I.

Prologue (ll. 1-120)

II.

How Patrick’s guardian angels approved the stories of the Fiann (ll. 290-303)

III.

The sorrowful story of Cael and Créde (ll. 742-871)

IV.

The story of Fiacha’s spear and Find’s defence of Tara (ll. 1654-1761)

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Complete file (PDF)

Ar tabhuirtt chatha Chomuir ocus chatha Gabra ocus chatha Ollurbha,

Ar dtabhairt chatha Chomair agus chatha Ghabhra agus chatha Ollarba,

When the battle of Comar, the battle of Gowra, and the battle of Ollarba had been fought,

ocus ar ndíthugud na Féindi,

agus ar ndíothú na Féinne,               

and after that the Fianna for the most part were extinguished,

ro scáilset iar sin ina ndrongaibh ocus ina mbuidhnibh fo Eirinn

do scaoileadar iar sin ina ndrongaibh agus ina mbuínibh fá Éirinn,

the residue of them in small bands and in companies had dispersed throughout all Ireland,

co nár’ mhair re hamm na huaire sin díbh acht madh dá óclách maithe do dereadh na Féinde

go nár mhair le ham na huaire sin díobh ach dhá óglach mhaithe de dheireadh na Féinne,

until at the point of time which concerns us there remained not any but two good warriors only of the last of the Fianna:

.i. Oisín mac Find

.i. Oisín mac Fhinn

Ossian son of Finn,

ocus Cáilti mac Crundchon, mhic Rónáin,

agus Caoilte mac Chrunnchon mhic Rónáin,

and Caeilte son of Crunnchu son of Ronan

ar scíth a lúith ocus a lámhaigh [lámhaidh, Lism.],

ar scíth a lúith agus a lámhaigh,

(whose lusty vigour and power of spear-throwing were now dwindled down)

ocus dá naonmar óclách maraon r[i]ú,

agus dhá naonúr óglach mar aon leo;

and so many fighting men as with themselves made twice nine.

ocus táncatar in dá naonmar laoch sin a himlibh shléibhe Fuait fondscothaigh foithremhail

agus thángadar an dá naonúr laoch sin a himeallaibh Shléibhe Fuaid fhonnscothaigh fhoithriúil

These twice nine came out of the flowery-soiled bosky borders of Slievefuad [county Armagh]

co Lughbhartaibh Bána amach, risa n-abar Lughbhudh isin tan-so,

go Lughbhartaibh Bána amach — lena n-abairtear Lú sa tan seo —

and into the Lughbarta Bána at this present called Lughmadh [angl. ‘Louth’],

ocus do bhádar co dubach domhenmnach ann re fuinedh néll nóna in oidhchi sin.

agus do bhíodar go dubhach domheanmnach ann le fuineadh néal nóna an oíche sin.

where at the falling of the evening clouds that night they were melancholy, dispirited.

Is ann sin adubairt Cailte re hOisín: “maith, a anum, a Oisín,

Is ansin a dúirt Caoilte le hOisín: “Maith, a anam, a Oisín,

Caeilte said to Ossian then: “good now, Ossian,

cá conair no rachmais riá ndeóidh laoi d’íarraidh áighedechta na hoidhchi so?”

cá conair do rachaimis roimh dheoidh lae d’iarraidh aíochta na hoíche seo?”

before the day’s end what path shall we take in quest of entertainment for the night?”

“Ní fhetar ón”, ar Oisín,

“Ní fheadar, ón,” arsa Oisín,

Ossian answered: “I know not,

“ó nach maireann do shenaibh na Féinde ocus do shenmhuindtir Fhind mhic Chumhaill acht triar amháin

“ó nach maireann de sheanaibh na Féinne agus de sheanmhuintir Fhinn mhic Chumhaill ach triar amháin,

seeing that of the ancients of the Fianna and of Finn’s people formerly but three survive:

.i. misi ocus tusa, á Cháilti,

.i. mise agus tusa, a Chaoilte,

I and thyself, Caeilte,

ocus Cámha in bhanfhlaith ocus in banchoimétaidh

agus Cámha, an bhanfhlaith agus an bhanchoimhéadaí

with Cámha the she-chief and she-custodian

ro bhúi ac coimhét Fhind mhic Cumhaill ón uair fa macaem hé gusin laithe a fuair bás.”

do bhí ag coimhéad Fhinn mhic Chumhaill ón uair ba mhacaomh é gus an ló a bhfuair bás.”

that, from the time when he was a boy until the day in which he died, kept Finn son of Cumall safe.”

“Dligmít feis dithat na haidhchi so di,” ar Cáilte,

“Dlímid feis diat na hoíche seo di,” arsa Caoilte,

Caeilte said: “we are entitled to this night’s lodging and provision from her;

“uair ní héiter a rímh ná a aisnéis

“óir ní féidir a ríomh ná a fhaisnéis

for it is not possible to rehearse nor to shew

in mhéit ro thoirbir in flaithféindidh Find disi do shétaibh ocus do mháinibh

an méid do thoirbhir an fhlaithfhéinní Fionn dise de shéadaibh agus de mhaoinibh,

the quantity which Finn, captain of the Fianna, bestowed on her of precious things and of treasures,

re taobh in treas sét is ferr fuair Find riam do thabairt di

le taobh an treas séad is fearr fuair Fionn riamh do thabhairt di,

including one of the three best treasures that Finn ever acquired:

.i. in t-Anghalach,

.i. an tAnghalach,

the Anghalach namely,

cornn tuc Moríath ingen ríg mhara Grég do Fhind, ocus tuc Find do Chámha.”

corn thug Moiriath, iníon rí Mhara Gréag, d’Fhionn, agus thug Fionn do Chámha

or drinking-horn which Moriath daughter of the king of the Sea of the Greeks gave to Finn, and Finn to Camha.”

de chionn a choimhéadta féin; agus do gheobhamna aíocht na hoíche anocht uaithi.”

Ocus fuaradar feiss na hoidchi sin ac Cámha,

Agus fuaradar feis na hoíche sin ag Cámha;

With Camha therefore they got hospitality for that night;

ocus ro fhiarfaig díbh a n-anmanda,

agus d’fhiafraigh díobh a n-ainmneacha,

their names she enquired of them

ocus ro indsetar di, ocus ro chái ann sin frasa díchra dér,

agus d’insíodar di, agus do chaígh ansin frasa díochra déar;

and [at their sound] wept vehement showers of tears;

ocus ro fhiarfaigset scéla d’aroile ainnséin,

agus d’fhiafraíodar scéala d’araile ansin,

then she and they, each of the other, sought to have tidings.

ocus táncatar iarsin isin teach leaptha ro hórdaiged dóibh,

agus thángadar iar sin sa teach leapa do ordíodh dóibh;

Next, they entered into the bed-house disposed for them,

ocus ro bhói in bhanfhlaith .i. Cámha, ac órdugud a cotach

agus do bhí an bhanfhlaith, .i. Cámha, ag ordú a gcodach,

and Camha the she-chief prescribed their refection:

.i. núa cacha bídh ocus sen cacha dighi, do thabairt dóibh:

.i. núa gach bia agus sean gach dí, do thabhairt dóibh,

that the freshest of all kinds of meat and the oldest of all sorts of drink be given them,

uair rob aithnídh dissi mar do biadtái a samhla-sumh,

óir do b’aithnid dise mar do bhiataí a samhlasan,

for she knew in what fashion such as they used to be fed.

ocus rob aithnidh di fóss in ní bud dáoithin d’Oisín ocus do Cháilti co menic roime sin.

agus do b’aithnid di fós an ní ba dhóthain d’Oisín agus do Chaoilte go minic roimhe sin;

She knew also how much it was that many a time before the present had constituted a sufficiency for Ossian and for Caeilte.

Ocus ro éirigh sí co hanmfhann étláith, ocus ro bói ac imrádh na Féinde ocus Fhind mic Cumaill,

agus d’éirigh sí go hanbhann éadláith, agus do bhí ag iomrá na Féinne agus Fhinn mhic Chumhaill,

Languidly and feebly she arose and held forth on the Fianna and on Finn mac Cumall;

ocus táin(ic sí) tar imrád Oscair mhic Oisín

agus tháinig sí thar iomrá Oscair mhic Oisín

of Ossian’s son Oscar too she deliberated,

ocus tar Mac Lugach, ocus tar chath (Gabra ocus aroile).

agus thar Mhac Lughach, agus thar chath Ghabhra agus araile,

of Mac Lugach, of the battle of Gowra
with other matters;

Ocus ro mhuidh tocht mór orro-sumh uime sin.

agus do mhaidhm tocht mór orthusan uime sin.

and by reason of this in the end a great silence settled on them all.

(Is ann sin ad)ubairt Cáilte: “ní doilghi linde anois

Is ansin a dúirt Caoilte: “Ní doilí linne sin anois

Then Caeilte said: “such matters we hold now to be not more painful

iná mar as éicin dúind in dá nónbar itamáit do deredh na muindtire móire maithi sin do scaradh ocus do scáiledh ó chéile.”

ná mar is éigean dúinn an dá naonúr atáimid de dheireadh na muintire móire maithe sin do scaradh agus do scaoileadh ó chéile.”

than the way in which the twice nine that we are of the remnant of that great and goodly fellowship must perforce part, and diverge from each other.”

Ro freacair Oisín sin: “dar mo bhréithir ámh,” ar sé, “ní fhuil indumsa níth ná nertt ina ndeaghaid sin.”

D’fhreagair Oisín sin: “Dar mo bhriathar, ámh,” ar sé, “níl ionamsa níth ná neart ina ndiaidh sin.”

Ossian answered that: “they being gone [lit. ‘after them’] in me by my word, and verily, is no more fight nor pith.”

Ocus gérsat calma na ferógláigh

Agus cé gur chalma na fearóglaigh,

Valiant as were these warrior-men,

ro cháisetar co dubach dobrónach domhenmnach maraon risin mban[fh]laith .i. re Cámha.

do chaíodar go dubhach dobrónach domheanmnach mar aon leis an mbanfhlaith, .i. le Cámha.

here nevertheless with the she-chief — with Camha — they wept in gloom, in sadness, and dejectedly.

Tucad a ndaoithin dighi ocus míre dhóibh,

Tugadh a ndóthain dí agus míre dóibh,

Their adequate allowance of meat and of drink was given them;

ocus ro bhátar teora lá ocus teora oidchi ann sin,

agus do bhíodar trí lá agus trí oíche ansin;

they tarried there for three days and three nights,

ocus do cheileabairset do Chámha iarsin,

agus do cheiliúradar do Chámha iar sin,

then bade Camha farewell,

ocus ro ráidh Oisín:

agus do ráigh Oisín:

and Ossian said:—

“Is toirrsech indíu Cámha

“Is tuirseach inniu Cámha:

“Camha to-day is sorrowful:

dorála i cind a snámha.

tharla i gcionn a snámha;

it has come to an end with her career;

Cámha gan mac is gan húa

Cámha gan mhac is gan ua:

Camha without either son or grandson:

dorála conadh senrúa.”

do tharla gonadh seanrua.”

it is befallen her to be an old lady.”

[Here Rawl. B. 487 adds eight quatrains.]

