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Iomthus Thuath De Danann ó chath Taillten anuas.

Iomthusa Thuatha Dé Danann ó chath Tailltean anuas:

Of the history of the Tuatha De Danann
from the battle of Taillten down;—[it is as follows]:

Do thiomsuigheadar as gach áird do chúig chúigeadhaibh Eireann,

Do thiomsuigheadar agus do thionóladar as gach áird de chúig chúigeadhaibh Éireann

They congregated from all parts of the five provinces of Erinn

go rabhadar an aon aonach,

go rabhadar i n-aon ionad agus i n-aon aonach

into one assembly,

ocus an aon bhaile comhairle.

agus i n-aon bhaile comhairle.

and into one place of council.

Ocus a dúbhradar maithe Thuath De Danann:

Agus adubhradar, maithe Tuath Dé Danann:

And the chiefs of the Tuatha Dé Danann said:

“As fearr dhuinn”, ar siad,

“Is fearr dhúinn,” ar siad,

“It is better for us”, said they,

“aon righ do bheith oruinn,

“aon rí orainn

“to have one king over us,

ná bheith fodhailte mar atamaid,

ioná bheith fodhailte mar atáimíd,

than to be dispersed as we are,

ag foghnamh do righthibh ele ar feadh Eireann”.

ag foghnamh do rightibh eile ar feadh Éireann.”

serving various kings throughout Erinn”.

Bá do mhaithibh na ndream sin ag araibh súil re righe d’fhághail dóibh féin for Thuath De Danann,

Ba de mhaithibh na ndream soin ag a raibh súil le righe d’fhagháil dóibh féin ar Thuath Dé Danann

Among the chiefs of these various bodies who expected sovereignty for themselves, over the Tuatha Dé Danann, were

Bodhbh Dearg, mac an Daghda;

Bodhbh Dearg mac an Daghda,

Bodhbh Dearg, son of the Daghdha;

ocus Ilbhreach Easa Ruaidh;

agus Ilbhreach Easa Ruaidh,

and Ilbhreach of Eas-Ruaidh;

ocus Lir Shithe Fionnachaidh;

agus Lir Sithe Fionnachaidh

and Lir of Sidh Fionnachaidh;

ocus Míodhair mor-uallach Breagha Léith;

agus Miodhair mór-uallach Breagha Léith,

and Midhir the Proud of Bri Leith;

ocus Aenghus Og mac an Dághdha,

agus Aonghus Óg mac an Daghda,

and Aenghus Og, the son of the Daghdha,

acht nír shanntaigh sidhe righe Thuath De Danann d’iarraidh,

acht níor shanntuigh seisean righe Tuath Dé Danann d’iarraidh,

— but he did not covet to seek the sovereignty of the Tuatha Dé Danann,

oir dob’ fhearr lais a bheith ina richt féin,

óir do b’fhearr leis bheith i n-a riocht féin

for he preferred being in his own condition, [i. e., remaining as he was]

’ná ina righ for Thuath De Danann.

ioná i n-a righ ar Thuath Dé Danann.

than in that of king over the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Do chuadar na maithe sin uile an aen chomhairle,

Do chuadar, na maithe sin uile, i n-aon chomhairle

All these nobles went into council together,

acht an cúigear sin ag a raibhe súil le righe d’fághail.

acht an cúigear ag a raibh súil le righe d’fhagháil.

except these five who expected to obtain the sovereignty.

Ocus as í comhairle ar ar cinneadh aca,

Agus is í comhairle air ar cinneadh aca

And the conclusion to which they came was,

an rige do thabhairt do Bhodbh Dearg mac an Daghda,

an righe do thabhairt do Bhodhbh Dearg mac an Daghda

to give the sovereignty to Bodhbh Dearg, son of the Daghdha,

ar tri hádhbharaibh

ar trí adhbharaibh

for three reasons,

.i. ar fheabhus a athar;

.i. ar fheabhas a athar,

namely: for the sake of his father;

ar a fheabhus féin,

ar a fheabhas fhéin,

for his own sake;

ocus ar a bheith na shinnsear chloinne an Daghdha dhó.

agus ar bheith i n-a shínsear chlainne an Daghda dhó.

and on account of his being the eldest son among the Daghdha’s children.

O chualaigh Lir an righe do thabhairt do Bhodhbh Dearg,

Ó chualaidh Lir an righe do thabhairt do Bhodhbh Dearg

When Lir heard that the sovereignty
had been given to Bodhbh Dearg,

nír mhaith leis é,

níor mhaith leis é,

he did not deem it well;

ocus do fhág sé an taonach ocus an toireachtas

agus d’fhág sé an t-aonach agus an t-oireachtas

and he left the assembly

gan chead, gan cheileabhradh do chách,

gan chead, gan cheileabhradh do chách,

without taking leave, without a farewell to any one;

óir do shaoil gur bha dhó fém

óir do shaoil gur dó féin

for he thought it was to himself

do béarfaidhe righe ocus tighearnas;

do bhéarfaidhe righe agus tighearnas.

that the sovereignty and lordship should have been given;

ocus ge gur fhág se an taonach ocus an toireachtas,

Agus cé gur fhág sé an t-aonach agus an t-oireachtas,

and although he did leave the assembly,

ní lúgaide do ríoghadh Bodhbh Dearg;

ní lughaide do rioghadh Bodhbh Dearg,

yet Bodhbh Dearg was proclaimed king;

oir nir ghaibh aoin fhear d’on chúigear sin chuige

óir níor ghaibh aon fhear de’n chúigear soin chuige

for no man of the five took umbrage

gan an righe d’fhaghail dóféin

gan an righe d’fhagháil dó féin

at not having obtained the sovereignty

acht Lir a aonar.

acht Lir i n-a aonar.

but Lir alone.

Ocus do cinneadh aco Lir do leanmhain

Agus do cinneadh aca Lir do leanmhain

And they resolved to pursue Lir,

ocus a theach do loscadh,

agus a theach do loscadh

and to burn his house,

ocus a chur féin fo ghuin gae ocus cloidhimh,

agus a chur féin fó ghoin gae agus claidhimh

and to expose himself to [i. e., to inflict on him Lir] wounds of spear and sword,

do chinn gan úmhla do thabhairt do’n té

do chionn gan umhla do thabhairt do’n té

for not having yielded obedience to him

d’a tugadar féin righe ocus tighearnas.

d’a dtugadar féin righe agus tighearnas.

to whom they had given sovereignty and lordship.

“Ní dhéantar an chomhairle sin linn”, ar Bodhbh Dearg,

“Ná déantar an chomhairle sin,” arsa Bodhbh Dearg,

“We shall not act upon that counsel”, said Bodhbh Dearg;

“oir do chosnofadh an fear sain an chrich ina fuil,

“óir do chosnóchadh an fear soin an chríoch i n-a bhfuil,

“for that man [Lir] would defend the territory in which he is;

ocus ní lúghaide as righ mise ar Thuath De Danann

agus ní lughaide is rí mise ar Thuath Dé Danann

and I am not the less king over the Tuatha Dé Danann

gan é sin do bheit úmhal dham”.

gan é sin do bheith umhal dom.”

because he is not submissive to me”.

Do bhádar seal fada fo’n samhail sin.

