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Cid dia·mboí longes mac n-Usnig?

Cad faoi deara loingeas mac nUisnigh?

Why was the exile of the Sons of Uisliu?

Ni ansa.

Ní ansa.

It is not hard [to relate].

Bátar Ulaid oc ól i taig Fheidlimthe maic Daill,

Bhí Ulaidh ag ól i dteach Fheidhlimí mhic Dhaill,

The Ulstermen were drinking in the house of Feidlimid mac Daill,

scélaigi Conchobuir.

scéalaí Chonchúir.

the story-teller of Conchobor.

Baí dano ben ind Fheidlimthe oc airiuc don t-shlúag ósa cinn

Bhí, más ea, bean Fheidhlimí ina seasamh ag freastal ar an slua

Now the wife of Feidlimid was attending upon the host, standing up

is sí thorrach.

agus í torrach.

and she being pregnant.

Tairmchell corn ocus chuibrenn

B’sheo timpeall coirn agus comhranna,

Drinking horns and portions [of food] circled around,

ocus ro·lásat gáir mesca.

agus chuir siad gáir meisce astu.

and they uttered a drunken shout.

A mbátar do lepthugud,

Ag dul don leaba dóibhsean,

When they were about to go to bed,

do·lluid in ben dia lepaid.

chuaigh an bhean dá leaba.

the woman came to her bed.

Oc dul dí dar lár in taige,

Ag dul di thar urlár an tí,

While she was going across the middle of the house,

ro·gréch in lenab inna broinn

scréach an leanbh ina broinn

the infant in her womb screamed

co·closs fon less uile.

agus ba chlos é faoin lios uile.

so that it was heard throughout the whole enclosure.

At·raig cach fer di alailiu is’tig lasin scréich í-sin

D’éirigh gach fear istigh óna chéile leis an scréach sin

At that scream each man within arose from the other

co·mbátar cinn ar chinn isin tig.

i dtreo go raibh siad aghaidh ar aghaidh sa teach.

so that they were shoulder to shoulder (?) in the house.

Is and ad·ragart Sencha mac Ailella:

Chuir Seancha mac Ailealla cosc orthu ansin:

Then Sencha mac Ailella issued a prohibition (?):

“Na cuirid cor díb,” or-se.

“Ná chuirigí cor díbh,” ar sé.

“Do not stir,” he said.

“Tucthar cucunn in ben

“Tugtar an bhean chugainn

“Let the woman be brought to us

co·festar cid dia·tá a ndeilm se.”

go mbeidh fhios cad faoi deara an torann seo.”

in order that may be known for what  reason is this noise.”

Tucad íarum in ben chucu.

Tugadh an bhean chucu ansin.

Thereupon the woman was brought to them.

Is and as·bert a céile .i. Feidlimid:

Is ann a dúirt a céile .i. Feidhlimí:

Her consort, namely Feidlimid, then said:

“Cía deilm dremun derdrethar,

“Cén torann fíochmhar a phléascann,

“What [is] the violent noise that resounds,

(‘a ben,’ or-se)

(‘a bhean,’ ar sé)

(‘O woman,’ he said)

Dremnas fot broinn búredaig?

A bhúireann faoi do bhroinn bhúiritheach?

That rages throughout your bellowing womb?

Bruït[h] clúasaib cluinethar

An glam idir do dhá thaobh — is tréan a ghlór

The clamor between your sides — strongly it sounds —

Gloim eter do dá thoíb, — trén-tormaid.

Brúnn sé ar a gcloiseann lena gcluasa.

It crushes him who hears with ears.

Mór n-úath ad·n-áigethar

Is eagal le mo chroí iomad uafás

My heart fears

Mo chride créchtnaigedar crúaid.”

A ghoineann go crua.

Much terror that wounds severely.”

Is and ro·lá-si co Cathbath, ar ba fissid side:

Is ann a rith sí go Cathbhadh, mar ba fhear feasa é:

Thereupon she rushed to Cathbad, for he was a seer:

“Cluinid Cathbad cóem-ainech

“Éistigí le Cathbhadh caomhaineach, caoin,

“Hear handsome Cathbad of the comely face,

Cáin, mál, mind mór mochtaide

Mál, mionn mór cumhachtach,

A prince, a diadem great [and] mighty,

Mbrogthar tre druidechta drúad,

A mhórtar trí chleasa draíochta druadh;

Who is magnified through the wizardries of druids,

Ór nad·fil lem féin find-fhocla

Óir níl agamsa liom féin fionnfhocla,

Since I myself have not wise words

Fris·mberad Feidlimid

A thabharfadh d’Fheidhlimí

With reference to which Feidlimid might obtain

Fursundud fiss,

Soilsiú eolais,

The illumination of knowledge,

Ar nád·fitir ban-scál

Mar nach fios do bhean

Because a woman does not know

Cía fo brú ·bí,

Cé a bhíonn ina broinn,

Whatever is wont to be in [her] womb,

Cid fom chriöl bronn bécestar.”

Cé lig béic Faoi chliabh mo bhroinne.”

Through it cried out in my womb’s receptacle.”

Is and as·bert Cathbad:

Is ann a dúirt Cathbhadh:

Then Cathbad said:

“Fot chriöl bronn bécestair

“Faoi chliabh do bhroinne

“In the recepacle of your womb there cried out

Bé fhuilt buidi buide-chass

Bhéic bé fhoilt bhuíchais

A woman of yellow hair with yellow curls,

Ségdaib súilib sell-glassaib.

Le súile sona sillghlasa.

With comely, grey-blue irised (?) eyes.

Sían a grúade gorm-chorcrai;

Amhail sian a gruanna gormchorcra.

Her purplish-pink cheeks [are like] foxglove;

Fri dath snechtai samlamar

Amhail dath sneachta, dar linn,

To the color of snow I compare

Sét a détgne díänim.

A seoidséad déad gan ainimh.

The spotless treasure of her set of teeth.

Níamdai a béoil partuing-deirg —

Is niamhga a beola partaingdhearga.

Lustrous [are] her scarlet-red (?) lips —

Bé dia·mbiät il-ardbe

Bé tria mbeidh iolar eirleach

A woman for whom there will be many slaughters

Eter Ulad erredaib.

Idir carbadlaochra Uladh.

Among the chariot-fighters of Ulster.

Géssid fot brú búirethar

Géiseann bé fhada fhionn fholtleabhar,

There screams in your womb which bellows

Bé fhind fhota fholt-lebor,

Faoi do bhroinn a bhúireann.

A woman, fair, tall [and] long-haired,

Imma curaid ·cossénat,

Beidh curaidh ag imchosnamh fúithi,

Concerning whom champions will contend,

Imma n-ard-ríg ·íarfassat.

Beidh ardríthe á fiafraí.

Concerning whom high kings will ask.

Biät íarthur trom-thoraib

Beifear san iarthar le tromthreoin,

They will be in the west with oppressive bodies of troops (?),

Fo chlí chóicid Chonchobuir.

Le taca chúige Chonchúir.

Supported (?) by the province of Conchobor.