Is andsin táncatar rompu assan bhaile imach aran fhaithche bféraigh,

Is ansin thángadar rompu as an mbaile amach ar an bhfaiche bhféaraigh

Forth of the town they came now, and out upon the green;

ocus gníset comairle ann sin, ocus as í comhairle dorónad accu ann,

agus do rinneadar comhairle ansin, agus is í comhairle do rinneadh acu ann,

there they took a resolve, which was this:

scarad re chéile; ocus ba scaradh cuirp re hanmain a scarad.

scaradh le chéile; agus ba scaradh coirp le hanmain a scaradh;

to separate, and this parting of theirs was a sundering of soul and body.

Ocus dorínset amhlaid sin,

agus do rinneadar amhlaidh sin,

Even so they did:

uair dochuaidh Oisín co Sídh Ochta Cleitigh, bhail a raibhe a mháthair

óir do chuaigh Oisín go Sí Ochta Cleitigh, bail a raibh a mháthair,

for Ossian went to the Sídh of Ucht Cleitigh where was his mother:

.i. Bla inghen Déirc Dhianscothaig,

.i. Bláth iníon Dheirg Dhianscothaigh,

Blái daughter of Derc surnamed Dianscothach [i. e. ‘of the forcible language’];

ocus téit Cáilte roime co hIndber mBic Loingsigh a mBregaibh,

agus do chuaigh Caoilte roimhe go hInbhear mBig Loingsigh i mBreáibh,

while Caeilte took his way to Inbher Bic Loingsigh *in Bregia*,

risi-ráidter Mainistir Droichit Átha isin tan so

lena ráitear Mainistir Dhroichid Átha sa tan seo

which at the present is called Mainistir Droichid Átha [i. e. ‘the Monastery of Drogheda’]

.i. Bec Loingsech mac Airist itorchair ann

(.i. Beag Loingseach mac Airist do thorchair ann,

from Beg Loingsech son of Arist that was drowned in it:

.i. mac ríg Rómán táinic do ghabháil Eirenn

.i. mac rí Rómhán tháinig do ghabháil Éireann,

the king of the Romans’ son namely, who came to invade Ireland;

co rus-báidh tonn tuile ann hé

gur bháigh tonn tuile ann é),

but a tidal wave drowned him there in his inbher, i. e.  ‘inver’ or estuary.

— ocus do Lind Fheic ar Bóind bhánsrothaigh,

agus do Linn Fhéic ar Bhóinn bhánsruthaigh,

He went on to Linn Féic i. e. ‘Fiac’s Pool,’ on the bright-streaming Boyne;

ocus tar Sen-Breaghmaigh bhudhes,

agus thar shean-Bhreámhaigh ó dheas,

southwards over the Old Plain of Bregia,

ocus co Ráith Droma Deirc, áit ir-raibe Pátraic mac Alpraind.

agus go Ráith Droma Dheirg, áit a raibh Pádraig mac Chalprainn.

and to the Rath of Drumderg where Patrick son of Calpurn was.

Is ann sin do bhói Pátraic ac cantain na canóine coimdheta,

Is ansin a bhí Pádraigh ag cantain na canóine coimdheata

Just then Patrick chanted the Lord’s order of the canon [i. e. Mass],

ocus ic etarmholadh in Dúilemhun,

agus ag idirmholadh an Dúileamhan

and lauded the Creator,

ocus ic bendachadh na rátha a roibhe Find mac Cumaill

agus ag beannú na rátha a raibh Fionn mac Chumhaill,

and pronounced benediction on the rath in which Finn mac Cumall had been:

.i. Ráith Droma Deirc.

.i. Ráith Droma Dheirg;

the Rath of Drumderg.

Ocus atconncatar na cléirigh dá n-indsaighi iat-sum,

agus do chonacadar na cléirigh dá n-ionsaí iadsan

The clerics saw Caeilte and his band draw near them;

ocus ro ghabh gráin ocus egla iat roimh na feraibh móra cona conaibh móra leo,

agus do ghabh gráin agus eagla iad roimh na fearaibh móra, gona gconaibh móra leo,

and fear fell on them before the tall men with their huge wolfdogs that accompanied them,

uair nír’ lucht coimhré na comhaimsire dóibh iatt.

óir níor lucht comhré ná comhaimsire dóibh iad.

for they were not people of one epoch or of one time with the clergy.

Is and sin do éirigh in t-éo flaithemhnais ocus in t-uaithne airechais ocus in t-aingil talmaide .i. Pátraic mac Alprainn .i. apstal na n-Gaoidhel [nGaoidhil, Lism.],

Is ansin d’éirigh an t-eo flaithiúnais agus an t-uaithne oireachais agus an t-aingeal talmhaí, .i. Pádraig mac Chalprainn, .i. aspal na nGael,

Then the salmon of princeliness, that pillar of dignity and angel on earth: Calpurn’s son Patrick, apostle of the Gael, rose

ocus gabhus in t-esríat do chrothad uisci choisrictha ar na feraibh móra,

agus do ghabh an t-aisréad do chroitheadh uisce choiscricthe ar na fearaibh móra,

and took the aspergillum to sprinkle holy water on the great men;

uair ro bhúi míle léighionn do dheamhnaibh uas a ceannaibh conuic in lá sin,

óir do bhí míle léigiún de dheamhnaibh os a gceannaibh go nuige an lá sin;

floating over whom until that day there had been [and were now] a thousand legions of demons.

ocus dochuatar na demhna i cnocaibh ocus i scalpaibh ocus i n-imlibh na críche ocus ind orba uatha ar cach leath;

agus do chuadar na deamhna i gcnocaibh agus i scailpibh agus in imeallaibh na críche, agus i bhforba uathu ar gach leith;

Into the hills and ‘skalps,’ into the outer borders of the region and of the country, the demons forthwith departed in all directions;

ocus do shuidhedar na fir mhóra ina dheagaidh sin.

agus do shuíodar na fir mhóra ina dhiaidh sin.

after which the enormous men sat down.

“Maith a m’anum,” ar Pátraic ré Cáilte, “(cia) comainm thú, a ócláigh?” [In Lism. the words ré Cáilte follow ócláigh.]

“Maith, a m’anam,” arsa Pádraig le Caoilte, “cá comhainm thú, a óglaigh?”

“Good now,” Patrick said to Caeilte, “what name hast thou *, oh warrior*?”

“Cá(ilte) mac Crundchon mic (Rónáin) misi,” ar se,

“Caoilte mac Chrunnchon mhic Rónáin mise,” ar sé,

“.i. I am Caeilte son of Crunnchu son of Ronan.

[“.i. mac óglaigh do muinntir Fhinn meic Cumáill mhé.”— Fr. 2]

“.i. mac óglaigh de mhuintir Fhinn mhic Chumhaill mé.”

*I am a warrior of Finn mac Cumall’s people.*”

Ro bádar (na cléirigh) ac ingantus mhór acá féghadh re tréimhsi chian,

Do bhíodar na cléirigh ag iontas mór dá bhféachaint le tréimhse chian,

For a long while the clergy marvelled greatly as they gazed on them;

ocus ní roiched [roithed, Lism.] acht co tana a tháibh nó co formna a ghualand in bhfer ba mó dona cléirchibh don fhir dhibh sin

agus ní roichfeadh an fear ba mhó de na cléireachaibh ach go tana a thaoibh nó go formna a ghualann don fhear ba lú de mhuintir Chaoilte agus na cléirigh ina seasamh

for the largest man of them reached but to the waist, or else to the shoulder of any given one of the others

ocus iat ina súidhi.

agus iadsan ina suí.

and they sitting.

“Athchuinghidh dob áil liumsa d’iarraid ortt, a Cháilti,” ar Pátraic.

“Achainí do b’áil liomsa d’iarraidh ort, a Chaoilte,” arsa Pádraig.

Patrick said again: “Caeilte, I am fain to beg a boon of thee.”

“Dá rabh ocumsa do niurt nó do chumung sin do ghébthar,” ar Cáilte;

“Dá mbeadh agamsa de neart nó de chumhacht sin, go gheofar,” arsa Caoilte,

He answered: “If I have but that much strength or power, it shall be had;

“ocus abair cidh edh hí.”

“agus abair cad í.”

at all events, enunciate the same.”

“Topar fíruisci d’fhagbáil inar bfhocus annso,

“Tobar fíoruisce d’fháil inár bhfogas anseo

“To have in our vicinity here a well of pure water,

assa fhétfamáis tuatha Breagh ocus Midhi ocus Uisnigh do baistedh,” ar Pátraic.

as a bhféadfaimis tuatha Bhreá agus Mí agus Uisnigh do bhaisteadh,” arsa Pádraig.

from which we might baptise the tuatha of Bregia, of Meath, and of Usnach.”

“Atá ocumsa dhuitsi sin, a uasail ocus a fhíreoin!” ar Cáilte.

“Atá agamsa duitse sin, a uasail agus a fhíréin!” arsa Caoilte.

“Noble and righteous one,” said Caeilte, “that I have for thee!”

Ocus táncatar rompu tar cladh na rátha a(mach),

Agus thángadar rompu thár chladh na rátha amach

and they crossing the rath’s circumvallation came out;

ocus ro gab-sum lámh Pátraic ina láimh,

agus do ghabhsan lámh Phádraig ina láimh,

in his hand he took Patrick’s

ocus [ní deachadur acht náoi sbáis ón dorus amach antan — Fr. 3]

agus ní dheachadar ach naoi spáis ón doras amach an tan

and *they had only gone a distance of nine steps outside* 

itconncatar in lochtobar grinn glainidi ina fhiadhnaise,

do chonacadar an lochthobar grinn gloiní ina bhfianaise,

[in a little while] right in front of them they saw a bright well, sparkling and translucid.

ocus ba hadbal leo mét ocus reime in bhilair ocus ind fhochluchta ro bhói fair,

agus b’ábhal leo méid agus raimhre an bhiolair agus an fhochlachta do bhí air,

The size and thickness of the cress and of the fothlacht, or brooklime, that grew on it was a wonderment to them;

ocus do bhói ac tabairt a thesta ocus a thuarascbhála, ocus adubairt Cáilte in laoidh ann:

agus do bhí Caoilte ag tabhairt a theiste agus a thuarascála, agus adúirt an laoi ann:

then Caeilte began to tell its fame and qualities, in doing of which he said:—

“A thobuir Trágha dhá bhan

“A thobair Thrá dhá Bhan,

“O Well of Tráigh Dá Bhan, i. e. ‘two women’s strand,’

álaind do bhilar barrghlan.

álainn do bhiolar bharrghlan;

beautiful thy cresses luxurious-branching, are;

ó ro tréigedh do chnuas ort

ó do tréigeadh do chnuas ort

since thy produce is neglected on thee,

nír’ léiced fás dot fhochlocht,

níor ligeadh fás do d’fhochlacht.

thy fothlacht is not suffered to grow.

Do bric ód bruachaibh amach

Do bhric ó d’bhruachaibh amach,

Forth from thy banks thy trouts are to be seen,

do mhucca allta it fhásach,

do mhuca allta i d’fhásach;

thy wild swine in thy [neighbouring] wilderness;

doimh do chrega cháin sealga

daimh do chreaga, caoin sealga,

the deer of thy fair hunting cragland,

do láigh breacca broinddearga.

do laoigh bhreaca bhroinndearga.

thy dappled and red-chested fawns.

Do mhes ós bharraibh do chrand

Do mheas os barraibh do chrann,

Thy mast all hanging on the
branches of thy trees;

t’iasc a n-indberaibh th’abhann,

d’iasc in inbhearaibh d’abhann;

thy fish in estuaries of thy rivers;

álaind lí do ghas ngeghair [ngheghair, Lism.]

