 | Congal |  |
22
BOOK II.
At early blush of morn, the King of Ulster and his train
Assumed their southern Meath-ward route through craggy Mourne again.
Assumed their southern Meath-ward route through craggy Mourne again.
Herd Borcha's peaks behind them left, by Narrow-Water side
They rode, and by the Yews that shade Kin-Troya's refluent tide.
Thence, lifted lightly on their steeds, up through the desert lone,
Where gloomy Gullion overlooks his realm of quag and stone,
Passed Brigid's cell; and, issuing forth high o'er Muirthevne's plain,
Where Fochard takes the morning sun, passed Brigid's cell again.
“Go where you will, their Saints intrude,” said Congal.
They rode, and by the Yews that shade Kin-Troya's refluent tide.
Thence, lifted lightly on their steeds, up through the desert lone,
Where gloomy Gullion overlooks his realm of quag and stone,
Passed Brigid's cell; and, issuing forth high o'er Muirthevne's plain,
Where Fochard takes the morning sun, passed Brigid's cell again.
“Go where you will, their Saints intrude,” said Congal.
“Nay, 'twas here,”
Sweeny returned, “Lafinda, she to both of us so dear,
“In all her maid-beseeming arts was nurtured in her youth
“By Brigid's maids, and learned from them the lore of Heavenly truth.”
Sweeny returned, “Lafinda, she to both of us so dear,
“In all her maid-beseeming arts was nurtured in her youth
“By Brigid's maids, and learned from them the lore of Heavenly truth.”
“And for so dear a pupil's sake,” said Congal, “shall their schools
“Have favor; and a warrior's arm protect the pious fools.”
“Have favor; and a warrior's arm protect the pious fools.”
23
Thence by Dun-Dealga's belted mound, safe in whose triple wards
Cuchullin in the days of old caroused his banished Bards,
Abashed in awe the warriors rode: nor drew they bridle-rein
Till on the woodland height they reached the sacred walls of Slane;
And from the verdant Hill of Health, outspread at large beneath
On all sides to the bounding sky, beheld illustrious Meath,
Cattle and crop, and homes of men, commingling gold and green
Refulgent in the noontide ray, and sparkling Boyne between.
Cuchullin in the days of old caroused his banished Bards,
Abashed in awe the warriors rode: nor drew they bridle-rein
Till on the woodland height they reached the sacred walls of Slane;
And from the verdant Hill of Health, outspread at large beneath
On all sides to the bounding sky, beheld illustrious Meath,
Cattle and crop, and homes of men, commingling gold and green
Refulgent in the noontide ray, and sparkling Boyne between.
As down the hill the warriors rode, to reach the level fords,
A woman met them by the way. She said—
A woman met them by the way. She said—
“Oh, gentle lords,
“Be witness of the shameful wrong the King's purveyors here
“Have done against our hermit, Erc; he, holy man austere,
“Eats not of flesh nor viand else that breath of life informs;
“But when the winter season comes, amid the northern storms
“The wild-geese visit him; and here, around his guardian cell,
“In safety leave their silly nests and store of eggs as well:
“And all our hermit's hoarded store these proud purveyors now
“Have taken for the King's repast: be witness, warrior, thou.”
“Be witness of the shameful wrong the King's purveyors here
“Have done against our hermit, Erc; he, holy man austere,
“Eats not of flesh nor viand else that breath of life informs;
“But when the winter season comes, amid the northern storms
“The wild-geese visit him; and here, around his guardian cell,
“In safety leave their silly nests and store of eggs as well:
“And all our hermit's hoarded store these proud purveyors now
“Have taken for the King's repast: be witness, warrior, thou.”
“Good woman,” said the courteous King, “this wrong of thine transcends
“My power to help: myself a guest, can make thee no amends.”
“My power to help: myself a guest, can make thee no amends.”
And onward passed to reach the fords: here by the rushing flood
The aged, angry Erc himself in middle causeway stood.
His head was bare, his brow was black, his lips with rage were wan;
As stone-crop on a storm-bleached rock stood on the rugged man
The hard grey beard, and with a voice as winter shrill and strong
He cried,
The aged, angry Erc himself in middle causeway stood.
24
As stone-crop on a storm-bleached rock stood on the rugged man
The hard grey beard, and with a voice as winter shrill and strong
He cried,
“Oh, hear my prayer; oh God! avenge thy servant's wrong.
“Twice twenty years in pinching fast and wasting vigil here
“I've served thine altar: let my prayer now reach thy favoring ear:
“Cursed be the hands that robbed my store, accursed the board that bears,
“The roof that shelters the repast, the bidden guest that shares.”
“Twice twenty years in pinching fast and wasting vigil here
“I've served thine altar: let my prayer now reach thy favoring ear:
“Cursed be the hands that robbed my store, accursed the board that bears,
“The roof that shelters the repast, the bidden guest that shares.”
And raised, to ring, his altar bell; but with his riding-wand
King Congal struck the empty brass from Erc's uplifted hand;
And said,
King Congal struck the empty brass from Erc's uplifted hand;
And said,
“For shame, old wicked man; this impotence of rage
“An angry woman would demean; and ill beseems a sage.”
“An angry woman would demean; and ill beseems a sage.”
And pushed him from his path aside, and went upon his way,
Regardless, through the flashing fords and up to Dunangay.
Regardless, through the flashing fords and up to Dunangay.
Up to the royal gates from all the fords of Boyne that morn
Was concourse great of bidden guest on car and courser borne.
And many a chief, as Congal rode the crowded ranks between,
Would check his steeds and pause to mark the hero's noble mien.
Within the courtyard of the fort, and at the open gate
That to the spacious wine-hall led. did Domnal's self await
The festive throngs; and, when the troop of Congal Claen drew near,
Advanced before the threshold-step, and with such gracious cheer
As father might returning son, received him; kiss'd his cheek,
And said,
Was concourse great of bidden guest on car and courser borne.
And many a chief, as Congal rode the crowded ranks between,
Would check his steeds and pause to mark the hero's noble mien.
Within the courtyard of the fort, and at the open gate
That to the spacious wine-hall led. did Domnal's self await
25
Advanced before the threshold-step, and with such gracious cheer
As father might returning son, received him; kiss'd his cheek,
And said,
“Dear Congal, of thy love the boon I first bespeak
“Is this; that, as my foster-son, on this auspicious day,
“Which reunites affection's bonds no more to part, I pray
“Thou wilt, in token to the world of mutual love restored,
“Upon my left hand, next my heart, sit at the banquet board.”
“Is this; that, as my foster-son, on this auspicious day,
“Which reunites affection's bonds no more to part, I pray
“Thou wilt, in token to the world of mutual love restored,
“Upon my left hand, next my heart, sit at the banquet board.”
Said Congal, “Royal Sire, although the law of seats be thus,
“That when the monarch boasts, as thou, the race illustrious
“Of North Hy-Niall, the privilege of Ulster in that case
“Is next the king, on his right hand, at banquet to have place;
“Yet be it as thy love would prompt.”
“That when the monarch boasts, as thou, the race illustrious
“Of North Hy-Niall, the privilege of Ulster in that case
“Is next the king, on his right hand, at banquet to have place;
“Yet be it as thy love would prompt.”
