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Rí fírén forglide fírbrethach

Rí fíréanta iontaofa fíorbhreitheach

A righteous king, a maintainer of truth and a giver of just judgments,

ro gabastair flaithes ocus forlámas for clannaib rathmara Rudraige

a ghabh flaitheas agus forlámhas ar chlanna rafara Rudhraighe:                   

that had dominion over the happy Clanna Rudhraidhe or ‘children of Rury’:

.i. Fergus mac Léite mhic Rudraige

.i. Fergus mac Léite mhic Rudhraighe.

Fergus son of Léide son of Rury;

is iad fa churaid ocus ba chathmhílid aige

Is iad ba churaidh agus ba chathmhílí aige:

and these are they that were his heroes and men of war:

.i. Eirgenn ocus Aimirgin iurtunach

Eirgeann agus Aimhirghin an creachadóir,

Eirgenn, Amergen Iurthunnach or ‘the ravager,’

ocus Conna buide mac Iliach ocus Dubán mac Luigdech.

agus Conna buí mac Iliach, agus Dubhán mac Luighdeach.

Conna Buie son of Iliach, and Dubthach son of Lughaid.

Dorónad fled mór lasin ríg sin [in] nemain Macha

Rinneadh fleadh mhór leis an rí sin in Eamhain Macha,

By that king a great feast was made in Emania,

gur bo hullam inchaithme

gur ba hullamh le hithe í,

and it was ready, fit to be consumed,

ocus gur bo solum solesaigte í.

agus gur ba sholamh sólásaithe í.

all set in order and well furnished forth;

is í sin uair ocus aimsir

Is í sin uair agus aimsir

that very season and hour being the same also at which

dorigned fled ac ríg thuaithe luchra ocus lupracánach

a rinneadh fleadh ag rí tuaithe Luchra agus Luprachánach

the king of the Lupra and Lupracán held a banquet:

.i. Iubd[án] mac Abdáin.

.i. Iubhdán mac Abhdáin.

whose name was Iubhdán son of Abhdaein.

ba hiat so anmanna na cathmíled bátar ag Iubdán

Ba hiad seo ainmneacha na gcathmhílí a bhí ag Iubhdán:

These are the names of the men of war that were Iubhdan’s:

.i. Conán mac Ruichid ocus Gerrchú mac Gairid

Conán mac Ruichid, agus Gearrchú mac Gairid,

Conan son of Ruiched, Gerrchu son of Gairid,

ocus Rigbec mac Róbic ocus Luiccín mac Luiccid

agus Ríbheag mac Róbhig, agus Luighín mac Luighedh,

and Righbeg son of Robeg; Luigin son of Luiged,

ocus Glúnán mac Gabairn ocus Febal mac Feoirnín

agus Glúnán mac Gabhairn, *agus Feabhal mac Feoirnín,

Glunan son of Gabarn, Febal son of Feornin,

ocus Cinnbec mac Gnumáin ocus Brigbec mac Buain

agus Ceannbheag mac Gnumháin,* agus Bríbheag mac Buain,

and Cinnbeg son of Gnuman; together with Buan’s son Brigbeg,

ocus Bran mac Luain ocus Mether mac Mintáin.

agus Bran mac Luain, agus Meithear mac Miontáin.

Liran son of Luan, and Mether son of Mintan.

Tucad trénfer tuaithe luchra ocus lupracán chucu

Tugadh tréanfhear tuaithe Luchra agus Lupracán chucu

To them was brought the strong man of the region of the Lupra and Lupracan,

.i. Glómhar mac Glaiss mic Glomraide

.i. Glómhar mac Glais mhic Glomhraidhe.

* Glomhar son of Glomradh’s son Glas,*

ocus fa hí trénferdacht dogníodh

Agus ba hí tréanfhearúlacht a ghníomhaíodh sé:

whose prize feat that he used to

perform was

in fothannán do trascairt d’óenbuille

an feochadán a threascairt d’aonbhuille,

the hewing down of a thistle at a single stroke;

ocus do bíodh feidm in dá fer déc acasan

agus bhíodh feidhm an dá fhear déag acusan

whereas it was a twelve men’s effort of the rest of them

ag trascairt in fir sin.

ag treascairt an fhir sin.           

to give him singly a wrestling-fall.

tucad tánaiste in ríg chucu

Tugadh tánaiste an rí chucu

To them was brought the king’s presumptive successor:

.i. Bec mac Bic

.i. Beag mac Big.

Beg that was son of Beg;

ocus tuccad ollam in ríg ocus a fer dána

Agus tugadh ollamh an rí agus a fhear dána,

the king’s poet and man of art likewise:

.i. Eisirt mac Bic mic Buaidgeine

Eisirt mac Big mhic Buaidhgheine,

Esirt son of Beg son of Buaidghen,

ocus maithe thuaithe luchra ocus lupra ar chena.

agus maithe thuaithe Luchra agus Lupra leis.

with the other notables of the land of the Lupra and Lupracan.

Do cóirged in tech nóla sin aco

Cóiríodh an teach óil sin acu

By these now that banquet-house was ordered

ar dánaib ocus ar dligtenas.

ar dhána agus ar dhliteanas.

according to qualities and to precedence:

tuccad Iubdán ar slios in tige nóla

Tugadh Iubhdán ar shlios an tí óil

at one side Iubhdan was placed,

[ocus a] bainchéile ar a ghualainn .i. Bébó ocus a ollam ar in gualainn aile do

agus a bhean chéile ar a ghualainn .i. Bé Bhó, agus a ollamh ar an ngualainn eile.

having next to him on either hand Bébhó his wife, and his chief poet;

ocus tucad Bec mac Bicc ar in slios ríg araill ar agaid Iubdáin

Agus tugadh Beag mac Big ar an slios eile ar aghaidh Iubhdáin

at the other side of the hall and facing Iubhdan sat Beg son of Beg,

ocus maithe na táisech uime

agus maithe na dtaoiseach uime.

with the notables and chiefs;

tucad trénfer in ríg

Tugadh tréanfhear an rí,

the king’s strong man too:

.i. Glómar mac Glais mic Glomraide

Glómhar mac Glais mhic Glomhraidhe,

Glomhar son of Glomradh’s son Glas,

i nursainn in tige.

go hursain an tí.

stood beside the doorpost of the house.

ro benad a gcinnbecca dá ndabchaib iar sin

Baineadh a spiogóidí dá ndabhcha iar sin,

Now were the spigots drawn from the vats,

ocus is amlaid ro bátar na dabcha sin ocus siad donna ar lí dergiubair.

agus is amhlaidh a bhí na dabhcha sin agus iad donn ar lí deargiúir.

the colour of those vats being a dusky red after the tint of red yew.

ro éirgedar dáilemain re dáil ocus rannairi re roinn acu

D’éirigh na dáiliúna le dáileadh agus rannairí le roinnt,

Their carvers stood up to carve for them and their cup-bearers to pour; 

ocus ro dáiled lionn sen suain somblasta for na sluagaib

agus dáileadh leann sean suain sobhlasta ar na sluaite,

and old ale, sleep-compelling, delicious, was served out to the throng

so that on one side as on the other of the hall

comtar mescta medharchain iat

go mba meiscthe meidhirchaoin iad

they were elevated and made huge noise of mirth.

[leth] ar leth.

ar gach leith.

Is ann sin ro éirig a náirdrí ocus a cenn comairle .i. Iubdán leisin corn mbrec

Is ansin a d’éirigh a n-ardrí agus a gceann comhairle Iubhdáin leis an gcorn breac.

At last Iubhdan, that was their king and the head of all their counsel, having in his hand the corn breac or ‘variegated horn’ stood up;

éirgis Bec mac [B]ic do’n tslios ríg i nagaid Iubdáin dá onórugud

D’éirigh Beag mac Big don tslios rí, in aghaidh Iubhdáin dá onórú,

on the other hand, over against Iubhdan and to do him honour, stood up Beg son of Beg.

ocus ro ba sochomráid Iubdán:

agus ba shochomhráití Iubhdán:

Then the king, by this time affably inclining to converse, enquired of them saying:

“in facabair riam ríg bud ferr iná mise?”

“An bhfaca sibh riamh rí ba fearr ná mise?”

“have ye ever seen a king that was better than myself?”

“ní facamar” ar siat.

“Ní fhacamar,” ar siad.

and they answered: “we have not.”

“in facabair riam [tré]nfer bud ferr iná mo trénfer?”

“An bhfaca sibh riamh tréanfhear ba fearr ná mo thréanfhear?

“Have ye ever seen a strong man better than my strong man?”

“ní facamar” ar siat.

“Ní fhacamar,” ar siad.

“We have not.”

 “in facabair riam curad ná cathmílid bud ferr iná a fuil [sin] tigse inocht?”

“An bhfaca sibh riamh curadh ná cathmhíle ba fearr ná a bhfuil sa teach seo anocht?”

“Horses or men of battle have ye ever seen better than they which to-night are in this house?”

“dar ár mbréithir” ar siat “ní fhacamar.”

“Dar ár mbriathar,” ar siad, “ní fhacamar.”

“By our words,” they made answer, “we never have.”

“do[beirim] dom bréithir ris” ar Iubdán

“Tugaim dom bhriathar leis,” ar Iubhdán,

“I too,” Iubhdan went on, “wage my word

“co mbud doilig braigde [ná br]aite do breith ar éicin as in tigse innocht

“go mba dheacair braighdeán ná brathadóir a
bhreith ar éigin as an teach seo anocht

that it were a hard task forcibly to take out of this house to-night either captives or hostages:

ar febus a churad ocus a chathmíled

ar fheabhas a churadh agus a chathmhílí,

so surpassing are its heroes and men of battle,

ar imat a tech ocus a trénfer 

ar iomad a theach agus a thréanfhear,

so many its lusty companions and men of might,

ocus le himat a rígdamnad merborb

merláidir midhachda.”

agus le hiomad a rídhamhnaí mearbhorba mearláidre calma.”

so great the number of its fierce and haughty ones that are stuff out of which kings might fittingly be made.”

All which when he had heard,

ro tibestair Eisirt .i. ollam in ríg a gháire

Thibh Eisirt, ollamh an rí, a gháire

the king’s chief poet Esirt burst out a-laughing;

acá chlos sin

á chlos sin.

fiafraigis Iubdán de:

D’fhiafraigh Iubhdán de:

whereupon Iubhdan asked:

“cad fá ndernais in gáire sin a Eisirt?” ar sé.

“Cén fáth a ndearna tú an gháire sin, a Eisirt?”

“Esirt, what moved thee to that laugh?”

 “is aithnid dam” ar in tollam “énchúiged d’ Eirinn

“Is aithnid dom,” ar an t-ollamh, “aonchúige d’Éirinn,

Said the poet: “I wot of a province that is in Ireland,

ocus dobérad énfer díob géill ocus braigde

agus bhéaradh aonfhear díobh gialla agus braighdeáin

and one man of them would lift hostages and captives

ó na ceithre cathaib atáise do thuathaib luchra.”

ó na ceithre chatha do thuatha Luachra.”

from all four battalions that here ye muster of the Luchra.”

“gabtar lib in tollam” ar Iubdán

“Gabhtar libh an t-ollamh,” ar Iubhdán,

“Lay the poet by the heels,” cried the king,

“co ndígailter a mórbriathra fair”

“go n-imrítear díoltas a mhórbhriathra air.”

“that vengeance be taken of him for his bragging speech.”

ocus dorónad amlaid.

Agus rinneadh amhlaidh.

So it was done;

“bud olcc duitse in gabáil sin a Iubdáin” ar Eisirt

“Ba olc duitse an ghabháil sin, a Iubhdáin,” ar Eisirt,

but Esirt said: “Iubhdan, this thy seizure of me will bear thee evil fruit;

for in requital of the arrest

“ár biairse féin cúig bliadna i láim i nemain Macha

“óir beirse féin cúig bliana i láimh in Eamhain Macha

thou shalt thyself be for five years captive in Emania,

i níc na gabála

in íoc na gabhála,

ocus ní tiucfair as

agus ní thiocfaidh tú

whence thou shalt not escape

nó co fácbair rogha do shét ocus do maoined

nó go bhfágfaidh tú rogha do sheod agus do mhaoine.

without leaving behind thee the rarest thing of all thy wealth and treasures. 

ocus is ar son na gabála sin tuitfios Cobtach cas mac ríg Muman

Agus is ar son na gabhála sin a thitfidh Cobhthach Cas, mac rí Mumhan,

By reason of this seizure Cobthach Cas also, son of Munster’s king, shall fall,

ocus Eochaid mac Néid mac ríg Laigen

agus Eochaidh mac Néid, mac rí Laighean.

and the king of Leinster’s son Eochaid *son of Neid*;

ocus rachadsa féin co tech Ferguis mic Léite

Rachaidh mise féin go teach Fearghusa mhic Léite

whilst I myself must go to the house of Fergus son of Leide

ocus bet san chorn ar eocharsnám ocus is bec nach báidfiter mé ann”

agus beidh mé sa chorn ar eochairsnámh, agus is beag nach mbáfar mé ann.”

and in his goblet be set a-floating till I be all but drowned.”

ocus atb[ert]:—

Agus dúirt (sé):

Which said he indited:—

“Fled mór inocht i nEmain

“Fleadh mhór anocht in Eamhain

“A great feast there is to-night in Emania,

olc do mnáib í olc d’feraib;

olc do mhná í olc d’fhir,

but a feast evil to women, and to men an evil one:

gé atáit slóig co subach de

cé go bhfuil na sluaite súgach de,

jovial as be the crowds that now enjoy it,

bud brónach [d]ubach doirche

ba brónach dubhach dorcha.

the end will be melancholy dismal gloom . . .”

Rachadsa co hEmain de

Rachadsa go hEamhain de,

co tech Ferguis mic Léite;

go teach Fearghusa mhic Léide,

in tráth bias cách ac in ól

an tráth bheas cách ag an ól

bet san chorn ar eocharsnóm

bead sa chorn ar eochairsnóm.

Is trít thuitfios Cobthach cas

Is tríd thiteas Cobhthach Cas,

mac ríg Muman móramnas;

mac rí Mumhan móramhnas,

is Eochaid mac Néid connim

is Eochaidh mac Néid coinneamh,

gid é as áirdríg ar Laignib

gid é is airdrí ar Laighin.

Beirse bliadain it chimid

Beirse bliain id’ chime,

cot choimét ac gairbgillib;

go do choimeád ag gairbhghillibh,

tré gabáil Eisirt iar sin

trí ghabháil Eisirt iar sin

tré bithin na fleide sin”

trí bhíthin na fleidhe sin.”

“Olc in gabáil sin dorinnis ormsa a airdríg” ar Eisirt

“Olc an ghabháil sin a rinne tú ormsa, a airdrí,” ar Eisirt,

“An evil arrest is this thou hast made of me, O king,” Esirt went on:

“ocus tabair cáirde trí lá ocus trí naidche damsa

“agus tabhair cairde trí lá agus trí oíche domsa

“but grant me now a three-days’ and three-nights’ respite

co ndechainn co hemain Macha co tech Ferguis mic Léite

go ndeachainn go hEamhain Macha, go teach Fearghusa mhic Léide,

that I may travel to Emania and to the house of Leide’s son Fergus,

ocus dá fagar comartha suaichnid

agus dá bhfaighinn comhartha suaithní

to the end that if there I find some evident token

ar a tiubartháise aithne co fuil in fírinne acom co tucar lem é

ar a dtabharfása aithne go bhfuil an fhírinne agam, go dtugtar liom é.

by which thou shalt recognise truth to be in me I may bring the same hither;

ocus muna tucar dénaidse in ní bus áil lib rim.”

Agus muna dtugtar, déan an ní ab áil libh liom.”

or if not, then do to me that thou wilt.”

is ann sin ro scáiled d’Eisirt ocus ro éirig

Is ansin a scaoileadh d’Eisirt. Agus d’éirigh sé

Then Esirt, his bonds being loosed, rose

ocus ro gabastair léine do maethsról mínétrocht ré a gheilcnes

agus ghabh sé air léine do mhaothshról míngeal lena ghealchneas,

and next to his white skin put on a smooth and glossy shirt of delicate silk. 

ocus inar finnchlechtach forórda tairsi sin imuig inechtur

agus ionar gealfhillte for-ór thairis sin,

Over that he donned his gold-broidered tunic

ocus brat corcra corrtharach imálainn lebarboc

agus brat corcra cortharach iomálainn leabharbhog

and his scarlet cloak, all fringed and beautiful, in soft folds flowing:

do chorcair tíre na finn

de chorchair tíre na bhFinn,

the scarlet being of the land of the Finn,

cona ciumais do bánór brioc

gona ciumhais do bhánór breactha.

and the fringe of pale gold in varied pattern.

ocus a dá bróic áille fhinndruine co forniamad óir itir a troigtib ocus talam

Agus a dhá bhróg áille fiondruine go forniamhadh óir idir a throithe agus talamh.

