 | Congal |  |
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BOOK IV.
Sudden as wild-drake from his reeds beside the sedgy Bann,
Forth from his rushy covert flew swift-watchful Garrad Gann,
Scout of the North; nor turned aside for dyke or mearing-mound,
Till, in the gorge of green Glen Ree, the King himself he found
With gathered Erin in his tents, fast camped, beside the fosse
That in the magic days of old the Black Boar scooped across
Orgallia's border: he who now, from dry land banished far,
No longer casts up rampart dykes to stem the tide of war,
But rooting round the island rocks where Brecan's cauldrons boil,
Turns up the ridgy-rolling sea with ever-fruitless toil;
For fast as still with furrowing tusk he grooves the wave, so fast
The fluent-rising wave forbids to champ the illusive mast.
Forth from his rushy covert flew swift-watchful Garrad Gann,
Scout of the North; nor turned aside for dyke or mearing-mound,
Till, in the gorge of green Glen Ree, the King himself he found
With gathered Erin in his tents, fast camped, beside the fosse
That in the magic days of old the Black Boar scooped across
Orgallia's border: he who now, from dry land banished far,
No longer casts up rampart dykes to stem the tide of war,
But rooting round the island rocks where Brecan's cauldrons boil,
Turns up the ridgy-rolling sea with ever-fruitless toil;
For fast as still with furrowing tusk he grooves the wave, so fast
The fluent-rising wave forbids to champ the illusive mast.
Said Garrad, “King, Clan-Congail comes: I saw Magabra's height
“At sunset flaming with his spears; and all the woods in sight,
“Far as the lake-reflected light their passes gave to view,
“With arms and standards sparkling bright, and war-cars thronging through.”
“At sunset flaming with his spears; and all the woods in sight,
“Far as the lake-reflected light their passes gave to view,
“With arms and standards sparkling bright, and war-cars thronging through.”
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“What standards show they?” said the King, “and in what order, say,
“Does my unhappy foster-son his impious aids array?”
“Does my unhappy foster-son his impious aids array?”
Said Garrad, “On his battle's right the standards were to see
“Of Alba's hosts in all the fields of frighted Aghalee;
“While Lochlan's ravens, birds accurst in many a widow's dirge,
“Flapped o'er his far-extended left to green Kilultagh's verge.
“The ensigns of his middle front shone bright with silken sheen;
“White, swarmed with golden bees, they were; and men of warlike mien
“Long-hair'd and blue-eyed, marched beneath. Once, when I sailed beyond
“The Ictian sea, and saw, on march, the sons of Pharamond,
“('Twas on the Catalaunian plain, in dusty war-cloud rolled,
“They passed me as I rode the route King Dathi took of old),
“Such seemed the ensigns, and such seemed the fair, bee-blazon'd ranks:
“Wherefore I deem the centre-front of Congal's host are Franks;
“Yet little-trusted, as I judge; for close behind them came,
“Led by a lofty chief whose locks shone red as bickering flame,
“The fierce, sharp-vengeful, savage men of Britain; and again
“Behind the Britons, over all, Ulster and Congal Claen.”
“Of Alba's hosts in all the fields of frighted Aghalee;
“While Lochlan's ravens, birds accurst in many a widow's dirge,
“Flapped o'er his far-extended left to green Kilultagh's verge.
“The ensigns of his middle front shone bright with silken sheen;
“White, swarmed with golden bees, they were; and men of warlike mien
“Long-hair'd and blue-eyed, marched beneath. Once, when I sailed beyond
“The Ictian sea, and saw, on march, the sons of Pharamond,
“('Twas on the Catalaunian plain, in dusty war-cloud rolled,
“They passed me as I rode the route King Dathi took of old),
“Such seemed the ensigns, and such seemed the fair, bee-blazon'd ranks:
“Wherefore I deem the centre-front of Congal's host are Franks;
“Yet little-trusted, as I judge; for close behind them came,
“Led by a lofty chief whose locks shone red as bickering flame,
“The fierce, sharp-vengeful, savage men of Britain; and again
“Behind the Britons, over all, Ulster and Congal Claen.”
Said Domnal, “While I live and reign, it never shall be said
“The hosts of Erin, with the King of Erin at their head,
“Sat in the shelter of a camp, or shunned the open ground,
“While foreign foe or rebel King within the realm was found.
“And since on Moyra openly their hosts encamp to-night,
“On Moyra openly at dawn shall Erin give them fight.”
“The hosts of Erin, with the King of Erin at their head,
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“While foreign foe or rebel King within the realm was found.
“And since on Moyra openly their hosts encamp to-night,
“On Moyra openly at dawn shall Erin give them fight.”
Whereon throughout the expectant camp's four quarters, Domnal sped
The welcome word to arm and march; and soon the measured tread
Of tramping legions told there passed by moor and quaking fen,
From Domnal's camp to Lagan bank, thrice twenty thousand men.
The welcome word to arm and march; and soon the measured tread
Of tramping legions told there passed by moor and quaking fen,
From Domnal's camp to Lagan bank, thrice twenty thousand men.
Arrived on Moyra's southern verge, beneath the stars they lay,
Wrapped in their warrior cloaks, till morn advanced her ensigns grey.
Wrapped in their warrior cloaks, till morn advanced her ensigns grey.
Dawn-early, Domnal,—offering done,—athwart the dusky glade
In long-drawn battle, east and west, the royal host arrayed.
And this the order of the line. To left of all the field,
Fast flanked by forest and by fen, as by a natural shield,
Connacia kept the western wing: thence, stretching to the right,
The many-legioned Leinster hosts prolonged the beam of fight
To where, in midmost place of all, a plashed impervious wood
Embattled thick around himself, Meath's household phalanx stood.
Lea-Moha next in order fair took up the spiky line,
And bore it with a bristling edge to where your battle-sign,
Renowned Clan-Colla, flaunted high above the eastern wing:
Here, on the wide unsheltered wold, the careful-valiant King
In mutual-succouring order close his Northern strength arrayed;
First, Kindred-Owen; Orgiall next; to take or tender aid
When needful; and beyond them both, as valour's meet reward,
You, clans of Conal, of them all the glory and the guard.
In long-drawn battle, east and west, the royal host arrayed.
And this the order of the line. To left of all the field,
Fast flanked by forest and by fen, as by a natural shield,
Connacia kept the western wing: thence, stretching to the right,
The many-legioned Leinster hosts prolonged the beam of fight
To where, in midmost place of all, a plashed impervious wood
Embattled thick around himself, Meath's household phalanx stood.
Lea-Moha next in order fair took up the spiky line,
And bore it with a bristling edge to where your battle-sign,
Renowned Clan-Colla, flaunted high above the eastern wing:
Here, on the wide unsheltered wold, the careful-valiant King
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First, Kindred-Owen; Orgiall next; to take or tender aid
When needful; and beyond them both, as valour's meet reward,
You, clans of Conal, of them all the glory and the guard.
The hosts embattled, Domnal now, drawn in the royal car,
An Animating-Progress made down all the front of war;
And first Connacia's host he spoke,
An Animating-Progress made down all the front of war;
And first Connacia's host he spoke,
“Descendants of the brave
“Who from Ultonia once before, with cattle-plundering Maev,
“Bore spoil immense and deathless fame; to you, of all the host,
“Is given the hero-coveted, much-envied, outmost post
“Of all the field. Maintain it well. My presence shall impart
“The conscious might of lawful power to every arm and heart.
“For wondrous is the might that clothes a true king's countenance,
“In life or death. Remember how, when through the fields of France
“Your sires the thunder-blackened limbs of glorious Dathi bore,
“No shelter from the Gauls' pursuit had they, from Alp to shore,
“But the dread visage of the King turned backward as they fled;
“Yet safely sped they through them all, home, with their mighty dead.
“Third in descent again from whom, your Monarch, Owen Bel,
“Tomb'd, armed and facing to the foe, even as in fight he fell,
“Upon the Sligo's southern bank, throughout a year and day,
“By mere enchantment of his gaze, kept all the North at bay:
“Nor could their bravest cross the fords so overlooked, until
“They stole King Owen from his cairn, and northward by Loch Gill
“Tomb'd him, face-downward; from which time the disenchanted fords
“Are won or lost, as greater might or less impels your swords.
“But here, with better auspices, you keep the battle-wing,
“To-day, in presence of a crowned and lawful living King.”
“Who from Ultonia once before, with cattle-plundering Maev,
“Bore spoil immense and deathless fame; to you, of all the host,
“Is given the hero-coveted, much-envied, outmost post
“Of all the field. Maintain it well. My presence shall impart
“The conscious might of lawful power to every arm and heart.
“For wondrous is the might that clothes a true king's countenance,
“In life or death. Remember how, when through the fields of France
“Your sires the thunder-blackened limbs of glorious Dathi bore,
“No shelter from the Gauls' pursuit had they, from Alp to shore,
“But the dread visage of the King turned backward as they fled;
“Yet safely sped they through them all, home, with their mighty dead.
“Third in descent again from whom, your Monarch, Owen Bel,
“Tomb'd, armed and facing to the foe, even as in fight he fell,
“Upon the Sligo's southern bank, throughout a year and day,
“By mere enchantment of his gaze, kept all the North at bay:
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“They stole King Owen from his cairn, and northward by Loch Gill
“Tomb'd him, face-downward; from which time the disenchanted fords
“Are won or lost, as greater might or less impels your swords.
“But here, with better auspices, you keep the battle-wing,
“To-day, in presence of a crowned and lawful living King.”
The Crohan warriors, pleased to hear North-nurtured Domnal learned
In legends of the distant West, a glorying shout returned.
In legends of the distant West, a glorying shout returned.
Next where Hy-Mainy's haughty ranks, 'neath Grellan's staff arrayed,
Stood ruddy in the reddening morn, the King his chariot stayed.
Stood ruddy in the reddening morn, the King his chariot stayed.
“Brave youths,” said Domnal, “what although the breadth of Erin lies
“Between us and the splendid seats which under western skies
“Ye wrested, by Saint Grellan's aid, from Bolgic hordes of yore,
“Ere Morne's and Colla's names were merged in name of Mainy Mor?
“Yet neither lapse of time nor tract of distance can efface
“From Ulster's breast the glorious name of Cradle of your Race.
“Lo, yonder see the mountains blue, to whose recesses borne
“Your tide of overteeming life flowed out from full Cremorne,
“Ere yet lean Dartry's plenteous loins that mightier swarm sent forth
“To plant beyond smooth Shannon's flood the manhood of the North;
“Whence now returned, by many a plain and many a waving wood,
“As sea-run salmon that at last ascend the parent flood,
“All other bays and forelands pass'd, in needful hour ye come
“Exulting in your strength, to strike for kindred and for home.
“But exhortation none of mine need ye to whet the swords
“Oft edged to victory before by better-spoken words—
“‘Mighty men, sons of Mainy,
“‘By the Staff and its wonders
“‘Ye bear for your banner,
“‘By the Crozier of Grellan
“‘Hy-Mainy's sole Standard;
“‘That wand at whose waving
“‘The flower of the Firvolg,
“‘Of old on Moy-Liagh,
“‘For their falsehood sank swallowed,
“‘Thirty hundred together,
“‘In a moment, without remnant,
“‘In the maw of the Moy:
“‘By your taxes, by your tributes,
“‘By your freely-offered firstlings
“‘On the door-sills of Kilcloony:
“By Grellan's own warrant,
“Saying ‘surely while ye pay me
“‘My taxes and my tributes,
“‘And exalt me my Crozier,
“‘God and I will give you conquest,’
“Now remember ye the manhood of the days of Mainy Mor.”