Then by a royal groom
The Ulster guests were to their baths brought in an inner room;
And so remained until a steward announced the banquet spread,
And led them to the wine-hall; there, at Domnal's table-head,
On left hand of the royal seat, was Congal's place assigned,
Young Dalaradian Sweeny's next, and Garrad Gann behind.
Great was the concourse; all the seats were full, save two alone,
The Monarch's, and the vacant chair to rightward of the throne.
Expecting who should enter next, was heard a herald's call,
“The King of Emain Macha here;” and straightway up the hall
Came proud Malodhar; round him gazed with calm audacious air,
And sitting, as of right, assumed the right hand vacant chair,
The Red-Branch banner from the beam depending o'er his head.
Then Sweeny to King Congal's ear approached his lips and said
“It bodes no good, oh Congal, that thine ancient rightful place
“This upstart of Ardmacha here obtains before thy face.”
The Ulster guests were to their baths brought in an inner room;
And so remained until a steward announced the banquet spread,
And led them to the wine-hall; there, at Domnal's table-head,
On left hand of the royal seat, was Congal's place assigned,
Young Dalaradian Sweeny's next, and Garrad Gann behind.
Great was the concourse; all the seats were full, save two alone,
The Monarch's, and the vacant chair to rightward of the throne.
Expecting who should enter next, was heard a herald's call,
“The King of Emain Macha here;” and straightway up the hall
26
And sitting, as of right, assumed the right hand vacant chair,
The Red-Branch banner from the beam depending o'er his head.
Then Sweeny to King Congal's ear approached his lips and said
“It bodes no good, oh Congal, that thine ancient rightful place
“This upstart of Ardmacha here obtains before thy face.”
“Hush, Sweeny,” answered Garrad Gann; “'tis Domnal's love alone
“That places Congal on his left, to heart-ward of the throne.”
“That places Congal on his left, to heart-ward of the throne.”
Ere more was said, the herald's voice again rose loud and clear,
And all the hall rose with the words—“The King of Erin here!”
And Domnal from his room came forth: his herald with him came,
Proclaiming,
And all the hall rose with the words—“The King of Erin here!”
And Domnal from his room came forth: his herald with him came,
Proclaiming,
“Erin's Domnal here; the one son dear to fame
“Of Aed, the son of Ainmiry; which Ainmiry for sire
“Had Setna, son of Fergus: he, his race if ye require,
“Was son of Conal Gulban, son of Niall the Hostage-famed,
“(Nine Kings he held in hostage, and hence was he surnamed);
“And up from Niall Nine-Hostager we know we may ascend
“From King to King to Adam, up to the very end.
“But Adam is the primal root of every spreading tree
“And branch-abounding underwood of genealogy;
“In whom all increase of mankind, of every tribe and name
“That has been since the earth received her elemental frame,
“And shall be henceforth, till on all the final doom be passed
“Of the Redeeming Judge's word, do meet and mix at last.
“Sprung from which great progenitors is Domnal, for whose sake
“Beseech you all with joyous hearts these viands to partake.”
“Of Aed, the son of Ainmiry; which Ainmiry for sire
“Had Setna, son of Fergus: he, his race if ye require,
“Was son of Conal Gulban, son of Niall the Hostage-famed,
“(Nine Kings he held in hostage, and hence was he surnamed);
“And up from Niall Nine-Hostager we know we may ascend
“From King to King to Adam, up to the very end.
“But Adam is the primal root of every spreading tree
“And branch-abounding underwood of genealogy;
“In whom all increase of mankind, of every tribe and name
“That has been since the earth received her elemental frame,
27
“Of the Redeeming Judge's word, do meet and mix at last.
“Sprung from which great progenitors is Domnal, for whose sake
“Beseech you all with joyous hearts these viands to partake.”
The herald ceased, and Domnal, still upstanding by his chair,
Motioned to Bishop Ronan Finn to give the blessing-prayer.
The blessing given, King Domnal sat; and, smiling courteous, spoke,
“My love to all, both King and Prince; high Chiefs and humble folk
“Of Erin, welcome! now to all, ye noble butlers, bring
“The Egg of Appetite, and place for each Provincial King
“An Egg of Honor, that our feast—all things being duly done,
“From egg to apple—happily be ended as begun.”
Motioned to Bishop Ronan Finn to give the blessing-prayer.
The blessing given, King Domnal sat; and, smiling courteous, spoke,
“My love to all, both King and Prince; high Chiefs and humble folk
“Of Erin, welcome! now to all, ye noble butlers, bring
“The Egg of Appetite, and place for each Provincial King
“An Egg of Honor, that our feast—all things being duly done,
“From egg to apple—happily be ended as begun.”
With ready speed the serving men the King's behests obeyed,
And wild-goose eggs before the Kings on silver dishes laid,
Save only before Congal Claen: by fate, or by mischance,
Or cook's default, or butler's haste, or steward's ignorance,
Through transposition of his seat not rightly understood,
The egg of many ills for him was served on dish of wood.
Which, when the men of Ulster saw, they did not deem it meet
That sons of Rury at that board should longer sit or eat;
And Dalaradian Sweeny said, “Thou eatest of thy shame,
“Meat sent thee on a platter from a King who hates thy name!
“Methought no lord of Oriall, with Kinel-Owen to boot,
“And Kinel-Conal at his back, should sit without dispute
“In Congal's place at banquet. I end as I began:
“Thou eatest thy dishonor.”
And wild-goose eggs before the Kings on silver dishes laid,
Save only before Congal Claen: by fate, or by mischance,
Or cook's default, or butler's haste, or steward's ignorance,
Through transposition of his seat not rightly understood,
The egg of many ills for him was served on dish of wood.
Which, when the men of Ulster saw, they did not deem it meet
That sons of Rury at that board should longer sit or eat;
And Dalaradian Sweeny said, “Thou eatest of thy shame,
“Meat sent thee on a platter from a King who hates thy name!
“Methought no lord of Oriall, with Kinel-Owen to boot,
“And Kinel-Conal at his back, should sit without dispute
28
“Thou eatest thy dishonor.”
Again said Garrad Gann:
“Hush! 'twas the cook's or steward's default: mar not the feast's repose.”
But Congal said, “Be silent, dog!” and from the table rose.
“Hush! 'twas the cook's or steward's default: mar not the feast's repose.”
But Congal said, “Be silent, dog!” and from the table rose.
Ah! me, what mighty ills we see from small beginnings rise!
Look how a spark consumes the wood a palace-roof supplies.
How smallest sounds call greatest forth; as when a singer draws
A long clear-warbled note to end, the theatre's applause
Follows tempestuous; and again the artist must begin
With nice throat-fingering dexterous his thread of sound to spin
Finer and finer; then the crowd enraptured more and more
Thunder back plaudits, and the roof re-echoes to the roar.
Or as a pilgrim, lone and poor, without a guide who goes
Through an Alp's gap, where hang aloof the silence-balanced snows,
Deeming himself alone with God, will break the aerial poise
With quavering hymn; the shaken bulks sliding with dreadful noise
Sheer from their rock-shelved slippery lofts, descend in ruinous sweep,
And spill their loud ice-cataracts down all the rattling steep.
The horrid rumble heard remote by shepherd on his lawn,
He looks, and from the naked peak sees that the snows are gone;
Then sighs, and says, “Perchance but now 'twas some poor traveller's hap
“To journey in the pass beneath.” He meanwhile, in his gap,
Lies lifeless underneath his load of ruin heavy and bare,
And awful silence once again possesses all the air.