álainn lí do ghas ngeaghair,

lovely the colour of thy sprigs of cuckoopint,

a ghlas uaine fhoithremhail!

a ghlas uaine fhoithreamhail!

O thou [that thyself art] azure-hued, and again green with reflection of surrounding copsewood!

Is uait dochuadar in Fhiann

Is uait do chuadar an Fhiann,

*’Twas from thee that the Fianna left,

dar’ marbad Coinchend coimfhial,

dár maraíodh Coincheann comhfhial,

when Coinchenn the generous was killed,

dar’ cuiredh ár Féinde Find

dár cuireadh ár Fhéinne Fhinn

when the Fianna of Finn were massacred

isin mhadain ós Maolghlind.

insa mhaidin os maolghlinn.

in the morning over Maolglenn.

Uait dochuaidh Fathadh na fhledh

Uait do chuaigh Fathadh na bhfleádh,

’Twas from thee that Fathadh of the feasts went,

ba laoch do fhuilnged imned,

ba laoch d’fhulaingíodh imneá,

a warrior was he who endured suffering;

dá fhuair rath in talman toir

dá bhfuair rath an talún thoir,

he was buried in the east,

dar’ marbhadh i cath Chlároigh.

dár maraíodh i gcath Chláraigh.

after he was killed at the battle of Clárach.

Táinic ós cind in tobair [tobuir, Lism.]

Tháinig os cionn an tobair

There came above the spring,

Blaói ingen Deirc Dhianscothaigh

Bláth iníon Dheirg Dhianscothaigh;

Blaói the daughter of Derc Dianscothach,

gol ard con atha aicci

gol ard gona nath aici,

with weeping and wailing,

dar’ cuiredh cath confaiti.

dár cuireadh cath confaidhe.

after the furious battle had been fought.

A(r) marbadh chon ocus fer

Ar marú con agus fear,

When dogs and men had been slaughtered,

ar n-athchuma laoch láingheal

ar n-athchumadh laoch lángheal,

after bright warriors had been wounded,

co cuala glaodh Gharaidh ghlain

go gcuala glao Gharaidh ghlain

’twas then that Garadh’s clear cry was heard,

adhaigh re taobh in topair.”

oíche le taobh an tobair.”

beside the spring at night.*”

“Maith,” ar Pátraic, “in táinic ár próind ocus ár tomhaltus chucaind fós?”

“Maith,” arsa Pádraig, “ar tháinig ár bproinn agus ár dtomhaltas chughainn fós?”

“Tis well,” Patrick said: “hath our dinner and our provant reached us yet?”

“Táinic ón,” ar easpac Sechnall.

“Tháinig, ón,” arsa Easpag Seachnall.

“It has so,” answered bishop Sechnall.

“Roind ár próind,” ar Pátraic,

“Roinn ár bproinn,” arsa Pádraig,

“Distribute it,” said Patrick,

“ocus tabair a leth don naonmur óclách mhór út, d’iarsma na Féindi.”

“agus tabhair a leath don naonúr óglach mór úd d’iarsma na Féinne.”

“and one half give to yon nine tall
warriors of the survivors of the Fianna.”

Is ann sin ro éirghidar a espoic ocus a shaccairt ocus a salmchétlaidh, ocus ro choisricsat in biad,

Is ansin d’éiríodar a easpaig agus a shagairt agus a shalmcheadlaigh agus do choisriceadar an bia

Then his bishops, and his priests and his psalmodists arose and blessed the meat;

[ocus tucait a n-éna ocus a n-íbairlestair dá n-ionnsáighidh, — Fr. 3]

agus thugadar in iana agus in iúrleastair dá n-ionsaí,

*their drinking vessels and their containers made of yew-wood were brought to them*

ocus ro thó(mals)at a lórda(e)thain bídh ocus lenna,

agus do thomhaladar a leordhóthain bia agus leanna

and of both meat and liquor they consumed their full sufficiency,

amail ba les anma dóibh.

amhail ba leas anama dóibh.

yet so as to serve their soul’s weal.

Is ann sin adubairt Pátraic: “nár’ maith in tigerna icá rabhuirsi .i. Find mac Cumaill?”

Is ansin a dúirt Pádraig: “Nár mhaith an tiarna ag a rabhairse, .i. Fionn mac Chumhaill?”

Patrick said then: “was not he a good lord with whom ye were; Finn mac Cumall that is to say?”

Ocus ro ráid Cáilti in formolad bec so and sin:

Agus do ráigh Caoilte an formholadh beag seo ansin:

Upon which Caeilte uttered this little tribute of praise:—

“Dámadh ór in duille donn

“Dá mba ór an duille donn

“Were but the brown leaf

chuiris di in caill,

chuireas di an choill;

which the wood sheds from it gold

dámad airget in gheal tonn

dá mba airgead an ghealtonn,

— were but the white billow silver —

ro thidhluicfed Find.”

do thíolacfadh Finn.”

Finn would have given it all away.”

“Cia ro choimét sibhsi mar sin,” ar Pátraic, “in bar mbeathaidh?”

“Cad a choimhéad sibhse, mar sin,” arsa Pádraig, “in bhur mbeatha?”

“Who or what was it that maintained you so in your life?” Patrick enquired;

Ocus ro frecair Cáilte .i.

Agus d’fhreagair Caoilte, .i.:

and Caeilte answered:

“fírinde inár croidhedhaibh

“Fírinne inár gcroíthibh

“truth that was in our hearts,

ocus nertt inár lámhaibh,

agus neart inár lámhaibh

and strength in our arms,

ocus comall inár tengthaibh.”

agus comhall inár dteangaibh.”

and fulfilment in our tongues.”

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Ocus do bhátur annsin co táinic maden arnamárach,

Do bhíodar ann gur tháinig mochshoilse arna mhárach, ag idirmholadh an Dúileamhan.

There they were until the morrow’s morning came,

ocus gabais Pátraic a eirredh uime, ocus táinic ar in faithchi [faighthi, Lism.] amach,

D’éirigh Padraig ansin agus do ghabh a earra agus a éadach uime agus tháinig ar an bhfaiche bhféaruaine amach,

when Patrick robed himself and emerged upon the green;

ocus trí fichit sacart,

agus trí fichid sagart,

together with his three score priests,

trí fichit sailmchétlaid

trí fichid salmcheadlach

three score psalmodists,

ocus trí fichit naeimescub ’na fharrad

agus trí fichid naomheaspag ina fharradh,

and holy bishops three score as well,

ac silad creidmhe ocus crábaid sechnón Eirenn.

ag síolú creidimh agus crábhaidh seachnóin Éireann i ngach aird agus ag beannú go buansaothrach;

that with him disseminated faith and piety throughout Ireland.

Ocus doriachtadar a dhá aingel fhorcoiméta cum Pátraic ann sin .i. Aibelán ocus Solusbreathach,

agus rángadar a dhá aingeal coimhdeachta go Pádraig ansin, .i. Aoibheallán agus Solasbhreathach,

Patrick’s two guardian angels came to him now: Aibellán and Solusbrethach,

ocus fiafraighios dibh in budh móid le rígh nime ocus talman

agus d’fhiafraigh díobh ar mhóid le Rí neimhe agus talún

of whom he enquired whether it were the King of heaven *and earth*’s wish

beith dosom ag éisdecht re scéla na Féinne.

beith dósan ag éisteacht le scéalaibh na Féinne.

that it were convenient for him to be listening to stories of the Fianna.

Frecrait na haingil dosom co comnart cubaidh:

D’fhreagraíodar na haingil dósan go cóineart cuí:

With equal emphasis, and concordantly, the angels answered him:

“A anum, a naeimchléirigh,” ar siat, “ní mó iná trian a scél innisit na senlaeich út

“A anam, a naomhchléirigh,” ar siad, “ní mó ná trian a scéal insíd na seanlaoich úd,

“holy cleric, no more than a third part of their stories do those ancient warriors tell,

ar dáigh dermait ocus dichuimhne [orra — Fr. 7a].

ar dhóigh dearmaid agus díchuimhne;

by reason of forgetfulness and lack of memory;

Ocus scríbhthar [na scéla sin — Fr. 7a] letsa

agus scríobhtar na scéala sin leatsa

but by thee be it [such as it is] written

i támlorguibh filed ocus i mbriat[h]raibh ollaman,

i dtámhlorgaibh fileadh agus i mbriathaibh ollún,

on tablestaves of poets, and in ollaves’ words;

ór budh gairdiugudh do dronguibh ocus do degdáinibh deridh aimsire éisdecht frisna scéluib sin.”

óir budh gairdiú do dhrongaibh agus do dhea-dhaoinibh deiridh aimsire éisteacht leis na scéalaibh sin.”

for to the companies and nobles of the latter time to give ear to these stories will be for a pastime.”

Ocus do imt[h]igset na haingil [uada — Fr. 7a] iarsin.

Agus d’imíodar na haingil uaidh iar sin.

Which said, the angels departed *from him*.

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“Ocus is asso dochuamarne do chur chatha Finntrágha,

“Agus is as seo do chuamarna do chur chatha Fhionntrá;

“From this spot also it was that, as aforesaid, we marched to fight the battle of Ventry;

ocus atconncamar óclach do mhuinntir Fhinn d’ar n-innsaigid

agus do chonacamar óglach de mhuintir Fhinn dár n-ionsaí,

and [as we did so] we saw approach us [out of another quarter] a young man of Finn’s people:

.i. Cael cródha cédghuinech ua Nemnainn.

.i. Caol cróga céadghoineach ua Neamhnainn.

the valiant and hundred-slaying Cael ua Nemhnainn.

‘Can asa tánacuis, a Chaeil?’ ar Finn.

‘Can as a dtángais, a Chaoil?’ arsa Fionn.

‘Whence art thou come, Cael?’ asked Finn. 

‘Asin Brug braenach atuaid,’ ar Cael.

‘As an mBrugh braonach aduaidh,’ arsa Caol.

‘Out of the dewy Brugh to the northward.’

‘Cret do iarais?’ ar Finn.

‘Céard d’iarrais ann?’ arsa Fionn.

‘What sought’st thou there?’

‘D’acalluim Muirinde ingine Deirg mo muime féin.’

‘D’agallaimh Mhuirinne iníne Dheirg, .i. mo bhuime féin, do chuas ann,’ arsa Caol.

‘To have speech of Muirenn daughter of Derg, mine own nurse.’

‘Cidh a adhbhar sin?’ ar Finn.

‘Cad a ábhar sin?’ arsa Fionn.

‘What was the motive of that?’

‘Ar bhithin leannain tsídhe

‘Ar bhíthin leannáin sí

‘It was because of a fairy sweetheart

ocus ardnuachair ocus torad aislinge [tarfas dam.’

agus ardnuachair agus toraidh aislinge *a taibhsíodh dom.’

and of a splendid match propounded to me in a dream:

‘Adersa sin rit,’ ar Finn  — Fr. 12a]

 ‘Inseoidh mé duit faoi sin,’ arsa Fionn,*

*‘I will tell you about that,’ said Fionn,*

‘.i. Crédhe ingen Cairbri cnesbháin ingen rígh Ciarraigi Luachra.’

‘.i. Créidhe iníon Chairbre Chneasbháin, iníon rí Chiarraí Luachra.’

‘Créidhe, daughter of Cairbre surnamed ‘Whiteskin,’ king of Ciarraighe Luachra.’