Do bhíodar seal fada fá’n samhail sin.

Matters continued thus between them a
long time.

Acht cheana, tarla tubaist mhór do Lir

Acht cheana, thárla tubaist mhór do Lir

But at last a great misfortune
happened Lir,

.i. a bhean-chéile d’fhághail bháis do ghalar trí noidhche.

.i. a bhain-chéile d’fhagháil bháis de ghalar trí n-oidhche.

for his wife died after an illness of three nights.

Ocus do chuir sin go mór ar Lir,

Agus do chuir san go mór ar Lir,

And this preyed greatly upon Lir,

gur bhudh tuirsioch leis a mhenmna da héis;

gur ba thuirseach leis a mheanmna d’a héis;

so that he felt his spirit depressed after her.

ocus do budh mór an sgéal eág na mná sin ’na haimsir féin.

agus do ba mhór an scéal éag na mná soin i n-a haimsir féin.

And the death of this woman was a great event in her own time.

Ocus do clos fo Eirinn uile an sgéal soin,

Do chlos fó Éirinn uile an scéal sin,

And this event was heard of throughout
all Erinn;

ocus ráinig go longphort mhic an Dághdha

agus ráinig go longphort mhic an Daghda

and it reached the mansion of the son of the Daghdha,

mar a rabhadar maithe Thuath De Danann an éin ionad.

mar a rabhadar maithe Tuath Dé Danann i n-aon ionad.

where the nobles of the Tuatha Dé Danann were assembled together.

Adúbhairt Bodhbh Dearg:

Adubhairt Bodhbh Dearg:

Bodhbh Dearg said:

“Damadh áil le Lir”, arsé,

“Dámadh áil le Lir,” ar sé,

“If Lir chose”, said he,

“do budh maith mo chongnamhsa, ocus mo cháirdios dó,

“do budh mhaith mo chongnamh-sa agus mo cháirdeas dó,

“my assistance and my friendship would be useful to him,

ó nách mairionn a bhean aige,

ó nach maireann a bhean aige;

since his wife does not live (to him);

dóigh amh, atáid agomsa na trí hinghiona

dóigh ámh atáid agam-sa na trí hingheana

for *, indeed,* I have here the three maidens

is fearr dealbh, ocus déanamh, ocus tuarusgbháil da bhfhuil a nEirinn

is fearr dealbh agus déanamh agus tuarasgabháil d’a bhfuil i nÉirinn

of the fairest form and best repute that are in Erinn,

.i. Aobh, Aoife, ocus Ailbhe

Aobh agus Aoife agus Ailbhe,

namely, Aobh, Aoife, and Ailbhe,

.i. trí hinghiona Oilolla Arann,

trí ingheana Oilealla Áran

the three daughters of Oilioll Arann,

ocus mo thri bronn-daltadha féin”.

agus mo thrí bronn-daltadha féin.”

and my own three bosom-nurslings”.

Adúbhradar Tuatha De Danann gur mhaith an comhrádh sin,

Adubhradar Tuatha Dé Danann gur mhaith an comhrádh soin

The Tuatha Dé Danann answered to him that this was good language,

ocus gur bhfhíor.

agus gur bh’fhíor.

and that it was true.

Do cuireadh feasa ocus teachta

Do cuireadh feasa agus teachta

Then messages and messengers were sent

ó Bhódhbh Dearg go hairm a raibh Lir,

ó Bhodhbh Dearg go hairm a raibh Lir

from Bodhbh Dearg to the place at which Lir was,

da rádh damadh áil leis cleamhnus do dhéanamh ré mac an Daghdha, ocus tighearnus do thabhairt dhó,

d’a rádh dá mbudh áil leis cleamhnas do dhéanamh le mac an Daghda agus tighearnas do thabhairt dó

to say that if he were willing to yield [the] lordship to the son of the Daghdha, and make alliance with him,

go ttiobhradh dalta dá dhaltaibh dhó.

go dtabharfadh dalta d’a dhaltaibh dó.

he would give him a foster-child of his foster-children.

Iomthusa Lir, do budh maith leis a mheanmna do’n chleamhnus sin do dhéanamh,

Iomthusa Lir, do budh mhaith leis a mheanmna do’n chleamhnas soin do dhéanamh,

Now, Lir thought well of making this alliance;

ocus táinig roimhe arnamhárach,

agus tháinig roimhe ar n-a mháireach

and he set forward accordingly on the next day

caocat cairptheach ó Shíoth Fionnchaidh,

caogad cairbtheach ó Shíoth Fhionnachaidh

with fifty chariots, from Sioth Fionnachaidh;

a nathghairid gacha conáire,

i n-athghairid gacha conaire

and he took the shortest way,

goráinig Síoth Buidhbh Deirg os Loch Deirgdheirc,

go ráinig Síoth Bhuidhbh Dheirg ós Loch Deirgdheirc,

till he reached the Sioth of Bodhbh Dearg, which was over Loch Deirgdeirc;

ocus do fearadh fáilte fris ann,

agus do fearadh fáilte fris ann,

and he was bade welcome there;

ocus do budh súbhach somheanmnach cách roimhe,

agus do ba subhach soimheanmnach cách roimhe,

and all the people were merry and cheerful before him;

ocus do freasdladh ocus do fritheóladh go maith iad an oidhche sin.

agus do freastaladh agus do fritheóladh go maith iad an oidhche sin.

and they were well attended to and supplied that night.

Ocus do bhádar trí hinghiona Oilolla Arann a naon chathaoir

Agus do bhíodar, trí ingheana Oilealla Áran, i n-aon chathaoir

And the three daughters of Oilioll Arann were on the same couch

á bhfhochair bhanríoghan Thuath De Danann,

i bhfochair bhainrioghna Tuath Dé Danann,

with the queen of the Tuatha Dé Danann,

óir is í bean Bhoidhbh Deirg do budh buime dhoibh.

óir is í bean Bhuidhbh Dheirg do ba bhuime dhóibh.

for the wife of Bodhbh Dearg was their foster-mother.

Adúbhairt Bodhbh Dearg:

Adubhairt Bodhbh Dearg:

Then Bodhbh Dearg said:

“Do rogha dona hinghionaibh dhuit, a Lir”.

“Do rogha de na hingheanaibh duit, a Lir.”

“Take thy choice of the maidens, O Lir”.

“Ní fheadarsa”, ar Lir, “cia is rogha dhíobh,

“Ní fheadar-sa,” arsa Lir, “cia is rogha dhíobh,

“I do not know”, said Lir, “which is the choicest of them,

acht gurab í an bhean is sine dhíobh is uaisle,

acht gurab í an bhean is sine dhíobh is uaisle,

but the eldest of them is the noblest,

ocus is í is fearr dham do thabhairt”.

agus is í is fearr dom do thabhairt.”

and it is she that I had best take”.

“Maisead”, ar Bodhbh Dearg,

“Má’s eadh,” arsa Bodhbh Dearg,

“If so”, said Bodhbh Dearg,

“Aobh, inghion Oiliolla is sine dhiobh,

“Aobh inghean Oilealla is sine dhíobh;

“Aobh the daughter of Oilioll is the eldest,

ocus ragaidh sí dhuitsi más ail leat”.

agus rachaidh sí dhuit-se má’s áil leat.”

and she shall be given to thee if thou willest”.