And as the heaping-up of snows in mountain sides apart
By winds of many wintry years, so heaped in Congal's heart
Wrong lay on wrong; and now at last in wrath's resistless flood
The long-pent mischief burst its bounds. Up at the board he stood
And spurned the table with his foot, and from his shoulders drew
The festal robe, and at his feet the robe and viands threw.
Rose also eager Garrad Gann. “Oh, King, I pray thee sit,
“And thou shalt have attendance due and honor as is fit.”
But angry Congal, turning in the middle of the hall,
Dashed down Gann Garrad to the ground. Amazement seized on all,
And terror many. But he stood and spoke them:
Look how a spark consumes the wood a palace-roof supplies.
How smallest sounds call greatest forth; as when a singer draws
A long clear-warbled note to end, the theatre's applause
Follows tempestuous; and again the artist must begin
With nice throat-fingering dexterous his thread of sound to spin
Finer and finer; then the crowd enraptured more and more
Thunder back plaudits, and the roof re-echoes to the roar.
Or as a pilgrim, lone and poor, without a guide who goes
Through an Alp's gap, where hang aloof the silence-balanced snows,
Deeming himself alone with God, will break the aerial poise
With quavering hymn; the shaken bulks sliding with dreadful noise
Sheer from their rock-shelved slippery lofts, descend in ruinous sweep,
And spill their loud ice-cataracts down all the rattling steep.
The horrid rumble heard remote by shepherd on his lawn,
He looks, and from the naked peak sees that the snows are gone;
29
“To journey in the pass beneath.” He meanwhile, in his gap,
Lies lifeless underneath his load of ruin heavy and bare,
And awful silence once again possesses all the air.
And as the heaping-up of snows in mountain sides apart
By winds of many wintry years, so heaped in Congal's heart
Wrong lay on wrong; and now at last in wrath's resistless flood
The long-pent mischief burst its bounds. Up at the board he stood
And spurned the table with his foot, and from his shoulders drew
The festal robe, and at his feet the robe and viands threw.
Rose also eager Garrad Gann. “Oh, King, I pray thee sit,
“And thou shalt have attendance due and honor as is fit.”
But angry Congal, turning in the middle of the hall,
Dashed down Gann Garrad to the ground. Amazement seized on all,
And terror many. But he stood and spoke them:
“Have no fear;
“For grievous though my wrongs have been, I do not right them here.
“But here, before this company of Kings and noble Lords,
“I shall recount my wrongs, oh King; and mark ye all my words.
“Thy royal predecessor, oh King, was Sweeny Menn;
“And him thou didst rebel against; and into Ulster then
“Came, seeking our allegiance, and leagued with us, and I
“Was given thee in fosterage to bind our amity;
“And with thee here was nurtured, till thou before the might
“Of Sweeny Menn, thy rightful King, wast forced to take thy flight
“To Alba's hospitable shore; where generous Eochaid Buie,
“My mother's father, for her sake, and for his love of me,
“Did entertain thee and thy train till summers seven were flown,
“When I, a youthful warrior, and aged Sweeny grown
“No longer at the lance expert, nor on the whirling car,
“With bent bow able as of old to ride the ridge of war,—
“As when through Moin-an-Catha's pools, waist-deep in shameful mire,
“He chased thee on Ollarva's banks,—thou of my mother's sire
“Didst crave and didst obtain a barque, and with thy slender band
“Sett'st sail for Erin secretly; and where we first made land
“Was at Troy Rury: there we held a council; and 'twas there,
“Standing on those brown-rippled sands, thou didst protest and swear,
“If I by any daring feat that warrior-laws allow
“Of force or stratagem, should slay King Sweeny Menn, and thou
“Thereby attain the sovereignty, thou straightway wouldst restore
“All that my royal forefathers were seized of theretofore.
“Relying on which promise to have my kingdom back,
“I left thee at Troy Rury; nor turned I on my track
“Till I came to broad-stoned Aileach. There, on the sunny sward
“Before the fort, sat Sweeny Menn, amid his royal guard,
“He and his nobles chess-playing. Right through the middle band
“I went, and no man's license asked, Garr-Congail in my hand,
“And out through Sweeny's body, where he sat against the wall,
“'Twas I that sent Garr-Congail in presence of them all.
“And out through Sweeny's body till the stone gave back the blow,
“'Twas I that day at Aileach made keen Garr-Congail go.
“But they, conceiving from my cry—for, ere their bounds I broke,
“I gave the warning warrior-shout that justified the stroke
“By warrior-law—that Eochaid Buie and Alba's host had come,
“Fled to their fortress, and I sped safe and triumphant home.
“Then thou becamest Sovereign; and, Scallan Broad-Shield dead,
“I claimed thy promise to be made King in my father's stead;
“Not o'er the fragment of my rights regained by him, alone,
“But o'er the whole Rudrician realm, as erst its bounds were known,
“Ere Fergus Fogha sank before the Collas' robber sword;
“That thou had'st promised; and to that I claimed to be restored.
“But thou kept'st not thy promise; but in this did'st break the same,
“That thou yielded'st not Tir-Conal nor Tir-Owen to my claim;
“And the nine cantreds of Oriall to Malodhar Macha, he
“Who now sits at thy shoulder, thou gavest, and not to me.
“And him to-day thou givest my royal place and seat,
“And viands on a silver dish thou givest him to eat,
“And me, upon a wooden dish, mean food which I disdain:
“Wherefore upon this quarrel, oh King,” said Congal Claen,
“I here denounce thee battle.”
“For grievous though my wrongs have been, I do not right them here.
“But here, before this company of Kings and noble Lords,
“I shall recount my wrongs, oh King; and mark ye all my words.
“Thy royal predecessor, oh King, was Sweeny Menn;
“And him thou didst rebel against; and into Ulster then
“Came, seeking our allegiance, and leagued with us, and I
“Was given thee in fosterage to bind our amity;
30
“Of Sweeny Menn, thy rightful King, wast forced to take thy flight
“To Alba's hospitable shore; where generous Eochaid Buie,
“My mother's father, for her sake, and for his love of me,
“Did entertain thee and thy train till summers seven were flown,
“When I, a youthful warrior, and aged Sweeny grown
“No longer at the lance expert, nor on the whirling car,
“With bent bow able as of old to ride the ridge of war,—
“As when through Moin-an-Catha's pools, waist-deep in shameful mire,
“He chased thee on Ollarva's banks,—thou of my mother's sire
“Didst crave and didst obtain a barque, and with thy slender band
“Sett'st sail for Erin secretly; and where we first made land
“Was at Troy Rury: there we held a council; and 'twas there,
“Standing on those brown-rippled sands, thou didst protest and swear,
“If I by any daring feat that warrior-laws allow
“Of force or stratagem, should slay King Sweeny Menn, and thou
“Thereby attain the sovereignty, thou straightway wouldst restore
“All that my royal forefathers were seized of theretofore.
“Relying on which promise to have my kingdom back,
“I left thee at Troy Rury; nor turned I on my track
“Till I came to broad-stoned Aileach. There, on the sunny sward
“Before the fort, sat Sweeny Menn, amid his royal guard,
31
“I went, and no man's license asked, Garr-Congail in my hand,
“And out through Sweeny's body, where he sat against the wall,
“'Twas I that sent Garr-Congail in presence of them all.
