen," in
the county of Kildare.
In the OYfLe- O^p^ (i. e. Rhapfody of Oifin) wherein he gives an account of the
feven celebrated battalions of the Fenii, there is a paflage, partly deferiptive of the
palace of Almhain, its oeconomy, feafts, &c.
2»o coiid)|tc |te- mo 1)t),
tt)5e- 'f)orj |ie- gcic nol,
"oe-jc cce-tttj cofiti 50 byiteci^s
( 94 )
The feaíl was for the Fenii ipread <" ;
Their chiefs, aíTembled round.
Heard the fong rife to praife the dead,
And fed their fouls with found.
Or
2>o Z>5 "Oct Z3iW5)ii "oe-ctg
-^ct le-6)\ <itite-£fo tiiitDUT),
iig tiittc ^ti5)iie tayvs-,
ittriiOjii lid b-^rjicii iifi.
í3o hj ■Dd ,fe^ cejiice-
50 c]r)ze- xtti f5ttc cjÉ,
-^ectit ■] ce-á-D 5ctti 5ct^T)e
'fct 5itc cejiie- TDjoZj fjTi.
In Englifli, — " I have feen, when I banqueted in the halls of Finn, at every
" banquet, a thouland cups, (cOjl )l) bound with wreaths of wrought gold.
" There were twelve palaces, filled with the troops of the fon of the daughter of
" Tages, at Almhain of the noble Fenii.
" Twelve conitant fires flamed in each princely houfe ; and each fire was fur-
'« rounded by an hundred of the mighty Fenii."
Many of our romances, and poems, give accounts of fplcndid entertainments at
this palace of Almhain.
' In this defcription of the feaft at Almhain, the poet accords exaftly with the
accounts which our hiftory and annals have given, of the manner in which the early
Iriih held their entertainments. See O'Conor on this fubject. " Conformable
« (fays he) to tlie fpirit of hofpitality, their entertainments were frequent, and
" rational ; feldom diforderly. Every fubjecl; of the Fikacht entered into their con-
« vivial aíTociations ; peace, and war ; fcience, and law ; government, and morals.
*' Thefe ferious fpeculations gave way, in their turn, to fports and paftimes, wherein
" they fung the aftions of their anceftors, and the exploits of their heroes. Nothing
" could
( 95 )
Or on the chequer'd fields of chefs
Their mimic troops beftow'd ;
Or round, to merit or diflrefs,
Their ample bounty ilow'd.
At length, iinnotic'd of his train,
The Finian king « arofe.
And forth he went where Almhain's plain
With neighbouring verdure glows.
There, while alone the hero chanc'd
To breathe the fragrant gale,
A yovmg and beauteous doe advanc'd,
Swift bounding o'er the vale.
He call'd his fleet and faithful hounds,
The doe's light fteps to trace ;
Sgeolan and Bran '■ obey'd the founds,
And fprting upon the chafe.
Unknown
" could animate their youth more. From thefe recitations they derived intrepidity
" of mind, and many noble feelings, which counteradted tlie treachery and malevo-
•« lence to which our human nature is otherwife fubjeft." O'Conor'j- DiJJertatiotis
on the Hijl. of Ireland^ p. loo.
s Finn was not a king, though, indeed, few kings were pofleflcd of more authority
and power. í?]5 "Hií h■.Z]■^X^^ (king of the Fenii,) means no more than general, or
military fovereign over that formidable body.
'' Sgeolan, and Brann, were the two famed and favourite dogs of Finn.
( 96 )
Unknown to us, no friend to aid,
Or to behold the deed ;
His dogs alone, and Luno's blade ',
Companions of his ipeed.
Swift on to ileep Slieve Guillin's foot ^,
The doe before him flew ;
But there, at once, ihe mock'd purfuit,
And vanifli'd from his view !
He knew not whether eail or weft
She paft the mountain's bounds.
But eaft his random courfe he preil,
And weft his eager hounds !
At
' In the original, 1'rídC it 11 l^Ttl, (the fon of Luno). This fword, tradition
tells us, was made by a fmith of Lochlin, named Luno, and therefore it was called
after him, poetically, the fon of Luno What makes this account the more probable
is, that we do not find the fwords of the Irifli heroes diftinguiflied by names, as
amongft tholJe of the northern nations, and alfo of ancient Britain.
Anecdotes have been fought for, in vain, of this famous Lun, or Luno ; but,
from t!ie wonders recited, of the product of his art, it feems probable that he was
one of thofe people, whom the Norwegians denominated dwarfs, and complimented
with the reputation of Magic. See Northern Jntlquities, vol. ii. p. 46.
" Give me out of the tomb, (fays Hervor) the hardened fword, -which the divarfs
j«o</i' for Suafurlama." Five P'ures of Run. Poetry, p. 13.
*• Here the mufe has led our poet and his hero a very long dance indeed ; and fo
beguiled the way with the melody of her fong, that he appears to have been quite
infenfiblc of the diilance between Ahnhain in Leinller, and Slieve Guillin in Ulfter,
and in the county of Armagh.
( 97 )
At length he ftopp'd, — he look'd around,
To fee the doe appear ;
When foft diilrefs, with plaintive found,
Aifail'd his gentle ear.
The plaintive found, quick to his bread,
With wonted influence fped ;
And on he follow'd in its queil,
Till to Lough-Shieve it led.
There he beheld a weeping fair.
Upon a bank reclin'd,
In whofe fine form, and graceful air,
Was every charm combin'd.
On her foft cheek, with tender bloom ',
The rofe its tint beilow'd ;
And in her richer lip's perfume,
The ripen'd berry glow'd.
O Her
' The Irifli poets, both antient and modern, abound, and excel in defcriptions of
female beauty. The one before us, though exquifitely charming, is not Jlngly fo ; for
the collcttion of fongs, contained in this volume, exhibit many inftances of the fame
fpecics of excellence j and many more arc to be found in other fongs and poems, ia
the Iriih language.
( 9« )
Her neck was as the bloíTom fair,
Or like the cygnet's breaft.
With that majeftic, graceful air,
In fnow and foftnefs dreft :
Gold gave its rich and radiant die,
And in her trelTes flow'd "> ;
And like a freezing ftar, her eye
With Heaven's own fplendour glow'd ".
Thyfelf, O Patrick ! hadft thou feen
The charms that face difplay'd ;
That tender form, and graceful mein,
Thyfelf had lov'd the maid !
My
"• A learned friend remarked, on this paflage, that the poet here drew from his
ftore of Eaftern imagery, for that golden hair was unknown in thefe cold climates.
It is certain that the mention of yellow, or golden hair, though it fometimes occurs,
yet is not very common in the defcriptions of our poets ; — the " fair waving trefles"
are mofl general ; fometimes we are told of " hair like the raven's wing," and often
of locks " of Ihining brown," which, from the brightncfs afcribed along with the
colour, we may conclude to have been auburn.
° For this defcription of eyes, the poet has indeed left our world — and every one
in it — far behind him.
In one of Carol an's fongs, compofed for Mifs Mary O'Neil, he has given the
following beautiful fimile, which, though indeed not equal to the above, is yet well
entitled to prefervation. — " Her eyes (fays he) arc, to her face, what a diamond is
•' to a ring, throwing its beams around, and adorning the beauty of the fetting."
( 99 )
My king approach'd the gentle fair,
The form of matchlefs grace. ^
« Hail thou, fweet maid of golden hair!
« Beheld my hounds in chafe ?"
« Thy chafe, O king, was not my care ;
« I nothing of it know ;
« Far other thoughts my bofom ihare,
« The thoughts, alas, of woe I"
« Is It the huiband of thy youth,
« O fair-one, that has died ?
« Or has an infant pledge of truth
« Been torn from thy foft fide ?
« White-handed mourner ! fpeak the grief
" That caufes thy diftrefs ;
« And, if it will admit relief,
" Thou may'il command redrefs"."
o we cannot too .uch ad.ire the elegance and deHc.y^f^ty.^^^i^uxH
render refinement couKi not ^^^^ ^; ^;^^ ::^;^Ze In ^ ^^ Ir^^
The charafter of the Finian commander apP<=« -" ^°^ J ,, ,,,,
poems, and whether our bards, -^^» '^^ ^^^^ ^' 'j^pe Ja modi before them,
I . m a proof that ^^y^^^l^ rtlS^l^if ctara^er, we fee all the
to iliew what Nature ought to be , l-^^^. '" j f t,,e warrior,
" Alas, my ring, for whofe dear fake
" Thefe ceafelefs tears I ihed,
" Fell from my finger in the lake !"
(The foft-hair'd virgin faid).
" Let me conjure thee ", generous king I
" Compaillonate as brave,
" Find for me now my beauteous ring,
" Jhat fell beneath the wave !"
Scarce was the foft entreaty made.
Her treafure to redeem.
When his fair form he difarray'd,
And plung'd into the ftream.
At
P It has been already iliewTi that, amongft the ancient IrUli, each knight was bound,
by his military vows, to the protecStion and rcfpcElful fervice of the fair : this is
exprefsly recorded by our hiilory ; and our poetry and romances throw further light
^on the fubjeil:. According to them, no danger or ditTiculty was to deter an hero
from the aíTiítance of a diftrefled female, and her requefl was to be a law.
In the romance of '^^]{ CJ5^ CdtlCtJtl, where the ftory of this poem is related,
Finn tells his chieftains, that he had a kind of inftinclive horror at the thoughts of
entering that lake ; yet he inftantly obeyed the injunftion of the damfel, " for (fays he)
" it was a matter that no hero could refufc." Many fimilar inftances of this rcf-
pect and devotion to the fair occur in our old romances and poems.
( loi )
At the white-handed fair's reqiieil,
Five times the lake he try'd ;
On ev'ry fide his fearch addrefs'd,
Till he the ring defcry'd.
But when he fought the blooming maid.
Her treafure to reftore ;
His powers were gone, — he fcarce could wade
To reach the neareil ihore !
That form where ftrength and beauty met,
To conquer, or engage,
Paid, premature, its mournful debt
To grey and palfied age ".
While
" Our Iriih poets inform us that Finn was married extremely young ; yet even fo,
he mud have been advanced in life at this period, (ince we find his grandfon Ofgur
introduced in the following pages of the poem : 'Tis true he is mentioned only as a
boy ; yet ilill, one would think his grandfather old enough to be grey, without the
operation of forcery, to make him fo. At the very leaft, he muft have been now,
fome years above fifty ; yet he is reprefented as retaining all the bloom, as well as
the flrength and adivity, of youth. But we may well overlook a few faults of inad-
vertance. in favour of the numerous beauties with which this poem abounds. Our
magical' bard conjures up fuch delightful enchantments, that our attention fl-.ould be
too much engioflcd by the grace and grandeur of his images, to count the knots on
his poetical wand.
C io« )
While magic thus our king detain'd,
In hatefiil fetters bound ;
We in fair Almhain's halls remain'd,
And feilal joy went round.
The mirthful moments danc'd along
To miiiic's charming lore ;
And, to the fons of lofty fong,
Wealth pour'd her bounteous ilore !
Thtis fled the hours, on heedlefs wing,
From every care releas'd ;
Nor thought we of our abfent king,
Nor mifs'd him from the feail :
Till Caoilte, ftruck with fudden dread \
Rofe in the Hall of Spears :
His words arotmd ftrange panic fpread.
And wak'd mifgiving fears !
" Where
■• We learn, from Irifli romance, that the Fenii, and the chiefs of the Dananian
race, were enemies, (fee ^fS-]^ r)5(r Cilildjil,) ; and as thefe people were fuppofcd
to be ikilful in magic, the heroes of Finn were naturally alarmed for the fafety of
their general, when they miffed him from the feaft, and recolleaed the determined
enmity and fupernatural power of the Tuatha de Danans. — Caoilte, in the paffage
before us, feems to appreli:nd that Finn was fnatchcd away by enchantment from
amongll them. For a particular account of thefe Tuatha de Danans, the reader is
referred to the antient Hiilory of Ireland.
( Í03 )
« Where Is the noble Comhal's fon,
" Renown'd affembly ! Say ?—
« Or is our arm of conqueft gone,:—
" Our glory pafs'd away !"
We flood aghaft.— Conan alone,
The raih Mac Morni, fpoke ;
« O joyful tidings ! I ihall groan
" No more beneath his yoke.
« Swift Caoilte S of the mighty deed !
« On this aufpiciovis day,
« I, to his fame and power, fucceed,
« And take the fovereign fway."
We laugh'd to fcorn his fenfelefs boaft,
Tho' with a grieving heart ;
And Almhain faw our numerous hoft,
With headlong hafte depart.
The van myfelf and Caoilte led,
The Fenii in the rear ;
And on otu- rapid march we fped,
But faw no king appear..
Caoilte was remarkable for his fpeed in running.
We
( 104 )
Wefollow'd, where he led the chafe,
To fteep Slieve GuilUn's foot ;
But there we could no further trace,
And ilop'd the vain purfuit.
North of the mount our march we ilay'd,
Upon a verdant plain.
Where conqueft once our arms array 'd \
Tho' bought with heaps of flain !
Hope threw each eager eye aro\ind,
And ftill'd attention's ear, —
In vain, — for neither fight or found
Of our lov'd chief was near.
But, on the borders of a lake,
A tall old man we fpy'd,
Whofe looks his wretched age befpake
To want and woe ally'd !
Bare wither'd bones, and ghailly eyes,
His wrinkrd form difplay'd ;
Palfy'd and pale, he fcarce could rife.
From age and itrength decay 'd.
We
' The battle here alluded to is defcrlbed in a Poem, entitled Í,CtO)T) ítH ^SlíZ?
tllrtC -D)tfy)b — The terrible Mac-Dirive, after an obilinate combat, is at laft flain
by the hand of Ofgur.
( '05 )
We tliought, perchance, tliat famine gave
That wan and wailed frame,
Or that from far, adown the wave,
A jSiherman he came..
We alk'd him, had he feen in chafe.
Two hounds that fnuff'd the gale.
And a bold Chief, of princely grace.
Swift bounding o'er the vale.
The head of age in filence hung,
Bow'd down with fliame and woe,
Long e'er his heiitating tongue
The cruel truth could iliew ".
At length, to Caoilte's faithful ear,
The fatal change he told,
And gave our raging hoil to hear
The dreadful tale unfold !
With
" It is hut proper to acquaint the reader, that in this paflage, the fcnfe of the poem
is a little extended, and brought nearer to that of the romance. — In tlie poem, we
are only told that Finn, when queflioned by his chieftains, did not, at firft, give a
direft anfuer ; but, after fonie time, imparted the fecret to the ear of Caoilte. In
the romance, Finn himfelf tells the ilory, and fays, that " he felt it grievous to his
" heart to acquaint them, that he was the obje£l of their fearch ; neverthelefs, when
his faithful bands furroundcd him, he at laft informed them of his fatal adven-
ture.
( io6 )
With horror ilruck, aghail and pale,
Three fudden fhouts we gave. —
AiFrighted badgers fled the vale,
And trembling fought the cave !
But Conan glory'd in our grief;
Conan the bald, the bafe ;
He curs'd with rage the Finian chief,
And all the Finian race.
" O, were I fure (he fiercely faid)
*' Thou wert that heart of pride,
" Soon fliould this blade thy fliaking head
" From thy old trunk divide !
" For never did thy envious mind
" Bellow my valour's meed ;
" In fecret has thy foul repin'd
" At each heroick deed.
" I grieve not for thy ftrength decay 'd,
" Shrunk form, and foul difgrace ;
" But that I cannot wave my blade
*' O'er all thy hated race.
« Oh,
( Í07 )
" Oh, were they all like theeJ:his day,
" My vengeance, as a flood,
" Shoiild fweep my hated foes away,
" And bathe my ileel in blood !
" Since Comhal of the Hoils was flain*
" Upon the enfanguin'd field,
" By Morni's fon, who ne'er in vain
" Uprear'd his golden '' Ihield ;
" Since then, otir clan in exile pine,
" Excluded from thy fight;
" And the fam'd heroes of our line
" But live in thy defpight."
Caoilte,
" Comhal, or Cumhal, the father of Finn. He was killed in a battle s,again{t the
tribe of Morni ; we find, however, that this tribe were afterwards reconciled to the
Fenii, and obedient to their chief, who treated them with the utmoil kindnefs. This
complaint of Conan's is therefore to be afcribed to his own perverfe humour, and
not to any injuftice that he or his clan had met with from the Finian general.
y Here we find mention of a golden Ihield ; but it is not fuppofed that fuch were
common in Ireland, becaufe they do not often occur in our MSS. and very few of
them have been found in our bogs. But we are not, from this, to conclude that the
metal itfelf was fcarce in the kingdom. — Cambrensis and Stanihurst bear tefti-
mony to the riches of our mines. Do£lor Boat alfo, in his Natural Hi/loij, mentions
the gold and filver mines of Ireland; and Donatus, Biftiop of Fcfulse, a poet of
the 7th century, in a beautiful defcription of our ifland, does not omit to celebrate
the natural wealth of its foil.
P 2 The
( io8 )
Caoilte. " Did not my foul too keenly iliarc
" In our great caufe of woe,
" On aught like thee "" to wafte its care,
" Or any thought beilow ;
" Bald, fenfelefs wretch ! thy envy, foon
" This arm iliould make thee rue ;
" And thy cruili'd bones, thou bafe bvifFoon,
" Should bear thy folly's due !"
OsGUR. " Ccafe thy vain bab'ling, fenfelefs fool!
" Bald boafter », ftain to arms,
" Still forward to promote mifrule,
*' But ihrink at war's alarms !"
CONAN.
The Lf-ctbcCit L^^CCCH, (or Book of Sligo) informs us, that in the reign of
Tighearmas was firft introduced the boiling and refining of gold ; that the refiner's
name was Inachadan, and he carried on the art at the eait fide of the Liffey. Befides
the teflimony of foreign writers, and our domeitic annals; numbers of utenfils, arms,
collars, chains, &c. of pure gold, have been dug up in different parts of the king-
dom. But it would be endlefs to multiply proofs upon this fubje£l. If the reader
wiflies any further tcftimonies, he will find them at large in Mr. O'Halloran's lu-
troduclioti to the Hijf. nnd Ant'iq. of Ireland.
^ We are here, at once, let into the character of Conan, and fee that contempt
alone is the caufe of the forbearance with which his infolence is fuffered to pafs.
* We could wiih that this dialogue were not fo coarfely conducted ; but the heroes
of Homer are ilill lefs acquainted with good breeding, than thofe of our Iriih Bard;
and Conan is only the Therfues of Oifin. In juilice, however, to the Finian chiefs,
it
( Í09 )
CoNAN. " Ceafe thou, vain youth'', nor thmk my foul
" Can by thy fpeech be won,
" Servile to ftoop to the controul
" Of Oiiin's beardlefs fon.
" Even Finn, who, head of all thy line,
" Can beil their boafts become,
" What does he do, but daily dine,
" Upon his mangl'd thumb \
" 'Twas not the fons of Boifline's clan,
" But Morni's gallant race,
" That thunder'd in the warlike van,
" And led the hximan chafe.
« Oifni,
it ihould be obferved, that it is the Infolent folly of Conaii which provokes abufivc
language, becaufe they will not raife their arm againft an idiot. To an enemy they
are never abufive; but, on the contrary, polite to a degree that might afford improved
example, even to modern refinement. See Magnus.
" Conan, afraid to reply to Caoilte, yet ventures to difcharge his fplecn upon
« Oifin's beardlefs fon."
' This llrangc paflage is explained by fome lines in the Poem of !DuO-tHcCC-
•0)5|l'VíÍJ, where Finn is reproached with deriving all his courage from his fore-
knowledge of events, and chewing his thumb for prophetic information. The reader
will eafily perceive the fource of this ridiculous miftake of tlie wonder-loving multi-
tude -, a habit taken up, when deep in thought, was conftrued into divination ; and
■we may conclude how great that wifdom, and that heroifm, mull have been, which
was fuppofcd no other way to be accounted for, than by gifting the poiTeflbr with
infpiratiun.
In
( IIO )
" Oiíln, this iilken fon of thine,
" Who thus in words excels,
" Will learn of thee the pfalming whine,
" And bear white books and bells <■.
" Ceafe Ofgur, ceafe thy fooliili boaft,
" Not words, b\it deeds decide ;
" Now then, before this warlike hoft,
" Now be our valour try'd !"
My fon high rais'd his threat'ning blade,
To give his fury fway ;
But the pale Conan flirunk difmay'd,
And fprung with fear away :
Amid
In tlie romance of .'^c]>( C)5^ CtttlCt^ll, among other curious particulars, Finn
.is faid to have derived a portion of his knowledge from the waters of a magical
fountain, in the pofleflion of the Tuatha-de-danans ; a fingle draught of which was
fold for three hundred ounces of gold.
■' From this paíTiige, it appears, that Oifin was fuppofed to have been won over,
at leaft in part, by fome of the miihonaries who preceded the arrival of St. Patrick in
Ireland. — Here alfo we feem tohave proof that the bells, mentioned in the courfe of
the poem, were not, nor could have been, the large fufpended ones ; but only the
fmaller ones, that were borne by the priefts, and tingled at the altars, in the very firft
ages of Chriftianity. Conan could not poiTibly mean any other than thefe, when
he fays that Ofgur would learn in time to hear or carry them ; — that is, leaving the
profelFion of arms, to become a prieft, by which he plainly intends to reproach
him with cowardice, as defirous to excel in words alone.
( I" )
Amid the fcoffing hoil he fprung,
To ihun th' unequal ftrife ;
To Tcape the forfeit of his tongue,
And fave his worthlefs life.
Nor vainly did he importune j
The hoil, as he defir'd,
Engag'd my fon to give the boon
His cowardice requir'd.
Once, twice, and thrice, to Erin's chief
The forrowing Caoilte fpoke :
" O fay, lov'd caufe of all our grief !
" Whence came this cruel ilroke ?
" What curil Tuathan's ' direful charm
" Has dar'd that form deface ?
" O ! who could thus thy force difarm,
" And wither ev'ry grace ?"
« Guillen's
" In the original, CllrtCct TDC- (i. e. Tuatha-de-danan). Moit of the Iriih Ro-
mances are filled with Dananiaii enchantments; as wild as the wildeft of Ariosto's
fidions, and not at all behind them in beauty.
( "í )
" Guillen's fair daughter, (Finn reply'd,)
" The treacherovis fnare deiign'd ^,
" And fent me to yon magic tide,
" Her fatal ring to find."
Conan who, penitent of tongue,
Would now his guilt revoke.
Forward, with zeal impatient iprung.
And vengeful ire befpoke.
« May
f This apparent malice, and ingratitude of the Enchantrefs, is fully accounted for
in the romance. Finn had ever been the fervant and proteftor, and of courfe, the
favourite of the fair : he is fcarce ever mentioned, without fome epithet, expreffive
of amiable attradion, fuch as " the majeftic — the graceful — the courteous — the gene-
«• rous — the gentle — the fmiling — the blooming — fon of Comhal." He furpafled his
cotemporaries as much in the manly beauty, and majeftic graces of his countenance
and form, as he did in the fuperior ftrength of his arm, and the extraordinary endow-
ments of his mind.
Miluachra, and Aine, the two fair daughters of Guillen Cualgne, of the Dana-
nian race, faw, and fell in love with him. Miluachra was jealous of her fifter's
charms •, and hearing her, one day, take an oath, that ilie would never marry any
man whofe hair was grey, ilie determined, if poiTible, to make this rafh vow a bar
to her union with Finn. She aíTembled her friends of the Tuatha-de-danans ; and,
by the power of their enchantments, they called forth a magical lake, on the fide of
SHevc-Guillcn, which had the property of rendering any perfon grey-headed, who
ihould enter the waters thereof. This done, fhe afTumed the form of a beautiful doe,
and appeared to Finn, as already related : then followed the chafe ; but the romance
gives only three days and nights to the deftrudion of the Enchantrefs's cave ; the
poem gives eight. Alfo, in the romance, the magical cup, which reftored our hTO
to his former ihape, endowed him, at the lame time, with added wifdom, and know-
ledge. His hair, however, remained grey ; but the Enchantrefs, after acknowledging,
in much confufion and terror, the reafon of the trick flic had played him, o.Tercd to
leftore that alfo : this offer, we are told, he declined, chufing to continue grey ; but
the reafon of his rcfufal does not appear.
( "3 )
" May never from this hill (he cry'd,)
" Our homeward ileps depart,
" But Guillens dearly iliall abide
" Her dark and treacheroxis art !"
Then our flout ihields with thongs we bound *,
Our haplefs King to bear ;
While each fond chieftain prefs'd around,
The precious weight to iliare.
North of the mount, to Guillen's cave,
The alter'd form we bore ;
Determin'd all her art to brave.
And his loft powers reftore.
Eight nights and days, without fuccefs,
We tore the living tomb.
Until we pierc'd the laft recefs
Of the deep cavern's gloom.
Q^ Then
e Her name, as we have feen, was Miluachra, though flic is here called Guillen^
as being daughter to the Enehantrefs Guillen.
•■ This paiTige feems to throw feme light on the fize of the Irifn ihield — It is
fpoken of in the plural numher here, by which it fliould fcein that it mull have been
the target ; for, otherwife, one alone would have been futhcient to have borne Finn
from the field.
( "4 )
Tlien forth the i;iir Enchantrefs came,
Swift iíTuing to the light,
The form of grace, the beauteous dame.
With charms too great for fight.
A cup quite flill fhe trembhng bore
To Erin's alter'd chief,
That could his priftine form reftore.
And heal his people's grief.
He drank. — O joy ! his former grace,.
His former powers return'd ;
Again with beavity glow'd his face.
His breaft with valour burn'd.
Oh, when we faw his kindling eye
With wonted luilre glow,
Not all the glories of thy iky
Such traniport could beftow !
The Hero of the Stately Steeds,
From magic fetters free.
To Finian arms, and martial deeds
Thus — thus reilor'd to fee ! —
Scarce
( 1^5 )
Scarce could o\ir fouls the joy fuftain !-
x'vgain three fliouts we gave ;
Again the badgers fled the plain,
And trembling fought the cave !
Now^, Patrick of the fcanty ilore,
And meager-making face !
Say, did'il thou ever hear before
This xnemorable Chafe ?
r -- ™aEEg au r i aHi » <t »»^ ^«'='"
o
IV.
MOIRA BORB
A
POEM,
ADVERTISEMENT,
THE original of this poem is in the hands of Mavirice Gorman ;
there is alfo another copy in Mr. Walker'j- colleBion, but not altogether
fo pcrfeEl as the one from ivhich this tranflation has been made.
Neither of thcfe copies are datcd^ nor can we difcover the author.
Like mof of the Finian poems, it is afcribed to Oiiin ; but, though
it may, pcffibly, have originated with him, it has certainly affnmed^
fince that period, a different form from any that he could have given
it. The poetry, indeed, breathes all the fpirit of the Finian Bard ;
but the language is evidently not earlier than that of the middle
ages.
MOIRA BORB:
OEM.
J\. Tale of old, — of Finian deeds I fing:
Of Erin's mighty hofts, the mighty King !
Great Comhal's fon the lofty ftrain Ihall fwell,
And on his fame the light of fong iliall dwell.
Oft have I feen his arm deilru(5lion wield ;
Oft, with its deadly prowefs, fweep the field !
Then did the world his matchlefs deeds proclaim,
And my ear drank the mufick of his fame.
Once, while the carelefs day to fport we gave,
Where fierce Mac-Bovar * rolls his headlong wave,
With
> The words of the original are £-£1^ )trítÍD líllC boZJCljl lid lil0)lí,
literally, the fiercely ruping Catarail, deaf ening fon of the heap ! This is a very beautiful
R fall
( 122 )
With dearning clamour pours upon the plain.
Foams o'er his echoing banks, and fecks the main.
Carclefs we rang'd along the founding iliore.
And heard the tumbling of the torrent's roar ;
Thin was our hoft, no thought of danger nigh.
When the near ocean caught our roving eye.
A white fail'd boat, that fwiftly fought the iliore,
On its light plank, a lovely female bore ;
To meet our hoft her rapid courfe was bent,
And m\ich we queftion'd on this ftrange event.
Fifty brave chiefs, around their braver King. —
Ah, why to mind, their deeds, their glories bring !
Since anguiih muft on bleeding memory wait.
Comparing former fame with prefent fate.
Alas ! with them is quench'd the hero's flame.
And glory, fmce, is but an empty name !
Oh, after them, 'tis Mifery's dire decree
The chiefs of thefe degenerate days to fee.
Oh,
fall of the river Erne, at Ballyfliannon, and the principal falmon leap in Ireland. The
fcenery is extremely pifturefque ; a bold coail of perpendicular rocks is covered to the
very edge with the richeil verdure, and projetts, in unequal promontories, as it
opens to the fca. This falmon leap is let at 400I. a year.
( 123 )
Oh, loft companions ! once your mighty fway
Made the proud princes of the earth obey;
Your conq'ring powers through every region led.
And wide around vidorious triumphs fpread!
But to my tale.— Our wondering chiefs arofe.
To fee the bark its beauteous freight difclofe :
Swift glanc'd its courfe through the divided wave,
And the near ftream a ready harbour gave.
As morn from ocean Hfts her lov'ly light,
Freih from the wave, with gentle fplendours bright;
So rofe the maid, as flie approach'd the fliore.
And her light bark to land its burden bore.
Deck'd by foft Love with fweet attradive grace.
And all the charms of mind-illumin'd face ;
Before our hoft the beauteous ftranger bow'd.
And, thrown to earth, her eyes their glories ihroud.
Her foft falute return'd, with courteous air,
Finn, by the hand of fnow, conduces the fair.
Upon his left, the valiant Gaul was plac'd.
And on his right, her feat the ftranger grac'd.
R 2
And,
( 124 )
And, oh, to tell the charms her form array 'd I
The winning fweetnefs that her face difplay'd !
On her alone ws could or think, or gaze,
And our rapt fouls were loft in fweet amaze !
" Soft Mariner ! (the fon of Comhal cry'd,)
" What chance has torn thee from proteélion's fide ?
" Why coxn'ft thoxi here, and from what happy earth:
" And whofe the noble race that gave thee birth ?"
t>'
" Trv;th, O great chief ! my artlefs ftory frames
" A mighty King ^ my filial dxity claims.
" But princely birth no fafety could beftow ;
" And, royal as I am, I fly from woe.
*' Long have I look'd that mighty arm to fee,
" Which is alone of force to fet me free :
" To Erin's far fam'd chief for aid I fly,
" And on that aid my trembling hopes rely."
" Say,
i' This pafiage is hot tranflatcd literally, as it was difficult to know what turn to
give it: the words in Irilh are 2\-( yn& JUJertll fjj '^0 ClTHn. I am the
daughter of the King under W'aves : or it may be rendered, King of IVaves, or King of
Coil, (in the genitive) CtTII. Literally, a wve ; but it may alfo mean fome
courtry, anciently cal eil by that name; or pcfhbly it may be a metaphorical phrale,
to imply either an ifland, or fome of the low countries.
( 125 )
«' Say, wherefore, lovelieíl ! art thou thus dlftreil ?
« Whom do'ft thou fly ?— by whom art thou cpprefl:?
« Why do'il thou feek me, o'er the rolHng fea,
« And from what peril lliall I fet thee free ?"
« And art thou, then, that gen'rous fon of fame,
« Whofe aid the wretched, and the helplefs claim ?
" O then, to me that needful aid extend !
« And, oh, thy ftrength to guard my weaknefs lend !"
With foothing fpeech, the pitying King reply'd,
« Fear not, fweet maid ! thy caufe to me confide.
« Speak but thy forrows ! whom do'il thou accufe ?
•« Who perfecutes thee, Fair One ?— who purfues ?" —
« O ! I am follow'd o'er the rolling wave !
" O ! mighty Finn ! thy trembling fuppliant fave !
" The fon of Sora's ' King with wrath purfues,
" The Chief of Spears, whofe arm the hoft fubdues !
« Dark
t Tradition inform us, that Moh:, or (ns fome write it) Boiry Barb, was a Lufita-
nian Prince, of great fame and prowcfs, but cruel, and extremely fierce, as the
word borb 0- e. A»"") i'^pl'"- ^his admitted, it fellows, of courfe, that Sora
(in the original, Sorda,) muft have been, anciently, the Iriih name for For-
tugal.
/
( 126 )
" Dark Moira-borb is his tremendous name,
" And wide o'er earth extends his dreadful fame !
" From him I fly, with thefe unhappy charms,
" To ihun the horror of his hateful arms !
" To one delay his fallen foul agreed,
" Nor can he from his promife now recede ;
" He will not force me to become his bride,
" Until thy pow'r ihall in my caufe be try'd."
Then fpoke my Ofgur, Erin's lovely boaft,
Pride of her fame, and glory of her hoil !
With generous zeal his youthful bofom glow'd ;
His fervent fpeech with rapid ardour flow'd.
" Fear not (he cry'd) no power ihall force thee hence ;
," My arm, my life, O maid ! is thy defence !
" No hateful union fliall thy vows compel,
" Nor ilialt thou with the dreadful Sora dwell !"
Then, by his fide, the fon of Morni rofe ;
Each champion equal to an hoil of foes !
Proudly they ilrode, exulting in their might,
The fierce, triumphant Deities of fight !
Before
( '27 )
Before the hoíl they flood, in arms array 'd,
To guard, from her approaching foe, the maid ;
For now, fwift riding on the fubjecft wave,
A wond'rous chief to iight his terrors gave !
In the fame path the princefs took, he came.
And more than hviman feem'd his monftrous frame ;
A magic fteed its giant burden bore,
And fwiftly gain'd upon the trembhng iliore !
Fierce did he feem, as one in fight renown'd ;
Dark on his head a gloomy helmet frown'd :
Embofs'd with art, he held a inighty il^ield,
And well his arm its ponderous orb could wield !
Two fpears of vicftory, on its front engrav'd.
Stood threat'ning, as if every foe they brav d !
Never our eyes had fuch a fight beheld.
Nor ever chief fo dreadfully excell'd !
His heavy fword, of more than monilrovis fize.
Next ftruck with wonder our admiring eyes ;
When, bending forward, from his mighty thigh
He drew, and wav'd its maiTy weight on high !
Of
Of princely fway the cloudy cliampion feeni'd,
And terror from his eye imperial ilream'd !
A foul of fire was in his features feen,
In his proud port, and his impetuous mien !
His wond'rous fteed was like the torrent's force ;
White as its foam, and rapid as its courfe !
Proud, the defyer of our hoft he bore.
And fprung with fury to the hoftile fliore.
A fight like this had never met our eyes.
Or ftruck our fenfes with a like furprize ;
To fee a ileed thus coiu-fing on the wave.
And his fierce rider thus the ocean brave !
My King, whofe arm would every peril dare,
Then calm demanded of the trembling fair,
" Is this the chief of whom thy terror fpoke,
" Againft whofe power thou didft our aid invoke ?'
" O that is he ! that is mv deadlv foe !
" Too well, alas ! his dreadful face I know !
*' O Comhal's generous fon ! I grieve for thee,
" Againil thy hoil that fatal arm to fee !
He
( 129 )
" He comes ! he comes to tear his vidim hence !
" No power, alas, can now be my defence !
*' No force, no courage can that fword abide,
*' And vainly will your generous aid be try'd !"
While thus to Comhal's noble fon fhe fpoke.
Fierce through the hoil, the foreign champion broke Í
Glowing with rage, in confcious might array'd,
Forward he rufli'd, and feiz'd the trembling maid !
Swift flew the fpear of Morni's wrathful fon,
And to the foe unerring paiTage won :
Through his pierc'd ihield the aim its fury guides,
Rends its proud boíTes, and its orb divides.
Impatient Oigur glow'd with ardent fire,
"With raging fcorn, and with indignant ire ; '
And, darting fate from his impetuous hand.
He ftretch'd the dying courfer on the ilrand !
Unhors'd, and furious for his wounded ileed,
And breathing tenfold vengeance for the deed;
With wrath augmented the fierce champion burn'd,
And mad with rage, on his aflTailants turn'd.
Dauntlefs
( J30 )
Davintlefs he ílood, vvitli haughty ire inflam'd.
And loud defiance to our hoil proclaim'd :
Againft us all his fingle arm he rais'd,
While in his hand the dreadful faulchion blaz'd I
Enrag'd, our hoils the proud defiance hear.
And ruili to vengeance with a fwift career.
Finn and myfelf alone our arms withhold,
And wait to fee the ilrange event unfold.
When lo ! amazement to our wondering eyes !
In vain each fpear with rapid fury flies !
In vain with might, the nearer fwords aflTail,
No fpears can wound, no weapons can prevail.
Thofe chiefs, who every foe till then excell'd,
Foil'd by his force, his fingle arm repell'd.
Low on the blood-ilain'd field with Ihame they lay,
Bound by his hand, and vitftims of his fway !
Great Flan Mac-Morni fell beneath his fword j
By valovir, friendfliip, and by fong deplor'd !
Of all the champions who his arm fuftain'd,
Not one unwounded on the field remain' d.