“Is áil”, ar sé.

“Is áil,” ar sé;

“I do so will”, said he.

Ocus do snadhmadh Aobh re Lir an oidhche sin.

agus do snadhmadh Aobh le Lir an oidhche sin.

And Aobh was united to Lir that night.

Cóicthídhios do Lir san bhaile sin,

Coithcidheas do Lir ’san bhaile sin,

Lir remained a fortnight in that mansion,

ocus annsin, rug Aobh leis dá thigh féin

agus annsoin rug Aobh leis d’a thigh féin

and then he took Aobh away with him to his own house,

go ndearnadh ríogh-bhainis ró mhór leis ann.

go ndeárnadh riogh-bhainis ró-mhór leis ann.

where he celebrated a great and royal wedding feast.

Ocus ina dhiaigh sin tarla an inghion taobh-throm, torrach,

Agus i n-a dhiaidh sin thárla an inghean taobh-throm, torrach,

And in due time after this his wife
became pregnant,

ocus do rug dias do’n toirbheart sin .i. inghean ocus mac;

agus do rug dias de’n toirbheart soin .i. inghean agus mac:

and she brought forth two children at a birth, a daughter and a son;

Fionnghuala, ocus Aodh, a nanmonna.

Fionnghuala agus Aodh a n-ainmneacha.

Fionnghuala and Aodh were their names.

Ocus tarla toirchios oile dhi, ocus do rug dias mhac,

Agus thárla toircheas eile dhi leis an aimsir, agus do rug dias mhac.

And she became pregnant again, and brought forth two sons;

Fiachra, ocus Conn a nanmonna;

Fiachra agus Conn a n-ainmneacha súd;

Fiachra and Conn were their names;

ocus fuair sí féin bás aga mbreith.

agus fuair sí féin bás ag a mbreith.

and she herself died in giving them birth.

Ocus do chuir sin go mór ar Lir,

Do chuir san go mór ar Lir,

And this preyed greatly upon Lir;

ocus muna beith méad do luigh a aigne ar a cheathrar cloinné,

agus muna mbeadh méad do luigh a aigne ar a cheathrar clainne

and were it not for the greatness [of love] with which his mind rested upon his four children,

is beag nác bhfhuighe bás da cúmhaidh.

is beag nach faghadh bás d’a cumhaidh.

he would almost have died of grief.

Do ráinig an sgéal soin go Síoth Buidhbh Deirg;

Do ráinig an scéal soin go Síoth Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

This news [soon] reached the Sioth of
Bodhbh Dearg;

ocus tugadar lucht an tsíotha trí gartha ós árd ag caoineadh a ndalta.

agus thugadar lucht an tsíotha trí gártha ós ard ag caoineadh a ndalta.

and the people of the Sioth raised three loud shouts in lamention for their nursling.

Ocus adúbhairt Bodbh Dearg. “Is olc linn an inghion sin,

Agus adubhairt Bodhbh Dearg: “Is olc linn an inghean soin

And Bodhbh Dearg said: “We grieve for that girl,

ar son an fhir mhaith dá ttugamair í,

ar son an fhir mhaith d’a dtugamair í,

on account of the good man to whom we gave her,

óir is buidhioch sinn da charadradh, ocus dá chomann,

óir is buidheach sinn d’a charadradh agus d’a chumann;

because we are grateful for his friendship and his constancy;

gidheadh, ní dhealóchaidh ar ccaradradh re chéile,

gidh, ní dhealóchaidh ár gcaradradh le chéile,

however, our friendship shall not be rent asunder,

óir do bhéarsa a deirbhshiúr eile mar mhnaoi dhó .i. Aoife”.

óir do bhéarfad-sa a deirbhshiúr eile mar mhnaoi dhó .i. Aoife.”

for I shall give him her other sister to wife, namely, Aoife”.

O’d chualaigh Lir sin,

Ó do chualaidh Lir san

When Lir heard of this,

do chuaidh a ccéadóir da tabhairt,

do chuaidh i gcéadóir d’a tabhairt,

he repaired immediately to espouse her;

ocus do snadhmadh iad re chéile,

agus do snadhmadh iad le chéile,

and they were united together;

ocus rug leis dá thig í.

agus rug leis d’a thigh í.

and he took her with him to his house.

Ocus do bhí onóir ocus muirn ag Aoife ar chloinn Lir ocus a deirbhsheathar féin;

Agus do bhí onóir agus muirn ag Aoife ar chlainn Lir is a deirbhshéathar féin;

And Aoife felt honour and affection for the children of Lir and of her own sister;

ocus gach neach do chífeadh an ceathrar cloinne sin

agus gach neach do chífeadh an ceathrar clainne úd

and [indeed] every one who should see these four children

do bhearfadh grádh anma dhóibh.

do bhéarfadh grádh anma dhóibh.

could not help giving them the love of his soul.

Ocus do thigeadh Bodbh Dearg go minic go Síoth Lir, do ghrádh na cloinne sin;

Do thigeadh Bodhbh Dearg go minic go Síoth Lir de ghrádh na clainne sin,

And Bodhbh Dearg used often to come
to Sioth Lir, for love of these children;

ocus do bheireadh leis da thigh féin iad ré headh ocus ré hathaidh fhada;

agus do bheireadh leis d’a thigh féin iad ré headh agus re hathaidh fhada,

and he used to take them with him to his own house for a long while,

ocus do léigeadh tar ais da ttigh féin arís iad.

agus do leigeadh thar ais d’a dtigh féin arís iad.

and then to let them return to their own home again.

Ocus do bhídís Tuatha De Danann an tan sin ag caithiomh Fleidhe Aoise ann gach Síoth fá seach;

Do bhídís, Tuatha Dé Danann, an tan soin ag caitheamh Fleidhe Aoise i ngach Síoth fó seach;

And the Tuatha Dé Danann used to consume the Feast of Age in each Sioth in turn;

ocus an uair do thighdís go Sioth Lir

agus an uair do thigidís go Síoth Lir

and when they went to Sioth Lir,

is iad an ceathrar sin fá húrghardúghadh, ocus fá hóirfideadh dhóibh,

is iad an ceathrar soin ba úrghardughadh agus ba oirfideadh dhóibh

these four were their joy and their delight,

ar feabhus a ndeilbhe ocus a ndéanmhusa;

ar fheabhas a ndeilbhe agus a ndéanmhusa.

for the beauty and symmetry of their form;

ocus is ann do luighdís do ghnáth a niomdhaibh a ar bhéalaibh a nathar;

Is ann do luighdís de ghnáth í n-iomdhaíbh ar bhéalaibh a n-athar,

and where they constantly slept was in beds in front of their father;

ocus do eirgheadh [Lir] go moch do ló gacha maidne

agus d’eirgheadh Lir féin go moch gach maidean

and he used to rise at early dawn of every morning,

ocus do luigheadh ameasg a chloinne.

agus do luigheadh i measc a chlainne.

and lie down among his children.

