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Bui ri amra airegda for Erinn .i. Eochaid Muigmedón.

Bhí rí cailiúil uasal ar Éirinn, Eochaidh Muighmheadhón.

There was a wondrous and noble king over Erin, namely, Eochaid Muigmedón.

Badar coic maic aicci,

Bhí cúigear mac aige

Five sons had he,

Brian, Ailill, Fiachra, Fergus, Niall.

.i. Brian, Ailill, Fiachra, Fearghas, Niall.

to wit, Brian, Ailill, Fiachra, Fergus, Níall.

The mother of Brian, Fiachra,

Fergus and Ailill

Moingfind ingen Fidaig

Moingfhionn iníon Fhiodhaigh

was Mongfhind, daughter of Fidach.

máthair Briain ocus Fiachrach

máthair Bhriain agus Fhiachra

ocus Fergusa ocus Ailella.

agus Fhearghasa agus Ailealla.

The mother of Niall

Caireand Casdub,

Caireann Chasdhubh

was Cairenn Casdub,

ingen Sgail Bailb,

iníon Scáil Bhailbh,

daughter of Scál the Dumb,

ri Saxan,

rí Sagsan,

king of England.

máthair Neill.

máthair Néill.

Ba miscais lasin righain inti Niall,

B’fhuath leis an mbanríon (Moingfhionn) Niall

Niall was hated by queen Mongfind,

ar is dara ceand dorinde in rí fri Cairind he.

mar is thar a ceann a ghin an rí ó Chaireann é.

for Eochaid had begotten him on Cairenn instead of on her.

Ba mor didu dochraidi Chairinde oc in rigain,

Ba mhór an crá a d’fhulaing Caireann ón mbanríon;

Great then was the hardship which Cairenn suffered from the queen:

ocus ba he med na dochraidi

bhí an crá chomh dian sin

so great was the hardship

co mba hecin di usce na Temrach da tharraing do leth

go mba éigean di féin ar leithrigh uisce na Teamhrach a tharraingt

that she was compelled to draw the water of Tara, apart,

ocus cach cumal aruair ’na haghaidh,

agus gach cumhal ina huain ag faire uirthi.

and every handmaid in turn in sight of her;

ocus intan ropo torrach si for Niall

Nuair a bhí sí ag iompar Néill

and (even) when she was in child with Niall,

ba hecen di sen uili ardaig

ba éigean di sin uile a dhéanamh

she was forced to do all that

co n-eplead in lenap ina broind.

d’fhonn go bhfaigheadh an leanbh bás ina broinn.

in order that the babe might die in her womb.

Ranic tra co ham tuismeda di,

Tháinig a ham tuismithe

The time of her lying-in arrived,

ocus arai nir’scuir dind fhognam.

ach mar sin féin níor scoir sí dá freastal.

and yet she ceased not from the service.

Ruc si iarsin mac

Rug sí ansin mac

Then on the green of Tara,

beside the pail,

forsin faichthi ina Temrach,

ar fhaiche na Teamhrach

ocus si fo leith na dromlaigi,

agus í le taobh an dromhlaigh,

she brought forth a manchild,

ocus nir’lam in mac do gabail cuici do lar,

agus níor leomhaigh sí an leanbh a ghabháil chuici ón talamh,

and she durst not take up the boy from the ground,

acht forfhacaib isinn inadsin fo na hethaidib,

ach d’fhág san áit sin é faoi na héin,

but she left him there exposed to the birds.

ocus nir’lam didu nech do feraib Herenn a breth leis

ná níor leomhaigh duine d’fhir Éireann é a bhreith leis

And not one of the men of Erin durst carry him away,

ar uaman Moingfhindi,

an eagla Mhoingfhinne,

for dread of Mongfind;

ar ba mor a cumachta si

mar ba mhór í a cumacht siúd

since great was her magical power,

ocus a huaman for cach.

agus an eagla a bhí ar chách roimpi.

and all were in fear of her.

Tanic Torna eices iarsin dar lar na faidchi,

Tháinig Torna éigeas ansin thar dhroim na faiche

Then Torna the Poet came across the green,

ocus adchondairc in noidhin a oenur

agus chonaic sé an naíonán ina aonar

and beheld the babe left alone,

ocus na hethaidi ica fuabairt.

agus na héin á ionsaí.

with the birds attacking it.

Rogab tra Torna in mac ina ucht,

Ghabh Torna, más ea, ina ucht é

So Torna took the boy into his bosom,

ocus ro fallsighed do cach ni no biad iarsin,

agus foilsíodh dó gach a bhí le teacht ina dhiaidh sin,

and to him was revealed all that would be thereafter.

co n-ebert:

go ndúirt:

And he said:

“Mochean aigidan,

“Fáilte, a aoi bhig;

“Welcome, the little guest;

bid he Niall Noegiallach,

Niall Naoighiallach a bheidh air;

he will be Niall of the Nine Hostages:

rusfith ria re tuir.