Had
( 131 )
Had not our chieft been all well arm'd for figlit,
They all had funk beneath his matchlefs might !
Or had each, iingly, met his dreadful force.
Each, in his turn, had fall'n a mangled corie !
Now Gaul's brave bofom burns with frantic ire,
And terror flaflies from his eyes of fire !
Rending in wrath, he fprings upon the foe !
High waves his fword, and fierce defcends its blow !
Dire as when fighting elements engage.
Such is the war the dreadful champions wage 1
Whoever had that fatal field beheld.
He would have thought all human force excell'cL
Loud was the clafh of arms that ilream'd with gore,
And deep the wounds each dauntlefs bofom bore !
Broke are their fpears, and rent each mafly fhield,
And ileel, and blood beftrew the deathful field !
Never again ihall two fuch chiefs contend.
Nor ever courage, as did theirs, tranfcend !
So great the havock of each deadly blade !
So great the force each valiant arm difplay'd !
S 2 At
( 132 )
At length they ilack'd the fury of the fight.
And vanquiili'd Sora own'd fuperior might :
No more he could the fword of Gaul fuftain,
But gafli'd with wovinds, he funk vipon the plain.
Woe was the day in which that ilrife arofe,
And dy'd with blood the harbour of his foes !
Woe to the champions of that lovely dame !
Woe to the land to which her beauty came
d r
The valiant Sora by the ftream we laid,
And while his laft and narrow houfe we made,
We on each finger plac'd a glitt'ring ring %
To grace the foe, in honor of our King.
Thus fell the foreign champion on our coaft,
And gave a dear-bought conqueil to our hoíL
The royal maid our courtefy embrac'd,
And a whole year the Finian palace grac'd.
Six
* It is probable that this paflage alludes to fome fubfequent confequences of the
death of Moira-borb.
* It has not been found that any particular cuftom of antiquity is here alluded to :
the paflage is trandated literally, and it appears that, by placing rings on the fingers
of Moira-borb, they meant to ihew the generofity of their chief, in honouring a
gallant foe.
( ^33 )
Six following months, beneatK the leeches hand,
The wounds of Gaul our conftant care demand ;
The valiant Gaul, unvanquiih'd in the fight,
Gaul of the weapons of refiftlefs might.
With Finn, the chief of princely cheer, he lay,
Whofe friendly tendance eas'd the tedious day.
Finn, \vho was ever to the brave a friend,
Finn, who the weak would evermore defend ' !
But
' In the 6vile- Ojf 111, (Rhapfody of Oifin) we find the following beautiful cha-
rader, and perfonal defcription of this celebrated hero.
2lc|tope- 0f5<ijtce- -me-ctii.
•fa gttttl gOfltll itfOfg.
"DO b) <t«fl)OlC 111ct|l <11l6|l.
•DO i)5 íi5|tud)t) iticCfi <ffi )i6f.
2)0 5i gdc be-ctii td-fi T)£t fc-<tfc
itittc f/'VTnne- Y^tt c<óirti.
Y10J111, ttjs iici tittitiH tiajg.
In
( 134 )
But why of heroes fliould I now relate ?
Chang'd is my form, and chang'd is my eftate !
Thefe alter *d looks, with age and forrow pale,
Should warn to ceafe from the heroic tale !
In Englifh, — " Finn of the large and liberal foul of bounty ; exceeding all his
" countrymen in the prowefs and accompliihments of a warrior. King of mild
" majefty, and numerous bards.
" The ever-open houfe of kindnefs was his heart ; the feat of undaunted courage !
" great was the chief of the mighty Fenii ; Finn of the perfecl foul, the confummate
" wifdom ; whofe knowledge penetrated events, and pierced through the veil of futu-
*' rity. Finn of the fplendid and ever-during glories.
" Bright were his blue-rolling eyes, and his hair like flowing gold ! Lovely were
" the charms of his unaltered beauty, and his cheeks like the glowing rofe.
" Each female heart overflowed with affeftion for the hero whofe bofom was like
" the whitenefs of the chalky cliff, for the mild fon of Morna ; Finn, the king of
*' the glittering blades of war."
ODES.
A N"
INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE
TO THE
WAR ODE.
A H E military Odes of the ancient Celtae have been noticed
by numberlefs hiftorians ; nothing amongil thofe people was left
iinfung : Poetry was their darling fcience, and they introduced
it into every fcene, and fuited it to every occaiion. One of the
duties of the Bard was, to attend his chief to battle, and there
exert his poetic powers, according to the fl\i(5luations of vidlory,
and the fortune of the fight. This fadl is well attefted by antient
Greek and Roman writers ; alfo, Du Cange, Mezeray, and many
other antiqiiarics and hiftorians affirm, that this cuftom continued
amongft the Gavils, many centuries after their derelidlion by the
Romans. Even at the battle of Haftings, the troops of Nor-
mandy were accompanied by a Bard, animating them to conqvieft
with warlike odes. The great number of Troubadours retained
T by
( 'JS )
b^ the French nobleíTe, in die different invafions of the Holy
Laiid, prov; how well this cailom was fupported by civilized
nations of the middle ages.
But it will, no doubt, appear fingular, that, while France and
Germany faifered no ruin or fubveriion of their ftates, from that
epocha, yet fo little care has been taken, by their antiquaries,
for the prefervation of antient documents, that it is affirmed,
there is not one of thefe Odes now extant amongil them ; while
Ireland, — harraíTed by war and rapine ; and her records plun-
dered by foreign invaders, and envious policy, — yet ilill has
preferved a number of thefe original produélions, which throw
many rays of light on the obfcureil periods of Celtic anti-
quity.
But the War Ode was not peculiar to the Celtaz alone ;
Scandinavia, too, fent her Scalds to battle, and her Chiefs were
animated by their military fongs ; although indeed many centu-
ries later than the period in which we find our Bards poiFeiFed
of this office in Ireland. " Hacon, Earl of Norway (fays Monf.
" Mallet) had five celebrated poets along with him in that
" famous battle of which I have been fpeaking, when the war-
" riors of Jomfbourg were defeated ; and hiftory records that
*' they fung each an Ode, to animate the foldiers, before they
" engaged =" ^"
We
» See ToRF. Bartholin, p. 17Í, who produces other inftances to the fame
purpofe ; particularly that of Olave, king of Norway, who placed three of his
fcalds
( ^39 )
We fee here a remarkable difference between the Scandina-
vian and Celtic poet, in the execution of this miHtary duty ;
The Ode of the Scald was compofed for the purpofe, and fung
before the engagement : while the Iriih Bard, glowing with the
joint enthufiafm of the poet, and the warrior, frequently ruihed
amidil the ranks, and following his Chief through all the fury
of the fight, continued, to the lail, thofe fiiblime and elevating
ilrains, which, infpired by the fight of heroic valour, and called
forth by, and fuited to the inilant occaiion, wrought up cou-
rage to a pitch of frenzy, and taught the warrior to triumph
even in the pangs of death. But it was only when vielory was
doubtful, and occafion required the Bards to exert all their
powers, that we find them thus milling through the carnage of
the field. At other times " marching at the head of the armies,
" arrayed in white flowing robes, harps glittering in their hands,
" and their perfons furrounded with Orfidigh, or inilrumental
" muficians ; while the battle raged, they Jlood apart, and
" watched in fecurity (for their perfons were held facred) every
*r 2 aélion
fcalds about him to be eye-witnefles of his exploits : thefe hards compofed, each of
them, a fong upon the fpot, which Bartholin has printed, accompanied with
a Latin verfion. Other fongs of the fame kind may be found in the fame
authi^r.
Here is one inilance wherein we find a Scandinavian war ode compofed (as it
appears) either during, or after the engagement ; but their eílabliíhed cuílom was, to
fing the ode (as is related above) before the battle joined.
•i North. Antiq. vol. j. p. 38(5.
( HO )
**\
** aclion of the Chief, in order to glean fubjecls for their
" lays^"
Indeed, the enthnfiaflic ilarts of paiTion ; the broken, uncon-
neiled, and irregular wildnefs of thofe Odes which have efcapcd
the wreck of ancient literature in this kingdom, fufficiently and
inconteftibly point out their true originality to every candid
reader. It need not here be objeéled, that the character in
which \\t find the copies now extant of thefe Odes, is different
from that which was in ufe among the pagan Irifli, and tliat
the language of them, alfo, is too intelligible to be referred to
fo remote an a:ra. With the beauties of thefe fingular compo-
fitions, every Irifli reader, of every age, muil have been eager to
acquaint himfelf ; and when acquainted with them, to commu-
nicate to others the knowledge, and the pleafure they afforded
him : of coiirfe, when a word became too obfolete to be gene-
rally underftood, it was changed foj' one more modern ; and,
for the fixme rcafon, when the ancient charafler was exploded,
every enfuing copy of thefe Odes was written in the character
of the times. Indeed there are ftill a fuíRcient number of
obfolete words among them, to make the language extremely
difficult ; but I conceive that it is in the ilruclure of the com-
poiitions, and the fpirit which they breathe, rather than in a few
unintelligible epithets, that we are to look for the marks of
their antiquity.
The
^ Walker V Hifl. Mem. of the Irifi Bards y p. lo.
( '41 )
The copies from which the two following Odes are tranflated,
I procured from Maurice Gorman ; there is alfo a copy of them
in the colleélion of Mr. O'Halloran of Limerick, and another,
as I am informed, in the College colledlion. An accomplilhed
proficient in the learning and antiquities of this country, whofe
name (had I permiilion) I iliould be proud to reveal, made the
following elegant, and fpirited remarks, on a literal tranflation
of the firil of thefe Odes, upon which I had requefted his judg-
ment. " It is (fays he) in my opinion, a very fine fpecimen of
" that kind of poetry, and carries genuine originality on the face
" of it. It feems not only to have been compofed on the occa-
" fion, but as if it was acflually fung by the bard during the
" heat of the battle ; which fuppofition is quite confonant with
** the accomats we have of the antient Celtic warriors, and the
" office of their Bards. The extreme fimplicity of it is no fnaall
" part of its merit, and has more in it of the true fublime, than
" all the flowers and images with which a modern poet would
" have embellifhed it. Imagination may follow it through all
" the changes that may be fuppofed to have attended an obili-
" nate engagement, in which the hero was exerting his valour
" to the utmoil ; with his bard ftanding clofe at his back,
" exhorting him to perfevere, and giving, as it were, frefli
" energy and efFedl to every ftroke of his fword."
It may appear ilrange to fee a Bard ruihing, fearlefs and
unhurt, through the midil of contending warriors ; his hand
encumbered with the harp, and unprovided with any arms for
eitlier
( 142 )
either defence or attack : but the charailer of the Filea was held
fo facred amongft the ancient Celtse, that they wanted no other
defence, and were fo protedled and revered by foes, as well as
friends, that even " the very whirl and rage of fight" refpeded
the perfon of the Bard.
Irish hiilory, indeed, affords one, and but one, inilance of a
fort of facrilege offered to the life -of a Bard ; the circumftances,
however, which accompany the fad, as well as the manner in
which it is told, prefent us with the ílrongeíl idea of the horror
that fo unufual a crime then excited. The i_ectb<tji Le^cati, (or
Book of Sl'igo) has thus prcferved the relation : Fierce wars were
carried on, abovit the middle of the fourth century, between
Eochaidh, Monarch of Ireland, and Eana, the King of Leinfler.
Cetinathach, the Monarch's laureat, had fatyrized fo feverely the
enemy of his King, as to provoke the bittereft refentment of
Eana, who vowed unfparing revenge. In the battle of Cruachan,
the Monarch was defeated ; and Cetmathach, purfued by the
furious King of Leinfter, fled for fafety amidft the troops of the
vidlor, who, though the enemies of Eochaidh, would have pro-
teded his Bard : but the brutal Eana was not to be appeafed,
and the life of the laureat fell a facrifice to his art. Eana, for
this atrocious deed, was ever after branded with the opprobrious
name of Cin-falach, (foul, or difhonorablc head). It has defcend-
ed down, through his immediate poilerity, to the prefent dayj
numbers of his race, of the name of Cm or Khi-Jalah, now ex-
iting in Ireland.
Of
( 143 )
Of the firíl of the following Odes, Ofgur, the fon of Oifin,
is the hero, but we are not told who the Bard was that compofed
it. We have, however, fufficient reafon to conclude, that it was
fung by Fergus, the uncle of Ofgur ; firft, becaufe he was the
appointed Ard-filea of the Fenii ; and alfo becaufe that, in an
ancient poem on the battle of Gabhra, he is introdviced as ex-
horting the troops, on that occaiion, to the fight, furrounded by
his 07-Jidighy or band of muficians.
{i5iif oit-y^^-De-itcl) lid -yttdcd,
■Odfl wbftO-fTDcfD f<tt1 tljOtlg'Vitl
•oot -0)01)^0)5 <tti cbdcti.
Mr. Walker, in his Memoirs of the Irish Bards, takes
particular notice of Fergus. " Oifin (fays he) was not Finn's chief
" Bard, or OUamh-re-dan. This honorable ftation was filled by
" Fergus Fibheo'd, (of the fweet lips) another fon of the great
" Finian commander ; a Bard on whom fucceeding poets have
" bellowed almoil as many epithets, as Homer has given to his
" Jupiter. — In feveral poems, ilill extant, he is called Fergus
" Fir-glic, (the truly ingenious) ; Fathach^ (fuperior in know-
" ledge) ; Focal-geur^ (ikilled in the choice of words) &c. &c.
" So perfuafive was his eloquence, that, united with his rank, it
" acquired him an almoil univerfal afcendency.
« But
( 144 )
"But it was in the field of battle that Fergus' eloquence
" proved of real utility. In a fine heroic Poem * called
*' the C-tc '^)n-rtíít5<t (The battle of Ventry), Finn is often
" reprcfented as calling on Fergus, to animate the droop-
" ing valour of his ofiicers, which the Bard never fails to do,
" eifedlually. In this battle, Oifm was beginning to yield in
" fingle combat ; which being obferved by Fergus, he addrefled
" fome encouraging ftrains to him, in a loud voice : Thefe were
" heard by Oifin, and his foe fell beneath his fword ".
" Several admirable poems, attributed to Fergus, are ilill ex-
♦' tant ; Dargo, a poem ', written on occafion of a foreign prince
*' of that name invading Ireland. Dargo encountered the Fenii,
" and was flain by Goll, the fon of Morni. — Cut gctbjiit (the
" battle of Gabhra). This battle was fought by the Fenii againil
" Cairbre, the monarch of Ireland, whofe aim in provoking it,
" was
' This compofition is not written in verfe, but it does indeed abound with all the
ornaments of poetry.
•> O'Halloran's Hi^. Iril. vol. i. p. 275.
* A copy of this poem is now in my pofleflion, and it glows with all the fire of
genius; but at the fame time is debafed by fuch abfurd ImpofTibilities, that, as I
could not venture to omit any part of the piece, I did not thmk it would an-
fvver for tranflation. From the chara£ler given of this poem, I am tempted to fup-
pofe that my copy is a corrupt and bad one ; perhaps a future day may enable me t&
procure a better.
( HS )
*' was to fupprefs the formidable power of that legion. Cairbre's
" life fell a facrifice to this bold attempt.
" These Poems abound with all the imagery, fire, and glow-
" ing defcription of the ancient Gaelic, and juftify the praifes
" beftowed on Fergus. Each poem concludes with Fergus' at-
" teilation of his being the author. Beiides thefe, there are, A
" Panegyric on Goll, the fon of Morni'*, and another on Ofgur%
" In the latter, the poet has interwoven an aniinating harangue
" to the hero, who is the fubjed of it, in the battle of Gabhra."
In moil of the Finian poems that I have feen, Fergus is ho-
norably noticed, both for his poetical powers, and the peculiar
fweetnefs of his temper and diipofition : Thus in The Chase,
" Did Fergus live, again to iing,
" As erft, the Fenii's fame !"
Alfo in Magnus.
" Mild Fergus then, his errand done,
" Return'd with wonted grace ;
" His mind, like the unchanging fun,
" Still beaming in his face ^"
The
* See the fecond War Ode in this coUeéiion.
* This I fuppofe is the fame with the original of the following Ode.
' Probably this extreme gentlenefs of Fergus* temper, was the reafon why he was
chofen Ard-filea, or chief poet to the Fenii, though his brother Oifin was fo emi*
U nently
( '46 )
The Annals or Innisfallen, and other ancient records, and
poems, inform us, that the battle of Gabhra was fought in die year
of our Lord 296. The caufe of this battle (as well as I can colleél
from various accounts) was pretty nearly as follows: — ^The celebrated
body of the Fenii had grown to a formidable degree of power,
Confcious of the defence they afforded their country, and the
glory they refle(5led upon it, they became overweening and info-
lent, efteeming too highly of their merits, and too meanly of
their rewards ; and this the more, as they perceived the Monarch
difpofed to flight their fervices, and envy their fame.
It would be tedious here to relate the various caufes affigned
by different writers for the difcontcnts which occaiioned this bat-
tle : Hiftorians, in general, lay the chief blame upon the Fenii ;
and the poets, taking part with their favourite heroes, cail the
whole odium upon Cairbre, then Monaich of Ireland. The
fault
nently diilinguiflicd for his poetical talents. Oifin, moil likely, ■would not have
accepted of the laureatfhip : his high and martial fpirit would not be confined to
the duties of that flation, as they would often have neceffarily withheld him from
mixing in the combat, and taking a warrior's fliare in the vidlory. Tlie charafter of
Fergus was much more adapted than that of Oifin, to fill the place he held, even fup-
pofing the poetic powers of Oifin fuperior to thofe of his brother. — Oifin, like the
Cara£tacus of the inimitable Mason, felt too much of
" the hot tide
" That íluílies crimfon on the confcious cheek
" Of him who burns for glory !"
And he would never have borne to hold the liarp, in battle, while able to wield a
fword.
( 147 )
fault moil likely was mutual, and both parties ieverely fuffered
for it. Cairbre himfelf was killed in the acilion, and a dreadful
flaughter enfued among his troops ; but thofe of the Fenii were
almoil totally deilroyed " ; for, relying upon that valour which
they fondly deemed invincible, they rufhed into the field againfl
odds, that madnefs alone would have encountered. In an ancient
poem upon this fubjeifl, Oifm, relating the events of the battle
to St. Patrick, tells him, that " few in number were the Fenii,
" on that fatal day, oppofed to the united forces of the king-
" dom, headed by their Monarch ! Finn and his heroes were
" not there to aíTiíl them ; they were abfent on a Roman expe-
" dition."' — Ofgur, the grandfon of Finn, commanded the little
body that remained, and led them on to the attack ; fired with
the hope of encreafing glory, and wrought up to a frenzy of
valour, by the animated exhortations of his Bard, he performed
prodigies, he fle^fr numbers, and Cairbre himfelf at length fell
by his hand. Viilory then feemed to declare for the Fenii, till
Ofgur, covered with wounds, funk upon the field. He died ;
with him died the hopes of his adherents. And Epic flory gives
no further account of the few who furvived the field.
Several poems have been compofed upon the fubje(fl of this
battle. I have never yet feen that one which is faid to have been
written by Fergus ; but I have now before me two that bear the
U 2 name
e The Booh of Hoafh áíTirms, that they were all deilroyed, Oifm excepted ; and tiiat
he li\ed till the arrival of St. Patrick, to whom he related the exploits of the Fenii,
( hS )
name of Oifin, and are poiTeiTed of coniiderable merit : I would
gladly, with the following Ode, have given a tranflation of one
of the many poems which this celebrated battle gave rife to ; but
as I am told there are more perfedl copies extant, than thofe in
my poíTeíIion, I am unwilling to give an inferior one to the
public.
WAR
I.
WAR ODE
T O
O S G U R.
WAR ODE
T O
OSGUR, THE SON OF OISIN,
IN THE FRONT OF THE BATTLE OF GABHRA.
R ISE, might of Erin ! rife ' !
O ! Ofgur, of the generous foul !
Now, on the foe's aíloniíh'd eyes,
Let thy proud enligns wave difniay !
Now let the thunder of thy battle roll.
And bear the palm of ilrength and victory away !
Son of the fire, whofe ilroke is fate ",
Be thou in might fupreme !
Let conqueft on thy arm await,
In each coníliéling hour !
Slighc
* ^ll^jé • literally, arife I — It means here, roufe thyfelf! exiri all thy powers !
*" Oifin, the father of Ofgur, was as much celebrated for his valour, as for his
poetical talents.
C 152 )
Slight let the force of adverfe numbers feem,
Till, o'er their proilrate ranks, thy iliouting fquadrons pour !
O hear the voice of lofty fong !—
Obey the Bard !
Stop — flop M'Garaidh ' ! check his pride,
And ruih refiftlefs on each regal foe !
Thin their proud ranks, and give the fmoaking tide
Of hoftile blood to flovsr !
Mark where Mac-Cormac ^ pours along !—
Rufli on — retard
His haughty progrefs ! — let thy might
Rife, in the deathful fight,
O'er thy prime foe fupreme,
And let the flream.
Of valour flovv,
Until thy brandifli'd fword
Shall humble ev'ry haughty foe,
And juftice be reftor'd ■=.
Son
' This fon of Garaidh was then King of' Connaught, and he led a chofen band to
the battle of Gabhra.
•i Cairbre, Monarch of Ireland; he Was fon to Cormac, the preceding Monarch,
and it was in his quarrel that the allied Princes were aíTembled in this day's battle,
againft the little band of the Fenii. He was alfo nearly related to the chiefs of the
party he oppofed, his fifter having been the wife of Finn-Mac-Cumhal.
• Injuftice was the complaint, and the caufc of quarrel, aíTigned both by the
liing's forces, and the Fenii : Tie Booh of Hoath has preferved a fpecch of Ofgur's on
this
( '53 )
Son of the King of fpotlefs fame ^
Whofe adions fill the world !
Like his, thy ilory and thy name
Shall fire heroick fong,
And, with the prowefs of this day, the lofty ilrain prolong I
Shall tell how oft, in Cabhra's plain,
Thy dreadful fpear was hurl'd ■"' :
Kow high it heap'd the field with flain,.
How wide its carnage fpread,
Till gorg'd iipon the human feait, the glutted ravens fed.
X Refiillefs
this occafion ; probably juft as authentic as mofl other fpeeches of the kind, that
hiftory gravely tells us have been fpoken at fuch times. It fets forth the grofs in-
juftice and ingratitude with which they had been treated by the Monarch ; and that
they only fought to maintain thofe privileges which they had honorably won, and
which were granted to their anceftors by thofe fiithlefs Princes, now in arms againlt
them. That they and their predeceilbrs had been the guardians of the nation, pro-
telling its Iiarbours, and repelling its invaders -, and alfo increafing its glory by the
fplendour of foreign conquefts, and the rich trophies of foreign tributes to its power ;
but that now, after fo many battles fought, and fo many honors and advantages
derived to the Monarch by their valour, he wifhed to acquit himfelf of the obli-
gation, by putting his benefadlors to the fword, or baniihing them for ever from
the land.
^ It is uncertain, here, whai King the poet means, whether the father, or the
grandfather of his hero ; either of them might have been called Krng by the Bard, as
the word R'gh is frequently made ufe of for any great commander, or military fove-
reign -, and Ofgur might have been ftiledye» to either, becaufe Mac (fon) fignifies alfo
grandfon, and often only a defcendanU
2 The poets tell us of an incredible (laughter, made in this battle by the fword ot
Ofgur: the brave and fierce Mac-Garaidh, King of Connau^ht, of the tribe of
Morni, and Cairbre, Monarch of Ireland, befidcs numbers of inferior chieftains, feli
by his fingle arm.
( 154 )
Refilllefs as the fpirit of the night,
In ftorms and terrors dreil,
Withering the force of ev'ry hoilile breaft,
Rulla on-the ranks of fight ! —
Youth of fierce deeds, and noble foul !
Rend — fcatter wide the foe ! —
Swift forward ruih, — and lay the waving pride
Of yon high enfigns low !
Thine be the battle ! — thine the fway ! —
On — on to Cairbre hew thy conqiiering way,
And let thy deathful arm daili fafety from his fide i
As the proud wave, on whofe broad back
The ftorm its burden heaves ^
Drives on the fcatter'd wreck
Its ruin leaves ;
So let thy fweeping progrefs roll,
Fierce, refiillefs, rapid, ilrong,
Pour, like the billow of the flood, o'erwhelming might along !
From king to king ', let death thy ileps await,
Thou meflenger of fate,
Whofe awful mandate thou art chofen to bear :
Take
" It is impoffible that tlie utmoil ftretch of human imagination and genius
could ftart an image of greater fublimity than this ! — Had Fergus never given any
further proof of his talents than what is exhibited in the ode now before us, this
ftanza alone had been fufficieut to have rendered his name immortal !
' The monarch, and the provincial kings, who were united againil the Fenli.
( '55 )
Take no vain truce, no refpite yield,
'Till thine be the contefted field ;
O thou, of champion'd fame the royal heir !
Pierce the proud fquadrons of the foe,
And o'er their flaughter'd heaps triumphant rife !
Oh, in fierce charms, and lovely might array 'd !
Bright, in the front of battle, wave thy blade !
Oh, let thy fury rife upon my voice !
Ruih on, and glorying in thy ilrength rejoice !
Mark where yon bloody enfign flies ^ !
Ruih !— feize it '.—lay its haughty triumphs low !
Wide around thy carnage fpread !
Heavy be the heaps of dead !
Roll on thy rapid might.
Thou roaring fliream of prowefs in the fight!
What tho' Finn be diftant far ',
Art thou not thyjelf a war ? —
X 2 Vidory
" The taking of the enemy's ftandard was, we find, an objea of great Importance ;
for we fee the bard repeatedly point it out in the battle, and urge his hero to the
capture of it. The ftriking of a ftandard among the Iriih troops was in general a
token of defeat. See O'Hali.oran.— " The duty of the hereditary ilandard-bearer
'« was, to preferve the royal banner ; to be amongft the foremoft of the troops in
« aftion, and in the rear on a retreat ; for the troops had ever their eye on the
" iland:;rd, and when the prince was killed (for their princes feldom furvived a
« defeat) the ftandard was ftruck, which was the fignal for a retreat." Thus, had
Ofgui been .ible to feize upon the enemy's banner, they might liave miftaken its dil-
appearing for the ufual fignal, and fo been thrown into confufion.
' Finn, at the time of this battle, was abfent on a Roman expedition, and Cairbrc
took advantage of this circumftance, to haften the iflue of the conteft. A beautiful
and
( '56 )
Viclory fliall be all thy own,
And this day's glory thine, and thine alone !
Be thou the foremoil of thy race in fame !
So fliall the bard exalt thy deathlefs name !
So fliall thy fword, fupreme o'er numbers, rife,
And vanquifli'd Tamor's "" groans afcend the flcies !
Tho'
and mod nfiecting poem (afcribed to Oifin) on this fubjeft, informs us, that Finn,
with his troops, returned on the eve of the battle, and that he arrived juft time
enough to take a laft adieu of his dying grandfon. Their meeting is defcribed, and
is deeply pathetic. The poet alfo adds, that " Finn never after was known to
«« fmile : Peace, after that, had no fweets, nor war any triumphs that could rellore
" joy to his breaft, or raife one wiih for ambition or for glory, even thougli the
" empire of Heaven itfelf were to be won by his arm, or were offered to his ac-
*' ceptance !"
" Tamor, or Teamor, the royal feat of the monarch of Ireland. " Its chief
" court, (fays O'Conor) was three hundred feet in length, thirty in height, and
" fifty in breadth. It had accefs by fourteen doors, which opened on their feveral
*« apartments, fitted up for the kings and deputies of each province : The royal feat
«« was eredled in the middle of the houfe, where the monarch fat in ftate, with his
" JJlonti, or imperial cap on his head. The kings of the two Munfters took their
« feats on his left ; thofe of Uliter, on his right ; the king of Leiniler, in his
«< front; and the king of Connaught, together with the Ollamhain, behind the
« throne. The particular reafons for fuch a difpofition are not fet down in any
" MSS. come to our liands.
" This high court of convention was furrounded by four other large houfes, fitted
" up for the lodging and accommodation of the feveral provincial kings and deputies,
" during the feffion ; clofe to thefe were other houfes ; one for itate prifoners, ano-
" ther for Fileas, and another for the princelTes, and the women who attended at
*< court.
" Teamor was the royal feat of the kings of Ireland, and the principal court of
" legiflation, from the days of OUamh Fodla, down to the reign of Dermod INIac
Cervaill ;
Tlio' unequal be the fight,
Tho' unnumber'd be the foe ",
No thought on fear, or on defeat beilow,
For conqueft waits to crown thy caufe, and thy fuccefsful might !
Ruih, therefore, on, amid the battle's rage.
Where fierce contending kings engage.
And powerleis lay thy proud opponents low !
O lovely warrior ! Form of grace,
Be not difmay'd"!
Friend of the Bards ! think on thy valiant race !
O thou whom none in vain implore,
Whofe
" Cervaill ; fo that the Fees of Teamor continued, from time to time, through a
«' feries of more than eleven hundred years." Dijfertatiom on the Hi/1, of Ireland,
p. io8.
The fear of extending tliis note to too great a length has obliged me, though
reluctantly, to give only extracts from Mr. O'Conor's defcription. For a more
enlarged account of this celebrated palace, fee CoUeSlanea, vol. i.
" The Fenii were greatly out-numbered in this battle. In another poem on the
fubjeit, attributed to Oifin, and addrelTed to St. Patrick, we find this paflage.
»' There was Cairbre Liffecar, at the head of Erin's mighty holla, marching againft
" our forces, to the field of Gabhra, the battle of fatal flrokes ! There was alfo
" Mac Garaidh, and a tlioufand champions, ailembkd againft the powers of my
" fon : — Nine battalions alfo from Ulfter, and the Munfter troops, againft our
«< Leinfter legion ; befides the king of Connaught, and his valiant bands, who joined
*' with the monarch againft us, in that day's engagement. Unfair, and unequal was
" that divifion of our forces, for fmall was the band of the Fenii."
° Here it appears that Ofgur begins for a moment to yield ; but quickly after,
animated, ami renovated by the exiiortations of his bard, we find him again dealing
death around. ' '^'J-^-ic::^ .
( '58 )
Whofe foul by fear was never fway'd,
Now let the battle round thy eniigns roar !
Wide the vengeful ruin fpread !
Heap the groaning field with dead !
Furious be thy griding fword,
Death with every ftroke defcend !
Thou to whofe fame earth can no match afford ;
That fame which ihall thro' time, as thro' the world, extend I
Shower thy might upon the foe !
Lay their pride, in Gabhra, low !
Thine be the fway of this contefted field t
To thee for aid the Fenii fly " ;
On that brave arm thy country's hopes rely.
From every foe thy native land to ihield 1
Afpedl of beaxity ! pride of praife !
Summit of heroic fame !
O theme of Erin ! youth of matchlefs deeds ?
Think on thy wrongs ! now, now let vengeance raife
Thy valiant arm ! — and let deftrudion flame,
Till
» The Irifli in general were frequently called Femnns, or Pheniaiis, from their great
ancefter Phcmus Far/a, or, perhaps, in allufion to their Phcenician delcent. But the
Leinfter legions proudly arrogated that name entirely to themfelves, and called their
celebrated body, exclufively, Femi, or Fiona Eireann.
( 159 )
'Till low beneath thy fword each chief of Uliler lies !
O prince of numerous hoils, and bounding ileeds !
Raife thy red iliield, with tenfold force endu'd !
Foriiike not the fam'd path thy fathers " have purfu'd !
But let, with theirs, thy equal honours rife i
Hark ! — Anguiili groans ! — the battle bleeds
Before thy fpear ! — its flight is death ! —
Now, o'er the heath,
The foe recedes !
And wide the hoftile crimfon flows ! —
See how it dyes thy deathful blade ! —
See, in difmay, each routed fquadron flies !
Now ! — now thy havoc thins the ranks of fight,
And fcatters o'er the field thy foes ! —
O fl;ill be thy encreafing force difplay'd !
Slack not the noble ardour of thy might !
Purfue — purfxie with death their flight ! —
Rife, arm of Erin ! — Rife ! —
' All of the tribe of Boifhne were particularly famed for prowefs, and celebrated
by our ancient poets.
ir.
ODE
T O
G
U L.
( '63 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
TO throiv light on the fubjeB of the following Ode, I have endea-
voured, in vain, to procure a copy of the legend of 6fm)5ci-M bfrtg
ilct b'ttln'iu^ne-, mentioned in Mr. Walker's Iriili Bards; /;/ which,
he fays, is related the " celebrated contention for precedence betivcen
*' Finn and Gaul, near Finn'j- palace at Almhain. The attending
" Bards, (continues he) obferving the engagement to grow very
'■'■ farp, were apprehenfive of the confequences, and determined, if
" P^Jpl^l^') to caufe a cejjation of hojiilities. To effeB this, they fhook
" The Chain of Silence, and flung themfelvcs among the ranks, ex-
" tolling the fiveets of peace, and the atchievements of the combatants'
" ancejlors. Immediately both parties, layifig down their arms, li/lened,
" with mute attention, to the harmonious lays of their Bards, and in
" the end rewarded them with precious gifts "."
1 regret much that I have never fccn this legend, and therefore can
only conje5lurc that the Ode before us was compofed, or rather recited,
extempore, upon the fame occafion. There is frequent mention made, in
our romances and poems, of a memorable contefl betivcen the rival tribes
of Morni a}id Boiihne, of which Gaul and Finn were the leaders ;
and that, by the mediation of the Bards, it was finally concluded in
peace : but I have never feen any particular account of the difpute, or
defcription of the combat : nor been able to obtain any further informa-
tion upon thefubjeEl, than the little I have here given to the public.
^ Hijl. Man. Iri/lj Bards, p. 44. The legend here alluded to is not in the poiTeflion
of Mr. Walker ; if it was, his politenefs and public fpirit would not have fullered
him to rcfufe it.
Y 2
ODE
T O
GAUL,
THE SON OF MORN I.
-mniUijUlJ i' i^f MJ itJ fltajm
JlI I G H-minded Gaul, whofe daring foul
Stoops not to our Chief's ' controul !
Champion of the navy's pride ^" !
Mighty ruler of the tide !
Rider of the ftormy wave,
Hoftile nations to enflave " !
Shield
* Finn Mac-Cumhal, then general of the Irifli militia.
■" " Befides their ftanding armies, we find the Irifli kept up a conliderahle naval
" force, whereby, from time to time, they poured troops into Britain and Gaul,
" which countries they long kept under contribution. To this, however, many
" objections have been made ; as if a people who invaded Ireland in thirty large
" fliips could ever be condemned to make ufe of noevogs, and currachs ! — Their
" migrations from Egypt to Greece, and from thence to Spain, have alfo been
" doubted, from the fuppofed difficulty of procuring ihipping ; whilit at the fame
" period of time no objedlions have been made to. the accounts of the Phoenicians,
" the
( i66 )
Shield of freedom's glorious boail !
Head of her unconquer'd hoil !
Ardent fon of Morni's might !
Terror of the fields of fight !
Long renown'd and dreadful name !
Hero of aufpicious fame !
Champion, in our caufe to arm !
Tongue, with eloquence to charm !
With depth of fenfe, and reach of manly thovight ;
With every grace, and every beaixty fraught !
Girt with heroic might,
When glory, and thy country call to arms,
Thou go'il to mingle in the loud alarms,
And lead the rage of fight !
Thine, hero ! thine the princely fway
Of each conílióling hour ;
Thine
" the Tyrians, and, after them, the Greeks, having very confiderable fleets, and mak-
" ing very diftant fettlements." O'lAh-Ly.. hitrod. to the lUJl. and Antlq. of Ireland^
p. 125.
The fame learned author proceeds to bring forward fuch proofs of the naval power
of our early anceftors, as muft do away every doubt, in minds of any reafon or can-
dour ; but a quotation of them at large would exceed the limits of a note ; my readers
are therefore referred to the valuable work from which the above is taken. In many
parts of Colonel Vallancey's ineflimable ColkElanea, they may alfo find proofs of
the knowledge of the early Irifli in naval affairs : — indeed, the aftoniftiing number of
names (no lefs than between forty and fifty) for a ihip, in the Iriih language, appears
to give ground for concluding that there muft have been fame degree of proportionable
variety in their ilrudurc.
( '6/ )
Thine ev'ry bright endowment to difplay,
The fmile of beauty, and the arm of pow'r !
Science, beneath our hero's fliade,
Exults, in all her patron's gifts array'd :
Her Chief, the foul of every fighting field !
The arm, — the heart, alike unknown to yield !
Hear, O Finn ! thy people's voice !
Trembling on our hills ■* we plead ;
O let our fears to peace incline thy choice !
Divide the fpoil % and give the hero's meed !
For bright and various is his wide renown,
And war and fcience weave his glorious crown !
Did all the hofts of all the earth unite.
From pole to pole, from wave to wave.