Betwixt his feet and the earth he set his two dainty shoes of the white bronze, overlaid with ornament of gold.

ocus a fhlesc fhileta fhinndruine ocus a chochallbrat sróill

Agus a fhleasc fhileata fhiondruine. Agus a chochallbhrat sróil.

After assumption of his white bronze poet’s wand and his silken hood

ocus tánic reime i nathgairit gacha sliged ocus gacha heoluis

Agus tháinig sé roimhe, in aicearra gach slí agus gach eolas,

he set out, choosing the shortest way and the straightest course,

ocus ní haitrister a imtecht co ránic co hemain Macha

agus ní aithrisítear a imeacht go ráinigh sé go hEamhain Macha.

nor are we told how he fared until he came to Emania

ocus ro chroith a fhlesc fhileta fhiled i ndorus in baile

Chroith a fhleasc fhileata fhile i ndoras an bhaile.

and at the gate of the place shook his poet’s rod.

ocus do chuala in dóirseoir in fuaim sin ocus tánic imach

Chuala a doirseoir an fhuaim sin agus tháinig sé amach.

The gate-keeper when at the sound he was come forth 

 ocus do chonnairc in fer bec beoda bithálainn

Chonaic an fear beag beoga bithálainn,

beheld there a tiny man, extraordinary comely and of a most gallant carriage,

ocus do roiched fér séta slím glas na faitche

agus shroichfeadh féar seang glas na faiche

in respect of whom the close-cropped grass of the green was so long

co a glún ocus co remar a sliasta do.

go a ghlúin agus go ramhar a sliasaide.

that it reached to his knee, aye, and to the thick of his thigh.

ocus ro gab ingnad in dóirseoir acá faicsin

Ghabh ionadh an doirseoir á fheiceáil.

At sight of him wonder fell upon the gate-keeper;

ocus do chuaid in dóirseoir istech

Chuaigh isteach

and he entered into the house,

 ocus ro innis d’Fergus ocus do’n tsluag

agus d’inis sé d’Fhearghus agus don slua,

where to Fergus and to the company he declared the matter.

ocus issed adeirdís: “in luga é iná Aedh?”

agus is é a déarfaidís: “An lú é [Eisirt] ná Aodh?”

All enquired whether he [Esirt] were less than Aedh:

ollam Ulad in tAedh sin ocus abac é

Ollamh Uladh an tAedh sin, agus abhac é,

this Aedh being Ulster’s poet, and a dwarf

ocus do bíodh ar basaib na fer mór.

agus a bhíodh ar bhosa na bhfear mór.

that could stand on full-sized men’s hands;

“dar mo bréithir” ar in dóirseoir “do thuillfed sé ar bois Aedha.”

“Dár mo bhriathar,” ar an doirseoir, “thuillfeadh sé ar bhos Aodha.”

but the gate-keeper said: “upon Aedh’s palm he, by my word, would have room enough.”

ocus rucsat in sluag breisim i naenfecht dá féchain

Rug an slua scairteadh gáire in éineacht dá fhéachaint

Hereupon the guests with pealing laughter desired to see him:

ár ba fata le gach naen aca co faiced é

óir ba fhada le gach aon acu go bhfaiceadh é,

each one deeming the time to be all too long till he should view Esirt

ocus arna faicsin co labrad ris.

agus arna fheiceáil, go labhradh leis.

and, after seeing him, speak with him.

dorigned cumus da gach leith de d’feraib ocus do mnáib.

Rinneadh deimhin de go mbeadh teacht ag idir fhir agus mhná air de gach leith.

Then upon all sides both men and women had free access to him,

atbert Eisirt:

Dúirt Eisirt:

but Esirt cried:

“a daeine móra” ar sé “ná lenaidh bar nanála coirpte coimgerra dún.

“A dhaoine mhóra,” ar sé, “ná leanaigí bhur n-anála coirpe bréana chomh gar dom,

“huge men that ye are, let not your infected breaths so closely play upon me,

acht léicid in fer beg út as luga agaib chucum

ach ligigí an fear beag is lú agaibh chugam,

but suffer yon small man that is the least of you to approach me;

ocus cid beg acaibse é do bud mór san crích ina mbímse.”

agus cé beag agaibhse é, ba mór sa chríoch ina mbímse.”

who, little though he be among you, would yet in the land where I dwell be accounted of great stature.”

ocus ruc Aedh éiges ar a bais leis sin tech mór é.

Agus rug Aodh éigeas ar a bhos leis sa teach mór é.

Into the great house therefore, and he standing upon his palm, the poet Aedh bore him off.

ro fiarfaig Fergus sc[él]a de cuich é féin.

D’fhiafraigh Fearghus scéala de cé hé féin.

Fergus, when he had sought of him tidings who he might be, was answered:

“Eisirt mac Big mic Buaidgeine mise” ar sé:

“Eisirt mac Big mhic Bhuaidhgheine,” ar sé,

“I am Esirt son of Beg son of Buaidghen:

“ollam ocus fili ocus éiges tuaithe luchra ocus lupracán.”

“ollamh agus file agus éigeas thuaithe Luchra agus Lupracán.”

chief poet, bard and rhymer, of the Luchra and Lupracan.”

Is ann sin ro bátar na sluaig ac caithem na flede

Is ansin a bhí na sluaite  ag caitheamh na fleidhe.

The assembly were just then in actual enjoyment of the feast,

ocus tánic in dáilem leisin corn go Fergus:

Agus tháinig an dáileamh leis an gcorn go Fearghus.

and a cup-bearer came to Fergus:

“tabair do’n fior bec chucum” ar Fergus.

“Tabhair é don fhear beag [a tháinig] chugam,” ar Fearghus.

“give to the little man that is come to me,” said the king.

“ní chaithiubsa bar mbiad ocus ní hib bar lionn” ar Eisirt.

“Ní chaithfidh mise bhur mbia agus ní ólfaidh mé bhur leann,” ar Eisirt.”

Esirt replied: “neither of your meat will I eat, nor of your liquor will I drink.”

“dar ár mbréithir” ar Fergus

“Dar ár mbriathar,” ar Fearghus,”

“By our word,” quoth Fergus,

“óir asat fer seguinn fochuidbithe

“óir is tú an fear séaghainn fonóideach

“seeing thou art a flippant and a mocking fellow,

is cóir do chur isin chorn

is cóir a chur sa chorn,

it were but right to drop thee into the beaker,

gumad coimdes duit in lionn d’ól umat do gach leith.”

go mba fusa duit an leann a ól umat do gach leith.”

where at all points round about thou shouldst impartially quaff the liquor.”

ocus acá chloistecht sin do’n dáilemain do iad a glaic uime

Agus á chloisteáil sin don dáileamh d’iaigh a ghlaic uime

At which hearing the cup-bearer closed his hand on Esirt 

ocus do theilg san chorn é

agus theilg sé sa chorn é

and popped him into the goblet,

co raibe ar snám ar uachtar in chuirn.

go raibh sé ar snámh ar uachtar an choirn.

in which upon the surface of the liquor that it contained he floated round, and:

“mo chubus ám”

“Dar mo chúis,”

ar Eisirt “a ollamna Ulad

ar Eisirt, “a ollúna Ulad,

“ye poets of Ulster,” he vociferated,

is mór d’fios ocus d’eolus

is mór d’fhios agus d’eolas

“much desirable knowledge and instruction there is which,

upon my conscience,

do ricfed sib a les d’fagáil uaim

a shroichfeadh sibh a leas a fháil uaim,

ye sorely need to have of me,

gé licthí mo bádud.”

cé go ligfí mo bhá.”

yet ye suffer me to be drowned.”

tucad aníos iarsin ocus do niamghlanad

Tugadh aníos é iar sin, agus niamhghlanadh

do bréitib búilide brecsróil

le bréideanna búcha breacshróil,

With fair satin napkins of great virtue

ocus do léintib sainemla sídaide é.

agus le léinte sainiúla síoda é.

and with special silken fabrics

he being now plucked out was cleaned spick and span,

fiarfaigis Fergus de:

D’fhiafraigh Fearghus de:

and Fergus enquired:

 “cad é in col adubrais ó chianaib

“Cad é an col a dúirt tú ó chianaibh

“of what impediment spakest thou a while since

fá nach caithfeá ár mbiad?”

faoi nach gcaithfeá ár mbia?”

as hindering thee that thou shouldst not share our meat?”

“inneosatsa” ar Eisirt “an ní

“Inseofaidh mise duit,” ar Eisirt, “an ní

“That will I e’en tell thee,” the little man replied:

muna tí t’fergsa rium.”

muna tí d’fhearg-sa liom.”

“but let me not incur thy displeasure.”

“ní ticfa” ar Fergus

“Ní thiocfaidh tú,” ar Fearghus,

“Thou shalt not,” promised the king:

“ocus slonn lim [gac]h ergh[aire]”

“agus sloinn liom gach urghaire.”

“only resolve me the whole impediment.”

  Agus dúirt Eisirt an laoi [agus d’fhreagair Fearghus dó]:— 

Then Esirt said [and Fergus answered him]:—

E.

“A Ferguis nadfergaigter

“A Fhearguis nach bhfeargaítear

“With poet’s sharp-set words

re briatraib féige filed;

le briathra féighe file,

never be angered, Fergus;

coi[sc] do glór ndúr ndergnertech

coisc do ghlór dúr deargneartach

thy stern hard utterance restrain,

ná hérig l[im] gan dlig[ed]”

ná héirigh liom gan dlí.”

nor against me take unjustifiable action”

F.

“A fir bic na hairide

“A fhir bhig na haireaghdha,

“O wee man of the seizure  .  .  .”

is do thene bís díthach;

is do thine a bhí díothach

nó in imthigi aininne

nó an imithe d’ainimh

for in linn ag inethach”

ar an linn duit eitithe.”

E.

“Mása rimsa bertaigi

“Más liomsa a bheartaíonn tú

“Judgments lucid and truthful, if they be those

bretha forglide fíra;

breithe iontaofa fíora,

to which thou dost provoke me: then I

[t]usa i ngnáis mná in rechtairi

tusa i ngnás mhná an reachtaire,

pronounce that thou triflest with thy steward’s

do dalta i ngnáis na rígna

do dhalta i ngnás do ríona.

wife, while thine own foster-son ogles thy queen.

Na mná finna fáthacha

Na mná fionna áille,

Women fair-haired and accomplished, rough

gé b’edh d’febus a ndelba;

cé ba d’fheabhas a ndealbha,

kings of the ordinary kind [i.e. mere

na ríg garba gnáthacha

na ríthe garbha gnácha,

chieftains]: how excellent soever be the form

ní horra bíos a menma”

ní horthu bhíonn a meanma.”

of these, ’tis not on them the former let their humour dwell [i.e. when a genuine king comes in their way]”

F.

“A Éisirt nit lenbaide

“A Eisirt ní leanbaí thú,

“Esirt, thou art in truth no child,

is fer fíre rotermuis;

is fear fire dhéanann meas,

but an approved man of veracity;

a shúil mall gan ainmide

a dhuine mánla gan ainnimh

O gentle one, devoid of reproach,

nocho bia rit ferg Ferguis.”

nach mbeidh romhat fearg Fhearguis.”

no wrath of Fergus shalt thou know."

“D[ar ár] mbréithir” ar Fergus “is fíor mo chuidse de sin

“Dár ár mbriathar,” ar Fearghus, “is fíor mo chuidse de sin.

The king went on: “my share of the matter, by my word, is true;

[uair is fíor co mbím]se ag mnái in rechtaire

Óir is fíor go mbímse ag bean an reachtaire,

for the steward’s wife is indeed my pastime,

ocus is dóchaide lium in chuid [eile] do beith ina fhírinne de.”

agus is dóichí liom an chuid eile a bheith ina fhírinne de.”

and all the rest as well therefore I the more readily take to be a verity.”

“caithfetsa bar mbiadsa festa” ar Eisirt

“Caithfidh mise bhur mbiasa feasta,” ar Eisirt,

Then said Esirt: “now will I partake of thy meat,

“ó do atmhaig tusa in tolc ocus ná déna arís é.”

“ó d’adhmaigh tusa an t-olc, agus ná déan arís é.”

for thou hast confessed the evil; do it then no more.”

ocus do bí Eisir[t go] subach somenmach ocus adubairt sé:

Agus bhí Eisirt go subhach somheanmnach, agus dúirt sé:

Here the poet waxing cheerful and of good courage went on:

“dorignessa duan dom tigerna féin

“Rinne mé dán dom’ thiarna féin

“upon my own lord I have made a poem

ocus dámad áil libse [do] ghébainn dáib í.”

agus dá mba áil libhse ghabhfainn daoibh í.”

which, were it your pleasure, I would declaim to you.”

“is binn linn éistecht ria” ar Fergus

“Is binn linn éisteacht léi,” ar Fearghus.

Fergus answered: “we would esteem it sweet to hear it,”

ocus atbert:—

Agus dúirt:

and Esirt began:—

“Iubdán mac Abdáin

“Iubhdán mac Abhdáin,

“A king victorious, and renowned

rí buadach blaithbinn;

rí buach bláithbhinn,

and pleasant, is Iubhdan son of Abhdaein:

[rí m]uige line

rí Maighe Line,

king of Magh Life [recte, Line],

rí muige faithlinn

rí Maighe Faithlinn.

king of Magh Faithlenn.

Guth gluair áib uma

Guth gluair amhail umha,

His is a voice clear and sweet as copper’s

gruaid chaeir dath fala;

grua chaoir dath fola,

resonance, like the blood-coloured rowan

rosc séim sruth meda

rosc séimh sruth meá,

-berry is his cheek; his eye is bland as it were

dath ela uan aba

dath eala uan abhann.

a stream of mead, his colour that of the swan or of the river’s foam.

Tensum sluag buide

Teann san slua buí,

Strong he is in his yellow-haired host,

roinn buar is boeighe;

teann i mba is áilleacht,

in beauty and in cattle he is rich;

gort congabair buide

ar theann gabhann bua,

and to brave men he brings death

dia uidhe oeidhe

nuair ar a uidhe beireann oidhe.

when he sets himself in motion.

Fer dara fonn fiadach

Fear dar fonn fiach,

A man that loves the chase,

tonn fledartach laemrach;

tonn fleách laomdha,

active, a generous feast-giver;

cenn na sluag srianach

ceann na slua srianach,

he is head of a bridle-wearing army,

miadach mór maenach

miadhach mór maoineach.

he is tall, proud and imperious.

Bró dianmarcc drechda

Plód dianmharc d’eachra

His is a solid squadron of grand headlong

na srianmarc sruthra;

na srianmharc srúille,

horses, of bridled horses rushing torrent-like;

barr fraechmin d’afost

barr fraochmín d’ór

heads with smooth adornment of golden locks

ar laechraid luchra

ar laochra Luchra.

are on the warriors of the Luchra.

Na hainndiada áille

Na (fir) dhiaga áille,

All the men are comely,

na bainndiada buide;

na (mná) diaga buí,

the women all light-haired;

bar r[í] saer slat caeille

gur rí saor slat choill orthu,

over that land’s noble multitude

Iubdán na finne fuide

Iubhdán na finne faí.

 Iubhdan of truthful utterance presides.

Meoir bar chorn cherblán

Méara ar chorn airgid,

There the fingers grasp silver horns, deep

osnad trom [tiuglán];

osna throm tiompáin,

notes of the timpan are heard; and how great

mian ban serc fort dán

mian ban searc i do dhán,

soever be the love that women are reputed to

.  .  .  . [s]erc Iubdán”

is mó ná sin a searc do Iubhdán.”

bear thee [Fergus], ’tis surpassed by the desire that they feel for Iubhdan.”

A haithle na láide [sin] do egratar na hUlltaig é d’ilimad gacha maithes[a

A haithle na laoite sin, sholáthraíodar na hUltaigh dó iliomad gach maitheasa,

The lay ended Ulster equipped him with abundance of good things,

gur ba] comárd ocus fer mór díob gach carn do bí do gach [ní] de.

go mba chomh hard agus fear mór díobh gach carn a bhí do gach ní ann.

till each heap of these as they lay there equalled their tall men’s stature.