‘In bhfedrais, a Chaeil,’ ar Finn, ‘conid hí sin bainmhealltóir ban Eirenn,

‘An bhfeadraís, a Chaoil,’ arsa Fionn, ‘gonadh í sin banmhealltóir bhan Éireann,

Finn said: ‘knowest thou, Cael, that of all Ireland’s women she is the arch-she-deceiver,

ór is terc sét maith a nEirinn

óir is tearc séad maith in Éirinn

few costly things there are *in Ireland*

nár’ bréc chum a dúnaid ocus a degháruis.’

nár bhréag chun a dúnaidh agus a dea-árais.’

but she has coaxed away to her own mansion and grand dwelling-place.’

‘Ocus in fidir tú ga comha iarus ar chách?’ ar Cael.

‘Agus an bhfeadair tú cá comha iarras ar chách?’ arsa Caol.

Cael said: ‘and knowest thou what the condition also is which she requires of all [that would woo her]?’

‘Do fhedar,’ ar Finn

‘D’fheadar,’ arsa Fionn,

‘I know it,’ Finn answered:

‘.i. gibé aga mbeth do dhán nó d’filidhecht

‘.i. cibé ag a mbeadh de dhán nó d’fhilíocht,

‘[she will entertain none but him], whosoe’er he be, that of art or poetic skill shall have sufficient

duan do dhénam dhi

duan do dhéanamh di

to make for her a duan

ocus tuarascbháil a cuach ocus a corn ocus a cupad ocus a hian

agus tuarascáil a cuach agus a corn agus a cupadh agus a hian

setting forth a full description of her cuachs, her horns, her cups, her ians

ocus a hairdleasdar ocus a righthech romhór.’

agus a hardleastar agus a rítheach rómhór.’

and all other her fine vessels, together with that of her various vast palaces.’

‘Atá urlumh acumsa

‘Atá ullamh agamsa,

‘All which I have in readiness:

arna tabairt damh ó Muirinn ingin Deirg, óm buime féin.’”

arna thabhairt dom ó Mhuirinn inín Dheirg, ó mo bhuime féin.’”

given to me by Derg’s daughter Muirenn, mine own nurse.’”

“Ocus do áilsedhmar in cath don uladh sin,

“Agus d’áilseamar an cath den dul sin

“Then for that time we renounced the battle,

ocus táncamar romuinn tar taebhuibh cnoc ocus carrac ocus tulach

agus thángamar romhainn thar thaobhaibh cnoc agus carrag agus tulach

and over the sides of hills, of rocks, of tulachs took our way

cu Loch Cuire i n-iarthur Eirenn.

go Loch Coire in iarthar Éireann;

until we came to Loch Cuire in the west of Ireland.

Ocus táncamar cu dorus in tsída,

agus thángamar go doras an tsí

We reached the door of the sídh,

ocus do chansam in dord fiansa re crannuibh ar sleg n-ur(ard) n-orchrai,

agus do chanamar an dord fiansa le crannaibh ár sleágh n-urard n-órchró;

and with the shafts of our long and gold-socketted spears there performed the dórd fiansa.

ocus do éirghedar ingena [míne — Fr. 12b] macdhachta (mongbuide) ar sceimhealborduibh grianán

agus d’éiríodar iníona *míne* macachta moingbhuí ar sceimhealbhordaibh grianán

Girls, *gentle,* yellow-haired, of marriageable age, shewed on the balconies of bowers

[ocus ar solustighib cláraigh — Fr. 12b].

*agus ar solustithe cláraigh*;

*and on bright wooden houses*;

Ocus táinic Crédhi dar n-acallaim, ocus .LLL. do mhnáibh uimpi,

agus tháinig Créidhe dár n-agallaimh iaramh agus trí caogaid de mhnáibh uimpi;

and Credhe, accompanied by three fifties of women, issued forth to speak with us.

ocus do raidh in flaithféinnid ria:

agus do ráigh an flaithfhéinní léi:

Said the Fian-chief to her:

‘Is dod thoga-sa ocus dod thochmharc[sa] tháncamarne,’ ar se.

‘Is do do thoghadhsa agus do do thochmharc thángamarna,’ ar sé.

‘to elect and to woo thee we are come.’

Fiarfaigis an ingen cia dhar’ áil a tochmharc.

D’fhiafraigh an iníon cé dárbh áil a tochmharc.

The lady enquired who it might be that sought to court her.

‘Do Cael [chroda] chetguinech ua Neamhnainn,

‘Do Chaol cróga céadghoineach ua Neamhnainn,

‘Cael it is, the valiant, the hundred-slayer, grandson of Nemhnann,

do mac rígh Laigen anair.’

do mhac rí Laighean anoir,’ arsa Fionn.

son of the king of Leinster in the east.’

‘Do chualamar a scéla,’ ar an ingen, ‘gen gu facamar é,

‘Do chualamar a scéala,’ arsa an iníon, ‘gion go bhfacamar é;

She said: ‘we have heard his report, albeit we never have seen him.

ocus in bhfuil aigi mo dhuan damsa?’

agus an bhfuil aige mo dhuan domsa?’

But has he my duan for me?’

‘Atá immorro,’ ar Cael;

‘Atá, iomorra,’ arsa Caol.

Cael answered: ‘I have so,’

‘Gabh dúinn an duan sin,’ arsa Fionn.

ocus do éirigh ocus do ghabh a dhuan:

Agus d’éirigh Caol iaramh agus do ghabh a dhuan:

then rose and sang his duan:—

‘Turus acam dia háine

‘Turas agam De hAoine

‘A journey I have in hand on a Friday

gé dech isam fíráighe [fíráidhe, Lism.]

(cé dtéim, is i m’fhíoraoidhe)

(if I go then am I a true guest)

co tech Créidhi, ni snímh suail

go teach Chréidhe (ní sníomh suaill)

to Credhe’s mansion (the effort is no trivial one)

re hucht in tsléibi anortúaid.

le hucht an tsléibhe anoirthuaidh.

against the mountain’s breast in the north-east.

Ata i cinnedh dhamh dhul ann

Atá i gcinneadh dom dul ann,

It is appointed for me to go thither:

gu Crédhi a Cíchaib Anann

go Créidhe i gCíochaibh Anann;

to Credhe, at the Paps of Anann;

co rabhar ann fo dhecraibh

go rabhad ann fá dheacraibh

and that there I must remain exposed to difficulties,

cetra lá ocus leithseachtmuin.

ceithre lá agus leathsheachtain.

for four days and half a week.

Aibinn in tech ina tá

Aoibhinn an teach in atá,

Pleasant is the house in which she is:

idir fhira is maca is mná,

idir fheara is mhaca is mhná;

what with men and boys and women,

idir dhruidh ocus aes ceoil

idir dhraoi agus aos ceoil,

with both magicians and minstrels,

idir dháiliumh is doirseoir.

idir dháileamh is dhoirseoir.

with both cup-bearer and door-keeper,

Idir gilla scuir nach sceinn

Idir ghiolla scoir nach scinn

with both horse-keeper that never shirked his duty

ocus ronnaire re roinn,

agus ronnaire le roinn;

and dispenser to distribute meat,

ata a comus sin uili

atá a gcumas sin uile

the command over all whom belongs

ag Créidhi fhind fholtbhuidhi.

ag Créidhe fhinn fholtbhuidhe.

to fair Credhe, the yellow-haired.

Budh áibinn damhsa ’na dún

Budh aoibhinn domsa ’na dún,

What with coverlet and what with down,

idir cholcaidh [cholcaigh, Lism.] ocus chlúmh,

idir chuilce agus chlúmh;

in her dún my lot will be a pleasant one;

mad áil do Crédhi ro clos

más áil do Chréidhe — do chlos —

[of old] it hath been heard that, should Credhe but will it,

budh aibinn damh mu thuros.

budh aoibhinn dom mo thuras.

my journey would be an auspicious one for me

[i. e. the conditions of a quest such as mine have long been matter of notoriety].

Sithal aice a sil sugh subh

Síothal aici a sil sú subh

A bowl she has whence juice of berries flows,

as dogníedh a blai dhubh,

as a ngníodh a braoi dubh;

with which she has been used to make her eyebrows black;

dabhcha glaine gairdheasca

dabhcha gloine gan deasca;

crystal vats of fermenting grains,

cupáin aici is caeimeascra.

cupáin aici is caomheascra.

cups she has and goblets exquisite.

A dath amar dhath an aeil

A dath amhail dath an aoil,

The colour of her dún is as that of lime;

coilcidh [coilcigh, Lism.] eturra ocus aein,

cuilce eatarthu agus aoin;

coverlets and rushes [for the beds] abound among them there;

sída etorra is brat gorm

síoda eatarthu ’s brat gorm,

silk is among them, and many a blue mantle;

dergór eturra is glanchorn.

deargór eatarthu ’s glanchorn.

among them are red gold and the polished drinking-horn.

A grianan ac Loch Cuire

A grianán ag Loch Coire

Her bower by Loch Cuire,

d’arcat ocus d’ór bhuidhe,

d’airgead agus d’ór buidhe;

of silver and of yellow gold:

tuighi druimnech gan dochma

tuighe dhroimneach gan dochma

its ridgy thatch is laid without defect,

d’eitibh donna is dergchorcra.

d’eitíbh donna ’s deargchorcra.

of ruddy birds’ wings, crimson-red.

Dá ursain uáinidhi adcí

Dhá ursain uaine do chím,

Two green-hued door-posts which thou seest

a comla ni dochraidh hí,

a comhla ní dochraid í;

— their door has no deformity;

aircet échta, cian ro clos

d’airgead eachta — cian do chlos —

pure silver (’tis of old renown)

in crand búi ’na fordoros.

an crann ’tá na fhardoras.

was the beam that furnished forth its lintel.

Catháir Chréidhi dot láim chlí

Cathaoir Chréidhe do d’ láimh chlí,

Credhe’s chair upon thy left [on entering]

ba suarca ’sa suarca hí,

ba shuairce ’s ba shuairce í;

was more and more delightful [the longer one surveyed it];

casair uirre d’ór Ealpa

easair aici d’ór Alpa

an overlay of Elpa’s gold it had,

fa chosuibh a caeimhleaptha.

fá chosaibh a caomhleapa.

and stood at her delicate bed’s foot.

Lebaidh luchair na line

Leaba luchair go gcaoine

A glittering bed laid out,

fuil os cinn na caithairi

tá os cionn na cathaoire;

that dominates the chair;

dorónad ac Tuile thair

do rinneadh ag Tuile thoir

that was made by Tuile in the east,

(d’ór) buidi is do lic lógmair.

d’ór buí is de líg lóghmhair.

of yellow gold and of precious stones.

(Lebaid eile) dod láim dheis

Leaba eile do d’ láimh dheis

Yet another bed, on thy right hand,

d’ór is d’aircet gan eisleis,

d’ór is d’airgead gan éisleis;

of gold and of silver wrought unerringly;

co pubaill co (mbricht mb)ugha

go bpuball go mbriocht mbutha,

with tent-like curtains with brightness of hyacinth

co caemslatuibh credhumha.

go gcaomhshlataibh cré-uamha.

and running upon slender copper rods.

An teghlach atá ’na tigh

An teaghlach atá ’na tigh,

The household that is in her house,

as dóibh as áibne ro chin,

is dóibh is aoibhne do chin;

to them it is that above all their lines are fallen in pleasant places;

nídat glasa slíma a mbruit

ní glasa slioma a mbrait

their mantles are neither pale nor smooth

[i. e. neither faded nor worn to a gloss],

at casa finna a forfhuilt.

is fada fionna a bhforfhoilt.

their redundant locks are curly and in colour fair.