Exulting
^ This alludes to a cuftom which prevailed, amongft the early Iriih, of holding all
their public meetings, and frequently their fealls, on the tops of lofty eminences. In
the few prefatory lines, annexed to this ode, I have hazarded a conjedure that it
was one of the extemporaneous compofitions, fo celebrated in the romance of
6)1U)5á.tl be-<l5 Hit b' lilrimjne-; yet this pallage feems an objedion, unlefs we
fuppofe that an entertaiment, or a peactablc meeting, ended in a battle, (which indeed
might have been the cafe) for the mention of " hills" here, implies peace, and the
quotation from the romance exprefsly tells us, that the ode was fung at the combat.
' PofTibly it might have been about the divifion of the booty, gained in fome
Britiih, or perhaps Continental expedition, that the tribes of Morni and Boiihne
were at variance : at leaft it appears by this pafl'age tliat a part of their difcontents
arofe from fome fuch occafion.
( i6S )
Exulting in their might :
His is that monarcliy of foul
To fit him for the wide controul,
The empire of the brave !
Friend of learning ! mighty name !
Havoc of hoils, and pride of fame !
Fierce as the foaming ftrength of ocean's rage,
When nature's powers in ftrife engage,
So does his dreadful progrefs roll,
And fuch the force that lifts his foul !
Fear him, chief of Erin's might !
And his foe no longer be ;
Sun of honor's iiicred light.
Rending ilorm of death is he I
Finn of the flowing locks \ O hear my voice !
No more with Gaul contend !
Be peace, henceforth, thy happy choice.
And gain a valiant friend !
Secur(
' TliC natural and beautiful ornament ot iair was much cheriihed and efteemed
amongft the ancient Iriili, I know not whence the idea of their niatled locks (fo
often meiuioned by Englilh chroniclers) had its rife : — certain it is that we meet with
no fach exprefiion, in any of our Irifh annals, legends, or poems: — on tlie contrary,
the epithets '« flowing — curling — waving locks," perpetually occur, and are apparently
cft.emed as eflential to the beauty of the warrior, as to that of the fair.
( i69 )
Secure of vi6lory, to the field
His conquering ftandard goes ;
'Tis his the powers of fight to wield.
And woe awaits his foes !
Not to mean infiduous art ^
Does the great name of Gaul its terrors owe ;
But from a brave, undaunted heart
His glories flow !
Z Stature
t it What added luftre to the native valour, was, the extreme openncfs, candour,
" and fimplicity of this people (the Irifli) ; not even to gratify that infatiable thiril for
" power, the fource of fuch devailations, do we often read of indireft or diihonorable
« means ufed. Heralds were fent to denounce fair, open war, and the place, time and
« action were previoufly fettled. If any unforefecn accident difappointed cither party,
" as to the number of troops, &c. notice was fent to his opponent, and a further
*' day was appointed, and generally granted." O'Hall. Lit. to the Hljl. and Atitiq. of
Ireland, p. 223.
Indeed, for a fpirit of honor, and a natural reditude of mind, the Irifli were
remarl;ed even by the writers of a nation, once their bitter enemies. Their love of
juilice, and attachment to the laws, was thus acknowledged by Baron Fin g las, in the
days of Henry the Eighth, " The laws and ftatutes made by the Irifli, on their hills,
«< they keep firm and ftable, without breaking them for any favour or reward."
Baron FiNGL as'/ i?rí"y/a/í of Ireland. Sir John Daviís too, (Attorney General in
the reign of James the Firil) acknowledges that « there is no nation under the fun
" that love equal and indifferent juilice better than the IriHi ; or will reft better
" fatisfied with the execution thereof, although it be againft themfclves." Davils's
H'lfi. of Ireland. Alfo CooKE, treating of our laws, i\iys, " For I have been
« informed by many of them that have had judicial places there, and partly of
<« mine ozun knoiiled^e, that there is no nation of the Chriiliun world, that are greater
•< lovers of jultice tlian they are ; which virtus niuil of ncccihty be accompanied by
« many others." CookeV Ifijlitutcs, chap, ~6.
( I70 )
Stature fublime ", and awful mien !
Arm of ilrength, by valour ileel'd!:
Sword of fate, in battle keen.
Sweeping o'er the deadly field !
Finn of the dark-brown hair ! O hear my voice \
No more with Gaul contend !
Be peace iincere henceforth thy choice.
And gain a valiant friend !
In peace, dio' inexhaufted from his breaft
Each gentle virtue flows,
In war, no force his fury can arreil.
And hopelefs are his foes.
Leader of the Ihock of arms,
Loudeft in the loud alarms !
Friend of princes, princely friend,
Firft in bounty to tranfcend !
Patron of the fchools ' encreafe !
Sword of war, and ihield of peace !
Glory
»■ Amongft our early anceftors, not only perfonal ftrength, and courage, but alfo
beauty, — a graceful figure, an elegant addrefs, and niajeftic ftature, were requifite
in the candidates for knighthood. See O'Halloran. Keating.
' To be eftcemed the patrons of faience, was (next to military renown,) the chief
objeft of ambition, with the princes, and chieftains of the ancient Irifli.
( '7' )
Glory of the fields of fame!
Pride of hofts ! illuftrious name !
Strength of pow'r ! triumphant might !
Firm maintainer of the fight !
Fierce in the conflidling hour ;
Bulwark of the royal pow'r !
O generous charm of all-accompliili'd love ! —
Locks of bright redundant ihade !
Breail where llrength and beauty ftrove !
White as the hue the chalky cliffs difplay'd'' !
To thee glad Erin Ihoxild her homage pay,
And joy to own thy glorious fway !
Spirit refolute to dare !
Z 2 Afpea
» <« The breafl like the chalky cliff." — " The hero with the hrcaft of fnow." —
" The fide, white as the foam of the falling flream," — frequently occur in our Irifh
poets' defcriptions of their youthful w-arriors. The ideas which thefe paffages convey,
are rather inconfiftent with the difguiling ones that muft be conceived of the early
Irifh, by thofe who give credit to the accounts of writers who tell us, they ^uore
JJArts dyed in faffroti, for the convenience of hiding the dirt, and further add, that
they never pulled thtm off until fnirly worn out. — In this cafe, whatever nature might
have done in the blanching of their ikins — habit muft have countera£led all her
good intentions. Whence then did the bard derive his idea ? — So falfe a compli-
ment, one would think, muft rather have drawn rcfentment upon him than thanks,
by reminding his flovcnly heroes what filtliy creatures they were. But indeed the
affertion feems too abfurd for argument, and is moft worthily anfwered by a fmile.
The fadt is, that the antient IriQi were fo remarkably cleanly, as never to reft from
fatigue, or fit down to meat, after exercife, until they had iirft refreihed and cleaufed
themfclves by ablution». See Keating, Warner, &c.
( 172 )
Afpeíi fweet beyond compare,
Bright with infpiring foul ! with blooming beauty fair !
"Warrior of majeftic charms !
High in fame, and great in arms !
Well thy daring foul may tow'r,
Nothing is above thy pow'r I
Hear, O Finn ! my ardent zeal,
While his glories I reveal !
Fierce as ocean's angry wave ',
When confli(ft:ing tempefls rave ;
As ilill, with the encreaiing ilorm,
Increaiing ruin clothes its dreadful form,
Such is the Chief, o'erwhelming in his force,
Unconqiier'd in his fwift^ reíiíllefs courfe !
Tho' in the fmiles of blooming grace array'd,
And bright in beauty's every charm ;
Yet think not, therefore, that his foul will bend,
Nor with the Chief contend ;
For well he knows to wield the glittering blade.
And fatal is his arm !
Bounty
' Here we find a repetition of the fame image that occurs a few ilanzas before :
the language is indeed a little varied, yet ftill the image is the fame. I have already
apologized for tliis frequent repetition, and entreat my readers to recolleifl what ha»
been faid upon the fubjecft. But an extemporaneous compofition, like this, ought to
be exempt from that feverity of criticifm which may with jullice be exercifed on the
produdlions of ftudy, and the labours of time.
( ^n )
Bounty in his bofom dwells ;
High his foul of courage fwells !
Fierce the dreadful war to wage,
Mix in the whirl of fight, and guide the battle's rage !
Wide, wide around triumphant ruin wield.
Roar through the ranks of death, and thunder o'er the field I
Many a chief of mighty fway
Fights beneath his high command |
Marihals his troops in bright array,
And fpreads his banners o'er the land.
Champion of xinerring aim !
Chofen of Kings, triumphant name !
Bounty's hand, and Wifdom's head.
Valiant arm, and lion foul,
O'er red heaps of ilaughter'd dead.
Thundering on to Glory's goal !
Pride of Finian fame, and arms !
Mildnefs " of majeilic charms !
Swiftnefs of the battle's rage !
Theme of the heroic page !
Firm
» " The knowledge of arms was but a part of the education of the Celtic warrior.
" In Ireland, they were well informed in hiftory, poetry, and the polite arts ; they
" were fworn to be the proteitors of the fair, and the avengers of their wrongs ; and
" to be polite in -words and addrefsy even to their greatejl enemies" O'Halloran-
( '74 )
Firm in purpofe ! fierce in fight !
Ann of flaughter ! foul of might !
Glory's light ! illuilrious name !
Splendour of the paths of fame !
Born bright precedent to yield,
And fweep with death the hoftile field !
Leader of Sylvan fports ; the hound, the horn,
The early melodies of morn ! —
Love of the fair, and favourite of the mufe ■.
In peace, each peaceful fcience to diíFvife :
Prince of the noble deeds ! accompliih'd name !
Increafing bounty ! comprehenfive fame !
Ardent, bold, unconquer'd Knight J
Breaker of the bulwark's might !
Chief of war's refiillefs blade,
With fpears of wrath, and arms of death array 'd !
Heroic Gaul ! beneath thy princely fway.
The eartli níiight bend, and all her hoil obey !
Hear, O Gaul ! the poet's voice !
O be peace thy gen'rous choice !
Yield
" Irifli hiftory informs us, that thofc of their Monarchs or Chiefs who, befides the
accuftomed patronage of fcience and fong, were tbcmfelvts pofleired of the gifts of the
mufe, obtained, on that account, from their Fileas, and from their countrymen in
general, a diftinguiflied portion of honor, refpcdt and celebrity.
( ^7S )
Yield thee to the Bard's deiire !
Calm the terrors of thine ire !
Ceafe we here our mutual ftrife ;.
And peaceful be our future life !
Gaul. I yield, O Fergus ! to thy mild defire j
Thy words, O Bard ! are fweet ;
Thy wiih I freely meet.
And bid my wrath expire.
No more to difcontent a prey,
I give to peace the future day t
To tliee my foul I bend,
O guilelefs ° friend !
The accents of whofe glowing lip well know that foul to fway.
Bard. O fwift in honor's courfe ! thou generous name !
Illuilrious Chief, of never dying fame !
" Acharader grttl ^bC'Cítl, {without gui/e or Jecett,) was efleemed the higheft
that could be given, amongft the ancient Irifh : and the favourite panegyric of a Bard^
to his favourite hero, would be, that be had a heart incapable of giii/e^
III.
o
D
E
ON A
H I
P.
A a
ADVERTISEMENT.
T H F. following defcr'iptive Ode was written by a gentleman of
the flame of Fitz-Gerald, in the reign of Elizabeth, as appears from
pajfages in fome other pieces^ compofed by the fame author. The
fubjeEl of it^ we fee, is a voyage to Spain ; but the idea of thus cek"
brating the fubje&, was probably fuggejled by the third Ode of
Horace : for though the Iriih poet can by no means be faid to have
copied the Roman one, yet he feems to have^ in fame meafure^ adopted
his deftgn.
I foould be accufed of treafon to the majefly of Horace, did I fay
that he is furpaffed by our Iriih bard upon this fubjedl : — I Jhall noty
therefore, rifk the cenfure : — but, my readers arc at liberty to do it, if
they pleafe.
For the original of the following Ode I am indebted to Mr.
O'Flanagan of Trinity College. — There is alfo another copy of it
in Mr. O'Halloran's colle&ion.
A a 2
ODE, BY FITZ-GERALD,
Written on his fetting out on a Voyage to Spain.
JJLESS my good ihip, protedlng pow'r of grace!
And o'er the winds, the waves, the deftin'd coaft,
Breathe benign fpirit ! — Let thy radiant hoft
Spread their angelic ihields !
Before us, the bright bulwark let them place.
And fly beiide us, through their azure fields !
O calm the voice of winter's ilorm !
Rule the wrath of angry feas !
The fury of the rending blaft appeafe,
Nor let its rage fair ocean's face deform V
O check the biting wind of fpring,
And, from before our courfe,
Arreft the fiiry of its wing,
And terrors of its force !
So may we fafely pafs the dang'rous cape,
And from the perils of the deep efcape !
I grieve
( i8í )
I grieve to leave the fplendid feats
Of Teamor's ancient fame !
Manfion of heroes, now farewell !
Adieu, ye fweet retreats.
Where the fani'd hunters of your ancient vale,
Who fwell'd the high heroic tale.
Were wont of old to dwell !
And you, bright tribes of funny ftreams, adieu !
While my fad feet their mournful path purfue.
Ah, well their lingering fteps my grieving foul proclaim !
Receive me now, my ililp !^ — hoift now thy fails,
To catch the favouring gales.
O Heaven ! before thine awful throne I bend I
O let thy power thy fervants now proted !
Increafe of knowledge and of wifdom lend.
Our courfe, through ev'ry peril to dired ;
To fteer us fafe through ocean's rage,
Where angry ilorms their dreadful llrife maintain ;
O may thy pow'r their wrath aíFuage !
May fmiling funs, and gentle breezes reign !
Stout is my well-built ihip, the florm to brave,
Majeftic in its might.
Her bulk, tremendous on the wave,
Ereéls its ilatcly height !
From
( i83 )
From her ilrong bottom, tall in air
Her branching mails afpiring rife ;
Aloft their cords, and curling heads they bear.
And give their ilieeted enfigns to the ikies ;
While her proud bulk frowns awful on the main,
And feems the fortrefs of the liquid plain !
Dreadful in the ihock of fight,
She goes — ihe cleaves the ftorm !
Where ruin wears its moil tremendoxis form
She fails, exulting in her might ;
On the fierce necks of foaming billows rides,
And through the roar
Of angry ocean, to the deilin'd ihore
Her courfe triumphant guides ;
As though beneath her frown the winds were dead,
And each blue valley was their filent bed !
Through all the perils of the main
She knows her dauntlefs progrefs to maintain !
Through quickfands, flats, and breaking waves,
Her dang'rous path ihe dares explore ;
Wrecks, ilorms, and calms, alike ihe braves.
And gains, with fcarce a breeze, the wiili'd-for flborc !
Or in the hour of war.
Fierce on ihe bounds, in confcious might,
To meet the promis'd fight !
While, diilant far,
The
( 1^4 )
The fleets of wondering nations gaze,
And view her courfe with emulous amaze,
As, like fome champion'd fon of fame,
She ruflies to the iliock of arms.
And joys to mingle in the loud alarms,
Impell'd by rage, and fir'd with glory's flame.
Sailing with pomp upon the watery plain,
Like fome huge monfter of the main,
My fliip her fpeckl'd bofom laves.
And high in air her curHng enfigns waves ;
Her (lately fides, with polifli'd beauty gay.
And gunnel, bright with gold's effulgent ray.
As the fierce Griffin's dreadful flight
Her monftrous bulk appears.
While o'er the feas her towering height.
And her wide wings, tremendous fliade ! £he rears.
Or, as a champion, thirfting after fame, —
The fl;rife of fwords, — the deathlcfs name, —
So does flie feem, and fuch her rapid courfe !
Such is the rending of her force ;
When her fliarp keel, where dreadful fplendours play,
Cuts through the foaming main its liquid way.
Like the red bolt of Heaven, flie flioots along.
Dire as its flight, and as its fury ilrong !
God
( >8s )
God of the winds ! O hear my pray'r !
Safe paiTage now beilow !
Soft, o'er the flumbering deep, may fair
And profperous breezes flow !
O'er the rough rock, and fwelling wave.
Do thou our progrefs guide !
Do thou from angry ocean fave,
And o'er its rage prefide. .
Speed my good ihip, along the rolling fea,
O Heaven ! and fmiling ilcies, and favouring gales' decree !
Speed the high-mailed iliip of dauntlefs force,
Swift in her glittering flight, and founding courfe !
Stately moving on the main,
Forefl of the azure plain !
Faithful to confided truft.
To her promis'd glory jufl ;
Deadly in the flrife of war,
Rich in ev'ry gift of peace,
Swift from afar,
In peril's fearful hour,
Mighty in force, and bounteous in her power.
She comes, kind aid ihe lends.
She frees her fupplicating friends,
And fear before her flies, and dangers ceafe !
B b Hear,
( i86 )
Hear, blefl: Heaven ! my ardent pray'r !
My ihip — my crew — O take us to tLy care !
O may no peril bar our way !
Fair blow the gales of each propitious day !
So) t fwell the lioods, and gently roll the tides,
While, from Dunboy, along the fmiling main
We fail, until the deitined coaft we gain.
And fafe in port our gallant veiTel rides !
ELEGIES,
Bb 3
A
( -89 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
OF the Iri/Jj tl^dJiiZJllct, or Funeral Elegy, / have been able to
procure but few good originals ; hotvevcr^ there are^ donhtlcfs^ many
of them Jim extant ; as alfo^ many other beautiful compoftions of our
ancient country-men^ "which I have never feen.
The Irifh language^ perhaps beyond all others^ is peculiarly fated to
every fubjeB of Elegy ; and, accordingly, ive fnd it excel in plaintive
and fentimental poetry. The Love Elegies of the Irifj are exquifitely
pathetic, and breathe an artlefs tendernefs, that is infnitcly more affcSling
than all the laboured pomp of declamatory ivoe.
The public are here prcfented with a few fpecimens of both kinds.
To the following, on the Daughter of Owen, the foremof place is
affigned, becaufe (though without a date) it bears the appearance of
belonging to an earlier period than any other rf the Elegies contained in
this volume. The original of it is in the hands of Mr. O'Flanagan,
who has in vain endeavoured to procure fome anecdotes of the author,
and of the fair fubjeB : that it was wrillen by a poet of the name of
O'Geran, is all that can be colle£led from enquiry.
In the Irifo, it is o?ie of the mofi beautiful compoftions I have ever
feen : it is, of all my originals, the one I mof wified to give in its ex-
prefions, as well as its thoughts, to the Englif reader ; but in this,
notwithfanding all my efforts, lam confcicus that I have failed.
Either
( 19° )
Either 1 am very unhappy in my choice of words ^ or it is next to int-
pojfihle to convey thefpirit of this poem into a literal tranfation ; / tricd^
to the utmojl my power ^ but^ to my extreme regret^ I found myfclf une-
qual to the tiifky though I chofe an irregular meafure, that I might be
more at liberty to adhere clofely to the expreffions of my original^ nvhich
are comprehenfve, andfriking^ beyond the power of any one to con-
ceive, who is unacquainted with the genius of the Irfh language. In
fome paffages, a fingle word conveys the meaning and force of a fen-
tcnce ; it was, therefore, iinpoffible to tranfate it without periphrafts,
and, of CGurfe, many of its native graces are lo/l : I fall be mq/l happy
to fee fome abler pen rc/lore them, as I really lament ftncerely my inabi-
lity to do all th-e ji.Jlice I wijhed, to that tender fimpUcity, and thofe
he dutiful exprcjfions, which I read withfo much delight.
Determined, however, to give the Poem, in the bejl manner I could,
to the public, I have conveyed its thoughts into the following verfion ;
and, for thofe pajfages wherein the language is thought to be too
diffufe, I rely on the candour of my readers to accept of this apology.
In the original there are fome repetitions, and alfo a few entire lines,
which are not given in the Englif verfion. I apprehended it might,
otberwife, be too long, and have therefore omitted what I thought
could brf he fpared.
I.
E L E G
TO THE
DAUGHTER of OWEN.
Daughter of Owen ! behold my grief!
Look foft pity's dear relief !
Oh ! let the beams of thofe life-giving eyes
Bid my fainting heart arife,
And, from the now opening grave,
Thy faithful lover fave !
Snatch from death his dire decree !
What is impoffible to thee ?
Star of my life's foul-cheering light !
Beam of mildnefs, foft as bright !
Do not, like others of thy fex.
Delight the wounded heart to vex !
But
( ^92 )
But hear, O hear thy lover's fighs,
And with true pity, hither turn thine eyes 1
Still, tho' wailed with defpair.
And pale with pining care.
Still, O foft maid ! this form may meet thy fight.
No objeél yet of horror, or affright.
Long unregarded have I figh'd,
Love's foft return deny'd !
No mutual heart, no faithful fair,
No fympathy to foothe my care !
O thou, to every bofom dear !
Univerfal charmer ! — hear ! —
No more fweet pity's gentle power withiland Í
Reach the dear foftnefs of thy hand !
O let it be the beauteous pledge of peace,
To blefs my love, and bid my forrows ceafe !
Hafte, haile ! — no more the kind relief delay I
Come, fpeak, and look, and fmile my woes away !
O haile, e'er pity be too late !
Haile, and intercept my fate !
Or foon behold life, love, and forrow end,
And fee me to an early tomb defcend ! —
For, ah, what med'ciiae can my cure impart,
Or what phyfician heal a broken heart ?
'Tis
( ^93 )
'Tis thine alone the fovereign bahn to give,
Bind the foul's wound, and bid the dying live !
'Tis thine, of right, my anguifli to aifuage,
If love can move, or gratitude engage !
For thee alone, all others I forfake 1
For thee alone, my cares, my wiihes wake,
O locks of Beauty's bright redundant flow,
Where waving ioftnefs, curling fragrance grow Í
Thine is the fway of foul-fubduing charms.
That every breaft of all defence difarms !
With thee my will, enamour'd, hugs its chain,
And Love's dear ardours own thy potent reign f
Take then the heart my conilant paffion gave,
Cheriih its faith, and from its anguiih fave !'
Take the poor trembler to thy gentle breaft,
And huih its fears, and foothe its cares to reft !
For all I have, in timid filence borne,
For all the pangs that have this bofom torn.
Speak now the word, and heal my pain.
Nor be my fufferings vain !
For now, on life itfelf their anguiih preys,
And heavy on my heart the burden weighs !
O firft, and faireft of thy fex !
Thou whofe bright form the fun of beauty decks !
C c Gnce
( 194 )
Once more let Love that gentle bofom fway,
O give the dear enchantment way !
Raife, — fondly raife thofe fnowy arms,
Thovi branch of blooming charms !
Again for me thy fragrance breathe.
And thy fair tendrils round me wreath !
Again be foft affe6lion's pow'r difplay'd,
While fweetly wand'ring in the fecret ihade :
Reach forth thy lip, — the honey 'd kifs beftow !
Reach forth thy lip, where balmy odours grow !
Thy lip, whofe founds fuch rapture can impart,
Whofe words of fweetnefs iink into the heart !
Again, at gentle Love's command,
Reach forth thy fnowy hand !
Soft into mine its whitenefs ileal,
And its dear preifure let me feel !
Unveil the baihful radiance of thine eyes,
(Bright trembling gems !) and let me fee them rife.
Lift the fair lids where their foft glories roll,
And fend their fecret glances to my foul !
O what delight, thus hand in hand to rove !
To breathe fond vows of mutual love !
To fee thee fweet affection's balm impart.
And fmile to health my almoft broken heart !
Ah ! let me give the dear idea fcope !
Ah ! check not yet the fondly-trembling hope ! —
Spent
( '95 )
Spent is the rock by which my life was fed.
And fpun by anguiili to a iightlefs diread !
A little more, — and all in death will end,
And fruitlefs pity o'er my grave will bend !
When I am dead, ihim thou my cruel fate.
Left equal harms on equal perils wait.
Hear my laft words, their fond, requeft declare,
For even in death, thy fafety is my care !
No more, O maid ! thy poliih'd glafs invite,
To give that fatal beauty to thy fight !
Enough one life its dangers to inthrall !
Enough that I its haplefs vidim fall ! —
O thou, more bright, more cheering to our eyes.
Than the young beams that warm the dawning ikies !;
Haft thou not heard the weeping mufe relate
The mournful tale of yoving NarciiTus' fate ? —
How, as the Bards of ancient days have fung,
While fondly o'er the glafty ftream he hting,
Enamour'd he his lovely form furvey'd.
And dy'd, at lengtli, the vi6lim of a Ihade^
Sweet! do not thou a like misfortime prove!
O be not fuch thy fate, nor fuch thy love !
Let peril rather warn, and wifdom guide.
And from thyfelf thy own attradions hide !
C C 2 i«fe
( '95 )
No more on that bewitching beauty gaze,
Nor trufl thy fight to meet its dazzling blaze !
Hide, hide that breafb, ib fjaowy fair !
Hide the bright treíTes of thy hair !
And oh ! thofe eyes of radiant ruin hide !
What heart their killing luflre can abide ?
Slow while their foft and tender glances roll,
They ileal its peace from the unwary foul !
Hide the twin berries of thy lip's perfume,
Their breathing fragrance, and their deepening bloom
And thofe fair cheeks, that glow like radiant morn,
When fol's bright rays his bluihing eail adorn !
No more to thy incautious fight difplay'd.
Be that dear form, in tender grace array'd !
The rofy finger's tap'ring charms ;
The flender hand, the fnowy arms ;
The little foot, fo foft and fair ;
The timid ftep, the modeil air ;
No more their graces let thine eyes purfue.
But hide, O hide the peril from thy view !
This done, — in fafety may'il thou reft,
And peace poifefs thy breaft.
For who can with thy charms compare,
And who but thee is worth a care ? —
O ! from
( 157 )
O ! from thyfelf thine eyes, thy heart proted,
And none befide, thy quiet can afFeit.
For thee, while all the youths of Erin figh,
And, ftruck beneath thine eye-beam, die ;
Still peace within thy bofoin reigns,
Unfelt by thee their pains !
O graceful meeknefs ! ever new delight !
Sweet bafhful charm of captivated fight !
Why, while my heart (fond fubjed !) blefs'd thy fway,
Why did'ft thou ileal its vital foul away ?
Ah ! with the theft the life of life is fled,
And leaves me almoil number'd with the dead !
While thus, in vain, my anguiih I bewail,
Thy peace no fears aíTail ;
None in my haplefs caufe will move ;
Each partial heart is fetter'd to thy love !
Thou whofe fair hand bids the foft harp complain,
Flies o'er the firing, and wakes the tender ilrain.
Wilt thou not fome — fome kind return impart,
For my loft quiet, and my plunder'd heart ?
O thou dear angel-fmiling face !
Fair form of fafcinating grace !
Bright
( '9» )
Bright as the gentle moon's foft fplendonrs rife,
To light her ileps of beauty through the ikies !
O turn ! — on me thofe tender glances roll,
And dart their cheering luilre on my foul !
Be dear compailion in their beams expreft,
And heal with love the forrows of my breail !
( 199 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE original of the following pathetic little elegy ^ was taken down
from the di&ation of a young woman^ in the county of Mayo, by Mr.
O'Flanagan, who was Jlruck with the tender and beautiful fimplicity
which it breathes. No account can be obtained^ either of the writer^ or
of the period in which it laas written.
This elegy was tranfated longftnce^ without any view to publication^
and the language isy therefore^ rather more d'ffufe^ than that of my
other trajifations.
II.
ELEGY.
W HEN oaths confirm a lover's vow,
He thinks I bcHeve him true i —
Nor oaths, nor lovers heed I now,
For memory dweUs on you !
The tender talk, the face like fnow
On the dark mountain's height ;
Or the fweet bloflbm of the floe.
Fair blooming to the fight !
But falfe as fair, alas, you prove,
Nor aught but fortune prize ;
The youth who gain'd my heart's firil love.
From truth — to wealth he flies 1
Ah
( 201 )
Ah that he could but ilill deceire,
And I ftill think him true !
Still fondly, as at firft, believe,
And each dear fcene renew !
Again, in the fequeiler'd vale,
Hear love's fvpeet accents flow,
And quite forget the tender tale,
That fill'd my heart with woe !
See this dear trifle,— (kept to prove
How I the giver prize ;)
More precious to my faithful love,
Than all thy fex's fighs !
What tears for thee in fecret flow,
Sweet viilor of the green ! —
For maiden pride would veil my woe,
And feek to weep unfeen.
Return ye days to love confign'd^
Fond confidence, and joy !
The crouded fair, where tokens kind
The lover's cares employ !
D d Return
( 202 )
Remrn once more, mine eyes to blefs,
Thou flower of Erin's youth !
Return fweet proofs of tendernefs,
And vows of endlefs truth !
And Hymen at Love's altar iland,
To fandify the fhrine,
Join the fond heart, and phghted hand.
And make thee firmly mine,
Ere envious ocean fnatch thee hence.
And — Oh ! — to diftance bear
My love ! — my comfort ! — my defence !•
And leave me — to defpair !
Yes, — yes, my only love thou art !
"Whoe'er it may difpleafe,
I will avow my captive heart,
And fpeak its mailer's praife !
Ah, wert thou here, to grace my fide
With dear, protedling love !
Envy might rage, and fpight deride,
And friends in vain reprove !
May
( 203 )
May pangs unnumber'd pierce the breail
That cruel envy arms.
That joys in conilancy diftrefs'd.
And fports with its alarms !
Bright ftar of love-attradling light !
For thee thefe terrors fway ;
Grief fteeps in tears the fleeplefs night,
And clouds the joylefs day !
Ah God ! — ah how, when thou art gone.
Shall comfort reach my heart !
Thy dwelling, and thy fate unknown,
Or where tliy ileps depart !
My father grieving at my choice !
My mother drown'd in woe !
While friends upbraid, and foes rejoice
To fee my forrows flow !
And thou, with all thy manly charms,
From this fad bofom torn !
Thy foothing voice, — thy iheltering arms,
Far — far to di fiance borne !
"D d 2 Alas!
( 204 )
Alas ! — my dim and fleeplefs eyes
The clouds of death obfcure !
And nature, in exhaufted iighs,
No longer can endure !
I can no more ! — fad world farewell !
And thou, dear youth ! adieu !
Dear, tho' forfworn ! — yet, cruel ! tell
Why falihood dwells with you ?
( 205 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE following Elegy was written, tiearly a century ago, by a very
celebrated perfonage, of the name of Edmond Ryan, concerning whom
many flories are fill circulated, but no conneBed account has been ob-
tained, further than that he commanded a company of thofe unhappy
free hooters, called Rapparees, who, after the defeat of the Poyne,
were obliged to abandon their dwellings and poffeffions, " hoping (fays
Mr. O'Halloran) " for fafety within the precinEts of the Iriih qtiar-
*' ters ; hut they were too numerous to be employed in the army, and
*' their mf cries often obliged them to prey alike upon friend and foe :
" at length fome of the mof daring of them formed themf elves into in-
" dependent companies, whofe fubfflence chiefly arofe from depredations
*• committed on the enemy.
" // ivas not choice, but neceffity, that drove them to this extreme ;
" / have heard ancient people, who were witneffes to the calamities of
*' thefe days, affirm, that they remembered vqjl numbers of thefe poor
*' Ulfer Irifh, men, -women and children, to have no other beds but
" the ridges of potatoe-gardens, and little other covering than the
*' canopy of heaven ; they difperfed themfclves over the counties of
" Limerick, Clare and Kerry ; and the hardnefs of the times at length
*' fhut up all bowels of humanity, fo that mof f them perifoed by
*' the fword, cold, or famine * /''
^rom.
O'HalloranV ////. to the Hiji. and Ant. of Ireland, p. 382.
( 206 )
From pajfages in this Elegy, ive may infer ^ that, to the misfortunes
of its author alone ^ the defertion of his miflrefs -was owing ; but I have
not been able to difcover the name of this fair inconjlant.
After the tranfation was tnade from the copy frjl obtained of this
pathetic little poem^ a friend tranfmitted to mc the following fanz-as^ as
a part of the original Elegy. — They appeared well entitled to prefer^
vation^ and are here given to the public^ who may admit or reject
them at pleafure.
K fci-'?^ f^ctfib gvtc in <itítíjn<t te-)f -^ejti
iXf. ciiitid)5 110 Aft ctte-Z? wojnce-
2*0 |i)iiMecfD tMocfieiic, "1 faitiTeertt) mo iiect-o
"I TD-f afge-ifo ttii 5ctti e-ti tie-ctc
ftVlct Cit fJ-M <lce-<tCC Íi-piúCZ Clíl"0é-)5 ticetíf
<t|irti fe-djic wo bectmidcc -^e-fn tettc.
TRANSLATION.
Ah ! what woes are mine to bear,
Life's fair morn with clouds o'ercailing !
Doom'd the vicflim of defpair !
Youth's gay bloom, pale forrow blafting !
Sad
( 207 )
Sad the bird that fings alone.
Flies to wilds, unfeen to languiih.
Pours, unheard, the ceafelefs moan,
And waftes, on defart, air its anguiih !
Mine, O haplefs bird ! thy fate ! —
The plunder'd neft,— the lonely forrow !—
The loft — lov'd — harmonious mate ! —
The waiHng night, — the chearlefs morrow !
O thou dear hoard of treafur'd love !
Though thefe fond arms ihould ne'er poiTefs thee.
Still— ftill my heart its faith fliall prove,
And its laft fighs ihall breathe to blefs thee !
lam told there are fever al beautiful elegiac Songs fill extaitl, com-
pofed by Edmond Ryan, or Edmond of the Hill, (as he Is called,
from his roving life,) but the following Is the only one of them that I
have ever met with. The air to which It Is fang " dies in every
note," and the Poem, though ufually filed a Song, I have here claffed
under the title of Elegy, hecatfe It feemed more properly to belong to
thatfpecles of compoftlon.
III.
ELEGY.
XS RIGHT her locks of beauty grew,
Curling fair, and fweetly flowing j
And her eyes of fmiling blue,
Oh how foft ! how heav'nly glowing !
Ah ! poor plunder'd heart of pain !
When wilt thou have end of mourning ?-
This long, long year, I look in vain
To fee my only hope returning.
Oh ! would thy promife faithful prove.
And to my fond, fond bofom give thee j
Lightly then my fteps would move.
Joyful ihould my arms receive thee !
Then
( 209 )
Then, once more, at early morn,
Hand in hand we ihould be ftraying.
Where the dew-drop decks the thorn.
With its pearls the woods arraying.
Cold and fcornful as thou art,
Love's fond vows and faith belying^
Shame for thee now rends my heart,
My pale cheek with bluflies dying!
Why art thou falfe to me and Love ?
(While health and joy with thee are vaniih'd)
Is it becaiife forlorn I rove.
Without a crime, unjuftly banifli'd?
Safe thy charms with me ihould reft,
Hither did thy pity fend thee.
Pure the love that fills my breaft,
From itfelf it would defend thee.
'Tis thy Edmond calls thee lave.
Come, O come and heal his anguiih !
Driv'n from his home, behold him rove,
Condemn'd in exile here to languiih !
E e O thou
( 210 )
O thou dear caufe of all my pains !
With thy charms each heart fubduing,
Come, — on Munftcr's lovely plains,
Hear again fond paííion fuing.
Mufic, mirth, and iports are here,
Chearful friends the hours beguiling ;
Oh wouldil thou, my love ! appear,
To joy my bofom reconcihng !
Sweet would feem the holly's ihade.
Bright the cluft'ring berries glowing ;
And, in fcented bloom array 'd,
Apple-bloflbms round us blowing.
Crcffes waving in the ilream,
Flowers its gentle banks perfuming ;
Sweet the verdant paths would feem,
All in rich luxuriance blooming.
O bright in every grace of youth !
Gentle charmer ! — lovely wonder !
Break not fond vows and tender truth Í
O rend not ties fo dear afunder !
For
( 211 )
For thee all dangers would I brave,
Life with joy, with pride expoiing ;
Breail for thee the ftormy wave,
Winds and tides in vain oppofing.
O m";rht I call thee now mj own !
No added rapture joy could borrow :
'Twould be, like heav'n, when life is flown,
To chear the foul and heal its forrow.
See thy falfehood, cruel maid !
See my cheek no longer glowing ;
Strength departed, health decay 'd ;
Life in tears of forrow flowing !
r
"Why do I thus my anguiih tell ? —
Why pride in woe, and boail of ruin ? —
O loft treafure ! — fare thee well ! —
Lov'd to madnefs to undoing.
Yet, O hear me fondly fwear !
Thotigh thy heart to me is frozen,
Thou alone, of thoufands fair.
Thou alone ihould'ft be my chofen.
E e 2 Every
( 2 12 )
Every fcene with thee would pleafe !
Every care and fear would fly me \
Wintery ftorms, and raging feas,
Would lofe their gloom, if thou wert nigh m*-
Speak in time, while yet I live ;
Leave not faithful love to languiili Í
O foft breath to pity give,
Ere my heart quite break with anguiHi.
Pale, diftraciled, wild I rove.
No foothing voice my woes allaying ;
Sad and devious, through each grove,
My lone fteps-are weary ilraying.