“Between us and the splendid seats which under western skies
“Ye wrested, by Saint Grellan's aid, from Bolgic hordes of yore,
“Ere Morne's and Colla's names were merged in name of Mainy Mor?
“Yet neither lapse of time nor tract of distance can efface
“From Ulster's breast the glorious name of Cradle of your Race.
“Lo, yonder see the mountains blue, to whose recesses borne
“Your tide of overteeming life flowed out from full Cremorne,
“Ere yet lean Dartry's plenteous loins that mightier swarm sent forth
“To plant beyond smooth Shannon's flood the manhood of the North;
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“As sea-run salmon that at last ascend the parent flood,
“All other bays and forelands pass'd, in needful hour ye come
“Exulting in your strength, to strike for kindred and for home.
“But exhortation none of mine need ye to whet the swords
“Oft edged to victory before by better-spoken words—
“‘Mighty men, sons of Mainy,
“‘By the Staff and its wonders
“‘Ye bear for your banner,
“‘By the Crozier of Grellan
“‘Hy-Mainy's sole Standard;
“‘That wand at whose waving
“‘The flower of the Firvolg,
“‘Of old on Moy-Liagh,
“‘For their falsehood sank swallowed,
“‘Thirty hundred together,
“‘In a moment, without remnant,
“‘In the maw of the Moy:
“‘By your taxes, by your tributes,
“‘By your freely-offered firstlings
“‘On the door-sills of Kilcloony:
“By Grellan's own warrant,
“Saying ‘surely while ye pay me
“‘My taxes and my tributes,
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“‘God and I will give you conquest,’
“Now remember ye the manhood of the days of Mainy Mor.”
Then all the pleased Hy-Manian host with loud and proud acclaim
Shouted; and Domnal to the front of Leinster's legions came.
Shouted; and Domnal to the front of Leinster's legions came.
“Lagenians of the palm-broad spears,” the Monarch said, “and ye
“Fair-tunic'd warriors of Leix and festive Ossory,
“From you, in manhood's joyous prime, my gentle spouse I chose;
“To you, in age, I now assign the guardianship of those
“Five war-accomplished youths, our sons, whom 'mid your ranks enrolled,
“In duty's place, with proud delight I even now behold.
“My Fergus fair; my Angus dear; my Erril Open-Hand;
“My Carril, and my Colgu gay. Be ye a rallying band
“Impervious round the youths beloved; that, when our work is done,
“The anxious mother may again embrace each princely son.”
“Fair-tunic'd warriors of Leix and festive Ossory,
“From you, in manhood's joyous prime, my gentle spouse I chose;
“To you, in age, I now assign the guardianship of those
“Five war-accomplished youths, our sons, whom 'mid your ranks enrolled,
“In duty's place, with proud delight I even now behold.
“My Fergus fair; my Angus dear; my Erril Open-Hand;
“My Carril, and my Colgu gay. Be ye a rallying band
“Impervious round the youths beloved; that, when our work is done,
“The anxious mother may again embrace each princely son.”
Proud Leinster closer round the youths arrayed her spear-thick hedge;
And warranted with warrior oaths the safety of the pledge.
And warranted with warrior oaths the safety of the pledge.
Next with the allied Firvolg ranks, where 'mid the florid Gael
They darkly showed, King Domnal stayed, and bade the slim ones hail.
They darkly showed, King Domnal stayed, and bade the slim ones hail.
“Clans of the Martin unsubdued; sole remnants of your race
“Who, 'mid the elsewhere conquering Gael, retain your ancient place;
“Think not I deem you strangers come to render service due
“To stranger masters: no, ye come as willing kinsmen true
“To aid your kindly cousin Scots against the alien throng
“Of Lochlan and the Gentile Gauls. The sacred Poet's song
“And learned Historian's tale agree, that from one parent stem,
“Scyth, Agathyrs and Gelon sprang; and sprung direct from them
“The Scot, the Pict, and Bolgmen come; who, in their several turns,
“To Erin came; and you the first, escaped the galling scorns
“Of Thracian tyrants, and the toil immense in leathern bags
“Of carrying soil to fertilise the terraced mountain crags;
“And here, through full a thousand years of freedom and of fame,
“Nought of your former servile state remembered but the name,
“You've held the lands that still ye hold, and proved superior still
“In every art of elegance and work of graceful skill;
“For which old patrimonial lands, and for the homes made bright
“By these hereditary arts, we stand to-day in fight,
“Firvolg and Gael in one accord; all Erin in a band
“Against the robbers of the sea and traitors of the land.”
“Who, 'mid the elsewhere conquering Gael, retain your ancient place;
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“To stranger masters: no, ye come as willing kinsmen true
“To aid your kindly cousin Scots against the alien throng
“Of Lochlan and the Gentile Gauls. The sacred Poet's song
“And learned Historian's tale agree, that from one parent stem,
“Scyth, Agathyrs and Gelon sprang; and sprung direct from them
“The Scot, the Pict, and Bolgmen come; who, in their several turns,
“To Erin came; and you the first, escaped the galling scorns
“Of Thracian tyrants, and the toil immense in leathern bags
“Of carrying soil to fertilise the terraced mountain crags;
“And here, through full a thousand years of freedom and of fame,
“Nought of your former servile state remembered but the name,
“You've held the lands that still ye hold, and proved superior still
“In every art of elegance and work of graceful skill;
“For which old patrimonial lands, and for the homes made bright
“By these hereditary arts, we stand to-day in fight,
“Firvolg and Gael in one accord; all Erin in a band
“Against the robbers of the sea and traitors of the land.”
The light of darkly-kindling eyes and fervid faces glanced
Down all the beaming Bolgic line, while Domnal next advanced
To speak the household Meathian troops.
Down all the beaming Bolgic line, while Domnal next advanced
To speak the household Meathian troops.
“Ye men of Meath,” said he,
“Are witness that this day's debate has not been sought by me.
“Whate'er a King with honor might, I offered Congal Claen;
“And offered oft; which he, as oft, rejected with disdain,
“Demanding crowns and kingdoms back which have not, since the days
“Of the three Collas, appertained to any of his race.
“Three hundred years and three and one, it is, since, at the date
“Three hundred-thirty-three from Christ, these three laid desolate
“Emania, Ulster's royal seat till then, and over-ran
“All that Clan Rury theretofore to westward of the Bann
“And southward of the Yewry held; from which time hitherto
“Ultonia's bounds embrace no more than at this day they do,
“From Mourne to Rathlin: small the tract: yet in that little space
“Ambition how exorbitant, how huge a pride has place!
“And from Clan-Colla, in their turn, a hundred years have flown,
“Since Earca's son, Murkertach, won Tyrconnell and Tyrone;
“O'er which Rudrician ne'er shall reign. So nothing at our hands
“Remains to give King Congal but the battle he demands.”
“Are witness that this day's debate has not been sought by me.
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“And offered oft; which he, as oft, rejected with disdain,
“Demanding crowns and kingdoms back which have not, since the days
“Of the three Collas, appertained to any of his race.
“Three hundred years and three and one, it is, since, at the date
“Three hundred-thirty-three from Christ, these three laid desolate
“Emania, Ulster's royal seat till then, and over-ran
“All that Clan Rury theretofore to westward of the Bann
“And southward of the Yewry held; from which time hitherto
“Ultonia's bounds embrace no more than at this day they do,
“From Mourne to Rathlin: small the tract: yet in that little space
“Ambition how exorbitant, how huge a pride has place!
“And from Clan-Colla, in their turn, a hundred years have flown,
“Since Earca's son, Murkertach, won Tyrconnell and Tyrone;
“O'er which Rudrician ne'er shall reign. So nothing at our hands
“Remains to give King Congal but the battle he demands.”
“Battle for battle! Spear for spear!” from thousand throats upflew
The voice of fight-accepting Meath. The Monarch, in review,
Thence passed along Lea Moha's line.
The voice of fight-accepting Meath. The Monarch, in review,
Thence passed along Lea Moha's line.
“Sons of the South,” he said;
“Thus far beneath our Northern stars with fearless steps ye tread,
“Remembering, as beseems your race, the olden glorious days
“When Curoi and his Ernaan Knights divided Erin's praise
“With all our bravest of the Branch. On Cahir-Conroi's crest
“The hero from his tomb looks down where 'neath the glowing west
“The strand of Ventry shines at eve: again the hollow roar
“Of trampling tides is in his ears: locked on the level floor
“The glorious wrestlers stamp the sands: let come the waves: let burst
“All ocean downward on their heads: none parts his hold, till first
“He casts the invader to his feet. The invading galleys ride
“Regardant on the heaving blue, behind the white-maned tide:
“The white-maned, proud-neck-arching tide leaps to their feet; it leaps
“Around their arms; it leaps with might above expiring heaps
“Of Gauls and Gaels in mutual clasp washed o'er the wreck-strewn sands,
“Where drowned they rather than desert their first defensive stands.
“Such heroes hath Momonia nursed; Momonia's sacred shore
“By you defended, grates beneath invading keels no more:
“But, driven from hero-guarded coasts, our new invaders swarm
“In Ulster's unprotected ports: yet, even here, thine arm,
“Momonia, reaching all the length of Erin through, shall draw
“Mac Daire's blade again, and make a Ventry at Moy-rah.”
“Thus far beneath our Northern stars with fearless steps ye tread,
“Remembering, as beseems your race, the olden glorious days
“When Curoi and his Ernaan Knights divided Erin's praise
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“The hero from his tomb looks down where 'neath the glowing west
“The strand of Ventry shines at eve: again the hollow roar
“Of trampling tides is in his ears: locked on the level floor
“The glorious wrestlers stamp the sands: let come the waves: let burst
“All ocean downward on their heads: none parts his hold, till first
“He casts the invader to his feet. The invading galleys ride
“Regardant on the heaving blue, behind the white-maned tide:
“The white-maned, proud-neck-arching tide leaps to their feet; it leaps
“Around their arms; it leaps with might above expiring heaps
“Of Gauls and Gaels in mutual clasp washed o'er the wreck-strewn sands,
“Where drowned they rather than desert their first defensive stands.
“Such heroes hath Momonia nursed; Momonia's sacred shore
“By you defended, grates beneath invading keels no more:
“But, driven from hero-guarded coasts, our new invaders swarm
“In Ulster's unprotected ports: yet, even here, thine arm,
“Momonia, reaching all the length of Erin through, shall draw
“Mac Daire's blade again, and make a Ventry at Moy-rah.”
Well pleased, Momonia's warriors heard the Monarch's flattering words;
And Domnal to Clan-Colla came.
And Domnal to Clan-Colla came.
“Kinsmen, illustrious lords
“Of Orgiall,” said he: “since the day our three forefathers stood
“In Tara's wine-hall, to provoke to shedding of their blood
“King Muredach (for, 'mongst the four, whiche'er should first be slain,
“With his posterity the crown was destined to remain);
“No day has risen so full of need for Eochaid Domlan's race
“As this which now above our heads begins to rise apace.
“In Tara's wine-hall, 'mid his guards, they came before the throne,
“Unbid, from Alba: in their train nine haggard men alone,
“Survivors of three hundred youths condemned in bleak Cantyre
“To expiate the secret stroke that slew the Monarch's sire.