Biäit a béoil partuing-deirg

Beidh a beola partaingdhearga

Her scarlet-red lips will be

Imma déta némanda,

Um a déada péarlacha.

About her pearly teeth —

Fris-mbat formdig ard-rígna,

An té a mbeidh ríona formadach fúithi,

Against whom high queens will be jealous,

Fria cruth ndígraiss ndíänim.”

Faoina cruth soghráidh dí-ainimh.”

Against her matchless, faultless form.”

Do·rat íar suidiu in Cathbath a láim fora broinn inna mná

Chuir Cathbhadh a lámh ar bhroinn na mná ansin

Cathbad thereafter put his hand on the stomach of the woman

coro·derdrestar in lelap foa láim.

nó go ndearna an leanbh dordán faoina lámh.

so that the infant resounded under his hand.

“Fír,” ar-se, “ingen fil and

“Fíor,” ar sé, “Iníon atá ann

“True [it is],” he said, “that a girl is there,

ocus bid Derdriu a hainm

agus Deirdre a bheidh mar ainm uirthi

and her name will be Derdriu,

ocus biaid olc impe.”

agus beidh olc uimpi.”

and concerning her there will be evil.”

Ro·génair ind ingen íar sin,

Rugadh an iníon iar sin

Afterwards the girl was born,

ocus dixit Cathbad:

agus dúirt Cathbhadh:

and Cathbad said:

“A Dherdriu, maindéra már,

“A Dheirdre, is mór a mhillfir,

“O Derdriu, you will destroy much

Dia-msa cóem-ainech cloth-bán.

Más caomh-aineach clúbhán duit.

If you are comely-faced [and] fair of fame.

Césfaitit Ulaid rit ré,

Fulaingeoidh Ulaidh le do ré

The Ulstermen will suffer during your lifetime,

A ingen fhíal Fheidlimthe.

A iníon uasal Fheidhlime.

O demure daughter of Feidlimid.

Biäid étach cid íar tain

Ina dhiaidh sin beidh éad,

Even afterwards jealousy will be

Dot dáig, a bé for lassair.

Ar lasadh de do bhíthin,

Ablaze on your account, O woman.

Is it aimsir — cluinte se —

Is le do linn — éist leis seo —

In your time it is — hear this —

Longes tri mac n-Uislinne.

A tharlóidh loingeas triúr mac uasal Uislinne.

[That will be] the exile of the three sons of Uisliu.

Is it aimsir gním dremuin

Is le do linn a dhéanfar

In your time it is that a violent deed

Géntar íarum i n-Emuin.

Gníomh garg in Eamhain.

Will be performed then in Emain.

Bid aithrech coll cid íar tain

Fiú iar aga beifear aithreach

Even afterwards will be repented the destruction

Fo[r] foísam maic Roig rogmair.

Faoin scrios dar choimirce Mhic Róigh éachtaigh.

[Done] under the protection of the very mighty Mac Roig.

Is triüt, a bé co mbail,

Is tríotsa, a bhé go mbail,

O woman with destiny, it is on account of you

Longes Fergusa ó Ultaib,

A bheidh loingeas Fhearghasa ó Ulaidh,

[That will be] the exile of Fergus from the Ulstermen

Ocus gním ar·coínfed guil

Agus bású Fhiachna mhic Chonchúir,

And a deed for which weepings should lament,

Guin Fhiachnai maic Conchobuir.

Gníomh a chaoinfear go glórach.

The slaughter of Fiachna mac Conchobuir.

Is it chin, a bé co mbail,

Is de do chion, a bhé go mbail,

O woman with destiny, it is for your crime

Guin Gerrci maic Illadain,

Marú Gheirrcinn mhic Illadain,

[That will be] the slaying of Gerrce mac Illadain

Ocus gním nat lugu smacht,

Agus — gníomh nach lú a dhíol,

And a deed, the penalty of which is not less,

Orggain Eogain maic Durthacht.

Bású Eoghain mhic Dhurthacht.

The killing of Eogan mac Durthacht.

Do·géna gním ngránda ngarg

Déanfar gníomh gránna garg,

You will perform a horrible, fierce deed

Ar fheirg ri ríg n-Ulad n-ard.

I bhfeirg le rí Uladh ard;

For anger against the king of the noble Ulstermen.

Biaid do lechtán i nnach dú;

Beidh do leachtán i ngach aird.

Your little grave will be everywhere.

Bid scél n-airdairc, a Dherdriu.”

Beidh ina scéal oirearc, a Dheirdre.”

It will be a famous tale, O Derdriu.”

(A Dherdriu)

A Dheirdre.

“Marbthar ind ingen!” ol ind óic.

“Maraítear an cailín!” arsa na laochra.

“Let the girl be slain!” said the warriors.

“Ni-thó,” ol Conchobor.

“Ná déantar,” arsa Conchúr.

“By no means,” said Conchobor.

“Bérthair lim-sa ind ingen i mbárach,” ol Conchobor,

“Béarfar an cailín liomsa amárach” arsa Conchúr,

“I shall carry off the girl tomorrow,” Conchobor added,

“ocus ailebthair dom réir féin

“agus oilfear í do mo réir féin

“and she will be reared according to my own will,

ocus bid sí ben bías im fharrad-sa.”

agus sin í an bhean a bheidh faramsa.”

and she will be the woman who will be in my company.”

Ocus nira·lámatar Ulaid a chocert immi.

Agus níor leomhaigh na hUlaidh é a cheartú faoin ngnó.

And the Ulstermen did not dare to set him right with respect to it.

Do·gníther ón dano:

Rinneadh amhlaidh dá bhrí sin *, ar ndóigh*.

That, moreover, was done.

Ro·alt la Conchobor

Oileadh í le Conchúr

She was reared by Conchobor

co-mbo sí ingen as mór-áillem ro·boí i n-Hérinn.

nó gurbh í ab áille go mór fada in Éirinn.

until she was by far the most beautiful girl who [ever] had been in Ireland.

Is i llis fo leith ro·alt

Is i lios ar leith a oileadh í

In a court apart it is that she was brought up

connach·acced fer di Ultaib

chun nach bhfeicfeadh fear d’Ulaidh í

in order that no man of the Ulstermen might see her

cosin n-úair no·foad la Conchobor

go dtí an uair a luífeadh sí le Conchúr.

up to the time that she should spend the night with Conchobor,

ocus ni·baí duine no·léicthe issin les sin

Agus ní ligtí duine isteach sa lios sin

and no person ever was allowed into that court

acht a haite-si ocus a mumme ocus dano Lebarcham,

ach a hoide agus a buime agus, ar ndóigh, Leabharcham;

except her foster father and her foster mother and Leborcham *as well*;

ar ní·éta gabáil di ssidi ar ba ban-cháinte.

mar ní fhéadfaí ise a chosc mar ba bhancháinte í.

for the last-mentioned one could not be prevented, for she was a female satirist.