Deargfaidh laochra lena linn.

In his time he will redden a multitude.

morfaiter maigi,

Cuirfear breis le mánna.

Plains will be greatened:

srainfiter geill,

Cuirfear srian ar ghialla.

hostages will be overthrown:

firfiter catha

Fearfar catha.

battles will be fought.

taebfhota Temrach,

Taobhfhad Teamhrach,

Longside of Tara:

dunadach Femin Muigi,

Ceannaire slua Mhá Feimhin,

host-leader of Magh Femin:

costadach Maenmaigi.

Cosantóir Maonmhá,

custodian of Maen-magh,

airmitnech Alman,

Oirmhinneach Almhan,

Revered one of Almain,

airsid Lifi,

Seanóir Life,

veteran of Liffey,

gluinfind Codail.

Glúinfhionn Chodail.

white-knee of Codal (?).

secht mbliadna fichet fallamnaigis Herenn,

Rialaíonn sé Eire ar feadh seacht mbliana fichead.

Seven-and-twenty years he rules Erin,

ocus bid uad Heriu co brath.”

Is uaidh Éire mar oidhreacht go brách.”

and Erin will be (inherited) from him for ever.”

Ar ba maith in tindscetal ocus in forba

Ba mhaith é an tosach agus an clabhsúr

For good was the beginning and the completion,

fergalach foltgarb,

.i. fearúil, foltgharbh,

manly, rough-haired,

co nhebailt i n-iarnoin dia sathairn

nó go bhfuair bás iarnóin Sathairn

till he died in the afternoon on a Saturday

uas Muir Icht

os cionn Muir nIocht

by the sea of Wight,

iarna geognad d’Eochaig mac Enna Chendsealaig.

arna ghoin d’Eochaidh mac Éanna Chinsealaigh.

slain by Eochaid son of Enda Cennselach.

Ruc Torna leis iarsin in mac ocus ron-alt,

Rug Torna iar sin an leanbh leis agus d’oil é

Torna took the boy with him, and fostered him;

ocus ni thanic Torna nó a dalta co Temraig iarsin

agus níor tháinig Torna ná a dhalta go Teamhair ina dhiaigh sin

and after that neither Torna nor his fosterling came to Tara

cor’bo inrigh in mac.

nó go raibh an mac inrí.

until the boy was fit to be king.

Tangadar iarsin Torna ocus Niall co Temraigh.

Tháinig Torna agus Niall ansin go Teamhair.

Thereafter Torna and Niall came to Tara.

IS andsin dorala Cairend doib ic tabairt usci do Temraig.

Is ansin, agus í ag tabhairt uisce go Teamhair, a tharla Caireann dóibh.

’Tis then that Cairenn, as she was bringing water to Tara, chanced to meet them.

Asbert Niall fria iarsin: “Leic a oenur in fognam,” ol se.

Dúirt Niall léi: “Éirigh as an bhfreasal.”

Said Niall to her: “Let the service alone.”

“Ni lamaim,” ol si, “frisin rigain.”

“Ní leomhaim,” ar sí, “os comhair na banríona.”

“I dare not,” she answered, “because of the queen.”

“Ni bia mo máthair,” ol se, “oc fognum,

“Ní bheidh mo mháthairse,” ar sé, “ag freastal

“My mother,” said he, “shall not be serving,

ocus me mac righ Herenn.”

agus mise i mo mhac rí Éireann.”

and I the son of the king of Erin.”

Dorad les iarsin hí co Temraig,

Thug sé leis go Teamhair í ansin

Then he took her with him to Tara,

ocus dorad édach corcarda uimpi.

agus chuir éadach corcara uimpi.

and clad her in purple raiment.

Ro gab fearg in righan,

Gabh fearg an bhanríon

Anger seized the queen (Mongfind),

ar ba holc le anisin.

mar gurbh olc léi é sin.

for that seemed evil to her.

Ba he rad fear n-Erenn andsin,

Bhí fir Éireann ar aon fhocal ansin:

But this was the voice of the men of Erin,

bid hé Niall bus ri tareis a athar.

“Is é Niall a bheidh ina rí tar éis a athar.”

that Niall should be king after his father.

Conid iarsin ro raid Moingfhind re hEochaig:

Ansin dúirt Moingfhionn le hEochaidh:

Wherefore Mongfhind said to Eochaid:

“Ber breith iter do macaib,” ol si,

“Tabhair breith idir do mhic,” ar sí,

“Pass judgment among thy sons,” quoth she,

“cia dib gebus t’forba.”

“cé acu a gheobhaidh d’oidhreacht.”

“as to which of them shall receive thy heritage.”

“Ni bér,” ol se,

“Ní thabharfaidh mé,” ar sé,

“I will not pass judgment,” he answered;

“acht béraid Sithcheann drai.”

“ach tabharfaidh Síthcheann draoi.”

“but Sithchenn the wizard will do so.”