Do choideldais fir ghona

Do chodlóidís fir ghona,

Wounded men losing heavy jets of blood

cona taescaibh tromfhola

gona dtaoscaibh tromfhola,

would fall asleep

re hénuibh sídhi ac sianán

le héanaibh sí ag sianán

to the fairy birds a-warbling

ós bhorduibh a glanghrianán.

os bordaibh a glanghrianán.

on her bower’s radiant eaves.

Madam buidech-sa don mhnái

Más buíoch mise den mhnaoi —

Should I have reason to be grateful to the woman,

do Chréidhi da ngairenn cái,

de Chréidhe dá ngaireann caí —

to Credhe for whom the cuckoo calls:

méraid ní bus lia a láidhi

mairfid níos sia a laoithe

her lays shall live on yet more numerous,

madh dá ndíla a commáine.

do mhaoímh a comaoine.

if she but requite the loving service done her [in composing this].

Mad áil le hingin Cairbre

Más áil le hinín Chairbre,

To Cairbre’s daughter if it pleasing be,

ní dam cuirfe ar choir cairdi,

ní chuirfidh mé ar cairde:

she will not reduce me to terms of postponement;

cu n-abra fein rim abhus

go n-abra féin liom abhus,

but may she rather say to me here now:

“is mu mhóir-chen dod thurus.”

“Is mo mhórchean do d’ thuras.”

“thy journey is most welcome to me.”

Céd traiged i tigh Créidhi

Céad troigheadh i dtigh Chréidhe

A hundred feet in Credhe’s house

ón chuirr gu roich a chéle,

ón gcoirr go roich a chéile;

there are from one angle till you reach another;

is fiche traiged tomhais

is fiche troigheadh tomhais

and twenty fully measured feet

a leithet a degdhorais.

i leithead a dea-dhorais.

in the width of her noble door.

A hudhnacht is a tuighi

A hudhnacht is a tuighe

Her roof with its thatch

d’eitibh én ngorm is mbuidhi,

d’eitíbh éan ngorm is mbuidhe;

of blue and yellow birds’ wings;

a hurscar thair ac tobar

a hurscar thoir ag tobar

her parapet in front at a well,

do ghlain is do carrmocal.

de ghloine ’s de charrmhogal.

of crystal and of carbuncle gems.

Cetra huaithne um gach leabaidh

Ceithre uaithne um gach leaba

Four posts round every bed there are,

d’ór is d’aircet coimecair,

d’ór is d’airgead comheagair;

of gold and of silver laid together cunningly;

gem glaine i cind gach uáitne

geam gloine i gcionn gach uaithne

in each post’s head a crystal gem:

nídat cenna anshuairce.

ní hiad na ceanna anshuairce.

they make heads not unpleasant [to behold].

Dabhuch ann do chruan fhlatha

Dabhach ann de chruan flatha

A vat is there, of a prince’s enamel,

a sileann sugh suarcbracha,

as a sil sú suaircbhracha;

out of which runs the juice of merry malt;

abhull ós cinn na daibche

abhaill os cionn na daibhche

over the vat stands an apple-tree,

co n-imat a tromthairthe.

go n-iomad gach tromthoirthe.

with the multitude of its heavy fruits.

In uair líntar corn Créidhi

An uair líontar corn Chréidhe

When Credhe’s horn is filled

do mhidh na dabhcha déne,

de mheá na daibhche déine,

with the vat’s potent mead,

tuitit isin corn co cert

titid insa chorn go ceart

at one time and with precision

na cethra hubla a n-aeinfhecht.

ceithre úlla in éineacht.

four apples fall down into the horn.

An cethrar út do háirmhedh

An ceathrar úd do áiríodh,

Yon four that are rehearsed above,

éirghit isin frithdhaileam,

éiríd insa fhriotháileamh;

they set about dispensing [of the mead]:

tabrat don ceathrar anunn

tugaid don cheathrar anonn

to four that sit there then they hand

deoch gach fhir ocus ubull.

deoch gach fir agus ubhall.

a drink apiece, likewise an apple.

In tí ’gá táit sin uili

An té ’g a bhfuil sin uile —

She that owns all these things,

idir tráigh ocus tuili

idir shéad agus dhuine —

both at low water and at flood [i. e. in their entirety]

ruc Créidhi a tulchaib tri mbenn

rug Créidhe a Tulchaibh trí mBeann

— Credhe to wit from the triple-pinnacled tulachs —

edh urchair do mnáibh Eireann.

ea urchair de mhnáibh Éireann.

hath by a spearcast’s length excelled all Ireland’s women.

Laidh sunn cuice ní crodh [crogh, Lism.] cas

Laoi sonn chuici (ní crodh cas,

Here’s at her with a lay — no bride-gift out of shape

ní gres luighthi co luathbras,

ní dreas luite go luathbhras),

— no epithalamium rashly and perfunctorily made,

co Créidhi cruthaig abhus

go Créidhe chruthaigh abhus —

here on the spot have at the lovely Credhe,

bhudh luchair lé mo thurus!’”

budh luchair léi mo thuras!’”

in whose eyes may mine have been a smiling journey!’”

“Is and sin rofhaietar in lánamain sin ar feis leaptha ocus láimhdheraighthi,

“Is ansin d’fhaíodar an lánúin sin ar fheis leapa agus lámhdhéaraithe;

“Then that couple were bedded *in cohabitation [lit. in a feast of bed and hand-strewing]*,

ocus do bátar ann re secht laithib

agus do bhíomar ann le seacht laethaibh

and there they [the Fianna] were for seven days:

ag ól ocus ag áibhnes

ag ól agus ag aoibhneas,

drinking and in all enjoyment,

gan esbaidh bhídh ná leanna ná lesaighthe oraind

gan easpa bia ná leanna ná leasaithe orainn,

without lack whether of meat, of liquor, or of any good thing whatsoever,

acht mad imnedh ele a(r Finn)

ach — imní eile ar mbreith ar Fhionn

were it not that one other care oppressed Finn:

.i. allmhuraigh do bheith ac Finntráigh.

.i. allúraigh do bheith ag Fionntrá;

the allmarachs’ presence at Ventry.

Ocus tuc an inghen eirredh dílius dingbhála (do gach) aen díb foleith,

agus thug an iníon earra dílis diongbhála do gach aon díobh fá leith,

Then the woman presented to each one of them individually a special and sufficient battle-dress,

ocus do timn(amar) ceilebhradh dá chéile.”

agus do thiomnaíomar ceiliúradh dá chéile.”

and we took leave of each other.”

“‘Ticeadh an inghen linn,’ ar Finn,

“‘Tagadh an iníon linn,’ arsa Fionn,

“‘Let the woman come with us,’ Finn said,

‘co bhfhinnum cia uainn da mbia maith nó saith don ndula so.’

‘go bhfionnam cé uainn dá mbeidh maith nó saith den dul seo.’

‘that we may learn to which of us either good or ill shall befal in this present business.’

Ocus rucastar an ingen drechta móra do chrudh lé

Agus rug an iníon dréachtaí móra de chrodh léi

The woman brought with her vast numbers of cattle

do frithailimh a n-aesa galair ocus othrais.

do fhriotháileamh a n-aosa galair agus othrais;

to supply their sick and wounded;

Ocus as í an ingen ros-biath d’as ocus d’fírleamhnacht iat céin ro bás ag cur in chatha.

agus is í an iníon do bhiathaigh d’as agus d’fhíorleamhnacht iad céin do bhíothas ag cur an chatha;

and she it was that so long as the battle was a-fighting fed them all with lacteal produce, with new milk.

Ocus is ina tigh do bhítís lucht icce ocus othrasa na Fénne,

agus is ina tigh do bhídís lucht íce agus othrasa na Féinne;

In her house too it was that the invalids and sick of the Fianna lay.

ocus mar do cinn an ingen ar mhnaibh na Fénne um thidhnacul sét ocus máine

agus mar do chinn an iníon ar mhnáibh na Féinne um thíolacadh séad agus maoine,

And even as in lavishing of jewels and of treasure the woman outdid the women of the Fianna,

ro chinnesdar [Cael .i.] a fer, a ngail ocus a ngaisciudh ar tri cathaib na Féinne isin cath sin,

do chinn Caol, .i. a fear, i ngail agus i ngaisce ar thrí cathaibh na Féinne sa chath sin;

so also in valour and in skill at arms her husband *Cael* in that battle outstripped the three battalions of the Fianna.

ocus fa bét in ní dorónad lá déidhinach [déighinach, Lism.] in chatha

agus ba bhéad an ní do rinneadh lá déanach an chatha,

Truly a calamity was that which on the last day of the battle was effected:

.i. a badadh Caeil,

.i. Caol do bhá iar líonadh an láin mhara thairis;

the drowning of Cael namely;

ocus do bhadar bethaduigh ele, ocus comhsaegal acu re Cael

agus do bhíodar beithígh eile agus comhshaol acu le Caol,

and other beings too there were, of the brute kind, which had a life of length equal to his

[ocus fuaradar bás da chumaid Chaeil],

agus fuaradar bás de chumha Chaoil;

[i. e. that perished *of grief for Cael* at the same time].

ocus tuc in tonn amuigh ’arna bhádud hé,

agus thug an tonn *amuigh* chun calaidh arna bhá é;

He being drowned then, the outside swell washed him in.

ocus doriacht an ingen ocus maithi na Fénne dá innsaigid,

agus ráinig an iníon agus maithe na Féinne dá ionsaí,

The women and the gentles of the Fianna came to seek him;

ocus do tocbhad leo é cusin tráigh ndeisceartaigh

agus do tógadh leo é gus an trá ndeisceartaigh

by them he was raised and carried to the southern strand

leth an[d]es d’Fhinntraig,

laisteas d’Fhionntrá

(to the southward of Ventry that is to say),

conadh Traigh Caeil ainm na trága ó sin ilé,

*gur Trá Chaoil ainm na trá ó shin i leith

so that Trágh Chaeil or ‘Cael’s Strand’ is that shore’s name ever since,

ocus Fert Caeil.”

agus Feart Chaoil.”*

and Fert Chaeil or ‘Cael’s Grave.’”

“Táinic an inghen ocus do shín re (a) thaeibh hí,

“Tháinig an iníon ansin *agus do shín* os cionn a caomhchéile

“The woman came and stretched her by his side;

ocus dorinne nualghubha ocus toirrsi mhór.

agus do rinne nuallghubha agus tuirse mhór.

she raised a clamorous weeping and greatly wailed:

‘Cidh dhamsa,’ ol sí, ‘gan bás d’faghail do chumaid mu chéle

‘Cad domsa,’ ar sí, ‘gan bás d’fháil de chumha mo chéile,

‘why should not I,’ she said, ‘die of grief for my mate,

intan atát na fiadmhila foluaimnecha ac fagháil bháis da chumhaid?’

an tan atáid na fiamhíola foluaineacha ag fail bháis dá chumha?’

when even the restless wild creatures die there of sorrowing after him?’

Ocus atbert Crédhe:

Agus adúirt Créidhe:

Then Credhe said:—

‘Geisid cuan

‘Géiseann cuan

‘The haven roars, and O the haven roars,

ós buindi rúad Rinn dá bharc,

os buinne rua Rinn dhá Bhárc;

over the rushing race of Rinn Dá Bharc;

bádhudh laeich Locha dhá chonn

báthadh laoich Locha dhá Chonn

the drowning of the warrior of Loch Dá Chonn,

is ed cháineas tonn re tracht.

is ea chaoineas tonn le trácht.

that is what the wave impinging on the strand laments.