“And out through Sweeny's body till the stone gave back the blow,
“'Twas I that day at Aileach made keen Garr-Congail go.
“But they, conceiving from my cry—for, ere their bounds I broke,
“I gave the warning warrior-shout that justified the stroke
“By warrior-law—that Eochaid Buie and Alba's host had come,
“Fled to their fortress, and I sped safe and triumphant home.
“Then thou becamest Sovereign; and, Scallan Broad-Shield dead,
“I claimed thy promise to be made King in my father's stead;
“Not o'er the fragment of my rights regained by him, alone,
“But o'er the whole Rudrician realm, as erst its bounds were known,
“Ere Fergus Fogha sank before the Collas' robber sword;
“That thou had'st promised; and to that I claimed to be restored.
“But thou kept'st not thy promise; but in this did'st break the same,
“That thou yielded'st not Tir-Conal nor Tir-Owen to my claim;
“And the nine cantreds of Oriall to Malodhar Macha, he
“Who now sits at thy shoulder, thou gavest, and not to me.
“And him to-day thou givest my royal place and seat,
“And viands on a silver dish thou givest him to eat,
“And me, upon a wooden dish, mean food which I disdain:
“Wherefore upon this quarrel, oh King,” said Congal Claen,
32
Therewith he left the hall,
And with him, in tumultuous wise, went Ulster one and all,
And leaped in haste upon their steeds, and northward rode amain,
Till 'twixt them and the men of Meath they left the fords of Slane.
And with him, in tumultuous wise, went Ulster one and all,
And leaped in haste upon their steeds, and northward rode amain,
Till 'twixt them and the men of Meath they left the fords of Slane.
That morn, on thirsty Bregia's breast abundant heaven had poured
Much rain, and now with risen Boyne red ran the flooded ford.
There, still beside the slippery brink, indenting all the ground
With restless stampings to and fro, the angry Erc they found.
Much rain, and now with risen Boyne red ran the flooded ford.
There, still beside the slippery brink, indenting all the ground
With restless stampings to and fro, the angry Erc they found.
“Ah, wretch,” cried Sweeny, “stand aside: avoid thy victim's way:
“Thine eggs have hatched us ills enough for one disastrous day.”
“Thine eggs have hatched us ills enough for one disastrous day.”
“I thank thee, God,” cried aged Erc, “that through the wastes of air
“My voice has reached thy throne, and thou hast heard thy servant's prayer.”
“My voice has reached thy throne, and thou hast heard thy servant's prayer.”
“Go thank the fiend thou call'st thy God, where only fiends abide,”
Cried Sweeny; and with furious hand dashed aged Erc aside:
The tottering senior stumbled back, and from the slippery verge
Boyne caught him in an onward whirl; thence through the battling surge
Below the fords, as 'neath the feet of vigorous youths at play
A rolling football, Erc was rolled, engulfed, and swept away.
Cried Sweeny; and with furious hand dashed aged Erc aside:
The tottering senior stumbled back, and from the slippery verge
Boyne caught him in an onward whirl; thence through the battling surge
Below the fords, as 'neath the feet of vigorous youths at play
A rolling football, Erc was rolled, engulfed, and swept away.
While yet from tawny whirl to whirl, the warriors marked him cast,
His right hand, as in act to curse, uplifted to the last,
Adown the hill they late had left, in swift pursuit appeared
The royal chariot, and therein, with white conspicuous beard,
The Household bishop, Ronan Finn: while yet in middle tide
The coursers plunged before the car, “Son Congal, stay,” he cried.
“King Domnal prays thee to forgive the grievance undesigned
“His herald's and his steward's default have caused thy manly mind.
“Love in excess it was did prompt the placing of thy chair
“At Domnal's left; and, on his right, had not Malodhar there
“Sat uninvited, Domnal's love did further still design
“That Ulster's vacant seat should stand a symbol and a sign
“Of double honour done thee, both as Foster-son and King:
“Wherefore I come, by Domnal sent, his pardon back to bring.”
His right hand, as in act to curse, uplifted to the last,
33
The royal chariot, and therein, with white conspicuous beard,
The Household bishop, Ronan Finn: while yet in middle tide
The coursers plunged before the car, “Son Congal, stay,” he cried.
“King Domnal prays thee to forgive the grievance undesigned
“His herald's and his steward's default have caused thy manly mind.
“Love in excess it was did prompt the placing of thy chair
“At Domnal's left; and, on his right, had not Malodhar there
“Sat uninvited, Domnal's love did further still design
“That Ulster's vacant seat should stand a symbol and a sign
“Of double honour done thee, both as Foster-son and King:
“Wherefore I come, by Domnal sent, his pardon back to bring.”
“Cleric,” said Congal, “tell the King, and let all Erin hear,
“I credit not the weak excuse invented by his fear.”
“I credit not the weak excuse invented by his fear.”
Then Ronan showed his bishop's staff and bell; and said, “Be these
“For truth of all that I avouch, thy certain guarantees.”
“For truth of all that I avouch, thy certain guarantees.”
“Thou hast thine answer,” Congal said.
Said Ronan Finn, “Beware;
“Contempt of these may wake the wrath God's priests by these declare.”
“Contempt of these may wake the wrath God's priests by these declare.”
Said Congal, “Rather have a care, thou; lest by staff or bell
“Thou earn such fate as even now thy brother Erc befell;
“Lo, where for curses so denounced with like assumption, he
“Rewarded by a bath in Boyne, floats swiftly to the sea.”
“Thou earn such fate as even now thy brother Erc befell;
“Lo, where for curses so denounced with like assumption, he
“Rewarded by a bath in Boyne, floats swiftly to the sea.”
34
Then Ronan, knowing that 'twas Erc whose body down the flood
Went seaward, raised his voice and said, “This murder, men of blood,
“Shall God in battle's dreadful hour upon the murderer's head
“In dire unheard-of wise requite,” and turned his steeds and fled.
Went seaward, raised his voice and said, “This murder, men of blood,
“Shall God in battle's dreadful hour upon the murderer's head
“In dire unheard-of wise requite,” and turned his steeds and fled.
While yet the Ultonians stood, to watch if Ronan still should dare,
When out of reach of missiles, stand, to make the menaced prayer,
Prepared to follow and make good what Congal's words implied
Another goodly cavalcade advancing they descried.
When out of reach of missiles, stand, to make the menaced prayer,
Prepared to follow and make good what Congal's words implied
Another goodly cavalcade advancing they descried.
Then said the King, “'Twas well, oh youths, that here we made our halt,
“Else haply had Ultonia's name been tarnished through my fault,
“Who have left a hall of banqueting, where Poets were in place
“Without bestowing goblets: now they come in shameful chase
“To upbraid me for a niggard.”
“Else haply had Ultonia's name been tarnished through my fault,
“Who have left a hall of banqueting, where Poets were in place
“Without bestowing goblets: now they come in shameful chase
“To upbraid me for a niggard.”
The Poets then drew nigh,
And after noble gifts received, disclosed their embassy.
But Congal bade them tell the King that, fight alone except,
His wrong admitted no amends; and much the Poets wept
As leaving them with kind farewells, upon their northern way
The angry Ulster warriors went.
And after noble gifts received, disclosed their embassy.
But Congal bade them tell the King that, fight alone except,
His wrong admitted no amends; and much the Poets wept
As leaving them with kind farewells, upon their northern way
The angry Ulster warriors went.