Rofaidedh iarsin co Sithcheann

Cuireadh fios iar sin ar Shíthcheann,

Then they sent to Sithchenn,

cosin ngabaind bai i Temraig,

an gabha a bhí i dTeamhair,

the smith who dwelt in Tara,

ar ba fisid side ocus ba fhaidh amra.

mar ba fhear feasa agus fáidh amhra eisean.

for he was a wise man and a wondrous prophet.

Ro loisc iarsin in goba in cheardcha forro.

Ansin loisc an gabha an cheárta ar an gcúigear.

Then the smith set fire to the forge in which the four sons were.

Doriacht Niall immach ocus in indeoin cona cip lais.

Tháinig Niall amach agus an inneoin agus a ceap leis.

Niall came out carrying the anvil and its block.

“Niall confortamlaig,” ar in drui,

“Ag Niall atá an lámh in uachtar” arsan draoi

“Niall vanquishes,” says the wizard,

“ocus bud indeoin fhothamail he co brath.”

“agus beidh sé ina inneoin dhaingean go brách.”

“and he will be a solid anvil forever.”

Doriacht Brian ocus tuc na huird leis.

Tháinig Brian agus thug na hoird leis.

Brian came (next), bringing the sledgehammers.

“Brian da bur cathraib,” ol in drai.

“Brian do bhur gcathfhir,” arsan draoi.

“Brian to your fighters,” says the wizard.

Doriacht Fiachra,

Tháinig Fiachra

Then came Fiachra,

ocus tuc dearb corma ocus na builg leis.

agus thug meadar cuirme agus na boilg leis.

bringing a pail of beer and the bellows.

“Bar sciam ocus bar n-dán la Fiachra,” ol in drai.

“Bhur scéimh agus bhur n-ealaín le Fiachra” arsan draoi.

“Your beauty and your science with Fiachra,” says the wizard.

Doriacht Ailill ocus in comrar a mbadar na hairm les.

Tháinig Ailill leis an gcófra ina raibh na hairm.

Then came Ailill with the chest in which were the weapons.

“Ailill do bar ndigail,” ol in drai.

“Ailill do bhur ndíolt,” arsan draoi.

“Ailill to avenge you,” says the wizard.

Dorocht Fergus ocus cual crinaig lais ocus crand ibair inti.

Tháinig Fearghas le beart críonaigh agus crann iúir inti.

Last came Fergus with a bundle of withered wood and a bar of yew therein.

“Fergus crin,” ol in drai.

“Fearghas críon,” arsan draoi

“Fergus the withered,” says the wizard.

Ba fir on, ar ni maith sil Fhergusa

agus ba fíor dó, mar ní maith síol Fhearghasa

That was true, for the seed of Fergus was no good,

cenmotha oen .i. Cairech Dergan Cluana Bairind.

seachas aon duine amháin .i. Caireach Deargáin Chluain Bairinn.

excepting one, Cairech Dergain of Cloonburren.

Conid desin ata:

Uime sin atá an rá:

And hence is (the saying)

“maidi ibair i cuail crinaig.”

“Maide iúir i mbeart críonaigh.”

“a stick of yew in a bundle of firewood.”

Conid dia forgell sin ro can in seanchaid:

Mar fhianaise air sin a chan an seanchaí:

To bear witness of that the shanachie sang:

Coic maic Echach, Niall indeoin oll,

Cúigear mac Eachdhach: Niall an inneoin mhór;

Eochaid’s five sons, Niall the great anvil,

Brian ord fri tuarcain fir,

Brian an t-ord do fhíorthuargan;

Brian the sledge-hammer for true striking,

Ailill comrar gai fri fine

Ailill an cófra gathanna in aghaidh fine;

Ailill the chest of spears against a tribe,

Fiachra sidhi, Fergus crin.

Fiachra an feothan, Fearghas an críon.

Fiachra the blast, Fergus the withered.

IS la Fiachra ol corma,

Le Fiachra ól cuirme,

Fiachra has the drink of ale,

is la hAilill gai bodba,

Le hAilill gathanna catha,

Ailill has the warlike spears,

is la Brian tocht isan cath,

Le Brian dul i gcath,

Brian has the entrance to battle,

is la Niall in t-indarrad.

Le Niall an luach saothair.

(but) Niall has the reward.

Robo trom tra la Moingfhind an ni-sin,

Ba dhanaid sin le Moingfhionn

Now that seemed grevious to Mongfind;

co n-ebairt fria macaib.

agus dúirt lena mic:

so she said to her sons.

“Trodaid-si,” ar si, “bar ceathrar mac

“Trodaigí, bhur gceathrar mac,” ar sí,

“Do ye four sons quarrel,

co ti Niall do bar n-eadrain,

“go dtaga Niall do bhur n-eadrán,

so that Niall may come to separate you,

ocus marbaid-si he.”

agus ansin maraígí é.”

and then kill him.”

Trotaid iarum.