Fecht n-and didiu baí a haite na ingine oc fennad loíg fhothlai

Bhí, más ea, oide na hainnire tráth ag feannadh lao scoite

Once upon a time, accordingly, the foster father of the maiden was skinning a weaned (?) calf

for snechtu i-mmaig issin gaimriuth dia fhuni di-ssi.

ar an sneachta lasmuigh sa gheimhreadh le réiteach dise.

on snow outside in the winter to cook it for her.

Co·n-acca-si ní, in fíach oc ól inna fola forsin t-shnechtu.

Chonaic sí, féach, an fiach ag ól na fola sa sneachta.

She saw a raven drinking the blood on the snow.

Is and as·bert-si fri Lebarchaim:

Is ann a dúirt sí le Leabharcham:

Then she said to Leborcham:

“Ro-pad inmain óen-fher

“B’ionúin an fear

“Beloved would be the one man

forsa·mbetis na tri dath ucut

ar a mbeadh na trí dathanna úd

on whom might be yonder three colors

.i. in folt amal in fíach

.i. an folt mar an bhfiach,

— that is, hair like the raven,

ocus in grúad amal in fuil

an grua mar an bhfuil,

and a cheek like blood,

ocus in corp amal in snechta.”

agus an corp mar an sneachta.”

and a body like snow.”

“Orddan ocus tocad duit!” ar in Lebarcham. 

“Onóir agus rath ort!” arsa Leabharcham.

“Dignity and fortune to you!” said Leborcham.

“Ní cían úait.

“Ní cian uait é.

“He is not far from you.

Atá is’taig it arrad

Tá sé laistigh i d’fharradh

He is inside near to you,

.i. Noísi mac Usnig.”

.i. Naoise mac Uisnigh.”

even Noisiu son of Uisliu.”

“Ni-pam slán-sa ám,” ol-si,

“Ní bheidh mé slán, *go deimhin*,” ar sí

“I shall, indeed, not be well,” she said,

“conid·n-accur-saide.”

 “nó go bhfeice mé é.”

“until I see him.”

Fecht n-and didiu baí-seom int-í Noísi a óenur

Bhí Naoise *thuasluaite*, tráth, más ea, ina aonar

On one occasion, then, the aforementioned Noisiu was alone

for dóe inna rrátha .i. ina Emna,

ar chlaí na rátha (.i. na hEamhna)

on the rampart of the earthwork (that is, of Emain)

oc andord.

ag gabháil andoird.

singing in a tenor (?) voice.

Ba bind immurgu a n-andord mac n-Usnig.

Ba bhinn, go deimhin, é andord mhic Uisnigh.

Melodious, however, was the tenor (?) singing of the Sons of Uisliu.

Cech bó ocus cech míl ro·chluined,

Gach bó agus gach ainmhí a chluineadh é,

Each cow and each animal that heard [it],

no·mbligtis dá trian blechta d’immarcraid úadib.

chrúití dhá dtrian breise bainne uathu.

two thirds of surplus milk always was milked from them.

Cech duine rod·chluined,

Gach duine a chluineadh é,

Each person who heard it

ba lór síthchaire ocus airfitiud dóib.

ba leór de shámhríocht, agus d’oirfide leo é.

always had a sufficient peaceful disposition (?) and musical entertainment.

Ba maith a ngaisced dano.

Ba mhaith a ngaisce leis.

Good also were their arms.

Cía no·beth cóiced Ulad i n-óen-baili impu,

Cé go mbeadh cúige Uladh ar an aon láthair ina dtimpeall,

Although the [whole] province of the Ulstermen were in one place about them,

ní bhéarfaidís bua orthu

they might not gain the victory over them

ar fheabhas a gcosanta agus a n-imdhídine,

on account of the excellence of the parrying and the self-defence,

acht corro·chuired cách díb a triur a druim fri araile,

ach go gcuirfeadh gach duine díobh a dtriúr a ndroim lena chéile.

provided that every one of the three of them put his back against the other.

ni·bertais búaid diib

ar fhebas na ursclaige ocus na imdíten.

Bat comlúatha dano fri conaib oc tafonn.

Ba chomhluath iad le coin ag fiach *, ar ndóigh*;

As swift as hounds, moreover, they were at hunting.

No·marbdais na fíada ar lúas.

mharaídís na fianna le barr luais.

By virtue of [their] swiftness they used to kill the wild animals.

A mboí-seom didiu a oínur int-í Noísi i-mmaig,

Fad a bhí Naoise *thuasluaite*, áfach, ina aonar amuigh,

While, therefore, the aforesaid Noisiu was alone outside,

mos·étlan-si cuci i-mmach

d’éalaigh sí go luath chuige amach

she quickly stole out to him

amal bid do thecht secha

amhail is dá mbeadh sí le gabháil thairis;

as if to go past him,

ocus nis·n-athgéoin.

agus níor aithin sé í.

and he did not recognize her.

“Is caín,” ol-se-sseom, “in t-shamaisc téte sechunn.”

“Is álainn,” ar seisean, “an tsamhaisc atá ag dul tharainn.”

“Fair,” he said, “is the heifer that goes past me.”

“Dlegtair,” ol-si-si, “samaisci móra

“Dlitear samhaisce a bheith mór,” ar sise

“Heifers,” she said, “are bound to be big

bale na·bít tairb.”

“san áit nach mbíonn tairbh.”

where bulls are not wont to be.”

“Atá tarb in chóicid lat,” or-se-sseom,

“Tá tarbh an chúige agat,” ar seisean

“You have the bull of the province,” he said,

“.i. rí Ulad.”

“.i. rí Uladh.”

“namely, the king of the Ulstermen.”

“No·togfainn-se etruib far ndís,” or-si-si,

“Dhéanfainn rogha eadraibh araon,” ar sise,

“I would choose between the two of you,” she said,

“ocus no·gébainn tarbín óag amalt-so.” 

“agus thoghfainn tairbhín óg mar thusa.”

“and I would take a young bullock like you.”

“Ní-thó!” ol-se-sseom.

“Ná habair é!” ar seisean,

“By no means!” he said.

“Cid fo bíthin fáitsine Cathbad.”

“fiú de bharr fháistine Chathbhadh.”

“Even because of Cathbad’s prophecy.”

“In dom fémed-sa adeiri sin?”

“An do mo dhiúltiú a deire sin?”

“Do you say that in order to reject me?”

“Bid dó immurgu,” or-se-ssem.

“Is dó, go deimhin” ar seisean.

“It assuredly will be for that reason,” he said.

La sodain fo·ceird-si bedg cuci

Leis sin caith sí léim chuige

Therewith she made a leap to him

corra·gab a dá n-ó fora chinn.

agus rug greim ar a dhá chluais ar a cheann.

and grasped both ears on his head.

“Dá n-ó méle ocus cuitbiuda in-so,” ol-si,

“Dhá chluais méala agus fonóide iad seo,” ar sí

“These [are] two ears of shame and of derision,” she said,

“manim·bera-su latt.”

“mura mbeireann tú mise leat.”

“unless you take me away with you.”

“Eirgg úaim, a ben!” ol-se.

“Imigh uaim, a bhean!” ar sé.

“Go away from me, O woman!” he said.

“Rot·bia ón,” ol-si-si.

“Sin mar a bheidh agat,” ar sí.