By early noon next day
They stood again at Kellach's gates. While yet a javelin flight
From where the senior sat, he reached both hands with stern delight
To clasp the hand of Congal Claen. “Thank God,” he cried, “mine eyes
“Have seen my brother Scallan's son at last in such a guise
“As fits a right Rudrician King; with back to Slavery's door
“And face to Fortune: come, sit near; recount me o'er and o'er
“The knave's insidious overtures: for well I know his wiles,
“And well I guessed his feast was dressed with snare-disguising smiles.”
They stood again at Kellach's gates. While yet a javelin flight
From where the senior sat, he reached both hands with stern delight
35
“Have seen my brother Scallan's son at last in such a guise
“As fits a right Rudrician King; with back to Slavery's door
“And face to Fortune: come, sit near; recount me o'er and o'er
“The knave's insidious overtures: for well I know his wiles,
“And well I guessed his feast was dressed with snare-disguising smiles.”
Then Congal on the brazen bench sat, and in Kellach's ear
Disclosed his grounds of wrath at large in accents loud and clear.
Disclosed his grounds of wrath at large in accents loud and clear.
As Congal's tale proceeded from injurious word to word,
Old Kellach underneath his gown kept handling with his sword,
His sword which none suspected that the bed-rid senior wore,
But which displaying from its sheath, now when the tale was o'er,
He held it up, and, “Take,” said he, “a warrior's word in pledge,
“If thou take other recompense than reckoning at sword-edge
“For these affronts, this sword of mine which, many a time before
“I've sheathed in valiant breasts, shall find a bloody sheath once more
“Here in this breast: for life for me has long while lost its grace,
“By palsied limbs debarred the joy of combat and of chase,
“And all my later years I've lived for that great day which now
“Seems surely coming: for full cause and warrant good hast thou
“For war with Domnal. Far less cause had Broad-Shield when he slew
“Cuan of Clech, and set his head on the wall-top to view,
“For calling him ‘Shrunk Scallan’: less cause than this by far,
“Though Mordred's Queen had slapped the cheek of British Gwynevar,
“Had Arthur when he fought Camlan; from which pernicious fray
“Where joined thrice twenty thousand men, but three men came away.
“What cause had Pictish Gwendolen, compared with this of ours,
“When, for his broken apple-branch, he summoned all the powers
“Of Caledonia, dale and fell, and, on Arderidd's height,
“Made theme perpetual for the Bards in Merlin Wilt's affright,
“Who lost his reason in that fight, and ever after ran
“Wild in the woods, a sacred seer, and vision-gifted man?
“What! and the great breach of Goddeu, was it not also fought
“In recompense of an affront contemptible, if brought
“Into comparison with thine? Yet there, of Britain's best
“Fell full ten thousand, in amends of one poor field-fare's nest.
“No! warrant good for war thou hast, and cause of strife to spare,
“And kindly-well beseems us all thine enterprise to share.
“Go, summon me my seven good sons; my young men brave and strong
“Shall with their royal kinsman in this Hosting go along.
“And if my limbs would bear me, as they bore me like the wind,
“When once I fought by Scallan's side, I would not stay behind.
“Nor will I, far as men are found to bear me in the front,
“Decline the face of battle yet, when comes the final brunt.
“But for so great a strife as this, dear nephew, thou'lt have need
“Of other friends and councillors, and other aids indeed.
“So get thee hence to Alba; to thy grandsire Eochaid Buie:
“Thy mother was his daughter; and thy mother's mother, she
“Was daughter, one and well-beloved, of other Eochaid, king
“Of Britain. Claim the help of each, and here to Erin bring
“Such aids as they will grant to thee; meantime 'twill be my care
“Our own fraternal warrior tribes for combat to prepare.”
Old Kellach underneath his gown kept handling with his sword,
His sword which none suspected that the bed-rid senior wore,
But which displaying from its sheath, now when the tale was o'er,
He held it up, and, “Take,” said he, “a warrior's word in pledge,
“If thou take other recompense than reckoning at sword-edge
“For these affronts, this sword of mine which, many a time before
“I've sheathed in valiant breasts, shall find a bloody sheath once more
“Here in this breast: for life for me has long while lost its grace,
“By palsied limbs debarred the joy of combat and of chase,
“And all my later years I've lived for that great day which now
“Seems surely coming: for full cause and warrant good hast thou
“For war with Domnal. Far less cause had Broad-Shield when he slew
“Cuan of Clech, and set his head on the wall-top to view,
36
“Though Mordred's Queen had slapped the cheek of British Gwynevar,
“Had Arthur when he fought Camlan; from which pernicious fray
“Where joined thrice twenty thousand men, but three men came away.
“What cause had Pictish Gwendolen, compared with this of ours,
“When, for his broken apple-branch, he summoned all the powers
“Of Caledonia, dale and fell, and, on Arderidd's height,
“Made theme perpetual for the Bards in Merlin Wilt's affright,
“Who lost his reason in that fight, and ever after ran
“Wild in the woods, a sacred seer, and vision-gifted man?
“What! and the great breach of Goddeu, was it not also fought
“In recompense of an affront contemptible, if brought
“Into comparison with thine? Yet there, of Britain's best
“Fell full ten thousand, in amends of one poor field-fare's nest.
“No! warrant good for war thou hast, and cause of strife to spare,
“And kindly-well beseems us all thine enterprise to share.
“Go, summon me my seven good sons; my young men brave and strong
“Shall with their royal kinsman in this Hosting go along.
“And if my limbs would bear me, as they bore me like the wind,
“When once I fought by Scallan's side, I would not stay behind.
“Nor will I, far as men are found to bear me in the front,
“Decline the face of battle yet, when comes the final brunt.
“But for so great a strife as this, dear nephew, thou'lt have need
“Of other friends and councillors, and other aids indeed.
37
“Thy mother was his daughter; and thy mother's mother, she
“Was daughter, one and well-beloved, of other Eochaid, king
“Of Britain. Claim the help of each, and here to Erin bring
“Such aids as they will grant to thee; meantime 'twill be my care
“Our own fraternal warrior tribes for combat to prepare.”
This counsel to the King seemed good; but, ere he sought the aid
Of Alban Eochaid, he devised to speak the royal maid.
Of Alban Eochaid, he devised to speak the royal maid.
As through the desert of the Bards, at coming close of day,
On this design intent, the King of Ulster took his way;
Where fell the shadows vast, and grey from crag and spike of stone
The curling mists began to rise, tidings before him flown
Of war denounced, had filled the waste with battle-glorying songs,
And through the dusky glens the Bards, in loud exulting throngs,
On each side ran, with augury of conquest and renown
Crowning their champion; and when now untimely night came down,
With blazing links they lit the way; when lo, a rushing sound,
As of immeasurable herds a-droving all around,
Was heard, and presently was heard to fill the mountain hall
With hollow clamour far and wide, a whistle and a call.
On this design intent, the King of Ulster took his way;
Where fell the shadows vast, and grey from crag and spike of stone
The curling mists began to rise, tidings before him flown
Of war denounced, had filled the waste with battle-glorying songs,
And through the dusky glens the Bards, in loud exulting throngs,
On each side ran, with augury of conquest and renown
Crowning their champion; and when now untimely night came down,
With blazing links they lit the way; when lo, a rushing sound,
As of immeasurable herds a-droving all around,
Was heard, and presently was heard to fill the mountain hall
With hollow clamour far and wide, a whistle and a call.