Acht atá ní cheana,

Acht atá nidh cheana:

But the consequence of all this was,

do chuaidh doigh éada an Aoife dhe sin,

do chuaidh doigh éada i nAoife dhe sin,

that a dart of jealousy passed into Aoife on account of this,

ocus tug fuath ocus fíor-mhioscais do chloinn a seathar,

agus thug fuath agus fíor-mhioscais do chlainn a séathar,

and she regarded the children of her sister with hatred and thorough enmity.

ocus do léig galar bréige da hionnsaighe,

agus do leig galar bréige d’a hionnsuighe

Then she assumed a feigned illness,

go raibh bunadhas bliadhna ’sa ngalar sin,

go raibh bunadhas bliadhna ’san ghalar soin;

under the influence of which she continued the greater part of a year.

ocus iseadh do rinne iar sin, meabhail ghranna, ocus fionghal éadmhar iondúthrachtach do dhéanamh ar chloinn Lir.

agus is eadh do rinne sí iarsoin meabhail ghránda agus fionghal éadmhar iondúthrachtach do dhéanamh ar chlainn Lir.

And at the end of that time, she perpetrated an act of hateful treachery, as well as of unfaithful jealousy, against the children of Lir.

Ocus lá naon do hinnliodh a carbad dhi,

Lá n-aon do hinnleadh a carbad di,

And [for] one day her chariot was yoked for her,

ocus rug lé ceathrar cloinne Lir ’san ccarbad;

agus rug léi ceathrar clainne Lir ’san gcarbad.

and she took with her the four children of Lir in the chariot;

ocus rainig, roimpe fá’n samhail sin d’ionnsaighe tíghe Bhuidhbh Dheirg;

Ráinig roimpe, fá’n samhail sin, d’ionnsuighe tighe Bhuidhbh Dheirg.

and she went forward in that way towards the house of Bodhbh Dearg.

ocus níor bh’áil le Fionnghuala dhul ar aoinrian lé,

Níor bh’áil le Fionnghuala dul ar aon rian léi,

Fionnghula was not willing to go with her on the journey;

óir tug aithne uirre go raibh ar tí a millte, no a marbhtha;

óir thug aithne uirthe go raibh sí ar tí a millte no a marbhtha,

for she knew by her that she had some intention of ruining, or of killing them;

óir tárfas dhi rún feille, ocus fionghaile a naigne Aoife.

óir tárfas dhi rún feille agus fionghaile i n-aigne Aoife.

for, she dreamed of a design of treachery and fratricide in the mind of Aoife.

Acht cheana, níor fhéad sí a heimneadh do sheachnadh, ná an téadualang do bhí a ndán dí.

Acht cheana, níor fhéad sí a heimneadh do sheachnadh ná an t-éadfulang do bhí i ndán di.

But, however, she was not able to avoid the misfortune and fate that were destined for her.

Ocus do ghluais Aoife a Síoth Fionnachaidh;

Agus do ghluais Aoife a Síoth Fhionnachaidh

And so, Aoife set out from Sioth Fionnachaidh;

ocus adúbhairt Aoife re a muinntir iarsin:

agus adubhairt sí le n-a muinntir iar soin:

and (on the way) Aoife said to her attendants:

“Marbhaidh”, ar sí, “ceathrar cloinne Lir

“Marbhaidh” ar sí, “ceathrar clainne Lir

“Kill”, said she, “the four children of Lir,

ar ar tréigeadh mo grádhsa le na nathair,

air ar tréigeadh mo ghrádh-sa le n-a n-athair,

for whom my love has been abandoned by their father,

ocus do bhéar bhur mbreith féin dhíbh do gach maithios ar domhan”.

agus do bhéarfad bhur mbreith féin díbh de gach maitheas ar domhan.”

and I shall give you your own reward of all kinds of the world’s wealth”.

“Adh, idir”, arsiad, “ní muirbhfighthear linne iad,

“Adh idir,” ar siad, “ní marbhóchar linne iad;

“Not so, indeed”, said they; “they shall not be killed by us;

ocus is olc an gníomh do smuainis,

agus is olc an gníomh do smaoinis,

and it is an evil deed you have thought of,

ocus budh misde thú a luadh”.

agus budh miste thú a luadh.”

and evil will it be to you to have thought of it”.

Ocus ó nár faomhadar soin do dhéanamh,

Agus ó nár fhaomhadar san do dhéanamh

And when they did not consent to do
this,

tug féin cloidhiomh amach do mharbhadh ocus do mhilleadh chloinne Lir;

thug sí féin claidheamh amach do mharbhadh agus do mhilleadh Chlainne Lir.

she herself drew forth a sword to kill and destroy the children of Lir;

ocus do bhac a banndacht ocus a bith-mheatacht, ocus anbhfainne a haigionta dhi sin do dhéanamh;

Acht do bhac a bandacht agus a bith-mheathtacht agus anbhfainne a haigeanta di san do dhéanamh.

but her womanhood, and her natural cowardice, and the weakness of her mind prevented her *from doing this*.

ocus tángadar as siar go tráigh Locha Dairbhreach,

Agus thángadar as siar go tráigh Locha Dairbhreach,

And so they went westward to the shore of Loch Dairbhreach;

ocus do sguireadh a neachra ann sin,

agus do scuireadh a n-eachra annsoin,

and their horses were unyoked there.

ocus do iarr sisi ar chloinn Lir a bhfhothraghadh do dhéanamh,

agus do iarr sise ar Chlainn Lir a bhfothraghadh do dhéanamh

And she [Aoife] desired the children of Lir to bathe,

ocus dul do shnamh ar an loch:

agus dul do snámh ar an loch.

and go out to swim upon the lake;

ocus do rinneadar amhail adhúbhairt Aoife leó.

Do rinneadar amhail adubhairt Aoife leó.

and they did as Aoife told them.

Ocus mar fuair Aoife ar an loch iad,

Agus mar fuair Aoife ar an loch iad

And when Aoife found them upon the lake,

buailios do fhleisg doilbhthe droighiochta iad,

do bhuail do fhleisc dhoilbthe draoidheachta iad,

she struck them with a metamorphosing druidical wand,

ocus do chuir a reachtaibh cheithre néaladh, nálainn, naoinghil iadh;

agus do chuir i riocht cheithre n-eala n-áluinn n-aengheal iad;

and so put them into the forms of four beautiful perfectly white swans;

ocus do rinne an aoidh ann:—

agus do rinne an laoi seo:

and she made this lay there:

“Amach daoibh a chlann an righ,

“Amach díbh, a chlann an riogh,

“Out with you [on the water] O children of the king,

Do sgaras bhúr síol ré séan;

Do scaras bhur síol le séan;

I have deprived your descendants of [all] good luck;

Do bhúr ccáirdibh is sgéal truagh,

Do nbhur gcáirdibh is scéal truaigh,

To your friends your story will be a sad one;

Biaidh bhúr nuall ré healtaibh éan”.

Beidh bhur n-uaill le healtaibh éan.”

Your shouts shall be with flocks of birds”.

Thug Fionnghuala an freagra so uirthe:

[Fionnghuala].—

“A bhaidhbh! ro fheadamair tainm,

“A bhaidhbh-bhean! do feadamair

“Thou witch! we know thy name.

Do thraothais gan eathar inn,

Cé taoi-se gan bheith linn,

Thou hast struck us down without a vessel; [but]

Sinn gé churthaoi tuinn ar tuinn,

Gé curthaidhe sinne ar thuinn,

Though thou mayest us send from wave to wave,

Biaidhmíd seal ó rinn go rinn.