“Amid their snows the vision came, at midnight, in their tent;
“To each the same it seemed; and said, ‘Up; hence, incontinent:
“‘Seek ye the son of him ye slew, at Tara, where a crown
“‘Waits the first self-devoting hand will pluck the peril down’
“Back sped the three through sleet and spray; nor stretched they side until
“They stood upon the wine-hall floor of Tara's royal hill.
“‘What tidings, now, from Alba, sirs?’ exclaimed the wondering King:
“Said Colla Uais, ‘King Muredach, the tidings that I bring
“‘Are these: this hand it was did slay thy father; and this head,
“‘As good as his, is here to take in eric for the dead.’
“Said Coll da-Cree, ‘This hand it was did aid my brother dear
“‘To take thy father's head; and, see, a better head is here.’
“Said Colla Menn, ‘Behold the head, best of the three, that plann'd
“‘The work of slaughter well achieved by either brother's hand:’
“And nearer pressed, to court the stroke: but Muredach withdrew
“His hand approaching to the hilt; for on his memory grew
“Remembrance clear of what the seer in visioned trance had said,
“That 'mongst four cousins, in that hall, who first should lose his head,
“His childrens' should the crown remain: wherefore his hand he stayed,
“And answered, ‘This magnanimous avowal ye have made
“‘Atones for all. Behold, the North,—where rude Clan Rury's lords
“‘Revolt against my lawful rents,—lies open to your swords.
“‘Win there a kingdom for yourselves, where'er ye will and can,
“‘From proud Emania to the sea; from Farsad to the Bann;
“‘Myself shall furnish forth a host.’ Said Colla Uais, ‘Our laws
“‘Forbid that, even to gain a crown, we war without a cause.’
“‘And is it not, then, cause enough, or have ye never heard,’
“Said Muredach, ‘how Black-Tooth's slave did singe thy grandsire's beard
“‘In this same hall? Still unavenged that insult.’ ‘'Twill suffice,’
“Said Colla Uais. ‘In conquest's case needs never reason nice.’
“And so, exchanging issues dark of doubtful prophecy
“For even chance of open war, with Tara's host, the Three
“Invaded Ulster that same year; and, ere the year was spent,
“In green Cremorne sat Coll da-Cree, a prince magnificent.
“Great lords from all their loins have sprung; Kings from the loins of some,
“And other mightier monarchs thence are destined yet to come:
“Yea, though perchance in after days forgetful of their stem,
“The rulers of the Western world shall draw their race from them.
“And thou, Malodhar, eldest born and noblest of them all,
“This day must hold or lose the lands so won by mighty Coll:
“For, other cause of enmity proud Congal Claen has none
“Than this, that I refuse to strip Clan-Colla of its own;
“And have confirmed, and do hereby, as far as in me lies,
“Confirm Malodhar of Armagh in all the seignories
“Won by his sires, as I have told. And, Ultan Long-Hand, thou
“Who rulest Orior, his sub-King, yea, all who hear me now,
“Remember, that not mine alone the fortune, that endures
“Or passes with this day's event, but his, and thine, and yours.”
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“In Tara's wine-hall, to provoke to shedding of their blood
“King Muredach (for, 'mongst the four, whiche'er should first be slain,
“With his posterity the crown was destined to remain);
“No day has risen so full of need for Eochaid Domlan's race
“As this which now above our heads begins to rise apace.
“In Tara's wine-hall, 'mid his guards, they came before the throne,
“Unbid, from Alba: in their train nine haggard men alone,
“Survivors of three hundred youths condemned in bleak Cantyre
“To expiate the secret stroke that slew the Monarch's sire.
“Amid their snows the vision came, at midnight, in their tent;
“To each the same it seemed; and said, ‘Up; hence, incontinent:
“‘Seek ye the son of him ye slew, at Tara, where a crown
“‘Waits the first self-devoting hand will pluck the peril down’
“Back sped the three through sleet and spray; nor stretched they side until
“They stood upon the wine-hall floor of Tara's royal hill.
“‘What tidings, now, from Alba, sirs?’ exclaimed the wondering King:
“Said Colla Uais, ‘King Muredach, the tidings that I bring
“‘Are these: this hand it was did slay thy father; and this head,
“‘As good as his, is here to take in eric for the dead.’
“Said Coll da-Cree, ‘This hand it was did aid my brother dear
“‘To take thy father's head; and, see, a better head is here.’
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“‘The work of slaughter well achieved by either brother's hand:’
“And nearer pressed, to court the stroke: but Muredach withdrew
“His hand approaching to the hilt; for on his memory grew
“Remembrance clear of what the seer in visioned trance had said,
“That 'mongst four cousins, in that hall, who first should lose his head,
“His childrens' should the crown remain: wherefore his hand he stayed,
“And answered, ‘This magnanimous avowal ye have made
“‘Atones for all. Behold, the North,—where rude Clan Rury's lords
“‘Revolt against my lawful rents,—lies open to your swords.
“‘Win there a kingdom for yourselves, where'er ye will and can,
“‘From proud Emania to the sea; from Farsad to the Bann;
“‘Myself shall furnish forth a host.’ Said Colla Uais, ‘Our laws
“‘Forbid that, even to gain a crown, we war without a cause.’
“‘And is it not, then, cause enough, or have ye never heard,’
“Said Muredach, ‘how Black-Tooth's slave did singe thy grandsire's beard
“‘In this same hall? Still unavenged that insult.’ ‘'Twill suffice,’
“Said Colla Uais. ‘In conquest's case needs never reason nice.’
“And so, exchanging issues dark of doubtful prophecy
“For even chance of open war, with Tara's host, the Three
“Invaded Ulster that same year; and, ere the year was spent,
“In green Cremorne sat Coll da-Cree, a prince magnificent.
94
“And other mightier monarchs thence are destined yet to come:
“Yea, though perchance in after days forgetful of their stem,
“The rulers of the Western world shall draw their race from them.
“And thou, Malodhar, eldest born and noblest of them all,
“This day must hold or lose the lands so won by mighty Coll:
“For, other cause of enmity proud Congal Claen has none
“Than this, that I refuse to strip Clan-Colla of its own;
“And have confirmed, and do hereby, as far as in me lies,
“Confirm Malodhar of Armagh in all the seignories
“Won by his sires, as I have told. And, Ultan Long-Hand, thou
“Who rulest Orior, his sub-King, yea, all who hear me now,
“Remember, that not mine alone the fortune, that endures
“Or passes with this day's event, but his, and thine, and yours.”
“King,” said Malodhar, “have no fear: the voice of Fate that gave
“The Collas in Cantyre their call to cross the wintry wave,
“To thee alike assigns the realm of Erin, and to me
“Orgallia's rule subordinate, in perpetuity.
“Nor other change will Erin feel from Congal's mad essay
“That this, belike, that Orgiall's bounds, meared by Glen Ree to-day,
“May march to-morrow with the sea; for so the license ran,
“‘From proud Emania to the sea; from Farsad to the Bann.’”
“The Collas in Cantyre their call to cross the wintry wave,
“To thee alike assigns the realm of Erin, and to me
“Orgallia's rule subordinate, in perpetuity.
“Nor other change will Erin feel from Congal's mad essay
“That this, belike, that Orgiall's bounds, meared by Glen Ree to-day,
“May march to-morrow with the sea; for so the license ran,
“‘From proud Emania to the sea; from Farsad to the Bann.’”
95
“Conquer thy wish;” discreetly said the prudent King, aloud.
But also said, “This under-King is somewhat over-proud.”
But also said, “This under-King is somewhat over-proud.”
So pondering, to the Kinel-Owen, his own familiar clan,
He came, and, still his ancient lore recalling, thus began:
He came, and, still his ancient lore recalling, thus began:
“Twin branches of one stately stem are Conal's race and yours,
“Children of Owen; at one birth our great progenitors
“Owen and Conal Gulban, sons of many-hostaged Neal,
“Sprang from one womb: one blessing both of holy Patrick's zeal
“Had in one cradle: equal power through Erin far and wide
“By blessed Kearnach, from one bed, for both was prophesied;
“When to their hands the dying saint confided Patrick's Bell
“And Columb's Gospels; charging them, as oft as it befell
“That either martial tribe should stand in combat's ordered line,
“That Bell or Book should ever be its proper battle-sign.
“And promised, oft as either host, arrayed as now ye are,
“Should muster for defensive fight or just aggressive war,
“The Word of saving Truth with them, the Tongue of Power with you
“Respectively, that victory should all your steps pursue:—
“A prophecy in part fulfilled; in ampler measure still
“Remaining for a riper day of glory to fulfil.
“This present day well nigh brings round an even hundred years
“Since, in his just aggressive war, Murkertach's western spears
“Flashed thro' Clan-Colla's broken bounds, in cantred-covering sweep,
“From Erne to smooth Mayola's meads and proud Ben-Evenagh's steep:
“And so it is; one century, if but to-day's event
“March with the words of prophecy, shall see your tribe's extent
“Meted by mountain, and by sea: for surely never yet
“Was juster war defensive waged than this, wherein, beset
“As deer in hunter's narrowing ring, or ring'd bull at his stake,
“We needs must fight for leave to live, if not for glory's sake.
“Behold, there breathes not on the earth the creature born so base
“But will, to spending of its life, defend its dwelling-place;
“Be it the wolf's leaf-bedded lair, the rook's dark tops of trees,
“Or bare shelf of the barren rock, where, over yeasty seas,
“The artless gull intends her brood; and baser than the beasts
“Were we, if, having to defend our homes of love, our feasts
“Of joyous friendship, our renown, our freedom, and above
“All else, our heavenly heritage of Christ's redeeming love,
“From this rude inroad unprovoked of Gentile robbers, we
“Fought not the fight of valiant men to all extremity;
“As well beseeming those for whom the sacred lay was sung:
“‘Lo, the perverse Pagan remnant
“‘And the God-denying Gentile,
“‘Linked in mischief, would deprive us
“‘Of our hope and of our solace
“‘'Neath the noble tree of shelter
“‘Planted here by holy Patrick.
“‘Would uproot it; lay it prostrate;
“‘And, amid its broken branches,
“‘Re-erect the fanes of demons.
“‘How blind; how unthankful
“‘Are the insolent ungodly!
“‘When they walk with cool footsteps,
“‘In the dews of morn and even,
“‘Mid the tender blade providing
“‘Meat and drink for men in season,
“‘Then laud they their ploughshares,
“‘Then exult they in their oxen;
“‘But their hearts have no refreshment
“‘From the hot airs unwholesome
“‘Of hate and of ambition.
“‘From the felon flood escaping
“‘In their rough-rocking galleys,
“‘They say, ha! strong cordage,
“‘Brave mast, and good anchor:
“‘But they deem not He who keepeth
“‘The wind in His palm-hollow
“‘Hears their boasting, and abhors them.
“‘But God shall the proud ones,
“‘The rebellious, the unfaithful,
“‘Behold with derision
“‘In the dark hour tremendous
“‘Of death and of departure;
“‘When, mad with blank horror,
“‘They sink, they know not whither,
“‘Dizzy down into perdition.’
“Up, God! and let the foes of God, and them that hate him, fly:
“As wax consumes within the fire, as smoke within the sky,
“So let them melt and perish quite: but he who loves Thy laws
“His head in battle cover Thou, and vindicate his cause.”