“mo chubus ám” ar Eisirt

“Dar mo chúis ámh,” ar Eisirt,

“This on my conscience, *indeed,*” quoth Esirt,

 “is frecra degdáined sin

“is freagra dea-dhaoine sin,

“is indeed a response that is worthy of right men;

ocus gided berid féin in maithes úd lib

agus cé gurb ea, beirigí féin an maitheas úd libh.

nevertheless take away those treasures:

da[r lim ní] ricimse a les ris

Dar liom, ní gá domsa a leas,

of which I conceive that I have no need,

ár ní fuil aenduine acom thigerna

óir níl aon duine ag mo thiarna

seeing that in my lord’s following is no man

gan maithes co leor aice.”

gan maitheas go leor aige.”

but possesses substance sufficient.”

“dobermáit dár [mb]réithir” ar siat

 “Beirimid ár mbriathair,” ar siad,            

Ulster said however: “we pledge our words that,

“dá tucmáis ár mná duit ocus ar crodh u[ainn]

“dá dtugaimis ár mná duit agus ár gcrodh uainn,

though we had given thee our very wives and our kine,

nach bérmáisne én rét uait de

nach mbéarfaimisne aon rud uait dá bharr.

ocus a tucamar ní béram.”

“Agus an méad a thugamar, ní bhéarfaimid.”

even so neither will we take again that we now have given thee.”

“A ollamna ocus a éigse Ulad” ar Eisirt “roinnid sút

“A ollúna agus a éigse Uladh,” ar Eisirt, “roinnigí siúd,

“Then divide ye the gifts, bards and professors of Ulster,” Esirt cried:

ocus bíodh a dá trian agaibse

agus bíodh a dhá dtrian agaibhse,

“two thirds take for yourselves,

ocus tabraid in trian aile d’ec[hlach]aib ocus d’oblóraib Ulad.”

agus tugaigí an trian eile d’eachaithe agus d’abhlóirí Uladh.”

and the other bestow on Ulster’s horseboys and jesters.”

ocus do bí Eisirt i nEmain co cenn trí lá ocus trí naidce

Bhí Eisirt in Eamhain go ceann trí lá agus trí oíche.

So to the end of three days and three nights Esirt was in Emania,

ocus do timain céilebrad d’Fergus ocus do maithib Ulad.

Agus thiomáin ceiliúradh d’Fhearghus agus do mhaithe Uladh.

and he took his leave of Fergus and of Ulster’s nobles.

“ragatsa let” ar Aedh .i. ollam Ulad ocus a fer dána

“Rachaidh mé leat,” ar Aodh, ollamh Uladh agus a bhfear dána

“I will e’en go with thee,” said Ulster’s poet and man of science, Aedh:

ocus do bíodh i nucht no i coim gacha deglaeich aca

a bhíodh in ucht nó i gcoim gach dea-laoich acu,

that used to lie in their good warriors’ bosoms *or at their waists*,

ocus fa fomóir é i farrad Eisirt

agus ba Fomhórach é i bhfarradh Eisirt,

yet by Esirt’s side was a giant;

ocus do bíodhsom ar bais Aedha.

a bhíodhsan ar bhos Aodha.

for this latter could stand upon Aedh’s palm.

“ní mese déra rit” ar Eisirt “dul lim

“Ní mise a dhéarfaidh leat,” ar Eisirt, “dul liom,

Esirt said: “’tis not I that will bid thee come:

for were I to invite thee,

óir gémad mait dogentái ort

óir cé gur maith a dhéantaí ort,

and kindness to be shewn thee in the sequel,

[dérfá] gur gellad duit í

dhéarfá gur gealladh duit í

thou wouldst say ’twas but what [by implication] had been promised thee;

dá niarrainnse lium thu

dá n-iarrainnse liom thú.

ocus dá nderntar ort í

Agus dá ndéantar ort í,

ocus gan a gellad duit

agus gan gealladh duit,

whereas if such be not held out to thee

and thou yet receive the same

bud buidech thu.”

ba bhuíoch thú.”

thou wilt be grateful.”

Ro imgetar in dá éiges sin rompo a hemain Macha

D’imíodar, an dá éigeas sin, rompu as Eamhain Macha,

Out of Emania the pair of poets now went their way

ocus ba mó coiscéim Aeda:

agus ba mhó coiscéim Aodha.

and, Aedh’s step being the longer,

“is olc siublus tusa a Eisirt” ar Aedh.

“Is olc (a) shiúil tusa, a Eisirt,” ar Aodh.

he said: “Esirt thou art a poor walker.”

ruc Eisirt urracht retha

Rug Eisirt iarracht reatha

This one then took such a fit of running

co mbúi urchar saigde roim Aedh

go raibh (sé) urchar saighde roimh Aodh.

that he was an arrow’s flight in front of Aedh,

 “atorra sin atá in chóir” ar Aedh.

“Eatarthu sin atá an chóir,” ar Aodh.

who said again: “between those two extremes lies the golden mean.”

“dar ár mbréithir” ar Eisirt “issed sin

“Dar ár mbriathair,” ar Eisirt, “ís é sin

“On my word,” retorted Esirt, “that is the one category

do chuala do’n chóir acá ráda acaib ó atú faraib.”

a chuala (mé) don chóir á rá agaibh ó atáim faraibh.”

in which since I am among you I have heard mention made of the golden mean.”

Tángatar rompo

Thángadar rompu

On they went then

co tráig na tréinfer i nUlltaib

go Trá na dTréinfhir in Uladh.

till they gained Tráigh na dTréinfhear or ‘strand of the strong men’ in Ulster:

“créd dogénam anois?” ar Aedh.

“Cad a dhéanfaimid anois?” ar Aodh.

“and what must we do now?” Aedh asked here.

“in muir d’imthecht tar a doimnib” ar Eisirt.

“An mhuir a imeacht thar a doimhne,” ar Eisirt.

“Travel the sea over her depths,” said the other.

“ní roichiubsa co brách de sin” ar Aedh.

“Ní shroichfidh mise slán go brách de sin,” ar Aodh.

To Aedh objecting: “never shall I come safe out of that [trial],”

“ingnam a rochtain damsa ocus gan a rochtain duitse” ar Eisirt

“Ionadh a rochtain domsa agus gan a rochtain duitse,” ar Eisirt.

Esirt made answer: “seeing that I compassed the task ’twere strange that thou shouldst fail.”

ocus dorigne Aedh láid ocus do fhregair Eisirt é:—

Agus rinne Aodh laoidh, agus d’fhreagair Eisirt é:—

Then Aedh vented a strain and Esirt answered him:—

A.

“A Eisirt fhéil

“A Eisirt fhéil,

“In the vast sea

cá dluidh dogén

cad a déanfaidh (mé)

how shall I contrive,

risin muir móir

leis an mhuir mhór,

O generous Esirt,

gaeth dom breith sís

gaoth dom breith síos

the wind will bear me down

do’n tuinn gan tlás

don toinn gan tlás,

to the merciless wave

dá ndech suas

dá ndeach(óinn) suas

[on which] though I mount upwards

do gébar bás”

a gheofar bás.”

yet [none the less] shall I perish in the end.”

E.

“Ech Iubdáin fhinn

“Each Iubhdáin fhinn

“To fetch thee

ticfa ar do chenn

(a) thiocfaidh ar do cheann,

fair Iubhdan’s horse will come,

éirigse air

éirighse air

get thee upon him

tar romuir menn

thar rómhuir meann,

and cross the stammering sea:

ech maith ní bréc

each maith ní bréag,

an excellent horse truly

séd bíos ag ríg

séad (a) bhí ag rí,

and of surpassing colour,

is commaith lí

is comh-mhaith lí,

a king’s valued treasure,

itir muir is tír

idir muir is tír

good on sea as upon land.

ech buide bláith

each buí bláith

A beautiful horse

rodbéra leis

a bhéarfaidh (tú) leis

that will carry thee away:

an fair gan meirg

an fear gan mhairg,

sit on him nor be troubled;

is eirg dá fheis”

is éirigh dá fhios.”

go, trust thyself to him.”

Ni fada ro bátar ann co facatar

Ni fada a bhíodar ann go bhfacadar

They had been no long time there when something they marked

in foluaimnech tar bárr uachtair na tonn chuco

an foluaineach thar barr uachtair na dtonn chucu.

which, swiftly careering, came towards them over the billows’ crests.

“fair a chol ocus a dhuabais” ar Aedh. 

“Air a chol agus a duais,” ar Aedh.

“Upon itself be the evil that it brings,” Aedh cried,

“créd dochí?” ar Eisirt.

“Cad a chíonn tú?” ar Eisirt.

and to Esirt asking:”what seest thou?”

“An míol mongrua maighe,” ar Aodh.

answered: “a russet-clad hare I see.” 

“ní hé” ar Eisirt “acht ech Iubdáin ac techt ar do chennsa sin.”

“Ní hé,” ar Eisirt, “ach each Iubhdáin ag teacht ar do cheannsa sin.”

But Esirt said: “not so — rather is it Iubhdan’s horse that comes to fetch thee.”

ocus is amlaid do bí

Agus is amhlaidh a bhí

Of which horse the fashion was this:

ocus dá súil gríbda glanshoillse glóir ina ciunn.

agus dhá shúil ghríofa ghlanshoilse ghlóir ina cheann,

two fierce flashing eyes he had,

ocus mong chóemálainn chorcarglan uirri

moing chaomhálainn chorcairghlan uirthi,

an exquisite pure crimson mane,

ocus cetra cosa uaine fái

ceithre chosa uaine fúithi,

with four green legs

ocus erball gnáthchas go [hi]mlebair fair

eireaball gnáthchas imleabhair uirthi,

and a long tail that floated in wavy curls.

ocus niam órda ardcherdach uirri

niamh órga ardcheardach uirthi

His [general] colour was that of prime artificers’ gold-work,

ocus srian óir druimnig ria.

agus srian óir droimnigh léi.

and a gold-encrusted bridle he bore withal.

ocus do chuaidh Eisirt ar a muin “tarr aníos a Aedh” ar Eisirt.

Chuaigh Eisirt ar a muin. “Tar aníos, a Aodh,” ar sé.

Esirt bestriding him said: “come up beside me, Aedh;”

“ac a ollamain” ar Aedh:

“Ach, a ollaimh,” ar Aodh,

but again the latter objected: “nay, poet,

“ní fuil écht do choite féin inti.”

“níl éacht do choda féin inti.”

to do thee alone a skiff’s office his capacity is all too scant.”

“ná dénasa cesacht uirri a Aedh” ar Eisirt

“Ná déansa ceasacht uirthi, a Aodh,” ar Eisirt,

“Aedh, cease from fault-finding:

“ár gé atá tromdacht na hecna innatsa

“óir d’aineoinn troime na heagna ionatsa

for ponderous as may be the wisdom that is in thee,

béraid sí sinn araen léi.”

béarfaidh sí sinn araon léi.”

yet will he carry us both.”

ocus do chuadar aroen uirri tar barruachtar na tonn

Agus chuadar araon uirthi thar bharruachtar na dtonn,

They both being now mounted on the horse traversed the combing seas,

ocus tar laechmuinchinn na fairge ocus tar imdomnaib in aigéin

agus thar laochmhuincheanna na farraige, agus thar iomdhoimhneacha an aigéin,

the mighty main’s expanse and Ocean’s great profound,

go rángatar gan brón gan bádhad co mag faithlinn

go rángadar, gan brón, gan bá, go Maigh Faithlinn.

until in the end they, undrowned and without mishap, reached Magh Faithlenn

ocus ro bátar tuatha luchra i noenach ar a gcionn.

Agus bhíodar tuatha Luchra in aonach ar a gcionn.

and there the Luchra people were before them in assembly.

“Eisirt chucainn” ar siat “ocus fomóir farais.”

“Eisirt chugainn,” ar siad, “agus Fomhórach fairis.”

“Esirt approaches,” they cried, “and a giant bears him company.”

is ann sin tánic Iubdán i gcuinne Eisirt ocus do rat póig do

Is ansin a tháinig Iubhdán i gcoinne Eisirt agus a thug sé póg dó.

Then Iubhdan went to meet Esirt, and

gave him a kiss:

“a ollamain” ar sé “cid ima tucais in fomóir út chucainn dar marbad?”

“A ollaimh,” ar sé, “cén fáth a thug (tú) an Fomhórach úd chugainn dár marú?”

“but poet,” said he, “wherefore bringest thou this giant to destroy us?”

“ní fomóir é” ar Eisirt “acht ollam Ulad ocus a fer dána ocus abhac in rig sút

“Ní Fomhórach é,” ar Eisirt, “ach ollamh Uladh agus a bhfear dána, agus abhac a rí siúd.

“No giant is he, but Ulster’s poet and man of science, and the king’s dwarf.

ocus is é sút duine as luga sin tír asa tánic

Agus is é siúd (an) duine is lú sa tír as a dtáinig (sé),

In the land whence he comes he is the least,

dóig bí sút i nochtaib na bfer mór ann

dóigh bhí siúd in uchtanna na bhfear mór ann

so that in their great men’s bosoms, he lies down

and, as it were an infant,

ocus i mbasaib

agus ina mbois

stands on the flat of their hands.

amail do biadh lenb

amhail a mbeadh leanbh.

ocus gidedh rictíse a les bar coimét fair.”

Agus cé gur sa riocht sin atá (sé), bhur leas súil a choiméad air.”

For all which he is yet such that before him ye would do well to be careful of yourselves.”

“cá hainm sút?” ar siad.

“Cá hainm siúd?” ar siad..

They further asking: “what is his name?”

“Aedh éiges a ainm” ar Eisirt.

“Aodh éigeas a ainm,” ar Eisirt.

were told that he was called ‘poet Aedh.’

“uch is mór a fhir t’athach” ar siat sin.

“Uch, is mór an fear d’fhathach,” ar siad sin.

“Alack man,” they cried to Esirt, “thy giant is huge indeed.”

Is ann sin atbert Eisirt ré hIubdán:

Is ansin dúirt Eisirt le hIubhdán:

Next, Esirt addressing Iubhdan said:

“cuirimse gesa nach fuilngid

fírlaeich ortsa a Iubdáin

“Cuirimse geasa, nach bhfulaingeodh fíorlaoch, ortsa dul, a Iubhdáin,

“on thee, Iubhdan, I lay bonds which true warriors may not brook

co ndechairse féin d’féchain in tíre asa

tángamarne

go dté tú féin chun féachaint na tíre as a dtángamarna,”

that in thine own person thou go to view the region out of which we come,

ocus gomad tu cét duine fecmhus ar tús in lite coimded dorigned do ríg Ulad inocht.

agus go mba tusa an chéad duine ar thús na leite a rinneadh do rí Uladh anocht dá triail.”

and that of the ‘lord’s porridge’ which for the king of Ulster is made to-night thou be the first man to make trial.”

is ann sin tánic Iubdán co dobrónach domenmnach d’accallaim a mná .i. Bé bó

Is ansin tháinig Iubhdán go dobrónach domheanmnach d’agallamh a mhná Bé Bhó,

Then Iubhdan, in grief and faint of spirit, proceeded to confer with Bebo his wife:

ocus ro innis di a chur fó gesaib d’Eisirt

agus d’inis (sé) di (an chaoi) a cuireadh faoi gheasa é ag Eisirt,

he told her how that by Esirt he was laid under bonds,

ocus adubairt ré techt leis.

agus dúirt (sé) léi teacht leis.

and bade her bear him company.

“rachad” ar sí

“Rachaidh (mé),” ar sí,

“That will I,” she said:

“ocus égcóir a ndernais” ar sí “.i. gabáil Eisirt.”

“agus éagóir a ndearna tú,” ar sí, “gabháil Eisirt.”

“but in that Esirt was cast into prison thou didst unjustly.”

Ocus do chuatar araen ar in ech mbuide Iubdán ocus Bé bó

Agus chuadar araon ar an each buí: Iubhdán agus Bé Bhó,

So they *(i.e. Iubhdan and Bebo)* mounted Iubhdan’s golden horse

ocus tángatar rompo co hemain Macha in oidche sin

agus thángadar rompu go hEamhain Macha an oíche sin

and that same night made good their way to Emania,

agus chuadar sa bhaile anonn gan mothú.

where they entered unperceived into the place.