Troideann siad ansin.

Then they quarrel.

“Fearr damsa a n-edargairi,” ol Niall.

“B’fhearr dom iad a chur ó chéile,” arsa Niall.

“I would fain sunder them,” says Niall.

“Nato,” ol Torna,

“Ná déan,” arsa Torna,

“Nay,” says Torna,

“bad sidaig maic na Moingfhindi,”

“Bíodh mic na Moingfhinne síochánta.”

“let the sons of Mongfind be peaceful.”

conid desin ata in seanfocul.

Uime sin atá sin ina sheanfhocal.

Hence is the proverb.

Ra raid didu Moingfhind

Dúirt Moingfhionn, áfach,

Then Mongfhind said

na biad ar in mbreith sin.

nach nglacfadh sí leis an mbreith sin.

that she would not abide by that judgment.

Ro faidid co Sithchend cetna iad d’iarraid arm.

Seoladh iad go dti an Síthcheann céanna iad d’iarraidh arm.

So she sent her sons to the same Sithchenn to ask for arms.

Dollotor iarum cosin ngobaind

Tháinig siad ansin go dtí an gabha

Then they repaired to the smith,

ocus doroindi side armu doib,

agus rinne sé airm dóibh;

and he made arms for them:

ocus in t-arm is derscaigthiu bai dib dorad il-laim Neill,

chuir sé an t-arm ba dhearcscnaithe díobh i láimh Néill

the weapon that was finest he put into Niall’s hand,

ocus ro thidnaic na hairm archeana dona macaib aili.

agus thug sé na hairm eile do na mic eile.

and the rest of the arms he gave the other sons.

“Eirgid feasta do shealga

“Téigí feasta ag seilg

“Now go to hunt

ocus fromaid for n-armu,” ar in goba.

agus fromhaigí bhur n-airm,” arsan gabha.

and try your arms,” says the smith.

Dochuadar iarsain na meic ocus doronsad sealga.

D’imigh na mic ansin agus rinne siad seilg.

So then the sons went and hunted,

Dosráladar for merugud iarsain co fada

Tharla go ndeachaigh siad amú go mór iar sin

and thereafter it came to pass that they went far astray,

iar n-iadad do cach leith umpu.

agus iadta orthu ar gach taobh.

every side being closed against them.

O ra ansad don merugud

Nuair a stad siad den mhearú

When they ceased from straying

ro fadaighset tenidh doib,

d’adaigh siad tine dóibh féin

they kindled a fire,

ocus ro fuinsedar ni don t[sh]eilg doib,

agus róst siad cuid den tseilg dóibh féin,

broiled some of their quarry,

ocus ro thomailset comdar doithenaich.

agus d’ith siad nó go raibh siad sáitheach.

and ate it until they were satisfied.

Batar a n-itaid ocus i tart mor iarsin dend fhulacht.

Bhí íota agus tart mór orthu ansin ón mbia rósta.

Then they were athirst and in great drouth from the cooked food.

“Tiagar d’iarraid usci acaind,” ar siad.

“Téadh duine againn d’iarraidh uisce,” ar siad.

“Let one of us go and seek for water,” they say.

“Ragadsa,” for Fergus.

“Rachaidh mise,” arsa Fearghas.

“I will go,” says Fergus.

Doluid in gilla for iaraid usci,

Chuaigh an giolla ag iarraidh uisce

The lad went seeking water,

conuss-tarla dochum thopuir

agus tharla chun tobair é

till he chanced on a well

ocus facais seantuindi og comet in topuir.

agus chonaic sé seanchailleach ag coimhéad an tobair.

and saw an old woman guarding it.

IS amlaid bui in chaillech,

Is amhlaidh a bhí an chailleach

Thus was the hag:

co mba duibithir gual

cech n-alt ocus cach n-aigi di

agus gach alt agus gach ball di

every joint and limb of her,

o mullach co talmain.

ó mhullach go talamh

from the top of her head to the earth,

chomh dubh le gual.

was as black as coal.

Ba samalta fri herboll fiadeich

Ba chuma nó eireaball fia-eich

Like the tail of a wild horse

in mong glas gaisidech

an mhoing ghlas ghuaireach

was the gray bristly mane

bai tria cleithi a cheandmullaich.

a tháinig trí bhaithis a cinn agus a mullaigh.

that came through the upper part of her head-crown.

Consealgad

glasgeg darach fo brith

Glasghéag darach faoi thoradh,

The green branch of an oak in bearing

ghearrfaí é

would be severed

dia corran glaisfhiacla bai ’na cind

leis an gcorrán glasfhiacal bhí ina ceann

by the sickle of green teeth that lay in her head

co roichead a hou.

agus a shroicheadh a cluasa.

and reached to her ears.  

Suli duba dethaighe le,

Súile dubha deataigh aice

Dark smoky eyes she had:

sron cham chuasach.

agus srón cham chuasach.

a nose crooked and hollow.