“Children of Owen; at one birth our great progenitors
“Owen and Conal Gulban, sons of many-hostaged Neal,
“Sprang from one womb: one blessing both of holy Patrick's zeal
“Had in one cradle: equal power through Erin far and wide
“By blessed Kearnach, from one bed, for both was prophesied;
“When to their hands the dying saint confided Patrick's Bell
“And Columb's Gospels; charging them, as oft as it befell
“That either martial tribe should stand in combat's ordered line,
“That Bell or Book should ever be its proper battle-sign.
“And promised, oft as either host, arrayed as now ye are,
“Should muster for defensive fight or just aggressive war,
“The Word of saving Truth with them, the Tongue of Power with you
“Respectively, that victory should all your steps pursue:—
“A prophecy in part fulfilled; in ampler measure still
“Remaining for a riper day of glory to fulfil.
“This present day well nigh brings round an even hundred years
“Since, in his just aggressive war, Murkertach's western spears
“Flashed thro' Clan-Colla's broken bounds, in cantred-covering sweep,
“From Erne to smooth Mayola's meads and proud Ben-Evenagh's steep:
96
“March with the words of prophecy, shall see your tribe's extent
“Meted by mountain, and by sea: for surely never yet
“Was juster war defensive waged than this, wherein, beset
“As deer in hunter's narrowing ring, or ring'd bull at his stake,
“We needs must fight for leave to live, if not for glory's sake.
“Behold, there breathes not on the earth the creature born so base
“But will, to spending of its life, defend its dwelling-place;
“Be it the wolf's leaf-bedded lair, the rook's dark tops of trees,
“Or bare shelf of the barren rock, where, over yeasty seas,
“The artless gull intends her brood; and baser than the beasts
“Were we, if, having to defend our homes of love, our feasts
“Of joyous friendship, our renown, our freedom, and above
“All else, our heavenly heritage of Christ's redeeming love,
“From this rude inroad unprovoked of Gentile robbers, we
“Fought not the fight of valiant men to all extremity;
“As well beseeming those for whom the sacred lay was sung:
“‘Lo, the perverse Pagan remnant
“‘And the God-denying Gentile,
“‘Linked in mischief, would deprive us
“‘Of our hope and of our solace
“‘'Neath the noble tree of shelter
“‘Planted here by holy Patrick.
“‘Would uproot it; lay it prostrate;
97
“‘Re-erect the fanes of demons.
“‘How blind; how unthankful
“‘Are the insolent ungodly!
“‘When they walk with cool footsteps,
“‘In the dews of morn and even,
“‘Mid the tender blade providing
“‘Meat and drink for men in season,
“‘Then laud they their ploughshares,
“‘Then exult they in their oxen;
“‘But their hearts have no refreshment
“‘From the hot airs unwholesome
“‘Of hate and of ambition.
“‘From the felon flood escaping
“‘In their rough-rocking galleys,
“‘They say, ha! strong cordage,
“‘Brave mast, and good anchor:
“‘But they deem not He who keepeth
“‘The wind in His palm-hollow
“‘Hears their boasting, and abhors them.
“‘But God shall the proud ones,
“‘The rebellious, the unfaithful,
“‘Behold with derision
“‘In the dark hour tremendous
98
“‘When, mad with blank horror,
“‘They sink, they know not whither,
“‘Dizzy down into perdition.’
“Up, God! and let the foes of God, and them that hate him, fly:
“As wax consumes within the fire, as smoke within the sky,
“So let them melt and perish quite: but he who loves Thy laws
“His head in battle cover Thou, and vindicate his cause.”
“Amen,” Cloc-Patrick's clerks replied; and clear above the swell
Of thousand hoarse-applauding throats, was heard the Standard-Bell.
Of thousand hoarse-applauding throats, was heard the Standard-Bell.
Last to his own illustrious tribe, though first in power and fame,
In danger's gap, to right of all the embattled hosts, he came.
In danger's gap, to right of all the embattled hosts, he came.
“Kinsmen,” he said, “to other tribes I've offered, on my way,
“Words of incitement to renown; as fitting for the day
“Just rising on so great a strife as, since the days of Con
“The Hundred-Battled, morning sun has never looked upon.
“But from these hortative harangues,—since vain were the attempt
“To add to valour infinite,—Clan-Conail stands exempt.
“For why, what says the noble verse?—
“‘Clan-Conail for the battle
“‘Never needed other prompting
“‘Than the native manly vigor
“‘Of a King-descended people,
“‘Whose own exulting prowess,
“‘Whose own fight-glorying valour,
“‘And old ancestral choler,
“‘And hot blood overboiling,
“‘Are war-goads self-sufficing.
“‘Would'st see them war-excited?
“‘Would'st see the Clans of Enna
“‘Let loose their native fury?
“‘Would'st see the Sons of Conang
“‘How they look in time of slaughter?
“‘Sil-Angus at their spear-sport,
“‘Sil-Fidrach at their sword-play,
“‘Sil-Ninid rout-enforcing,
“‘Sil-Setna panic-pouring?
“‘Set before them then the faces
“‘Of foemen in their places,
“‘With lances levelled ready,
“‘And the battle, grim and bloody,
“‘Coming onward o'er the tramp-resounding plain:
“‘But insult not Conal's nation
“‘With a battle-exhortation
“‘When with battle's self their hands you entertain.’
“And lo, the very valour-rousing sight the Bard prescribes
“Presents itself before our eyes; for yonder Congal's tribes
“Begin to move. Up Book, and march! God and Columba be
“Your wanted warrant that ye march to glorious victory!”
“Words of incitement to renown; as fitting for the day
“Just rising on so great a strife as, since the days of Con
“The Hundred-Battled, morning sun has never looked upon.
“But from these hortative harangues,—since vain were the attempt
“To add to valour infinite,—Clan-Conail stands exempt.
“For why, what says the noble verse?—
“‘Clan-Conail for the battle
“‘Never needed other prompting
“‘Than the native manly vigor
“‘Of a King-descended people,
“‘Whose own exulting prowess,
99
“‘And old ancestral choler,
“‘And hot blood overboiling,
“‘Are war-goads self-sufficing.
“‘Would'st see them war-excited?
“‘Would'st see the Clans of Enna
“‘Let loose their native fury?
“‘Would'st see the Sons of Conang
“‘How they look in time of slaughter?
“‘Sil-Angus at their spear-sport,
“‘Sil-Fidrach at their sword-play,
“‘Sil-Ninid rout-enforcing,
“‘Sil-Setna panic-pouring?
“‘Set before them then the faces
“‘Of foemen in their places,
“‘With lances levelled ready,
“‘And the battle, grim and bloody,
“‘Coming onward o'er the tramp-resounding plain:
“‘But insult not Conal's nation
“‘With a battle-exhortation
“‘When with battle's self their hands you entertain.’
“And lo, the very valour-rousing sight the Bard prescribes
“Presents itself before our eyes; for yonder Congal's tribes
“Begin to move. Up Book, and march! God and Columba be
“Your wanted warrant that ye march to glorious victory!”
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And, as when fire by chance has caught a furzy mountain-side,
Behind its bickering front of flame, in blackness swift and wide,
The spreading ruin onward rolls; so down King Domnal's van,
Flashed back from glittering helm and shield, the morning radiance ran;
So, dark hehind their fiery front, in far evolving throng
The enlarging legions spread, and poured their serried strength along.
Behind its bickering front of flame, in blackness swift and wide,
The spreading ruin onward rolls; so down King Domnal's van,
Flashed back from glittering helm and shield, the morning radiance ran;
So, dark hehind their fiery front, in far evolving throng
The enlarging legions spread, and poured their serried strength along.
And as, again, when Lammas floods from echoing uplands go
Down hurrying to the quaking vale that toils in foam below;
So wide, so deep, so terrible, so spreading, swift and vast,
With tempest-tramp from Congal's camp the adverse columns pass'd:
Every phalanx like a castle; every captain, at its head,
Like pillar of a castle-gate, when camping Kings have spread
Their leaguer to the rampart-foot, and pick and broad-axe play
Rebounding on the sounding plank that holds the war at bay.
Down hurrying to the quaking vale that toils in foam below;
So wide, so deep, so terrible, so spreading, swift and vast,
With tempest-tramp from Congal's camp the adverse columns pass'd:
Every phalanx like a castle; every captain, at its head,
Like pillar of a castle-gate, when camping Kings have spread
Their leaguer to the rampart-foot, and pick and broad-axe play
Rebounding on the sounding plank that holds the war at bay.
Ah! many a brave young son was there, to hang on whose broad breast
Was joy to the proud mother; many a brother much caressed
By white-arm'd smiling sisters; many a lover who yet bore
The parting kiss from virgin lips his lips should meet no more;
And sons who stood by fathers' sides, with pious ardour warm,
Each deeming death were well incurred to shield that head from harm,
Blooming in love and manly strength; and many a faithful pair
Of milk-united fosterers and ancient friends was there.
Was joy to the proud mother; many a brother much caressed
By white-arm'd smiling sisters; many a lover who yet bore
The parting kiss from virgin lips his lips should meet no more;
And sons who stood by fathers' sides, with pious ardour warm,
Each deeming death were well incurred to shield that head from harm,
Blooming in love and manly strength; and many a faithful pair
Of milk-united fosterers and ancient friends was there.
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Swiftly they cleared the narrowing space of plain ground interposed;
And, bearing each an even front, from wing to wing they closed.
A shudder at the closing shock thrill'd through the grassy plain,
And all the sedgy-sided pools of Lagan sighed again.
And, bearing each an even front, from wing to wing they closed.
A shudder at the closing shock thrill'd through the grassy plain,
And all the sedgy-sided pools of Lagan sighed again.
In balanced scale, in even fight,—no thought on either side
Of yielding back,—the eager hosts their work of battle plied,
Stern, dark, intense, incessant, as forging smiths that smite
In order on the stithy head through spark-showers hailing white.
And, as when woodsmen to their work, through copse and stubble go,
Grasping the supple red-skinned twigs with darting bill-hooks, so
With frequent grasp and deadly grip plucked from their slippery stand,
They went continual to the earth: the grassy-vestured land,
Stamped into dust, beneath them glowed; the clear fresh morning air
Vexed with the storm of whirling arms, and tossing heads and hair,
Around them reeked; while, overhead, in dense unwholesome pall,
A sweat-and-blood-engendered mist rose steaming over all.
Of yielding back,—the eager hosts their work of battle plied,
Stern, dark, intense, incessant, as forging smiths that smite
In order on the stithy head through spark-showers hailing white.
And, as when woodsmen to their work, through copse and stubble go,
Grasping the supple red-skinned twigs with darting bill-hooks, so
With frequent grasp and deadly grip plucked from their slippery stand,
They went continual to the earth: the grassy-vestured land,
Stamped into dust, beneath them glowed; the clear fresh morning air
Vexed with the storm of whirling arms, and tossing heads and hair,
Around them reeked; while, overhead, in dense unwholesome pall,
A sweat-and-blood-engendered mist rose steaming over all.
Dire was the front-rank warriors' case; nor, in their deadly need,
Did son of father longer think, or friend of friend take heed;
But each deemed all the strength and skill his prowess could command
But scant enough to serve the need that claimed his proper hand;
Fresh hands with deadlier-wielded blades, new foes with angrier frown,
Succeeding ceaseless in the front, fast as the old went down.
Did son of father longer think, or friend of friend take heed;
But each deemed all the strength and skill his prowess could command
But scant enough to serve the need that claimed his proper hand;
Fresh hands with deadlier-wielded blades, new foes with angrier frown,
Succeeding ceaseless in the front, fast as the old went down.