“sir in baile a Iubdáin” ar Bé bó “do’n litin adubairt Eisirt

“Sir an baile, a Iubhdáin,” ar Bé Bhó, “don leite (mar) a dúirt Eisirt,”

“Iubhdan,” said Bebo, “search the town for the porridge spoken of by Esirt,

ocus imgem sul éirgius lucht in baile.”

agus imímis sula n-éireoidh lucht an bhaile.”

and let us depart again before the people of the place shall rise.”

cid tra acht do chuatar sin mbruidin istech

I gceann tráth, chuadar sa bhrú isteach

They gained the inside of the palace

ocus fuaratar coire mór na hEmna

agus fuaradar coire mór na hEamhna,

and there found Emania’s great cauldron,

ocus fuighell liten na sluag ann

agus fuíoll leitean na slua ann.

having in it the remnant of the ‘people’s porridge.’

ocus do chuaid Iubdán chuice ocus ní ránic do lár é.

Agus chuaigh Iubhdán chuici agus níor ráinigh ar lár é.

Iubhdan drew near, but might by no means reach it from the ground.

“éirig ar t’ech” ar Bé bó

“Éirigh ar d’each,” ar Bé Bhó,

“Get thee upon thy horse,” said Bebo,

“ocus éirig do’n ech ar bórd in choire.”

“agus éirigh don each ar bord an choire.”

“and from the horse upon the cauldron’s rim.”

ocus dorignesium sin

Agus rinne seisean sin.

This he did but,

the porridge being too far down and his arm too short,

ocus ní ránic a lám cos na léige airgid do bí san choire

Ní ráinigh a lámh gus na léiche airgid a bhí sa choire,

could not touch the shank of the silver ladle that was in the cauldron;

ár ba gerr in lám ocus ba fata sís in lite

óir ba ghearr an lámh agus b’fhada síos an leite.

ocus sínedh dá tuc sís sciorruis a chos

Síneadh dá dtug síos, sciorr a chos

whereupon he making a downward effort his foot slipped,

gur thuit isin choire co ránic a imlinn ann.

agus thit (sé) sa choire, go ráinigh a imleacán ann.

and up to his very navel he fell into the cauldron;

mar do beitís gemla iairn in betha fái

Mar a mbéidís geimhle iarainn an bheatha faoi,

in which as though all existing iron gyves had been upon him

is amlaid ro cenglad ocus ro cuibriged itir chois ocus láim é.

is amhlaidh a ceanglaíodh, agus a cuibhríodh idir chos agus lámh é.

he now found himself fettered and tethered both hand and foot.

“is fata atái a fhir duib” ar Bé bó

“Is fada atá tú, a fhir dhuibh,” ar Bé Bhó,

“Long thou tarriest, dark man,” Bebo cried to him

ár is amlaid ro búi Iubdán ocus folt cas círdhub fair

óir is amhlaidh a bhí Iubhdán agus folt cas cíordhubh air,

(for Iubhdan was thus: hair he had that was jet-black and curled,

ocus ba giliter ocus uan tuinne a chnes

agus ba ghile ná uan toinne a chneas.

his skin being whiter than foam of wave

ba deirge iná corcrán caille a dhá gruaid.

Ba dheirge ná corcrán coille a dhá ghrua.

and his cheeks redder than the forest’s scarlet berry:

whereas — saving him only —

fuilt chasa fhionnbuide bátar ar thuaith luchra uile

Foilt chasa fhionnbhuí a bhí ar thuath Luchra uile

all the Luchra people had hair that was ringletted indeed, but of a fair and yellow hue;

 acht eisium amáin

ocus is uime sin adertái fer dub ris.

agus is uime sin a deirtí fear dubh leis.

hence then he was styled ‘dark man’).

ocus atbert Bé bó ocus do frecair Iubdán í:—

Agus dúirt Bé Bhó, agus d’fhreagair Iubhdán í:—

Bebo sang now, Iubhdan answering her:—

She.

“A fhir dhuib ón a fir duib

“A fhir dhuibh ón a fhir dhuibh,

“O dark man, and O dark man,

is mór in gábad i fuil;

is mór an gábh i(na) bhfuil (tú)

dire is the strait in which thou art: to-day

is gabtha indiu in gabar bán

is gafa inniu an gabhar bán,

it is that the white horse must be saddled,

óir is dolar lán in muir”

óir is dolar lán an mhuir.”

for the sea is angry and the tide at flood”

He.

“A bhen fhionn ón a ben fionn

“A bhean fhionn ón a bhean fhionn,

“O fair-haired woman, and O woman

romfost geimel do’n lánlionn;

i bhfost geimheal don lánlionn,

with fair hair, gyves hold me captive in

ní lecair mé chum mo shlóg

ní ligfear mé chun mo shlua,

 a viscous mass nor, until gold be given

nó co tucar ór dom chionn

nó go dtugtar ór dom cheann.

for my ransom, shall I ever be dismissed.

A Bé bó ón a Bé bó

A Bhé Bhó ón a Bhé Bhó,

O Bebo, and O Bebo, morn is at hand,

tánic matain imthig dó;

tháinig maidin imigh dó,

thou therefore flee away: fast in the

do len mo chos is tuir taeis

lean mo chos sa tuir taois,

doughy remnant sticks my leg, if here

atáisi ar baeis a Bé bó”

tá tusa ar baois, a Bhé Bhó.”

thou stay thou art but foolish, O Bebo.”

She.

“Briathar bil ón briathar bil

“Briathar olc ón briathar olc,

“Rash word it was, ’twas a rash word,

do radaisse thall got thig;

a dúirt tusa thall id’ theach,

that in thy house thou utteredst: that but

co nach fastfadh nech fó ghréin

go nach bhfostfadh neach faoi ghrian

by thine own good pleasure none under

munbud deoin let féin a fhir”

muna ba dheoin leat féin a fhir.”

the sun might hold thee fast, O man.”

He.

“Briathar bil ón briathar bil

“Briathar olc ón briathar olc,

“Rash was the word, the word was rash,

do ratassa thall gum tig;

a dúirt mise thall im’ theach,

that in my house I uttered:

betsa bliadain línib lá

beadsa bliain agus lá,

a year and a day I must be now, and

gan faicsin dam mná ná fir”

gan fheiceáil dom mná ná fir.”

neither man nor woman of my people see.”

“Imthig a Bé bó” ar Iubdán

“Imigh, a Bhé Bhó,” ar Iubhdán,

“Bebo,” cried Iubhdan, “get thee away,

“ocus beir in echsa let d’innsaigid tuaithe luchra.”

“agus beir an t-each seo leat d’ionsaí tuaithe Luchra.”

and to the Luchra-land take back that horse.”

“ná habairse sin” ar Bé bó: “dáig nocho nimtheochadsa uaitse go bráth

“Ná habairse sin,” ar Bé Bhó, “dóigh nach n-imeoidh mise uaitse go bráth

“Never say it,” she answered: “of a surety I will not depart

co faicer cá réim bias ortsa.”

go bhfeicfidh mé cá réim a bheidh ortsa.”

until I see what turn things shall take for thee.”

ro éirigsetar sluaig in baile iarsin

D’éirigh slua an bhaile iar sin 

The dwellers in the town when they were now risen anon

ocus fuaratar Iubdán san coire liten

agus fuaireadar Iubhdán sa choire leitean

lighted on Iubhdan in the porridge cauldron,

ocus nár b’éitir do a fhágbáil

agus nárbh fhéidir dó a fhágáil.

out of which he could not frame to escape;

in which plight when they saw him

ocus ro léigset na sluaig a niolach gáire ós áird

Lig na sluaite a n-iolach gáire ós ard

the people sent up a mighty roar of laughter,

acá fhaicsin fó’n innus sin

ag féachaint ar an ionnas sin.

ocus ro tógbadar as in coire iarsin Iubdán

Thógadar as an gcoire Iubhdán iar sin

then picked Iubhdan out of the cauldron

ocus rucatar leo mar a raibe Fergus é.

agus rugadar leo mar a raibh Fearghus é.

and carried him off to Fergus.

“mo chubus ám” ar Fergus “ní hé siut in fer beg do bí ann so roime

“Dár mo chúis ámh,” ar Fearghus, “ní hé siúd an fear beag a bhí anseo roimhe,

“My conscience,*indeed,*” said the king, “this is not the tiny man that was here before:

uair folt fionn do bí ar in fer mbec roime

óir folt fionn a bhí ar an bhfear mbeag roimhe

seeing that, whereas the former little fellow had fair hair,

ocus casair círdub atá air siut.”

agus casair cíordhubh atá air siúd.”

this one hath a black thatch.

“cé thusa féin a fhir bhic,” ar Fergus: “nó cá tír asa tángais?”

“Cé thusa féin, a fhir bhig,” ar Fearghus, “nó cá tír as a dtáinig tú?”

What art thou at all, mannikin, and out of what region come?”

“do thuathaib luchra dam” ar sé

“De thuatha Luchra dom,” ar sé,

Iubhdan made answer: “I am of the Luchra-folk,

“ocus is mé as rí orra sin

“is mé is rí orthu sin,

over the which it is I that am king;

ocus Iubdán m’ainm

agus Iubhdán m’ainm,

*my name is Iubhdan;*

ocus ben dam in ben úd atchíthíse im fochair

agus bean dom an bhean úd a chíonn sibhse im fhochair.

this woman that ye see by me is my wife,

ocus is í as baintigerna ar thuathaib luchra ocus Bé bó a hainm

Is í an bantiarna ar thuatha Luchra. Bé Bhó a hainm.

and queen over the Luchra: her name is Bebo,

ocus ní dubartsa brég riam” ar Iubdán.

Agus ní dúirt mé bréag riamh,” ar Iubhdán.

and I have never told a lie.” 

aspert Fergus: “berar sút imach

Dúirt Fearghus: “Beirear siúd amach

“Let him be taken out,” cried Fergus,

i gcenn in gairbteglaig ocus coimétaidh co maith é.”

i gceann an ghairbhtheaghlaigh agus coimeádaigí go maith é.”

“and put with the common rabble of the household — guard him well.”

rugad Iubdán immach iarum

Rugadh Iubhdán amach iaramh

Iubhdan was led out accordingly

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

“ocus mad áilt maith do dénum orumsa a Ferguis” ar Iubdán

“agus más áil leat maith a dhéanamh ormsa, a Fhearghuis,” ar Iubhdán,

Said Iubhdan: “but if it may please thee to show me some favour,

“ná léig atorra so mé

“ná lig eatarthu seo mé,

suffer me no longer to be among yonder loons,

ár dogénait anála na bfer mórsa coirpthe díom

óir déanann anála na bhfear mór seo coirpthe díom,

for the great men’s breaths do all infect me;

ocus dobérsa mo bréithir duit

agus beirfidh mé mo bhriathar duit,

and my word I pledge

nó gomad deoin let féin ocus le hUlltaib é nach rach uaib co bráth.”

nó go mba deoin leat féin agus le hUltaigh é, nach rachaidh mé uaibh go bráth.”

that till by Ulster and by thee it be licensed I will never leave you.”

“dá sáilinnse sin” ar Fergus

“Dá sílinnse sin,” ar Fearghus,

Fergus said: “could I but think that,

“ní beitheása itir in ngairbtheglach.”

“ní bheifeása idir an ngairbhtheaghlach.”

thou shouldst no more be with the common varlets.”

“ní thánacsa tar mo bréithir riam” ar Iubdán “ocus ní ticfat co bráth.” 

“Níor tháinig mé thar mo bhriathar riamh,” ar Iubhdán, “agus ní thiocfaidh mé go bráth.”

Iubhdan’s reply was: “never have I overstepped, nor ever will transgress, my plighted word.”

Is ann sin rugad Iubdán i seomra deirit degmaisech do bí ag Fergus

Is ansin rugadh Iubhdán i seomra dearraid deamhaiseach a bhí ag Fearghus

Then he was conducted into a fair and privy chamber that Fergus had,

ocus ro hórdaiged gilla gráda d’Fergus ina fhocair dá [fri]thálam.

agus ordaíodh giolla grá d’Fhearghus ina fhocair dá fhriotháileamh.

where one that was a servant of trust to the king was set apart to minister to him.

“is maith in taraculsa” ar Iubdán:

“Is maith an t-aireagal seo,” ar Iubhdán,

“An excellent retreat indeed is this,” he said,

“ocus gidedh is ferr m’araculsa féin iná é”

“cé gur fearr m’aragalsa féin ná é.”

“yet is my own retreat more excellent than it”;

ocus do ráid in láid:—

Agus dúirt sé an laoidh:—

and he made a lay:—

“Aracul fil acamsa

“Aireagal atá agamsa,

“In the land that lies away north

san talmain atua;

sa talamh ó thuaidh,

I have a retreat,

in dara leth de dór derg

an dara leath de d’ór dearg,

the ceiling of which is of the red gold,

airget in leth fil fua

airgead an leath a bhfuil faoi.

and the floor all of silver.

A fordorus d’fionndruine

A fhordoras d’fhionndruine,

Of the white bronze its lintel is,

is a tairrsech d’uma;

is a thairseach d’umha,

and its threshold of copper;

is d’eitib én bfionnbuide

is d’eití éan fionnbuí,

of light-yellow bird-plumage

dar lium fil a thuga

dar liom a bhfuil a thuí.

is the thatch on it I ween.

A chainnelbra órdaide

A choinnealra órga,

Golden are its candelabra,

mon cainnill is lór glaine;

a choinnil is leor glaine,

holding candles of rich light

co ngeim do líg loghmaire

go ngeim do líga lómhara,

and gemmed over with rare stones,

i certlár in taige

i gceartlár an tí.

in the fair midst of the house.

Acht mise is an airdrigan

Ach mise is an ardríon,

Save myself only and my queen,

ní fuil nech uainn fó duibe;

níl neach againn faoi duibhe,

none that belongs to it feels sorrow now;

teglach ann gan arrsaidecht

teaghlach ann gan ársaíocht

a retinue is there that ages not,

folta barrchasa buide

folta barrchasa buí.

that wears wavy yellow tresses.

Fichellach gan oenduine

Ficheallach gach aonduine,

There every man is a chess-player,

dáma maith ann gan tachor;

dámh maith ann gan tachar,

good company is there that knows no stint:

ré fer ná ré mnái dá dhul

le fear ná le bean dá dhul,

against man or woman that seeks to enter it

ní gabtar in taracul”

ní gabhtar an t-aireagal.“

the retreat is never closed.”

Do bí Fer dédh .i. in gilla tened

Bhí Fear Dédh, an giolla tine,

Fer dédh or ‘man of smoke’ the fire-servant,

ac fadódh teined i fiadnuise Iubdáin

ag fadú tine i bhfianaise Iubhdáin,

as in Iubhdan’s presence he kindled a fire,

ocus do chuir feithlenn fó chrand uirri 

agus chuir sé féithleann ó chrann uirthi,

threw upon it a woodbine that twined round a tree,

maille cinél gacha crainn eile 

together with somewhat of all other kinds of timber,

ocus atbert Iubdán:

Agus dúirt Iubhdán:

and this led Iubhdan to say:

“ná loisc ríg na gcrann” ar sé “uair ní dlegar a loscad

“Ná loisc rí na gcrann,” ar sé, “óir ní dlitear a loscadh,

“burn not the king of trees, for he ought not to be burnt;

ocus a Fhir déd dá nderntá mo chomairlese

agus a Fhir Déithe, dá ndéanfá mo chomhairlese

and wouldst thou, Ferdedh, but act by my counsel,

ní biadh gábad mara ná tíre ort”

ní bheadh gábh mara ná tíre ort.”

then neither by sea nor by land shouldst thou ever be in danger.”

ocus atbert in láid ann:—

Agus dúirt sé an laoidh seo:—

Here he sang a lay:—

“A fhir fhadós teine

“A fhir fhadaíonn tine,

“O man that for Fergus of the feasts

ac Fergus na fled;

ag Fearghus na bhfleá,

dost kindle fire,

ar muir ná ar tír

ar mhuir ná ar thír,

whether afloat or ashore

na loisc ríg na fed

ná loisc rí na bhfeánna.

never burn the king of woods.

Airdrí feda Fáil

Ardrí feánna Fáil,

Monarch of Innisfail’s forests

im nach gnáth sreth sluaig;

i nach gnáth searnadh slua,

the woodbine is, whom none may hold

ní fann in feidm ríog

ní fann an fheidhm rí,

captive; no feeble sovereign’s effort is it

sníom im gach crann cruaid

sníomh i ngach crann crua.

to hug all tough trees in his embrace.

Dá loisce in fid fann

Dá loiscfeá an fiodh fann,

The pliant woodbine if thou burn,

bud mana gréch nglonn;

ba mana scréach glonn,

wailings for misfortune will abound;

ro sia gábad renn

bás de reanna,

dire extremity at weapons’ points

nó bádad trén tonn

nó bá tréan tonn.

or drowning in great waves will come after.