Medon fethech

Bhí a meán féitheach

She had a middle fibrous,

brecbaindech ingalair le,

breacphuchóideach, galrach

spotted with pustules, diseased,

ocus luirgni fiara fochama siad,

agus a loirgne fiara fochama;

and shins distorted and awry.

adbronnach

bhí sí sluasadtroitheach altchnapánach

Her ankles were thick,

leathansluaistech si,

troighshluaisteach

her shoulderblades were broad,

glunmar

glúinmhór,

her knees were big,

glaisingnech.

glasingneach.

and her nails were green.

Ba grain tra a tuarascbail na cailligi.

Ba ghránna é go deimhin dealramh na caillí.

Loathsome in sooth was the hag’s appearance.

“Amlaid sin,” ol in gilla.

“Mar sin atá,” arsan giolla.

“That’s so,” says the lad.

“Is amlaid eigin,” ol si.

“Mar sin go deimhin,” ar sí.

“ ’Tis so indeed,” quoth she.

“In a comed in topuir atai?” ol in gilla.

“An ag coimhéad an tobair ataí?” arsan giolla.

“Art thou guarding the well?” asks the lad.

“Is ead am,” ol sisi.

“Sea go deimhin,” ar sise.

“Yea truly,” she answered.

“In cetaigi damsa ni don usci do breith lim?” or in gilla.

“An gceadófá dom braon den uisce a bhreith liom?” arsan giolla.

“Dost thou permit me to take away some of the water?” says the lad.

“Cetaigfet,” or si,

“Ceadóidh mé,” ar sí,

“I will permit,” she answers,

“acht conom-thi oenpoicc dom leccoin duit.”

“ach go bhfaighidh mé uait aon phóg amháin ar mo leaca.”

“provided there come from thee one kiss on my cheek.”

“Nitho!” ol seseom.

“Ní bhfaighidh tú!” ar seisean.

“Nay!” says he.

“Ni béra usce uam,” ol sisi.

“Ní bhéarfaidh tú uisce uaimse,” ar sise.

“Then no water shalt thou get from me,” quoth she.

“Doberim mo breithir,” ol se sem,

“Bheirim mo bhriathar,” ar seisean,

“I give my word,” he rejoins,

“conad taesca no ebelaind do itaid

“gur túisce a gheobhainn bás de thart

“that I would rather perish of thirst

na doberaind poic duit.”

ná bhéarfainn póg duit.”

than give thee a kiss.”

Doluid in gilla iarsin co hairm i rabadar a braithri,

Tháinig an giolla ansin mar a raibh a bhráithre

Then the lad went (back) to the place where his brothers were biding,

ocus ro raid friu nach fuair usce.

agus dúirt leo nach bhfuair aon uisce.

and told them that he had not found water.

Doluid Ailill iarum for iarraid usci

Tháinig Ailill ansin d’iarraidh uisce

So Ailill went to look for water,

ocus dorala cosin tobur cétna,

agus tharla chun an tobair chéanna é.

and chanced on the same well.

ocus ro op poicc forsin caillig,

D’ob sé póg don chailleach

He (too) refused to kiss the hag,

ocus ro sai cen usci,

agus chas ar ais gan uisce,

returned without water,

ocus ni ro ataim in topur d’fhagbail.

agus níor admhaigh go bhfuair an tobar.

and did not confess that he had found the well.

Dolluid Brian .i. sinser na mac, iarsain for iarraid usci,

Tháinig Brian, sinsear na mac, ansin d’iarraidh uisce

Then Brian, the eldest of the sons, went to seek water,

ocus dorala forsin topur cétna,

agus tharla ar an tobar céanna,

chanced on the same well,

ocus ro hop phoicc forsin t[sh]entuind,

agus d’ob póg don tseanchailleach,

refused to kiss the old woman,

ocus ro sai cen usce.

agus chas ar ais gan uisce.

and returned waterless.

Doluid Fiachra

Tháinig Fiachra amach ansin,

Fiachra then went,

ocus fofuair in topur ocus in caillig

fuair an tobar agus an chailleach,

found the well and the hag,

ocus ro iarr usce fuirri.

agus d’iarr uisce uirthi.

and asked her for water.

“Dobérsa,” or si,

“Tabharfaidh mé,” ar sí,

“I will grant it,” quoth she;

“ocus tuc poic dam do.”

“agus tabhair póg dom.”

“but give me a kiss”

“Doberind poici uaddi ind.”

“Thabharfainn beagán póg air.”

“I would give few kisses for it.”

“Tadall i Temraig duidsi,” ar si.

“Turas go Teamhair duitse,” ar sí.

“Thou shalt visit Tara,” quoth she.