Beimíd seal ó rinn go rinn.

We shall be sometimes from cape to cape [i. e. on the dry land].

Ro gheabham cobhair gan chleith,

Do gheobham cabhair gan clódh,

We shall receive relief,—without concealment;

Do gheabham rogha ocus rath,

Do gheobham robhadh agus rath;

We shall receive warning and grace;

Acht gé luidhfiom ar an loch,

Acht cé go luidhfeam ar an loch

Even though we light upon the lake;

Ar meanmna do budh moch amach”.

Ár meanmna budh moch amach.”

Our minds [at least] shall be early [i. e.
range] abroad”.

A haithle na laoidhe sin

A haithle na laoi sin

After this lay,

tugadar clanna Lir iona cceathrar a naighthe a néinfheacht ar an inghin,

thugadar, Clanna Lir i n-a gceathrar, a n-aighthe i n-aenfheacht ar an inghin;

the four children of Lir turned their faces together towards the woman, [Aoife];

ocus do labhair Fionnghuala lé,

agus do labhair Fionnghuala léi,

and Fionnghuala spoke to her,

ocus iséadh ro ráidh:

agus is eadh do ráidh:

and this was what she said:

“Is olc an gníomh do rinnis, a Aoife,

“Is olc an gníomh do rinnis, a Aoife,

“Evil is the deed which thou hast perpretated, O Aoife,

ocus fos is olc an comhall caradradh dhuit ar milleadh gan ádhbhar,

agus fós is olc an comhall caradraidh dhuit ár milleadh gan adhbhar.

and an ill act of friendship it is for thee to ruin us without cause;

ocus díegeóltar ort go follas é,

Acht díoghalfar ort go follus é,

and it shall be manifestly avenged upon thee;

ocus tuitfir ann,

agus tuitfir ann;

and thou shalt fall in revenge for it;

óir ní fearr do chomhachtaso ar ar milleadhne,

óir ní fearr do chomhachta-sa ar ár milleadh-na

for thy power to ruin us is not greater

ná droidhiocht ar ccaradne ar a dhíoghail ort;

ioná draoidheacht ár gcarad-na ar a dhíoghailt ort.

than the druidism [druidic power] of our friends to avenge it upon thee;

ocus tabhair tréimse ocus ceann dhuinn

Agus, tabhair tréimhse agus ceann dúinn

therefore assign us some period and termination

ar an milleadh tugais orrainn”.

ar an milleadh thugais orainn.”

to the ruin which thou hast brought upon us”.

“Do bhéar imorro”, ar Aoife,

“Do bhéarfad iomorro,” arsa Aoife,

“I shall indeed”, said Aoife,

“ocus is misde dhuit a iarraidh orm

“agus is miste dhuit a iarraidh orm

“and it will be the worse for you to ask it of me;

.i. nó go ccomhraice an bhean aneas ocus an fear atuaidh

.i. no go gcomhracfaidh an bhean a ndeas agus an fear a dtuaidh

namely [the period I assign to you shall be this] until the woman from the South and the man from the North are united:

.i. Lairgnén mac Colmáin, mic Cobhthaigh

.i. Lairgnéan mac Cholmáin mhic Chobhthaigh

that is, Lairgnen, the son of Colman, the son of Cobhthach,

.i. mac, rígh Chonnacht,

.i. mac riogh Chonnacht,

that is the son of the king of Connacht;

ocus Deoch inghean Finghin,

agus Deoch inghean Fhinghin

and Deoch, the daughter of Finghin,

mic Aodha Alainn, rígh Mumhan;

mhic Aodha Áluinn rí Mumhan;

the son of Aodh Alainn, king of Munster;

ocus ni tualanig caraid na comhachta da bhfhuil agaibh bhúr mbreith as na reachtaibh sin,

agus ní tualaing caraid ná comhachta d’a bhfuil agaibh bhur mbreith as na riochtaibh sin,

and no friends [are able], nor any power that ye have is able to bring you out of these forms,

ó do shíriomhair é

ó do shíreabhair é,

since ye have sought it [i. e., since ye have called on me to declare it],

ar feadh bhur saoghail,

ar feadh bhur saoghail

during your lives,

nó go rabhthaoi trí chéd bhliadhain ar Loch Dairbhreach;

no go rabhthaoi trí chéad bliadhan ar Loch Dairbhreach

until ye shall have been three hundred years upon Loch Dairbreach;

ocus trí chéad bliadhain ar Sruth na Maoile idir Eirinn ocus Albain;

agus trí chéad bliadhan ar Shruth na Maoile idir Éirinn agus Albain,

and three hundred years upon Sruth na Maoile, between Erinn and Albain;

ocus trí chéad bliadhain a nIorras Domnainn,

agus trí chéad bliadhan i nIorrus Domhnann

and three hundred years at Iorrus Domnann,

ocus a nInis Gluaire Bréanainn;

agus i nInis Gluaire *Bréandain*,

and Inis Gluaire of Brendainn;

ocus budh hiad sin bhur nimtheachta feasda”.

agus ba hiad san bhur n-imtheachta feasta.”

and these shall be your adventures henceforth”.

Ocus do ghabh aithreachas ann sin Aoife, ocus adúbhairt:

Annsoin do ghaibh aithreachas Aoife, agus adubhairt:

And then repentance seized upon Aoife,
and she said:

“ónách féadaim aon chabhair oile do thabhairt orraibh feasda,

“Ó nach féadaim aon cabhair eile do thabhairt oraibh feasta,

“Since I cannot afford you any other relief henceforth,

biaidh bhúr núrlabhra féin agaibh;

beidh bhur n-urlabhra féin agaibh,

ye shall retain your own speech;

ocus canfaidhe ceól síreachtach síthe,

agus canfaidh sibh ceól síreachtach sidhe

and ye shall sing plaintive *fairy* music,

fris a ccoideóldaois fir an bheatha,

fris a gcodlochaidís fir an bheatha,

at which the men of the Earth would sleep,

ocus nocha mbiaidh ceól san domhan a mhacsamhla;

agus nocha mbeidh ceól ’san domhan a mhacsamhla;

and there shall be no music in the world its equal;

ocus biaidh bhúr ttreóir ocus bhúr noirbheart agaibh;

agus beidh bhur dtreoir agus bhur n-oirbheart agaibh,

and ye shall have [retain] your own direction [reason] and dignity [of nature];

ocus nocha ccuirfidh orraibh bheith in bhúr néanaibh”;

agus nocha gcuirfidh sé oraibh bheith i nbhur n-éanaibh.”

and ye shall not be distressed by being in [shapes of] birds”;

ocus adúbhairt in laoid:—

Agus adubhairt an laoi:

and she spoke this lay:—

“Eirghídh uaim a chlanna Lir,

“Éirighidh uaim, a chlanna Lir,

“Depart from me, O children of Lir,

Go ngnúis ngil, go nGaoidheilg mbailb,

Go ngúis ngil, go nGaoidhilg mbailbh;

[Ye of the] white faces, of the stammering Gaedhilg [i. e. but half articulate].

Is mór oirbhir mhaccaomh mhaoith,

Is mór oirbheart mhacaoimh mhaoith

It is a great disgrace to soft youths

Beith dha seóladh ris an ngaoith ngairbh.