Fed from behind the ranks renewed: from these continual fed
The intermediate heaps increased. Still no man turned or fled
Till on the Dalaradian King, unhappy Sweeny, fell
The terrors of a dreadful fate, in manner strange to tell.
The intermediate heaps increased. Still no man turned or fled
102
The terrors of a dreadful fate, in manner strange to tell.
To Sweeny, as the hosts drew near, ere yet the fight should join,
Seemed still as if between them rolled the foam-strown tawny Boyne:
And as the swiftly-nearing hosts consumed the narrowing space,
And arrow-flights and javelin-casts and sword-strokes came in place,
Through all the rout of high-raised hands and wrathful glaring eyes,
Erc's look of wrath and lifted hand before him seemed to rise;
Through all the hard-rebounding din from breasts of Gaels and Gauls,
That jarred against the vault of heaven, when clashed the brazen walls,
Through all the clangorous battle-calls and death-shouts hoarse and high,
Erc's shriller curse he seemed to hear and Erc's despairing cry.
Much did the hapless warrior strive to shake from breast and brain
The illusion and the shameful wish fast rising, but in vain;
The wish to fly seized all his limbs; the stronger dread of shame
Contending with the wish to fly, made spoil of all his frame.
His knees beneath him wavered, as if shaken by the stress
Of a rapid-running river: his heart, in fear's excess,
Sprang to and fro within him, as a wild bird newly-caged,
Or a stream-ascending salmon in a strong weir's trap engaged.
Room for escape the field had none: and Sweeny there had died
Perforce in front; his shame unknown; his name a word of pride
To all his race, for many a feat of valour nobly done,
And much renown from conquered Chiefs in former battles won;
But that the terror in his soul at length to madness grew,
And, with a maniac's strength of ten, he burst the rere rank through,
And fled in presence of both hosts.
Seemed still as if between them rolled the foam-strown tawny Boyne:
And as the swiftly-nearing hosts consumed the narrowing space,
And arrow-flights and javelin-casts and sword-strokes came in place,
Through all the rout of high-raised hands and wrathful glaring eyes,
Erc's look of wrath and lifted hand before him seemed to rise;
Through all the hard-rebounding din from breasts of Gaels and Gauls,
That jarred against the vault of heaven, when clashed the brazen walls,
Through all the clangorous battle-calls and death-shouts hoarse and high,
Erc's shriller curse he seemed to hear and Erc's despairing cry.
Much did the hapless warrior strive to shake from breast and brain
The illusion and the shameful wish fast rising, but in vain;
The wish to fly seized all his limbs; the stronger dread of shame
Contending with the wish to fly, made spoil of all his frame.
His knees beneath him wavered, as if shaken by the stress
Of a rapid-running river: his heart, in fear's excess,
Sprang to and fro within him, as a wild bird newly-caged,
Or a stream-ascending salmon in a strong weir's trap engaged.
Room for escape the field had none: and Sweeny there had died
Perforce in front; his shame unknown; his name a word of pride
To all his race, for many a feat of valour nobly done,
And much renown from conquered Chiefs in former battles won;
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And, with a maniac's strength of ten, he burst the rere rank through,
And fled in presence of both hosts.
So light and swift he ran,
It seemed as if exalting fear had left, of all the man,
Only the empty outward show. Then many cried to slay
The flying Chief; but Ardan stood between:
It seemed as if exalting fear had left, of all the man,
Only the empty outward show. Then many cried to slay
The flying Chief; but Ardan stood between:
“Insane ones, stay
“Your idle impious shafts,” he cried; “no coward's flight is here;
“But sacred frenzy sent from Heaven. The wings of vulgar fear
“Ne'er lifted weight-sustaining feet along the airy ways
“In leaps like these: but ecstasies there be of soul, that raise
“Men's bodies out of Earth's constraint; and, so exalted, he
“Acquires the sacred Omad's name, and gains immunity
“From every earthly violence. 'Twas thus Wood Merlin gained
“His seership on Arderidd field: else Britain had remained
“Still unenriched of half her lore. So, turn you, and engage
“Your spears where men who fly you not, await your juster rage.”
“Your idle impious shafts,” he cried; “no coward's flight is here;
“But sacred frenzy sent from Heaven. The wings of vulgar fear
“Ne'er lifted weight-sustaining feet along the airy ways
“In leaps like these: but ecstasies there be of soul, that raise
“Men's bodies out of Earth's constraint; and, so exalted, he
“Acquires the sacred Omad's name, and gains immunity
“From every earthly violence. 'Twas thus Wood Merlin gained
“His seership on Arderidd field: else Britain had remained
“Still unenriched of half her lore. So, turn you, and engage
“Your spears where men who fly you not, await your juster rage.”
So Ardan counselled; and the line of battle stood renewed,
While Sweeny o'er the distant plain his lonely flight pursued,
Noiseless, as flits, at daylight-gone, the level-coasting crane.
While Sweeny o'er the distant plain his lonely flight pursued,
Noiseless, as flits, at daylight-gone, the level-coasting crane.
Meantime, on Moyra, shout and clang of battle rose again,
As, singling from the vulgar sort, the chiefs of note began
In feats of separate hardihood, to mingle in the van.
As, singling from the vulgar sort, the chiefs of note began
In feats of separate hardihood, to mingle in the van.
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And first the royal sons who led the allied Alban host,
Despite the strength of circling quags and Dathi's guardian ghost,
Thrice on Connacia's line of fight, four island ospreys flew,
And twice and thrice with grasp of might broke Grellan's staff in two.
But at their third swift-swooping charge, where Leinster stood arrayed
Beneath her four Provincial Kings, their course was rudely stayed.
Which four illustrious Kings who led the Broad-spear ranks, were these;
First, Cairbre Crom, the wealthy lord of tunic-bleaching Leix;
Next, haughty Aulay of the Ships, who exercised his rule
Where hurdle-causeways span the mire of Liffey's dusky pool;
Argnadach next, whose grassy dun o'er green Hy-Drone presides
Where bright by brown Bahana wood the fishful Barrow glides;
And lastly Ailill, hapless lord of wide domains, for whom
Hy-Faily's serfs no more need till the sunny slopes of Bloom.
These four before the Albanian four their armoured breasts opposed,
And straight the eight in fell debate, for life and glory, closed.
Despite the strength of circling quags and Dathi's guardian ghost,
Thrice on Connacia's line of fight, four island ospreys flew,
And twice and thrice with grasp of might broke Grellan's staff in two.
But at their third swift-swooping charge, where Leinster stood arrayed
Beneath her four Provincial Kings, their course was rudely stayed.
Which four illustrious Kings who led the Broad-spear ranks, were these;
First, Cairbre Crom, the wealthy lord of tunic-bleaching Leix;
Next, haughty Aulay of the Ships, who exercised his rule
Where hurdle-causeways span the mire of Liffey's dusky pool;
Argnadach next, whose grassy dun o'er green Hy-Drone presides
Where bright by brown Bahana wood the fishful Barrow glides;
And lastly Ailill, hapless lord of wide domains, for whom
Hy-Faily's serfs no more need till the sunny slopes of Bloom.
These four before the Albanian four their armoured breasts opposed,
And straight the eight in fell debate, for life and glory, closed.
But valiant though these Leinster Kings, and war-accomplished too,
'Twas not for them the royal hope of Alba to subdue,
Who oft had trained adventurous arms on Saxon and on Gaul,
With brass-hook'd halbard oft had plucked the Briton from his wall;
And oft, twixt beetling brow above and slippery brink below,
Had wrestled with the Fortren Pict, knee-deep in Grampian snow.
Argnadach, first, beneath the spear of Aed Green-Mantle died;
Tall Ailill next lay stretched in death, by Sweeny, at his side;
To Domnal of the Freckled Brow imperious Aulay then
Resigned his head; and Cairbre Crom succumbed to Congal Menn.
'Twas not for them the royal hope of Alba to subdue,
Who oft had trained adventurous arms on Saxon and on Gaul,
With brass-hook'd halbard oft had plucked the Briton from his wall;
And oft, twixt beetling brow above and slippery brink below,
Had wrestled with the Fortren Pict, knee-deep in Grampian snow.
Argnadach, first, beneath the spear of Aed Green-Mantle died;
Tall Ailill next lay stretched in death, by Sweeny, at his side;
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Resigned his head; and Cairbre Crom succumbed to Congal Menn.
When Domnal's own illustrious sons beheld the carnage made
Of Leinster's leaders, to the front they also sprang in aid:
Fergus and Angus side by side; young Errill Open-Hand,
Carril and Colgu; five to four: the war-flushed conquering band
Of Alban brothers, four to five, as loud the Princes cried
“Sons of the King of Erin here,” with louder shout replied,
“Sons here of Alba's mightier King, to match them, man to man.”
And, three at once selecting three, an equal strife began;
Equal in youth; in royal birth, in eager warlike will,
Equal; and in the athlete's art and warrior's deadly skill,
Alas! too equal; for, ere long, by many a mutual wound,
Each slain by each, three princely pairs pressed all the equal ground.
But Domnal Brec, by Carril and by Colgu both assailed,
Although 'gainst either single foe he had in fight prevailed,
Withstood not their conjoint attack: but, casting down his shield,
Said, “Cousins, I claim benefit of gossipred, and yield.”
So, leaving there the princely six stretched 'mongst the common dead,
Carril and Colgu to the King their Alban captive led.
Then thus the captive Domnal said,
Of Leinster's leaders, to the front they also sprang in aid:
Fergus and Angus side by side; young Errill Open-Hand,
Carril and Colgu; five to four: the war-flushed conquering band
Of Alban brothers, four to five, as loud the Princes cried
“Sons of the King of Erin here,” with louder shout replied,
“Sons here of Alba's mightier King, to match them, man to man.”
And, three at once selecting three, an equal strife began;
Equal in youth; in royal birth, in eager warlike will,
Equal; and in the athlete's art and warrior's deadly skill,
Alas! too equal; for, ere long, by many a mutual wound,
Each slain by each, three princely pairs pressed all the equal ground.
But Domnal Brec, by Carril and by Colgu both assailed,
Although 'gainst either single foe he had in fight prevailed,
Withstood not their conjoint attack: but, casting down his shield,
Said, “Cousins, I claim benefit of gossipred, and yield.”
So, leaving there the princely six stretched 'mongst the common dead,
Carril and Colgu to the King their Alban captive led.
Then thus the captive Domnal said,
“Oh King, these youthful sons
“Have done me warrior-wrong in both assailing me at once;
“Which is no deed of princely-nurtured youths: and therefore, I
“Am put to plea of fosterage and consanguinity;
“Shewing unto your Clemency, my father Eochaid Buie
“Was foster-son of Columb-Kill, the son of Felimy,
“The cousin of thy father Aed: wherefore, oh King, I claim
“Safety and ransom at thy hands in holy Columb's name.”
“Have done me warrior-wrong in both assailing me at once;
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“Am put to plea of fosterage and consanguinity;
“Shewing unto your Clemency, my father Eochaid Buie
“Was foster-son of Columb-Kill, the son of Felimy,
“The cousin of thy father Aed: wherefore, oh King, I claim
“Safety and ransom at thy hands in holy Columb's name.”