O iicknefs, pail all med'cine's art !
O forrow, every grief exceeding !
O wound that, in my breaking heart,
Curelefs, deep, to death art bleeding I '.
Such, O Love ! thy cruel power.
Fond excefs and fatal ruin !
Such — O Beauty's faireft flower !
Such thy charms, and my undoing !
How
( 2 13 )
How the fwan adorns that neck,
There her down and whitcnefs growing ;
How its fnow thofe treíTes deck,
Bright in fair luxuriance flowing.
Mine, of right, are all thofe charms !
Ceafe with coldnefs then to grieve me !
Take — O take me to thy arms,
Or thofe of death will foon receive, me.
( 214 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE following funeral Elegy was covipofed by Cormac Common, " who
(fays Mr. Walker) " was born in May, 1703, at Woodilock, near Ballin-
*' dangan, in the county of Mayo. His parents were poor, and honefl ; re-
" markable for nothing but tJoe innocence, and fimplicity of their lives.
" Before he had computed the frfl year of his^ life, the fmall-pox deprived
*' hi?n of his fight. This circumflamce, together with the indigence of his
" parents, prevented him from receiving any of the advantages of education ;
" but, though he could not read himfelf, he could converfe with thofe who
" had read ; therefore, if he wants learning, he is not without knowledge.
" Shewing an early fondnefs for mvfic, a neighbouring gentleman determined
" to have" him taught to play on the harp : a profejor of that infirument
" was accordingly provided, and Cormac received a few leffons which he
" praElifed con amore ; but his patron dying fuddenly, the harp dropped
" from his hand, and was never after taken up. — // is probable he could not
" afford to firing it.
" But poetry was the niufe of whom he was mofi enamoured. This made
" him' lijlen eagerly to the Irifh fongs, and metrical tales, which he heard
" fung and recited around the " crackling faggots" of his father, and his
"■ neighbours. Thefc, by frequent recitation, became flrongly impreffed upon
" his memory. His mind being thus flored, and having no other avocation, he
" commenced a Man of Talk, or a Tale Teller. " He left no calling, for the
" idle trade," as our Englif}} Montaigne obferves of Pope.
« He
( 2>S )
" He was now employed in relating legendary tales, and reciting geneologies,
' at rural wakes, or in the hofpitable halls of country /quires. Endowed
' with a fweet voice, and a good ear, his nan ations were generally graced
' with the charms of melody ; (l fay were generally graced, becaufe at his
' age, ' nature Jinks in years,' and we fpeak of the jnan, with refpeél to his
' powers, as if aBually a tenant of the grave.) He did not, like the Tale
' Teller mentioned by Sir William Temple, chaunt his tales in an uninter-
' rupted even-tone ; the monotony of his modulation was frequently broken by
' cadences, introduced with tajie, at the clofe of each Jianza. In rehearfing
' any of Oifm'i poems (fays Mr. Oulley) he chaunts them pretty much in the
** manner of Cathedral Service.
" But it was in finging fome of our native airs that Cormac difplayed the
*' powers of his voice ; on this occafion his auditors were always enraptured.
*' / have been affured that no finger ever did Carolan'j airs, or Oifin'j cek'
** hrated Hunting Song, more jujiice than Cormac.
*' Cormac'j mufical powers were not confined to his voice ; he compofed a
" few airs, one of which is extremely fweet. It is to be feared that thofe
" mufical effufions will die with their author.
" But it was in poetry Cormac delighted to exercife his genius ; he has
compofed feveral fongs and elegies that have met with applaufe. As his
mufe was generally awakened by the call of gratitude, his poetical produc-
tions are mojlly panegyrical, or elegiac ' ; they extol the living, or lament
the dead. Sometimes he indulged in fatire, but not often, though richly
endued with that dangerous gift.
" Cormac
' I have never been fo fortunate as to meet with any of Cormac's compofitions,
except the following elegy.
( 2>6 )
" Cormac was twice married, but is tioiv a wiJotver. By both his
« wives he had fever al children ; he now refidcs at Sorrell-town, near
" Dunmore, in the county of Galway, with one of his daughters, who is
" happily married. Though his utterance is materially injured by dental
" loffes, and though his voice is impaired by age, yet he continues to pradife
" his profejfwn : fo feldom are we fenfible of our imperfeilions. It is probable
" that where he was once admired, he is now only endured. One of his
^'-grandfons leads him about to the houfes of the neighbouring gentry, who
" give him money, diet, and fometimes clothes. His apparel is commonly
" decent, and comfortable, but he is not rich, nor does he feeni folicitous about
" wealth : his perfon is large and mufcular, and his moral character is
" unflained."
IV.
E L E G
ON THE DEATH OF
JOHN BURKE CARRENTRYLE, Esq.*
jL ES, Erin, for her Burke, a wreath ihall twine,
And Britain own the honors of his name !
O hence with taftelefs joy ! — with mirth and wine !
All thoughts, but thofe of woe, I now difclaim !
Ye fons of fcience ! — fee your friend depart !
Ye fons of fong ! — your patron is no more !
Ye widow'd virtues ! (cherilh'd in his heart,
And wedded to his foul) your lofs deplore !
/ F f Grief
^ " This gentleman (fays Mr. Walker) was pre-eminent in his day, as a fportf-
" man, and in his private charadtcr there were many amiable traits." — Hi/}. Mem. cf
the IriJIj Bards, App. p. 58.
( 2iS )
Grief Iheds its gloom on eveiy nobie biieall,
And ftreaming tears his worth, — his death proclaim,
Gen'rous and brave ! with every virtue bleft !
Flow'r of the tribes of honorable fame !
Alas ! to the cold grave he now is borne !
No more to wake the huntfman to the chafe ;
No more, with early fports, to roxize the morn,
Or lead the fprightly coiirfer to the race.
The learn'd, and eloquent in honor's caufe !
Of foul enlighten'd, and of fame xmilain'd !
The friend of juilice,^— to expovmd our laws.
Or yield the palm, by fong or fcience gain'd !
O death ! — iince thou hafl laid our glory low ;
Since oul" lov'd Burke, alas ! is now no more ;
What blifs can now each riiing morn beftow ;
The race, the chafe, and every joy is o'er !
O grave ! — thy debt, thy cruel debt is paid !
No more on earth fhall his fair virtues bloom !
Death 1 thou hail hewn the branch of grateful fliade,
And laid its fragrant honors in the tomb !
Sublime
( 219 )
Sublime his foul ! — yet gentle was his heart ;
His rural fports, his gay convivial hour
Avow'd each elegant, each fecial art ;
Each manly grace, and each attradlive power.
Friend of the friendlefs, patron of diftrefs ;
Al^, none, like him, the poor man's caufe would plead !
"With fweet perfuafion to enfure fuccefs.
Or foothe his forrows, or lupply his need!
O tomb that íhroudeíl his belov'd remains !
O death, that didil our deareil hope deftroy !
Thy dreary confine all our blifs contains.
And thy cold gates are clos'd upon our joy i
Who, now, will to the race the courfer train ?
Who gain, for Connaught, the difputed prize ?
From rival provinces the palm obtain ? —
Alas ! with him our fame, our triumph dies !
Our light is quench'd, our glory pafs'd away,
Our Burke fnatch'd from us, never to return,
Whofe name bright honor's fairefl gifts array.
And fcience hangs her wreath upon his urn.
F f 2 Eternal
( 220 )
Eternal plcafures fill'd his focial hall,
And fweeteft mufic charm'd, with magic found ;
Science and fong obej'd his friendly call,
And varied joys itill danc'd their endlefs round !
But now, alas ! nor fport, nor niufe is there !
No echoes now the fprightly notes await ;
But wailing I'ounds of forrow and defpair,
That mourn the ilroke of unrelenting fate !
He is for ever gone ! — weep, wretched eyes !
Flow, flow my tears ! — my heart with anguiili bleed !
In the cold grave the ftately hunter lies,
Chief in the manage of the bounding ileed !
O bitter woe ! — O forrow uncontroul'd !
O death remorfelefs that has feal'd his doom !
Thy plains, O Munfter ! all our glory hold.
And fame lies buried with him, in the tomb !
Thy rival, tho\i (Sir Edvv-ard ») wilt not mourn :
His death, to thee, fliall now the plate refign ;
His laurel, elfe, thou never Ihould'il have worn,
Nor had the prize of manly fports been thine.
See
» Sir Edward O'Brien, father to the prefent Sir Lucius.
( 221 )
See Muníler pour her horfemen from their plains,
To the lov'd dead the laft fad rites to pay ;
Nor Thomond one inhabitant contains,
To guard her treafures on this fatal day !
Refpedlful forrow guides their folemn pace,
(Their deeds '' in mourning, flow proceiTion led :)
'Till in the tomb their much-lov'd Burke they place,
And o'er his earth their copious anguifli Ihed.
The feventeen hundred fix and fortieth year
Of him who died a iinful world to fave,
Death came, our Burke from our fond arms to tear,
And lay, with him, our pleafures in the grave !
How oft his lofs pale memory fliall regret !
How oft our tears fliall flow, our fighs afcend !
The fecial band, where mirth convivial met.
Now meet to mourn for their departed friend !
No more the melody of hounds he leads !
No more morn echoes to their chearful cries !
A gloomy ftillnefs through the land fucceeds.
For low in earth the foul of pleafure lies !
To
*• In the original, — they came leading their ftecds, — or more literally, the horfemen
came, but not mounted on their iteeds.
( «33 )
To the dear fpot my frequent fteps I'll bend.
Which all my joy, — which all my woe contains j
My tears ihall, each returning month, defcend,
To bathe the earth that holds his lov'd remains !
( 223 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE folloivlng is the Elegy vientloned In Mr. WalkerV Life of
Carolan, compofed on the death of that Bard, by his friend M'Cabe '.
M'Cabe was rather of a humorous, than afentimefital turn ; he was
a wit, out not a poet. It was therefore his grief and not his mufe,
that infpired him, on the prefcnt occafion,.
The circumfanccs which gave rife to this Elegy, are friking, and
extremely affe&ing. M'Cabe had been an unufual length of time
•without feeing his friend, and went to pay him a vifit. As he
approached near the end of his journey, in pajjing by a church-yard^
be ivas met by a pcafant, of whom he enquired for Carolan. The
peafant poi?itcd to his grave, and wept.
'Mi'Qdhe, focked and afonifoed, was for fome time unable to fpeak ;
his frame foook, his knees trembled, he had jufl power to totter to the
grave of his friend, and then funk to the ground. A food of tears,
at
* Vide Hijl. Mem. ef the Irijh Bards, Append, p. 97.
( 224 )
at lajly came to his relief; and^ Jlill further to dijbiirden his mind^ he
vented its angiiifh in the following lines. In the original^ they are
fimple and unadorned^ but pathetic to a great degree ; and this
is a fpecies of beauty^ in compofttion^ extremely difficult to transfufe
into any other language, I do not pretend^ in this, to have entirely
fucceeded, but I hope the effort ivill not be unacceptable; — much
of the fimpUcity is wiavoidably lof ; — the pathos which remains^
may, perhaps, in fome wxafure, atone for it.
V.
E L E G
ON THE DEATH OF
C A R O L A N.
1 CAME, with frlendililp's face, to glad my heart.
But fad, and forrowful my ileps depart !
In my friend's ftead — a fpot of earth was fhown,
And on his grave my woe-ftruck eyes were thrown \
No more to their diilradled fight remain'd,
But the cold clay that all they lov'd contain'd :
And there his lail and narrow bed was made,
And the drear tomb-ilone for its covering laid !
Alas ! — for this my aged heart is wrung !
Grief choaks my voice, and trembles on my tongue.
Lonely and defolate, I mourn the dead,
The friend with whom my every comfort fled !
G g There
( 226 )
There is no angxaiili can with this compare !
No pains, difeafes, fuffering, or defpair,
Like that I feel, while fuch a lofs I mourn,
My heart's companion from its fondnefs torn !
Oh infupportable, diftrading grief!
Woe, that through life, can never hope relief!
Sweet-iinging * harp ! — thy melody is o'er !
Sweet friendihip's voice ! — -I hear thy found no more 1
My blifs, — my wealth of" poetry is fled.
And ^very joy, with him I lov'd, is dead !
Alas ! what wonder, (while my heart drops blood
Upon the woes that drain its vital flood,)
If maddening grief no longer can be borne.
And frenzy fill the breaft, with anguifli torn !
> " Both of thefe expreíTions are «aaiy literal— tMO CC-Ol Cjl'VTC •'ih)l'\i( !-
S O N G S.
Gg 2
HOUGH
O N
IRISH SONG.
J.T is fcarcely pofllble that any language can be more adapted to
Lyric poetry than the Irilh. The poetry of many of our Songs
is indeed already Muiick, without the aid of a tune ; fo great is
the fmoothnefs, and harmony of its cadences. Nor is this to be
wondered at, when we coniider the advantage the Iriih has, in
this particular, teyond every other language, of flowing o£F, in
vowels, upon the ear.
I WILL juft inftance the two following lines :
Set CVÍ (tt-vri) "oeíi^, iict 6f á)í))5)íj cce-<tnr.
Here
( 230 )
Here, out of rifcy-four letters, but twenty-two are pronounced, as
confonants, (the reft being rendered qulefcent by their afpirates)
whereas, in Englifli, and I believe in moil other languages, the
Italian excepted, at leail tv/o-thirds of poetry as well as prole, is
neceil'ariiy compoled of confonants : The Iriih being lingular in
the happy art of cutting off, by afpirates, every found that could
injure the melody of its cadence ; at the fame time that it pre-
ferves its radicals, and, of courfe, fecures etymology.
But it is not in found alone that this language is fo peculiarly
adapted to the fpecies of compoiition now under coniideration ;
it is alfo poiTeffed of a refined delicacy of defcriptive power, and
an exquifitely tender fimplicity of expreilion ; two or three little
artlefs words, or perhaps only a fmgle epithet, will fometimes convey
fuch an image of fentiment, or of fuffering, to the mind, that
one lays down the book, to look at the pi&ure. But the beauty
of many of thefe paffages is coniiderably impaired by tranflation ;
indeed, fo fenfible was I of this, that it influenced me to give up,
in defpair, many a fweet ftanza to which I found myfelf quite
unequal. 1 wiflied, among others, to have tranllated the follow-
ing lines of a favourite fong ; but it prefented ideas, of which
my pen could draw no refemblance that pleafed me :
2lce<iti TDui) -ojleiCf -D^tertf njlectf !
%hc-jl)n itie-dlti, <ib^%l bdtdt» Md Thyme it)|i,.
Lneed
( 231 )
I NEED not ^ive any comment XTnon thefe Vme$ : the En!>-Ilili
reader would not underftand it, and the Irifli reader could not
want it, for it is impoffible to perule them without being fenfiblc.
of their beauty.
There are many Iriili fongs, nov/ in common uf;, that con-
tain, in fcattered pallages, the moil exquifite thoughts, though
on the whole too imequal for tranilation. This, I fuppofe, is
chiefly occaiioned by the ignorance, or inattention of thofe who
learn them, and from whom alone they are to be procured. They
are remembered and fung by the village maid, perhaps merely
for the fake of the tunes that accompany them ; of courie, if re-
coUeáiion fails, it is made up with invention; any words, in this
cafe, will ferve, if theyanfwer to the air of the Song; and thus,
often, not words alone, b\it entire lines, are fubilituted, fo totally
unlike the reft of the compoiition, that it is eafy to fee whence
the difference proceeds. Sometimes too, if a line or a ftanza be
wanting to a filly fong, the fii ft of any other one that occurs, is
preíTed into the fervice; and by this means, among a heap of
lyric nonfenfe, one often finds a thought that would do honor to
the fineft compofition.
In thefc incongruous poems, where a line ieems to plead for
its refcue, it would be a pity to refufe it. Among many others,
the following is an image rich in beauty : A forfaken maid com-
pares her heart to a burning coal, bi'uifed black ; thus retaining
the heat that confumed, while it lofes the light that had cheered
it.
( 232 )
ic. In another Song, a Lover, tenderly reproaching his Miilrefs,
aiks her. Why ihe keeps the morning fo long within doors ? and
bids her come out, and bring him the day. The fecond of the
two following ilanzas ftruck me, as being fo particularly beauti-
ful, that I was tempted to tranllate them both for its fake.
Sj bl^t ge-dt no, ^me-p. )
){ blút "De-ctf -Met •{uhcj\<xe-h )
llr l)(tnlclftC ctfft.
S5 ÍMO cy\{le- f ) wo |ivii 5
cif) blút -Hit tiubcitt cvrti^td 5
If f ctiflflcfD ttti f rtti 'fhu^CZ ')
TRANSLATION.
As the fweet blackberry's modeil bloom
Fair flowering, greets the fight ;
Or ilrawberries, in their rich perfume,.
Fragrance and bloom unite :
So this fair plant of tender youth.
In outward charms can vie,
And, from within, the foul of truth
Soft beaming, fills her eye.
Pulfe
( 233 )
Pulfe of mv heart ! — dear fource of care,
Stern fighs, and love-breath'd vows !
Sweeter tlian when, through fcented air,
Gay bloom the apple boughs !
With thee no days can winter feem,
Nor froft, nor blait can chill ;
Thou the foft breeze, the cheering beam
That keeps it fummer ilill !
• The air of thefe ftanzas is exquiiitely charming. But the
beauties of the muiick of this country are, at prefent, almofl as
little known as thofe of its poetry. And yet there is no other
mufick in the world fo calcvilated to make its way direelly to
the heart : it is the voice of Nature and Sentiment, and every
fibre of the feeling breait is in unifon with it.
But I beg pardon for this digreffion; — Muiick is not the fub-
je6l now under coniideration.
I REGRET much that I have not been able to diverfify this
colledion with fome pieces of a fprightlier ftrain ; but I have
fought in vain for fongs of wit and humour, that were worthy of
the public eye.
It has been often obferved that a ilrain of tender penfivenefs
is difcernible throughout, in moil of the mufick of this nation :
a circumftance which has been variouily accounted for ; and the
H h fame
( 234 )
fame remarks, and tlie fame reafons hold good in regard to its
poetry.
*' We fee (fays Mr. Walker) that muilc maintained its
" ground in this country, even after the invafion of the Eng-
" Hill, but its ftyle fuffered a change ; for the fprightly Phry-
" gian gave place to the grave Doric, or foft Lydian meafure.
" Such was the nice fenfibility of the Bards, fuch was their
" tender aíFeclion for their country, that the fubjcdion to
" which the kingdom was reduced, aifedled them with the
" heavieft fadnefs. Sinking beneath this weight of fympathetic
" forrow, they became a prey to melancholy : hence the plain-
" tiveneis of their mufic ; for the ideas that arife in the mind
" are always congenial to, and receive a tindure from, the in-
" fluencing paifion. Another caufe might have concurred with
" the one juft mentioned, in promoting a change in the ftyle of
" our mufic : the Bards, often driven, together with their
" patrons, by the fword of oppreiTion, from the bufy haunts
" of men, were obliged to lie concealed in marilies, in gloomy
" forefts, amongft rugged mountains, and in glynns and vallies
" refounding with the noife of falling waters, or filled with
" portentovis echoes. Such fcenes as thefe, by throwing a
" fettled gloom over the fancy, muft have confiderably encreafed
" their melancholy ; fo that when they attempted to fing, it
'* is not to be wondered at that their voices, thus weakened
" by ftruggling againft heavy mental dcprcirion, lliould rife
" rather by minor thirds, which confiil but of four fcmitones,
" than
( 235 )
" than by major thirds, which coníiíl of five. Now, almoft all
" the airs of this period are found to be fet in the minor
" third, and to be of the fage and folemn nature of the muiic
" which Milton requires in his II Penseroso'."
To illuftrate his pofition, Mr. Walker introduces the fol-
lowing anecdote :
" About the year 1 730, one Maguire, a vintner, refided near
" Charing-Crofs, London. His houfe was much frequented,
" and his uncommon ildll in playing on the harp, was an addi-
" tional incentive : even the Duke of Newcaftle, and feveral of
" the miniilry, fometimes condefcended to vifit it. He was one
" night called upon to play fome Irifli tunes ; he did fo ; they
*' were plaintive and folemn. His gueits demanded the reafon,
*' and he told them, that the native compofers were too deeply
" diftreíTed at the iituation of their country, and her gallant fons,
" to be able to compofe otherwife. But, added he, take off the
" reilraints under which they labour, and you will not have
•' reafon to complain of the plaintivenefs of their notes.
" Offence was taken at thefe warm effuiions ; his houfe be-
" came gradually neglecled, and he died, foon after, of a broken
" heart. An Iriih harper, who was a cotemporary of Maguire,
*' and, like him, felt for the fufFerings of his country, had this
*' diftich engraven on his harp :
H h 2 * 'Cur
» Hijl. Mem. of the Irifi Bards, p. 1 2.
( 236 )
" Cur Lyra funeílas edit percuíTa fonores ?
" Sicut amiiTum fors Diadema gerait !
" But perhaps the melancholy fpirit which breathes through
" the Irilh mxific and poetiy may be attributed to another
*' caufe ; a caufe which operated anterior and fublequent to the
" invafion of the Engliili : We mean the remarkable fufcepti-
" bility of the Irifh of the paiTion of love ; a paffion, which the
" munificent eítabliíliments of the bards left them at liberty
" freely to indulge. While the mind is enduring the torments
" of hope, fear, or defpair, its efFufions cannot be gay. The
" greater number of the produflions of thofe amorous poets,
" Tibullus, Catullus, Petrarch, and Hammond, are elegiac.
*' The anonymous traveller, whom we have already had occafion
" to mention, after fpeaking of the amorous difpoiition of the
" Iriili, purfues the fubjeél, in his accovmt of their poetry.
* The fubjecft of thefe (their fongs) is always love, and they feem
* to underftand poetry to be deiigned for no other purpofe than
' to ftir up that paffion in the mind \"
I HAVE never read the Travels here cited, but it iliould ieem
that their author intended not to extend his remarks beyond that
fpecies of poetry which may be clafled under the title of fongs.
So far his obfervations are perfc<5lly juft ; but the heroic poetry
of our countrymen was deiigned for the nobleft purpofes ; — love
indeed was ilill its object, — but it was the fublime love of country
that thofe compofitions infpired.
Besides
» HiJ. M«m, of the Irijh Bards, p. 125.,
( 237 )
Besides the reafons and remarks I have quoted, and which
are, of themfelves, amply fufficient to account for the almoft
total abfence of humorous poetry in our language, there are ftill
further reafons, which appear to me to deferve attention, and
which I therefore beg leave to lay before the reader.
I AM not fufficiently converfant in the ftate of the antient
muiic of this country, to fay what that might once have been,
or what degree of change it might have fuíFered ; but it does not
appear to me that the antient poetry of Ireland was ever compofed
in a very lively ftrain. I by no means would ailert that this is
certainly the cafe ; for, as yet, I am but young in refearches : I
only conceive a probability of its being fo, from my never having
met with an inilance to the contrary.
Love and War were the two favourite objecfts of pallion and
purfuit, with our antient countrymen, and of courfe, became the
conilant infpirers of their mufe. — In love, they appear to have
been always too much in earneil to trifle with their attachments ;
—and " the ilrife of fwords" — " the field of death"— prefented
no fubjeél to fport with. To them, alfo, both art and
nature came arrayed in fimple dignity ; and afforded not that
variety of circumftance, and appearance, fo calculated to call
forth fancy, and diverfify ideas.
This feems- to me to be one caufe, why fcarcely any thing
but plaintive tendernefs, or epic majefty, is to be found in the
compoiitions
( ns )
Dfitions of our Bards ; another reafon ftill occurs, which
I will give to the readei-'s indulgence.
Tlie true poet is ever an enthufiafl: in his art, and enthufiafm
is feldom wittv. The French abovind in works of wit and hu-
mour ; — the Englilh are more in earneft, and therefore fall iliort
of the vivacity of the Gallic mufe, but infinitely excel her in
all that tends to conilitute the vital fpirit of poetry. In Ireland,
this fiifcinating art was ilill more univerfally in praéllce, and
ftill more enthuiiaftically admired. The mufe was here the
goddefs of unbounded idolatry, and her worihip was the btifmefs
of life. Our Iriili Bards, " in the fine frenzy of exalted thought,"
were loft to that play of fancy, which only fports with freedom
when it is not interrupted by the heart, or awed to filence by
the fublime conceptions of the foul.
Fancy is, in general, the vehicle of wit ; imagination that of
genius. The happieft thoughts may flow in the moft harmo-
nious, and highly adapted meafure, without one fpark of poetic
fire. At leaft one half of thofe who bear the title of Eiiglijli
Poets^ are merely men of wit and rhyme ; and I believe it will
be acknowledged that thofe amongft them who poiTefled the
fublimeft genius, defcended but feldom to fport with it. Young,
Rowe, Thomfon, Gray, &c. are inftances of this. It is by no
means fuppofed neceflary for a poet to be always penfive, philo-
Ibphical or fublime ; he may fport with Fancy, — he may laugh
with Flumour, he may be gay in every company, — except that of
the
( 239 )
the Mufe : in her awful prefence, her true adorer is too much
poíTeíTed by his paiTion to be gay ; he may be approved, — happy,
— eloquent, — but hardly witty.
Perhaps there are few fubjeéls that afford a more copious
field for obfervation than that of Iriih fong, but the limits of
my work confine me to a narrow compafs, and will not allow
thefe few remarks to aíTume the title of Essay. • The fubjedl of
fong, in general, has been already fo well, and copiouily treated
of by the pens of Aikin, and Ritfon, that it has nothing in itore
for me ; but that of Iriih fong feemed to demand fome notice,
and had never before received it.
( 241 )
ADVERTISEMENT
THE two firji of the following Songs are the compofitions of Turlough
O'Carolan, a man much and defervedly celebrated for his poetical talents^ as
well as for the incomparable fweetnefs of all his mufical pieces.
As his life has been already given to the public by Mr. Walker, in his
Hiftorical Memoirs of the Iriih Bards, / have nothing left to fay upon the
fubje6l : Hozvever, for the benefit of fuch of otj readers as have not yet had
the pkafure of perufing that learned and elegant work, I will infert a few
extrads from it, to gratify immediate curiofity ; and the public will doubtlefs be
better pleafed to fee them in Mr. Walker'j words than in mine.
" Carolan was born in the year 1670, in the village of Nobber, in the
" county of Weftmeath, on the lands of Carolanilown, which were wrefled
" from his ancejlors by the family of the Nugents, on their arrival in this
" kingdom, in the reign of Henry the Second. His father was a poor far-
" mer, the humble proprietor of a few acres, which yielded him a fcanty fub'
" ftjience ; of his mother I have not been able to colleól any particidars."
** He miift have been deprived of fight at a very early period of his life, for
" he remembered no imprejfion of colours. Thus was ' knowledge at one cn-
' trance quite Jhut out,' before he had taken even a curfory view of the crca-
" tion. From this misfortune, however, he felt no uncqfinefs ; he ufed merrily
" to fay, ' my eyes are iranfplanted into my ears.'
I i "Hi
is
C 242 )
'■ His mtifica! genius was foon difcovcrcd, and bis friends dctcnnincd to culti-
" vate it ; about the age of twelve, a proper majlcr was engaged to inflruEl
" him in the praéfice of the Harp ; but though fond of that infirument, he
" never Jiruck it with a majlcr s hand. Genius and diligence arefcldom united ;
" and it is praélice alone that can pcrfd us in any art. Tet his harp was
" rarely unjlrung : but, in general, he only ufed it to ajjjjl him in compofttion ;
" his fingers wandered among the firings, in quejl of the fwcets of melody.^*
" At what period of his life Carolan commenced itinerant mufician, is not
" knozvn, nor is it confidently told whether^ like Arnauld Daniel, ' // n'eut
" abord d* autre Apollon que le Befoin ;' or whether his fondnefs for mufick
" induced him to betake hi?nfelf to that profejfion. Dr. Campbell indeed feems
" to attribute his choice to an early difappointment in love''; but we will leave
" thefc points unfettled, and follow cur Bard in his peregrinations."
*' Wherever he goes, the gates of the nobility and gentry are thrown open to
" Jjim. Like the Demodocus of Homer, he is received with refpeB, and a
" diflinguijljed place ajfigned him at the table. Near him is fcatcd his harper,
" ready to accompany his voice, and fuppty his want of fkill in practical muftc"
' Carolan (fays IVlr. Ritfon '') fcems, from the dcfcription we have of him,
* to be a genuine reprefentativc of the ancient Bards,^
" It was during his peregrinations that Carolan compofed all thofe airs that
** are Jim the delight of his countrymen. He thought the tribute of a Song due
" to every houfe where he was entertained, and he never failed to pay it ;
choofing
^ Phil. Survey of South of Ireland.
* Hiil. Eflay on National Song.
( 2 43 )
'* choofingfor his fubjeít, either the head of the family, or one of the lovelieji of
** its branches."
The Biographer of our Bard, after informing us of many curious and in-
terefiing particulars, for which (fearing to exceed the limits of 7ny work) I
mujl refer my readers to the book from which thefe extracts are taken, proceeds
to acquaint us, that in the year 1733 he lojl a beloved, and tenderly lamented
wife ; and he fubjoins a beautiful Monody, compofcd by the mourning Bard on
the occafion : he alfo adds, that Carolan did not long furvive her. — " He died
" in the month of March, 1738, in the fixty-eighth year of his age, and was
" interred in the parifh church of Kilronan, in the diocefe of Ardagh ;
" but ' not a flone tells where he lies /' His grave indeed is Jiill known to
" his few furviving friends, and the neighbouring hinds ; and his fkidl is
" dijlinguiflied from the other fkulls, which are promifcuouJJy fcattered about
" the church-yard, by a perforation in the foreheady through which a fmall
" piece of ribband is drawn.
" Though Carolan died univerfally lamented, he would have died iinfung,
" had not the humble mufe of M'Cabe poured a few elegiac Jlrains
" over his cold remains. This faithful friend compofed a fhort Elegy on
" his death, which is evidently the effufwn of unfeigned grief: unadorned
" with meretricious ornaments, it is the pi^ure of a mind torn with an^
" g'uifh^r
Mr. Walker here fubjoins a character of our Bard, from the elegant pen of
Mr. O'Conor.
r i 2 " Very
" The Elegy here mentioned, will be found among the modern Poems in this
>-ollefl;ion.
( 244 )
" Very fcu) have I ever knozun who had a more vigorous mind, but a jnind
" undifcipUned, through the dcfcEl, or rather the ahfence of cultivation. Ab-
" fohitelj ihe child of Nature, he '•jjas governed by the indulgencies , and at
" tiines, by the caprices of that mother. His imagination, ever on the wing,
" was escentric in its poetic fight ; yet, as far as that faculty can be employed
" in the harmonic art, it wasjleady and colleded. In the variety of bis mufi-
" cal numbers, he knew how to make afeleólion, and was feldom centent with
" Jiiediocrity. So happy, fo elevated was he, in fomc of his compofttions, that
" he excited the 'wonder, and obtained the approbation, of a great majler, who
" never faw hini ; I mean Gemiuiani."
*' He oiitftripped his predeceffors in the ' three fpecies of compofition ufed
" amow^ the Irijh ; but be never omitted giving due praife to fever al of his
" coimtrymen, who excelled before him in his art. The Italian compofitions he
" preferred to all others : Vivaldi charmed him ; and with Corelli he was
" enraptured. He f poke elegantly in his maternal language , but had advanced
" in years before he learned Englijlj ; he delivered himfelf but indifferently in
" that language, and yet he did not like to be corre6led in his folecifms. It need
" not be concealed that he indulged in the ufc cf fpirituous liquors : this habit,
" he thought, or affeded to think, added flrength to the flights of his genius ;
" but, in juflice, it jnuft be obferved that he feldom was furprized by in-
" toxicalion.
*' Conjlitutionally pious, he never omitted daily prayer, and fondly imagined
" himfelf infpired, when he compxfed fame pieces of church mufick. This idea
" contributed to his devotion, and thankfgiving ; and, in this refped, his enthu-
'■'■ fiafm was harmlefs, and perhaps ufeful. Gay by nature, and cheerful from
" habit, he was a plcafmg member of fcciety ; and his talents, and his morality,
" procured him efleeni and friends every where."
Befides
( 245 )
Befides the two following Songs, there are more of the compofitiom of
Carolan poffeffcd of confidcrable fiierit ; but as it was not in my power to give
them all a place in my colle£lion, I have feleólcd, for tranflation, two that
appeared to be the bcfl among fl them ; which, together with fome other fongs of
moder?! date, I give, to fhew of what the native genius and language of this
country, even now, are capable / labouring, as they do, under every difadvau'
tage.
I.
O N G.
For GRACEY NUGENT \
By C a R O L a N.
\J F Gracey's charms enraptur'd will I ilng»!
Fragrant and fair, as bloíToms of the fpring ;
To her fweet manners, and accompliih'd mind.
Each rival Fair the palm of Love refign'd.
How bleil her fweet fociety to ihare !
To mark the ringlets of her flowing hair '' ;
Her
' «• The fair fubjeil: of this Song was fifler to the late John Nugent, Efq; of
" Caftle-Nugent, Culambre. She lived with her fifter, Mrs. Conmee, near Belana-
" gar, in the county of Rofcommon, at the time fhe infpired our Bard." Hi/i. Mem.
cf Irijh Bards. Jppetid. p. 78.
'' Hair is a favourite objeft with all the Irifli Poets, and endlefs is the variety of
their defcription : — " Soft miily turls." — " Thick branching trelTcs of bright redun-
" dance."
( 247 )
Her gentle accents, — lier complacent mien ! —
Supreme in charms, ilie looks — ilie reigns a Queen !
That
" dance." — '•' Locks of fair waving beauty." — " TieiTes flowing on tlie wind like the
" bright waving flame of an inverted torch." Tliey even aíTedl: to infpire it with
exprejfion : — as " Locks of gcni/e luftre." — " Trefles of tender beauty." — " The Maid
" with the mildly flowing hair," &c. &c.
A friend to whom 1 (hewed this Song, obferved, that I had omitted a very lively
thought in the conclufion, which they had feen in Mr. Walker's Memoirs. As
that verfion has been much read and admired, it may perhaps be neceflary, to vindi-
cate my fidelity, as a tranilator, that I fliould here give a literal tranflation of the
Song, to iliew that the thoughts have fuffered very little, either of encreafe or dimi-
nution from the poetry.
" I will fing wdth rapture of the Bloflbm of Whitenefs ! Gracey, the young and
" beautiful woman, who bore away the palm of excellence in fweet manners and ac-
«« complifhments, from all the Fair-ones of the provinces."
" Whoever enjoys her conftant fociety, no apprehenfion of any ill can aflail him. —
" The Queen of foft and winning mind and manners, with her fair branching treíTes
" flowing in ringlets."
" Her fide like alabailer, and her neck like the fwan, and her countenance like the
" Sun in fummer. How bleft is it for him who is promifed, as riches, to be united
" to her, the branch of fair curling tendrils." ,
" Sweet and picafant is your lovely converfation ! — bright and fparkling your blue
" eyes ! — and every day do I hear all tongues declare your praifes, and how grace-
«• fully your bright trefles wave down your necK !"
" I fay to the Maid of youthful mildncfs, that her voice and her converfe arc
« fweeter than tlie fongs of the birds ! There is no delight or charm that imagina-
" tion can conceive but what is found ever attendant on Gracey."
" Her
{ 24« )
That alabafter form — that graceful neck,
How do the Cygnet's down and whitenefs deck ! —
How does that afpedl iliame the cheer of day,
When fummer funs their brlghteft beams difplay.
Bleil is the youth whom fav'ring fates ordain
The treaiure of her love, and charms to gain !
The fragrant branch, with curUng tendrils bound.
With breathing odours — blooming beauty crown' d.
Sweet is the cheer her iprightly wit fupplies !
Bright is the fparkling azure of her eyes !
Soft o'er her neck her lovely treíTes flow !
Warm in her praife the tongues of rapture glow !
Her's is the voice — tun'd by harmonious Love,
Soft as the Songs that warble through the grove !
Oh ! fweeter joys her converfe can impart !
Sweet to xhcfenfe, and grateful to the heart !
Gay
" Her teeth arranged in beautiful order, and her locks flowing in foft waving curls !
" But though It delights me to fing of thy charms, I muft quit my theme ! — With a
" fincere heart I fill to thy health !"
The reader will eafily perceive that in this literal tranflation, I have not fought for
elegance of exprefiion, my only objcdl being to put it in his power to judge how
clofely my veifion has adhered to my original.
( 249 )
Gay pleafures dance where'er her foot-íleps bend ;
And fmiles and rapture round the fair attend :
Wit forms her fpeech, and Wifdom fills her mind,
Ana fight ^náfoul in her their objedl find.
Her pearly teeth, in beauteous order plac'd ;
Her neck with bright, and curling trefles grac'd : —
But ah, fo fair! — in wit and charms fupreme,
Unequal Song muft quit its darling theme.