Bhur seóladh leis an ngaoith ngairbh.

To be driven by the rough wind [i. e.as
birds].

Naoi ccéad bliadhain dhaoibh ar muir,

Naoi gcéad bliadhan dhíbh ar mhuir,

Nine hundred years for you upon the tide,—

Is mise do chuir tré cheilg,

Is mise do chuir tré cheilg;

It was I that sent ye through treachery,—

No go rabhthaoi a nInis Gluair

Go rabhthaoi i nInis Gluaire

Until ye shall be upon Inis Gluaire,

Don taobh thiar thuaidh d’Eirinn dheirg.

Taobh thiar thuaidh d’Éirinn deirg.

Upon the north-west side of red [i. e. red flowering] Erinn.

Ionnsaighidh amach an Mhaoil,—

Ionnsuighidh amach an Mhaoil,

Advance ye out upon the Maoil,

Budh córa dhaoibh bheith dom’ réir,—

Budh chóra dhíbh bheith dhom’ réir;

(It were best for you to be obedient to me;)

Go ccomhraice Lairgnén is Deoch;

Go gcomhracfaidh Lairgnéan is Deoch

Until Lairgnen and Deoch are united;

Fada do neach bheith a bpéin.

Fada do neoch bheith i bpéin.

It is a long time for one to be in pain.

Croidhe Lir ’na chrotal cró,

Croidhe Lir ’n-a chrotal cró,

Lir’s heart is a husk of gore,

Cidh mór nurchar náigh ró theilg;

Ró-throm brón ar Bhodhbh Dearg

Though many a victorious throw has he cast;

Is saoth liom osnadh an laoich luinn,

Saoith liom osnadh na laoch lonn,

Sickness [i. e., bitterly sad] to me is the
groan of the active champion,—

Gidh mise ro thuill a fheirg”.

Gidh mise do thuill a bhfearg.”

Though it is I that have deserved his anger”.

A haithle na laoidhe sin do gabhadh a heich d’Aoife,

A haithle na laoi sin do gabhadh a heich do Aoife,

After this lay, her steeds were caught
for Aoife,

ocus do hinnleadh a carbad,

agus do hinnleadh a carbad,

and her chariot was yoked,

ocus táinig roimpe go Síoth Buidhbh Deirg;

agus tháinig roimpe go Síoth Bhuidhbh Dheirg;

and she went on to the Sioth of Bodhbh Dearg;

ocus do fearadh fáilte fria ag maithibh in bhaile;

agus do fearadh fáilte fria ag maithibh an bhaile;

and the nobles of the court bade her welcome.

ocus d’ fhiafraigh mac an Daghdha dhí

agus d’fiafruigh mac an Daghda dhi

And the son of the Daghdha asked

créad um nach tug clanna Lir lé da ionnsaighidh féin.

créad um nach tug clanna Lir léi d’a ionnsuighe féin.

why she had not brought the children of Lir with her to him.

“Adéarsa riot”, ar an inghion,

“Deirim-se leat,” arsa an inghean,

“I say unto thee”, said she [in answer],

“nach ionmhain le Lir thuso,

“nach ionmhuin le Lir tusa,

“that Lir does not love thee,

ocus nách tairise leis a chlann do chur chugad

agus nach tairise leis a chlann do chur chughat

and that he does not trust to send his children to thee,

ar eagla a ngabhála dhuit”.

ar eagla a ngabhála dhuit.”

for fear that thou wouldst capture them”.

“Is iongnadh liomsa sin”, ar Bodhbh Dearg,

“Is iongnadh liom-sa san,” arsa Bodhbh Dearg,

“I wonder at that”, said Bodhbh Dearg,

“óir is tairise liomsa an chlann sin, ’na mo chlann féin”;

“óir is tairise liom-sa an chlann san ioná mo chlann féin;”

“because these children are dearer to me than my own children”.

ocus tug Bodhbh da uidhe

agus thug Bodhbh d’a uidhe

And Bodhbh thought in his own mind

gurab cealg do rinne an inghion chugtha;

gurab cealg do rinne an inghean chucha,

that it was treachery the woman had played upon them;

ocus iséadh do rinn, teachta do chur budh thuaigh go Síoth Fionnachaidh.

agus is eadh do rinne sé teachta do chur budh thuaidh go Síoth Fionnachaidh.

and he accordingly sent messengers to the North to Sioth Fionnachaidh.

Ocus fiafraighios Lir cidh uma ttángadar.

Agus fiafruighios Lir díobh cad uma thángadar.

Lir asked what they came for.

“Ar cheann do chloinnesi”, ar siad.

“Ar cheann do chlainne-se,” ar siad.

“For your children”, said they.

“An é nach rángodar chugaibh maille re hAoife?” ar Lir.

“An é nach rángadar chughaibh maille re Aoife?” arsa Lir.

“Is it that they have not reached you with Aoife?” said Lir.

“Ní rángodar”, ar na teachta,

“Ní rángadar,” arsa na teachtaidhe,

“They have not”, said the messengers;

“ocus adúbhairt Aoife gur tuso nar léig lé iad”.

“agus adubhairt Aoife gur tusa nár leig léi iad.”

“and Aoife said that it was you that did not let them go with her”.

Budh dúbhach, dobhrónach Lir dona sgéalaibh sin,

Ba dhubhach dobhrónach Lir do na scéalaibh sin,

Melancholy and sorrowful was Lir at
these tidings;

óir do thuig gurab í Aoife do mhill, nó do mharbh a chlann.

óir do thuig gurab í Aoife do mhill no do mhairbh a chlann.

for he understood that it was Aoife that ruined or killed his children.

Ocus do gabhadh a eich a moch na maidne arnamhárach do Lir,

Agus do gabhadh a eich i moch na maidne ar n-a mháireach do Lir,

And his steeds were caught at early morning of the next day for Lir;

ocus ráinig ’san slíghe siardheas gac ndírioch

agus ráinig ’san slighe siar ó dheas gach ndíreach

and he set out upon the road, south-west, in all directions,

nó go ráinig go tráigh Locha Dairbhreach;

no go ráinig go tráigh Locha Dairbhreach.

until he reached to the shore of Loch Dairbhreach.

ocus do chonncadar clanna Lir an marcshluaigh chucca,

Do chonnacadar, Clanna Lir, an marcshluagh chucha,

And the children of Lir saw the cavalcade coming towards them,

ocus adúbhairt Fionnghuala an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt Fionnghuala an laoi seo:

and Fionnghuala spoke the lay:—

“Mochean do mharcshluaigh na neach,

“Mochean do mharcshluagh na n-each

“Welcome the cavalcade of steeds

Do chím laímh ré Loch Dairbhreach;

Do chím láimh le Loch Dairbhreach:

Which I see hard by Loch Dairbhreach;—

Dream chúmhachtach chiamhair go beacht,

Dream chumhachtach chiamhair go beacht

A company, indeed, powerful and mysterious,

D’ar niarraidh d’ar niarmhóireacht.

D’ár n-iarraidh, dár n-iarmhaireacht.

Seeking us, following after us.