“Borcha,” cried Congal, “if 'tis thou art Drover of the night,
“Be patient: thou shalt have again, ere long, the oversight
“Of all thy herds.” A sound as though the mountain's shingly side
Shook down a sheet of rattling stone, through night's expanse replied.
“Be patient: thou shalt have again, ere long, the oversight
“Of all thy herds.” A sound as though the mountain's shingly side
Shook down a sheet of rattling stone, through night's expanse replied.
38
“He climbs his Herd-seat as of old,” cried Ardan; “Oh ye Powers
“Unseen that round us live and move, grant, in this strife of ours,
“Your favour to the Poets' cause! Like us apart ye dwell
“In woods and wilds; like us, they say, from happier state ye fell.”—
“Unseen that round us live and move, grant, in this strife of ours,
“Your favour to the Poets' cause! Like us apart ye dwell
“In woods and wilds; like us, they say, from happier state ye fell.”—
Exclaimed King Congal, “'Tis not well! While ground beneath me stands,
“Succour or counsel will not I at any demon's hands.
“But whether victor, as I hope, or whether overthrown,
“I in this contest live or die in manly arms alone.”
“Succour or counsel will not I at any demon's hands.
“But whether victor, as I hope, or whether overthrown,
“I in this contest live or die in manly arms alone.”
The red round moon o'er Slanga's cairn ascending soon dispelled
The darkness, and by moon and stars attended, Congal held
His course to Sweeny's friendly fort; a sleepless while he stayed
In Sweeny's halls; then journeyed on to speak the royal maid.
The darkness, and by moon and stars attended, Congal held
His course to Sweeny's friendly fort; a sleepless while he stayed
In Sweeny's halls; then journeyed on to speak the royal maid.
The Princess with her women-train without the fort he found,
Beside a limpid running stream, upon the primrose ground,
In two ranks seated opposite, with soft alternate stroke
Of bare, white, counter-thrusting feet, fulling a splendid cloak
Fresh from the loom: incessant rolled athwart the fluted board
The thick web fretted, while two maids, with arms uplifted, poured
Pure water on it diligently; and to their moving feet
In answering verse they sang a chaunt of cadence clear and sweet.
Princess Lafinda stood beside; her feet in dainty shoes
Laced softly; and her graceful limbs in robes of radiant hues
Clad delicately, keeping the time: on boss of rushes made
Old nurse Levarcam near them sat, beneath the hawthorn shade.
A grave experienced woman she, of reverend years, to whom
Well known were both the ends of life, the cradle and the tomb;
Whose withered hands had often smoothed the wounded warrior's bed;
Bathed many new-born babes, and closed the eyes of many dead.
Beside a limpid running stream, upon the primrose ground,
In two ranks seated opposite, with soft alternate stroke
Of bare, white, counter-thrusting feet, fulling a splendid cloak
Fresh from the loom: incessant rolled athwart the fluted board
The thick web fretted, while two maids, with arms uplifted, poured
Pure water on it diligently; and to their moving feet
In answering verse they sang a chaunt of cadence clear and sweet.
Princess Lafinda stood beside; her feet in dainty shoes
Laced softly; and her graceful limbs in robes of radiant hues
39
Old nurse Levarcam near them sat, beneath the hawthorn shade.
A grave experienced woman she, of reverend years, to whom
Well known were both the ends of life, the cradle and the tomb;
Whose withered hands had often smoothed the wounded warrior's bed;
Bathed many new-born babes, and closed the eyes of many dead.
The merry maidens when they spied the warlike king in view,
Beneath their robes in modest haste their gleaming feet withdrew,
And laughing all surceased their task. Lafinda blushing stood
Elate with conscious joy to see so soon again renewed
A converse, ah, how sweet, compared with that of nurse or maid!
But soon her joy met cruel check.
Beneath their robes in modest haste their gleaming feet withdrew,
And laughing all surceased their task. Lafinda blushing stood
Elate with conscious joy to see so soon again renewed
A converse, ah, how sweet, compared with that of nurse or maid!
But soon her joy met cruel check.
“Lafinda,” Congal said,
And led her by the hand apart; “this banquet of the King's
“Has had an ill result. His feast has been of fare which brings
“Hindrance to all festivity. Great insult has been shown
“Me by King Domnal; such affront as has not yet been known
“By any other royal guest in Erin: therefore now
“I come not, as I thought to come, to ratify the vow
“We made at parting, I and thou: our bridal now must wait
“Till this wrong done be made aright: for I to Alba straight
“Am gone to ask my grandsire's aid, and thence returning go
“First and before all other calls in field to meet my foe.
“And, trust me, I shall not bestow such thoughts as fill my heart
“On any maid, and, least of all, on thee, dear maid, who art
“By birth and by thy bringing-up entitled best to claim
“Pleasure and peace within thy halls; for I have nought but flame
“Of indignation and of wrath since this ill-omened feast,
“Left, to bestow on any one; and these on thee at least
“I wreak no further. Fair, farewell; think of me while away,
“And trust with me, our nuptial rites shall not have long delay.”
And led her by the hand apart; “this banquet of the King's
“Has had an ill result. His feast has been of fare which brings
“Hindrance to all festivity. Great insult has been shown
“Me by King Domnal; such affront as has not yet been known
“By any other royal guest in Erin: therefore now
“I come not, as I thought to come, to ratify the vow
“We made at parting, I and thou: our bridal now must wait
“Till this wrong done be made aright: for I to Alba straight
“Am gone to ask my grandsire's aid, and thence returning go
“First and before all other calls in field to meet my foe.
40
“On any maid, and, least of all, on thee, dear maid, who art
“By birth and by thy bringing-up entitled best to claim
“Pleasure and peace within thy halls; for I have nought but flame
“Of indignation and of wrath since this ill-omened feast,
“Left, to bestow on any one; and these on thee at least
“I wreak no further. Fair, farewell; think of me while away,
“And trust with me, our nuptial rites shall not have long delay.”
She answered, “For a maid like me, the daughter of a King,
“To grieve for nuptial rites deferred, were not a seemly thing.
“Yet, were I one of these, and loved, as humblest maiden can,
“And shame would suffer me to shew my tears to any man
“Shed for his sake, I well could weep. Oh, me! what hearts ye own,
“Proud men, for trivialest contempt in thoughtless moment shown,
“For rash word from unguarded lips, for fancied scornful eye,
“That put your lives and hopes of them you love, in jeopardy.
“Yet deem not I, a Princess, sprung myself from warrior sires,
“Repine at aught in thy behoof that Honor's law requires.
“Nor ask I what affront, or how offended, neither where
“Blame first may lie. Judge thou of these: these are a warrior's care.
“Yet, oh, bethink thee, Congal, ere war kindles, of the ties
“Of nurture, friendship, fosterage; think of the woful sighs
“Of widows, of poor orphans' cries; of all the pains and griefs
“That plague a people in the path of battle-wagering chiefs.
“See, holy men are 'mongst us come with message sweet of peace
“From God himself, and promise sure that sin and strife shall cease;
“Else wherefore, if with fear and force mankind must ever dwell,
“Raise we the pardon-spreading cross and peace-proclaiming cell?”
“To grieve for nuptial rites deferred, were not a seemly thing.