“You shall have that,” she said.

At·racht la sodain a andord n-ass.

Ansin d’ardaigh a andord uaidh.

Thereupon, his tenor (?) song arose from him.

Amail ro·chúalatar Ulaid in-nunn in n-andord,

Nuair a chuala Ulaidh an t-andord anonn uathu,

As the Ulstermen yonder heard his tenor (?) song,

at·raig cech fer díb di alailiu.

d’éirigh gach fear díobh óna chéile.

each man of them arose from the other.

Lotar maic Uislenn i-mmach do thairmesc a mbráthar.

Chuaigh mic Uisleann amach ag toirmeasc a mbráthar.

The Sons of Uisliu went out to hinder their brother.

“Cid no·taí?” ol-seat.

“Cad tá ort?” ar siad.

“What ails you?” they said.

“Na ’mma·ngonad d’Ultaib it chinaid.”

“Ná maraíodh fir Uladh a chéile de bharr do choire.”

“Let not the Ulstermen slay one another for your crime.”

Is and at·chúaid dóib a ndo·rónad friss.

Is ann a d’inis sé dóibh a ndearnadh leis.

Then he related to them what had been done to him.

“Biaid olc de,” ol ind óicc.

“Beidh olc dá bharr,” ar siad.

“Evil will ensue,” the warriors said.

“Cía beith,

“Fiú má bhíonn

“Although there may be [evil resulting therefrom],

noco·bia-so fo mebail

ní bheidh tú faoi aithis

you shall not be under disgrace

céin bemmit-ni i mbethaid.

fad a bheimidne inár mbeathaidh.

as long as we shall be alive.

Ragmai-ni lee i tír n-aili.

Rachaimid léi i ndúiche eile.

We shall go with her into another land.

Ni·fil i n-Hérinn ríg na·tibre fáilti dún.”

Níl in Éirinn rí nach gcuirfeadh fáilte romhainn.”

There is not in Ireland a king who would not give welcome to us.”

Batar eat a comairli.

Ba iadsan na comhairlí ar ar chinn siad.

That was their decision.

Ro·imthigsetar in n-aidchi sin

D’imigh siad an oíche sin,

They set out that night

.i. trí coícait láech dóib

.i. trí caogaid laoch acu

with their hundred and fifty warriors,

ocus trí coícait ban

agus trí caogaid ban

*their hundred and fifty* women,

ocus trí coícait con

agus trí caogaid con

*their hundred and fifty* dogs,

ocus trí coícait gilla

*agus trí caogaid giolla*

and *their hundred and fifty* servants;

ocus Derdriu i cumusc cáich co·mbaí etarru.

agus bhí Deirdre ar chuma cách ina measc.

and among them was Derdriu mingled in with everybody [else].

Bátar for fóesamaib céin móir mór-thimchell n-Érenn

Bhí siad ar feadh i bhfad ar coimirce mórthimpeall Éireann

For a great while they were under protection all around Ireland,

co·tríallta a ndíth co mmenic tria indleda ocus chelga Conchobuir

agus triaileadh iad a dhíthiú go minic trí luíocháin agus chealga Chonchúir,

and often through the snares and wiles of Conchobor their destruction was attempted

ó-thá Ess Rúaid timchell síar-des co Beinn Étair sair-thúaid iterum.

ó Eas Rua timpeall siar ó dheas go Beann Éadair soir ó thuaidh arís.

from Ess Ruaid southwestwards round about northeastwards again to Benn Etair.

Ar-aí-de trá conda·[to]roífnetar Ulaid tairis i crích n-Alban.

Faoi dheireadh, áfach, chuir na hUlaidh tóir orthu thar farraige go críoch Alban.

The Ulstermen, however, chased them, then, over [the Irish sea] into the territory of Scotland.

Con·gabsat i ndíthrub and.

Chuir siad fúthu i ndíthreabh ann.

They settled down there in the desert.

Ónd úair ro·scáich dóib fíadach in t-shlébe,

Nuair a chuaigh fiach an tsléibhe i ndísc orthu

After the mountain game failed them,

do·elsat for cethra fer n-Alban do thabairt chucu.

thug siad faoi eallach fir Alban lena mbreith chucu féin.

they turned aside upon the cattle of the men of Scotland in order to appropriate it to themselves.

Do·chótar side dia ndílgiund i n-óen-ló

Chuaigh siad-san lá áirithe chun iad a scrios

The latter went on a single day to destroy them,

co·ndeochatar dochum ríg Alban

i dtreo go ndeachaigh siad go rí Alban,

whereupon they proceeded to the king of Scotland,

conda·rragaib ina munteras

gur ghabh seisean chuige ina theaghlach iad;

and he took them into his household following.

ocus coro·gabsat amsaini acca

agus ghlac siad le hamhsaine aige

They assumed mercenary service with him

ocus ro·suidigsitar a tige issind fhaithchi.

agus shuigh siad a dtithe san fhaiche.

and placed their houses on the green.

Im déigin ina ingine do·rónta na tige

Is ar son na hainnire a rinneadh na tithe

On account of the maiden the houses were made

conna·hacced nech leo hí

chun nach bhfeicfeadh éinne í faru

so that no-one with them might see her

ar dáig naro·marbtais impe.

ionas nach marófaí iad dá bharr.

in order that they might not be killed with respect to her.

Fecht n-and didiu luid in rechtaire matain moch

Uair amháin, más ea, chuaigh an reachtaire amach go moch ar maidin

Once upon a time, therefore, early in the morning the steward went

co·rralai cor imma tech-som.

agus thug turas timpeall an tí acu.

and made a circuit about their house.

Co·n-accae in lánamain inna cotluth.

Chonaic sé an lanúin ina gcodladh.

He saw the couple asleep.

Do·chúaid íar sin coro·dúsig in ríg.

Tháinig sé ansin agus dhúisigh an rí.

Afterwards, he went and awakened the king.

“Ni·fúaramar-ni,” or-se, “mnaí do dingbála-so cosin diu.

“Ní bhfuaireamar-ne,” ar sé, “bean do dhiongbhála go dtí inniu.

“I have not found,” he said, “a woman equal to you until today.

Atá i fail Noísen maic Uislenn

Tá fara Naoise mac Uisleann

Along with Noisiu son of Uisliu

ben dingbála ríg íarthair domuin.

bean diongbhála rí iarthar domhain.

there is a woman worthy of the king of the Western World.”

Marbthar fo chét-óir Noísi

Maraítear Naoise ar an toirt

“Let Noisiu be killed immediately,

ocus foath in ben lat-so,” ol in rechtaire.

agus luíodh an bhean leatsa.” arsan reachtaire.

and let the woman spend the night with you,” the steward added.

“Acc,” or in rí, “acht eirg-siu dia guidi dam-sa cech láa fo chlith.”

“Ná déantar amhlaidh,” arsan rí “ach téigh-se á hachainí gach lá ar mo shon faoi cheilt.”

“No,” the king said, “but you shall go every day to beseech her secretly for me.”

Do·gníther ón.

Rinneadh amhlaidh.

That is done.