Here break I off; — let fparkling goblets flow,
And my full heart its cordial wiflies ihow :
To her dear health this friendly draught I pour.
Long be her life, and bleft its every hour ! —
Kk
II.
O N G
f OR M A B L E KELLY.
By C a R O L a N.
J. HE yovith whom fav'ring Heaven's decree:
To join his fate, my Fair ! with thee ;
And fee that lovely head of thine
With fondneis on his arm recline :
No thought but joy can fill his mind.
Nor any care can entrance find,
Nor ficknefs hurt, nor terror iliake, —
And Death will fpare him, for thy Hike !
For the bright flowing of thy hair,
That decks a face fo heavenly fair ;
And a fair form, to match that face,
The rival of the Cygnet's grace.
When
( íS^ )
When with calm dignity Ihe moves,
Where the clear ftream her hue improves ;
Where ilie her fuowy bofom laves,
And floats, inajeftic, on the waves.
Grace gave thy form, in beauty gay,
And rang'd thy teeth in bright arrays
All tongues with joy thy praifes tell,
And love delights with thee to dwell
To thee harmonious powers belong,
That add to verfe the charms of fong^
Soft melody to numbers join,
And make the Poet half divine.
As when the foftly bluihing rofe
Clofe by fome neighbouring lilly grows j
Such is the glow thy cheeks diffufe.
And fuch their bright and blended hues !
The timid lufti-e of thine eye *
With Nature's pureft tints can vie ;
K k 2 With
» It is generally believed that Carolan, (as his Biographer tells us) «« remem-
<« bered no impreffion of colours." — But I cannot acquiefce in this opinion : I
think it muft ■ have been formed without fufficient grounds, for how was it poffi-
blc
( 25^ )
With the fweet blue-bell's azure gem,
That droops upon its mcdeit flei» !
The Poets of Terne's plains
To thee devote their choiceil ftrains j
And oft their harps for thee are ftrung.
And oft thy matchlefs charms are fung :
Thy voice, that binds the iiiVning ibul, —
That can the wildeil rage controul ;
Bid the fierce Crane its powers obey,
And charm him from his- finney prey^.
Nor doubt I of its wond'rous art ;
Nor hear with unimpaflion'd heart ;
Thy health, thy beauties, — ever dear!
Oft crown my glafe with fweeteft cheer !
Since the fem'd Fair of ancient days,
Whom Bards and Worlds confpir'd to praife,
Not one like thee has fince appear'd,
Like thee, to every heart endear'd.
w
How
We that his defcription could be thus glowing, without he retained the cleareft recol-
leiilion, and the moil animated ideas, of every beauty that fight can convey to the
mind ?
( 2 53 )
How bleíl the Bard, O lovely Maid !
To find thee in thy charms array 'd !—
Thy pearly teeth, — thy flowing hair,—
Thy neck, beyond the Cygnet, fair !
As when the fimple birds, a& night.
Fly round the torch's fatal light, —
Wild, and with extacy elate,
Unconfcious of approaching fate.
So the foft fplendours of thy face,»
/And thy fair form's enchanting grace.
Allure to death unwary Love,
And thoufands the bright ruin prove !
ETv'n he whofe haplefs eyes ^ no ray
Admit from Beauty's cheering day j
Yet, though he cannot fee the light.
He feels it warm, and knows it bright.
In beauty, talents, taile refin'd,
And all the graces of the mind,,
In
" Every Reader of taite or feeling muft furely be flruck with the beauty of this
paflagc. — Can any thing be more elegant, or more pathetic, than the manner in
which Carolan alludes to his want of fight ! — but, indeed, his little pieces abound
in all the riches of natural genius.
( 254 )
In all unmatch'd tliy charms remain.
Nor meet a rival on the plain.
Thy {lender foot, — thine azure eye, —
Thy fmiling lip, of fcarlet dye, —
Thy tapering hand, fo foft and fair, —
The bright redundance of thy hair ! —
O bleil be the aufpicious day
That gave them to thy Poet's lay !
O'er rival Bards ' to lift his name,
Infpire his verfe, and fwell his fame !
* How modeilly the Poet here introduces a prophefy of his future reputation fov
genius !
III.
O N G.
By PATRICK LINDEN.
vJ FAIRER than the mountain fnow,
When o'er it north's pure breezes blow !
In all its dazzling luilre dreft,
But purer, fofter is thy breaft !
Colla ^ the Great, whofe ample fway
Beheld two kingdoms homage pay,
Now gives the happy bard to fee
Thy branch adorn the royal tree !
No foreign graft's inferior ihoot
Has dar'd infult the mighty root !
Pure from its ilem thy bloom afcends,
And from its height in fragrance bends !
Hadil
" He was monarcli of Ireland in the beginning of the fourth century. By the
fecond kingdom, we nnilt fuppofe the poet msans the Dal-Riadas of Scotland.
( 256 )
Hadfl thou been prefent, on the day
When beauty bore the prize away,
Thy charms had won the royal fwain,
And Venus 'felf had fu'd in vain !
With foften'd fire^ imperial blood
Pours through thy frame its generous flood ;
Rich in thy azure veins it flows,
Bright in thy blufliing cheek it glows !
That blood whence noble Savage fprung,
And he whofe deeds the bards have Tung,
Great Conall-Cearnach '', conquering name 1
The champion of heroic fame •!
Fair offspring of the royal race !
Mild fragrance ! fafcinating grace !
Whofe touch with magic can inipire
The tender harp's melodious wire !
See how the fwan prefumptuous fl:rives,
Where glowing Majeily revives,
With proud contention, to befpeak
The foft dominion of that cheek !
Beneath
( 257 )
Beneath it, fure, with fubtle heed,
Some rofe by ftealth its leaf convey'd ;
To ihed its bright and beauteous dye,
And ftill the varying bloom fupply.
The trefles of thy filken hair
As curling mifts are foft and fair,
Bright waving o'er thy graceful neck,
Its pure and tender fnow to deck 1
But O ! to fpeak the rapture found !
In thy dear voice's magic found !
Its powers could death itfelf controul.
And call back the expiring foul !
The tide that fill'd the veins of Kings,
From whom thy noble lineage fprings ;
The royal blood of Colla, fee
Renew'd, O charming maid ! in thee.
Nor in thy bofom flacks its pace,
Nor fades it in thy lovely face ;
But there with foft enchantment glows,
And like the bloifom's tint it fliows.
L 1
How
( ^58 )
How does thy needle's art pourtray
Each piclur'd form, in bright array !
With Nature's felf maintaining ftrife,
It gives its own creation life !
O perfedl, all-accompliih'd maid !
In beauty's every charm array'd ;
Thee ever fliall my numbers hail.
Fair lilly of the royal vale !
IV.
O N
THE MAID OF THE VALLEY.
JriAVE you not feen the charmer of the vale T
Nor heard her praife, in Love's fond accents dreft ? — >■
Nor how that Love has turn'd my youth fo pale ! —
Nor how thofe graces rob my foul of reft ! —
That fofteft cheek, where dimp'ling chervibs play !
That baihful eye, whofe beams diíTolve the heart !—
Ah, gaze no more, fond wretch ! — no longer ftay ! — ■
'Tis death ! — but ah, 'tis worfe than death to part !
My blefllngs round the happy manfion wait.
That guards that form, in tender beauty dreft Í
Thofe lips, of truth and fmiles the rofy feat !
Thofe matchlcfs charms, by every bard confeft !
L 1 2 That
( 26o )
That flendcr brow ! — that hand fo dazzUng fiiir,
No iilk its hue or foftnefs can expi efs !
No feather'd fongilers can then- down compare
With half the beauty thofe dear hands poflefs !
Love in thy every feature couch'd a dart !
O'er thy fair face, and bofom's white he play'd ;
Love in thy golden tvefl'es chain'd my heart,
And heaven's own fmile thy 'witching face array'd !
Not De'irdre% charms that on each bofom dole *,
And led the champions of our ifle away ;
Nor Ihe whofe eyes threw fetters o'er the foul.
The fam'd Blanaide " like thee the heart could fway !
Of
' See notes to the poem of Conloch,
^ As the ftory to which this paflage alludes is flriking to a great degree, and
related in a few words, I will quote it at large for the reader.
" Feirchcirtne was Ollamh File a to Conrigh, a celebrated chieftain, who lived
" in fplendour on the banks of the Fionnglaife, in the county of Kerry. This
" warrior was married to Blanaide, a lady of tranfcendant beauty, who had been the
" meed of his prowefs in fingle combat with Congculionne, a knight of the red
" branch. But the lady was fecretly attached to the knight ; and in an accidental
" interview which (lie had with him, ofFered to follow his fortunes, if he would, at
" a certain time, and on receiving a certain fignal (both of which flie mentioned)
«' florm the caftle, and put her huiband, and his attendants, to the fword. Congcu-
« lionne promifed to follow her direilions, and did fo, inundating the caftle with the
<' blood of its inhabitants. Feirchcirtne, however, efcaped the ilaughter, and pur-
" fued, at a diftance, Blanaide and her paramour, to the court of Concovar Mac-
" Nefla,
( í6I )
Of beauty's garden, oh thou fiilreft flower !
Accept my vows, and truth for treafiire take !
Oh deign to fliare with me Love's bhfsful power,
Nor conftant faith, for fleeting wealth, forfake !
My mufe her harp fliall at thy bidding bring,
And roll th' heroic tide of verfe along ;
And Finian Chiefs, and arms fliall wake the firing,
And Love and War divide the lofty fong !
" Nefla, determined to facrifice his perfidious miftrefs to the manes of his patron.
<' When the Bard arrived at Emania, he found Concovar, and his court, together
" with the amorous fugitives, walking on the top of a rock, called Rinehiii Beara,
" enjoying the extcnfive profpedl which it commanded. Blanaide, happening to
" detach herfelf from the reft of the company, ftood, wrapped in deep meditation,
" on that part of the cliiT which overhung a deep precipice. The Bard, ftepping up
" to her, began an adulatory converfation ; then fuddenly fpringing forward, he
" feized her in his arms, and throwing himfelf, with her, headlong down the
" precipice, both were daflied to pieces." Hi/i. Mem. of the Irijh Bardsy p. jj.
See alfo Keating.
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
I| -^.S- O I C POEMS.
( 264 )
ADVERTISEMENT.
THESE originals are copied, with the titmoji exa&rtefs, from the
different colleElions whence they were taken : the Tranjlator, therefore^
is not. anfwerahle for any fuppofed incorreElnefs in orthography, £ifr.
which may poffibly be difcovered in many parts of them, as it was not
thought expedient to make the fmallefl alteration whatever, not even fo
much as the addition of a point, or an accent.
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
HEROIC POEMS.
I.
<iT) flirt tttvfCii gitrincci 5r^)iiti
t -Dfti ffertcajg 50 be^)n)ini
"fiijlcc- -Diijc ctt(to)cb l-vrtin
ttííi<tc<5)ni álujtm <i)íi)ti5tiíiifi
^f cof rti-vft te- -oo te-df iittr^ iroitjt
2I110K 6 cci)H5K <í^ioin
-00 -óeoiibci-D -DO 5rt)f5e- Bi^pw
ú^ fe-<t-ó c)tticeítf£t txnejrijií
íí|i c-vit: ni6fitciocct)b <i-n<ilb'vTii
tia cogi^ittM TDO t]65 6f te-íif
( 266 )
cojfgyie- we- ctif ct tdo cíccb
ti)05 50 tá <iti tuáii bnájc
Contttocí) -(!|t(toc-o<i ^orit^íííiticb
?Ui f)>i ca tict^ Cowcxih^ fe- cácb
c)0"D 5e-ctZ)ni<ó)^ no "óul >ict ■óá)!
■CO tctj-H^c-cfD e-cif|i(i tio fse^ctl
jf tici tc)0C:'j:cfD 'fit "D)0))it)ci rctpe-
e-)fi5)0f CotittU iitt|i ttí5 lítni
T)0 buttjti -f5^(tlci tDOti íMtJCctjni
^•e- "oe-ojtÍJ^TMi te- '^rajtii <iti tti o)cc
5Uft cetfHfottit) Coiicttt le- Cor)U6]c\)
Sgrcttcc uctp) <t|i ce-£ititi iid Con
■DO ftct^"^ ^lf^'^r^ls Ulrtt)
50 -Dill) TDe-ctÍ5<tti 5|t)cíiiítc B^)rin
fe-d-H ii-Duti '{íbjátriict}! •De)cc)iiti
"f ájtce o 5<tc <5n |io)íiie- ctn cco)n
){ ttidlt cctii5<ó5^ "Ott^ cc<f.hú)^
<it:<t Cotidlt ttictfi ^ce-dTD <tttibfio)T)
)f ceccT) -Oítri flo55 tid co)íti)-oe-cif
)S -oectcct)!! "D'víiiii gdti 5e-)j: ixitibfi'V'r-o
■oejf ti(t h'^e^f. no itdcctt) dccofguft
)f TDeaCd)^ "DVilltl "DXlt CUJtl Cdtit
le)f rtii trtoc te-fi ce-ttnstifD Coti<ttt
/Va f itiiici)ti gctti -out tl<t "Óít^t
íil<ó)c fict nctftti -Httjééé^iíii
atcijtii )f C|ie-)fe- fedii ce^be-df) fie iie<tc
-yiudjed)! boj-oe- •) e ccu^ijjic-dc))
2I11
( 267 )
2lti cct-M cuctl<i)"D Cucul-vrn-M ti<c let tin
<tti cuf<tjt) -00 bwd C)ie-5iie táni
■MO ^ge-áíít tdbajjic raj~ tiic(|i cctfictp
bejn "DO fojd dcjciiJTiTje ZJ05
^ul íMct beítgctt TD'VÍC T)0 COlfliKtC
^geáld cctbajftc tdcio-m cu^idjT)
)^ -Dd tcugti)!) tDO tie-ctc '^<t íiejtM
21h f )ti rtio)-D)-o |ie- cejle-
jf bx cetjfc cojtifctjc Tob a^tinié^jle
dti tnctcctOMi 50 bY^tictjji dgoiii
ft {i)0{ ti<i C|t<ójfj5e- co)iilo)T)
2LttO]^ ÓgtttOJCC ctjCjIj^ "DO «fgidl
6 íicá TO cri^iiccd 50 hii'bh^)l
K 5^^í^í' 5<^ tc)oc^ct)ni ^ "DO leaf
)f 111 ce-)l '^edf-o<t cjiMceaf
LÍ15 "Diitii CAf-jm it ft tfi^tvtjsce-
"Dli-VT-D l}Om 0)f ){ c-f itritcctjft
M '^^{ 50 ?3fe)C)TD «<!lf1 «fftjt
ttie-^TD ^''^^buiiting )f)ti redgrtiiijt
)S m^ CoT)t<io^cb tMctc n<i Cott
o)5|ie ■D5tectf "D-rttct T)e<tÍ5ci-M
)^ tiie <tti fir-M iiT» '^rbtígb'VTf <tni6fto)T)
2iti\)c "DO 5<<:e-ct|i}i 50 ttibe)c -do rHctcci]jt
<fD lctcttj|t dii rtiM tiit co^5cij|itie-
tio 50 TCit^rinfcetfD f) "Deit|t<i
-^iiT) cjtedfct tiguf cr 50tic<t
M m 2 9/0
( 268 )
f)o rtlcttldf ú))\ tílO rficccdjfi
6f ^5 cr|i ttlK^ flit sectf ci)i>
<i5(i-Of(t it Cxicrl)Mii
a)5 f g^iicct^n le "DO ctectfrtjZj
lt|o nictUdf "DOT) rticicf)£t)fi
6f jtiiice- "DO 55 <ii\]onu\x> -do ce-itlgd^
)f gtifitti? ^ we^-o -DO 55 -Donct hrilc )titice-
•DO be)|t "D011 ÍJe-jc ■Dettftscnb
)S we- Cotitccoci) ){ ^)6n leu ti)c|tjf
iici|i te-)be ^]t-iin ó Zjefit CftOTDct
WÚC TCU5 fgeclttt -DO -He-Ctc 'fttti -ngrtg^j'M
iMiitiit tiibe)c Cfte^aftt 11a co)ii ustejce-
21 Cucti)l)tiii tm nafiiM tigljc
jf ttiíi)íi5 "Dv- ii(t|t ttjujM me
tti' c|itic -DO cctjc'^jmi ail cfieccj 50 f^'^f 'f^^^
<i>i-o)ctj5 <tbuti, )-f dlnif^IojHti
!3it rtib^)i)fe T ttio Cboiitrtocb cáoni
<t)5 jiMjfic cic-ctf st ttOIICctOÍJ
Y)ft e^fieci-nn o ciifHi 50 cvrtiti
"DO j\^<íba.miíO){ vXftrtón eifDitrj-fiti.
ttlct^i cb^tM ú]i\m <i)\ lú6)É
^5jíícl) ítgtif let tin Cbontitojó
)f ítltlf f jll TDO bjiMfe <15 Cdé)
trittft 'fh&ú'H git 11 niitc 5iiii mi\<x6).
)S tur an cctcti))! tdo ma.ph itntnctc
)f iia^t cttjceat) tM^ cjiob -net r|iÍJíi(tc
)f w^ ttn c-nti)ni ii<tc 'frill jte ■Yrontif
ati -D^ tíí)rii -DO hj ^e ly-tic "Donrf.
)S m^ ttti bájic á tu]r) 50 cvTtin
)f nig^ díi to-ns )ct|i 11-Diit "Dix fcj^iii
)f me an ciiDalt ambaftf an Cftaji)
jf beag -DO f íio)lv:eít"D "oe -do CYrqm.
( 269 )
Crivíté {)n it <to5íifl)e(íti ?Lo)fe
T30 co)f5 -Don cít^cfe Uld-ob
T30 coriiftíic T^e- cop\ccu<í]t^y\e-
uch ! ucb ! ca c^iiijee- curiaf
Crtiiíxé tittc ne-ttcb o)te- <iti tDonictn
ttCÍÍ ítft tCOttífO T)0 t<ó)t3fe-
50 ttict|tb'vítiii <ic^|tít)c
cg^-o ít|t c^-oa)b -DO Txójnip
Ct^xiíté -f)ti tt Cboíit<5)c caLnict
<it)attiiitt rt^é 5<i^i ítotitof
tidcb ^ttio bícf vo ■oc-ttfibd'D
fut -00 trteíté-oiif TO c<ónicO)ip
^/(tjt -DOíi ce-ctstíicb 6n c^'^ohij\uú]t
'^■00 ce-dim cdoriif tii£t)5 ntt ccu|icfD
iidc tie-tte ■D)6bb T30 itictfibb tti<óririictc;
)ti cf<óitf tctc cct 1116 im-Dctii
9í<i]t "DO Lúosr^^e- MnLÍc-Dttcb
11 etc bfvci|iiif ^ "ooc t}ioni5'víii
tntt)c "00 íi ciiítttjX) 'vo Cboiiatt
-ndít tiictftb cr úcco-th t|tOíti conifiYic
9)ític -00 ctirtif5|ttt)'D tiiectii"D Wdcbct
tiítc tcug txtrii '^tttc'víii ciiniít
ttict)c -o'f bonbb'ví'óe cdoríi c^nitach
Wú)t -00 !Z3buÍ7btctcb •ociot utcfó
(^/d^t -DO CbOfitticic coiil'VTtisettf
tiítc laj-f tDO iíO)tiii bttfinifa
iiac ^ "00 ^uujft ttui)t bbctlt goiict
)ii f5iát coftcfict, 110 )ii tdiiti-fci
Cjiti^é
( 270 )
no )lct)5ii)l7Í} tiít ta-Hn Í7bY<óí?bíiítcb
tio ttccfifctc'V'íti tict tnbofíbtctocb
T>o cu)c tno Cotilttoct) c<óífif ct
CjlUÍíé -MdC ftttl )t1t1)ctC 0^|fDtt)|1C
C0j1CUj|t )11 CtiiilSJID Ccicbít
■DY^)))of ít|tct5cnb 5cin "Djoecijlc
flJ05jUí)T) etlrtivicl IMclcbct
Cftvítj iidcí) ccccfi)5ctt)5 LocttiT)
"00 CA-ic <icconií:|tOMi CftOTDa
lio ctccji)6cct)5 tict 5|i^]5e-
■no jjAdtiM e-55jti "ooti "OoriittH
2)ci WdfiZJCtXOj cr a tceitginctjt
^d iie-df |Od.)T) nó ^ít tiifbe-)|ititi
110 iccjíjcb Sd^dti iid {úú^fiós
ti) bjitt) ctttoclót) djí ni)titiqtiti
Criiids iidc )5cií)ocd C)mjctieíic
tid b^jttti -(^ti 'ftijlce-dc T)6ni.t)d
•DO tu)z){ <s. 0^5 Irctíidjii
Í10 i5Cfi)cb f ulódjjt -Md So|ied
cdjttif) dtio)f iim ÍJedCd)"Db
){ noiiidjé -Dfbe-ditdjb Qllbúfi
iidc le5 T?o r|i(ócd-D bud)líf)
'fítf tndjc "Dudjf í)b nd ÍJ^^bfidticdc
Ucb ! ){ ttie<tf d itiiift cftjild.
mo IIUÍ l^ -Ddrilf d <fDOtirf
tt Choní<ó)c tid fledé gco^cjitt
itie- 'fer'ín ^ ti-c»6ficd"D CY^ottt
'^Jo hc-]t '^<t hu<x)T) 5d-M fojtiedfir;
ílfl tCOjIDedf •D'^TC f dtl Cl\^C-{)
^díi corti|idc co)T)cbe ttfi 'vTf5e
-Jbo
( 27^ )
2)o 5<ic rmmm etc cxm^yb
wo h])&)t TDubbacb ii) bjaiigiiciT)
ctti^e-j-f coriijiii^c |ie- we-nmuc
wo cii0^cbc(t <ttiof )f jonnbct
/V) bjoMs-tictt) wo bbe-)c c-vTiife-ctc
-f5<t-M we-)c iijf tie-ac "oo lctt<i)|\
<i5 f)M tne "oé^if ti£t tijogf e-d|i
^tx-H Cotilícoc Cít ti5 K 'Octjnitie-
Í7f)e-)c 5*11 2L|n3ct-»i )f jotinftt
tiocci t)onifct iittc lúnzfiiíiXB
II.
?lct0^)íij5 cb<tiirf tKt Scijltn
;V"<ic e-j{V]0'^^n zv- r<tttct-M beccg -{5^)1
^ix^ wo cvhiX)>( tfDe-jéniejc 'j^bjtfn
56- t»)titi lectc cc-df <tfi íiti biíe^)ti
Hjc -Mil {aim ítft '^e-ífD rtio b^o)t
){&<i-b {pi ){ cé-oi nam '^^)n
^n c<ó)ii <t5 )ottiít|ibá)"6 "00 f ttliti
le '^]xif\ú. 5<iope<tt ti<t -nctjAtM tiocc
oc ! iicl^)|t)5 )f tttti olc t)OíM
iirtfi ^cct|iu^ -DO ce-ítT) fie- -co coi(í^
'^mham
( 272 )
'f'víéíc- T?0 hé-0)l ){ b)tiii Ijoin ^^e^jti
<iti cctUttí) rojct^f ií)|t «^b^onn.
i_á "ófiT) ct5 'f)íí±i<ic 11 ct Íe-ctfi5
iicté tcítfitd ^ettí^ ít)|t rtft ii5ctfi
50 bf ctCíttticiji ni5ji<i-M bájic
<i5 ceítf fctii C|tá)5 cvt)ii ledft
C)5niáo)-o txnojf <í5i-i-{ itiifctit
c:í^'vtt))51"0 <iii 'f:b)ári df 5rtc ti5ri"0
^e-ctcc ccctcd íiii)Oftéí:))t 50 Y-ifiti?
~)5ttictí)j-o 'fo tiictc jíiéjne cá)"D5
2lf e- gtófi "00 cbctti |t)iiii
'f)or) fg^jí))tie 'flctjc aii cfl6)5
ge be- fíictfD -ojCtiifictjT) f5ectl
50 b'^xi)'5eú'b f e)ii <i5tát: f tt brctjt)
2Lt) f)-n -00 fijt) Coíittti tMaot
TMcic Ífléifi-Me- f d clúún ^njom
ctf á|t ríiejc Ctii)ct)ll iiít ccccc
cjd í))ffD ítiiii <tf ^tcí)é, 110 íljj
2L-oii5(í)ftc le)f C011Í11 ctjiff
<fD)5^b)ini c)(i|iaccfD díiti
<tf "fe-ttiiéuf f )6)í5l)c -oo nictc
o fí cte-dcc "DOt -Md CCjOHtl
O^c íno itictUdf íi Cbonctjn TÍiáojt
■00 f ctjt) "fc-ctflétlf '^tt CcXO^tÍl C|tllC
jidcct-pf ct -ojífinajt) iici fgé^dt
^ éftttT) lid 5^:5 ciii 'ftij ^ -po éuc
glrdjfpf ifecijiéuf dfttiutc 65
íiT) fd |;6t3 d5co)iitie- tid b'^c-dft
K fl^Y^ritilelo-f -DO 511c rii6ft
c)d b^ATD lid ftojé td5ii)5 cd)fi íed^ ?
2lcá
( 273 )
ít))nDfí)5 loclctnti ce-tiíi titt cct^'íoc
0. Criectt) -o'elraK <tíi b-ví-De-citi l'onl?
-y:d fjs toctdim lid Ions ttibtíe-ac
itictji -o)1í^]^<i]5 cumop\ ix^y <tiiii
),(• jtortidjt ítTCít6)f5 Cít)it le-ci|i
<t5}n3fi55 toctítíin tid ;ioii5rtibfie<ic
TDO beáfict ítií dbe-díi 6 fbjo^ii
'D<i)ni±ievjn <t))t c^Ttm, d5iif í?|1íiíi
6bett^ít)-o tiíi f bláii coííiítctc curdp
•ooc f trdB fiit <i-ot:)rbn£t)-D b|tdti
)f cu)tif )T) f'jotiii cctc dllTDtvf
^tit f ct tciigctj-o uctjf) dbedii
Ídft -00 Ittjiii^e- ít^be-ctfté^íf fb^jt
ítf ttii bbf^jii ge- tii5|i -DO cediiii
"00 bg^djicfo tjotii b^ú»
tto coniftctc TD)áti 'feítíi "Oct c)onn
2l{ -oo títjrfi se- tii6fi TDO 'Do^é
<tf TDO f 165 56- rMÓ|l tJO rMYTlttl
<tii I5611 dcd^iiis cv- cdjit tedji
iij beicjid CXI 6fi(tii cd)|i cii)iin
Cjttedf fc-driguf tuo Dfdcdjtt ^^5"*^
-^:* ^ítrtidtcd te 5|t^]ii dc|iucb
)T)^j5e-df f^ tid ^gg^dtd cdtt
ttb-^jtisinrfe- fbjiiii -ndit ciitt giic
2151^-01^)5 Loctdtin -fr-o f d rjidjs
Cd-O g^ dtl ^vtC Cd "DVilltl dcc-)lc
ti5 é^dZJdp 5dn brdtd-o Idiiii
tio TO Z3e-dii ^TDO cr 'fo iid tjiejc
N n TST)
( 274 )
23o |ict5"D ttitic Cxih<i)ii f.%- golt
)f tti6|x <iii 5Í0Í) 'ó'vÍT) be^c 4. tcof
•00 ta.'b<x)'^z "DO ^)5 LoctttT) tid iiditMi tiof
2!>i (Xti lá)rfif )ii Oíicfít rt'jíbjtiti
6 TO cl)5 cv ttiaft c<ó)tti ítriof
f]t, cotniÍJít|tccic titt ccotittíititi ce-<iT)
^gdftf <i trie- <tce-<t-Mti |te- M<t co^iip.
2)0 tidj'^ OfC(t|i 50 íiiÍ7ji)5
coKfe-f^JO-cf tt life )TÍf e cotic
)•{ clittiti ttti -Die cOiiid)file-ctc "oeag
bjói) mo Ttmiicjit "^e-'jti -oa cco^g
2)0 ítííT) mac l-vTSTbe-dcb <i-ná)5
|i55 Y)oiitiloct<tiiti "Dicjt sctti 56
coj^fc'fjo-of tt ^ "D'oti bf e-f-M
tio TDd Zj'^r^ci-Oiijtiti nj biif w6
6-tintítíti -Hit J)u)5e -Qcr redtiti
"00 jtát) ^^CtittM-ViT» -OOtlll 5<tt1 Oil
coj'{5Ye-ii't)f rt g^ T011 Zj-^ejii
110 r-vTCf^e-ífo Y:c-5ti <i)|i <tf oti
2ljfl)ti5 "DO coiiiict)|ic d^e^jt
dfi Y^tt -^áotd-H f d Ig^Ofi dced|tc
|i5é cjjie- tid b"|:edft ngOftni
guft ^gdfidf dcedtin fie tid cO|ii3
6^)1^)5 bedtitidf, bejfijs buttj'D
T)o r^dft) mdc CuZjd)tt tid ti5fiutt)"D ti"De^5
91á5tnif tMdc tiiejTDjs tid ^Uiáj
co)^5«(:e ttijfe 5e «ivij; df bed|i5
C)5P
( 275 )
ce-ciiin<tj-D Oftcbct ttnttfttti cc)5
-ftc-dé ^ 5r<tt<i)iiii Site ^ift itiojtt
2Uio)-Dcl)e- fill -oufnii 50 tá
■M)6|t 5-Mctc t)nti ttbe-jc gdn c^ot
fle-dt), T f )6ii C|í6cb )f cg^Jr^
f e- ijj tt5<t)titi -jiejti fall 61
<))úf {]n ■Dii^titi 5tif dti -Oitiiit la
50 bf ítCítíMctft Hit -fto^s r^e- -|ou|ic
tMe-jt^ge- ftjé i-oclctiin ttna^s
T)íí t6^h<í)i f ttti cttá)5 íte- ttri inif
jottiT)tt cocttii-M jotntict zK^'ia.t
pmtxi '{Slccc, T hi)riectcb "oeafs
jotmba c<5)feitcb if ttictc itj^S
ti) t^d^b táocb "D^ob 5dti it|ttti.
Tiob jOíM'Dít f |t6t "Dtl CUlU ^te- CftttHtl
dccctc 'f'vrtce-acb iPb)iiii -Mtt b-^iteiiT)
tiob )ottit)(t fte-<t5 Of it|i ccjo titi.
iSol) )orn±)<x tXtiM ctogctt) cjiutt)!)
>oot> joniT)ct cuitc dguf 5<t
dtlil f tl COttltlitC "DO bj dHH
•vob jottnbct t^le <t5H 'íí-'i)^
?V"of ecu 5e-<tl Sfe'ftie- |ie- Cftd-Mn
b|ictc<tcb f bjtiti f <i té^oti ittcfectf
licti Tio ctocttjb c^fie- tttio5rt
T)^ tjotti f^e-^ti -fit tti5|\ ctme-ttf
;^of<t|i t)v;iitie- -^iildtig co)i{t)T)
bjiticiic exi^tt -niojn i^^)i^ 'Hio^rine-
){ w]i\)c <tfuá)n ^^ 'ft^^^ c^of etc
cff, If T3e)fie-dT) «(^^f t^iiici)feacb
N n 2 3I5
( 276 )
'f.)tn<i e-jite-tttm -Hit ccotiilttuM ccjirctjt)
Cbdjilct mac ciibd)U iid ccuácb
ír jiJ5 Loctdim 11 tt |mfi5 nctfg
2»o |i]tiiie-ciTj)t )ttifiedf ct^ii cecttiti
50 íiivtT) cof cinict;t |ie- "Da Ofit)
conifiiic 'f'VTÍcectc <tii "Oct ^i^é
'y!ct gOIICtlC ilJtli'fl55 fct C:C0Í5
Ceciii5íilcct|i f)5 Loctdiiii fctii c^ie-íi^
fe tMdc Ctibdjtl net ccleiif -mho^h
e)f)Oii itf ge-ji rfi6|t it-M ^ii)6m
"DO cea.í\^cí)l f jotm ^ |ic- fi<t C0I5
)S it till {)n no ti(t5T) Conicii wiitot
5jotlct T?o b5 r^ltííi' jte boic
c-vTii^bjT) "Dítríi tllctjnti^ net Ictnii
50 ^sctfi'^ctT» <icediiti ne- net coftp
jV) bY:tijt iott))ic ■Dct-tii^ct, -no g^ot
7i)oc itcoiictjti TtidOjl gctii cejU
cá|(tct tní Y^o jfitt-fcifj iTbinii
){ '^c-ctfiji ijom <tiiii, tio -fii -DO liiefti
citfUct cr -(iO t}iD éjiá^iijZj 'jre^jii
'fiictcb TC-ttfifct tti^ j-ftfi <tft '^hl<x)t
"fwCt^s^olú-v rbv 6n Z^-f^jji
<tttttiib t)\í■)■^^ -Mil tti6|i ccctcb
gitb "dO |i05ct it 9)it5wiK ii'5"
iiict|t fded^ft -ftáii )-D cjft f c^ii
cunioti-n, cctd^nectf tt5uf "Si^ixT)
110 TO f tan <tbe)c ^áii í?Y^)ti ?
iTjiejcjiMfe
( 277 )
ten gejti ttict))t^e<tf -oiijt tuo co^ip
{tjciie-itcb Ijoirt ítti-oeítfiinif ojic
2L-M cdaldcb f)M Cd)ti)5 a tcf d)r
bit l)ct T*tt urn) fib, tio -ort mbc-6-
2I5 f)ti -Dujcf) ciifiuf if bin 11
cccie-fti)5 Met wbe-rt-n-n mbityt
tio 5á|ifitct iict jc^oltiti fct cc)U
ocb ! i^-t bjtine- tjow ati la.
<icle-5fi)5 net mboftb tC|iectf
T30 rHctc fij5 Loclitnti tici fí65
jf t6 b<i)tiniiieifD dti c^ie-ct-f.
Z)<tiii -Oit lajnife íicleffiié cáji)
■od nibe-júe-d tt|i tt-n cjiitjs "oe-ctf
<t5 ettf tctosct^fie- iiit f iiertb f e)nt
^e cdojttife itieitc<t gttn cldcc
ine gdM cjiit6)f)5 ga-M eolg
(t5 e-jfcecif |ie T50|i"D ÍJctft cctfttft.
2L-c-t-e-)-n-)-5-b. tT jti)c
( Í78 )
in.
0).f)ii. 2Lpct-Dtiu]5 <tii ccnala. cu <tii cfe-at5?
ttiii)c CbcttpinTvni -Hit pfctjl.tii f ctjíiií)
■DO |io)tiiie-a"D ttti <óH(tft le- ifjonti
0)-f)ii gljc tia -MS^ifotii 115^115
)iiii)f ■Dublin K ''^* ^«^^1 5^
c)OHíictf <tjio)inie-cfD lé^o <tti cfe-ctl5?