Luinche corr

Loincheann corr

Melodious is the crane, and O melodious is the crane,

a seisceann Droma dá trén,

i seisceann Dhroma dhá Thréan;

in the marshlands of Druim Dá Thrén;

sisi ní aincenn a bí

sise, ní ainceann a bí —

’tis she that may not save her brood alive [lit. ‘that saves not her live ones’]:

coinfhiadh dá lí ar tí a hén.

coinfhia dhá lí ar tí a héan.

the wild dog of two colours [i. e. the fox] is intent upon her nestlings.

Truagh an fháidh

Trua an fhaí

A woful note, and O a woful note,

doní in smolach a nDruim cháin

do ghní an smólach i nDroim Caoin;

is that which the thrush in Drumqueen emits;

ocus ní nemhthruaighe in seol

agus ní neamhthrua an scol

but not more cheerful is the wail

doní in lon a Leitir laeigh.

do ghní an lon i Leitir Laoigh.

that the blackbird makes in Letterlee.

Truagh an tseis

Trua an tséis

A woful sound, and O a woful sound,

doní in damh a nDruim dhá leis,

do ghní damh Dhroma dhá Léis;

is that the deer utters in Drumdaleish;

marbh eilit Droma Sileann

marbh eilit Dhroma Síleann —

dead lies the doe of Druim Silenn,

geisidh damh dilenn dá héis.

géiseann damh díleann dá héis.

the mighty stag bells after her.

Ba saeth lim

Ba shaoth liom

Sore suffering to me, and O suffering sore,

bás in laeich do luiged lim

bás an laoich do luíodh liom;

is the hero’s death — his death that used to lie with me;

(mac na) mná a Doire dhá dhos

mac na mná a Doire dhá Dhos

that the son of her out of Doire Dá Dhos

a bheith (is c)ros fa a chinn.

a bheith is cros os a chionn.

should be now with a truss beneath his head.

(Saeth lim) Cael

Saoth liom Caol

Sore suffering to me is Cael, and O Cael is a suffering sore,

do beith a richt mairbh rem thaebh,

do beith i riocht mairbh le m’ thaobh,

that by my side he is in dead man’s form;

tond do thoct tar a thaebh geal

tonn do theacht thar a thaobh ngeal:

that the wave should have swept over his white body —

is ed rommer, mét a aebh.

’s ea do mhearaigh mé a aobh.

that is what hath distracted me, so great was his delightfulness.

Truag in gháir

Trua an gháir

A dismal roar, and O a dismal roar,

doní tonn trachta re tráigh,

do ghní tonn tráchta le trá;

is that the shore’s surf makes upon the strand;

ó do bháidh fer seghdha saer

ó do bháigh fear séaghdha saor,

seeing that the same hath drowned the comely noble man,

saeth leam Cael do dul ’na dáil.

saoth liom Caol do dhul ’na dáil.

to me it is an affliction that ever Cael sought to encounter it.

Truagh in fuaimm

Trua an fhuaim

A woful booming, and O a boom of woe,

doní in tonn risin tracht tuaidh

do ghní an tonn leis an trácht thuaidh,

is that which the wave makes upon the northward beach;

ag cennghail um carraic cháin

ag ceangal um charraig chaoin,

butting as it does against the polished rock,

ag cáineadh Chaeil ó dochuaidh.

ag caoineadh Chaoil ó do chuaigh.

lamenting for Cael now that he is gone.

Truagh in treas

Trua an treas

A woful fight, and O a fight of woe,

doní in tonn risin tracht teas,

do ghní an tonn leis an trácht theas;

is that the wave wages with the southern shore;

misi dodechaid mu ré

mise, do dheachaigh mo ré:

as for me, my span is determined;

mesaidi mu ghné ro fes.

measaide mo ghné, do fheas.

that my appearance [i. e. beauty] is impaired by this is noted.

Caince corr

Caoince chorr

A woful melody, and O a melody of woe,

doní tonn trom Tulcha leis,

do ní tonn throm Thulcha Léis;

is that which the heavy surge of Tullachleish emits;

misi nocha nfhuil mu mháin

mise, nochan fhuil mo mhaoin

as for me: since the tale which it (the wave) roared has broken me,

ó rom-maidh an scél romgéis.

ó do mhaidhm an scéal do ghéis.

for me prosperity exists no more.

Marbh an ghéis:

dubhach a leathéan dá héis;

mór do ghní de mheanmain dom

an doghra do ghabh den ghéis.

O do baidhed mac Crimthain

Ó do bádh Caol mac Chriomhthainn,

Since now Crimthann’s son is drowned,

nocha nfhuil mh’inmhain da éis,

nochan fhuil m’ionúin dá éis;

one that I may love after him there is not in being;

is mór triath do thuit le a laimh

is mór triath do thit dá láimh;

many a chief is fallen by his hand,

a sciath a ló gáidh nir’ gheis.’”

a sciath i ló gá níor ghéis.’”

and on a day of danger his shield never roared.’”

“Ocus do shin an ingen re taebh Chaeil

“Agus do shín an iníon le taobh Chaoil

“Then the young woman stretched herself out by Cael’s side

ocus fuair bás da chumhaid,

agus fuair bás dá chumha;

and, for grief that he was gone, died.

ocus do hadlaiced iat araen a n-aeinfhert ann sin,

agus do adhlacadh iad araon in aonfheart ansin.

In the one grave they both were buried there;

ocus as misi fein,” ar Cáilte, “ro tócuibh in lia fil ós a lighi:

Agus is mise féin,” arsa Caoilte, “do thóg an lia atá os a luí,

and I myself it was that raised the stone which is over the resting-place,

conidh ‘Fert Caeil ocus Créidhe’ aderar ris.”

gonadh ‘Feart Chaoil agus Chréidhe’ a deirtear leis.”

and hence is called ‘the tomb of Cael
and of Credhe.’”

“Adrae buaid ocus bennacht, a Cháilti!” a Pátraic,

“Beir bua agus beannacht, a Chaoilte!” arsa Pádraig.

“Success and benediction, Caeilte!” Patrick said:

“as maith in scél do innisis.

“Is maith an scéal d’insís.

“’tis a good story thou hast told;

Ocus caidhi Brocan scríbnid?”

Agus caidhe Brógán scríobhaí?”

and where is scribe Brogan?”

“Sunna,” ar Brocan.

“Sonn,” arsa Brógán.

“Here am I.”

“Scríbtar lat gachar’ chan Cáilte.”

“Scríobhtar leat gach ar chan Caoilte,” arsa an naomh-chléireach.

“By thee be written down all that Caeilte hath uttered.”

Ocus do scríbadh.

Agus do scríobhadh.

And written down it was.

Is ansin tuc Ilbreac a láim secha suas,

Is ansin thug Ilbhreac a lámh seacha suas

Hereupon Ilbhrec reached up his hand

ocus tucastar gái [nemnech — Fr. 27b] áith uillindglas da haidhlinn,

agus thug ga nimhneach áith uillinnghlas dá haidhlinn

and from its rack took down a sharp blue-angled javelin *of deadly property*,

ocus tuc a láim Cáilti hí.

agus thug i láimh Chaoilte í:

which he put into Caeilte’s hand, saying:

“Decha lat, a anum, a Cháilti, cia in tsleg sin,

“Féach leat, a anam, a Chaoilte, cén tsleá sin

“Caeilte, my soul, examine now what spear is that,

ocus cia d’fhiannaib Eirenn ica raibhi.”

agus cé d’Fhiannaibh Éireann ag a raibh.”

and which of the Fianna *of Ireland* he was that owned it.”

Ro benastar Cáilte a foirtcedh ocus a hincasnaidi don tsleig,

Do bhain Caoilte a foirtcheadh agus a hinchosnaí den tsleá,

Caeilte took from the javelin its shoe and its wraps,

ocus do bátar tricha semann d’ór thíre Araibe ar a (chró.

agus do bhíodar tríocha seam d’ór thíre Araibe ar a cró.

and there in its socket were thirty rivets of Arabian gold. 

“Aithnimsi so,” bar Cáilte):

“Aithnímse seo,” arsa Caoilte.

*“I recognise this,” said Caeilte.*

“sleg Fiachach meic Congha,

“Sleá Fhiachach mhic Chongha;

“That is the spear of Fiacha mac Congha

(ocus is ón tsleigh-si) do ghabh Find mac Cumuill ríghi Fíann Eirenn [ocus Alban — Fr. 27b] artús,

agus is ón tsleá seo do ghabh Fionn mac Chumhaill ríghe Fhiann Éireann agus Alban ar dtús,

.  .  .  by means of which it was that at the first Finn son of Cumall acquired chief command of Ireland’s *and of Scotland’s* Fianna;

ocus a sídh fhéruaine Fhinnachaid tugad í,

agus a Sí féaruaine Fionnachaidh tugadh í;

and out of Finnachadh’s green-grassed sídh ’twas brought.

ocus Aillén mac Midhna do Thuathaib dé Danann

agus Oilleán mac Mhíona de Thuathaibh Dé Danann

For it was Aillén mac Midhna of the Tuatha Dé Danann

do tigedh ó Charn Fhinnachaid atuaid co Teamraig,

do thagadh ó Charn Fionnachaidh aduaidh go Teamhraigh,

that out of Sídh Finnachaidh to the northward used to come to Tara:

ocus is amlaid ticedh, ocus timpan ciuil ’na láimh,

agus is amhlaidh thagadh, agus tiompán ceoil ina láimh,

the manner of his coming being with a musical timpán in his hand,

ocus do codlad gach nech atcluinedh hé,

agus do chodlaíodh gach neach do chluineadh é,

the which whenever any heard he would at once sleep.

ocus do chuiredh ainn-sein cairche teined as a bheol,

agus do chuireadh ansin cairche tine as a bhéal;

Then, all being lulled thus, out of his mouth Aillen would emit a blast of fire.

ocus ticedh co Temhraig i líthlaithi na samhna gacha bliadhna,

agus thagadh go Teamhraigh i líthló na Samhna gach bliain

It was on the solemn samhain-day he came *to Tara* in every year,

ocus do seinnedh a thimpan,

agus do sheinneadh a thiompán,

played his timpan,

ocus do chodladais cách risin ceol sídhi doníth,

agus do chodlaídís cách leis an gceol sí do níodh;

and to the fairy music that he made all hands would fall asleep.

ocus do shéidedh a anáil fon cairche teined,

agus do shéideadh a anáil fán gcairche tine

With his breath he used to blow up the flame

ocus no loiscedh Temhair cona turrscar gacha bliadna amlaid sin fri ré trí mbliadan fichet.

agus do loisceadh Teamhair gona turscar gach bliain amhlaidh sin le ré trí bliana fichead;

and so, during a three-and-twenty years’ spell, yearly burnt up Tara with all her gear.

Ocus ba sí sin aimser a tucad cath Cnucha,

agus ba í sin aimsir a tugadh cath Chnucha,

That was the period when the battle of Cnucha was fought,

ocus do thuit Cumull mac Trénmhóir and,

agus do thit Cumhall mac Thréanmhóir ann

in which fell Cumall son of Trenmor.

ocus do fhácaibh ben torrach da éis

agus d’fhág bean torrach dá éis,

Now he left after him a pregnant wife:

.i. Muirne Munchaemh ingen Taidg meic Nuadat.”

.i. Muirne Mhuinchaomh iníon Thaidhg mhic Nuadhat.”

Muirenn smooth-hair, daughter of Teigue mac Nuadat.”