“And in that venerable name,” said Domnal—and he crossed
His breast devoutly as he spoke,—“thy suit shall not be lost:
“For precious-sweet at every time the ties of nurture are,
“But most so when they mitigate, as now, the woes of war:
“Woes which beseems not that a King in battle-armour dressed
“Should further speak of, here a-field. But Thou who seest my breast,
“Thou knowest, oh God, how sharper far than foe's dividing brand—
“My Fergus fair; my Angus dear; my Erril Open-Hand!—
“Are this day's pangs of death and shame. But, Kinsman, for thy share,
“A goshawk for a captured King, subdued in fight impair,
“Shall answer all the ransomer's need. And, for the wrong thee done,
“Thou shalt, in duel, have amends; if either culprit son
“Escape the labour of to-day.”
His breast devoutly as he spoke,—“thy suit shall not be lost:
“For precious-sweet at every time the ties of nurture are,
“But most so when they mitigate, as now, the woes of war:
“Woes which beseems not that a King in battle-armour dressed
“Should further speak of, here a-field. But Thou who seest my breast,
“Thou knowest, oh God, how sharper far than foe's dividing brand—
“My Fergus fair; my Angus dear; my Erril Open-Hand!—
“Are this day's pangs of death and shame. But, Kinsman, for thy share,
“A goshawk for a captured King, subdued in fight impair,
“Shall answer all the ransomer's need. And, for the wrong thee done,
“Thou shalt, in duel, have amends; if either culprit son
“Escape the labour of to-day.”
And therefore so it was
That Freckled Domnal, set at large, for the abovesaid cause,
Which neither Prince might contravene, though for the issue loth,
In equal single combat had the conquest of them both;
Yet neither slew; but gave their lives in barter of his own:
Which Freckled Domnal afterwards sat on the Alban throne,
A famous sovereign: and his race in Yellow Eochaid's hall
Reigned after him; till Selvach, son of Fercar, named the Tall,
To proud Dunolly's new-built burg transferred the royal chair.
('Twas in his time Columba's Clerks, because they would not bare
The head-top to the tonsuring shears of Ceolfrid, neither count
Their Easters by the Roman moons, were sent beyond the Mount
By Necton and his Fortren Picts; when, in the Gael's despite,
His Saxon builders, from the Tyne, brought North the general rite.)
And after Selvach, once again to shift the wandering throne,
Came conquering Kenneth Alpinson, the first who sat at Scone,
Full King of Scotland, Gael and Pict; whose seat to-day we see
A third time moved, there permanent and glorious to be,
Where, in Westminster's sacred aisles, the Three-Joined-Realm awards
Its meed of solemn sepulture to Captains and to Bards;
And to the hands pre-designate of awful right, confides
The Sceptre that confers the sway o'er half of ocean's sides.
But Domnal's brothers in one grave on Irish Moyra lie;
And to this day the place from them is called Cairn-Albany.
The hardy Saxon little recks what bones beneath decay,
But sees the cross-signed pillar stone, and turns his plough away.
That Freckled Domnal, set at large, for the abovesaid cause,
Which neither Prince might contravene, though for the issue loth,
In equal single combat had the conquest of them both;
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Which Freckled Domnal afterwards sat on the Alban throne,
A famous sovereign: and his race in Yellow Eochaid's hall
Reigned after him; till Selvach, son of Fercar, named the Tall,
To proud Dunolly's new-built burg transferred the royal chair.
('Twas in his time Columba's Clerks, because they would not bare
The head-top to the tonsuring shears of Ceolfrid, neither count
Their Easters by the Roman moons, were sent beyond the Mount
By Necton and his Fortren Picts; when, in the Gael's despite,
His Saxon builders, from the Tyne, brought North the general rite.)
And after Selvach, once again to shift the wandering throne,
Came conquering Kenneth Alpinson, the first who sat at Scone,
Full King of Scotland, Gael and Pict; whose seat to-day we see
A third time moved, there permanent and glorious to be,
Where, in Westminster's sacred aisles, the Three-Joined-Realm awards
Its meed of solemn sepulture to Captains and to Bards;
And to the hands pre-designate of awful right, confides
The Sceptre that confers the sway o'er half of ocean's sides.
But Domnal's brothers in one grave on Irish Moyra lie;
And to this day the place from them is called Cairn-Albany.
The hardy Saxon little recks what bones beneath decay,
But sees the cross-signed pillar stone, and turns his plough away.
So on the battle's western verge the doubtful strife was waged:
Meantime, upon King Congal's left, the Frankish host engaged
Clan-Conail; and Clan-Conail marched o'er prostrate Franks, until
They pressed the battle to the plain beneath the very hill
Where ranked the warrior-hosts of Mourne. Halt Kellach in his chair
Placed on the summit of the slope, sat 'midst his bravest there:
And, as a hunter, having his dogs leashed on a rising ground,
A tall stag drinking in the vale, slips swift hound after hound;
Or as a man who practises against a mark, hurls forth
Dart after dart; or as a youth whose time is little worth,
Goat-herd or poet idly bent, from some bald sea-cliff's crown
Dislodges fragments of the rock, to send them rolling down,
And claps his hands to see them leap, as, gathering speed, they go
With high whirls smoking to the foot; with such fierce rapture so
Son after son the Halt one sent, and smoking charge on charge
Hurled down from Augnafoskar's brow against the glittering marge
Of levelled spear and burnished targe that, 'mid the throng below,
Marked where Clan-Conail's front advanced o'er Frankland's overthrow.
But neither swift Cu-Carmoda, for all his greyhound spring,
Nor headlong Anlach hurling down with force of javelin-fling,
Nor Brasil bounding from his bank with crash of whirling crag
Could bend the steadfast beam of fight stretch'd out beneath thy flag,
Oh son of Baedan; but, as dogs entangled 'mong the brakes,
Or mark-short darts that by the butts uplift their quivering stakes,
Or rolling rocks that at the foot break into pieces small,
So clung, transfixed; so, sounding, broke against that brazen wall
Charge after charge. But as a pack of curled waves clamouring on
Divide and ride to either side, resurging, round a stone
That makes the tide-mark; or as storms, rebounding from the breast
Of some impassive mountain huge, go raving forth in quest
Of things prehensible, broad oaks, or wide-eaved homes of men,
To wreak their wrath on; bellowing forth from every hollow glen
That girds the mighty mountain foot, they on the open vale
Issue tremendous: groan the woods: the trembling mothers pale
Beneath their straining rafters crouch, or, driven from hut and hall,
Hie to the covert of some rock or rock-built castle wall:
So Brasil's battle, burst in twain against the steadfast face
Of Kinel-Conail, still pursued, oblique, its headlong race
Past the impenetrable ranks; and, swift as winter wind,
Fell thundering down the lanes of death, on Orgiall's host behind.
Clan-Colla split before the shock: Clan-Brassilagh poured in;
And dire confusion filled the plain, and dreadful grew the din.
Meantime, upon King Congal's left, the Frankish host engaged
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They pressed the battle to the plain beneath the very hill
Where ranked the warrior-hosts of Mourne. Halt Kellach in his chair
Placed on the summit of the slope, sat 'midst his bravest there:
And, as a hunter, having his dogs leashed on a rising ground,
A tall stag drinking in the vale, slips swift hound after hound;
Or as a man who practises against a mark, hurls forth
Dart after dart; or as a youth whose time is little worth,
Goat-herd or poet idly bent, from some bald sea-cliff's crown
Dislodges fragments of the rock, to send them rolling down,
And claps his hands to see them leap, as, gathering speed, they go
With high whirls smoking to the foot; with such fierce rapture so
Son after son the Halt one sent, and smoking charge on charge
Hurled down from Augnafoskar's brow against the glittering marge
Of levelled spear and burnished targe that, 'mid the throng below,
Marked where Clan-Conail's front advanced o'er Frankland's overthrow.
But neither swift Cu-Carmoda, for all his greyhound spring,
Nor headlong Anlach hurling down with force of javelin-fling,
Nor Brasil bounding from his bank with crash of whirling crag
Could bend the steadfast beam of fight stretch'd out beneath thy flag,
Oh son of Baedan; but, as dogs entangled 'mong the brakes,
Or mark-short darts that by the butts uplift their quivering stakes,
Or rolling rocks that at the foot break into pieces small,
So clung, transfixed; so, sounding, broke against that brazen wall
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Divide and ride to either side, resurging, round a stone
That makes the tide-mark; or as storms, rebounding from the breast
Of some impassive mountain huge, go raving forth in quest
Of things prehensible, broad oaks, or wide-eaved homes of men,
To wreak their wrath on; bellowing forth from every hollow glen
That girds the mighty mountain foot, they on the open vale
Issue tremendous: groan the woods: the trembling mothers pale
Beneath their straining rafters crouch, or, driven from hut and hall,
Hie to the covert of some rock or rock-built castle wall:
So Brasil's battle, burst in twain against the steadfast face
Of Kinel-Conail, still pursued, oblique, its headlong race
Past the impenetrable ranks; and, swift as winter wind,
Fell thundering down the lanes of death, on Orgiall's host behind.
Clan-Colla split before the shock: Clan-Brassilagh poured in;
And dire confusion filled the plain, and dreadful grew the din.
Grief and great heat of anger filled the breast of Congal Claen
When tidings reached him that the sons of Eochaid Buie were slain.
Till now, with Conan by his side, the King had, from his car,
Ordained the onsets of the hosts, and overseen the war.
Now, “Conan, noble friend,” he said, “whate'er at either's hand
“The duty of a field-arraying sovereign can demand
“We see accomplished; and the time is come when thou and I
“Are free to feed our proper souls with war's satiety;
“Thou to achieve increase of fame amid the warlike throng,
“And I to sate enormous hate bred by a life of wrong.
“Lo, where the generous Alban chiefs, who, for the love they bore
“Me, hapless wretch, left all they loved on lone Loch Etive's shore,
“Lie wrapped in death or deadlier bonds. There lies the path for thee
“To reinstate our battle's right; and fame and fortune be
“Attendant with thee. Leave to me this Northern robber horde
“Whose march insulting on our left needs some robuster sword
“Than aged Kellach's: he, I judge, will not long sit at ease,
“Unless with some impediment of weightier mould than these
“I bar the access to his chair. Farewell a while; and now
“For vengeance I and destiny; for fame and friendship thou.”
When tidings reached him that the sons of Eochaid Buie were slain.
Till now, with Conan by his side, the King had, from his car,
Ordained the onsets of the hosts, and overseen the war.
Now, “Conan, noble friend,” he said, “whate'er at either's hand
“The duty of a field-arraying sovereign can demand
“We see accomplished; and the time is come when thou and I
“Are free to feed our proper souls with war's satiety;
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“And I to sate enormous hate bred by a life of wrong.
“Lo, where the generous Alban chiefs, who, for the love they bore
“Me, hapless wretch, left all they loved on lone Loch Etive's shore,
“Lie wrapped in death or deadlier bonds. There lies the path for thee
“To reinstate our battle's right; and fame and fortune be
“Attendant with thee. Leave to me this Northern robber horde
“Whose march insulting on our left needs some robuster sword
“Than aged Kellach's: he, I judge, will not long sit at ease,
“Unless with some impediment of weightier mould than these
“I bar the access to his chair. Farewell a while; and now
“For vengeance I and destiny; for fame and friendship thou.”
As lightning that divides a bolt forkwise in upper air,
To left and right, from Congal's car, forth sprang the glittering pair.
First on Connacia's shaken ranks impetuous Conan flew.