/V*) ccttittiJKojfue- <iti f J))aT) 50
<tji)ttMi leo ii)6ft tuitjibe-rtti b^^^ug
ttf le- «fjiipiiie- )f le- -ne-ú^z ^látii
r)5/íi<ó)f ftíii (tf gticb iM<5)"D«i
7V^)0|i f Yí5 cte-)|te<tc <icc)tt
"coí? 'fMr^jnrijs 110 ctii «^íbjítti
Y^Jft ndft toc ítíi5t)<i"ó 5<tit5
Aí^jOfi f-viB c.on\ma.)t <ón tie-ítc <tcc|t^c
tiijcfOft-vTS C(6]ih ){ bjntie- fotóft
TDOÍ? iih)ii^p\n)s 110 y:)Omii (ttia55
-^e-ctii ítfi "oajtii T)0 bfotitiiti) 6ft
2)ci ttict)itecnb wictc 9^0ftiitt tne-ct^
110 gott Cfi6"Dct tidfi cctn feííx)
110 tnac ) ■ó'vTÍJíie- iict Mibdti
tdoc "oo ciijite-cfó cat ú)j\ áe-'^'o
2)d. nict)ftect"D iMctc 5ti^ci)"D iict tctí)
OfCctíl tlO tHctC ??0T)rt)í1 éfljllíl
•DO C)i6tictii f ctn c)lt ti)5fi f djrfi
2)tt
( 279 )
-yre-itrt -DO ii)cfD jicijT) £i|t (t>i b'jrbe^tt
tio 2l)ct5ri^ fl))titie-cfD gctti lof
ttiiguc TO chí5 ti) bc-)r mo f pg^)f
3ct tM<i)fie-<it) <toi) be-a-s rnixc '^)w^
tid f<ólti-M sttj-M-H -Mdit 0^(1)1 ne-ccc
110 Conctti tii<ot b) gitn 5í^i^á)5
<i-o^<t55 trie- f <ó) 5|iud)tti le- feat
2lZ3ctc bectfe -DO li) d)5 f)Oiiii
CYitte-txt) 5ac cjotin tict tcojjiicjrti fuá)ii
bti Í7)iitie 1)0111 i^oécttt <i be^t
•MO iib^'vTt "00 cte^)ri <if"D)5, f-oo crci)"D
p. i_e55 d-f <tbe-)c tDtt f^rfj
<itti)c dii |i)5 -Dob "fbeáfiíi cljr-o
5e)lt -Don z'e- hjotd gcic ^etit^c
c^owi -DO ced-Hti )f -^e-itc tdo slrti
6uti)t l)iif K -f)! -DO TDeit
Cfie-)TD -ooti CÍ cá Of -co C)0t1t1
gp ^ú^úb jo-M^ticfD lecicf ii <iluíí"ó
ílf^ TDO f 115 t»rti)T) <t)tl f b)0-Ht1
Uc (ttti Ojfin) two fge-tit ciirctg
t1) t»)M-M tjOMI 'fir it JIM -00 5lO)|t
5^11^)0-0 «ffl<tf d f1l5 i^Ci "DO "DJit
<if cjotiti itti fb)áti 5ttti <tbe-)c b^o
)S rti6|t ÍÍI1 cettniicic t)0)ii <l "oo "ója
be^c ttie-iif5 -co ct)<t|t tíict|t ticájtti
5citi bjcct) gdti ed-odc 5<fM fioó|ic
gdtl b|10t1t1d'D OJfl d)}! "Dd^ttl
gdti 5d5fi 5dT)on tio fcoc
gdti co)nie-dT3 pofc tid cuá-M
<t b^udftaf TOCfid-{ )f TDO •D^é H"^
tiid)t)iii TDO n)5 ti)nie nUidcb
p. i.e)5
( 28o )
'f.)om^ titx b'jilcijt f vt ÍJY:})Yit -Oct t<d)b
-M) coriiiti6fuit) fjn fie- tt)5 tKt tie-utt
2Lfe-*o)it arm tiectwi <i5uf Cittcttti
<if^ "DO be-)^ iie-cift~ net tctocb
itfe- T»o i^e-jft Dtác nci ccrtOjt
2lfe- be)n ge-cttdc dsuf 5r^5«ri
<tfe- b(7)|i )it-{5 tt|i 1)1111
dfe- TDO cjiut(t)5 z6i(\ta. ){ bUit
-MjOfl b)0l1<iriM Z^'CLZ dgllf e-uftX "<i)11t1
0. fi) tifi c|iiitii5d"D cofiuct 110 bltt
rug 1110 f )5 -^íjii ítfii^t
■df cifi cctf5d)|ic conpti Iciocb
dcofiidrii c^)6c fct ciijt dcl)viT)
2l|t fujtije- d)|i f)ctii}itt d|i fe)l5
<i|i tiofdT) tiie-)|i5 ii-ocrf fto)5
4: )ni)|tt: f)tc)oll <i)ft -fiiítíii
4^ cojriieá-o cti'jc )tict)nif)ft 5te6)"D
2lJ3ccT!ft'vr5 cct nct)b "CO "D)d
<tti let c<ijii)5 rtti T>)6f cr5<t)i) cctji le-<i|i
|ie- miidO) f ]5 Loctdtm 11a tons
le^x tw]-c dii)Orti(fD foiin {Ú C|tedf
TV^o ttn la ca)ii)5 cci)lc rfictc z^xe-p]
ti) le- -DO |t)5 "DO tvc it 11 -ie^ctfi
<t^ |ie Idfiii Ofcctjft <titiettf5 c<t5<^
/V'o ttn la -fTci zc(t)iijc Tlictsiutf íiiíí|i
-ftúfi bet bofí? glofi ftidji c)iti
)■{ -oútca. "oa •ma)jic-cfó "oo 'Dja
50 ccTiTDC-oBcit) ^■e le if^tiiict f )iiii
'^IjUe-ttnn
( 28l )
%)íie-<im\ ítictc ctti<5pi'^í))|t riiíi)ji
•óol -Dtt cl<ó^t) <tf f jonti ^e)n
lilCCOJ'DCjé t^e- ^jcttld Ti^tijt
II) CXlúl<i{ 50 t1-0^d11tfD g^ílf
??)5 net tig^utt 5Ufi -Óeíitis íílttrii
p. Sfe^jijni Txtt^ iijottiíttAbtt)t) ttn 5íic c<ó)[j
<if e-<itioj|t ríiíto)t ítc<t 5ctii ce)lt
ttcct -oiti <}: tiecitii nít tiáotti
)f cd ítii •fbjítn •víle jbpc^jti
0. 2lÍJ(fDti'ví5 iiac rrir<t5 nrtc cco)f5)OÍ) x>j<í
luf iici í?|0)ttii ttcbuft <t|i -fbjotut
50 tC|io)-D'^e-cfD íiti «(:lctjc -Oct c)Otiíi
yVj ni)ii)c dTD^rlctjtis t^)5 nct b-^^aii
€n tiectc ítn^ítni <tiirt)fic 110 ^Stiítjf
}io tco^dc -fl6)5 50 ítibc-jjic-ti-D brdjf)
?LÍ3rt'r)iiií5 "Oct wbe-y(){, 5^11 ce)tt
fcvt)ivía)i) ie- no clej^ 'vrle- ítccjtiti
11) he-)t búcúll 110 tetxddft b^i\
tio ct05 iitt tC)\ác: íiT) "00 c)lt
p. 21^ b)iiii letxtti <tbe)c cCf Uft <tti íj-^e^jit
<iTÍie)c titi fi)5 <tf íí)ltie- "oe-tttíj
-Míic crtiict)ti le-dc itiíiti eectllTif "ovititt
c)otiii<tf íif|i<ótiat) le-6 ti-n z{e-<íl^.
0. 2LpcfO|i'vr5 sjT) ít-D/3íi|t cúÚ]
•Ddni cíZ3e)c it^otti <ttieufít <t|i"D
tt)rfií^Oj*cfo 56- c<ój'Mi "jíct i)|i6ti.
cjotma^ "00 itj-Mtie-dt) teo ttn c^etxl^
O o lit
( 282 )
Let "DA ^\<i)hc-a.m^i\e- ■fjditd ■fjim
<iiiciliti'vnt fí)íti nd {le-a.'s fe^rx)
its jtMjttc f)rc)tt V^M5 áí^
clo)fT)jo-ti ce-0)l ){ ít5 b^OTÍítt) f^r-o
2lf gun ^^^fse- Tr^ofiii itii ^lct)t
itj|i <iii Zj-f:itjc Of 2lt«iYifi rjft
50 ij-jíctcctjt) cujge- duti f d |i6t3
(til c-)i)-D 65 it)jt ítle-ftn hijcb
5bo)|i c'Vige- fce-otdii •] b^rtji
"DO te-55 'yte-cfo 0|tft(t d^doii
5dii «^)))0f "CO etch '^o dn 6t
gufi ledti fd |i6td dii er)l)-o múoU
fsf) ^\ú)h íe-){ df wide ú1^ lujti
d"DCt cl)0)-n dguf e Y^ejti
d)rt lojis -Md l)e)t)"De- 50 -ojan
50 ftjdb 5>tI)ii 11 d í^ón ^'e-)T3
21^ ti-oot TD0Í1 e)l)"o {ú cftjdíj
'f)oti-M »id nidjs f d -oa cbo)ii
tljOit i)"^)Of Td6 fO)|1, -MO fj'íí^
cdfi gdZj dii «fdf-ob f d CCÍIOC.
2)0 5db ^jotm fojft fd r^ljdb
f d TDá C))0)11 f jájt djl tiTcb
'fd pd"0|i'y^5 ^d^ bole le- T5)d
tud^t ciig <icj\ja.^ <t'hx>'2i ccrl
Cbudtd)"D if)Oiiii V^'l^r^ ^)^''i ^i^'D
gut dft h\\ucf.c dii locbd -f 1)^^)1«
df dtiii "oo Z?5 dii ttictcdotti t>iiiá
-Dch fl)e-(ifi|t cá)t TDd h^áCd)-b {é-
'jbo h) d5|iudjt) wdft dii 7?6f
dguf dbeót dfi "Ddc iid ccdg^|t
"CO h\ <xcnt)-{ irid|t dti niMácb
f<i tedcd ^áti iiid)i dii áet.
2l)rf
( 283 )
\x pvfO|i'Ví5 -Oct iJY^ct)CY:ett úV)\eíXc
it))t rtintto) fe-ftub net ccrdc t!6)^
TD'{:)(i^I\rt)5 wo it)5 -ooti étivif ti5)t
<tii Í7-:ítcci)"D cr ÍHO cbojti ftt coj|i?;
21 till TO f e)l5 nj '^rb'vít mo «fpe-ff
jf -M) -fbctctt me- vo Tba c])0)-h
ct i?^ 11 ci fe)iie- gtj-M cift
]{ me-df it tjom -jtác ítio SYit
21 ti e "DO ce)le- no '^uctjjt báf
<t jnje-ttti rlctjc, -no -oo itivtc
tio Cifcr ^ itn 'fie '(^Ttt h'^'Y\l no c<5j
<t)tnD)|i c<ójni ){ tcjíiie- -Ofietic})
;Vo ccfo <i{ itbf'wt -00 bfién
<t <t)Mti)fi 65 net tnbof iHJtt
tio itti «f^)"D)|t cfu^icdcc (ii '^)0'^^n)
){ -Dubctcb tjotti -DO he-)t itiaji cbjtti
•fá)l offt TO b) -fo mo 5tct)c
T)0 jtitjt) jtise^dti 65 tict b-foLc {i]m
c-viqtH "DOtn Id^tii f ctti cf ftettb
ttg f jti tMit-obitti "Oct be^t )h'p^]n
^e-ctf tt ticift «fbrtct)ti5 Ittocb
CYi-fi)tti TDO c)Oti»i £t 7?5 ^1* b^h)^-h
trict|i tcugitjft tn^bitftitie ciigdtti cct))i ajf,
c'wc |ie be-ctf tict ffie-db nv]'cLn
f/)o^ Y^iild^tig "fjotiti cu|i tid tige-ctf
C)iác c^|t "be- <L^a.ib fo tid ctie-jf jl^jt
cuit)T) 50 t>nudc dti toed f ntciti
^ 'yibuitdjte-aTti iiitid MO. mb<x{{ 0)t>
O o 2 ;5d-
( 2^4 )
íi)6ti fbttjs «t-im clv^T) -MO ce-ttjtT)
110 50 tens (til -^ctjmie- c<ó)ii a^t itjf
•00 cvic it)05vin tiit ii5tiuajTD ii"Deci}i5
■«5 ftd)ti)c le-)f ctcdbítjíic 50 bjitidc
<iti cjiic |ijiitie-£tT} ^e-citio)n Cfi^on Ijftr
"00 ti)5 na h>f.j<i1^ c)ci gujt trtfas
2)0 íjjót)nid)jiiie iTjit-nct -f jim
ctfirtttimn ftjtti net fluccg fc-^iii
tict0jf0)0i1 ce-0)l f d i;flOI1t1Ci"D fc^dX)
6-5ti5)uf c<ó)tce- ctíiieaf5 ccffc
){ •V'f)ci'^^<x)S Of tt^r^-D -00 gdc «fettfi
<(ti bf íi<ictíj<t)|i tMítc Cbubdjlt -fbHt
<t b-vT-oe-txti fl^)iti iict fleas fe-ctti ?
T?o ejrije- Cotid-n ítittc f/o)\tf<t
ij cudld itfijcttfi ce6t "00Í7 <5)btie-
nict -^ f )o-MJi difi )áttfici)t)
50 fict)b diiibt)ct"Dtid dc<ó)lce-
9Mc Cbubd)ll itid te-dfOd)5 uá)c
<t Cb<ó)tce cftudji) tid ccof cccot
S<ihú)-m ojidtii -DO tdjmb
Of c)ónti cd^cb dbe-jc mo njs
2>o bjnidft dii -frbjdti 'fd h^6n
'^a. c]onr\ dfi flo)5 ixhe-]z x>^ nnjt
•MO 5U|t ni<5)T) OjiTíMti cjoti 5<t5ííe-
)f TDvititie- bát)bdti d5c-)i: c<ój.
^Uidjfre-Ofi 1)1111 o dtrtiiTii d-iMdcb
buj'oedM cdttMd lid. ccat C|md)t)
it lOfi5 d-Dit ebon ttguf fbjiin
Cfi)v'ji 5ii)tiit TO 5€-)iie-dT) Í7ud)"ó
6b)
( 285 )
6b) tti)fe- tiguf C<5)tce- dji tcf-f
^<t H'jilCfM 'Vile 50 -OtuJC i 1113^)1
tM<t|i tciigiirtivit^ buíí)t) I. cftcb
2Lrii<ittc be<t5 -Oct rcugdWctfi uÍí)tí
tiii-o)ct)5 net t^uds c)<i c5 dM ^b)áii
I. b|tudcb <t>i locbd ^<5. b|t6n
<icb .{eitnoif tti6ri dguf g^ cji^oii
2>o cuifDnidit 'vite- nd -od^t
ciittnid tomd -DO b) C|i)6ii
<t5 dii ^bedtt i ce)le-d'ó 51KO) i gedii
^bed-fdtti'VTf iie guttdb edibd)t) Ht)
tu5 i dti tdocb dbe-)c gdii cfiuc
110 guri dti )áí5^)í^^ "^^ ^) f^
rd)ti)5 dccé^)ti te- -fr^uc
2)T:)d^,:rid)5ni>Tntie-D0ti ^be-dt^ cffo^
dti bf dCd)-D {t tdocb 50 1150)1
)d*o |io)rtie- dWdcb d|t f ^ot
c-)t)-o 65 i^- -Dit cbo)n
^)o^ T^d^-D f )otiii i b><!d5d)t fid ^s^dt
5tiftdb e- ^ejn ^)S nd bf )dti
5Uft tejs le- C<ó)lce- dfvti
dii -«jie-dti trc -00 b) -o^ctii
21 11 iid)ti ^ud|idítidti -oe-diibd-D nd ^5ídt
5U|idb e f )otiti f e)ti tdo b) dtin
■00 te)5edtiidíi cn^ s^t^cd 5tioTD
-{■00 c'Vír^'<:)'o5f bífvíc df 5dc 5tc-dtiii.
2»e)ti5e Condn mdot 50 bonb
jf tlOfdf dC0l5 50 T))CC11
T)0 iiidlld)5 «fe- 'f)oiiii 50 be-df
)^ -00 rtidltd)5 "jco <fedc dti Y^)<tM
2J<t
( 286 )
^<L wbe-)t fb)Of ti^dtti su^i cr f^oim
Of cr iictjt rJictojD iitioif 110 iijfuii
mo gelt djijárii Í10 mo jtijoiii
2lfe- nidonlocc ^ to c)tiic
5itii ctn «y^bjctn 'vrle- brjc nictji ríí)^
50 ín:ectji5a)r) jmo fle-ctg fwo Idtm
50 tc^^e-dt) |t]0(H T»o lecccrd, fDo tit
Oil itt Wdjibdt) CriJdtt iid cci^dfi
fc- itIdC '^/O^Md tid -fSJdC 1l6j|l
11) fbYilnidOj-cne- f)1l df ^ tiT5fc
f d t"fbTit fce6 "DftiH n} -Dd tiTeéjn
Ofg. ?lf mrfi íiibejé dii c^xut <^b•f^ú iTjot)
f5iifi |3ii-Ddfi ^p) t Z3e-)t «idfi cá
d CbOMdjn nidO)t dcd gdn c^)tt
dji)f«<:)iiii T>o 5g^dt 50 cn1x)m
e-fi5jOf Ofgd^t f edji Y^d ce-dim
fS-vT)! "DOC cd)tic n^ fd ni6
dcond^n riidO)t dCd 5dti c^)lt
ndc iiiife Í7Í)ni diidgdj-D sleoji)
Con. 2lf l»ed5 mo f jog^jf dii "oo glóft
dttijc Ojfjn i?d m6|t bdojf
f ndc ii\iX)h -DO iiid)c db^j^jonn -^^jii
ttf dcogiidt) dthe-)^ 50 fm<ó)f
jS f)111te -j^ejH TDO 11)dT) dii gufotti
)f 11) )))d-D ci<Lf[n<i íjdO)f5tie 605
be^T) TO rfldC 0)f)11 TDO ■0^0)5,
d5 )omcd|i tedbdfi bdn )f ctos
^^. 0f5d))i fc-vi|i TO TO 5t6|i
11) cd)Mc TO -oediiijdf df 51150m
Y:e-iicnidO)T df coriid)fi c'Ci)ch
nedjic dfi Ittml) 'frt|i mbfi^S
Clni5
( 28; )
^udSfid-f crni(t)|ice <t|t<tti bfhe-pt
7?o e)fis^ ttti ifbjciti 50 gctfig
<tco^5 0f5ct)fi net tidfini tiá)5
e)T))fi mo nictcf it "I Cotián Wiiot
5UJ1 ce-ctngttxt) fJTib tigtif pá)fic
iTjtt^firtjéeítf CdOjlre- íiti C|ie(tf Y^tif
"DO riiitc Cimictjlt Hítit clecif ca^t
c)<t bctcd "oo ruitcct "Or
■00 rii)U -DO jtig^ tti<i|i <tcá ?
jnse-ctti 5Í)'»^l)titi (-00 ^ittjt) fjonti)
geítf d uin ce-<tiiti tdo c-ytja ff
TDut 'f^ú bftvdc <iti locbtt f 11a nib
■D'^ttjttjt it 11 -(^bttjlltie- TDO C'VTC fjOf
/V^ttjt 'fbjlttiiitoj-oiie- flttn oil cciwc
no |tvCjT) Coiittii tictfi bole ml^jii
50 ii)6cf <t)t) 5'>'il)iiii é^ gitn iiiO)tt
mu)! ccujn)"D Tfjonii tci) <ic|iuc 'y:0^)ii
Cb|iu)iiii)5e(tíMít)|iiie- ítiio^ft ftt njítji
c'víiieciiticiii foiiii fsl^c ^<to) 50 "oeof
50 ft)it5 5>i'i-)^'H c cui)cb
50 TCU5(iMid|t "fjonn ttjjt 5uá)tl)í? -^ea.^
2l)|t '^e-ctt) of níiopce- <i^u{ occ la
ÍJíítMtt^ 5(tii fpctf ttg cocct)lc lift brctiti
50 tcttnjc cu^ct^nii ttmrtcb
5u)l)0iiii ú\)^e-]b <cf ctii rd)ni
Ctictc ce-ct^ii<có ){ e- let 11
•DO h) ilájrti 5Yi-l)iiii c6)t^
■DO riittc Cuifidjll iittft -tiictjc 5iie-
SUfi cojiibjft ^5 <iii co-{-5dft rtjr»
21^
( 283 )
Ql^ 61 r>]oe- 'bú <!•{ cm ccoff)
jf e iict lu)5e ^ f 1)0-0 50 f <tiiii
t<í]n)c úc^nit ■^e)'n ftt i\'ía.m
4: |i]5 iiít b'f)ctti f iitt tieccc fe-ctfi5
2)0 tg^)5e-íitti(i|i cji^ Hafcd Sfo-o
^■00 c't^ít>,!^Tif bfr\C ítf 5cic gleítini
f ct pá-ortYí5 iictcl) «<:jdt fon ttií?)cfD
ít-n cciictttt jio^TTie- njatii <tii cfeals
IV.
í_áop íiti tíbojétie- 6bo)íií?. -fonti <tiio<.
Ssg^ttt beús <t5uni ít)|t f b)Oíi)i
<t)|t ítictc Ctibít)tt í?(t ttiítjt 50)1
Í7<t cuni(t)ii -{jti r^e tMo |títe-
2io bííttiti))iiie- beítgttti fl6)5
ti)]i e<if tir<fD tti)C 6obci)tt iict niO)lt
C15 cii5íi)Mii '^tt fe-ol tt|t tectft
rtii cufiijc ^^^5 ){ he■<í1^ ttnn
Cao5<i-o Itoc •Dv)iiii tMuti )?5
bd ítia)c <tri tisti^oni 'ftif tigcttic
'^]^ -OrtH 11-Oé^)f <lf 111ct)|15 ítTD cJ)5
•00 éctbcittitiójf ^ 5<icl) Cjijcl) iieítfic
e-'fríée-ctttuój-o iijlc- 50 -o^cí^
■0'f<tlCf)11 tXII CUftCtCl) 'ftl b^"0 C^jttt
tid |te)ni <i5 f5<i)lce<fD nrt. Tcotiti
7^)01^
( 289 )
5uti édb catctt) ^*itii bpojtc but) ^nác
'^ttictrt "00 C(t)tij5 <i)ít <tíi etx-f
ít-D g^jt^ée- <íf tíictcctotíi niiiíc
Z)ob )0tidMti -DÍdliictT) -D) '^-oon Bli^e-)-n
'Dob.'^Wa.^^^ ct-Mi^jti r\6{ ú-oe-álb
tin insect ti fO)ti cíc)ti)c )ccé^)ti
■DO bánici|t f^)ti |io)tiipe- tttin
r?á)ti)c f) |DobítU ■fy))f\i\
TDO '•fbt^etífeci)!! tritic Cuiha.)ll ii<t|t rjm
50 bunicit b)■^^^ 5 5^1 ^^ ^^5
Sujeeii-f úh^)<í.B'^u){e- 5bu)lt
<i|t tcc^ni -Drt)^ "fbjiiii iti)c CxiBy-iU
5<ic <toii T)) -odti <it)e-<t|ic
<tltt ttce'fle- -njon cu)iii nettc
CCI bcCJrlT) 1)011 inéltl ííl(t)T) u5Tt
cd C|text5 ú{ ítTCctngctjf tiijeítíi
)iiti)f fS^t 50 mcijcb •Dv,iiii ?
)m\^o.{<xx) 50 C|iv]>ni tMO "óícit
n^Oft fbáscif cttldíii ^d ii5dt)tiT) Br^fdn
6fi55 wo f)iib<i)t ítiiM gcic f6-o
d )-n5e-dti 65 df -mdjcb T)ecil5
<xti cát)l^á^ f tcáti5rti-{ )cce)n
cdbít)|i -Ddtti ^e^jM ^biof 50 "oecifiZj
■^o cojttifi)5e- ojic 6f cii ^f)o■)M^
■DO tiá)"ó f)iin ítM íMdCdOrti rtitift
^ «fbedbdf bujfitjse- 'fiDO ÍJvdt)
5db tMO co)ttifí)5e- 50 Ivdc Cftttr
p p :z)o
( 290 )
5abit)nife- -co cojmrtjje itbe-ati
?lcct |i)0tt1 |te- 'f^^]OCh -DO rtlii)|t
Idoc Af ma)t 50)t ,4 wo I0M5
wuc jifé tici Soficbct If 5é|t ttfim
T)5 bd bttjtiMi ctH 9/0)5iie- 60J1Í7
^edfd TO cu;fedY tid c)Ofiti
•MO 50 n\be)^)mi d^ ifbjfn "oo f dt
-Mdc 5é^)iiii{) d)5e -DO iiiMao)
5irfl rild)t dgtl^Ottl dgUf áfcb
2)0 jlá)T) Ofgdjl TDO étótt ni)|t
-Y^ed^ co)f5ce- fjn gdc Uó]
no 50 b-jCéjflCj-D iTjOtlM -DO S^){
ti) fidc-fd cufd f){ vo riin\xo)
eiiHB)0{ 0f5dft d5u{ 5olt
60fíÍJ dCCOfgdfl to MM tid CCdC
tid fedfdifi Sdfi -DOM ~-(l6s
ejTDjjl dM "fedll IMÓfl 'fdH iied-M
2Ltd c)im<ó)t cu5d)iiM 4. fC^UT)
tdoc f d nié^u"0 Of 5dc)) '^e-dft
df)o5dt iid 'íídjfige- 50 xjjct^i
f d -Mjomhdt cí-vnú 4. édb dti bean
Cto5dTD te-dtiti ce-jrJiMjée- '(io dcednti
dg dM -^be-dft tid ft t)wi '■{■DO h] C|ieti
dtl fSJdÚ JOmtdtl iJ) d)fl dTDirJf i
"DftOJMI t^M dCCledf d))t dM CCÍé^
2>bá ríidM<cjf 5djf5e- 50 nibrdt)
iid fedfurii )ii5aiJlaiiti dfgS^jt
dvi MCd)i- 4. jdjfge-, dji 50)t
■)/) "jcbdcd 'fedjt t)id|t f)M df e
?Lm
( 291 )
h) túll ít|t túob an 'fh)j\ m6)f\
V^15 pMjfC cledf ó^ ttcjonti
Y"0 dii ^b)0|i fájríi '^tt cdojtfi c^uc
iiict)é ttf tircfo, Y^it sedt <fD^inD
ÍJd lYú)te- <i{z^u-o tio gctc f |iut:
^tt|i -00 ccifti)5 ct-H fc^u-D )tc5rt
,ftt «^e-ítft -Mrtfi riijti lej^ ítíi h'^^)n
ce-tif 50 tiojje f )ii )cce-)n
é-M t:ii)titi wdft cáj-fi)5 jtcjit
T)''f5rt1^r"^lé ^Mo ??)5 bit ttiíi)c ctjiiTX
dti d^t-M^ged-Mti ruf d dbeciii
dti í fvTD rt-M 'y:e-£tji dtjejft cr ?
2l)cti)5)íti (iriie-)c Cuh<i)U B^]nn
c)<i mt^ xso c|ie)fe f }))t) flD0^)t
C^5 d11 IdOC fO "J^d tMdjC Cldf
|ie- -ffoc 'ff*^ -Med|ic d|i cc)otiii
)f •o'"ff)v-d"Odj5 iiícjí) d-M be-dn
■00 í?5 ti5d|t T)0 grdt-viiiM fbji)
0)U5 Wdc f)6j\n<!i tincd|t •c5'^^
50 C|iÓTid -Md "ójá^é "Dd f te-)5
tifofi y:í)dii dti cu|icd|i T)0 í)5 T»5díi
"Oct 'f5;^)r 50 f\V'^a.f\-n<x "oa btdi)
2)0 cct)c 0f5d|i bd •mdn fe-d|i5
dc|idO)fe-dc "oedfth "Od tájiti cl^
)ie ^ íiidfZj ^e- Srg^ifD d-M -ftl))}! ^
ntóji dti bí-u-o "DO no)i)e l^j
P p 2 fl<^f
( 292 )
<j}<i]\ -CO tu)z <iti «fre-o fct ie-)fi5
){ ■v-f.úsix)^ h^^ ^^f^ ^■♦^' ^<^"'
cofji^uic <í)ít <tii c<ó5£fD táocl)
caogax) Idoc -Mtifi c)tti fid "Dííit
c)ct á^ cettMH ttii5ti)f5e- fd tcnofo
■DO ée-dtl ttccofs t^e na lícirií
f dii J0|i5'\'it crtv-djt) frt "DO fgujft
c)ci <j; •Docdfi ce-dti5at tict ccv;5 cc<ót
4. jctc <dn •v'ioh f Jti 'DO C'\Tri
f uci)fi báf gg^t^ tMÓji dii cg^uf
115 rtd)5 láoc T»d zrct)ii)5 tif
5<tti dcnea-f táti "do c^iekif
9)ct|t -filbert dti cdogit-o Idoc 5d]4fe
dg 5d5d)t dtid)itti "06 50 te^ott
T)o be)tni<ó)f 5dti cdbdjf ne-dc
"Od bY:á5d"D uctji) dii cedfic c6)|i
^0 he-)^e-<xT3 t)U iii^jni 50 itiedji
50 "D^dn dt^ gdc 'fe-a.^ "ojoij f)ti
TDO Z3e)citidOjf u5t€- ^dn uá)5
"Dd b^^btíédt) rá)íi-M corti|idC «^)!*
!Z>o ctidjt) "Solt dn d^5ii)"D -mjii
•CO ted-D|idT) dM '^b)!^ bd gdji "obá
c)d íje- d-D c^fe-dt) 5d-D dtiii fjti
T30 6d fdjlb djo^t f d -M^i^o
obtitJdjt dcclo)t)Tti-i)e- 5dii cofx»
d5 ftidO)t)edt) cof p dguf -fsj^^
dconiíMdjr cotfi^dc ^5 TD'jf
ti5 '^bdjc-^jot) d^i^f i^etti fiite
2^0
( 293 )
af íti^5 ccttíttii jzcájiijc till bettti
rtti la.oc -{Lú^ re-tttiti cjiejfe- )f gufoiit
i. ho^-o <x^^ cuítjn, Cftrtts <xn cí-)vi\
•od íe-jée-df ít)5 "fjotiti titt b^ledé
ti^Ofi g^ufi iie-oc cjirccs -MO cjig^n
<ttiof 6 tcít/|ictt)5 ttio cftucb
<tf í11)c))e- TDítrtl f gUfl TJOitl -fge^t.
S-5-e--u-l ÍJ-e--<i-5 tt-g-u-wi. Ssfr.
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
o
D E
S.
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
ODES.
I.
2Lnie)c Oj^jti ti<i ítibe^jíii)OTÍ gdZJaiT) Cjiej^e- 5<ic<t cdnilo)T)
tict -^e-uc "DO rfieuT) c^bonL-vrnti ttj|t ccicb no 50 Tco)|tn)it
gctb bjiOfOdt) 6ii bY:)t)t) 50 boffeiijt iMdc 5£tfi<i)t)
■Met i?)5ce vtrct ttcctSitp Z'^úo)c)T) íisu^ cdiidjs
)oí)fti)5 <t)|t rtidc CbOfttM'vTC 5vt5 cecci)f ctt<t dcontftdc
-MO 50 b-^íciééttii e)|í)c le -oo f le-dj ■D)r5jiu)c
65cfo Í7ftít)T)eo)M 50 TDrtt^b^ectc o ceccn-cct)! -oo cjí(ó)fe<tcb
«^fied5d)|t jd-D 50 cd^íj^edc "Dd led-ondt), fod -MOjitledcb
?Lr»i)c |i)5 5dn caijie -oo nj gn^orfi jf ^ojld
Í7u"D t)e-d|\bcd -oo -fgg^dtd 50 trie-diini>idcb dti5dbfid.
?Lf <5fi f tdc 50 tisdj^tge cl<óti 50 ludc dme-jfige-
f d co5d"D )f ti)fn:e <5df d|td)cb fie- cdjfibjte
6) ttnifi cvTMti d Tcujle- 55011 5U|i Cfiom )-m ce-)|te
cd5d)ft Y<ó)t)edt) gold gdcb V] 50 ttojte
>j[jd
( 297 )
/V^d ^ctl??) 0{á'b udcct cofs-vitt rtft55brl)e-
?L5iiv-l^ )f cítoiwc- ci^otíí e^)ft)5 <i-ocv-f ítccctcbd
:3'éctii(i iiicii\bcít criojMd H <i)n coii^tci-D gojte-
c)tiii ct)rt -DO t^cc -fdtd fgdii fjO.Mti d-o éoine-
Cediiim-f -oonct f^rttid)?? tho le-diict-f cdsfg'éíttd
cofctjii dé <t5uf ítinectttt ctíí3d)ti sárM'ca dtcedriiftct)5
5lt) ctfbfct-Ddc íiiiO)ric-cif bu-6 brtt-Drtc "OO cufictf
-DO cdcbd -od imnirf cujt» ^^tdcbd T3d ccuíniif
2L Offoii)íi CfUirdcb ítlu)íiri bj 50 fiibdc ^5t^b)-nii
dcdfd -Ditni ^)ttedtiii látti dti T30 pu-){ nijti-DiijT)
21 0<5U)tt 'ictc -Dcus ejc^dc 50 cofgun iidcb ohUch
cu)^ cottMidti -oo br^dcdcb -od iidti5d)ii 50 TDOCrldCb
•f |iííoc ég^jíie- -00 td)ti>ie- o Cíie^)íie -oo Duji-i-^
•DO trd-t 6f ^<xc -Dujue -DO-D Irdtfá ^dn cCftiijTÍe
Cdíjd)ri ^í^ridfd cfedHd bdb cnejfe- drigdbiid
d-ájT? -í^^dtid 6dtibd 0|ic d5 ^ctr^t^'VTt) cdi))id
vlgllVK K á)l^^^ íHOtd-D dliljr^ Cdlííld ltd CCU1i\á)S
d5l6)tt ^)tieditíi u)te- z^hú)in Un <x)i(í i^)^]^^ Utdi)
2^btd)c iid ^trdé fOcd)-De- iiid]c -do Uidt) dtt edc}idjt)e
be)|i le-dc -DO f55<tc cone^ djte- d^bm net C]ig^)5 dcbfrnj-oe-
2)0 f tedéd 50 n-D65tJ<t)íi5 ^c- bdsbiij-ó -do h-í]m]ow\
•00 cío)t)ríie- 50 n-ojos-vniti -oo cl<xG]t^^^-b h'^&-ú]\ ite^t^edi)
2)0 5f |\ldiiiid TDd nibv-dtdti -cg^dii cdiid -od '0«if:f dridj5
■DO 5d)f5e- iid 'ff dt^d-ob 'fíie-df-odjt fd-o dgiif e)íi)5- ^^*
Q cj ^0^5
( 298 )
11.
í?of.5 'S^')0]ít mac: Itlo^-Mct.
Qí^x) d]^ne-úch "Soil. i^e-A^ co^<L)-b fjntt
t<toc íe-a.h<x)^ toiifi. 'fo^))ú)l titic qtti
golt cttxicdc C(to«i. SdO|t e^tiectcf) {vúX)
11) fítoíj ttcjctll. t<toc áoDDct iti6fi.
^) cct)f "DO ii5- trictii c^)"o (tccctc
H^jiM '^tttcd -fúO]. ce ri\)ii <ictie-df.
2Lriie)ii iij -rtijoii, ^ct -{fee^jiii 5ct-M Sfioti
K f^ K fcí^ojiie- -0'p))o^. o)TDe- net Sgot.
iictc tC|ií)5e-ctii 2><cjtíi. dccogitT) f^^^ríi.
Of brtftfirtj5 bettMii. ictfinctf Oftc fO)T).
'^ci be-ttfedl 1)1111. ítcctgiici fjoc 'f:l))iiii.
^e C|^otti {tcl)r. 'fiH{t)c 5<^^^ ^'•'^ ''^l"^-
gjt) ttióft ti) Cfié^)r. fí)c fJuci)5 -DO |i)é'
Cct)"Ofie-iini nci n-oáiii. lect-ojiac net fl6)é
C01111 «(!ci)|tji5e Cfie^ii. ^f'^^ inectiiMiiictc iti6fi.
6;iT) bettgd)! "D'víc <iYb)iiii. tdoc c)tiiice- ce-a-fiz.
'■f^Míoc iii)ltre tiiiect|t~
?l -De))i)iM ^]oz- rt'i^b)iiii íiti '^bu)í- -ct)f
ttf jcU iid bjij-f. <tíiie)fi5e 11) CíX)f.
)f mctirig cdtrinif |i)f.
"ftítit jdii fbe-citl. 5rtít)ii cg^ctT) <tji jott
tt)fi theci"D ttfi cettiin. <iccctc n) z)m.
( 295 )
^5c buctti -DO 50U. gttti "^bfac. 5ctii fbe-ctll
5e- 6uctii íte tnvtjc. ttccac íi) -06)5.
jotitifctjéeectc rt)5- cioM^ecttctc ^lú)S'
Uctfdí aéettti. <i c-)ne-ctc n) ím)om
Xu<x{ú net fgoL. o)rit)e-)ricectc ^e- ftrájé
coitibe-titiccic cité^íi- cofs cctta ){ budn.
faf flctc e. ú{ 'f)úi lomUn -Dít f e-)|tc
"DOjtttie- jtict 'fbotc. <tl> fill) line- íMttji cct)lc
^ottita-M dcofp.
e-jfe- «^ct c)6{. bwb c6 )ii txt cri^.
){ ttie-cttitmidc bJG^. K '^C-tttbac (t5*i>"K-
2Ui 5dif5)t)ectc 5n)tiíi. 11) h>f.u)l ii5 of gotU
ti) ce)t)iii o^c "^bjnti. K Cf^^jfe- e- iict cotin
^tít)cectniu)t <iT:b6f. x»ct)ce(iiii'vít <tciie-(if.
<tn éott iid ct)f . 11) -fl)iti ti tcfiectf .
Hljte-acci iMÓfi. b)toiiiictic <it)ít)l.
coM^^citxtc ac|ie6)ii. itYibettfts 50 í^t^uc ííé-
Oi^u{ '^)0c dZjiiatiiictcc ít|\ cttcb-
LánittctfD Ittoc. fogd 11 d tMoé-
le-0(iictii ttn áé- citó-óct nd gnjoiit
íe-dbccft dlíciii.
Cted)r coinif brd ti. fondf tid bf^dn
tMÓffDtttdc Cd0)ii. lOjiédtdc -05*^1
el5iie-dc dfcd)fi. budn frii dii fbjft-
bud)T) conildiiii d)ft
Le)^niedc d5d)t. fondf iid n^o-o.