Ba fir on,

Ba fhíor sin di,

That fell true,

ar [r]ogab dias dia shil som rigi n-Erenn

mar ghabh beirt dá shíolsan flaitheas Éireann

for two of his race took the kingship of Erin,

.i. Dathi ocus Ailill Molt,

.i. Daithí agus Ailill Molt,

namely Dathi and Ailill Wether,

ocus ni ro gab nech iter do sil na mac aili

agus níor ghabh aon duine de shíol na mac eile

and no one of the race of the other sons,

.i. Brian, Ailill, Fergus.

.i. Brian, Ailill, Fearghas.

Brian, Ailill, Fergus, took it.

Ro sai tra Fiachra cen usce.

Chas Fiachra ar ais más ea gan uisce.

So Fiachra returned without water.

Doluid didu Niall iarsain for iarraid usci,

Tháinig Niall ansin d’iarraidh uisce

So then Niall went a-seeking water

ocus darala forsin topur cétna.

agus tharla ar an tobar céanna é.

and happened on the same well.

“Usce damsa, a bean,” for Niall.

“Uisce domsa, a bhean,” arsa Niall.

“Water to me, O woman,” says Niall.

“Dobér,” or si,

“Tabharfaidh mé,” ar sí,

“I will give it,” she answers,

“ocus tuc poic dam.”

“agus tabhair póg dom.”

“but (first) give me a kiss.”

“Laigfead lat la taeb poici do thabairt fri taeb.”

“Luífidh mé leat le taobh póg a thabhairt do do thaobh.”

“Besides giving thee a kiss, I will lie with thee!”

Tairnid fuirri iarsin ocus dobeir poic di.

Luigh sé uirthi ansin agus thug póg di.

Then he throws himself down upon her and gives her a kiss.

Antan immorro ro shill fuirri iarsin

Nuair a d’fhéach sé uirthi iar sin

But then, when he looked at her,

ni raibi forsin domun

ní raibh ar domhan

there was not in the world

ingen bid chaime tachim nó tuarascbail inda si.

ainnir ba chaoimhe céim nó dealramh ná í.

a damsel whose gait or appearance was more loveable than hers.

Ba samalta fri deread shnechta i claidib

Ba gheall le deireadh sneachta i gclaíocha

Like the end of snow in trenches

cach n-alt o ind co bond di.

gach pioc di ó cheann go bonn.

was every bit of her from head to sole.

Rigthi remra rignaidhe lé.

Bhí rítheacha ramhra ríona aici

Plump and queenly fore-arms she had:

Méra seta sithlebra.

agus méara fada leabhra;

her fingers long and lengthy:

Colpta dirgi dathailli le.

colpaí díreacha datháille aici;

calves straight and beautifully coloured.

Da maelasa findruine

dhá mhaolasán fiondruine

Two blunt shoes of white bronze

iter a troigthib mine maethgela

idir a troithe míne maothgheala

between her little, soft-white feet

ocus lar.

agus an talamh.

and the ground.

Brat logmarda lancorcra impi.

Brat luachmhar lánchorchra uimpi;

A costly full-purple mantle she wore,

Bretnass gelairgit i timthach in bruit.

dealg gealairgid mar mhaise ar an mbrat;

with a brooch of bright silver in the clothing of the mantle.

Fiacla niamda nemannda le,

fiacla niamhga péarlacha aici,

Shining pearly teeth she had,

ocus rosc rignaide romor,

agus rosc ríonach rómhór,

an eye large and queenly,

ocus beoil partardeirg.

agus beola partaingdhearga.

and lips red as rowanberries.

“Is ilreachtach sin, a bean,” ol in mac.

“Is ilriochtach sin, a bhean,” arsan t-ógánach.

“That is many-shaped, O lady,” says  the boy.

“Fir on,” or si.

“Is fíor duit,” ar sí.

“True,” quoth she.

“Cia tusu?” or in mac.

“Cé hé tusa?” arsan t-ógánach.

“Who art thou?” says the boy.

“Misi in Flaithius,” or si,

“Mise an Flaitheas,” ar sí,

“I am the Sovranty,” she answered;

ocus asbert andso:

agus dúirt seo:

and then she said:

“A rí Temra is mé in flaithes

“A rí Teamhrach, is mé an Flaitheas.

“O king of Tara, I am the Sovranty:

adbér rit a mórmaithes;

Inseoidh mé duit a mhórmhaitheas;

I will tell thee of its great goodness;

dot shíol go bráth uas gach claind

Do shíol go brách os gach clann,

*thy seed over every race for ever,

is é in fáth fíor fá a nabraim.

Is é an fáth fíor fá n-abraim.

it is the true prophecy that I say.

Let gart is céim garg fri gail

Is leat gaisce is céim gharg chun gaile;

Honour is thine and a fierce step to valour;

ní chaemsat fir t’fulachtain;

Ní fhéadfaidh fir cur i d’aghaidh.

men will not be able to withstand thee;

bat teinn treorach ma clí amach

Treoirbhearnach bheas tú um a chlí amach

thou will be a strong and powerful champion

bat cend cróda comramach.

An ceannaire cróga comhramhach.

a courageous, triumphant leader.