Four chiefs in turn engaged him there. All these the hero slew;
And the lopp'd head of each in turn took from the collar'd neck;
Sweeny, to wit; Aed Alen, Aed Buie and Eccad Brec;
In rough Tir-Eera Sweeny ruled, the son of Carrach he;
Aed Alen in Moy-Eola; in Hy-Mainy, Aed the Buie;
In castled Leyny, Eccad Brec. These Conan Rodd subdued;
And Welshmen, with him, of the rest a mighty multitude.
To left and right, from Congal's car, forth sprang the glittering pair.
First on Connacia's shaken ranks impetuous Conan flew.
Four chiefs in turn engaged him there. All these the hero slew;
And the lopp'd head of each in turn took from the collar'd neck;
Sweeny, to wit; Aed Alen, Aed Buie and Eccad Brec;
In rough Tir-Eera Sweeny ruled, the son of Carrach he;
Aed Alen in Moy-Eola; in Hy-Mainy, Aed the Buie;
In castled Leyny, Eccad Brec. These Conan Rodd subdued;
And Welshmen, with him, of the rest a mighty multitude.
Meanwhile the main Britannic host 'neath Conan Finn arrayed,
Who, midmost, fought the men of Meath, much missed true Conan's aid.
He of the Gates of Heart of Oak had freely, as became
One who in Congal's choice of Kings the second place might claim,
Followed his glorious judge to war; and now with loyal heart
Matched against Kellach Mor performed a valiant warrior's part.
Who, midmost, fought the men of Meath, much missed true Conan's aid.
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One who in Congal's choice of Kings the second place might claim,
Followed his glorious judge to war; and now with loyal heart
Matched against Kellach Mor performed a valiant warrior's part.
Son of Malcova, erewhile King, was Kellach: nephew so
Of Domnal; and of all who came to Congal's overthrow,
Conall Mac-Baedan sole except, in prowess and renown
Foremost; and destined afterwards, himself, to wear the crown.
With him contended Conan Finn: but Kellach lopped his head,
And cast it to his shouting friends: then mingled rage and dread
Fell on the thick-Welsh-speaking host; and forth in reckless rage
Three cousins of the vanquished chief sprang, eager to engage
The victor; Howel, Arthur, Rees; together forth they sprung
And with three far-exulting leaps their spears together flung;
And with three mutual-echoing shouts their blades together drew:
But Kellach from the collared necks of these three sons of Hû
Took their respective glittering spoils, and, holding up the same,
Said, “Who will stake another cast upon the noble game?”
Of Domnal; and of all who came to Congal's overthrow,
Conall Mac-Baedan sole except, in prowess and renown
Foremost; and destined afterwards, himself, to wear the crown.
With him contended Conan Finn: but Kellach lopped his head,
And cast it to his shouting friends: then mingled rage and dread
Fell on the thick-Welsh-speaking host; and forth in reckless rage
Three cousins of the vanquished chief sprang, eager to engage
The victor; Howel, Arthur, Rees; together forth they sprung
And with three far-exulting leaps their spears together flung;
And with three mutual-echoing shouts their blades together drew:
But Kellach from the collared necks of these three sons of Hû
Took their respective glittering spoils, and, holding up the same,
Said, “Who will stake another cast upon the noble game?”
There marched that day 'mong Congal's host a valiant-hearted man,
But little-bodied, Fermorc Becc: he, standing in the van,
Beheld his allies' fate, and heard the conqueror's taunting call,
And said,
But little-bodied, Fermorc Becc: he, standing in the van,
Beheld his allies' fate, and heard the conqueror's taunting call,
And said,
“Although thou be the Great, and though I be the Small,
“Yet have I seen it so befall, oh Kellach, that, at play,
“The puniest piece upon the board has borne the prize away:
“And for that glorious prize, thy head—and I shall lay it low
“Right soon,—I play this cast, and stake my life upon the throw.”
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“The puniest piece upon the board has borne the prize away:
“And for that glorious prize, thy head—and I shall lay it low
“Right soon,—I play this cast, and stake my life upon the throw.”
He played his spear-cast manfully; no man of all the host
Could but admire: but, gamesomely, the prize he played for, lost.
Then many hearts beat thick, and tears from some stern eyes there broke
At seeing dauntless Fermorc stand to bide the answering stroke.
But generous Kellach, with a smile, reversed his lifted spear,
And 'mid the laughter of the hosts pushed Fermorc to the rere.
The soul of Fermorc swelled with shame; and but that eager bands
Of friends all round restrained him, he had on himself laid hands.
Could but admire: but, gamesomely, the prize he played for, lost.
Then many hearts beat thick, and tears from some stern eyes there broke
At seeing dauntless Fermorc stand to bide the answering stroke.
But generous Kellach, with a smile, reversed his lifted spear,
And 'mid the laughter of the hosts pushed Fermorc to the rere.
The soul of Fermorc swelled with shame; and but that eager bands
Of friends all round restrained him, he had on himself laid hands.
Such feats of arms by Conan Rodd and Kellach Mor were done
To right and centre of the field. Meantime the royal son
Of Scallan Broad-Shield, on the left, in gloomy-vengeful wrath,
At head of Ulster, toward the host of Conal held his path.
To right and centre of the field. Meantime the royal son
Of Scallan Broad-Shield, on the left, in gloomy-vengeful wrath,
At head of Ulster, toward the host of Conal held his path.
As when a grampus makes among the ripple-raising shoals
Of landward-coasting ocean-fry, the parted water rolls
Before the plunging dolphin, so the hosts on either side
Fell off from Congal as he came in swiftness and in pride.
On each hand scattering death he went: with sword-strokes some he smote
In handed fight: with javelin-casts he others slew remote;
Till, 'twixt him and the steadfast front of Conal's host, the plain
Lay unimpeded to his charge save by the fall'n and slain.
Of landward-coasting ocean-fry, the parted water rolls
Before the plunging dolphin, so the hosts on either side
Fell off from Congal as he came in swiftness and in pride.
On each hand scattering death he went: with sword-strokes some he smote
In handed fight: with javelin-casts he others slew remote;
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Lay unimpeded to his charge save by the fall'n and slain.
Clan-Conail, now lock close your shields, make fast your battle-front;
The might, the might of Ulster comes, and Congal gives the brunt.
And proudly kept thy host their place, oh Conal, till the stroke
Of Congal's own close-wielded mace a bloody passage broke.
Then, though your battle-border long had baffled all his best,
Shield-lock'd and shoulder-riveted, with many a valiant breast
That burned with Northern valour as courageous as his own,
Yet before the face of Congal ye were crushed and overthrown,
Chaff-dispersed and ember-scattered; till the strong fraternal arm
Of Kindred-Owen reached between, and stayed you further harm.
The might, the might of Ulster comes, and Congal gives the brunt.
And proudly kept thy host their place, oh Conal, till the stroke
Of Congal's own close-wielded mace a bloody passage broke.
Then, though your battle-border long had baffled all his best,
Shield-lock'd and shoulder-riveted, with many a valiant breast
That burned with Northern valour as courageous as his own,
Yet before the face of Congal ye were crushed and overthrown,
Chaff-dispersed and ember-scattered; till the strong fraternal arm
Of Kindred-Owen reached between, and stayed you further harm.
Ill brooked Sil-Setna's generous Chief, young Conal, to behold
The noblest warriors of his race in confluent tumult roll'd
Like sheep to shelter of the fold; and, as fierce Congal closed
His rallying ranks to charge anew the fresh foes interposed,
Strode forth 'twixt gathering host and host, and said, “Behold, I claim
“Safety and single combat, King, and proffer thee the same.”
The noblest warriors of his race in confluent tumult roll'd
Like sheep to shelter of the fold; and, as fierce Congal closed
His rallying ranks to charge anew the fresh foes interposed,
Strode forth 'twixt gathering host and host, and said, “Behold, I claim
“Safety and single combat, King, and proffer thee the same.”
“Who art thou,” Congal said, “who thus wouldst stay the swelling tide
“Of Ulster's might, to aggrandize a single warrior's pride?”
“Of Ulster's might, to aggrandize a single warrior's pride?”
“The Son of Baedan I,” replied the Chief, “who from thy race
“Wrested Moy Inneray; and who used, once, make my dwelling-place
“In broad-stoned Aileach; but who now in Conang's halls abide,
“Since Aileach's gate-posts have of late been stained by parricide.”
“Wrested Moy Inneray; and who used, once, make my dwelling-place
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“Since Aileach's gate-posts have of late been stained by parricide.”
“No need for further woman's words,” said Congal; and his cheek
Grew shameful red: “Accept the fate thy folly dares to seek.”
Grew shameful red: “Accept the fate thy folly dares to seek.”
So closed their parley; and the hosts kept each its former place;
While they, with deadly-lifted spears, moved through the middle space.
While they, with deadly-lifted spears, moved through the middle space.
High beat heroic Conal's heart. In every exercise
Of Erin's athletes hitherto his arm had borne the prize.
Of all the fearless footsteps, formed 'twixt cliff and climbing sea,
From dizzy League to Torrey's straits, the fearlessest had he:
And oft, when, on the heaving skiff, mid baffled waves he hung,
Ere up grey Maulin's eyried lofts or Balor's Stairs he sprung;
Oft, when, a-fowling, poised, he swung between the slippery brow
And thundering deep, his soul had longed for danger such as now,
Guerdoned with glory, called him forth, before a nation's eyes,
To strive, in Country's righteous cause, for Fame's eternal prize.
Of Erin's athletes hitherto his arm had borne the prize.
Of all the fearless footsteps, formed 'twixt cliff and climbing sea,
From dizzy League to Torrey's straits, the fearlessest had he:
And oft, when, on the heaving skiff, mid baffled waves he hung,
Ere up grey Maulin's eyried lofts or Balor's Stairs he sprung;
Oft, when, a-fowling, poised, he swung between the slippery brow
And thundering deep, his soul had longed for danger such as now,
Guerdoned with glory, called him forth, before a nation's eyes,
To strive, in Country's righteous cause, for Fame's eternal prize.
They cast their spears together. Each resounding weapon stood
To socket in the opposing shield; and Congal's point drew blood.
Then forth, to snatch his weapon back, the King of Ulster sprung;
But Conal, with a wrestler's leap, his arms around him flung;
By flank and shoulder taking hold: nor was King Congal slow
With ready-darted hands expert to grapple with his foe,
Shoulder and flank: a moment thus stood either mighty man;
Then, in a gathering heave, their game the athlete pair began,
With lifts and thrusts impetuous; with swift-reversing pulls,
And solid stands immovable, as young encountering bulls;
And counter-prancing dizzy whirls; till, in the rapid round,
The feet of either hero seemed to leave the circling ground,
Though firm as palace-pillars stood their feet beneath them still;
For neither yet felt any lack of athlete force or skill;
But each deemed victory his own: for Congal, where he stood,
Saw the fast-falling drops that soon would sink the swelling flood
Of Conal's strength; and Conal, still unconscious of the waste,
Invoked his glorious sires, and all his loins with rigour braced;
Son of the son of Nindid, son of Fergus, as he was,
Son of great Conal Gulban;—and he pushed him without pause;—
Son of renowned Nine-Hostager;—and one great heave he gave
Of his whole heroic body, as the sea upheaves a wave,
A long strong-rising wave of nine, that from the wallowing floor
Of ocean, when a storm has ceased, nigh to some beachy shore,
Shows with a sudden black-piled bulk, and swallowing in its sweep
Accumulated water-heaps from all the hollowed deep,
Soars, foams, o'erhangs its glassy gulfs; then, stooping with a roar
Immeasurable of sea-cascades, stuns all the sounding shore:
With such a heave great Conal rose, rushed onward, overhung
His down-bent foe, and to the earth the King of Ulster flung.