^Oldf dt)C-dT)
cu)H)t) fe- ledn d))i gdcb Cftg^dn rxx iíie-<xn.
O q 2 2>o
( 3^^ )
25o 5-Mtcc iirt éítf- Ofigíífi iirt ccon
•ftttjc lettfgcic c<to)ni. Ylctccte-ac uji.
^e-íiji cl)foe f aofi. Y^cift i?|i-)f ttiv|t.
/V"tt ccfttto)fe-ctc ccOfi|t. le-ctcciii atctnn.
crtcdft "^olí. ^ijccioj-feác cectiin.
Cjig^)5 c-j^^oc tijujU. b) fi6cf)tt j\)iiii
|te- -DO ^e-)T) 5ítíi riie)ii5. Cfi jccti -ji^jOTbctji) o fbjoi)
jV) 'f:riift wo me-)n. 'c^e-)^)fn{e- triYr^ocb.
■DJb ct'fbe-cifisujf fb^)t.
30 -{biiJrt wo 5ftviX)tii. <iccc|i<t gctn cejig.
21 e^Mectc it ft Irt. no ctjr of ajr^t).
HI.
u)ft ti<i fCfijoZJctt) ujft UTÍ15 <i5 "Dol -0011 6-a-f pccju.
6C-ilT)<t)5 dH lOtlgfO, d Cfl^Ofc cííjt).
21 ti z{jon itti coi)fo fctti c5fi.
l>5ot) t<L)n'^)ol 'n<i\\ ccie-)t -octfi cc6)ti,
l^oriicc^im waft -fgeir "oajjigjti Tijii.
S')t]S ^a)^h{'Í0'^\ 5^)111 TDct 5l6|i.
1111^1)5 gcic tíi'víft ti)iini')ii -fbrait.
"Dtitltl 50 -out Cvt|t CC-Afjdp CXKLfi
2>o)Í5
( 3°! )
XO)l'S íti^ 'fiCttl' Cvt TO CUfl.
fie- ttiun ce- 'f)f "00)15 "octni,
muji '^jdT^bocac ti<i fe-dlg ^e-ítti,
Cu)ji ttie 50 ^eci.fcct)ft cum feo)l,.
<c 21>f)i, giiti e-d^bA)"D txjfi iiju^t.
ó'ti cf5oti 5ci)i5 '■fbuiX)^ timjfi )ii6fi,
|ie- có)fi 5lo)íi 50 ccotrínín ccjvííi.
<^M)t: ttio cO|t<tc tXjiDbfC-itc rji,
í:ít)X)Z>fecíc <t cojitíT) '-«fct caob,
Í0115 s^u-^ac hó^ú-^úc hrún,
f CUCfD cecfDdC CjlOÍíá^ttC CctOiM.
L0115 5411 clttf <i ccdccíjfi cc^im,
5ttl1 fcác tt ^Cdúctrfi tld ^COflttl.
^eotcccjfi cfC- cíáft Met ccL-di) tigdiiZj
«idfi Imt» ^■ál ttidftb 5<tc gtedT) 50^1111.
C)ie- 5)i^<ttibdc 5tíc C'víí)^ ctiág,
rt)fl ■^Jdflld-H -Dd éít)T)6' íi'H édoc
l)>i5edt) c<i)|t cúhiúc iid ccfifoc,
Sl)o^ ■Y:d"Dr|i »^0)íe)-n-Medc "fiídn
|iojnjrinie-dc nidji •óitdsÉíti "dv^,
6)ie-dcloii5 tid fe-oíb)idCdc -{dOft,
cdoZ) cf e-dcloni Ofiftdcac rf.
b]\Y^ "De-dlbdc ndCftcíc -figftjo^ííc
5d|i5 Zje-dí)bdclde cjocfiítc tid ccolg,
fl)Of ^tidfcdOMi )f -^do^fidc 'jíedfi^,
•nd Y"rí^<^'{ cdo^i ti-ce-df 5 tíibdosldc tnÍJOfií?.
C)ot)íd)5 f)T) <t|ij5 iid |idi)
cdft í)T) )^ 5dc ii5"0 i)Uf le-(trti
5dii iJdoédt cd|i íjrlgrtjíj tid tcoT).
<t noí) fe-dc bojfOd^Zp tid nibedii,
2Lji
.( 302 3
2tíi cttb|iíiii ce-<iti5ctil.
foe-ttti-Majs íiti loii?;{o <ciioíiti ccc^ fá)te- ct)5 tduI
Z>ctécit(tc cinimpctc Ifnuftcic tati-cíjfDe-,
ma\(btúc h^Of\-nzúc cubú\\túc tí)ce-rtf<ic.
b'víttd'D ttirt)c 5<io)ce jf c<t6)"De- ) • cvríecit) '-Met TDectjitji)
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
ELEGIES.
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
ELEGIES.
I.
51**i*^)'' ^^^'
c) lift) )f TDO)"Dl^{tticci ■OTbf) it |to)|te-ctlcrt f <oit f'^ílo])l
7S/*d ba.0] W(i)\ cttc a'iti' cvnie, fg^ac -Oct)!' fbjfie 0)níT)C-,
n^ guftcti? jíi'^beáccct <iti -n-ojte-ac, d he- ce-)ii^txlcci cttctjbcettc.
2Lf '^ctTDíi d-M c^ie^prifc- ttciqni foi). gctii ú)\\e- ^5 dOtitfitirtOj ojictwi,
<i tiijdii -{16)5 txifcdutt bfie-rts, i^djii tiie-iifbdj-Df) )f «ig^jge-ctn.
91citici bfójfice-dn f)o-D "Djie-jc "OYin 5dc diibud)ii -od bf'VTt o^-vri},
*Dul 'fd cjijdt) >f cji^c"^ "DO^^ cedf , n))i f f^5cc o l)d)5 )tio le)Ee-A{.
Coyidj-oe -Djc le]5)of ttio W\z, tdo cft^ise-df 5dc 65 ojfD\-,ftc,
0|tc gífr^ bfO)ftg^d-r>riid|t fte cite d fbotc ^I)0)5g^d5cic f-bjoiibtdc.
2>bdO)í3-f, f6f d btlJdCdjt íHtíjl, "00 ftd'Odf CO)t df C)lOf115flííX3,
cojttie-dTD 1110 c)to)T)e- )ie d co)f, cu5 we- "oi-jcf, tc- 'V^csti^o){.
Vyw tidft tiocTDdiiid^ TDO iiedc, d cvt ^boícndrtidji '^bájtiée-dc
d lo-f d ii"De-dniid "O'vTC, «<:6]f.cjOji f )b (cfidc) tHO cite-dbi-vrt)
^, tidji dii c-^se-dncdjf fo, d -fcudS 5)fg^5e-dtcd)f Siijd-nstdn.
C-VTfl
( 3^5 )
Cvif <4fí)f, r^e cjiOitisjKfD ce-, vo va tajw <t cciTie 4 «pe^jle
7?e- )o6)5 jf t)i]lfe fia w]l {^p^ cugctni an «ijc uct)5ii)5,
<t c)rt5 ^})jOT)v:))oti:ctc C-iitijctiiijT), an bertt 6)oT)-fboclctc baif^iiu
CaÍJii)|t tin5f lecfo bttif Z;á]M -^íáfccfD tdoctd ti)ft ttio -oe-ctflajni
■TÍÍI5 ^no^ TfO ^liipimeop. <xm slttjc, vom ttjrfitie-ojii a f I))al Ofttictjfic.
^ct nofc co)iii)te)"D f^ gtojtie- C65 )ti-o 5<tii f l}jof tton-o-vrtie-,
^0 be-)t íílctíl fO)tl buT) ÍJtfDdC, l-f Z3t7)C fOjlZJIjl f05|lCl"DdC,
ÍJ^f "00 ^e-aham 50 5ftd"D, ^o aniajti <t ii)£t|tct)iii 0|ict-D
cii ■Y^e-j-M <t5 dti 0^ct5 but) Cfittt), iict '^e-a.c ■oo- .{ce^jni ct-o fcáctcn.
Silt we-dttttiT) fr^)T) tijft ito-M, iirt Y^tic ttjfi <tti -f^hoiz '^^pviclúon.
tttgct fce-<tt ■O'vitie- tio -Djf. ct jtojtie- inctji ng^jni iiu<t)t)5ii5f-
<iti ^yre-ctit buT) {C)cLih'ba. fce^)ffi, f jocd)t)C- nd f-^i1)e-d"D -f^hojlzfie^jv
?tjli ngdbájt XJO {-ojd -oo bd)t,) td 0^í5íti fie zúoh cobdjfi
TDotie-dfic 'fdn ffut ttdfifedfib {"iie-db, dCfUic dibe-dtb'fd •Ordtidm.
Ciis 5ri<i"D '^^ot'^"*?^ fotdjTD 50 Í7áoi:c|iojt)edc bdtictiíid^t.
•Od 5iiv]f fbjTÍifijol-od i:f)íi, gufi cvif "Djnibn^oSd TDOjfejii
21 fcitc -^g^)ii TDO tii)ll dii f)<xc, no hdo) 'f6{ -du pmfUt-o.
50 tcu5 tȇ-f T)0 wdf "oe-jitce-d^, gd tiio cttf t?'<t cc'\'iniM)5ce-dft.
yV'it ttie-dtcdfi f)5f) «id|i f)ji, Ofic fí)ti, 50 fjfígtjc '^ojíjé
d '^b)OT)"^I)olcdc jf '{e-)rh focc -do {ce-)m jonsaticdc e-dtcftocc
2)0 "Dtt c5c conit>cc>i )\e- td05, i^ojllB jd-o, d h<i{ bdjicdot
'f dii "Ded|tc rji iiied|iZ3fiofCdc tiidlt,'fdti crtgdjMedfcdcsettjcdw
tT 0)tj5 ■Y^6f dH bedL ntd|i f u5 'f ^*^ "^'^ éfiiidt) tiid^t jfiejn f dniftdx)
bdftt iid 5C|idob b^bljce- ff^dccd, fd cdoZ3 {JTje- fO)iijOiird.
Cbo)"Dce dji'f'f tid '^e-Ac 0|icd gldcd ínjtie itiedjico/Tid,
ct^ojt) ge^dt nidttd Cfiác df b-vTÍ), fíttd fed-M5Midltd fednjw).
9)uiid zc) "DOC ^)ltie-dcc 'fejii, -DO budpfie-dt) d jjt einqftt^j-D
•00 cite ti) foi)udiid fi'y'it', - 5dc djc 0|idi5.
R r 2>d
( 3°6 )
ÍMO tlUdit -M) ^OjniC-rtttctt -f)b <l fCUCCD f 0)tie-ít11Cíl f 'VTlbjfl.
-• •Dcto)b it "Dne-ctc tiaft 5a)T3 mo cfiOjiDe- o <t ce-ít|tctáji.
o'ti sojT» ge^fi 5e-iif)if itostttc we tiedmbctojctt "D'vtc <tfi TDt^ét^ejT).
?lcct it 11 cuac 50 le-jft jiujb ){ "Od ttibe-jT) dO-tuD'WMe <fD ctjcijf),
Cu5ct)t) uc[)Zj <tj^eac imo c)iio)T)e-, <i g-nvi-f |ionia)^e-<tc <i)ti5li"óe-,
11.
Sjtettc <toii 'fhe<ii\ giift -ojl "do ^^t^jii me, 'iiud^fi lu^é)^ "oom m^OT),
fee)!? <t "Dct Cfi)cirif)OfTjom 'tiiict)|t £tfmujn)ni ci)fi T)0 cortijtctt) tjom.
fried ccd f)O|0d)f)e '511^ f "Od ^)o^-cu^ -fúo) f Ijdb u) ^^^btop)
'^50 '^fii)! mo jjiiiTJfd mdji hlxijt ridii djft-tipe d)|t ttti -ofOj-oned-M
tDOf).
SJ))t me i^b^pi tide d cedfdcc f|0|t^O|im iittc^^dtD gftict) mo cfiope
'-{iidc 'jidgY^edc ^{0^ tut ■óejs me md^t jedlt ttj^i mdO)ti ; —
'^dfidOft 5g^|t iidc Y^Y^^ijlltti "f^^jn dguf dri ^ed^i d C)idj5 mo cfioj'oe,
dM 5tedT)Cdti ftejbe^guf me -^^uxi o de-n-nedc, jf d -o^vcz he-p
iid ttijTje.
Cd -yriir^iii te mo ced-o f edftc dti mo jp6c:<i f )0f, —
':{'^edfid)"6 e-jt^.^oH ti) lg^)ff^-o5f ^*^<^ h)\on «^dfidojfi ; —
'nud)|i d f mu)ii)mfe d)ft d cujif d)T;e \<i)r\ d crt 6fAedti -ooi),
b)m d geft jot 6-{-)0f dt ){ dg of>id]t 50 cjiom.
go '^'^iXÍD me iíejíi}n Id d-11 <toiid)5 6m í3tidGd)t •ooí^,
)f c6m|idiD fejmjtie -no "oe^sfjii 6 pUifi nd 'jr^edft ; —
'^i^úO)^ 5eri iidc Y^Y^u)l)m '^^)i\ dguf d-n fd^d^^c d^ji fájt,
-no 50 irorbtdmdoif d)i ccY^'(ú)'be: fut «fd -Dc^p fe <if\on.
( Z^l )
jf |3e nct^ í?olc te-)f e, fiijT)"(:e- twe- te- tict cciojíj ; —
pg^ iici|i bole le-)f Í-1 iii)le <í)C|i)iiÉ- Cfij Ict^i <i cjiojTbe,
'.{■{t ji^dtr <tii cfotttjf <ini bS^rtt it fjoÍJctjt, )^ cu ÍJíteo)T) two CjtOJTDC-.
'Sit -Djct TDftjf cfie-ct-o -o -Djon^cif, mtt )tti5)-M cu urt)ni ?
•Mjt 6-otttf cutM "00 cfé^ <t5uni, cum -do cjtijt) tict tdo clujt? :
cá wo "óáj-o) «^cto) le-ítcitom <t5uf mo tiiájmj -^ctoj ^^6« ; —
cí mo jciotcít 50 mof <i ^í^'^^e^ífis Ijom, ítguf mo feftctt) b^ttT) uttjm.
Cá fmirjc ít))i mo f v)tte- 'fti)Oft cox><x)i me- tig^ctt,
íic tt fmrjfietttii Ofi-^tt, ce^cfD jfttxt?; mít b^y^bctTD ttti o)ce- <t |ie-)fi ;
-^ííto) XíO cufi-fctj-oe-fe no tDJutctt me- dii -oorifttn ujte- 50 le)ft ; —
'^A cjitte-bjn cfbítjtta ctfo ttf <i baijctn-jcafct no le-abctft tim í'fie-js?
III.
2lmbfte-£tc<t)ti if )-M0^)|t)tiíi fbttecítiidjT) <i-h cá)i-ofbtct)t: clv
bctcbuf 5citi ^jf ettcbc, )f 5^íttt cbii ttcfiácbc <xf. ccrt
2lcbctt^ct)T) -fict b^jsfe- no t^jtitKtnb nftjmb 50 brr»
-H^oit Z3ít)-nctie-tit'bítcb <t-n fb^jle- 511)1 eci5 m a Sbectjii ne- bw\\c
2L^ niibbctcb no nbej5bf e ítcájn Cjít^beítfi-ntxj-Db la 11 no cbrmbttjnb
<tyabtr|i net nc)^e-tibb biinb 5(tolmbrt|i ctt)l ítgiif ctv ;
bunb frgácb 'j^lttt ítti cafinfblct^cb SeáciM ne 6ufic
'^50 2)rti-m6ti 6 cbr^jrttt fe ctt dn f^'^'ob -ftt 7?áf <t)fi 5cfí
2tti «f^^í-'í^^^'^f^ -fajmb K i!:&ci|i|i no cbtiise-cinb gdcb crjf
ufjufy gítcb nííjmb bunb gnácb le-jf e-)iie-<tcb jf cív-
'^)i)Sh cbt^lcbe '(^ájt, 'f -Mct Pct)f íin jmgbinb <i)r^ ccrt
rbfi^^tt <iti bctf íi)^ Sbe-áciti mbdc cbojji-nejt 6rjic
R r 2 2Uectc
( 3o8 )
Qlleac ctcct tt-o 5bc-itf-cblr)'D a.)^^ fobejs uj^ cbutrictf d^é hlr)^í-<ír>h
ítiiíi cil6 bh') 'f^jttiedmbujt. fp6)rt-, cbtub.-^ijitjs cigiif í?áif
jf teccc íti?bc-)cl) plg^)-oe-ítttm)t ce)tiie<iítií)u)l tMtifi ct-f ^oltcif tdo cbácb
'^5ti|i tij|i -00 cbcii-{5iTDb 50 láereatnbct)t ca pte^)>fuft cbo-Mtictf <t|t láji
C)d -DO cbiiji^f^e-df clu)cbnibl"i)e tiít í?ttf ttft ^jubbccí ?
c)rt bbc-cifi^ctf biiajT) <tii cburiT^ijé 50 cotmctcbc vio bíífifí gdcb clv-
c)£i bb^ct ii^j^tt-f c)m5ct)íin íe ciiniítf <i-m pláccc 6ti nuiíiibcijM
o "C^cts iitt)ti-n GO)tiiiertt tictctij'cettcbcct Seáaíi "oe-ou^c
2l]\x)>f.])lú]zh wbójft i?bí-)rt ce-dMiia-f a cclv fd f p6nc
)f íttiii -co tán bíttld bii-ob gridcb <i)ze-ú{ ){ -nii(i)i)be-ctcbc-cg^O)t
tijet ít-Mít ít)c ítcíí dcb gCtifi f5jK-rt-Dít)5b fwv)c )f í>^6iii
femo cbí'cfob "oeacftcccb ctw fCtc)T3nitt^c<icb ítBe^cb iici liij5?)e <tii-
<^ío ée^ctji cbrntbci (tii re r-o cbujr^ tin bitf ctfi ccrl
o le^j5 -v-jji 50 Cc^jn ctr-ob 50 cUtft na. líliiman
Dirft dcb 5Uft e-ú^ uú)i\n <xn "j^ecifi i^^jinectni'vTt Seaítn -06-611 |ic
ti) ÍJ0^ct|i^cicb S)tt e-u-obrt|i-o co)rii-^g^)5 v-o dn -pláctt 4. ^5^^^"^^
Cct ce-ctTD tt5 gdcb incificttcb ó cláfi tid nirnictii
ceíicbc le- tid tie-ctcttdjT) gctn gedfjiítn '^f-jtin
cct txjfi5)0T) 5ctii ítltctf te- '^ttsctjt ct tcudjni
\\)ci 'j^e-dft dbctccfó tiiicijfi tictc tiictjuecti) cx5d)T) Se-ctci-n ■oe'6r|ic
Sc-dcr cce^cfc "cect^ gdn ^11^)5 )-(■ ■Dct ^bjcbjot) 4. tcrf
50 cc-vific; d Se^, "do |ie)fi d>i -Dítrd tnidTb
o cedcc Ttijc Tit- T^ ftce-fictt) c<t)ti dii iitctjlt
50 cC-df dn ícte- '{-Y<í]^ ta^ tv Sbe-ctá)ii -oe- bv-^c
?lf "Oiil-'bctc (tti Green club ng cctoj-Me-ciT) o í>áfct)5ect"D cr
£1511^ -^e-ctT) iid rjfie cój-obcbe- dii ^^báfdc)) cbj'M'ii
Cd dtl f^'^gdjt) f )flf15l)C -(TO 1)65 tnO Cfldt) fdll T3V11
dgiif ^jti cYitii-n)05d"D íii]6fd TO ^m^t' djjt Sbe-aaji -ce ovfc.
IV. Q:<xmonn
( 3^9 )
IV.
Sit crt átTinti -oect^, net 6^bít)iiiij5)5 cce-a|ic,
)f Íjfi^tfD )a-D, f ctf gUf -DO fvile !
^50 b^b^it mo crio)-De -oa f la-c, wct|i áf ii5é^)"D gífo,
It bí]<í-SA)n yh6^ ^I)d"o<i fv]! le-ctc.
T)<t bfb-víéitif) cé^ttfic be-)t wuji cejte le-tic,
)f e-ixv^om "oe-ccf -do f jiibcttiOTriii !
" fgo iig^i5«^ct)-M 5ctc -{gctjiic <t)5 edlot) te-'tti fe-itjic"
<t)it cO)Uz)B fgctbcit ttti T)fi)rccct !
S50 -oe-^iiijii Y^ej-H itbectti, ce- m6f. e- -co iliectf,
ce- ■0Y:it)5 cu me- gttii ^tííjtice dsctm ?
fStt-M ■^ác 110 co)jt rt)ji ttio fjrbatctt.
ti) TDdtict mo Ittm, \^o '■fha.jze-nc mo eiitt-o,
ítced5cí|i! mil Bjo-mii cii f)ud(tt t)om,
e-itmotitt dCM'vTC dCit (t5a-o tttiii,
{ú{ -DúC-^ <iiw){ ttmt it ■Drcbctjf)
Sit JuitiD fd cum ct 1111 Í fd jfidT) 5dc iiT'VTiie!
dii Tc^)<ill'f<i fe-dt "D0it miitiid)ii l)om?
mu^t db><:ba5m<5j-f 50 "ce-jitijii ce-ot 1 )m)^z,
)-( udjfle- -fid b'^be-dfi d.fr5tid"ó.
c<ó|id cii]l)ti-ti, -fdtiid 1 Z^jotdfi,
bldCd 1 btdf tid )ivbld)b.
-ptdtiTJd "DOn TD-vrtle-dZidit '^rvjtiii i co^d)iiii,
)f '^áf dc 50 muttd ^tviiie.
Sd bab cue-d^-od c<óm ! -do pttjji- Ijom rid {^<6)U
^50 f riíírii'^íiiii úz<6)r:>) <lx> rí^jÉf,
^50 nil->^rd|iji t)om -00 jedii, dfe-djic ^d ^un nd ij-^e-dji f
■MO niiiiif lid ti<óíii tiudft 0^d5Y:>TfiM !
ocb !
( 3ío )
ocf)! ){ cttdc Irtg dbjotíi, |wo fta)iice- ua)ni -Ott -('Mj'De-w!,
le- 5|iá"D cectfic Toti tiiti<ó) "do ctiejs ttie-.
^50 TDobítjl Ipm -Oct riKopertw: ac, ftati te-dc <tni<ó)ti !
o "D^iícsctjf me- (i)|t "Djc 11 ci ce^jlle-.
Stdo be-ttft'vTMH í(te<tdct|i -^úu b|ie-)5 "o-vrc le- '^6ubotiti,
50 ti-oe^ctmnni cu -do coscit) rt)|t cc-ct-o ^c-ctii.
f50 fictcctjtiti te-ttc <iiiotiti zú))\ cfíé^iini-vift íia tcoim,
" ^50 zcJ^c-]■si:^'\n ttn •úoriictti 50 Ig^jjt Ofic *."
■niu|t <xtir^(t|t zu <tii ít)ti 50 iie^loTD eu Ijorf»
íf cjt^)c nijfe- '^ixnn 5<t'ri e^)-<:e-(tcc,
íMctf 0^ti5e-)lc <ttt5le-íi-nti, sctn í^jr^jm gciti nie-ctbct)}!
'^ió) ge-rtgct tia cc)Aaíiii iUM <te-Mttji.
f <tf TDejttijti tiac gcifi "Dctni Y^iie-f )oni !
le- )))onici|tcct)t) fecxfic -oo ptrjt tict ttií>rtii,
fct -pj*^^ ^^^^í^ ^^^<^ ^)^ ^entoc.
<n?t<ó)ce- T3<t)ce cjopia cctfoa,
fttiu|i lifbTije- me- ce-ci|tc hd-)t wi(t|t ce-)le- te<tc,
* This, and another line, marked with inverted commas, were wanting in the copy-
when it was firft obtained; but as the fenfe was perfcdt without them, it was tranflated,
and fent to prefs. — Since that, thcfe lines were fupplied from recoUcdion, and are
here given to the Irifli reader.
V. CHe
( 3ti )
V,
Cbug ttie- (til cu^jfic T fcctjfte-ctc t)otti, in'ct^rccft ^wie- <t)|t e)f wo
<t)j\ uctjs tMO cdfid-o f-DO iiie<t|i(ij5 f jn fcfOdjic mo f rt
ti) iJY^udjfi me- tt5u)« i trie- «^cttccfo -net ti-ce-o^ 50 ?)rfi,
<tc c^tidT) le-itc ■Dctjiige-ciM tijfi tedbct)!} -net c^iÉ^ctb jiocutiiai).
/V*) crt0^(tii mo titbct^ftc ^e ifieccfom uttc cfj^ nájfie,
deti Zjocc f5rt)ce- me- 1 cojllett-f mo crt bájjie-,
tije-t -pjoti, njt -foeit-MitjT), ii)et gcilnd co z^om Cfiitjce,
le be-ug iict ccctfittt), 110 ^5ci|i<fo -Hd ccom]:'ciiMic.
'^1o ieu-H ! mo Tieuca.)^ ! mo mjtie-dTD ! mo bjioii, f'mo cfidt) !
mo ceot cfivic m)t)f ! mo bjime-df ! mo f d)"Dbfi)o-f -oiij-n !
cjd bo]5te-df) d^jt ■b^'^■y\c- he)t ú]f\ biijle-dt), 110 b-pe-jn mdji ~d)m !
tio -oeoitd -fold -co f )le-dt) -do "oeje gdc lit.
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
SONG S«
s f
THE
IRISH ORIGINALS
OF THE
O N G
I.
2lf -mjitti ipm cjittf <ifi Mac -na -^jtitie-
-f5U}t<tÍ7 5 t^tig báfifi úcc<x)l fit tcviSf)
<i)|t tti>ici)5 bjiitdt) stjce- net ccvisecfD
C)tt be- bjctT) -Hit bctjce- •odo^'oce- f tdo to]
ti) 6ct05al TDO ttccvTiife- caojibce tio bft^ti
<ij5e- tj-ti iijogTiii cf é^)«i )f tto)5iie- ine^jn
f5 crt titt ccjicte-fal) ^tict Í7Y:))á)-Mti)5
2lc<toZj niu|i <te-l fit p5o^ ^'^í^ 5^K
f d 5iictO) «irji Sfi^jti ttcfítnifittjTÍ)
tittc C£i-|o<t)t) tDon ce- 1?4. seattdt) tiitt^ -fPfic-
6bc-)fc <tjc)fc- geug Hit cc<titit)tiio)
<t^ fucc^j^c f vif ^á)ífi -00 ftájce gt'tiani'vrt
<tf tW\nn "oe-df -do f vítétdf
fe- ctir-Mjw gdc ttC' djg each nd djc^jf
gU|l 'jCtijIllie-CiC Cdf T)0 crtcd)f
S f 2 Sir-o
( 3t6 )
dftijl ti5í6fi ii)o-f binne-no ce-olii<tfié^ii
-Mjl f jctíif -no 5ne-£tnti T)4. f mrttjiijé ce-<tn
?llfÍ7 nd fef-o ctft -ohi^t-De-df -og^ct-o
ítcrl Md cc|tcieíj ftiíi bfbít)-Mii)5
5)"D jotfTÍntti í)ot)i i^ejH cr
foci-od)tii -ooti «fgedt. <tcl) -oalfcijiiM.
r mfftM i nr
IL
Ce- be- úh>f.hu]i fe- ■ct*i-oítii -ca
tiláivií) dbejcl) -f:cto) iid qotm
niecifii)ni -nctcb e-dgdt báf "oo
50 bfiíícl) -no díM-M dbé^o be-)c Cjílll
2lcbvt -ce-df ii(t inbctcbdtt -f:tt)iiiie-<tcb fjoitit
ítcbntti wrrt e-dtd 5)te- f náitib ít)|i dcvfim
SUft-ob ■] ^^tJ^K "ooti jcif íid)-D ; 1t|á)bte- f é^H tt) CbeaUdjó
Snjel cé^ot t?a|t b^mie afeotdt) ctii -oujue-
)idcb djA h'e-ol nú ciij5^e- df\át) dH ^5dc c0^)tii
ód 5T<"dd)-D tiid|i T?ó-{ dii -onjcte. df brd-H tid coriidTtfd dt>
tjle-
d|io^5 df injtie- 5td.^fé- btác -Mo dii c|t(te-Í7b
Se
( 317 )
Se- "oe-jft 5<tc ollttni molui) ctaft /f-fot iie^)U
50 ccu)|iúeix tict coftfttt cotttfD le- ^ícféuc i>r)t
tije-t ctnifiuf tjotti tttifi. cifájtíi lrtb|iítcb hjnii
ttie-ctf'VTtti tidcb fujl ii(t ti(C)c dtm
tccb tílájble te- cljr f^ctcb ce)í?i
2liifítcbc 5ctc -Du^tie- uccttjl^ee-ctcc «fa cce^tt
<if xt5nir|i TiOH fb)le- <í^xxsú)Í 6m -D^jf
pí)e-i <teii "Dd Z3<^ejc iictc jonscincctc tictectf
rittcb íiíJT^ép^-f <t5e)íc ■cLmb<íi\^\ tiu cc|tííe5
f a cS^ iictcb tí)|t "DO dti cG)ti-He-ict
Itcn -DO -fipejf iile^ti)t>b
S) d-f -oejf e cof-fd boff d líííiib t i'e^di
-p^lrie- |tof5 )^ '^'>tIc <if ííf 50 f ift
cd dii bit^fie- .fo t)iiii
dfíXílU5dTDb tllCC 5ítjt1í1
l^d |t(ct) 50 b^udjn mo- <xn "fbojtt. df ít5nid|t tptn-t:.
III. jjiéedíí
( 3^8 )
III.
tJO pjifoiii^ibii)! collet "Dit cffjoc ít-o^áf "f^I'D <i^l)tie-cii^i<t iiuU-f
"ooti Cfiico) -Oct tcctsthifD MTDitH "00 tfjc 11-0^)1 Hit itiba)ii 11-oé^ecC-
4: cuccjfic
TO TÍ:<ó)é-y:r"D le-dcfa cin cfc]tteci5<t-M 'fictft -^^á^ 5'Viiit titi íutdci xfCx-^
-) oit t<ócb Jiie-ctTi Concitt cécCfitictc c'vin áficactt nejftjiiti uttjfi
fgctti bfKoii ■DOT? 5<ót «jof Ctij|ie ii Dl(t)c é<ójni -net rneuí^L£t5 Uiác
-DO n'joS'jrlnilt Chollu. |i5o5|iit)"D lomict 6 stte-ibeitt B^<x{ t)o jhiitjf
Ctt -cctc tia be-ctla ccWiDju-h ^le- íjg-o ér^jf tid cc<óft <tfptt|ii)
))ut le-ctcct 5lo)ii net bó)5 Jti5)>ie ){ ^\6{ t5oiiC£t bfiáon et-jiif
gctc -pldinDd Tcectf x)£t cófií^Tbíeójce '^Ofifgcá^tce- '^^(óticttjf «:líí)c
,{5ítc fiabjtcfó rectf r><t bc-oí c<i6)tií TDre^obctjtctfó f^ti Txójtie-
6íi ítii?rt^
Cd ■cect|i5Y^biTt ce-dftc f]6l Vó)s 1 n'iáficoltci ttn ^)t, cii5 ÍJítft^
5C111 ^e-itfigcfD ttj^i^cfo 5ctc ii6|tlct)5 "Con |ióíii0iiltt riuójcjjt blá)c
<if -oe^ctlbdc o)Í7fij05<ti) tftrtifofi ttij-M <i|t ffol f)íf le ^jtáoiicfó
f5rtc «i^i^ "Dj A^te £t|t 15 ttíi l)te- 6 h]u5]st)o 50 lá)i.
IV. 6e-ciíi
( 3^9 )
IV,
jugic-ctuc^t -Dubd fJtie- jti urt)5ii)0f, 5tt)i -fucijnitijof -do la no
be-)t)ii c:cto)ii a~fuctnti0)f5 tdo bucc^ji me- foo cfiifoctje mo cftope-,
wo Zjedi)rtcc 'jrbejii 50 íjuítn te-) gti td) itn ccudti rt? i>e <t)c jmi>)i)
2lcct ^e- f5|i]oZJCit jÍ7|3ft)oí)r£t "DO coííi ^e-cttig f-DO riicttít cctet
^TDo Z?e-)tjíi cittiujt) f cto) -f^ti ii<t f cto)lf)T) -DO iie-d-^ctc bfte^ctg,
•DO CfioZj df 5)ie .fct^ mjne-, )OT)ct <tii ^jo-oa f nít ctiifti lut -n^ccii,
,f<tf btirtuca Cftdjibcre- bjnife- -Muctiit ttf nitto)ti)rti ci|i fgctfiiiji) tej.
;/*udjfi <it)ectficct'{ J -DO te-yt) iwe-, le gejt f ectjic pet 5tiíío) fod
itmjotid d]oc<i gtesdt, dT?é^)T)f)edf, ^d xitdOj '^hoiz ojii,
Í7d 5)le- d-0|ie-dc iid 3ejjiT»}te ctijft táecfid iid 9))T)e djt -^eof),
ftid ótánd-D tii5ii tid cctáe-H)iof5 le- dji Cfiác-cdti tid mjlce
r|iioti.
^LioUifi -Md nibdn, tid cjtejg we- d ht^tiúc íe f d)iic Tá fo^fi,
gdii c)u gdii itig^df 5dii h^<i{<i <tc bt de"De-d ft dec jf bfmj"De-dii
K 5Í^o,
jf c)u)ti no ^fíi^fr) TD|ie-dccd bjie-dsd ^doj-oe-jise- •du)c o-jxsce- dti
«fboiiidj|t,
fco -{5fmj-0'fu)T) fod)fi fid f'e-jtie- 50 te-)fice-d|tc {no, mfle-dt) tnáji.
M
A
N;
A N
IRISH TALE.
T t
(■";
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE Jlory of the follcwing Tale is to he found "in the ancient
hifiory of Ireland, and is related by Keating, O'Halloran,
Warner, ^í-.
Tc 2
T O
Mr. a7id Mrs. T R A N %
THIS
T A L E
Is reipedlfully addrefled,
By their obliged,
And moft obedient Servant,
LnarloUe ^JjrooRe
INTRODUCTION.
AccompUíli'd Pair ! tliefe fimple lays,
With favour's eye perufe ;
And take from me, in artlefs phrafe,
The meflage of the Mufe.
A Mufe, who ne'er, on Pindus' mount,
Trod infpiration's ground ;
Nor drank fweet frenzy from the fount.
Where rapmres breathe around.
But; a bright Power, whom Nature forms,
And Nature's fcenes infpire ;
Who mounts the winds, and rides the ftorms.
And glows with Heaven's own fire !
Who train'd, of old, our fires to fame.
And led them to the field ;
Taught them to glow with Freedom's flame.
And Freedom's arms to wield.
With the wild War-Song fir'd the foul.
And fped the daring blow ! —
Or, bow'd to Pity's foft controul.
Wept o'er a dying foe.
Or
{ 3^^ )
Or fearch'd all Nature's treafures round,
To deck a favourite fair ;
Or tun'd to bve a tender found.
And fang a faithful pair.
This power, while late my couch I prefs'd^
To mental fight appear'd ;
To my charm'd foul fweet words addrefs'd,
By waking Fancy heard.
Shrin'd in the form of reverend age,
The friendly viiion came ;
Rob'd as of old, a Bardic Sage,
And took * Craftiné's name.
" O thou, (he cry'd) whofe timid mind
*' Its purpofe would delay !
" Half fln-inking from it, — yet inclin'd, —
" Half daring, to eiFay.
" Let not the frown of critic wrath,
" Or fmile of critic fcorn,
" Affright thee from the fplendid path,
" Fame and the Mufe adorn.
" The
» CitctJ-fCJiie, a celebrated Iriih Bard who flouriihcd in A. M. 3648. HJe
Keating.
( 3^7 )
« The critic ftorm, that proudly rends
« The oaks of Learning's Hill,
« Will pafs thy ihrub, that lowly bends,
" Nor deign its growth to kill.
« Shine, while thoii can'ft, pale trembling beam,
«' Ere fun's eclipfe thy ray ;
« Thy little ftar awhile may gleam,
« 'Till Phoebus brings the day.
«' For oft the M\ife, a gentle gueft,.
« Dwells in a female form ;
« And patriot fire, a female breaft,
« May fure unqueilion'd warm.
•* No more thy glorious taik refufe,.
•* Nor ihrink from fancy'd harms,
** But, to the eye of Britain's Mufe,
« Prefent a fitter's charms,.
« Thee hath the fweet enchantrefs taught
« The accents of her tongue ;
« Pour'd on thine ear her lofty thought^.
« Celeftial as ihe fung.
« Now let her fee thy grateful heart
« "With fond ambition burn,
« Proud if thou can'ft, at leaft in pari,
" Her benefits retura,-
u
loiig.