A n-at·bered immurgu in rechtaire frie-si chaidchi,

Gach a ndeireadh an reachtaire léi i gcaitheamh an lae, áfach,

However, what the steward said to her at any time

ad·féded-si dia céliu in n-aidchi sin fo chét-óir.

d’insíodh sí dá chéile an oíche sin gan mhoill.

she used to relate, at once, that night to her consort.

Úair naro·étad ní dí,

Ón uair nach bhfuarthas aon ní uaithi,

Since one never could attain anything with respect to her,

no·erálta for maccaib Uislenn dul i ngábthib ocus i cathaib ocus i ndrobélaib

bhítí á ordú do mhic Uisleann dul i ngábha agus i gcathanna agus i mbaola

the Sons of Uisliu often were enjoined to go into dangers, battles and hazards

ar dáig coro·mmarbtais.

le súil go marófaí iad.

in order that they might be killed.

Ar-aí-de batar sonairti-sium im cech n-imguin

Dá ainneoin sin bhí siad tréan i leith gach eirligh

Nevertheless, as regards each slaughter they were doughty

connar·étad ní dóib asna amsib sin.

i dtreo nach bhfuarthas aon ní uathu de bharr a n-iarrachtaí sin.

so that one never could attain anything with respect to them from these attempts.

After consultation with her regarding it,

Ro·tinólta fir Alban dia marbad

Tionóladh fir Alban chun a maraithe

the men of Scotland were assembled to kill them.

íarna chomairli frie-si.

arna chur ina comhairle.

Ad·fét-si do Noísin.

D’inis sí an scéal do Naoise.

She related that to Noisiu.

“Imthigid ass,” or-si.

“Imígí as seo,” ar sí.

“Depart hence,” she said.

“Mani·digsid ass in-nocht,

“Muna n-imíonn sibh libh anocht,

“Unless you shall have gone away by tonight,

nobor·mairfither i mbárach.”

marófar sibh amárach.”

you will be killed tomorrow.”

Lotar ass ind aidchi sin

D’imigh siad leo an óiche sin

That night they went away

co·mbátar i n-inis mara.

go dtí oileán mara.

until they were on a island of the sea.

Ad·fiadar do Ultaib an-í-sin.

Tugadh an scéala sin d’Ulaidh.

That was related to the Ulstermen.

“Is tróg, a Chonchobuir,” ol Ulaid,

“Is trua, a Chonchúir,” arsa Ulaidh,

“Grevious it is, O Conchobor,” the Ulstermen said,

“maic Uislenn do thuitim i tírib námat

“mic Uisleann a thitim i dtíortha namhad

“for the Sons of Uisliu to fall in hostile lands

tre chin droch-mná.

trí choir drochmhná.

through the crime of a bad woman.

Ba ferr a comaitecht

B’fhearr iad a chosaint

It were better to be lenient with them

ocus a mbíathath ocus a nem-guin

agus a bheathú agus nach marófaí iad

and to feed them and not to slay them

ocus tuidecht dóib dochum a tíre

ach iad a theacht ar ais chun a dtíre

and for them to come to the land

ol-daas a tuitim lia náimtiu.”

ná iad a thitim le naimhde.”

than for them to fall at the hands of their foes.

“Tecat didiu,” ol Conchobor,

“Tagaidís mar sin,” arsa Conchúr,

“Let them come, therefore,” Conchobor said,

“ocus tíagat commairgi friu.”

“agus tugtar coimirce dóibh.”

“and let sureties go for them.”

Berair chucu an-í-sin.

Tugtar an scéala sin chucu.

That [message] was brought to them.

“Is fo chen linn,” ol-seat.

“Tá fáilte againn roimhe,” ar siad,

“We welcome it,” they said.

“Regthair ocus tæt Fergus frinn i commairgi

“raghfar, agus tagadh Fearghas mar choimirce dúinn

“We shall go, and let Fergus come for us as surety

ocus Dubthach ocus Cormac mac Conchobuir.”

agus Dufach agus Cormac mac Conchúir.”

and Dubthach and Cormac mac Conchobuir.”

Tíagait side co·ngabsat a lláma di muir.

Chuaigh siadsan agus ghabh ar a gcoimirce iad ón muir.

They went and gave them accompaniment from the sea.

Baí immurgu imchosnam im Fhergus dia churiud do chormannaib a comairli Chonchobuir,

Bhí, áfach, ar chomhairle Chonchúir aighneas faoi chuireadh a thabhairt d’Fhearghas do fhleánna cuirme,

With respect to Fergus, however, by the counsel of Conchobor a contention took place to invite him to ale-banquets,

ar as·bertatar maic Uislenn nadcon·ístais bíad i n-Hérinn

mar dúirt mic Uisleann nach n-íosfaidís bia in Éirinn

for the Sons of Uisliu said that they would not eat [any] food in Ireland

acht bíad Conchobuir i tossuch.

ach bia Chonchúir i dtosach.

except at first the food of Conchobor.

Luid íarum Fiachu mac Fergusa leo

Chuaigh, ansin, Fiacha mac Fearghasa leo

Then Fiachu mac Fergusa went with them,

ocus anaid Fergus ocus Dubthach

agus d’fhan Fearghas agus Dufach.

and Fergus and Dubthach remained behind.

ocus do·llotar maic Uislenn

Agus tháinig mic Uisleann

The Sons of Uisliu came

co·mbátar for faithchi na Emna.

nó go raibh siad ar fhaiche na hEamhna.

until they were on the green of Emain.

Is and dano tánic Eogan mac Durthacht rí Fernmaige

Is ann *, ar ndóigh,* a tháinig Eoghan mac Dhurthacht, rí Fearnmhaí

Then, moreover, Eogan mac Durthacht, king of Fernmag,

do chórai fri Conchobor,

le réitheach a dheanamh le Conchúr,

came for peace with Conchobor,

ar ro·boí i n-essíd friss i cíana.

mar bhí sé in earraid leis le fada.

for he had been at strife with him for a long period.

Is é-side ro·herbad dia mmarbad

Is leis siúd a taobhaíodh cúram a maraithe

He it is who had been entrusted to kill them,

ocus amsaig Conchobuir immi

agus bhí amhais Chonchúir ina thimpeall féin

and the mercenaries of Conchobor were about him [Conchobor]

conna·tístais cuci-sium.

le nach dtiocfaidís chuige.

in order that they might not come to him.

Bátar maic Uislenn ina sesum for lár na faithche

Bhí mic Uisleann ina seasamh ar lár na faiche

The Sons of Uisliu were standing in the middle of the green,

ocus bátar inna mná inna suidib for dóu na h-Emna.

agus bhí na mná ina suíocháin ar bhábhún na hEamhna.

and the women were in their seats on the rampart of Emain.

Luid didiu Eogan cuccu inna thur iarsind fhaithchi.

Ghabh Eoghan, más ea, suas chucu lena bhuíon ar fheadh na faiche.

Eogan, accordingly, went up to them in his body of troops (?) along the green.