Ná loisc aball án

Ná loisc abhaill án,

Burn not the precious apple-tree

na ngéc faroll faen;

na ngéag forleata faon,

of spreading and low-sweeping bough:

fid man gnáth bláth bán

feá gur gnáth bláth bán,

tree ever decked in bloom of white, against

lám cháich na cenn chaem

lámh cháich ’na cheann caomh.

whose fair head all men put forth the hand.

Deorad draigen dúr

Deoraí an draighean dúr,

The surly blackthom is a wanderer,

fid nach loiscenn saer;

fiodh nach loisceann saor,

and a wood that the artificer burns not;

gáirid elta én

gáireann ealta éan,

throughout his body, though it be scanty,

tréna chorp cid cael

trína chorp cé gur caol.

birds in their flocks warble.

Ná loisc sailig sáir

Ná loisc saileach saor,

The noble willow burn not,

fid deimin na nduan;

fiodh coisricthe na nduanta,

a tree sacred to poems;

beich na bláth ac deol

beacha ina bhláth ag diúl,

within his bloom bees are a-sucking,

mian cáich in cró caem

mian cháich an cró caomh.

all love the little cage.

Caerthann fid na ndruad

Caorthainn fiodh na ndruad,

The graceful tree with the berries,

loisc caemchrann na gcaer;

loisc caomhchrann na gcaor,

the wizards’ tree, the rowan, burn;

sechain in fid fann

seachain an fiodh fann,

but spare the limber tree:

na loisc in call caem

ná loisc an coll caomh.

burn not the slender hazel.

Uinnsenn dorcha a dath

An fhuinseog dorcha a dath

Dark is the colour of the ash:

fid luaite na ndroch;

fiodh luaite na ndroch,

timber that makes the wheels to go;

echlasc lám lucht ech

eachlasc as i lámh lucht each,

rods he furnishes for horsemen’s hands,

a cruth ac cládh chath

a chruth ag cloí catha.

and his form turns battle into flight.

Crom feda déin dris

Crom fada an déin dhris,

Tenterhook among woods the spiteful briar is,

loisc féin in ngéir nglais;

loisc féin an géar glas,

by all means burn him that is so keen and

fennaid gerraid cois

feannann (agus) gearrann (sé) cos,

green; he cuts, he flays the foot, and him that

srengaid nech ar ais

a tharraingíonn neach ar ais.

would advance he forcibly drags backward.

Bruth feda dair úr

Bruth fada dair úr,

Fiercest heat-giver of all timber is green oak,

ó nach gnáth nech séim;

uaidh nach gnáth neach gan ghoin,

from him none may escape unhurt:

tinn cenn tís ó a dhúil

tinn ceann tís óna dhúil,

by partiality for him the head is set on aching

tinn súil ó a ghrís ghéir

tinn súil óna ghríosach ghéar.

and by his acrid embers the eye is made sore.

Na fern urbadb fheda

An fearn urbhadha fheá,

Alder, very battle-witch of all woods,

in crann as teo i ngliaid;

an crann is teo i ngleo,

tree that is hottest in the fight —

losc go derb do deoin

loisc go dearbh do dheoin,

undoubtingly burn at thy discretion

in fhern is in sciaig

an fearn is an sceach.

both the alder and the whitethorn.

[Cui]lenn loisc a úr

Cuileann loisc é úr,

Holly, burn it green;

cuilenn loisc a críon;

cuileann loisc é críon,

holly, burn it dry:

gach crann ar bith becht

gach crann ar bith beocht,

of all trees whatsoever

cuilenn as dech díob

cuileann is deach díobh.

the critically best is holly.

[T]rom dana rúsc ruad

Trom lena choirt rua,

Elder that hath tough bark,

crann fírghona iar fíor;

crann fíorghona is fíor,

tree that in truth hurts sore: him that

loisc co mbeidh na gual

loisc go mbeidh ’na ghual,

furnishes horses to the armies from the sídh,

eich na sluag a síod

eich na slua ón sí.

burn so that he be charred.

Cid na fharrad faen

Cé gur leagtha faon,

The birch as well, if he be laid low,

béithe ba blad buan;

an bheith ba bhladh buan,

promises abiding fortune:

loisc go deimin derb

loisc go deimhin dearbh,

burn up most sure and certainly

cainnle na mbalg mbuan

coinnle na mbolg buan.

the stalks that bear the constant pods.

[L]éig síos madat maith

Lig síos más maith leat,

Suffer, if it so please thee,

crithach ruad na rith;

crithnach rua na rith,

the russet aspen to come headlong down:

loisc co mall co moch

loisc go mall go moch,

burn, be it late or early,

crann ’s a barr ar crith

crann ’s a bharr ar crith.

the tree with the palsied branch.

[S]innser feda fois

Sinsear feá fois,

Patriarch of long-lasting woods is the yew,

ibar na fled fis;

iúr na fleidhe mar is fios,

sacred to feasts as is well known:

déna ris anois

déan leis anois,

of him now build ye

dabcha donna dis

dabhcha donna deis.

dark-red vats of goodly size.

[D]a nderntá mo thoil

Dá ndéanfá mo thoil,

Ferdedh, thou faithful one,

a Fhir déedh dil;

a Fhir Dhéithe dhil,

wouldst thou but do my behest:

dot anam dot chorp

dod’ anam dod’ chorp,

to thy soul as to thy body,

ní bud olc a fhir”

ní ba olc a fhir.”

O man, ’twould work advantage.”

Do bísium isin baile mar sin ocus saerchoimét air

Bhí seisean [Iubhdán] sa bhaile mar sin agus saorchoimeád air.

After this manner then, and free of all supervision, Iubhdan abode in the town;

ocus ba hurgairdiugud menman ocus aicenta leisna hUlltachaib

Agus ba hurghairdiú meanman agus aigeanta leis na hUlaidh

while to them of Ulster it was recreation of mind and body

beith acá fheichem ocus ag éistecht a briathar.

(a) bheith ag  féachaint air agus ag éisteacht lena bhriathar.

to look at him and to listen to his words.

Uair ann do chuaid Iubdán co tech amhais d’amsaib in ríg

Uair ann chuaigh Iubhdán go teach amhais d’amhais an rí

Again, Iubhdan went to the house of a certain soldier of the king’s soldiers

ocus bróga nuada aige agá ngabáil uime

agus bróga nua ag á ngabháil uime.

that chanced to fit on him new brogues that he had:

ocus ro bí ag techt ar thanacht bonnadhad a bróg ocus ag cesacht orra.

Agus bhí (sé) ag teacht ar thanaíocht bhonn a bhróg agus ag ceasacht orthu.

discoursing as he did so, and complaining, of their soles that were too thin.

dorigne Iubdán gáire uime sin.

Rinne Iubhdán gáire uime sin.

Iubhdan laughed.

“cad fá ndernais in gáire sin a Iubdáin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén fáth a rinne tú an gáire sin, a Iubhdáin?”  ar Fearghus.

The king asked: “Iubhdan, why laughst thou thus?”

“adbar gáire dam” ar Iubdán “in fer úd ac cesacht ar thanacht a bróg

“Ábhar gáire dom,” ar Iubhdán, “an fear úd ag ceasacht ar thanaíocht a bhróg

“Yon fellow it is that provokes my laughter, complaining of his brogues

ocus ní chesann ar a shaegal

agus ní cheasann (sé) ar a shaol,

while for his own life he makes no moan.

ar gid tana na bróga úd ní chaithfidseom iad.”

óir gidh tanaí na bróga úd ní chaithfidh seisean iad.”

Yet, thin as be those brogues, he never will wear them out.”

ocus ro b ’fíor d’Iubdán sin

B’fhíor d’Iubhdán sin,

Which was true for Iubhdan,

uair do chomraic in fer sin ocus fer eile do muir Fhergusa re chéile ocus ro marbsat a céile ré noidce.

óir chomhraic an fear sin agus fear eile de mhuintir Fhearghusa le chéile, agus mharaigh siad a chéile roimh oíche.

seeing that before night that man and another one of the king’s people fought and killed each other.

Lá eile do bátar in teglach ag imrád gach neich co ndéndáis é

Lá eile bhí an teaghlach ag iomrá gach neich a ndéanfaidís,

Yet another day the household disputed of all manner of things, how they would do this or that,

ocus ní dubratar “má áil le dia”

agus ní dúradar, “más áil le Dia,”

but never said: “if it so please God.”

ocus do rigne Iubdán gáire umpu ocus dorigne in láid: —

agus rinne Iubhdán gáire umpu, agus rinne (sé) an laoidh:—

Then Iubhdan laughed and uttered a lay:—

“Labraid duine

“Labhraíonn duine,

“Man talks but God sheweth the event;

innisid dia;

insíonn Dia,

to men all things are but confusion,

meithel ceithel dóib gach ní

meitheal ceitheal dóibh gach ní,

they must leave them

léigid mar do fhidir dia

ligeann (sé) iad mar is eol do Dhia.

as God knoweth them to be.

Airdrí na ndúla

Ardrí na ndúl,

All that which Thou, Monarch of the elements,

ro bud cóir gach ní ro termuis;

ba chóir gach ní a d’ordaigh (tú),

hast ordained must be right;

rí na ríg ro fhidir

rí na rí, tá a fhios aige,

He, the King of kings,

gach a sirim ort a Ferguis

gach a shirim ort, a Fhearguis.

knows all that I crave of thee, Fergus.

Silled súla

Silleadh súla,

No man’s life, however bold he be,

saeghal gach duine cid amnus;

saol gach duine, d’ainneoin a amhnais,

is more than the twinkling of an eye;

gid mac ríog

cé gur mac rí é,

were he a king’s son, he knoweth not

nocho nfitir in fíor labrus”

níl a fhios aige an fíor a labhraíonn (sé).”

whether it be truth that he utters of the future.”

Cid tracht do bí Iubdán i nEmain mar sin nó go tángatar tuatha luchra

Bhí Iubhdán in Eamhain mar sin ó go dtángadar tuatha Luchra

Iubhdan now tarried in Emania until such time as the Luchra-folk,

secht cátha commóra

— seacht gcatha comh-mhóra —

being seven battalions strong,

dá iarraid co faitche na hEmna

dá iarraidh go faiche na hEamhna,

came to Emania’s green in quest of him;

ocus ní rug nech díb imarcrad ó chéile d’áirde iná do méit.

agus ní rug neach díobh iomarca óna chéile d’airde ná do mhéid.

and of these no single one did, whether in height or in bulk, exceed another.

Tháinig Fearghus agus maithe Uladh amach dá n-agallamh agus dúradar le Fearghus: 

Then to Fergus and to Ulster’s nobles that came out to confer with them they said: 

“tabair ár ríg dúinn rena fhuasglad” ar siat

“Tabhair ár rí dúinn lena fhuascailt,” ar siad,

“bring us our king that we may redeem him,

“ocus dobéram luach maith dá chiunn.”

“agus béarfaimidne luach maith dá chionn.”

and we will pay for him a good ransom.”

“cá luach sin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén luach sin?” ar Fearghus.

Fergus asked: “what ransom?”

“Every year, and that without ploughing, without sowing,

“dobéram” ar siat “in mag mórsa na hEmna fá bróin chruithnechta

“Béarfaimid,” ar siad, “an magh mór seo na hEamhna faoi bhró chruithneachta

we will cover this vast plain *of Emania* with a mass of corn.”

gacha bliadna gan tsíol gan trebad.”

gach bliain, gan tsíol gan treabhadh.”

“ní thiubarsa Iubdán” ar Fergus.

“Ní thoirbhreoidh mé Iubhdán,” ar Fearghus.

“I will not give up Iubhdan,” said the king.

“dogénamne foghal ortsa innocht” ar siat.

“Déanfaimidne foghail ortsa anocht,” ar siad.

“To-night we will do thee a mischief.”

“crét í in fhogal?” ar Fergus.

“Cad í an fhoghail?” ar Fearghus.

“What mischief?” asked the king.

“léigfemáid laeig Ulad co a máithrecha

“Ligfimid laonna Uladh go a máithreacha,

“All Ulster’s calves we will admit to their dams,

so that by morning time

co nach fuigter díol énnaoidhen amáin do luim nó do lemnacht i gcóiged Ulad

go nach bhfaightear díol aon naíonáin amháin do loim ná do leamhnacht i gcúige Uladh

there shall not in the whole province be found the measure of one babe’s allowance of milk.”

ar maitin.”

ar maidin.”

“bud é sin bhus lib” ar Fergus “ocus ní bud hé Iubdán.”

“Ba é sin (a) bheas libh,” ar Fearghus, “agus ní ba Iubhdán.”

“So much ye will have gained,” said Fergus, “but not Iubhdan.”

ocus dorignetarsan in fogal in oidce sin

Agus rinneadarsan an fhoghail an óiche sin.

This damage accordingly they wrought that night;

ocus tángatar ar maitin ar faitche na hEmna

Thángadar ar maidin ar fhaiche na hEamhna,

then at morn returned to the green of Macha

ocus do bátar ag iarraid Iubdáin

agus bhíodar ag iarraidh Iubhdáin,

ocus co neiseochataeis gach ní dar milletar

agus go ndeiseochaidís gach ní dar mhilleadar.

and, with promise of making good all that they had spoiled,

again required Iubhdan.

ocus adubairt Fergus nach tiubradh.

Agus dúirt Fearghus nach dtabharfadh.

Fergus refusing them however

“dogénamne dígaltas eile inocht” ar siat.

“Déanfaimidne díoltas eile anocht,” ar siad.

they said: “this night we will do another deed of vengeance.”

“cá dígaltas sin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén díoltas sin?” ar Fearghus.

*What vengence is that?” asked Fergus.*

“cacfam i nesaib

“Cacfaimid in easanna

“We will defile the wells, the rapids,

ocus i ninberaib in chóigid.”

agus in inbhir an chúige.”

and the river-mouths of the whole province.”

“fogal beg sin” ar Fergus

“Foghail bheag sin,” ar Fearghus.

But the king answered: “that is but a puny mischief” 

conid de sin atá in senfocal .i. ‘cac i tibraid.’

Gonadh de sin atá an seanfhocal: ‘cac i dtobar.’

(whence the old saw ‘dirt in a well’)

“ní fuigtíse Iubdán ar a shon sin” ar Fergus.

“Ní bhfaighidh sibhse Iubhdán ar a shon sin,” ar Fearghus.

“and ye shall not have Iubhdan.”

ocus dorónsat amlaid ocus tángatar in tres lá co hEmain

Agus rinne siad amhlaidh agus thángadar an treas lá go hEamhain

They having done this came again to Emania on the third day

ocus do iarratar Iubdán.

agus d’iarradar Iubhdán.

and demanded Iubhdan.

“ní tiubar” ar Fergus.

“Ní thabharfaidh mé,” ar Fearghus.

Fergus said: “I will not give him.”

“dogénamne dígaltas eile” ar siat.

“Déanfaimidne díoltas eile,” ar siad.

“A further vengeance we will execute upon thee.”

“cá dígaltas sin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén díoltas sin?” ar Fearghus.

“What vengeance is that?”

“loiscfemait átha ocus muilte in chúigid inocht.”

“Loiscfimid átha agus muilte an chúige anocht.”

“To-night we will burn the millbeams and the kilns of the province.”

“ní bfuigtíse Iubdán.”

“Ní bhfaighidh sibhse Iubhdán,” ar Fearghus.

“But ye will not get Iubhdan,” quoth the king.

ro imthigetar rompo ocus dorignetar mar do gellatar

D’imíodar rompu agus rinneadar mar a ghealladar,

Away they went and did as they had threatened,

ocus tángatar in cetramad lá co hEmain ocus do iarratar Iubdán.

agus thángadar an ceathrú lá go hEamhain agus d’iarradar Iubhdán.

then on the fourth day repaired to Emania and clamoured for Iubhdan.

“ní thiubar” ar Fergus.

“Ní thabharfaidh mé,” ar Fearghus.

Said Fergus: “I will not deliver him.”

“dogénamne dígaltas ortsa.”

“Déanfaimidne díoltas ortsa.”

“We will execute vengeance on thee.”

“cá dígaltas sin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén díoltas sin?” ar Fearghus.

“What vengeance?”

“gerrfam a gcinn do diasaib in chúigid inocht.”

“Gearrfaimid a gcinn do diasa an chúige anocht.”

“We will snip the ears off all the corn that is in the province.”

“ní fuigtí Iubdán ar a shon sin” ar Fergus.

“Ní bhfaighfí Iubhdán ar a shon sin,” ar Fearghus.