( 3^^ )
" Long, her negledled harp imilrung,
" With glooms encircl'd round ;
" Long o'er its iilent form ilie hung,
" Nor gave her foul to found.
" Rous'd from her trance, agaiii to reign,
" And re-aíTert her fame,
" She comes, and deigns thy humble ilrain
" The herald of her claim.
*' Swells not thy foul with noble pride,
" This honor to embrace,
" Which partial fates for thee decide,
" With fuch diílinguiíh'd grace ? —
" Coward ! — from the bright path aíTign'd,
" Thy feet had turn'd away,
" From the bright prize thine eye declin'd,
" Too weak for Glory's ray ;
" Did not a fteadier foul exhort,
" A fteadier counfel guide,
" With zeal thy timid mind fupport,
" And its vain terrors chide.
" I know the Pair by Genius lov'd,
" By every Mufe infpir'd,
" Who thy unpradis'd fbaius approv'd,
♦' And thy ambition fir'd !
" To
( 329 )
" To them the Mufe •• of ancient days
" Avows the tribute due ;
" To them her grateful thanks ilae pays,
" And — coward ! — not to you.
" What fliould flie do her love to fliew ? —
" From all her ample (tore,
*' What favours can her hand beftow
" That were not theirs before ?
*' Yes, ilie can add thofe generous joys,
" That fympathy of hearts,
** Which kindred fentiment employs,
" And worth to worth imparts.
"Go then to thy accompliili'd friends ;
" The Mufe coinmands thee go ;
" Bear them the grateful gift ihe fends,
" 'Tis all ihe can bellow.
" Bear them the pride of ancient days ;
" Truth, fcience, virtue, fame ;
*' The lover's faith, the poet's praife,
" The patriotic flame !
U u « All
" The mention of the Mufe, in this place, may appear rather too claflical, but tjie
ancient Irifli had their Mufe,. as well as the Greeks and Romans, and her name was
6e-5ubd.
( 33"^ )
« All in the royal Pair confefs'd,
«' Whofe Tale the Bard purfues ;
« Like them, united, grac'd and blefs'd
" By Virtue, and the Mufe.
THE
ALE.
JjOW'D to dark Cobthach's fierce command,
When ftruggling Erin groan'd ;
And, cruih'd beneath his bloody hand,
Her ilaughter'd fons bemoan'd ;
Of all whofe honeil pity dar'd
One tear humane to llied ;
My life alone the favage fpar'd,
Nor touch* d the facred head.
Proteded by the Mufc's pow'r,
And the Bard's hallow'd name,
I fcap'd the death-devoted hour.
The hour of blood and ihame !
U u 2 When
( 332 )
When Nature pleaded, Pity wept,
And Confcience cry'd in vain ;
When all the powers of vengeance flept
Upon a monarch ilain.
Shock'd Hlilory, from the dreadful day,
Recoil'd with horror pale,
And, ihrinking from the dire difplay,
Left half untold the tale !
But I, fad witnefs of the fcene !
Can well its woes atteil ;
When the dark blade, with murder keen,
Spar'd not a brother's breaft''.
When Nature, prefcient as my foul,
With earthquakes rock'd the ground ;
Air bade its deepeft thunders roll.
And lightnings flaili'd around !
While,
* Cobxhach, a prince of an envious and afpiring temper, repining at the greatnefs
of his brother, Laoghaire Lork, then monarch of Ireland, determined to wade
through murder to the throne. To efFeci this purpofe, he pretended ilhiefs, and was
conftantly and affectionately viiited by his unfufpeél:ing brother ; but finding that he
ftill came attended, and, therefore, gave no opportunity for the meditated blow, he
requefted a private interview with him ; it was granted, and the following day ap-
pointed for the purpofe; Laoghaire came, but found his brother apparently dead;
and bending over liim, in the bitternefs of his forrow, was dabbed, by the perfidious
and ungrateful Cobthach, to the lieart. Sc^ Keating, Warner, &c.
( 333 )
While, on each blaíling beam, their forms,
(The fons of death) were rear'd ;
And, louder than the mingling ilorms,
The flirieks of ghoils were heard !
Till, Oh ! dark, chearlefs, flow and late,
The burden'd morn arofe ;
When forth, to meet impending fate.
Alone the monarch goes.
In vain fome guard do I conjure ;
No heed will he beftow :
I follow to the fatal door, —
I hear the deadly blow ! —
Hold, villain, hold ! — but ihort'ning breath
Arreils my feeble cries ;
And feals awhile, in traniient death,
My light-detefting eyes.
Yet foon, to further horrors doom'd,
I rais'd my iickening head ;
And Life her languid pow'rs refum'd, —
To fee Life's comfort fled.
The groans of Death around me rife,
Scarce yet diftindlly heard !
While Fate, to my unclofing eyes,
In bloody pomp appear'd ! —
As
( 334 )
As when the Spirit of the Deep
His dreadful courfe maintains ;
While his loos'd winds o'er Ocean fweep,
And gloomy horror reigns !
Satiate with groans, and fierce with blood,
The dark malignant power
Rides, in grim triumph, o'er the flood,
And rules the deathful hour !
So the dire Cobthach, drunk with gore,
And glorying to deilroy ;
Aloft vidorious horrors bore.
And fmil'd with hideous joy.
Clofe by the murder'd Monarch's fide,
The earth brave OllioU "^ prefs'd ;
A dagger, bath'd in life's warm tide,
Yet quivering in his bread.
Clafp'd round the dying Prince's neck.
His little Maon '' lay ;
While the third dagger rofe to ilrike
Its unrefiiling prey.
Rous'd
'■ OUioll Aine, fon to Laoghaire Lore, who was thus murdered by his brother
Cobthach.
<' Maon, fon to Ollioll Aine.
( 335 )
Rous'd at that fight ; to madnefs ilung,
I ruili'd amid the foe ;
And, o'er the trembUng viaim flung,
I met the deftin'd blow.
O happy wound ! clofe to my breaft,
(Tho' ilreaming from the knife)
My precious charge, thus fav'd, I prefs'd,
And guarded him with hfe.
Shock'd at the facrilegious ftroke,
The arm of death recoil'd ;
While from the croud the paflions broke
That in their bofoms boil'd.
The royal blood, that round them ftream'd,
They could with calmnefs view ;
But, for the Bard, their frenzy deem'd
The fierceil vengeance due !
A thoufand fwords to guard me rofe,
Amid the confliil's roar ;
While fafe, from his furrounding foes,
My trembling charge I bore.
Long while he feem'd, with life alone,
To fcape that fatal day ;
For Reafon, from his little throne,
In terror fled away. While
{ 336 )
While thus bereft of fenfe he grew,
No fears the court invade,
And fafe in the Ufurper's view.
The beauteous maniac play'd.
Reafon, at length, a fecond dawn,
With cheering luilre, ihed ;
And, from the Tyrant's pow'r withdrawn.
To Munller's King we fled.
There, long conceal'd from every foe,
Beneath the royal care,
I faw my lovely fcion grow,
And ilioot its branch in air.
Oh, while I view'd his blooming face.
And watch'd his opening mind ;
While, in a form of matchlefs grace,
I faw each virtue fhrin'd ;
With more than a parental pride.
My throbbing heart o'erflow'd ;
And each fond thought, to hope ally'd,.
With fweet predidlion glow'd !
One daughter, bright in beauty's dawn,
The royal cares begviil'd ;
All fportive as the gladfome fawn,
And as the moon-beam mild.
Like
( 337 )
Like the firft infants of the fpring,
Sweet opening to the view ;
Fann'd by the breeze's tender wing,
And frefli with morning dew.
Such were fair Moriat's growing charms,
So bright her dawning iky ;
And beauty, young, with early harms,
Was cradled in her eye.
By ties of fweet attradion drawn,
And pair'd by infant love,
Oft, lightly fportlng o'er the lawn,
The royal children rove j
Together chafe the gilded fly.
Or pluck the blooming flower ;
Or boughs, with bufy hands, fupply.
To weave the httle bower.
But now, as years and ilature grow,
Maturer fports arife ;
Now Maon bends the flirongeil bow.
And Moriat gives the prize.
Light dance the happy hours along.
To love's enchanting lay ;
And pleafure tunes the fweeteft fong !
And every fcene is gay.
X X But
( 338 )
jBut foon each bea\iteous vifion flies
That bHfsful fancy forms ;
As the foft fmile of azure ikies
Is chac'd by chiding ftorms.
Again fate lours, and dangers frown —
The bloody Cobthach hears —
Once more the dagger threats to drown
In Maon's blood his fears.
And muil we fly ?: — muft Maon's heart
Its Moriat then forego ? —
Muft he with every comfort part.
To fliun his cruel foe ? —
He muft ; there are no other means
Of life or fafety nigh^
Our only hope on Gallia leans,
And thither muft he fly.
What tears ! — what anguiih ! — what defpair !■
At length he bade adieu ;
Ah when again his faithful fair, —
His native land to view ? —
« Yes, foon again ! (he proudly cries ;)
" In vengeance too array'd !
" On this right arm my hope relies,
« And GaUia's friendly aid."
But
( 339 )
But Máon knew not yet, how near,
How tenderly ally'd,
To his own blood ; — how very dear
The vidlims that had dy'd.
Firil, his weak health, and tender years,
Bade the dire truth conceal.
Which after, (though from different fears,)
We did not dare reveal.
For when, as ftrength and knowledge grew.
He heard the tale unfold ;
But half its horrors giv'n to view,
And half his wrongs untold :
When, but as kindred to his fire.
The Monarch's death he heard ;
Then, in his foul's quick mounting fire,
His royal race appear'd.
Indignant paflions fill'd his eye,
And from his accents broke ;
While the pale lip, and biu-fting figh.
His bxirden'd foul befpoke.
In vain, his fury to aíTuage,
I every art beilow'd ;
Still, with the raili refolves of rage,
His reillefs bofom glow'd.
X X 2 In
( 340 )
In fuch a caufe, his arm alone
Of ample force he deems ;
And, to pluck murder from its throne^
A flight adventure feems.
His youth, his rafhneis I bewail'd, —
I trembled to behold ;
And fear, and pitying love prevail'd
To leave dire truths untold.
To Gallia now fate call'd— ftill, ftill
His birth we dar'd not ihew ;
We dreaded left fome fatal ill
Should from the knowledge flow.
Youth's headlong paiTions mov'd our fear*
The fecret to fecure.
Till pradlis'd thought, and manlier years.
His mind and arm mature.
When, from his weeping Moriat torn.
He bade the laft adieu ;
When from her iight — her palace borne,
He ceas'd its walls to view ;
Then freih diftracilions fill'd liis breaft.
The fears of anxious love ;
Ah ! — by fome happier youth addrcft,—
Should Moriat faithlefs prove !
He
( 341 )
He ftopp'd — his frame with anguiih ihook j
With groans his bofom rofe ;
The wildnefs of his air and look
My foul with terror froze.
" Dear guardian of my orphan ilate I
(At length he faultering cry'd,)
" Thee too — thee too his cruel fate
" From Miion muil divide !
" To tend thy lovelier pupil's youth,
" Do thou behind remain ;
" Remind her of her Maon's truth, -
" His conftancy, his pain.
" Thovi who hail form'd my Moriat's heart,
" With fweet and happy ikill ;
" Obedient to thy gentle art,
" And faihion'd to thy will :
" O ilill that heart, thofe wiihes gviide
" Beneath foft Love's controul ;
" Whate'er in abfence may betide,
" To ihake me from her foul.
" Should ever, from that beauteous breaft,
" Its fond impreíTion ilray ;
" Should aught e'er chafe the tender gueft,
" With thoughtlefs mirth away ;
« Then
( 442 )
" Then let thy fweet and melting hand
" On the foft harp complain,
" More ils-ilful than the magic wand,
" Awake the powerful ftrain.
" To call, like fpirits from their fphere,
♦' Each trembling paflion round,
" Its fpellful potency to hear,
" And figh to ev'ry found !
" The mournful fweetnefs foon will bring
" To mind her Maon's woe ;
" And mem'ry, o'er the tender firing,
" In faithful tears will flow.
" Alas, thine eye rejeds my prayer !
" O yet, let pity fway !
" Or fee vain life no more my care,
" Or now confent to ilay!"
Diftra6led, — ihock'd at his command j
In vain all arts I try'd.
His crviel purpofe to withftand,
And with him ilill abide :
In vain all arguments addreil.
In vain did I implore ;
He wept — he ftrain'd me to. his breail, —
But left me on the ihore.
Sad,
( 443 )
Sad, devions, carelefs of their courfe.
My lonely fteps return'd.
While forrow drain d its weeping fource,
And age's anguiih mourn'd.
Bereft of him for whom alone
Life deign d to keep a care,
For him I heav'd the ceafelefs groan.
And breath'd the ceafelefs pray'r.
I only liv'd at his requeft.
His bidding to obey ;
And chear his Moriat's faithful breaft,
To wafting grief a prey.
From her fair eye to wipe the tear.
Her guardian and her guide :
Dear to my heart ! but doubly dear.
As Maon's deftin'd bride.
O, abfence ! tedious thy delay.
And fad thy hours appear ;
While numbering fighs recount each day
That fills the long, long year.
Yet not devoid of hope we griev'd.
For oft glad tidings came ;
Oft our reviving foids receiv'd
The news of Maon's fame.
The
( 344 )
The prince of Gallia's fertile land,
To Erin's throne ally'd,
Grac'd his young kinfman with command,
And plac'd him near his iide.
Together o'er the martial field
They chafe the rented foe ;
Together war's fierce terrors wield,
And ilrike the glorious blow !
At length, to him the fole command
Of GaUia's armies fell.
For now, his train'd and valiant hand
Well knew her foes to quell.
The terror of the Gallic arms
To eaft, — to weft he fpread,
And, fafe return'd from fierce alarms,
His conquering powers he led.
All tongues his prowefs now atteft ;
Exulting Moriat hears ;
The founds bring rapture to her breaft,
And mufick to her ears,
" Now, now, (ihe ,cry'<l) what hinders now
" The work his virtue plan'd ?
" What hinders to perform his vow,
" And free his captive land ?"
Ah
( 345 )
*' Ah Moriat ! bright in every charm
*' That Nature's power could give !
*' Ah, hafte thy tender breail to arm,
" Hear the dire news — and Hve !
*' Prepare thy Maon to difown ;
" Thy thoughts from love divide ;
" The daughter of the Gallic throne
« Is deftin'd for his bride."
Ah founds of death ! — fhe faints, flie falls !
Down finks the beauteous head. —
At length our care to life recalls,
But peace, alas ! is fled,
" Where now is Virtue ? — where is Love ?
« O Faith ! O Pity !— where ?
*' Can Maon cruel, — perjur'd prove,
" And falfe as fondly fwear ?
" Ah no, ah no Í — it cannot be !—
" Too well that heart I know !— ^
" Alas ! — now, now the caufe I fee
*' "Whence all my forrows flow !
" Fly, fly Craftine !— to thy Lord
" My foul's entreaty bear !
*' And O ! may Heaven calm feas afford,
" And fwifteft winds prepare !
Y y « TeU
( 346 )
" Tell him, it is my true requeft,
" It is my firm command,
" That Love, a fond imprudent gueft,
" No more reilrain his hand.
" Tell him, he freely may efpoufe
" My happy rival's charms ;
" Tell him, I give him back his vows,
" I yield him to her arms.
" So may the flrength of Gallia's throne
♦' Attend a filial prayer,
" And force our tyrant to atone
** For all the wrongs we bear.
" Alas ! I fear it will not be ! —
" Too faithful is his heart !
" From vows fo dear,— from Love and nxe
" He never will depart.
" Even now, perhaps, his foftening foul
*' The fond ideas move,
" And yield it to the fweet conti'oul
" Of — ah, too mighty Love !
" Friends, kindred, country, honor, fame,
" And vengeance are forgot ;
" And, with a fond, ill-omen'd flame,
" His fighing foul is fraught.
« O hafte
( 347 )
" O hafte thee then, ere yet too late,
" To fliield thy pupil's fame ;
" To fnatch it from impending fate,
" And from impending fhame !
" Tell him his country claims him now. —
*' To her his heart he owes ;
" And fliall a love-breath'd wiih, or vow,
" That glorious claim oppofe ? —
" Tell him to aél the patriot part
" That Erin's woes demand ;
*' Tell him, would he fecure my heart,
" He muil reiign my hand. —
" Haile, hafte thee hence ! — tell him — yet ftay ! —
" O Heaven ! my heart infpire ?
" O what — what further iliall I fay,
" His foul with fame to fire ? —
" Soft — foft — 'tis mine ! — O happy hour !
" It cannot fail to move !
** O bleft be Erin's guardian pow'r !
" And bleft be patriot love !"
While thvis the fweet Enthufiaft fpeaks,
She feems o'er earth to rife;
Sublime emotions fluih her cheeks.
And fill her radiant eyes !
Y y 2 In
( 248 )
In her foft hand the ftyle Ihe takes %
And the beech tablet holds ;
And there the foul of glory wakes,
And all her heart unfolds.
*' 'Tis done ! — now haile thee hence, (ihe cry'd)
" With this to Gallia fly ; —
" And O ! let all thy power be try'd,
*' To gain him to comply !
" O fire his foul with glory's flame f
" O fend me from his heart !
" Before his country, and his fame,
" Let bluihing love depart ! —
" For me, — on duty I rely,
" My firm fupport to prove ;
*' And Erin ftiall the room fupply
« Of Maon and of love."
" Blefl: be thy foul ! O peerlefs maid f
" Bright fun of virtue's heaven !
** For O ! to thee, her light, her aid,
" And all her powers are given !"
I went :
' " Before the ufe of paper or parchment, the matter on wliich the Irifh wrote
«' their letters was on tables cut out of a beech tree, and fmoothed by a plane, which
*' they infcribed with an iron pencil, called ■& Jlyle ; the letters themfelves were
«* anciently termed Feadha (woods) from the matter on which they were written,
'« as well as becaufe they were the names of trees ; arnd this was the practice of other
" nations before paper and parchment were difcovered." WarnerV Hift. Irtl.
Int. p. 65.
( 249 )
I went : — I bounded o'er the wave.
To Gallia's verdant fliore ;
The winds a fwift conveyance gave,
And foon to harbour bore.
And foon, at Gallia's fplendid court,
I lowly bent tlie knee,
"While fondeft hopes my heart traniport,
Again my Prince to fee.
My hopes were juil. — SublLme he came,
Array 'd in glory's charms !
I panted to un void my name,^
To rufli into his arms ! —
It muft not be ; — a clofe difguiic
My face and form conceals ;
No token, to my Maon's eyes.
As yet, his Bard reveals.
Patient, as Moriat bade, I wait,
Colle<iling all my power,
'Till, to the bufy forms of ílate,
Succeeds the feilive hour.
The feaft is o'er : — the light'ned board
With fparkling ihells is crown'd ;
And numbers next their aid afford,
And give new foul to found.
Then,
( 3£o )
Then, then my harp I trembling take,
And touch its lofty ftring,
While Moriat's lines its powers awafce,
i\nd, as ilie bade I fuig.
Miion ! bright and deathlefs name !
Heir of Glory ! — fon of fame !
Hear, O hear the Mufe's ftrain !
Hear the movirning Eard complain ! —
Hear him, while his anguilh flows
O'er thy bleeding country's woes.
Hear, by him, her Genius fpeak !
Hear her, aid and pity feek !
" Miion, (ilie cries) behold my niin'd land !
" The proilrate wall, — the blood-ftain'd field :—
" Behold my flawghter'd fons, and captive fires,
" Thy vengeance imprecate, thy aid demand !
*' (From reeking fwords and raging fires
" No arm but thine to llaield.)
" Come iee what yet remains to tell
" Of horrors that befell !
" Come fee where death, in bloody pomp array'd,
" Triumph'd o'er thy flaughter'd race !
" Where murder Ihew'd his daring face,
" And fliook his deadly blade.
" Hark!
(35^)
« Hark '.—hark !— that deep-drawn figh !—
« Hark '.—from the tomb my flaughter'd Princes cry
« Still Attention ! hold thy breath !—
« Liften to the words of death ! —
" Start not Maon '.—arm thy breaft !
" Hear thy royal birth confeft.
" Hear the ihade of Laoghaire tell
" All the woes his houfe befell."
" Son of my fon ! (he cries,) O Maon ! hear !-
" Yes, yes, — our child thou art !
« Well may the unexpedled tale
" Thus turn thy beauty pale !
i' Yet chear, my fon, thy fainting heart,
" And filent, give thine ear.
« Son of Ollioirs love art thou,
" Offspring of his early vow.
" One dreadful mom our íaW beheld,
" One dagger drank our kindred blood ;
" One mingling tide the ilatighter fwell'd,
" And murder bath'd amid the royal flood.
.. :í
illuíl
« Again,— again they rife 'to fight !—
" The horrors of that fatal day 1—
" Encircling peril ! wil-d, affright !
" Groans of death, and deep difinay !
:l.-u
See
( 353 )
** See Erin's dying Princes prcfs the ground !
" See gafping patriots bleed around !
" See thy grandfire's clofing eye !
" Hear his lail expiring iigh !
" Hear thy murder'd fire, in death,
*' Blefs thee with his lateíl breath !-~
" Tears ! — iliall tears for blood be paid ? —
'• Vengeance hopes for manly aid !
" There — to yon tomb dire<5t thine eyes !^
« See the ihade of Ollloll rife !
" Hark! — he groans ! — his airy fide
" Still ihews the wound of death !
" Still, from his bofom, flows the crimfon tide,
" As when he firil refign'd his guiltlefs breath !
" Maon ! (he cries,) O hear thy fire !
" See, from the tomb, his mangled form arife !
" Vengeance ! — vengeance to infpire,
" It meets thine aching eyes Í
*' Speak I to an infant's ears,
'* With ihuddering blood and flowing tears ? —
" Roufe thee ! — roufe thy daring foul !
" Start at once for glory's goal !
Rufli
( 353 )
" Ruíli on Murder's bloocl-ílaln'd throne !
" Tear from his brow my crown !
" Pluck, pluck the fierce barbarian down !
" And be triumphant vengeance all thy own !"
Ha !— I behold thy fparkling eyes !
Erin !— 'tis done !— thy Tyrant dies !
Thy Maon comes to free his groaning land !
To do the work his early virtue plann'd.
He comes, the heir of Laoghaire's fplendid crown !
He comes, the heir of Ollioll's bright renown !
He comes, the arm of Gallia's hoft ;
Valour's fierce and lovely boaft !
GalUa's grateful debt is paid ;
See, ihe gives her generous aid !
Her warriors round their hero prefs ;
They ruili, his wrongs, his country to redrefs.
But, ah ! what ftar of beauty's iky
Beams wonder on my dazzled eye ?
What form of light is here ?
And wherefore falls that foftly trembling tear
Fair vifion ! do thy forrows flow.
To balm a ftranger's woe ! —
?.
^í*
Z z Thoib
( 354 )
Thofe dear drops that Pity brings.
How bright, how beauteous they appear !
The radiance of each tender tear
Might gem the diadems of kings !
Ah, 'tis GalHa's royal fair ! —
Her fole and lovely heir ! —
O Nature ! fee thy power confeil !
See that dear, that beauteous breafh
Beat with thy myftic throb !
Hear the big fob
Heave the foft heart, and ihake the tender frame !
O bright abode of Pity's power !
Sweet altar of her trembhng flame !
Well (faireil !) in this fateful hour,
Well may thy tears thy kindred race proclaim !
Well may' ft thou weep for Erin's woes,
Since, in thy veins, the blood of Laoghaire flows !
Monarch of the Gallic throne,
Lift to my voice ! —
An union that might make the world thy own,
Now courts thy choice.
See the bright daughter of thy love !
Yet unmated is thy dove.
Can that foft hand a fcepter wield ? —
Can that fair breaft a nation fliield ? —
No,
( 3S^ )
No, — but with our prince ally'd,
Erin's lov'd and lovely bride,
Then, our joint empire, how might it extend !
And wide our glittering ftandards be unfurl'd !
To our united power the earth might bend.
And our high fceptre, then, ihould fway a world !
Thus, delegated, while I Tpoke,
My mandate to obey ;
Swift on my words the Princefs broke,
And rapt my powers away.
« Never will I confent (ihe cry'd)
" To wear thy country's crown ;
" Nor ever be thy Maon's bride,
" Tho' fplendid his renown !
" Yet think not. Bard, my fenfelefs breaft
" Quite dead to Glory's flame ;
" Think not I flight a Prince, confefl:
" The favourite fon of fame.
« Once, Bard, — I do not blufli to own,
" Tho' Gallia's royal heir,
" I would have given the world's high throne,
" A Cot with him to fliare.
Z z 2 " But
( 3S6 )
" But, -when I heard the tender tales
" His gentle accents told ;
" How fweet a rofe the royal vales
" Of Fearmorka ' hold ;
" I ilirunk from the ungenerous thought
" That might their loves deftroy ;
" And, in his dearer peace, I fought
" To find reilecled joy.
" Nor now could world's my heart perfuade
" To be thy Maon's bride,
" Or, from his bleft Momonian maid,
" His faithful vows divide.
•' But who art thou, whofe wiflies tower
" Wide empire, thus, to wield ;
" Who, to Ambition's haxighty power,
*♦ Would Love a vidlim yield ?" —
'♦ O maid of Heaven !" — I could no more,
For tears my words arreft ;
And joy the garb of for row wore,
Big heaving in my breaft.
With rapture mute, the clofe difguife
Quick from my limbs I threw j
» In the weft of Munfter.
And
( 357 )
And ílraight, to Maori's wondering eyes,
Craftine flood to view.
Forward, with lightning's fpeed, he fprung,
And caught me to his heart ;
While eager round my neck he clung,
As if no more to part.
Then fudden, ftarting from my breail.
His eye my form furvey "d ;
Its fearching beams his doubts expreil,
And ilruggling foul difplay'd.
" And is it then Craftine ipeaks ?
(At length he fault'ring cry'd,)
*' Is it that honour'd fage who feeks
" His pupil to mifguide ?
" Can then Craftine bid me fly
" From Virtue's firm controul ;
" And bid the breath of fame fupply
" Her empire in my foul !
" Does the fage guide of Maon's youth
" Now teach the traitor's art ; —
" Teach, with the fmiles of feeming truth,
" To veil a venal heart ?
One
( 358 )
" One lovely maid of heavenly charms,
" Bethroth'd, and won, to leave ;
' ' And, wedded to another's arms,
" Her generous foul deceive !
" A double traitor iliall I prove,
" And ilain with guilt my name ! —
" Loft both to honour, and to love,
" To virtue, and to ihame ! —
" No, royal Aide, form'd to blefs !
" Thou would'ft difdain the art ;
" And charms like thine Ihould fure poiTeis
" An \individed heart.
" Sweet maid ! with each endowment blcft
" That favouring Heaven could give,
" O ! ever, in my grateful breaft,
" Shall thy dear image live !
•' But further, by a form fo bright,
" Had my fond foul been won ;
*' Won by thy charms, thou lovely light
" Of Virtue's facred fun !
" To thee had changing paifion ftray'd
" From vows of earlier youth ;
" Thy bright example, glorious maid !
" Had iham'd me into truth.
Yet
( 359 )
" Yet think me not, tho' true to love,
" So dead to virtuous fame,
" To prize a felfiih joy above
" The patriot's hallow'd flame.
" O Erin ! that I hold thee dear,
" This arm iliall foon atteft ;
" For now revenge — revenge draws near,
" In death and terrors dreft !
" And, O rever'd and royal íhades !
" Ye dwellers of my foul !
" Whofe memory this fad heart pervades,
" With limitlefs controul !
" Bend from your clouds each radiant face,
" While, firm as fate's decrees,
" I fwear, the manes of my race,
" With vengeance to appeafe !
" But Moriat ! — never from my breail
" Shall thy mild virtues part !
" There ever Ihalt thou reign, confeft
" The fov'reign of my heart !
" Say Bard, who thus thy foul has fway'd ?
" Who could thy fenfe mifguide,
'* To bid me leave my lovely maid,
" And feek another bride ?"
No
( 36o )
" No art, O Miion, fway'd my breail,
" But Power the mandate gave;
" Deny'd my age its needful reft,
" And fped me o'er the wave."
" What haughty power could thus aíTume
*' An empire o'er my foul ? —
" O'er Love and Virtue thus prefume
** To arrogate controul ?"
'* A power, to whom thy humble vow
" E'er long iliall be addieil ;
" A power to whom thy foul fliall bow,
" And ftoop its lofty creft."
" Ha ! tell me then, — who, who ihall dare
" To dictate to my heart ?
" To bid it from its wiih forbear,
" And from its love depart ?" —
" Earnefl, O Prince ! was my command,
" And urgent was my fpeed ;
" A mandate from thy Moriat's hand
" This fruitlefs voyage decreed."
" Moriat ! — away — it cannot be !
" Shame on thy cruel art ! —
" Hence, hence away, while yet thou'rt free,
" And with thy tale depart."
" Unjuftly,
( 36' )
« Unjuftly, Prince, am I dlfgrac'd,
« And guiltlefs do I ftand ;
« Behold the charaaers ilie trac'd ;
" Behold her well known hand."
« Ha !— blindnefs to my tortur'd fight !
« O hope ! behold thy grave ! —
« O death to every fond delight
« That Love to promife gave !
" Say, Bard, while fenfe yet lives to hear,
" Whence came this cruel change ?
" O what, from vows fo fond, fo dear,
«' Could fuch a foul eftrange ?
bn;; i
" What happy rival, in her heart,
«' Now holds her Maon's place,
*' Who thus, with fuch fuccefsful art,
" His image could efface ?
« Miilaken Prince! no fecand^ flame
" Thy Moriat's heart can prove , . -
" And it is only Maon's fame
" Can rival Maon's love.
« O haftc, (flie cry'd) hafte, to thy Lord,
" My foul's entreaty bear !
" And O may Heaven calm feas afford,
" And fwifteft winds prepare !
3 A
Tell
( 362 )
" Tell him his country claims him now,
" To her his heart he owes ;
" And fliall a love-breath'd willi or vow
" That glorious claim oppofe ?
" Tell him to ad the patriot part
" That Erin's woes demand ;
" Tell him, would he fecure my heart,
" He muft reiign my hand.
" For me, on duty I rely
" My firm fupport ta prove,
" And Erin fhall the room fupply
" Of Maon and of Love.
" Tell him he freely may efpoufe
" My happy rival's charms ;
" Tell him I give him back his vows,
" I yield him to her arms.
" So may the ilrength of Gallia's throne,.
•' Attend a filial prayer,
" And force one tyrant to atone
" For all the wrongs we bear."
" Now Prince, — now judge thy Moriat's heart;
" Now blame her dear command ;
" Now, if thou wilt, condemn tlie part
" Her patriot virtue plan'd!"
With
( 3^3 )
With rapturous wonder's fweet alarm, —
With fpeechlefs joy oppreft,
The trembling Maon reach'd his arm, —
And funk upon my breaft.
DiiTolv'd in the applauding tear
That heart to virtue pays.
The wondering melting croud appear,
While on the fcene they gaze.
Low at the feet of Gallia's throne
The lovely Aide bow'd ;
Sweet in perfuafive charms fhe ihone,
And thtis her fuit avow'd :
" Now, now a boon, my royal fire !
*' If ever I was dear,
" O grant me now one fole defijre,
*' One fond petition hear.
" Let now the flower of Gallia's hoil
" Our Maon's arm attend,
" And fpeed him hence to Erin's coaft,
" His country to defend.
" To tear the mtirderer of his race
" From his infulted throne,
" His wrongs, witli vengeance, . to efface,
*' And blood with blood atone."
3 A 2 Propitious
( 364 )
Propitious to the warm requeft
Of his enchanting child,
Her fuit the royal Father bleft,
And with acceptance fmil'd.
Then rifing, on the Prince ihe turn'd
Her more than angel face ;
Her eye with heav'nly radiance burn'd.
And beam'd benignant grace.
" Now go ; — to Erin's happy ihore
" Dired: thy courfe, (ihe cry'd)
" Peace to thy native land reilore,
" And o'er its realms preiide ;
" And tell that fifter of my foul,
" Thy lov'd Momonian Maid,
" Like her, I ftrain to Virtue's goal,
*' On Glory's wing convey 'd.
" Tell her, though oceans roll between
" Our iliores, at diftance plac'd,
" Yet is ihe by my fpirit feen,
" And by my heart embrac'd.
*' And fay, — when death diíFolves our frames ; —
" When free to other's wing,
" And borne aloft on pureft flames,
" Our fouls exulting fpring :
. « Rivals
( 3^5 )
«' Rivals no more, we then iliall meet ;
" In air's bright chariots move ;
« And joyful join in union fweet,
" And everlafting love.- "
Thus while ihe fpoke, tears dimm'd her fight j
Her cheek its rofe withdrew ;
And quick as lightning's radiant flight.
She vanifli'd from our view :
Maon, pale, mute, o'erwhelm'd, diilrefs'd.
Had funk before the Maid,
And, to the fpot her feet had prefs'd
His grateful hps he laid.
A while the pitying Monarch gaz'd.
And dropt a tender tear ;
Then from the earth the youth he rais'd,
His drooping foul to chear. —
Now, fnatch'd from every trophied wall.
Bright ftandards float in air.
And, to their Champion's glorious call,
The Gallic Chiefs repair.
Fate wing'd, along the rolling wave,
Their fliips exulting flew ;
And Erin foon her harbours gave
To our enraptur'd view. ^^^^^
( 3^6 )
Then Retribution's dreadful hour
Appaird the guilty bread !
Stern frown'd the terror-giving power,
In blood and vengeance dreft.
As when fierce Neith " mounts his car,
With dreadful fplendours bright ;
And, thundering in the front of war,
Sweeps o'er the fields of fight !
Difmay'd before the withering God,
The routed armies fly ;
Death in his arm, fate in his nod,
And battles in his eye !
So his bright car our Maon grac'd.
In martial charms array 'd :
So his young arm, by vengeance brac'd.
Shook high its deadly blade !
But the foft mufe, of war no more
Will undelighted tell :
She loves the calm, the peaceful iliore,
Where gentler virtues dwell.
Hafte
• The God of Battles of the Pagan Irifli.
( 1^1 )
Haíle we from the avenging powers
Of Juilice and of fate ;
Haile we to Fcarmorka's bowers,
With Love's fond hopes elate.
Ah Moriat ! how will thy foft breaft
The mighty joy fuftain ?
All gently, rapture ! — fee, oppreft
She iinks upon the plain.
She iinks — but Love's extended arms
From earth her beauties raiie ;
And Love's foft voice awakes her charms,
And cordial cheer conveys.
Speechlefs awhile, flie looks, — ilie iighs
Unutterable joy ;
Nor memory yet a thought fupplies
The tranfport to deftroy.
At length, her recolledled breaft
Recalls the Gallic Bride,
When iliuddering, back Ihe Ihrinks diftreis'd.
Nor feeks her foul to hide. . ,
" Ah Maon ! go ! (ilie trembling cries,)
" Another claims thee now :
" Go, go where fame with love allies
" To plight thy nobler vow."
-' No,
( 363 )
" No, my foul's treafure ! never moic
" From thy dear arms to part ;
" Here will I kneel, and here adore
" With a devoted heart.
" Ah, could'il thou think with empty fame
" Thine image to efface ? —
" Or bid me, with another flame,
" This bofom to difgrace !
" Bright Aide would with fcorn have view'd
" The wretch, to honor dead ;
" And ihame and hatred had purfu'd
" This bafe and guilty head.
" Come, dearer than the world's renown !
" (And now, at length, my own !")
" Come, with thy virtues gem my crown,
*' And confecrate my throne !"
How fliall the Mufe the Tale purfue ? —
What words her ilrain ihall fwell ? —
Or paint to fympathy's fond view
What language fails to tell ?
Think all that Glory can beftow !
That Virtue's foul imparts !
Conceive the namelefs joys that flow
From Love's felecfled hearts.
Conceive
( 3^9 )
Conceive the Patriot's glowing breaft
Whom grateful nations crown !
With virtue, love, and empire bleft,
And honor's clear renown. —
Here let me end.— And now, O Maid !
Receive the Bard's adieu ; —
Invoke the favouring Mufe's aid,
And ftill thy taik purfue.
'Twill give new objeas to thy ken;
Of care thy breaft beguile ;
And, on the labours of thy pen
Thy country's eye will fmile.
I came thy ardour to excite. —
Once more, O Maid ! adieu. —
He fpoke, and loft in fplendid light
He vaniih'd from my view.
HE END.
ERRATA.
'c 6, line 22, yJr Conal-cearach, rí^í/ Conall-cearnach.
6i, line Si foi" ni'g^ity» read zonQ^rm'^.
82, line 2 of the note, for CumzX, read Cumhu.
169, lines 14 and I J of the note, for Daves, read D AVI
185, line 4, for Row, read hlow.
201, line 8, for Thzi, JvaJ Had.
333, //w ij^ar their, read thin.
337, ///7Í 23, yiir the, read her.
340, //'«i 2, for force, read iorcc.
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