Bud let Temair taidlech tenn

Leat Teamhair taidhleach teann

Strong Tara will be thine

is forlámas fer nEirenn;

Is forlámhas agat ar Éirinn;

and domination over the men of Erin;

do chland ní scérthar fria rath

Ní scarfar an rath ó do chlann —

thy family will not be separated from its prosperity

acht aendias do tsíol Fhiachrach.

Ach beirt de shíl Fhiachrach.

except by two descendants of Fiachra.

Fir Muman cid cróda i cath

Fir Mhumhan, cé cróga i gcath,

The men of Munster, though brave in battle,

scérthar friu flaithes Temrach;

Scarfar leo flaitheas Teamhrach.

will be deprived of rule in Tara

ón mo ghuide brat cen bí

Ó inniu go dtí brách gan bhí,

forever from today until the end of time,

ní ghab díob Eire acht aenrí.”

Ní ghabhfaidh Éire ach aon rí (.i. Brian Bóramha).”

only one king of them will rule Erin.” *

“Eirig do saigid do braithrech,” or si, “feasta,

“Téigh chun do bhráithre feasta,” ar sí,

“Go now to thy brothers,” she says,

ocus ber usce lat,

“agus beir uisce leat

“and take water with thee,

agus beidh flaitheas rí agus forlámhas

and the kingship and the domination

ocus chena bid lat ocus lad chlaind co brath

agat féin agus ag do chlann go brách,

will for ever abide with thee and thy children,

in rigi ocus in forlamus

cenmotha dias do shil Fhiachrach

seachas beirt de shíol Fhiachrach

save only with twain of the seed of Fiachra,

.i. Dathi ocus Ailill Molt,

.i. Daithí agus Ailill Molt,

namely, Dathi and Ailill Wether,

ocus oenrigh a Mumain

agus aon rí amháin as an Mumhain

and one king out of Munster,

.i. Brian Boruma,

.i. Brian Bóramha

namely Brian of the Tribute

cen fhresabra na riga sin uili.

— agus ríthe gan freasúra a bheidh iontu sin uile.

— and all these (will be) kings without opposition.

Acus amail adcondarcais misi

Agus faoi mar a chonaic tú mise

And as thou hast seen me

co granna connda aduathmar artús

go gránna conda adhuafar, ar dtús,

loathsome, bestial, horrible at first

ocus alaind fadeoid,

agus álainn faoi dheoidh,

and beautiful at last,

is amlaid sin in flaithius,

is amhlaidh sin leis an bhflaitheas,

so is the sovranty;

uair is annam fogabar he

óir is annamh a ghabhtar é

for seldom it is gained

cen chatha ocus cen chongala,

gan cathanna agus coimhlintí,

without battles and conflicts;

alaind maisech immorro ria nech e fodeoid.

ach is álainn maiseach le duine é faoi dheoidh.

but at last to anyone it is beautiful and goodly.

Acht chena na tabair-seo in t-usce dod braithrib

Ach féach ná tabhairse an t-uisce do do bhráithre

Howbeit, give not the water to thy brothers

co tucad aisceda dait .i. co tucud a sindsirrdacht duid,

nó go dtuga siad aiscí duit .i. go dtuga siad a sinsireacht duit

until they make gifts to thee, to wit, seniority over them,

ocus co ro thocba th’arm ed lama uas a n-armaib seom.”

agus tusa a thógáil d’arm fad láimhe os cionn a n-arm siúd.”

and that thou mayst raise thy weapon a hand’s breadth over their weapons.”

“Dogentar amlaid,” or in gilla.

“Déanfar amhlaidh,” arsan giolla.

“So shall it be done,” says the lad.

Celebrais in gilla iarsin di,

Ansin d’fhág an giolla slán aici

Then he bade her farewell,

ocus berid usce da braithrib,

agus thug uisce chun a bhráithre;

and takes water to his brothers;

ocus ni tharad doib

ach níor thug dóibh é

but did not give it to them

co tucsad do cech coma

nó gur ghéill siadsan gach coinníoll

until they had granted to him every boon

ro iar forro,

a d’iarr sé orthu

that he asked of them,

amail ro thegaisc in ingen he.

mar a theagaisc an ainnir dó.

even as the damsel had taught him.

Fonaiscid forro iarum

Nasc sé orthu chomh maith

He also binds them by oath

cen tiachtain fris fen nach fria claind co brath.

gan dul ina choinne féin ná a chlainne go brách.

never to oppose himself or his children.

Lotar iarsin co Temraig.

Chuaigh siad ina dhiaidh sin go Teamhair.

Thereafter they went to Tara.

Ro thocbaiset iarum a n-armu,

Thóg siad a n-airm in airde

Then they raised their weapons,

ocus ro thocaib Niall ed lama laich uastu.

agus thóg Niall a chuidsean fad láimhe laoich os a gcionn.

and Niall raised (his) the breadth of a hero’s hand above them.