“Neither so shall ye have Iubhdan.”

ocus dorónsat sin ocus tángatar in cúiged lá co hEmain

Agus rinne siad sin, agus thángadar an cúigiú lá go hEamhain

This they did, then returned to Emania on the fifth day

ocus do bíodar ag iarraid Iubdáin.

agus bhíodar ag iarraidh Iubhdáin.

and asked for Iubhdan.

“ní thiubar” ar Fergus.

“Ní thabharfaidh mé,” ar Fearghus.

Fergus said: “I will not yield him.”

“dogénamne dígaltas eile ortsa.”

“Déanfaimidne díoltas eile ortsa.”

“Yet another vengeance we will take of thee.”

“cá dígaltas sin?” ar Fergus.

“Cén díoltas sin?” ar Fearghus.

“What vengeance?”

“berrfam fuilt bar mban ocus bar bfer

“Bearrfaimid folt bhur mban agus bhur bhfear

“Your women’s hair and your men’s we will e’en shave

co mbeid fó méla ocus fó aithis co brách.”

go mbeidh siad faoi mhéala agus faoi aithis go brách.”

to such purpose that they shall for ever be covered with reproach and shame.”

“dar mo bréithir” ar Fergus “dá ndéntáise sin muirbfetsa Iubdán.”

“Dar mo bhriathair,” ar Fearghus, “dá ndéanfaidís sin maróidh mise Iubhdán.”

Then Fergus cried: “if ye do that, by my word, I will slay Iubhdan.”

“Ní hedh sin as cóir ann” ar Iubdán

“Ní hé sin is cóir,” ar Iubhdán,

But here this latter said: “that is not the right thing at all;

“acht ligter mise féin amach dá nagallaim

“ach ligtear mise féin amach dá n-agallaimh,

rather let me be enlarged, that in person I may speak with them

ocus dá rád riu imtecht ocus ar milletar do lesugud.”

agus dá rá leo imeacht agus ar mhilleadar a leasú.”

and bid them first of all to repair such mischief as they have wrought, and then be gone.”

ocus do léiged eisen imach dá ninnsaigid.

Agus ligeadh eisean amach dá n-ionsaí.

*And he was allowed to go out to meet them.*

mar do chonncatarsan chucta é

Mar a chonaiceadarsan chucu é

At sight of Iubhdan they then,

as taking for granted

that the license accorded him must needs be in order to his departure with them,

do léigetar ilgáire móra ós áird

do ligeadar ilgháirí móra os ard,

sent up a mighty shout of triumph.

ár ba deimin leo

óir ba dheimhin leo

gurab leo do cedaiged dosum dul.

gurab leo a ceadaíodh dósan dul.

“a oes chomtha” ar Iubdán “dénaid imtecht

“A aois chomtha,” ar Iubhdán, “déanaigí imeacht

Iubhdan said however: “my trusty people, get you gone now,

ár ní ligter mise lib

óir ní ligtear mise libh.

for I am not suffered to go with you;

ocus lesaigid ar millebar

Agus leasaigí ar mhill sibh

all that which ye have spoiled make good also,

ocus ná millid ní as mó

agus ná milligí ní is mó.

neither spoil anything more

ocus dá milltí muirbfiter mise.”

Dá milltí marófar mise.”

for, if ye do so, I must die.”

doimthigetarsam co dubach dobrónach

D’imíodarsan go dubhach dobrónach,

They thereupon, all gloomy and dejected, went away;

ocus dorigne fer díob in láid ag imtecht:—

agus rinne fear díobh an laoidh ag imeacht:—

a man of them making this ditty:—

“Fogal uainne ort inocht

“Foghail uainne ort anocht,

“A raid upon thee we proclaim this night,

a Ferguis co nimat port;

a Fhearghuis go n-iomad port,

O Fergus owner of many strong places;

benfam a gcinn dot diasaib

bainfimid a gcinn ded’ dhiasa,

from thy standing corn we will snip the ears,

ní bud ferrde dod miasaib

ní ba fearr dod’ mhiasa.

whereby thy tables will not benefit.

Ro loiscsem bar nátha de

Loisceamar bhur n-áitheanna,

In this matter we have already burnt your kilns,

is ro millsem bar muille;

is mhilleamar bhur muilte,

your millbeams too we have all consumed;

ro léigsem bar laeig co becht

ligeamar bhur laonna go beacht,

your calves we have most accurately

dochum a mbuair i noinfecht

chun a mbuair in éineacht.

and universally admitted to their dams.

Tescfamait folta bar fer

Teascfaimid folta bhur bhfear,

Your men’s hair we will crop,

ocus folta bar ningen;

agus folta bhur n-iníonacha,

and all locks of your young women:

ní ba maise bar norba

ní ba maise bhur bhforba,

to your land it shall be a disfigurement,

bud é deired ár fogla

ba é deireadh ár bhfoghla.

and such shall be our mischief’s consummation.

Gurab bán bar nech co hág

Gurab bán bhur n-each go hágh,

White be thy horse till time of war,

a rí Ulad óg óghslán;

a rí Uladh óglach ógshlán,

thou king of Ulster and of warriors stout;

gurab corcra a heirred ann

gurab corcra a earraí ann,

but crimsoned be his trappings

in uair bes i cath nó i comhlann

an uair bheas i gcath nó i gcomhlann.

when he is in the battle’s press.

Ní rotgaba in tesbach oll

Nára id ghabháil an teaspach oll,

May no heat inordinate assail thee,

ní rodgaba in galar bronn;

nára gabh tú an galar bronn,

nor inward flux e’er seize thee,

nidria in galar súl i bfus

nár shroiche an galar súl (tú) abhus,

nor eye-distemper reach thee during all thy life:

’s ní ar do ghrád a Fergus

’s ní ar do ghrá a Fhearguis.

but Fergus, not for love of thee.

Mana biadh Iubdán i bfus

Muna mbíodh Iubhdán abhus,

Were it not Iubhdan here whom Fergus holds at his discretion, the manner of our effecting

ar a chumus ac Fergus;

ar a chumas ag Fearghus,

our depredations would have been such

ro bud olc diultad gan ail,

do ba olc diúltú gan oil,

that the disgrace incurred by the latter would

mar dogénmais ár bfogail”

mar a ndéanaimis ár bhfoghail.”

have shown his refusal to be an evil one.”

“Dénaid imtecht fesda” ar Iubdán

“Déanaigí imeacht feasta,” ar Iubhdán,

“And now get you hence,” said Iubhdan:

“uair do tairrngir Eisirt damsa

“óir thairngir Eisirt domsa

“for Esirt has prophesied of me

nach rachainn as

nach rachainn as

ro co fágainn roga mo shét.”

nó go bhfágainn rogha mo shéad.”

that before I shall have abandoned here the choicest one of all my precious things

I may not return.”

ocus do bí Iubdán i nEmain co cenn bliadna acht becán

Bhí Iubhdán in Eamhain go ceann bliana ach beagán,

So till a year’s end all but a little he dwelt in Emania,

ocus adubairt Iubdán re Fergus:

agus dúirt Iubhdán le Fearghus:

and then said to Fergus:

“beir énroga mo shétsa

“Beir aonrogha mo sheodsa

“of all my treasures choose thee now a single one,

ocus ní dligi mo chongbáil ní as sia iná a ndernais

agus ná dligh mo chongbháil ní is sia ná a rinne tú,

for so thou mayest.

ocus is maith mo sheoit” ar sé

agus is maith mo sheoid,” ar sé,

My precious things are good too”;

ocus ro gab ac áirem na sét ocus atbert in láid ann:—

agus ghabh (sé) ag áireamh na séad, agus dúirt (sé) an laoidh seo:—

and in a lay he proceeded to cast them up:—

“Beir mo ghó ón beir mo ghó

“Beir mo gha ón beir mo gha,

“Take my spear, O take my spear, thou,

a Ferguis d’an bidba bró;

a Fhearghuis dar bró a bhíodh,

Fergus, that hast enemies in number; in battle

comlann céd i cathaib í

comhlann céad i gcatha í,

’tis a match for an hundred, and a king that

fágaid rí fó rennaib ró

(a) f(h)ágann rí faoi reanna ró.

holds it will have fortune among hostile points.

Beir mo sciath ón beir mo sciath

Beir mo sciath ón beir mo sciath,

Take my shield, O take my shield,

a Ferguis is maith in fiach;

a Fhearghuis is maith an fiach,

a good price it is for me, Fergus;

nocha gontar ar a scáth

ná ghontar ar a scáth,

be it stripling or be it grey-beard,

ógán go bráth ná fer liath

ógán go bráth ná fear liath.

behind his shelter none may wounded be.

Mo chlaidem ó mo chlaidem

Mo chlaíomh ón mo chlaíomh,

My sword, and O my sword, in respect

i leith re claidem catha;

i leith le claíomh catha,

of a battle-sword there is not in a

nocho nfuil i ninis fáil

nach bhfuil in Inis Fáil,

prince’s hand throughout all Innisfail

séd as ferr illáim fhlatha

séad is fearr i lámh fhlatha.

a more excellent thing of price.

Beir mo bhrat ón beir mo brat

Beir mo bhrat ón beir mo bhrat,

Take my cloak, O take my cloak,

is gé beire lat is nua;

is cé beire leat is nua,

the which if thou take it will be ever new;

a Ferguis is maith in brat

a Fhearghuis is maith an brat,

my mantle is good, Fergus,

méraid dod mac is dot ua

mairfidh (sé) dod mhac is dod ua.

and for thy son and grandson will endure.

Mo léine ón mo léine

Mo léine ón mo léine,

My shirt and O my shirt, whoe’er he be

gé beth thall ina hinne;

cé beith thall ina hinneach,

that in time to come may be within its weft

ben athar mo shenathar

bean athar do sheanathar,

— my grandsire’s father’s wife,

a láma is iat dorinne

a lámha is iad a rinne.

her hands they were that spun it.

Beir mo chrios ón beir mo chrios

Beir mo chrios ón beir mo chrios,

Take my belt, O take my belt, gold and silver

ór is airged iarna bfios;

ór is airgead iarna fhios,

appertain to a knowledge of it; sickness will

galar ní géba nech as

galar ní gheobhaidh neach as,

not lay hold on him that is encircled by it,

in cnes tar a mbia mo crios

an cneas thar a mbeidh mo chrios.

nor on skin encompassed by my girdle.

Mo chathbarr ón mo chathbarr

Mo chafarr ón mo chafarr,

My helmet, O my helmet, no prize there

nocha nfuil séd as cóime;

nach bhfuil séad is caoimhe,

is more admirable; no man that on his scalp

gach én gébus má baithis

gach éinne a gheobhaidh um a bhaithis,

shall assume it will ever be obnoxious

ní bia fó aithis móile

ní bheidh (sé) faoi aithis maoile.

to reproach of baldness.

Beir m’inar ón beir m’inar

Beir m’ionar ón beir m’ionar,

Take my tunic, O my tunic take,

édach sídamail socuir;

éadach síodamhail socair,

well-fitting silken garment; the which

gid cét bliadan bés um nech

cé (gur) céad blian (a) mbeidh (sé) um neach,

though for an hundred years it were on one,

nocha mistide a chorcuir

nach measa de a chorchair.

yet were its crimson none the worse.

Mo chaire ón mo chaire

Mo choire ón mo choire,

My cauldron, O my cauldron, a special rare

maith in sét ar a ghaire;

maith an séad ar a ghaire,

thing for its handy use; though they were

bud biad dingbála flatha

ba bhia diongbhála flatha,

stones that should go into my cauldron, yet

gid clocha dech im chaire

cé (gur) clocha bheadh im choire.

would it turn them out meat befitting princes.

Mo dhabach ón mo dabach

Mo dhabhach ón mo dhabhach,

My vat, and O my vat,

illeith re ndabaig ndeise;

i leith le dabhaigh deise,

as compared with other vats of the best,

téit i noesaib co fo trí

téann in aoiseanna faoi thrí,

by any that shall bathe in him

gach oen fhothraigios eiste

gach éinne a fhothragann aisti.

life’s stage is traversed thrice.

Beir mo mhell ón beir mo mell

Beir mo mhás ón beir mo mhás,

Take my mace, O take my mace,

ní beri lat sét as ferr;

ní bheire leat séad is fearr,

no better treasure canst thou choose;

illó chomlainn chatha glinn

i leith chomhlainn chatha ghlinn,

in time of war, in sharp set-to,

dideonaid nái gcinn mot chenn

díonfaidh naoi gcinn (níos) mó (ná) do cheann.

nine heads besides thine own it will protect.

Beir m’echlasc ón beir m’echlasc

Beir m’eachlasc ón beir m’eachlasc,

Take my horse-rod, O my horse-rod take: rod

echlasc in eich bláith buide;

eachlasc an eich bhláith bhuí,

of the yellow horse so fair to see; let but the

féchaid mná in domain do ghnúis

féachann mná an domhain do ghnúis,

whole world’s women look at thee [with that

is fort bés a ndrúis uile

is ort (a) mbeidh a ndrúis uile.

rod in thy hand and] in thee will centre all their hottest love.

Mo thimpán co téidbinne

Mo thiompán go téidbhinne,

My timpan, O my timpan endowed with

a himlib mara rodain;

ó imill Mara Rua,

string-sweetness, from the red sea’s borders;

atá i mbun a leitrinne

atá i mbun a (dtéad)

within its wires resides minstrelsy sufficing

airfided ban in domain

oirfide ban an domhain.

to delight all women of the universe.

Arann glésta mo thimpáin

Éinne a ghléasann mo thiompán,

Whosoe’er should in the matter of tuning up

gidbé dá tegma i mboegal;

cé dá (mbeadh sé) i mbaol,

my timpan be suddenly put to the test, if never

gingob é in fer dána ifus

gan gurb é an fear dána abhus,

hitherto he had been a man of art yet would

is oirfidech é a oenar

is oirfideach é a aonar.

the instrument of itself perform the minstrel’s function.

Uch is binn a baegalán

Uch is binn a nóta baoil,

Ah how melodious is its martial strain,

ocus is caem a chédail;

agus is caomh a cheadal,

and its low cadence ah how sweet;

mar sinnios a haenarán

mar a sheineann (sé) ina aonarán,

all of itself too how it plays, without a

gan mér ar théid dá thédaib

gan méar ar théad dá théad.

finger on a single string of all its strings.

Mo dheimes ón mo deimes

Mo dheimheas ón mo dheimheas,

My shears, and O my shears,

dorigne goba barráin;

a rinne gabha Bharráin,

that Barran’s smith did make;

gach aen ghabus ina láim

gach éinne (a) ghabhann (sé) ina lámh,

of them that take it into their hands

do geibid uile lennáin

gheobhaidh uile leannáin.

every man will secure a sweetheart.

Mo shnáthad ón mo snáthad

Mo shnáthaid ón mo shnáthaid,

My needle, O my needle,

dorigned d’ór in enaig;

a rinneadh d’ór an eanaigh,

that is made of the eanach’s gold;

dá ngabad mullscóid muilech

dá ngabhadh scóid mullaí Muileach

do bud druinech na degaid

ba dhruineach (é) ’na dhiaidh.

Beir dá muic dom mucaibse

Beir dhá mhuic dom mhuca-sa,

Of my swine two porkers take,

méraid duit go lá t’éga;

mairfidh siad duit go lá d’éaga,

they will last thee till thy dying day;

a marbad gach énoidche

a marú gach aonoíche,

every night they may be killed,

’s a mbeith beo sa tráth chétna

’s a mbeith beo sa tráth céanna.

yet within the watch will live again.

M’aghastar ón m’agastar

M’adhastar ón m’adhastar,

My halter, O my halter,

gid bé do biadh re hédáil;

cibé a mbeidh le héadáil,

whoe’er should be on booty bent,

gid bó dhub chuiredh nech ionn

cé gur bó dhubh (a) gcuirfeadh neach ann,

though ’twere a black cow he put into it

do bud bó fhionn i gcédáir

ba bó fhionn (í) i gcéaduair.

incontinently she would become a white one.

Beir m’asa ón beir m’asa

Beir m’asa ón beir m’asa,

Take my shoes, my shoes O take, brogues

bróga finndruine go feib;

bróga fionndruine ar fheabhas,

of the white bronze, of virtue marvelous;

cuma imthig muir is tír

cuma (má) imíonn (siad ar) mhuir is tír,

alike they travel land and sea, happy the king

is mongenar rí rosbeir”

is lúcháireach rí (a) bheireann iad.”

whose choice shall fall on these.”

“Beir th’énroga seoid díob a Ferguis” ar Iubdán

“Beir d’aonrogha seoid díobh, a Fhearghuis,” ar Iubhdán,

“Fergus,” said Iubhdan, “from among them all choose thee now one precious thing,

“ocus léig mise ass.”