Do·lluid immurgu mac Fergusa

Tháinig mac Fhearghasa, áfach,

The son of Fergus, however, came

co·mbaí for leth-láim Noísen.

nó go raibh sé taobh le Naoise.

until he was on one side of Noisiu.

Feraid Eogan fáilti friu la béim forgama do gaí mór i n-Noísin

D’fhear Eoghan fáilte rompu le ropadh de gha mór i Naoise

Eogan welcomed them with a thrust of the great spear into Noisiu

co·rroímid a druim triit.

gur bhris a dhroim tríd.

so that his back broke through it.

Fo·ceird la sodain mac Fergusa

Leis sin chaith mac Fhearghasa é féin

Therewith, the son of Fergus threw himself

co·tuc a dí láim dar Noísin

agus chuir a dhá láimh thar Naoise

and put both arms around Noisiu

co·tuc foí

agus thug faoi é

and brought him under him

ocus co·tarlaic fair anúas

agus chaith é féin anuas air;

and cast himself down upon him,

ocus is samlaid ro·bíth Noísiu tre mac Fergusa anúas.

agus is amhlaidh a buaileadh Naoise anuas trí mhac Fhearghasa.

and thus it was that Noisiu was struck from above through the son of Fergus.

Ro·marbtha íar suidiu sethnón na faithche

Ansin bhí marú ar fud na faiche

Thereafter, they [the Sons of Uisliu] were killed throughout the green

conna·térna ass

i dtreo nár éalaigh éinne as

so that none escaped thence,

acht a ndechuid do rind gaí ocus do giun chlaidib;

ach a ndeachaigh de rinn gaí agus de bhéal claímh.

save those who went by point of spear and by edge of sword;

ocus rucad-si in-nunn co Conchobor

Agus rugadh ise (Deirdre) anonn go Conchúr

and she was brought over to Conchobor

co·mbaí fora láim

nó go raibh sí taobh leis

so that she was beside him,

ocus ro·cumrigthe a lláma íarna cúl.

agus ceanglaíodh a lámha laistiar di.

and her hands were bound behind her back.

At·chúas do Fhergus íarum an-í-sin ocus do Dubthach ocus do Chormac.

Insíodh sin d’Fhearghas iar sin, agus do Dhufach agus do Chormac.

That, then, was related to Fergus and Dubthach and Cormac.

Táncatar side co·ndernsat gníma móra fo chét-óir

Tháinig siadsan agus rinne siad éachtaí ar an toirt

They came and performed at once great deeds.

.i. Dubthach do marbad Mane maic Conchobuir

.i. Dufach a mharú Mhaine mhic Conchúir,

Dubthach killed Mane, Conchobor’s son,

ocus Fhiachna mac Feidilme ingine Conchobuir do guin dond óen-fhorgab

agus Fiachra mac Fheidhilime, iníon Chonchúir, a mharú den aon bhuille,

and by a single thrust Fiachna, son of Feidelm, Conchobor’s daughter, was dispatched.

ocus Fergus do marbad Thraigthréoin maic Traiglethain ocus a bráthar

agus Fearghas a mharú Thraighthréin mhic Thraighleathain agus a bhráthar;

Fergus slew Traigthren, son of Traiglethan and his brother.

ocus sárugud Conchobuir impu

sárú oinigh Chonchúir iompu seo

With respect to them, Conchobor’s honor was outraged,

ocus cath do thabairt eturru íar sin isind óen-lóu

agus cath a fhearadh eatharthu iar sin san aon lá,

and afterwards battle was joined between them on a single day

co·torchratar tri chét de Ultaib eturru

agus trí chéad d’Ulaidh a thitim eatarthu;

so that three hundred of the Ulstermen fell among them.

ocus ingenrad Ulad do marbad do Dubthach ría matain

agus iníonra Uladh a mharú do Dhufach roimh mhaidin,

Before morning, the maidens of Ulster were put to death by Dubthach,

ocus Emain do loscud do Fhergus.

agus Eamhain a loscadh d’Fhearghas.

and Emain was burned by Fergus.

Is ed lotar íarum co Ailill ocus co Meidb

Is ann a d’imigh siad ansin go hAilill agus go Meadhbh

Thereupon they went to Ailill and to Medb,

ar ro·fetatar is sí lánamain foda·róelsat

mar bhí a fhios acu go bhféadfadh an lanúin sin iad a chothú,

for they knew that that couple would be able to support them;

ocus dano ni-bu chúl serce do Ultaib.

agus, ar ndóigh, níorbh aon chúilín grá é d’Eamhain.

and for the Ulstermen, moreover, it was not a refuge (?) of love.

Tricha cét ba é lín na lloingse.

Trí mhíle an líon a ionnarbadh.

Three thousand was the number of those exiled.

Co cenn sé mblíadna déc

Go ceann sé mbliana déag

To the end of sixteen years

niro·an gol na crith leu i n-Ultaib

ní dheachaidh stad ar ghol ná ar chrith dá mbarr in Ulaidh

neither weeping nor trembling ceased in Ulster through them,

acht gol ocus crith leu cech n-óen-aidchi.

ach gol agus crith acu gach aon oíche.

but each single night [there was] weeping and trembling through them.

Blíadain di-ssi trá i fail Chonchobuir

Bhí sise, más ea, bliain i dteannta Chonchúir,

A year, now, she was with Conchobor,

ocus risin ré sin ni·tib gen ngáire

agus i gcaitheamh an ama sin níor gháir sí gean gháire,

and during that time she did not smile a laughing smile,

ocus ni·dóid a sáith do bíud na cotluth

agus níor chaith sí a sáith de bhia ná de chodladh

and she did not partake of her sufficiency of food or of sleep,

ocus ni·túargaib a cenn dia glún.

agus níor ardaigh sí a ceann dá glúin.

and she did not raise her head from her knee.

In tan didiu do·mbertis na hairfiti dí,

Nuair a thugtaí, áfach, na ceoltóiri chuici,

Whenever, therefore, they brought the musicians to her,

is and as·bered-si in reicni sea sís:

is ann a deireadh sí an reicne seo síos:

then she recited this following extempore (?) poem:

“Cid cáin lib ind læchrad lainn

“Cé caoin libh na laochra lonna,

“Though fair you deem the eager warriors

Cengtae i n-Emain íar tochaim,

Atá ag céimniú in Eamhain tar éis feachtais,

Who stride about in Emain after an expedition,

Airdiu do·cingtis dia taig

Ba uaisle a chéimníodh dá dtigh

More nobly used to march to their dwelling

Tri maic adlæchda Uisnig.

Triúr mac adhlaochta Uisnigh:—

The three very heroic sons of Uisliu.

Noísi co mmid chollán chain —

Naoise, le meá choll bhlasta —

Noisiu with good hazel-mead —

Folcud lim-sa dó ’con tein —

folcadh agam dó ag an tine —

Him I washed at the fire —

Arddán co ndam nó muicc mais,

Ardán le damh nó le muc mhéith,

Arddan with a stag or a fine pig,

Asclang Aindli dar ardd-ais.

Agus ar ard a dhroma ar Áinle ualach.

A load [was] over Aindle’s tall back.