“Ar ndíth Chumhaill

“Ar ndíth Chumhaill,

“Cumall being gone

tugad ríghfhéinnidhecht Eirenn do Gholl mórglonnach mac Morna,

tugadh rífhéinníocht Éireann do Gholl mórghlonnach mac Mhorna,

the Fian-chiefry was made over to Goll mac Morna *of the mighty deeds*,

ocus do bí deich mbliadna aigi.

agus do bhí deich mbliana aige.

who held it for ten years.

Rucad iarum mac do Chumhall .i. Finn,

Rugadh iaramh mac do Chumhall, .i. Fionn,

But a son had in due course been born to Cumall, which was Finn;

ocus do bhí ar foghuil ocus ar díbhfheirg cu cenn a dheich mbliadan.

agus do bhí ar foghail agus ar díbheirg go ceann a dheich mbliana;

and up to the age of ten years he was [perforce] a marauder and an outlaw.

Ocus dorónad feis na Temra isin dechmad bliadain le Conn Cétchathach,

agus do rinneadh feis na Teamhrach sa deichiú bliain le Conn Céadchathach;

In this his tenth year Tara’s Feast was made by the king: Conn Cédchathach or ‘of the hundred battles’;

ocus amail ro bátar fir Eirenn ag ól ocus ag áibhnes i Tigh mor Midchuarda

agus amhail do bhíodar fir Éireann ag ól agus ag aoibhneas i dTigh mór Meáchuarta,

and as all Ireland drank and enjoyed themselves in the great House of the Midchuart,

nír’ rathaigset ní nogu riacd in maccamh óg ildealbach cucu,

níor rathaíodar ní nó gur ráinig an macaomh óg ildealbhach chucu,

they never noticed anything until among them appeared there [lit. ‘until there arrived to them’] one that was quite a stripling, and of varied aspect

[a cind a deich mbliadna — Fr. 27b],

*agus é ina deichiú bliain,*

*and in his tenth year*.

ocus ro shuidestar a bhfhiadnaise Cuind Chétchathaig, ocus Ghuill meic Morna,

agus do shuigh i bhfianaise Choinn Chéadchathaigh agus Ghoill mhic Mhorna,

In presence of Conn of the Battles and of Goll mac Morna he sat down,

cu maithib Fian Eirenn uime isin tig,

go maithibh Fhiann Éireann uime, sa tigh;

having Ireland’s nobles round about him in the house.

ocus ba do bhuadaibh feisi na Temra

agus ba de bhuaibh fheise na Teamhrach

Note that one of the prerogatives attaching to the Feast of Tara was

na lamadh nech fala ná frithfala do thabairt

nach leomhadh neach fala ná frithfhala do thabhairt

fri ré caeicdigis ar mhís airet bíte ag ól — nó do chaithim — feisi na Temra.

le ré coicíse ar mhí oiread bhítí ag ól nó do chaitheamh fheise na Teamhrach.

that for the space of six weeks [lit. ‘a fortnight plus a month’] — so long that is to say as men were busied with the Feast of Tara —

none might dare to broach either feud or cross-feud.

Ro dhech rí Eirenn in macamh,

D’fhéach rí Éireann an macaomh,

The king of Ireland looked at the youth;

doigh nir’ aithnidh dho hé ná do nech eli da raibhi isin bruidin [bruigin, Lism.].”

dóigh níobh aithnid dó é ná do neach eile dá raibh sa bhruín.

for whether to him or to any other that was in the bruidhen the same was unknown.

“Is ann sin do riacht a chorn dála gu righ Eirenn,

“Is ansin ráinig a chorn dála do rí Éireann,

“His horn of state was brought to the king *of Ireland* then,

ocus tuc a láimh in macaeimh é.

agus thug i láimh an mhacaoimh é.

and he put it into the lad’s hand.

[As ann sin adubairt rí Érenn: ‘Taíi, a fhiru Érenn!’

Is ansin adúirt rí Éireann: ‘Taígí, a fheara Éireann!’

*Then the king of Ireland said: ‘Silence, men of Ireland!’

ocus ro táietar ríghrad co tái tostadach fria guth in uasail ocus in ardrigh .i. Cuind — Fr. 27b].

Agus do thaíodar ríora go taoi tostach le guth an uasail agus an ardrí, .i. Choinn;

And then the nobles stayed mute and silent for the voice of the nobleman and the high-king, i. e. Conn.*

Ocus do fiarfaig iarsin cuich in macaemh?

agus d’fhiafraigh iar sin cé an macaomh.

He enquired of him *then*: ‘whose boy is this?’

‘As misi Finn mac Cumaill,’ ar an  macaem,

‘Is mise Fionn mac Chumhaill,’ arsa an macaomh,

‘I am Finn mac Cumall,

‘mac don óclach oca mbái rígi na Fénne annallana,

‘mac don óglach ag a raibh ríghe na Féinne anallód,

son to the warrior that formerly had the Fianna’s command in chief

ocus tánac do dhénum mu mhuinnterais ritsa, a rí Eirenn.’

agus thánag do dhéanamh mo mhuintearais leatsa, a rí Éireann.’

and, king of Ireland, I am come to procure my friendship with thee [i. e. to be reconciled with thee and to enter thy service].’

‘Mac carut ocus fir grádha thu, a mhacaeim’, (ar Conn).

‘Mac carad agus fir ghrádha thú, a mhachaoimh,’ arsa Conn.

Conn said: ‘boy, thou art a friend’s son and son of a man of trust.’

Ocus do éirigh in macaem

Agus d’éirigh an macaomh

Then the lad rose

ocus dorinne a cora(igecht ocus a mhuinteras fri) rígh Eirenn,

agus do rinne a choraíocht agus a mhuintearas le rí Éireann,

and as towards the king of Ireland made pact of service and of fealty.

ocus gabus Conn ar lethláim hé,

agus do ghabh Conn ar leathláimh é,

Conn took him by one hand,

ocus tic ar gualainn Airt meic Cuinn,

agus tháinig ar ghualainn Airt mhic Choinn

placed him at the shoulder of [i. e. next to] Art mac Conn,

ocus do gabsat ag ól ocus ag áibnes re hedh is re hathaid.”

agus do ghabhadar ag ól agus ag aoibhneas le hea is le hatha.”

and for a space and season they devoted themselves to quaff and to enjoy themselves.

“Is ann sin adracht rí Eirenn re beinn mbláthcháin mbuabhaill do bhí ’na láim, ocus adubairt:

“Is ansin d’éirigh rí Éireann le binn mbláthchaoin mbuabhaill do bhí ina láimh, agus adúirt:

“Then with a smooth and polished drinking-horn that was in his hand the king of Ireland stood up and said:

‘Da bhfhaghainn aguibh, a fhira Eirenn,

‘Dá bhfaighinn agaibh, a fheara Éireann,

‘if, men of Ireland, I might find with you [i. e. among you]

nech do choimétfaidh Temair gu tráth éirghi do ló amárach

neach do choimeádfadh Teamhair go tráth éirithe de ló amárach

one that until the point of rising day upon the morrow should preserve Tara

gan a loscad d’Aillén mac Midhna

gan a loscadh d’Oilleán mac Mhíona,

that she be not burnt by Aillen mac Midhna,

dobhérainn a dhúthchus do, gémad beg, gémad mór hé.’

do bhéarfainn a dhúchas dó, cémadh beag cémadh mór é.’

his rightful heritage (were the same much or were it little) I would bestow on him.’

Do éistetar immorro fir Eirenn co tái tostadhach rissin,

D’éisteadar, iomorra, fir Éireann go taoi tostach leis sin,

To this the men of Erin listened mute and silent however,

óir níor shoirbh le haon díobh ab eolach ar Oilleán an t-imchoimhéad sin do ghabháil lena ais,

for they knew that

uair no choidelduis mná co n-idhnaib ocus laeich letairthe

óir do chodlóidís mná go h-iodhnaibh agus laoich leadartha

risin ceol sírrechtach sídhi

leis an gceol síreachtach sí

at the ever-entrancing fairy strain

ocus risin ngadan [leg. gothán] nglésta nguithbinn

agus leis an nguthán ngléasta nguthbhinn

and at the subtle sweet-voiced notes

do chanad in fer soinemail sídhi no loiscedh Temair gacha bliadna.”

do chanadh an fear sainiúil sí do loisceadh Teamhair gach bliain.”

produced by the wondrous elfin man that yearly used to burn Tara,

women in the pangs and warriors gashed about would fall to sleep.”

“Is ann sin do eirig Finn ocus adubairt re rígh Eirenn:

“Is ansin d’éirigh Fionn, agus adúirt le rí Éireann:

“Finn rose now and to the king of Ireland said:

‘Créd bus cuir ocus bus tennta damsa tar do cheann im a chomhall sin?’

‘Céard bhus coir agus bhus teannta domsa thar do cheann um a chomhall sin?’

‘who will in thy behalf go security and be sureties to me for the fulfilment of this?’

‘Cóicedaig Eirenn,’ ar Conn,

‘Cúigigh Éireann,’ arsa Conn,

Conn answered: ‘the provincial kings of Ireland,

‘ocus Cithruadh [mac Fir cóecat — Fr. 28a] cona dráithib.’

‘agus Cithrua mac Fhir Chaogad gona dhraoithibh.’

and Cithruadh *son of Fear Chaogad* with his magicians.’

Ocus tugaid uili isin coraighecht [coraidecht, Lism.],

Agus thugadar uile sa choraíocht,

They all of them enter into the bond,

ocus gabus Finn do láim

agus do ghabh Fionn de láimh

and Finn takes in hand

Temair cona turrscar do coimét gu trath éirghi arnamhárach.

Teamhair gona turscar do choimhéad go tráth éirithe arna mhárach;

to safeguard until the morrow’s daybreak Tara with all her substance.

Ocus do bhí óclach grádha do Chumhall a comhuidecht rígh Eirenn

agus do bhí óglach grádha do Chumhall mac Thréanmhóir an tan sin i gcoimhdeacht rí Éireann,

Now in the king of Ireland’s retinue was one that to Finn’s father Cumall had been a young man of trust:

.i. Fiacha mac Conga.”

.i. Fiacha mac Chongha.”

Fiacha mac Congha,”

“‘Maith a mhacaeim,’ ar Fiacha:

“‘Maith, a mhacaoimh,’ arsa Fiacha,

“and: ‘good now, my lad,’ he said,  

‘cá luaighidhecht dobértha damsa

‘cá luaíocht do bhéarfá domsa

da fagainn sleg neimhnech [áith uillendglas — Fr. 28a] duit,

dá bhfaighinn sleá nimhneach áith uillinnghlas duit,

‘suppose that I furnished thee a certain *sharp blue-angled* spear of deadly property,

ocus nír’ dibraicedh urchar n-imraill dhi?’

agus níor diúracadh urchar iomraill riamh di?

and with which no devious cast was ever made,

what guerdon wouldst thou give me?’

‘Gá luagh chuingi oram?’ ar Finn.

‘Cá luach achainír orm?’ arsa Fionn.

‘What fee demandest thou of me?’

‘Gid beg mór do rath ghéba do lámh dheas [a trian] damsa

‘Cé beag mór de rath ghabhfaidh do lámh dheas, a thrian domsa,

“Whatsoever prosperous result thy right hand wins at any time, one-third of it to be mine;

ocus trian do chocair ocus do chomairli.’

agus trian do chogair agus do chomhairle.’

a third part moreover of thine innermost confidence and privy counsel [i. e. of thy three most privy counsellors I to be one].’