“agus lig mise as.”

and let me go.”

Is í sin uair ocus aimsir

Is í sin uair agus aimsir

But this was now the season and the hour

a dtánic Aedh éiges dá echtra.

a dtáinig Aodh éigeas dá eachtra.

when from his adventure poet Aedh returned;

ocus ro bátar ollamain Ulad ag fiarfaigid scél de tige Iubdáin

Bhí ollúna Uladh ag fiarfaí scéil de theach Iubhdáin

and him the professors presently examined touching Iubhdan’s house,

ocus a teglaig ocus tuaithe luchra uile

agus a theaghlaigh agus tuaithe Luchra uile.

his household, and the region of the Luchra.

ocus do bí Aedh agá innisin sin dóib ocus ag tabairt a tuarascbála

Agus bhí Aodh ag insint sin dóibh, agus ag tabhairt a dtuarascála,

Concerning all which Aedh forthwith began to tell them,

ocus atbert in láid:—

agus dúirt sé an laoidh:—

inditing a lay:—

“Ingnad echtra ingnad echtra

“Ionadh eachtra ionadh eachtra,

“A wondrous enterprise it was

romégla uaib ar filedaib;

a bheir mé uaibh, ár bhfilí,

that took me away from you, our poets,

co sídbrug slóig co sídbrug slóig

go síbhrú slua go síbhrú slua,

to a populous fairy palace with a great

go rígraid móir go bfinnferaib

go ríora mór, go bhfionn-fhir.

company of princes and with men minute.

Dá dorus dég dá dorus dég

Dhá dhoras déag dhá dhoras déag,

Twelve doors there are to that house

ar in treib tolgmóir toebsoluis;

ar an treibh tolgmhór taobhsholais,

of roomy beds and [window] lighted sides;

go mormair móir go mormair móir

go marmar mór go marmar mór,

’tis of vast marble [blocks],

co gcomlaid óir gach oendoruis

go comhla óir gach aondorais.

and in every doorway doors of gold.

Derg is buide derg is buide

Dearg is buí dearg is buí,

Of red, of yellow and green,

is uaine glas gorm rochoilcte;

is uaine glas gorm na héadaí leapa,

of azure and of blue its bedclothes are;

cumachta cian cumachta cian

cumhachta cian cumhachta cian,

its authority is of ancient date: warriors’

fulachta fian is fothroigte

fulachta fiann is folcadáin.

cooking-places it includes, and baths.

A léibinn bláith a léibinn bláith

A léibhinn mhín a léibhinn mhín,

Smooth are its terraces

do blaeisg uighe Iruaithe énugha;

de bhlaoisc uibhe Iorua aonuibhe,

of the egg-shells of Iruath;

colba glaine colba glaine

colúin ghloine colúin ghloine,

pillars there are of crystal,

colba airgitt is crédumha

colúin airgid is cré-umha.

columns of silver and of copper too.

Sída is sróll sída is sróll

Síoda is sról síoda is sról,

Silk and satin, silk and satin,

sréin is buabae is birtenga;

srianta is buabhaill is biortheanga,

bridles …;

cumachta cian cumachta cian

cumhachta cian cumhachta cian,

its authority is of ancient date: warriors’

fulachta fian is fichella

fulachta fiann is fichealla.

cooking-places it includes, and chess-boards.

Sgélaigecht ann sgélaigecht ann

Scéalaíocht ann scéalaíocht ann,

Reciting of romances, of the Fian-lore,

gach lá do bíodh is fiannaigecht;

gach lá a bhíodh is fiannaíocht,

was there every day; singing of poems,

duanaigecht ann colbaigecht ciuil

duanaireacht ann, ceol uirlise,

instrumental music, the mellow blast of horns,

cornairecht chiuin is cliaraigecht

cornaireacht chiúin is cliaraíocht.

and concerted minstrelsy.

Rí uasal é rí uasal é

Rí uasal é rí uasal é

A noble king he is: Iubhdan

Iubdán mac Abdaein echbuide;

Iubhdán mac Abhdaein eachbhuí,

son of Abhdaein, of the yellow horse;

gan deilb do chlód gan deilb do chlód

gan deilbh a chló gan deilbh a chló,

he is one whose form undergoes no change,

gan fheidm go mór ar ercnuide

gan a fheidhm go mór ar éargna.

and who needs not to strive after wisdom.

Ingena ann ingena ann

Iníonacha ann, iníonacha ann,

Women are there,

ag snám locha go lérgluine;

ag snámh locha go léarghlaine,

that in pure pellucid loch disport themselves:

go nétach sróill go nétach sróill

go n-éadach sróil go n-éadach sróil,

satin their raiment is,

go slabrad óir gach énduine

go slabhra óir gach éinne.

and with each one of them a chain of gold.

Amais in ríg amais in ríg

Amhais an rí amhais an rí,

As for the king’s men-at-arms, that

go trillsib folt cas chaemshalais;

go trilse folt cas chaomhsholais,

wear long tresses, hair ringletted and glossy:

fir fhinna fhois fir fhinna fhois

fir fhionna fhois fir fhionna fhois,

men of the mould ordinary with the Luchra

tuilledh ar bhois gach aenamais

tuilleadh ar bhos gach aon dá n-amhais.

can stand upon those soldiers’ palms.

Bé bó binn bláith Bé bó binn bláith

Bé Bhó bhinn bhláith Bé Bhó bhinn bhláith,

Bebo — Iubhdan’s blooming queen

rígan Iubdáin na tromtuile;

ríon Iubhdáin na tromthoile,

—an object of desire

ní bí in gég gel ní bí in gég gel

ní bíonn an ghéag gheal ní bíonn an ghéag gheal,

— never is the white-skinned beauty

gan trí chét ben na banchuire

gan trí chéad ban ’na banchuire.

without three hundred women in her train.

Banntrocht Bé bó banntrocht Bé bó

Bantracht Bhé Bhó, bantracht Bhé Bhó,

Bebo’s women — ’tis little they chatter

beg luaidid d’olc ná d’ardfolaid;

beag a luann (siad) d’olc ná d’ardfholadh,

of evil or of arrogance;

rógela a cuirp rógela a cuirp

rógheala a gcoirp rógheala a gcoirp,

their bodies are pure white,

soichid a fuilt go fadbronnaib

sroicheann a bhfolt go rúitíní.

and their locks reach to their ankles.

Ollam in ríg ollam in ríg

Ollamh an rí ollamh an rí,

The king’s chief poet,

Eisirt mac Big meic Buaidgine;

Eisirt mac Bhig meic Bhuaidhgheine,

Esirt son of Beg son of Buaidghen:

rosg nguba ngorm rosg nguba ngorm

rosc gubha gorm rosc gubha gorm,

his eye is blue and gentle, and

luga ná dorn in duainire

lú ná dorn an duanaire.

less than a doubled fist that man of poems is.

Ben in éigis ben in éigis

Bean an éigis bean an éigis,

The poet’s wife

ba maith gach ní ro adradh sí;

ba mhaith gach ní a ndéanfadh sí,

— to all things good she was inclined;

ben álainn uill ben álainn uill

bean álainn iontach, bean álainn iontach,

a lovely woman and a wonderful:

im lámainn chuirr do chadladh sí

im lámhainn chorr a gcodlódh sí.

she could sleep in my rounded glove.

Dáilem in ríg dáilem in ríg

Dáileamh an rí dáileamh an rí,

The king’s cupbearer

maith in fer comtha cuirmthige;

maith an fear cumtha coirmthí,

— in the banquet-hall a trusty man and true:

inmain Ferór inmain Ferór

ionúin Fearór, ionúin Fearór,

well I loved Feror

do bí i medón mo muinchille

a bhí i meán mo mhuinchille.

that could lie within my sleeve.

Trénfer in ríg trénfer in ríg

Tréanfhear an rí, tréanfhear an rí,

The king’s strong man

Glómar mac Glais mic Glomruide;

Glómhar mac Glais mhic Glomhraidhe,

— Glomhar son of Glomradh’s son Glas,

in glonnmar garg in glonnmar garg

an glonnmhar garg an glonnmhar garg,

stern doer of doughty deeds:

taeth fothannán ard d’aenbuille

theascfadh feochadán ard d’aonbhuille.

he could fell a thistle at a sweep.

Secht ngéise dég secht ngéise dég

Seacht ngéise déag seacht ngéise déag,

Of those the king’s confidentials, seventeen

im uchtsa do’n lucht cumtha sin;

im uchtsa don lucht cumtha sin,

‘swans’ [i.e. pretty girls] lay in my bosom;

cetrar im chrios cetrar im chrios

ceathrar im chrois, ceathrar im chrois,

four men of them in my belt and, all unknown

is fer gan fhios im ulchainse

is fear gan fhios im ulchasa.

to me, among my beard would be another.

Adeirdís rim adeirdís rim

Déarfaidís liom, déarfaidís liom,

They (both fighting men

óig is ánrada in tsíodasain;

óig is ánraidh an tsí sin,

and erudites of that sídh) would say to me,

guth na slóg saer guth na slóg saer

guth na slua saor, guth na slua saor

and the public acclamation ever was:

‘uch is mór Aedh a fhíorathaig’

‘uch is mór Aodh a fhíorathaigh.’

‘enormous Aedh, O very giant.’

Sí sin m’echtra sí sin m’echtra

Sí sin m’eachtra, sí sin m’eachtra,

Such, O Leide’s son of forests vast,

a meic Léide na móirfidbad;

a mheic Léide na móirfheánna,

such is my adventure:

a Fherguis fhéil a Fherguis fhéil

a Fhearghuis fhéil a Fhearghuis fhéil,

of a verity

domtánic inné móiringnad”

dom tháinig inné mórionadh.”

there is a wondrous thing befallen me.”

Is ann sin rug Fergus roga na sét sin Iubdáin

Is ansin rug Fearghus rogha na séad sin Iubhdáin

Of those matters then — of all Iubhdan’s treasures — Fergus made choice,

ocus is í roga rug sé .i. bróga Iubdáin.

agus is í rogha rug sé: bróga Iubhdáin.

and his choice was Iubhdan’s shoes.

This latter therefore, leaving them his blessing and taking theirs,

is do chéilebair sé d’ Fergus ocus do maithib Ulad uile iarsin

Is cheiliúir sé d’Fhearghus agus do mhaithe Uladh uile iar sin.

bade Fergus and the nobles of Ulster farewell

ocus ro fhág sé bennacht aca ocus rug bennacht uatha

D’fhág sé beannacht acu agus rug beannacht uathu,

ocus fa cumach Ulltaig ina diaid.

agus ba chumhach Ultaigh ina dhiaidh.

(Ulster grieving for his departure)

ní hair aithrister in sgél festa.

Ní hair aithrisítear an scéal feasta.

and with him the story henceforth has no more to do.

Dála Fergusa imorro

Dála Fhearghusa, *iomorra,*

As regards Fergus however,

is uime rug sé na bróga do rogain

is uime rug sé na bróga a roghnú:

this is why he picked out Iubhdan’s shoes:

lá dá rála sé ocus óglách dá muir ag siubal láim re loch Rudraige

lá dá raibh sé agus óglách dá mhuintir ag siúl láimh le Loch Rudhraighe,

he with a young man of his people walking of a day hard by Lochrury,

ocus do chuatar isin loch dá fothrugud

chuadar sa loch dá bhfothragadh

they entered into the loch to bathe;

ocus mothaigis in péist ro búi isin loch iad .i. in tsinech locha Rudraige

 agus mhothaigh an phéist a bhí sa loch iad .i. an tsineach Locha Rudhraighe,

and the monster that dwelt in the loch — the sinech of Lochrury — was aware of them.

ocus croithis í

agus chrith sí í féin,

Then she shaking herself

gur ba hanfad agarb anbáil in loch uile

gur ba anfa adhgharbh anbháil an loch uile.

till the whole loch was in great and tempestuous commotion

ocus éirgis suas ina stuaig shesmaig shírgránda

Agus d’éirigh (sí) suas ina stua seasmhach síorghránna,

reared herself on high as it had been a solid arc hideous to behold,

gur ba commór í ocus sduag nime i naer .

gur ba chomh-mhór í agus stua neimhe in aer.

so that in extent she equalled the rainbow of the air.

dochoncatarsan chucu í ocus snámaid in loch cum tíre

Chonacadarsan chucu í agus snámh siad an loch chun tíre.

They both marking her towards them swam for the shore,

ocus snámaid sisi ina ndiaid go trén tinnesnach

Agus snámhann sise ina ndiaidh go tréan tinneasnach,

she in pursuit with mighty strokes

gur ba chosmail re buinne mborbruad ndilenn in dá buinne bátar ima taebaib.

gur ba chosúil le buinne borbrua díle an dá bhuinne a bhí ina taobhanna.

that in bursting deluge sent the water spouting from her sides.

léigis Fergus a óglaech roime chum tíre

Lig Fearghus a óglach roimhe chun tíre,

Fergus suffered his attendant to gain the land before himself,

gur ben anál na péiste re Fergus

gur bhain anáil na péiste le Fearghus

whereby the monster’s breath impinging on the king

co nderna cam siabartha saebsúilech de

go ndearna cam siabhartha saobhshúileach de,

turned him into a crooked and distorted squint-eyed being,

gur chamastar óna bél co clais a chúil é . 

gur camadh óna bhéal go clais a chúil é.

with his mouth twisted round to his very poll.

ocus ní raibe a fhios aige féin a beith amlaid sin.

Agus ní raibh a fhios aige féin a bheith amhlaidh sin,

But he knew not that he was so;

ocus nír lám nech a fhiarfaigid de

agus níor lámh neach a fhiarfaí de

neither dared any enquire of him

cad dorigne sin ris

cad a rinne sin leis,

what it might be that had wrought this [change] in him,

ocus nír lámad scáthán do thabairt i nóintig ris.

agus níor lámhadh scáthán a thabhairt sa teach céanna leis.

nor venture to leave a mirror in the one house with him.

Cid tra acht innisis in tóglaech dá mnái féin sin

I gceann tráth, ámh, d’inis an t-óglach dá bhean féin sin,

The young man however told all the matter to his wife

ocus innisis in ben do’n rígain do mnái Fergusa é

agus d’inis an bhean don ríon — do bhean Fhearghusa — é,

and the woman showed it to Fergus’s wife, to the queen.

When therefore anent precedence in use of the bath-stone

go tarla itir in ríg ocus in rígain

go dtarla idir an rí agus an ríon

there was a falling-out between the king and queen,

tré imremim fothraicthe

trí imrim fothragtha,

go tuc in rí dorn di gur bris fiacail ina ciunn.

go dtug an rí dorn di, gur bhris fiacail ina ceann.

the king giving her the fist broke a tooth in her head;

gabais ferg in rígain ocus adubairt:

Ghabh fearg an ríon agus dúirt:

whereupon anger seized the queen, and she said:

“do bud chóra duit” ar sí

“Ba chóir duit,” ar sí,

“a dígailt ar in sinig locha Rudraige

“a dhíoghail ar an sineach Locha Rudhraighe

“to avenge thyself on the sinech of Lochrury

do cham do bél go clais do chúil

a cham do bhéal go clais do chúil

that dragged thy mouth round to thy poll

would become thee better

iná báinghníma ban do dhénum.”

ná báinghníomha ban a dhéanamh.”

than to win bloodless victories of women.”

tucad scáthán d’innsaigid Fergusa iarum ocus do féch é féin ocus adubairt:

Tugadh scáthán d’ionsaí Fhearghusa iaramh,

agud d’fhéach (sé) é féin, agus dúirt:

Then to Fergus she brought a mirror, and he looking upon his image said:

“is fíor don mnái a ndubairt sí” ar sé

“Is fíor don bhean a ndúirt sí,” ar sé,

“the woman’s words are true for her,

“ocus is í in péist tuc in díol so orumsa”

“agus is í an phéist thug an díol so ormsa,”

and to this complexion it is indeed the sinech of Lochrury that hath brought me.”

conad uime sin rug Fergus na bróga do rogain tar shédaib Iubdáin uile.

gonadh uime sin rug Fearghus na bróga a roghnaigh (sé) thar shéada Iubhdáin uile.

And hence it was that before all Iubhdan’s other precious wares Fergus had taken his shoes.

Ro tinólad

Tionóladh

In their ships and in their galleys

cúiced Ulad uile le Fergus iarsin

cúige Uladh uile le Fearghus iar sin,

the whole province of Ulster,

accompanying Fergus, now

gathered together

cona longaib ocus allaeidengaib

gona longa agus alladhlonga,

co loch Rudraige

go Loch Rudhraighe,

to Lochrury.

ocus ro chuirset a longa ar in loch

agus chuir siad a longa ar an loch.