To socket in the opposing shield; and Congal's point drew blood.
Then forth, to snatch his weapon back, the King of Ulster sprung;
But Conal, with a wrestler's leap, his arms around him flung;
By flank and shoulder taking hold: nor was King Congal slow
With ready-darted hands expert to grapple with his foe,
Shoulder and flank: a moment thus stood either mighty man;
Then, in a gathering heave, their game the athlete pair began,
115
And solid stands immovable, as young encountering bulls;
And counter-prancing dizzy whirls; till, in the rapid round,
The feet of either hero seemed to leave the circling ground,
Though firm as palace-pillars stood their feet beneath them still;
For neither yet felt any lack of athlete force or skill;
But each deemed victory his own: for Congal, where he stood,
Saw the fast-falling drops that soon would sink the swelling flood
Of Conal's strength; and Conal, still unconscious of the waste,
Invoked his glorious sires, and all his loins with rigour braced;
Son of the son of Nindid, son of Fergus, as he was,
Son of great Conal Gulban;—and he pushed him without pause;—
Son of renowned Nine-Hostager;—and one great heave he gave
Of his whole heroic body, as the sea upheaves a wave,
A long strong-rising wave of nine, that from the wallowing floor
Of ocean, when a storm has ceased, nigh to some beachy shore,
Shows with a sudden black-piled bulk, and swallowing in its sweep
Accumulated water-heaps from all the hollowed deep,
Soars, foams, o'erhangs its glassy gulfs; then, stooping with a roar
Immeasurable of sea-cascades, stuns all the sounding shore:
With such a heave great Conal rose, rushed onward, overhung
His down-bent foe, and to the earth the King of Ulster flung.
As seaweed from the sunken rock the wave's return leaves bare,
From Congal's head unhelmeted forth flew the spreading hair,
Soiled in the dust. Exulting shouts, and shouts of rage and grief
Rose from the breathless hosts around, as Conal, conquering Chief,
Stood;—so some arch-built buttress stands in bending strength inclined;—
Preparing with his belt of war the captive King to bind.
But Conan Rodd, whom conquering rage had sped from wing to wing,
Drawn by the clamour, from afar beheld the prostrate King.
Unconscious of the truce, that yet had not had lawful end,
He ran, he leaped, as shaft from string, he flew, to save his friend;
And valiant Conal scarce beheld, scarce felt the fatal thrust,
Till his great heart was split in twain, and he too in the dust.
From Congal's head unhelmeted forth flew the spreading hair,
116
Rose from the breathless hosts around, as Conal, conquering Chief,
Stood;—so some arch-built buttress stands in bending strength inclined;—
Preparing with his belt of war the captive King to bind.
But Conan Rodd, whom conquering rage had sped from wing to wing,
Drawn by the clamour, from afar beheld the prostrate King.
Unconscious of the truce, that yet had not had lawful end,
He ran, he leaped, as shaft from string, he flew, to save his friend;
And valiant Conal scarce beheld, scarce felt the fatal thrust,
Till his great heart was split in twain, and he too in the dust.
Up started Congal; Conan's arms the reeling warrior raised;
And Conan's shoulder stayed his steps, as, panting and amazed,
He gained his chariot-seat; but while with inspirations deep
He breathed his breast, from 'midst of Meath forth sprung with clanging leap
Great Kellach, King Malcova's son: with rage and noble scorn
Dilating, in the midst he stood, and cried—
And Conan's shoulder stayed his steps, as, panting and amazed,
He gained his chariot-seat; but while with inspirations deep
He breathed his breast, from 'midst of Meath forth sprung with clanging leap
Great Kellach, King Malcova's son: with rage and noble scorn
Dilating, in the midst he stood, and cried—
“Base Briton, turn.
“From me receive the meed of death that warrior-law decrees
“The impious wretch who violates his combat-guarantees.”
“From me receive the meed of death that warrior-law decrees
“The impious wretch who violates his combat-guarantees.”
Said Conan, “Though my love could dare the breach of sterner laws
“At friendship's call; this judgment thou dost give without a cause.
“For nought, in truth, of any pause or parleying truce I knew
“When, newly on the field arrived, to aid my King I flew.
“If for his life a life be due, take thou a warrior's word,
“No freer soul e'er paid a debt more loyally incurred.”
“At friendship's call; this judgment thou dost give without a cause.
117
“When, newly on the field arrived, to aid my King I flew.
“If for his life a life be due, take thou a warrior's word,
“No freer soul e'er paid a debt more loyally incurred.”
He wrung the hand that Congal reached; their hearts within them burned
With tenderness they might not speak; and to the combat turned.
With tenderness they might not speak; and to the combat turned.
Conan his cast delivered first. The spear, from Kellach's shield
Glancing oblique, struck socket-deep, innocuous, in the field.
Then Kellach, with a dreadful smile, in towering strides drew near;
And, with the might of both his hands upheaving high his spear,
Smote Conan's buckler in the midst: the brazen bosses flew
Disrupted: but, with sudden sleight, the agile warrior threw
Shield and shield-cumbered spear aside; and Kellach, overborne
By his own force, as sinks an elm from yielding roots uptorn,
Went prone amid the brazen wreck. Three paces back withdrew
Conan, and bared his blade, and said,
Glancing oblique, struck socket-deep, innocuous, in the field.
Then Kellach, with a dreadful smile, in towering strides drew near;
And, with the might of both his hands upheaving high his spear,
Smote Conan's buckler in the midst: the brazen bosses flew
Disrupted: but, with sudden sleight, the agile warrior threw
Shield and shield-cumbered spear aside; and Kellach, overborne
By his own force, as sinks an elm from yielding roots uptorn,
Went prone amid the brazen wreck. Three paces back withdrew
Conan, and bared his blade, and said,
“Rise Kellach, and renew
“An equal combat, if thou wilt. I shall not fear in thee
“Defect of generous sonl, or breach of warrior-warranty.”
“An equal combat, if thou wilt. I shall not fear in thee
“Defect of generous sonl, or breach of warrior-warranty.”
“Conan, my life is in thy hands,” said Kellach. “Take or give.
“Thou hast in me a foe to death, whilst thou and I shall live.”
“Thou hast in me a foe to death, whilst thou and I shall live.”
Then, spear and buckler laid aside, his sword he slowly bared;
Cast on dead Conal's form, a glance; and stood for fight prepared.
Cast on dead Conal's form, a glance; and stood for fight prepared.
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As when two mastiffs chance to meet upon a public way,
And break their leashes, and engage; their keepers in dismay
Back from the fang-commingling fray on either hand recoil;
So stood the hosts at gaze, while they resumed their deadly toil.
And break their leashes, and engage; their keepers in dismay
Back from the fang-commingling fray on either hand recoil;
So stood the hosts at gaze, while they resumed their deadly toil.
And well might wearied combatant his own dread work forbear
To view the warlike practice of the sword-accomplished pair;
So, timing, with instinctive sway, consenting eye and hand,
They wove the dazzling woof of death 'twixt gleaming brand and brand;
So, mingling their majestic steps in combat's rapid round,
They trod the stately brawls of Mars across the listed ground.
At every strong-delivered stroke Red Conan dealt his foe,
The Welshmen clapped applauding hands; at every answering blow
Heard with the crush of hauberk burst, or shivering helm, the voice
Of Erin, Ulster's host except, went up with cheerful noise.
To view the warlike practice of the sword-accomplished pair;
So, timing, with instinctive sway, consenting eye and hand,
They wove the dazzling woof of death 'twixt gleaming brand and brand;
So, mingling their majestic steps in combat's rapid round,
They trod the stately brawls of Mars across the listed ground.
At every strong-delivered stroke Red Conan dealt his foe,
The Welshmen clapped applauding hands; at every answering blow
Heard with the crush of hauberk burst, or shivering helm, the voice
Of Erin, Ulster's host except, went up with cheerful noise.
But, valiant swordsman though he be, the bravest, soon or late,
Must, in his proper time, expect the even stroke of fate:
And slower motions, and a mist of darkness round his brow,
Warned Conan that his stately head to fate should also bow.
Must, in his proper time, expect the even stroke of fate:
And slower motions, and a mist of darkness round his brow,
Warned Conan that his stately head to fate should also bow.
When Kellach felt his force abate, and saw his sight was gone,
He yielded back; but darkly still blind Conan battled on,
Till, not, indeed, like lofty elm in leafy time of year,
But like a storm-dismantled mast, that, with its tattered gear,
(The long-tormented keel, at last, heaved by a landward swell
Against the rock,) goes overboard, at Kellach's feet he fell.
He yielded back; but darkly still blind Conan battled on,
Till, not, indeed, like lofty elm in leafy time of year,
But like a storm-dismantled mast, that, with its tattered gear,
(The long-tormented keel, at last, heaved by a landward swell
Against the rock,) goes overboard, at Kellach's feet he fell.
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But Kellach took no trophy; for, with dark brows newly helmed,
Congal approached and said,
Congal approached and said,
“Although that hand hath overwhelmed
“My soul with woe; and righteous rage would justify my spear
“In piercing, shieldless, as thou art, and combat-wearied here,
“The author of so huge a grief; yet, for the sake of him
“Whose clear renown no breath of thine shall e'er have power to dim,
“Go, arm thee, and have needful rest: anon, when apt to mate
“With one fresh-breathed and armed as I, return and have thy fate.”
“My soul with woe; and righteous rage would justify my spear
“In piercing, shieldless, as thou art, and combat-wearied here,
“The author of so huge a grief; yet, for the sake of him
“Whose clear renown no breath of thine shall e'er have power to dim,
“Go, arm thee, and have needful rest: anon, when apt to mate
“With one fresh-breathed and armed as I, return and have thy fate.”
“Congal, I swear I go not hence without my meed of fame,”
Cried Kellach, and seized Conan's crest, to drag him. As the flame
Bursts, at the breath of outer air, through fire-concealing smoke,
So, forth in fiercer blaze anew the wrath of Congal broke;
And at the chief he aimed a stroke had stretched upon the field
War's noblest victim offered yet; but swift, with guardian shield,
Huge Ultan Long-Hand thrust between; and others not a few
From Conal's and Clan-Colla's ranks to aid their champion flew.
The Ultonian warriors, hitherto regardant, as behoved
Just combatants, and clans of Hû that yet no step had moved,
Though seeing him they chiefly loved before their faces slain,
And all the remnant of the Franks at once burst in amain:
Amid the concourse, Congal Claen rushed to a deadly close
With Ultan, and o'er all the plain enormous tumult rose.
Cried Kellach, and seized Conan's crest, to drag him. As the flame
Bursts, at the breath of outer air, through fire-concealing smoke,
So, forth in fiercer blaze anew the wrath of Congal broke;
And at the chief he aimed a stroke had stretched upon the field
War's noblest victim offered yet; but swift, with guardian shield,
Huge Ultan Long-Hand thrust between; and others not a few
From Conal's and Clan-Colla's ranks to aid their champion flew.
The Ultonian warriors, hitherto regardant, as behoved
Just combatants, and clans of Hû that yet no step had moved,
Though seeing him they chiefly loved before their faces slain,
And all the remnant of the Franks at once burst in amain:
Amid the concourse, Congal Claen rushed to a deadly close
With Ultan, and o'er all the plain enormous tumult rose.
| Congal | |