Desidar na suidi ocus Niall i medon etarru.

Shuigh siad ina suí agus Niall ina lár eatarthu.

They sate down in their seats with Niall among them in the midst.

Ro fiarfaig in ri scela dib iarsin.

D’fhiafraigh an rí scéala díobh ansin.

Then the king asked tidings of them.

Ro frecair Niall

D’fhreagair Niall

Niall made answer

ocus ro indis in echtra

agus d’inis an eachtra

and related the adventure,

ocus amail dochuadar for ia[r]raid usci

agus mar a chuaigh siad d’iarraidh uisce

and how they went a-seeking water,

ocus amail doraladar forsin topur ocus cosin mnai,

agus mar a tharla siad ar an tobar agus ar an mbean

and how they chanced on the well and (came) to the woman,

ocus an ro thairrngir side doib.

agus ar thairngir sí dóibh.

and what she had prophesied to them.

“Cid fodera nach he in sindsear indises na scela,” for Moingfhind, “.i. Brian.”

“Cad faoi deara nach é an sinsear (Brian) insíonn na scéala?” ar Moingfhionn.

“What is the cause,” says Mongfind, “that it is not the senior, Brian, that tells these tales?”

They answered

“Doradsam ar sindserrdacht do Niall ocus ar rigi

“Thugamar ár sinsireacht do Niall agus ár bhflaitheas dó

“We granted our seniority and our kingship to Niall

in cétfheacht dar ceand usci,”

don chéad uair ar son uisce,”

for the first time in lieu of the water.”

ar siad.

ar siad.

“Doradsaid dogrés,” ar Sithchend,

“Thug sibh é go buan” arsa Síthcheann,

“Ye have granted it permanently,” says Sithchenn,

“mar as seo amach

“for henceforward

choíche beidh forlámhas agus flaitheas Éireann

“ar bid les ocus ria cloind

aige-sean agus ag a chlann.”

he and his children

caidchi in forlamus ocus rigi n-Erenn

will always have the domination and kingship of Erin.”

on uair-se amach.”

Ba fir ón didu,

Ba fhíor sin dó,

Now that was true,

mar ó Niall i leith

for from Niall onward

no one

(except with opposition)

took the kingship of Erin

ar ni ro gab nech aili rigi n-Erenn

níor gabh aon duine eile flaitheas Éireann

o Niall ille

acht nech dia cloind nó huib

ach duine dá chlann nó de chlann a chlainne

save one of his children or descendants,

cosin Tolcbuilleach Uisnig

síos to Tolcbhuilleach Uisnigh

until the Strong-Striker of Uisnech,

.i. Maelseachlainn mac Domnaill,

.i. Maol Seachlainn mac Dónaill,

Maelsechlainn son of Domnall.

acht mina gabad co fresabra.

ach munar gabhadh go bhfreasúra é.

Ar ro gab sé ar fichit a Huib Neill in desceirt nó in tuaisceirt

Mar ghabh seisear is fiche d’Uí Néill an deiscirt nó an tuaiscirt é

For it was taken by six and twenty of the Húi Néill of the North or of the South,

.i. deichnebor Conaill

.i. deichniúr de (chineál) Conaill

that is, ten kings (of the Kindred) of Conall

ocus se riga dec Eoghain,

agus sé rí déag de (chineál) Eoghain.

and sixteen (of the Kindred) of Eogan;

amail adfet:

Mar a deir (an file):

as said (the poet):

IS eol dam in lin ro gab

Is eol dom an líon a ghabh

I know the number that took

Herinn o Niall na n-ardgal,

Éire ó Niall na n-ardghal,

Erin after Niall of the lofty valours,

o flaith Laegairi mad chin

Ó fhlaitheas Laoire, más locht,

from Loegaire’s reign, if it be a fault,

cusin Tolcbuillech n-Usnigh.

Go dtí Tolcbhuilleach Uisnigh.

to the Strong-Striker of Uisnech.

Loegaire ’sa mic, ni chel,

Laoire is a mhic — ní cheilfead é,

Loegaire and his sons, I will not conceal,

Diarmaid ocus Tuathal tren,

Diarmaid agus Tuathal tréan,

Diarmait and mighty Tuathal,

nonbar Aeda Slaine slain

Naonúr de shíol Aodha Sláine,

nine of sound Aed Sláine,

is moirfeser clann Colmain.

Is mórsheisear de Chlann Cholmáin.

and seven of the clans of Colmán.

Se riga déc Eogain aird

Sé rí dhéag de chuid Eoghain aird

Sixteen kings of lofty Eogan,

deichneobur Conaill cruadgairg

Is deichniúr de chuid Chonaill chruaghairg,

ten of cruel-savage Conall:

douair Niall fri soirthi seol

Fuair Niall le soraidh seol

Niall got with speedy course

rigi coidchi da cheneol.

Flaitheas choíche dá chineol.

the kingship always for his race.