They entering the loch

ocus mar rángatar amach ar lár medóin in locha

Agus mar ráiníodar amach ar lár mheáin an locha

gained its centre;

ro éirig in phéist ocus ro chroith í co hagarb ainiarmartach

d’éirigh an phéist agus chrith (sí) í féin

go hadhgharbh ainiarmhartach,

the monster rose and shook herself in such fashion

co nderna brioscbruar do na huile longaib

go ndearna brioscbhruar de na huile longa,

that of all the vessels she made little bits

cor ba chommin ocus barrgar crann gcríon fó chosaib echraide gach long díob

gur ba chuma agus barraíl chrann gcríon

faoi chosa eachra gach long díobh,

and, as are the withered twigs beneath horses’ feet, so were they severally comminuted

gur báithed uile iad sul rángatar tír

gur bádh uile iad sula ráiníodar tír,

and, or ever they could reach the strand, all swamped.

ocus adubairt Fergus re hUlltaib:

agus dúirt Fearghus le hUltaigh:

Fergus said to Ulster:

“anaid ann so” ar sé “ocus suidid uile

“Fanaigí anseo,” ar sé, “agus suígí uile

“bide ye here and sit you all down,

go faicti cá réim dogénsa ocus in péist ar a chéle.”

go bhfeice (sibh) cén réim a dhéanann (mise)

agus an phéist ar a chéile.”

that ye may witness how I and the monster shall deal together.”

Is ann sin ro gab Fergus bróga Iubdáin uime ocus lingis isin loch

Is ansin a ghabh Fearghus bróga Iubhdáin uime agus léim (sé) sa loch

Then he being shod with Iubhdan’s shoes leaped into the loch,

ina stuaig niamda neimmertnaig cum na péiste.

ina stua niamhrach neamh-mheirtneach chun na péiste.

erect and brilliant and brave, making for the monster.

ótchuala in péist fothrom in rígmíled

Ó chuala an phéist fothram an rímhíle

At sound of the hero’s approach

ro nocht a fiacla amail coin re luirg

nocht (sí) a fiacla amhail cú (i mbaol) le lorga,

she bared her teeth as does a wolf-dog threatened with a club;

ocus do lonnraig a súile mar dá ríchoinnill ar lasad

agus lonraigh a súile mar dhá ríchoinneal ar lasadh.

her eyes blazed like two great torches kindled,

ocus ro garbglés go grod a géiringne

Gharbhghléas (sí) go grod a géiringne,

suddenly she put forth her sharp claw’s jagged array,

ocus ro stuag go stuagamail a stuagmuinél

agus stua (sí) go stua-amhail a stuamhuineál,

bowed her neck with the curve of an arch

ocus ro nasc go laemda a lipada

agus nasc (sí) go laomtha a lapaí.

and clenched her glittering tusks,

ocus ro mael co mímaisech a motharchluasa

Mhaol (sí) go mímhaiseach a motharchluasa,

effacing [i.e. throwing back] her ears hideously,

ocus ro éirig gruaim gráinemail glémer uirre.

agus d’éirigh gruaim ghráinniúil ghlé-mhear uirthi.

till her whole semblance was one of gloomy cruel fury.

ro ba mairg duine ar doman

Ba mhairg duine ar domhan

Alas for any in this world 

dá raibe i ndán beith i noirchill chomraic na péiste sin

dá raibh i ndán bheith in oirchill comhraic na péiste sin,

that should be fated to do battle with that monster:

ár ba hárracht cennmór cláirfhiaclach í.

óir ba harracht ceannmhór cláirfhiachlach í.

huge-headed long-fanged portent that she was.

is amlaid ro búi in torathar trén tailc tinnesnach sin

Is amhlaidh a bhí an torathar tréan tailc tinneasnach sin,

The fearsome and colossal creature’s form was this:

ocus í cíorach cennmór cláirfhiaclach mongach gránda gairbfhinnfadach

agus is í cíorach ceannmhór cláirfhiachlach mongach gránna, garbhfhionnfadach

a crest and mane she had of coarse hair,

goiblethan garb glennshúilech

goibleathan garbh gleannshúileach.

a mouth that yawned, deep-sunken eyes;

ocus trí caeca cos cruaid coimlethan as gach tóeb di

Agus trí chaoga cos crua coimleathan as gach taobh di,

on either side thrice fifty flippers,

ocus trí caeca ionga frithbacánach ar gach nénchois

trí chaoga ionga frithbhacánach ar gach n-aonchos,

each armed with as many claws recurved;

ocus corp cosnamach coimremar aici

corp cosantach coimramhar aici,

a body impregnable;

motharchluasa móra mímaisecha lé ocus fiacla anarrachta áithe aici.

motharchluasa móra mímhaiseacha léi, agus fiacla an-arrachta áithe aici.

*large hideous ears and sharp monstrous teeth.

fá duibe iná gual nó druimne daeil a glúine

Ba dhuibhe ná ghual, nó droim daoil, a glúine.

Blacker than coal, or a beetle’s back, were her knees.*

trí chaeca traig a háirde in uair do shíned í.

Trí chaoga troigh a hairde an uair a shín sí.

Thrice fifty feet her extended altitude;

fa chruinne iná aball in uair do chrapad

Ba chruinne ná úll an uair a chrap sí,

round as an apple she was in contraction,

ocus ba chommór ré cnoc airdsléibe airegda aitenngairbe (sic)

agus ba chomh-mhór le cnoc airdsléibhe aireaghdha aiteanngairbhe.

but in bulk equalled some notable hill in its rough garb of furze.

ocus doconnairc in rí in péist ocus ro innsaig í go urlam obann

Nuair a chonaic an rí an phéist, d’ionsaigh (sé) í go hullamh tobann,

When the king sighted her he charged, instant, impetuous,

ocus dorigne in rosgad ann:—

agus rinne sé an roscadh so:—

and as he went he made this rosg or ‘rhapsody’:—

“Fí domtánic célmaine

“Olc dom tháinig céalmhaine

“The evil is upon me that was presaged . . .”

cóiged Ulad ollbladhach

go cúige Uladh ollbhladhach:

sinech shármór shogherrtha

sineach shármhór shoghearrtha,

loch Rugraide rithestar

Loch Rudhraighe rite,

ochna ré creich ngnáthferge.

ochán roimh chreach ghnáthfheirge

comlann catha commaeides

comhlann catha comh-mhaidhmeadas,

asa ána órdaide

asa ána óraithe,

eirred echraide égcomlainn

earra eachraí éagomhlainn

treise triath tuinithe

(níos) treise (ná) triath tuiní,

barca tarbith brúidestair

bárca ar bith a bhristear,

echna re sluag sírfhégad

eagna le slua (ag) síor-fhéachaint,

beit gan ríg re róchathaib

beith gan rí le róchatha,

asa Iubdáin áilimse.

asa Iubhdáin áilimse

ag airlech in arrachta

ag eirleach an arrachta,

coimsig cruth a coimferge

cuimsigh cruth a coimfeirge,

dotaeth in mbéist mbithadbail

tháinig an phéist bhith-áibhéil,

dom éid is dom mórbuillib

dom (chur in) éad is dom mhórbhuillibh,

cian ómtanic fí”

cian óm tháinig faoi.”

Iarsin ro éirigset ar lár in locha ocus ro chrithnaigset in loch

Iar sin d’éirigh siad ar lár an locha,

agus chrith siad an loch,

Then both of them, seeking the loch’s middle part, so flogged it

go rabatar na héicneda eochargorma ag bidgléimnech

go raibh na héigne eochairghorma ag bíogléimneach

that the salmon of varied hue leaped

tar bruachaib in locha

thar bhruacha an locha,

and flung themselves out upon the shore

dóig ní fuaratar inad comnaide sin loch

dóigh ní fuaradar ionad cónaithe sa loch,

because that in the water they found no resting-place,

uair do bí gainem fionntrachta in locha ar a uachtar.

óir bhí gaineamh fionntrachta an locha [.i. gaineamh ón ngrinneall] ar a uachtar.

for the white bottom-sand was churned up to the surface.

in dara ham ba gilither iná lemnacht in loch

An dara ham ba ghile ná leamhnacht an loch.

Now was the loch whiter than new milk,

in tres am ba chubar forderg fola in loch uile.

An treas am ba chúr fordearg fola an loch uile.

anon all turned to crimson froth of blood.

is ann sin ro éirig in péist ós cionn in locha ináirde amail rígdair rómóir

Is ansin d’éirigh an phéist os cionn an locha in airde, amhail rídhair rómhór,

At last the beast, in figure like some vast royal oak, rose on the loch

ar teichem roim Fergus

ar teitheadh roimh Fhearghus.

and before Fergus fled.

ocus gabuis in rígmílid comnert comtrén comchruaid uirri

Agus ghabh an rímhíle comhneart comhthréan comhchrua uirthi

The hero-king pressing her

co nderna óirdne coimgherra di

go ndearna píosaí coimghearra di

leisin claidem do bí ina láim .i. in caladcholg

leis an gclaíomh a bhí ina lámh .i. an caladhcholg,

and with the sword that was in his hand, with the caladcholg, 

in claidem as ferr do bí in Erinn in uair sin

an claíomh is fearr a bhí in Éirinn an uair sin.

best blade that was then in Ireland,

he hewed her all in pieces.

ocus tuc craide na péiste lais go port in locha mar a rabatar Ulltaig.

Agus thug (sé) croí na péiste leis go port an locha mar a raibh Ultaigh.

To the loch’s port where Ulster sat he brought her heart;

ocus gid eisium dono nírsat luga a chréchta

Agus gidh gur ghní eisean sin, níor ba lú a chréachta,

but if he did, his own wounds were as many [as hers]

ár nír ba tuille criathar iná a chnes.

óir níor ba thollta criathar ná a chneas.

and than his skin no sieve could be more full of holes.

ocus tuc in péist fiacail do

Thug an phéist fiacail dó,

To such pitch truly the beast had given him the tooth,

go tuc dubfhuil a chraide amach

go dtug (sé) dubhfhuil a chroí amach,

that he brought up his very heart’s red blood

ocus is suaill má do fhéd labairt ocus tuc a osnad as.

agus is suaill má d’fhéad (sé) labhairt, agus thug (sé) a osna as.

and hardly might make utterance, but groaned aloud.

ocus issed adeirdís dámad ar tír do choimreogdáis .i. rí Ulad ocus in péist

Agus is é a dúirt siad,  dá mba ar tír a gcomhraicfidís .i. rí Uladh agus an phéist,

but said the while that were it upon land the king and the beast had striven

gomad maith do choiseonatáis é

go mba maith a gcosnóidís é.

they would have succoured him, and that right valiantly.

conad ann sin dorigne Fergus in láid:—

Gonadh ansin a rinne Fearghus an laoidh:—

Then Fergus made a lay:—

“Uchbadach mo chraide inocht

“Ochlánach mo chroí anocht,

“My soul this night is full of sadness,

is trén ro cirrbad mo chorp;

is tréan a ciorraíodh mo chorp,

my body mangled cruelly;

do luid co trén trém chraide

chuaigh go tréan trím chroí,

red Lochrury’s beast

péist locha ruaid Rudraige

péist Locha rua Rudhraighe.

hath pushed sore through my heart.

Asa Iubdáin tuc mé as

Asa Iubhdáin thug mé as,

Iubhdan’s shoes have brought me

gan mo bádad do’n gai glas;

gan mo bhá sa ghó,

through undrowned;

do’n chaladcholg is dom gó

don chaladhcholg is dom gha glas:

with sheeny spear and with the

díob dorignes in cruaidgleo

díobh a rinne mé an cruaghleo.

caladcholg I have fought a hardy fight.

Ro díglas ba mór in blad

D’imir mé díoltas, ba mhór an bladh,

Upon the sinech I have avenged my

ar in sinig mo shiabrad;

ar an sineach (as) mo shiabhradh,

deformity — a signal victory this.

ferr lium bás dom breith a fhir

fearr dom bás dom bhreith a fhir,

Man, I had rather death should snatch me

inás mo bheith fó ainim

ná mo bheith faoi ainimh.

than to live on misshapen.

Aillin ingen Echach uill

Aillinn iníon Eochadha iontach,

Great Eochaid’s daughter Ailinn it is that to

domrad i náit nécomluinn;

dom bheith in áit éagomhlainn;

mortal combat’s lists compelled me; and ’tis

in tecasc tuc damsa Iubdán

an teagasc thug domsa Iubhdán,

I assuredly that have good cause to sorrow

nocha liumsa nach uchbád”

nach liomsa nach n-ochadh.”

for the shape imposed on me by Iubhdan.”

Iarsin atbert Fergus: “fuarassa bás a Ulta” ar sé

Iar sin dúirt Fearghus: “Fuair mise bás, a Ultaigh,” ar sé,

He went on: “Ulster, I have gotten my death;

“ocus taiscid in claidem so

“agus taiscigí an claíomh so,

but lay ye by and preserve this sword,

nó go tí tigerna a dingbála féin do Ultaib im degaidse

nó go dtí tiarna a dhiongbhála féin do Ultaigh im dhiaidhse,

until of Ulidia there come after me one that shall be a fitting lord for him;

ocus bud Fergus a ainm .i. Fergus mac Rosa ruaid.”

agus ba Fearghus a ainm — Fearghus mac Rosa rua.”

whose name also shall be Fergus: Ros Rua’s son Fergus.”

ro bátar tra Ultaig go huchbadach égcáintech ós cionn Fergusa.

Bhí tráth Ultaigh go hochlánach éagaointeach os cionn Fhearghusa,

Then lamentably and in tears Ulster stood over Fergus;

ocus tánic Aedh éiges .i. fili in ríg

agus tháinig Aodh éigeas .i. file an rí,

poet Aedh too, the king’s bard, came

ós a chionn ocus do bí agá égcáined

os a chionn, agus bhí (sé) á éagaoineadh.

and standing over him mourned for Fergus

ocus dorigne in rann ocus do fhrecair Fergus é:—

Agus rinne (sé) an rann, agus d’fhreagair Fearghus é:—

with this quatrain:—

“Claidter lib fert Fergusa

“Claidhtear libh feart Fearghusa

“By you now be dug Fergus’s grave,

in áirdríg móir meic Leite;

an airdrí mór mic Léide;

the great monarch’s, grave of Leide’s son;

mór in béd a marbadsan

mór an béad a mharú-san

calamity most dire it is that by a foolish

tré briathraib baethmná beice”

tré bhriathra baothmhná bige.”

petty woman’s words he is done to death.”

Answering whom Fergus said:—

“Taiscter lib in cloidem so

“Taisctear libh an claíomhsa,

“By you be laid up this sword

arm dá ndingantar ernmas;

arm dá ndéantar iarainnbhás,

wherewith ‘the iron-death’ is wrought;

ticfaid sunn im degaidse

tiocfaidh san im dhiaidhse

here after me shall arise

fer dámad comainm Fergas

fear dá mba comhainm Fearghus.

one with the name of Fergus.

Coimédaidh in cloidemsa

Coimeádaigí an claíomhsa,

By you be this sword treasured,

nach ruga uaib nech eile; 

nach ruga uaibh do neach eile,

that none other take it from you; my share

go bráth bud é mo díol de

go bráth ba é mo dhíol de,

of the matter for all time shall be this: that

techt tar sgél in chloideimse”

teacht tar scéal an chlaímhse.”

men shall rehearse the story of the sword.”

Ro sgar a anam ré chorp d’Fergus iar sin

Scar a anam le corp d’Fhearghus iar sin,

So Fergus’s soul parted from his body:

is do claided a fert

is claíodh a fheart

his grave was dug,

ocus do scríbad a ainm ogaim

agus scríobhadh a ainm in ogham.

his name written in the Ogham,

ocus dorigned a chluiche cáintech.

Agus rinneadh a chluiche caointeach,

his lamentation-ceremony all performed;

ocus ó na hulltaib cloch dorónsat Ulaid agá cháined

agus is ó na hulltaigh cloch a rinne Ulaidh, á chaoineadh,

and from the monumental stones [uladh] piled by Ulster

gairter Ulltaig díob.

gairtear Ultaigh díobh.

this name of Uladh [Ulster] had its origin.

Conid iad imtechta tuaithe luchra ocus aided Fergus conuige sin.

Gonadh iad imeachta tuaithe Luchra agus oidhe Fearghusa go nuige sin.

Thus far the Death of Fergus and the Luchra-people’s doings.

.Finit.

Finit

Finis.