University of Virginia Library


18

St Patrick comes to Tara

Patrick lit the fire at Moy-Breagh.
The day it was Holy Saturday,
And the fire of the Druids was not yet lit.
There should be no fire in the land ere it.
The Druids were angry. “Who lit that fire?”
Asked the King. And the Druids answered, “Sire,
Should it burn to-night we shall never quench it,
Though mountains fall on it, rivers drench it.
The old gods will pass like the hour that's vernal,
The new God reign for ever, eternal.”
Terrible then was King Laoghaire's wrath;
He swore  Patrick should die the death.
The Saint found him in Tara Hall
Mid the grim  knights with their swords in stall,
Where the bearded Druids sat fierce and tall,
Angry for their spoilt festival.
Chanting the hymns of Christ and Mary,
Patrick came like a King in Eire.