Cid milis lib a mmid mas

Cé gur milis libh an mheá bhreá,

Though sweet you deem the goodly mead

Ibes mac Nesa níth-mas,

A ólann mac Nessa mórchathach,

Which the battle-glorious Mac Nessa drinks,

Baíthium riäm — rén for brú — 

Bhí agamsa roimhe seo — muir tar bruach —

I had heretofore — ocean over [its] brink —

Bíäd menic ba millsiu.

Bia go minic ba mhilse.

Frequent refection that was sweeter.

Ó ro·sernad Noísi nár

Nuair a leathadh Naoise náireach

As often as modest Noisiu had spread out

Fulocht for feda fían-chlár,

An fulacht ar fhianchlár na coille,

The cooking hearth on the martial plain of the forest,

Ba millsiu cach bíud fo mil

Ba mhilse ná gach bia meala

Sweeter was always than each honeyed food

Ara·rálad mac Usnig.

An chóir a sholáthraíodh mac Uisnigh.

What the son of Uisliu had contrived.

Cid bindi lib in cach mí

Cé gur binn libh gach tráth,

Though melodious you deem at all times

Cuslennaig is cornairi,

Cuisleannaigh is cornairí,

Pipers and hornblowers,

Is sí mo chobais in-diu:

Is é a dhearbhaím inniu,

This is my confession today:

Ro·cúala céol bad bindiu.

Gur chuala ceol ba bhinne.

I have heard music that was more melodious.

Bind la Conchobor for rí

Is binn le Conchúr bhar rí,

Melodious used to deem Conchobor, your king,

Cuslennaig is cornairi;

Cuisleannaigh is cornairí,

Pipers and hornblowers;

Ba bindiu lem-sa — cloth n-ell —

Ba bhinne liomsa — cáiliúil racht —

More melodious I used to deem — fame of hosts (?) —

Sían no·gebtis maic Uislenn.

An ceol a ghabhaidís mic Uisleann.

The strain which the Sons of Uisliu used to sing.

Fogur tuinne toirm Noísi;

Glór Naoise b’fhoghar toinne;

Noisiu’s voice [was like] the sound of a wave;

Ba céol bind a bith-chlóisi.

Ba cheol binn a bhithchloisteáil;

To hear him always was [like] melodious music.

Coblach Arddáin ro-po maith,

Ba mhaith é séis Ardáin —

The baritone of Arddan was good —

Andord Aindli dia úar-baith.

Is andord Áinle ag dul dá uarbhothán.

The tenor (?) song of Aindle [on his way] to his shieling.

Noísi, do·rónad a fhert.

Naoise, rinneadh a fheart;

Noisiu — his sepulchral mound has been made.

Ba dirsan in chomaitecht.

Ba dhursan an chosaint;

Sad was the accompaniment.

Dó ro·dálius — drong tria alt —

Dháileas an deoch mharfach dó

For him I have poured out — host over a height (?) —

In dig tonnaid dia·n-érbalt.

Dá bhfuair bás . . . trí shlua laoch.

The deadly draught of which he has died.

Inmain berthán áilli blai,

Is ionúin an folt is álainn maise,

Beloved [is] the [little] crop of hair (?) with yellow (?) beauty;

Tuchtach duine cid dind-blai.

Is córach an duine, cé gur láthair clú;

Comely [is] the man, even . . .

Ba dirsan nad·[fh]resco in-diu

Ba dhursan nach bhfuilim ag súil inniu

Sorrowful it is [indeed] that I do not expect today

Mac Uislenn do idnaidiu.

Le fanacht le mac Uisleann.

To await the son of Uisliu.

Inmain menma cobsaid cáir;

Ionúin an mheanma dhaingean dhíreach;

Beloved [is] the desire, steadfast [and] just;

Inmain óclach ard imnáir.

Ionúin an t-óglach ard imnáireach;

Beloved [is] the warrior, noble [and] very modest.

Íar n-imthecht dar feda fál,

Iar n-imeacht dar fál feá,

After a journey beyond the forest’s fence,

Inmain costal i tiugnár.

Ionúin a iompar ar maidin mochthráth.

Beloved [is] the . . . in the early morning.

Inmain súil glass carddais mná;

Ionúin an tsúil ghlas a ghrádh mná;

Beloved [is] the gray eye that women used to love;

Ba hamnas fri écrata.

Ba fhíochmhar í le naimhde;

Fierce it used to be against foes.

Íar cúairt chaille — comul sær —

Ar chuairt choille, ceangal saor,

After a circuit of the forest — a noble union —

Inmain andord tria dub-ræd.

Ionúin an t-andord trí dhúchoill.

Beloved [is] the tenor (?) voice through a dark great wood.

Ni·cotlu trá,

Ní chodlaim feasta

I do not sleep now,

Ocus ni·corcu m’ingne.

Agus ní chorcraim m’ingne.

And I do not redden my fingernails.

Fáilte, ni·táet imm airi,

Áthas, ní thugaim aird air

Joy, it does not come into my observation

Ór nach·taidi mac Tindle.

Mar nach dtugann sé leis mac Tinnla.

Since it will not lead hither (?) the son of Tindell.

Ni·cotlu

Ní chodlaim

I do not sleep

Leth na haidche im ligiu.

Leath na hoíche im leaba.

Half of the night as I lie.

Fo·ceird mo chéill imm drungu;

Tá mo mheabhair suaite ag sluaite,

My reason is agitated about the hosts;

Sech ni·lungu, ni·tibiu.

Ní gháirim is ní mó ithim.

Not only do I not eat, but I do not laugh.

Fáilte, in-diu ni-dam úain

Áthas — inniu níl uain agam dó.

Joy, today [for it] I have no leisure

I ndáil Emna — ercdair saír —

I ndáil Eamhna, mar a mbíonn uaisle ag tionól

In the gathering of Emain — [there] nobles are thronged (?) —

Na síd na suba na sám

Níl síth agam ná súchas ná sáimhe

Nor peace, nor delight, nor ease,

Na tech már na cumtach caín.”

Ná teach mór ná maise chaoin.”

Nor a big house, nor fair adornment.”

(Cid cáin)

Cé caoin.

In tan dano no·bíd Conchobor oca hálgenugud-si,

Nuair a bhíodh Conchúr á muirniú, *ar ndóigh,*

Whenever Conchobor, moreover, mollified her,

is and at·bered-si in reicni sea sís:

is ann a deireadh sí an reicne seo síos:

then she recited this following extempore (?) poem:

“A Chonchobuir, cid no·taí?

“A Chonchúir, cad tá ort?

“O Conchobor, what ails you?

Do·rurmis dam brón fo chaí,

Chuir tú orm brón faoi chaoi;

For me you have placed (?) sorrow under weeping.

Is ed ám [i] céin no·mmair,

Is é mar a bheidh fad a mhairim

Yes, indeed, as long as I may abide

Do sherc lim ni-ba romair.

Mo shearc duit gan bheith ach lag.

My love for you will not be of very great account.