“Yet, were I one of these, and loved, as humblest maiden can,
“And shame would suffer me to shew my tears to any man
“Shed for his sake, I well could weep. Oh, me! what hearts ye own,
“Proud men, for trivialest contempt in thoughtless moment shown,
“For rash word from unguarded lips, for fancied scornful eye,
“That put your lives and hopes of them you love, in jeopardy.
“Yet deem not I, a Princess, sprung myself from warrior sires,
“Repine at aught in thy behoof that Honor's law requires.
“Nor ask I what affront, or how offended, neither where
“Blame first may lie. Judge thou of these: these are a warrior's care.
“Yet, oh, bethink thee, Congal, ere war kindles, of the ties
“Of nurture, friendship, fosterage; think of the woful sighs
“Of widows, of poor orphans' cries; of all the pains and griefs
“That plague a people in the path of battle-wagering chiefs.
41
“From God himself, and promise sure that sin and strife shall cease;
“Else wherefore, if with fear and force mankind must ever dwell,
“Raise we the pardon-spreading cross and peace-proclaiming cell?”
“Raise what we may, Preceptress fair,” the sullen King replied,
“Wars were and will be to the end.” And from his promised bride
Took hurried parting; for he feared to trust a lover's lips
With all his secret heart designed. Bealfarsad of the ships
That night received him; and, from thence, across the northern sea
Went Congal Claen to seek the aid of Alban Eochaid Buie.
“Wars were and will be to the end.” And from his promised bride
Took hurried parting; for he feared to trust a lover's lips
With all his secret heart designed. Bealfarsad of the ships
That night received him; and, from thence, across the northern sea
Went Congal Claen to seek the aid of Alban Eochaid Buie.
Druid Drostan, on the Alban shore, come forth to view the day,
Beheld the swift ship from the south sweep up the shining bay,
And hailed the stranger-warriors as they leaped upon the strand.
Beheld the swift ship from the south sweep up the shining bay,
And hailed the stranger-warriors as they leaped upon the strand.
“My love be to the goodly barque, and to the gallant band:
“Say, courteous sons, whence come ye?”
“Say, courteous sons, whence come ye?”
Congal said, “From Erin we
“Come, seeking aid and counsel of my grandsire, Eochaid Buie.”
“Come, seeking aid and counsel of my grandsire, Eochaid Buie.”
“Dear Congal,” cried the Druid, “thou art stately grown and tall
“Since first I nursed thee on my knee in Yellow Eochaid's hall.”
And embraced him and caressed him, and conducted him where sate
Alban Eochaid at the chess-tables before Dun-Money gate.
“Since first I nursed thee on my knee in Yellow Eochaid's hall.”
And embraced him and caressed him, and conducted him where sate
Alban Eochaid at the chess-tables before Dun-Money gate.
He told the King his errand: when the tale of wrongs was done,
Said Eochaid, “It shall ne'er be said that Alba's daughter's son
“Took affront of Erin's Domnal without reckoning at sword-edge
“Had duly upon stricken field; and, though my ancient pledge
“Forbids that I should raise the spear 'gainst one who 'neath my roof
“In former times had shelter, not the less in thy behoof
“Shall Alba's hosts be forward. Four princely sons are ours,
“Thy mother's brothers; they shall lead thine allied Alban powers;
“Domnal, Sweeny, Aed, and Congal. Thou shalt tarry here to-day:
“To-morrow, sail for Britain.”
Said Eochaid, “It shall ne'er be said that Alba's daughter's son
42
“Had duly upon stricken field; and, though my ancient pledge
“Forbids that I should raise the spear 'gainst one who 'neath my roof
“In former times had shelter, not the less in thy behoof
“Shall Alba's hosts be forward. Four princely sons are ours,
“Thy mother's brothers; they shall lead thine allied Alban powers;
“Domnal, Sweeny, Aed, and Congal. Thou shalt tarry here to-day:
“To-morrow, sail for Britain.”
Then said Congal Menn, “I pray
“My nephew-namesake Congal that to-day he feast with me.”
“My nephew-namesake Congal that to-day he feast with me.”
“Nay, rather,” answered Domnal Brec, “I, by seniority,
“Have better right to feast the King.”
“Have better right to feast the King.”
“For me,” said Sweeny, then,
“Though younger I than either, yet neither Brec nor Menn
“Takes Congal Claen's indignity to heart with warmer mind.”
“Though younger I than either, yet neither Brec nor Menn
“Takes Congal Claen's indignity to heart with warmer mind.”
“And I,” said Aed Green-Mantle, “will not fall far behind,
“If by that line ye measure.”
“If by that line ye measure.”
“Peace, Princes,” said the king:
“Your wives are present; and meseems it were a seemlier thing
“They they before your nephew should advance your kindly claims;
“For good men's praises worthier sound on lips of lovely dames.”
“Your wives are present; and meseems it were a seemlier thing
“They they before your nephew should advance your kindly claims;
“For good men's praises worthier sound on lips of lovely dames.”
Then said the wife of Domnal Brec, “There has not yet been found
“A man so bountiful as mine on Erse or Alban ground.
“If green Slieve Money were of gold, Slieve Money in a day
“From Freckled Domnal's hand would pass: wherefore, oh King, I pray,
“In virtue of the open hand, that thou to-day decree
“The feasting of the royal guest to Domnal and to me.”
“A man so bountiful as mine on Erse or Alban ground.
43
“From Freckled Domnal's hand would pass: wherefore, oh King, I pray,
“In virtue of the open hand, that thou to-day decree
“The feasting of the royal guest to Domnal and to me.”
The wife of Congal Menn spoke next. “Of plundering lords is none
“Who knows to turn unlawful spoil to lawful, like the son
“Of Yellow Eochaid, Congal; he whose sword converts the prey
“To lawful riches in his house, to keep or give away
“As best his proper mind may prompt, is he, oh King, whose plea
“Should stand alike in suit of arms and hospitality.”
“Who knows to turn unlawful spoil to lawful, like the son
“Of Yellow Eochaid, Congal; he whose sword converts the prey
“To lawful riches in his house, to keep or give away
“As best his proper mind may prompt, is he, oh King, whose plea
“Should stand alike in suit of arms and hospitality.”
Said Sweeny's wife: “What gold and gems ye find in Sweeny's hall
“Adorn his drinking-cups, whereof one hundred serve the call
“Of daily guests: what other wealth his liberal hand provides
“Smokes daily on his open board: he makes no claim besides.”
“Adorn his drinking-cups, whereof one hundred serve the call
“Of daily guests: what other wealth his liberal hand provides
“Smokes daily on his open board: he makes no claim besides.”
Aed Green-Cloak's fair-faced blooming wife spoke last. “Let Congal feast
“With whom his own free will inclines. In breast of Aed at least
“'Twill breed no grudge nor envy. Aed's pleasure is the same,
“Feasting, or feasted by his friends.” So spoke the prudent dame.
“With whom his own free will inclines. In breast of Aed at least
“'Twill breed no grudge nor envy. Aed's pleasure is the same,
“Feasting, or feasted by his friends.” So spoke the prudent dame.
Then said the King, “Good reasons have you given, my daughters dear;
“But royal Congal, for to-day, feasts with his grandsire here:
“And here let Domnal come with gifts, and Congal Menn with prey,
“And Sweeny with his hundred guests invited yesterday;
“And here come Aed Green-Mantle, with his free ungrudging mind,
“Better than cups and cattle-spoil and hundred guests combined.”