‘Raghaidh dhuit,’ ar Finn,

‘Rachaidh duit,’ arsa Fionn,

‘It shall pass for thee [i. e. thou shalt have it],’ Finn said,

ocus do naidm air fo a bréithir.

agus do shnaidhm air fána bhriathar.

and under his word took on him the obligation.

As ann do ráidh Fiacha: ‘Mar atcluinfe in ceol [sirrechtach — Fr. 28a] síde

Is ann do ráigh Fiacha: ‘Mar do chluinfir an ceol síreachtach sí

Then Fiacha prescribed: ‘whenever thou shalt hear the *ever-entrancing* fairy melody:

ocus an timpan téitbhinn ocus an fedán fogurbinn,

agus an tiompán téadbhinn agus an feadán fogharbhinn,

sweet-stringed timpan and dulcet-breathing tube,

ben a cumhdach do chenn na cráisighi,

bain a chumhdach de cheann na craoisí

from the javelin’s head strip its casing

ocus tabuir redt édan nó re ball eli dot ballaib,

agus tabhair le d’éadan nó le ball eile de do bhallaibh,

and apply the weapon whether to thy forehead or to some other of thy parts;

ocus ni léicfe gráin na sleigi neme codlad fort.’”

agus ní ligfidh gráin na sleá nimhe codladh ort.’”

so shall the point of the spear forbid that sleep fall on thee.’”

“Is ann sin do éirig Find i fiadhnaisi fher nEirenn do choimét Temrach,

“Is ansin d’éirigh Fionn i bhfianaise bhfear nÉireann do choimhéad Teamhrach,

“Then in presence of all Ireland Finn rose to ward Tara;

ocus tuc Fiacha mac Congha sciath ocus sleg dhó

agus thug Fiacha mac Chongha sciath agus sleá dó

gan fhis do mhacuibh Morna ná do neoch eli dá raibe a tigh Themra,

gan fhios do mhacaibh Mhorna ná do neach eile dá raibh i dtigh Teamhrach,

unknown to the sons of Morna or to any other that was in Tara’s mansion

*Fiacha* mac Congha gave him shield and spear,

ocus taínic roime mar sin i timcheall na Temra,

agus tháinig roimhe mar sin i dtimpeall na Teamhrach;

and he made the complete circuit of Tara.

ocus nír’ chian dó gu cuala in ceol sirrechtach,

agus níor chian dó gur chuala an ceol síreachtach,

He was not long before he heard an ever-entrancing strain,

ocus tuc slinn na sleigi ocus a forgraín re a édan,

agus thug slinn na sleá agus a forghráin lena éadan;

and to his forehead he held the flat of the spear-head and its point.

ocus gabhaidh Aillén ac seinm a thimpain

agus do ghabh Oilleán ag seinm a thiompáin

Aillen began and played his timpan

nogur’ chuir cách ’na codlad mar do chleacht,

nó gur chuir cách ina gcodladh mar do chleacht;

till (as his use was) he had lulled every one else to sleep,

ocus léicidh iarsin a chairce teined asa bheol do loscad na Temhrach,

agus do lig iar sin a chairche tine as a bhéal do loscadh na Teamhrach;

and then to consume Tara emitted from his mouth his blast of fire.

[ocus do condaicc Find sin, — Fr. 28a]

agus do chonaic Fionn sin,

*And Finn observed that.*

ocus chuireas Find in brat corcra corrtharach búi ime a n-agaidh in cairce,

agus do chuir Fionn an brat corcra cortharach do bhí uime in aghaidh an chairche,

But to this Finn opposed the crimson and fringed mantle which he wore,

ocus tuitit anuas asin aier,

agus do thit anuas as an aer,

so that [instead of speeding horizontally on its mission] the flame fell down [perpendicularly] through the air,

co ruc cairche in brat ceithirfhillti sé láma fichet a talmain.

gur rug an cairche an brat ceathairfhillte sé lámha fichead i dtalúin;

carrying with it the fourfold mantle a twenty-six spans’ depth into the earth;

Conadh Ard na teinedh ainm in aird,

gonadh Ard na Tine ainm an aird

whereby Ard na Teinedh or ‘fire hill’ is the name of that eminence,

ocus conidh Glenn an brait ainm an ghleanna.”

agus gonadh Gleann an Bhrait ainm an ghleanna.”

and Glenn an Bhruit or ‘the mantle glen’ that of the glen adjacent.”

“Mar do rathaigh Aillén mac Midhna a dráidhecht do mhilled uime,

“Mar do rathaigh Oilleán mac Mhíona a dhraíocht do mhilleadh uime,

“When Aillen mac Midhna was aware that his magical contrivance was all baffled,

tainic tar a ais d’innsaigid Sídha Findachaid ocus gu mullach Sléibi Fuait.

tháinig ar a ais d’ionsaí Shí Fionnachaidh agus go mullach Shléibhe Fuaid;

he returned to Sídh Finnachaidh on the summit of Sliabh Fuaid.

Ocus leanus Find hé co Carn Finnachaid,

agus do lean Fionn é go Carn Fionnachaidh,

Thither Finn followed him

ocus mar do bhí Aillén ac dul tar dorus in tsídha anunn

agus mar do bhí Oilleán ag dul thar dhoras an tsí anonn,

tuc Find mér a suaineamh na sleigi,

thug Fionn méar i suaineamh na sleá

and, putting his finger into the spear’s thong

as Aillen passed in at the sídh’s door,

ocus tuc urchar ádhmhar urmaisnech,

agus thug urchar ámhar urmhaiseach,

delivered a fortunate and
successful throw

co tarla a mullach a droma a n-Aillén,

go dtarla i mullach a dhroma in Oilleán,

that entered Aillen in the upper part of his back,

gur’ chuir a chraidhi ’na lia dubhfhola tar a bhél.

gur chuir a chroí ina lia dúfhola thar a bhéal;

and in form of a great flood of black blood drove his heart out through his mouth.

Ocus ros-díchenn Find hé,

agus do dhícheann Fionn é

Finn beheaded him,

ocus tuc in cenn for cúla co Temraig,

agus thug an ceann ar gcúla go Teamhraigh

carried the head back to Tara,

ocus do chuir ar cuailli bhadhbhdha,

agus do chuir ar chuaille badhbha,

fixed it upon a warlike stake,

ocus do bhí ann co héirgi gréine

agus do bhí ann go héirí gréine

and there it remained until rising of the sun aloft

ós airdibh ocus ós innberaibh an talman.”

os airdibh agus os inbhearaibh an talún.”

over the heights and invers of the land.”

“Táinic iarum a máthair co hAillén,

“Tháinig iaramh a mháthair go hOilleán,

“To Aillen then his mother came

ocus tuc treas ar thoirrsi,

agus thug dreas ar thuirse,

and, after giving way to great grief,

ocus do chuaidh d’iarraid leagha dhó.

agus do chuaigh d’iarraidh leá dó.”

went to seek a leech for him:—

Agus adúirt Caoilte:

‘Toir-che a bainnliaigh Amharrtha

“‘Toirche, a bhanlia amhra,

‘Come hither, O she-leech of Amartha,

do gaet Aillén mac Midhna

goineadh Oilleán mac Mhíona

by Fiacha mac Congha’s spear

do shleigh Fiacha meic Conga

de shleá Fhiacha mhic Chongha,

— by the fatal mantle and by the pointed javelin —

don brat bodh[b]dha, don birgha!

den bhrat badhbha, den bhiorgha!

Aillen mac Midhna is slain!

Uchán adrochair Aillén!

Ochón! Do thorchair Oilleán!

Ochone, Aillen is fallen!

táncatar a tri tonna,

Thángadar a thrí tonna:

three jets have spurted from him:

atá sunn fuil a chraidhi

atá sonn fuil a chroidhe

here is his heart’s blood,

maraen is smir a dhroma.

mar aon is smior a dhroma.

together with the marrow of his back.

Uchan adrochair Aillén

Ochón! Do thorchair Oilleán,

Ochone, Aillen is fallen,

sídhaidi Benne Boirche,

síogaí Bhinne Boirche;

fairy chief of Benn Boirche:

anois tairnic a mhaill-néill

anois thairnig a mhallnéil;

now are the numbing death mists come upon him

a Boirche a bainnliaigh toir-che.

a Boirche, a bhanlia, toirche.

— out of (Benn) Boirche, O she-leech, come hither.

Uch ba suairc

Och! Ba shuairc

Ochone but he was joyous, and ochone but he was blithe,

Aillén mac Midhna a sléib Fuait,

Oilleán mac Mhíona a Sléibh Fuaid,

was Aillen son of Midhna of Sliabh Fuaid,

cuma nái ro loisc Temair

go mba naoi do loisc Teamhair —

nine times he burnt up Tara,

ar gach n-ardblaid ba hí a chuairt.’”

ar gach ardbhlaidh ba í a chuairt.’”

and to gain high fame was his constant endeavour.’”

“Is and sin do éirghetar fir Eirenn uili um a rígh

“Is ansin d’éiríodar fir Éireann uile um a rí

“Then with their king all Ireland came

ar faithchi [faighthe, Lism.] na Temhrach airm a mbúi Find.

ar fhaiche na Teamhrach, airm a raibh Fionn.

upon Tara’s green where Finn was,

‘Atchí sin, a rí’, ar Find, ‘cenn an fir do loisced Temair,

‘Do chír sin, a rí,’ arsa Fionn, ‘ceann an fhir do loisceadh Teamhair,

and he said: ‘King, thou seest that man’s head that used to burn Tara;

ocus a fheadán ocus a thimpan ocus a chairchi ciuil,

agus a fheadán agus a thiompán agus a chairche ceoil,

his pipe also, his timpan and all his music;

ocus dar leam ro saeradh Temair cona turrscar.’”

agus dar liom do shaoras Teamhair gona turscar.’

I opine therefore that Tara with all her stuff is saved.’”

‘Is deimhin go ndearnais!’ arsa cách i gcoitinne.

“Is and sin do línadh láthair leo,

“Is ansin do líonadh láthair leo

“Hereupon the place of assembly was filled by them,

ocus do cruthaigedh comhairli,

agus do cruthaíodh comhairle,

and a course of action proposed;

ocus as í comairle do crichnaiged acu,

agus is í comhairle do críochnaíodh acu,

the plan finally adopted being

ríghfhéinnidhecht Eirenn do tabairt d’Find.

rífhéinníocht Éireann do thabhairt d’Fhionn.

to confer Ireland’s Fian-command-in-chief on Finn.

‘Maith, a anam, a Ghuill mheic Morna,’ ar Conn Cétchathach,

‘Maith, a anam, a Ghoill mhic Mhorna,’ arsa Conn Céadchathach,

‘Good now, my soul, Goll mac Morna,’ said Conn of the Hundred Battles,

‘(do ro)gha duit, Eire d’fhacbáil

‘do rogha duit: Éire d’fhágáil

‘what is thy choice: whether to quit Ireland,

nó do lámh do thabairt i láim Find.’

nó do lámh do thabhairt i láimh Fhinn.’

or to lay thy hand in Finn’s.’

‘(Dar mu b)réithir,’ ar Goll, ‘as í mu lámh dobér i láim Find.’”

‘Dar mo bhriathar,’ arsa Goll, ‘is í mo lámh do bhéarfad i láimh Fhinn!’”

Goll made answer: ‘I pledge my word that ’tis my hand I will lay in Finn’s [rather than take the alternative].’”