Ní rop áilliu lim fo nim,

An ní ab áille liom faoi neamh,

What I deemed most beautiful on earth,

Ocus ní rop inmainib

Agus an ní ba ionúine uile,

And what was most beloved,

R[o]·ucais úaim — mór in bét —

Rugais uaim — cad é mar choir —

You have carried off from me — great [is] the crime —

Connach·acciu-sa comm éc.

Ionas nach bhfeicfead é go héag.

So that I shall not see it until my death.

A ingnáis is toirrse lem

A easnamh is doilíos dom

His absence, it grieves me

Tucht dom·adbat mac Uislenn.

Mar thaispeánann mac Uisleann —

How the son of Uisliu shows [it] to me:

Caurnán cir-dub dar corp ngel.

Carnán cíordhubh thar chorp geal,

A jet-black little cairn (?) over a white body;

Ba súaichnid sech ilar fer.

Cé gur shuaithinseach é thar iolar fear.

It was well-known beyond [those of] a multitude of men.

Dá ngrúad corcra cáiniu srath,

Dhá ghrua chorcra ba chaoin dealbh,

Both purple cheeks [were] fairer than a river meadow,

Béoil deirg, abrait fo dæl-dath;

Beola dearga, fabhraí faoi dhaoldath.

Red the lips, eyebrows of beetle color;

Déitgen némanda fo lí,

A charr déad niamhga dea-lí

The pearly row of shining teeth

Amal sóer-dath snechtaidi.

Mar shaordhath an tsneachta.

[Was] like the noble hue of snow.

Ba súaichnid a eirred nglan

Ba shontasach a éide ghlan

Well-known was his bright apparel

Eter fíanaib fer n-Alban.

Idir fianna laoch na hAlban.

Among the warrior bands of the men of Scotland.

Fúan cáin corcra — comul cóir —

Fallaing álainn chorcara — ceangal cóir —

Fair [and] purple [was] the mantle — a fitting union —

Cona imthacmung derg-óir.

Lena imeall de dheargór.

With its border of pure gold.

Inar srólda — sét co mbríg —

Ionar sróil — seoid le brí —

Of satin (?) [was] the tunic — a treasure with substance­ —

I·mbuí cét ngem — ilar mín.

Ina raibh céad geam — mórlíon mín.

On which there were a hundred gems — a gentle multitude.

Fora imdénum is glé

Caoga unsa fiondruine

To adorn it, clear it is,

Coíca unga findruine.

Is léir a bhí á mhaisiú.

[Were] fifty ounces of findruine.

Claideb ór-duirn ina láim,

Claíomh órdhoirn ina láimh,

A sword with a golden pommel [was] in his hand,

Dá gaí glassa co ngoth-gráin,

Dhá gha ghlasa rinnghránna;

Two green spears with a javelin point,

Finden co mbil óir buidi,

Sciath le ciumhais órbhuí

A shield with a rim of yellow gold,

Ocus taul argait fuirri.

Agus bocóid airgid uirthi.

And a boss of silver upon it.

Fo·rruïch frinn Fergus find

Rinne Fearghas fionn coir linn

Fair Fergus has committed trespass against us

Ar tabairt darsa mór-lind.

Dár dtabhairt thar an mórlinn;

By bringing us over the great sea.

Ro·rir a einech ar chuirm.

Dhíol sé a oineach ar choirm,

He has sold his honor for ale.

Do·rochratar a mór-gluinn.

Thit a mhóréachtaí ar lár.

His great deeds have declined.

Cía no·betis forsin muig

Cé go mbeadh Ulaidh um Chonchúr

Though on the plain might be

Ulaid im gnúis Conchobuir,

Os a chomhair sa mhachaire;

The Ulstermen around Conchobor,

Dos·mbéruinn uili cen chlith

Thabharfainn suas iad uile gan cheilt

I would give them all without concealment

Ar gnáis Noísi maic Uisnig.

Ar son chuideachta Naoise mhic Uisnigh.

For the companionship of Noisiu son of Uisliu.

Na briss in-diu mo chride;

Ná bris inniu mo chroí

Do not break today my heart;

Mos·ricub mo moch-lige.

Is luath shroichfead mo mhochluí.

Soon shall I reach my early grave.

Is tressiu cuma in-dá muir,

Is treise brón ná muir

Sorrow is stronger than the sea,

Madda éola, a Chonchobuir.”

Más eolach duit, a Chonchúir.”

If you are wise, O Conchobor.”

(A Chonchobuir)

A Chonchúir.

“Cid as mó miscais lat at·chí?” ar Conchobor.

“Cad is mó is gráin leat a fheiceann tú?” arsa Conchúr.

“What do you see that you hate most?” said Conchobor.

“Tu-ssu ám,” or-si, “ocus Eogan mac Durthacht!”

“Tusa *, go deimhin*,” ar sí, “agus Eoghan mac Dhurthacht!”

“You, to be sure,” she said, “and Eogan mac Durthacht!”

“Bia-so dano blíadain i fail Eogain,” ar Conchobor.

“Beidh tú bliain, más ea, i bhfochair Eoghain,” arsa Conchúr.

“You shall be, indeed, a year with Eogan,” said Conchobor.

Dus·mbert íarum for láim Eogain.

Thug sé ansin ar láimh d’Eoghan í.

Thereupon he brought her beside Eogan.

Lotar íarna bárach do óenuch Macha.

Chuaigh siad lá arna mhárach go haonach Macha.

On the following day, they went to the assembly of Macha.

Buí-si íar cúl Eogain i carput.

Bhí sí i gcarbad ar chúl Eoghain.

She was behind Eogan in the chariot.

Do·rarngert-si

Bhí sé geallta aici

She had promised

na·haiccfiuth a dá céile for talmain

nach bhfeicfeadh sí a dhá céile ar talamh

that she would not see her two companions on earth

i n-óen-fhecht.

in éineacht.

on the same occasion.

“Maith, a Derdriu,” ol Conchobor,

“Sea, a Dheirdre,” arsa Conchúr

“Well, O Derdriu,” said Conchobor,

“súil chærach eter dá rethe

“is súil chaorach idir dhá reithe

“it is a sheep’s eye between two rams

gníi-siu etrum-sa ocus Eogan.”

a chaitheann tú idir mise agus Eoghan.”

that you make between me and Eogan.”

Ro·baí ail chloiche mór ara cinn.

Bhí carraig mhór chloiche os a gcomhair.

There was a great stone boulder in front of her.

Do·lléici a cenn immon cloich

Bhuail sí a ceann ar an gcloch

She dashed her head against the stone

co·nderna brúrig dia cinn co-mbo marb.

agus rinne míre mionbhrúite dá ceann go raibh marbh.

until she had made a mass of fragments of her head so that she died.

Longas mac n-Uislenn in-sin

Loingeas mac nUisleann go dtí seo

That [is] the exile of the Sons of Uisliu

ocus longas Fergusa

agus Loingeas Fhearghasa

and the exile of Fergus

ocus aided mac n-Uislenn ocus Derdrenn.

agus Oidhe mhac nUisleann agus Dheirdre.

and the violent death of the Sons of Uisliu and of Derdriu.

Finit

*Finit*

The End