Is faoilteach mo chroidhe im’ chliabh

’S is ionmhuin an drong so ’niar

Is linn féin atá a n-aoigh

An mharclann do chiú ’s do chím.

Druidiom ré hoirior, a Aodh,

Druideam le hoirear, a Aoidh,

Let us move to the shore, O Aodh,

A Fhiachra, ocus a Chuinn chaoimh,

A Fhiachra is a Chuinn chaoimh,

O Fiachra, and O comely Conn,

Ní sluaigh fá nimh fir na neach,

Ní sluagh fá neimh fir na n-each

No host under Heaven can those horsemen be

Acht madh Lir ocus a theaghlach”.

Acht m’athair is a theaghlach.”

But only Lir and his household”.

A haithle na laoidh sin, táinig Lir go hoirior an chuain,

A haithle na laoi sin, tháinig Lir go hoirear an chuain

After this poem, Lir came to the verge
of the shore;

ocus tug da aire glór daonna do bheith ag na héanaibh;

agus thug d’a aire glór daonda do bheith ag na héanaibh;

and he noticed the birds as having human voices;

ocus do fhiafraigh dhíobh cíd fódeara dhoibh glór daonna dho bheith aca.

agus do fhiafruigh díobh cad fó dheara dhóibh glór daonda do bheith aca.

and he asked what caused them to have human voices.

“Tuigse, a Lir mhic Lúighdhioch”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Tuig-se, a Lir mhic Luighdheach,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“Understand thou, O Lir, son of Lughaidh”, said Fionnghuala,

“gurab sinne dho cheathrar cloinne,

“gurab sinne do cheathrar clainne

“that we are thy four children,

ar nar milleadh dot nmhaoi,

ar n-ár milleadh dot’ mhnaoi

who have been ruined by thy wife,

ocus do dheirbhshiúr ar máthar féin,

.i. deirbhshiúr ár máthar féin,

and the sister of our own mother,

tré aingídiocht éada”.

tré aingidheacht éada.”

through the malignity of her jealousy”.

“An féidir bhur ccur ann bhur reachtaibh féin arís?” ar Lir.

“An féidir bhur gcur i nbhur riochtaibh féin arís?” arsa Lir.

“Is it possible to put you into your own forms again?” said Lir.

“Ní héidir”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Ní féidir,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“It is not possible”, said Fionnghuala,

“óir ní fhéadfaidís fir an bheatha ar ccabhair,

“óir ní fhéadfaidís fir an bheatha ár gcabhair

“for the men of Earth could not relieve us,

no go ccómhraice an bhean andeas ocus an fear attuaigh

no go gcomhracfaidh an bhean a ndeas agus an fear a dtuaidh

until the woman from the South and the man from the North are united,

.i. Lairgnéan mac Colmáin,

.i. Lairgnéan mac Cholmáin

that is, Lairgnen, the son of Colman,

ocus Deoch inghion Fhínghín mhic Aodha Dhuibh,

agus Deoch inghean Finghin mhic Aodha Dhuibh

and Deoch, the daughter of Finghin, son of Aodh Dubh,

a naimsir an Tailginn,

i n-aimsir an Tailghinn

in the time of the Tailginn,

ocus chreidimh, ocus chrábhaidh do theacht a nEirinn”.

agus an chreidimh agus an chrábhaidh do theacht i nÉirinn.”

and of the coming of Faith and Devotion into Erinn”.

Ar na chlos sin do Lir ocus da mhuinntir,

At n-a chlos san do Lir agus d’a mhuinntir,

When Lir and his people heard this,

tugadar trí gártha cúmhaidh, guil, ocus caointe ós árd.

thugadar trí gártha cumhaidh is guil is caointe ós árd.

they raised three shouts of grief, crying, and lamentation, on high.

“An áil libh”, ar Lir, “teacht a ttír cugainn,

“An áil libh,” arsa Lir, “teacht i dtír chughainn

“Do ye wish”, said Lir, “to come to land to us,

ótá bhúr cciall ocus bhúr ccuimhne féin agaibh?”

ó tá bhur gciall agus bhur gcuimhne féin agaibh?”

since ye have your own senses and your memory?”

“Ní fhuil comas againn”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Ní’l cumas againn,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“We have not the power”, said Fionnghuala,

“taobh do thabhairt re haonduine feasda,

“taobh do thabhairt le haon duine feasta;

“to associate with any person henceforth;

acht atá ar nurlabhra Gaoidhilge féin againn,

acht tá ár n-úrlabhra Gaedhilge féin againn,

but we retain our own language, the Gaedhilg;

ocus atá ar comas dhuinn ceól síreachtach do chantainn,

agus tá ar chumas dúinn ceól síreachtach do chantain.

and we have the power to chant plaintive music,

ocus is leór do’n chineadh dhaonna uile do shásadh,

Is leór do’n chine daonda uile de shásamh

such that it would be sufficient happiness to the whole human race

bheith ag éisteacht leis an cceól sin,

bheith ag éisteacht leis an gceól soin;

to be listening to that music;

ocus anaidh againn anocht ocus canfom ceól dhaoibh”.

agus fanaidh-se againn anocht agus canfam ceól díbh.”

and so remain ye with us to-night, and we shall chant music for you”.

Dála Lir gona mhuinntir, d’fhanadar ag éisteacht ré ceól na nealadh,

Dála Lir go n-a mhuinntir, d’fhanadar ag éisteacht le ceól na n-ealadh

So Lir and his people remained listening to the music of the swans,

ar bhruach Locha Dairbhreach,

ar bhruach Locha Dairbhreach,

upon the brink of Loch Dairbhreach;

ocus do chodhladar go sámh leis, an oidhche sin;

agus do chodladar go sámh leis, an oidhche sin.

and they slept composedly by it that night;

ocus do éirigh Lir a moch na maidne arnamhárach,

Agus d’eirigh Lir i moch na maidne ar n-a mháireach

and Lir arose at early morning of the next day

ocus do rinne an laoidh:—

agus do rinne an laoi seo:

and he made this lay:—

“Mithid éirgid ó’n ionadso,

“Mithid éirge ó’n iomdha so

“It is time to depart from this place;

Ní chodhlaim, gé ’táim am luíghe;

Ní chodlaim cé táim im’ luighe;

I sleep not, though I lie down to sleep.—

Sgaradh rém’ aos ionmhuine

Scaradh libhh, a ionmhuine,

To part from my beloved children

Is é chráidhios mo chroidhe.

Is eadh bhrisios mo chroidhe.

Is what embitters my heart.

Olc an séan dá ttugas in bhur cceann,

Olc an séan thugas i nbhur gcionn

Evil was the fate by which I brought over you

Aoife, inghion Oiliolla Arann,

Aoife inghean Oilealla Áran

Aoife the daughter of Oilioll Arann.

Da bhfeasainnsi a bhfhuil dhaoibh dhe,

Dá bhfeasainn-se a mbeadh dhe,

Had I known what you have got by it,

Ní dhiongnainn an chomhairle.

Ní dhéanfainn an chomhairle.

I would never have followed that advice.