“But royal Congal, for to-day, feasts with his grandsire here:
44
“And Sweeny with his hundred guests invited yesterday;
“And here come Aed Green-Mantle, with his free ungrudging mind,
“Better than cups and cattle-spoil and hundred guests combined.”
So there the banquet-board was spread. Across the tables wide
Gazing, the fit on Drostan fell. He stood and prophesied.
Gazing, the fit on Drostan fell. He stood and prophesied.
“I see a field of carnage. I see eagles in the air.
“Grey wolves from all the mountains. Sons of Eochaid Buie, beware.
“A fair grey warrior see I there. Before him, east and west,
“A mighty host lies scattered.”
“Grey wolves from all the mountains. Sons of Eochaid Buie, beware.
“A fair grey warrior see I there. Before him, east and west,
“A mighty host lies scattered.”
But Domnal and the rest
Of Eochaid's sons and courtiers made light of what he said,
Saying, “See us happier visions, or we'll get us, in thy stead,
“A clerk of Columb's people from Iona's friendly cell,
“Who will cast us better fortunes with his book and sacreing bell.”
And made their banquet merrily, from jewelled cup and horn,
Quaffing till sunset.
Of Eochaid's sons and courtiers made light of what he said,
Saying, “See us happier visions, or we'll get us, in thy stead,
“A clerk of Columb's people from Iona's friendly cell,
“Who will cast us better fortunes with his book and sacreing bell.”
And made their banquet merrily, from jewelled cup and horn,
Quaffing till sunset.
Soon as light sufficed, at coming morn,
For sharp-eyed husbandman to note, upon his farm-ward way,
The difference twixt the aspen leaf and feathery ashen spray,
Impatient Congal, and the youths of Ulster, once again,
With salient surge-compressing prow, launched on the dusky main.
For sharp-eyed husbandman to note, upon his farm-ward way,
The difference twixt the aspen leaf and feathery ashen spray,
Impatient Congal, and the youths of Ulster, once again,
With salient surge-compressing prow, launched on the dusky main.
45
Arrived at Caer Leon, and his weighty errand told;
Said British Eochaid:
Said British Eochaid:
“I myself am waxen stiff and old:
“And chief in Eochaid's stead to lead our warriors we have none,
“Till, first, Maen Amber's judgment shall in this behalf be known.
“For here three youths come claiming, each, to be our Conan Rodd,
“Heir of my crown and kingdom, who, journeying abroad
“Upon a sudden boyish feud these many years ago,
“We deemed him dead, and mourned a loss that made us lasting woe.
“Till, on the sudden, here to-day those youths of noble mien
“Are come, perplexing mightily my courtiers and my Queen:
“Each ruddy as the rising morn; each on his blooming cheek
“Bearing the well-remembered mole that marks the son we seek;
“Each telling tales of former days to Conan only known:
“Wherefore we take this judgment; for the prudent, holy Stone
“Stirs not at touch of Falsehood, though an hundred pushed amain;
“But nods at finger-touch of Truth.”
“And chief in Eochaid's stead to lead our warriors we have none,
“Till, first, Maen Amber's judgment shall in this behalf be known.
“For here three youths come claiming, each, to be our Conan Rodd,
“Heir of my crown and kingdom, who, journeying abroad
“Upon a sudden boyish feud these many years ago,
“We deemed him dead, and mourned a loss that made us lasting woe.
“Till, on the sudden, here to-day those youths of noble mien
“Are come, perplexing mightily my courtiers and my Queen:
“Each ruddy as the rising morn; each on his blooming cheek
“Bearing the well-remembered mole that marks the son we seek;
“Each telling tales of former days to Conan only known:
“Wherefore we take this judgment; for the prudent, holy Stone
“Stirs not at touch of Falsehood, though an hundred pushed amain;
“But nods at finger-touch of Truth.”
Then answered Congal Claen:
“Entrust to me, oh King,” said he, “the easy task, to prove
“For which of these three candidates Maen Amber ought to move.”
“Entrust to me, oh King,” said he, “the easy task, to prove
“For which of these three candidates Maen Amber ought to move.”
“Do as thou wilt,” replied the King.
Then Congal in the gate,
His short spear in his hand, sat down, the youths' return to wait.
His short spear in his hand, sat down, the youths' return to wait.
46
First came a ruddy youth, who cried, “Make way—The Amber Stone,
“Steadfast as Skiddaw to the rest, moved free for me alone.”
“Steadfast as Skiddaw to the rest, moved free for me alone.”
Said Congal, “None may enter here, till first he answer me
“My question: See this gateway wide: now, hero, if thou be
“The royal son thou boast'st thyself; resolve me, with what sort
“Of gate wilt thou, when thou art King, make fast this royal fort?”
“My question: See this gateway wide: now, hero, if thou be
“The royal son thou boast'st thyself; resolve me, with what sort
“Of gate wilt thou, when thou art King, make fast this royal fort?”
“When I am King,” replied the youth, “my subjects shall behold
“My gates resplendent from afar with plates of yellow gold.”
“My gates resplendent from afar with plates of yellow gold.”
“A proud Churl's answer,” Congal said. “Pretender, stand aside.
“If false Maen Amber bowed to thee, the juggling demon lied.”
“If false Maen Amber bowed to thee, the juggling demon lied.”
Next came another ruddier youth, saying, “Although the Stone
“Moved but a little at my touch, I am the heir alone.”
“Moved but a little at my touch, I am the heir alone.”
Then Congal questioned him in turn; and prompt in turn he spoke—
“Steel-studded, cross-barr'd, bolted down on native heart of oak.”
“Steel-studded, cross-barr'd, bolted down on native heart of oak.”
“That thou art not a Churl, as he, thy prompt words well evince,”
Said Congal; “but they also show that neither art thou Prince.”
Said Congal; “but they also show that neither art thou Prince.”
Last came a hero ruddiest and tallest of the three,
Saying, “Although the Amber Stone moved not at all for me,
“I not the less am Conan Rodd.”
Saying, “Although the Amber Stone moved not at all for me,
“I not the less am Conan Rodd.”
Then Congal Claen once more
Put him his question, like as put to either youth before.
Put him his question, like as put to either youth before.
47
The hero answered: “Were I King in Britain's Dragon-den,
“The gate-planks of my house should be the boardly breasts of men;
“For kinglier sight by sea or land doth no man's eye await,
“Than faces bright, in time of need, of good men in the gate.”
“The gate-planks of my house should be the boardly breasts of men;
“For kinglier sight by sea or land doth no man's eye await,
“Than faces bright, in time of need, of good men in the gate.”
“Embrace me, Prince,” cried Congal. “Thou art the royal son;
“And thou shalt lead my British aids.” And so the thing was done.
“And thou shalt lead my British aids.” And so the thing was done.
Thence Congal sailed to Frank-land and to Saxon-land afar,
Aids from the ocean-roaming Kings engaging for the war;
Wherewith and with his British aids, and allied Alban power,
For Erin, from Loch Linnhe side, he sailed in evil hour.
Aids from the ocean-roaming Kings engaging for the war;
Wherewith and with his British aids, and allied Alban power,
For Erin, from Loch Linnhe side, he sailed in evil hour.
| Congal | |