A Fhionnghuala, ’sa Chuinn chaoimh,

A Fhionnghuala is a Chuinn chaoimh,

O Fionnghuala, and O Conn the comely,

A Aodh, ’sa Fhiachra arm-chaoin;

A Aodh ’s a Fhiachra arm-chaoin,

O Aodh, and O Fiachra of the beautiful
weapons,

O bhórd an chuain a bhfhuil sibh,

Ó bhórd an chuain i n-a bhfuil sibh

From the verge of the shore upon which ye are,

Triall uaibh ní leam is mithid”.

Triall uaibh-se, dúinn is mithid.”

It is not yet time for me to depart from you”.

Iomthuso Lir, ráinig roimhe as soin go Síoth Bhuidhbh Deirg,

Iomthusa Lir, ráinig roimhe as soin go Síoth Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

So Lir went on from that place to the
Sioth of Bodhbh Dearg;

ocus ro fearadh fáilte fris ann;

agus do fearadh fáilte fris ann.

and they bade him welcome there;

ocus tugadh achmhasán dó ó Bhodhbh Dearg

Agus tugadh achmhusán do ó Bhodhbh Dearg

and he was rebuked by Bodhbh Dearg

fa gan a chlann do thabhairt leis.

fá gan a chlann do thabhairt leis.

for not having brought his children along with him.

“Truagh sin”, ar Lir, “ní mise nach tiobhradh mo chlann chugat,

“Truagh san,” arsa Lir, “ní mise nach tabharfadh mo chlann chughat,

“Alas,” said Lir, “it was not I that would not bring my children to you;

acht Aoife annsúd,

acht Aoife annsúd,

it was Aoife, yonder,

do dhalta féin ocus deirbhshiúr a máthar,

do dhalta féin agus deirbhshiúr a máthar,

your own nursling and the sister of their mother,

ar na ccur areachtaibh cheithre nealadh naoingheal,

ar n-a gcur i riochtaibh cheithre n-ealadh n-aengheal

who has put them into the forms of four pure-white swans

ar Loch Dairbhreach

ar Loch Dairbhreach

upon Loch Dairbhreach,

a bhfhiadhnaise bhfhear nEirionn,

i bhfiadnaise bhfear nÉireann;

in the presence of the men of Erinn;

ocus atá a cciall ocus a cconn, a nglór, ocus a nGaoidhilg féin aca”.

acht tá a gciall agus a gconn, a nglór agus a nGaedhilg féin aca.”

and [there they are swans, though] they preserve their own sense and their reason, their voice, and their Gaedhilg”.

Bíodhgas Bodhbh do’n sgéal sin,

Bíodhgas Bodhbh do’n scéal soin,

Bodhbh Dearg started at this news;

ocus tuigios gur bhfhíor a ndúbhairt Lir,

agus tuigios gur bh’fhíor a ndubhairt Lir,

and he understood that what Lir spoke was true;

ocus tug achmhasán athgharbh d’Aoife, ocus adúbhairt:

agus thug achmhusán athgharbh do Aoife, agus adubhairt:

and he fiercely rebuked Aoife, and said:

“Budh measa dhuitsi an mheabhal úd, a Aoífe, ná do chloinn Lir,

“Budh measa dhuit-se an mheabhal úd, a Aoife, ioná do Chlainn Lir,

“This treachery will be worse for thee, Aoife, than for the children of Lir;

óir do gheabhaidsiad cobhair a ndeireadh aimsire,

óir do gheobhaid súd cabhair i ndeireadh aimsire

for they shall obtain relief towards the end of time,

ocus biaidh a nanmonna ar neamh fádheóidh”.

agus beidh a n-anamna ar neamh fá dheoidh.”

and their souls will be in Heaven at last”.

Do fhiafraigh Bodhbh Dearg d’Aoife

Do fhiafruigh Bodhbh Dearg de Aoife

Bodhbh Dearg then asked Aoife

cá riocht in budh measa lé bheith ar bith.

cá riocht budh measa léi bheith ar bith.

what shape on Earth she would think the worst of being in.

Adúbhairt sisi gurab a riocht deamhain aéóir.

Dubhairt sise gurab i riocht deamhain aeir.

She said that it would be in the form of a demon of the air.

“Cuirfeadsa tuso san riocht sin anois”, ar Bodhbh Dearg.

“Cuirfead-sa thú ’san riocht san anois,” arsa Bodhbh Dearg.

“I shall put you into that form then”, said Bodhbh Dearg.

Ocus is cuma do bhí aga rádha

Agus is cuma do bhí ag a rádh

And as he spoke,

ocus do bhuail do Fhleisg doilbhthe droidhiochta í

agus do bhuail do fhleisc doilbhthe draoidheachta í

he struck her with a metamorphosing druidical wand,

gur chuir a riocht dheamhain aéóir í;

gur chuir i riocht deamhain aeir í.

and put her into the form of a demon of the air;

ocus do léig ar eitill fó chéadóir;

Agus do leig ar eitill fó chéadóir í,

and she flew away at once;

ocus ata fós ’na deamhan aéóir

agus atá fós i n-a deamhan aeir,

and she is still a demon of the air,

ocus biaidh go bráth.

agus beidh go bráth.

and shall be so for ever.

Iomthuso Bhoidhbh Dheirg, ocús Thuatha Dé Danann,

Iomthusa Bhuidhbh Dheirg agus Tuatha Dé Danann,

Then Bodhbh Dearg and the Tuatha
Dé Danann

tángodar go hoirior Locha Dairbhreach

thángadar go hoirear Locha Dairbhreach

came to the shore of Loch Dairbhreach,

ocus do ghabhadar longphort ann,

agus do ghabhadar longphort ann

and they took up an encampment there,

ag éistiocht ré ceól na nealadh.

ag éisteacht le ceól na n-ealadh.

listening to the music of the swans.

Dála Mhac Míleadh imorro,

Dála mac Míleadh, iomorro,

And the Milesian Clanns too,

ní lúgha tángodar as gach áird a nEirinn

ní lugha thángadar as gach áird i nÉirinn

no less did they come from all points of Erinn

gur ghabhadar longphort ag Loch Dairbhreach mar an ccéadna;

gur ghabhadar longphort ag Loch Dairbhreach mar an gcéadna,

to take up an encampment at Loch Dairbhreach in like manner;

óir ní áirmhid eólaigh ceól ná óirfideadh dár clos a nEirinn riamh

óir ní áirmhid eólaigh ceól ná oirfideadh da’r chlos i nÉirinn riamh

for historians do not count any music or delight that ever was heard in Erinn

roimh cheól na nealadh sin;

roimh cheól na n-ealadh soin.

to be preferred to the music of these swans;

ocus do bhidís ag innsin sgél ocus ag agallmhadh a bhfhear nEirionn gach laoi,

Agus do bhídís ag innsin scéal agus ag agallamh do fhearaibh Éireann gach lá

and they used to be telling stories and conversing with the men of Erinn each day,

ocus ag comhrádh ré a noideadhaibh, ocus re na ccomhaltaidhibh,

agus ag comhrádh le n’a n-oidíbh agus le n-a gcomhdhaltaíbh

and discoursing with their tutors and their fellow pupils,

ocus re na ccáirdibh uile ar cheana;

agus le n-a gcáirdibh uile ar cheana.

and with their friends all in like manner;

ocus ro chandaois ceól sír-bhinn síthe gach noidhche;

Agus do chanaidís ceól sír-bhinn síthe gach oidhche,

and they used to chant slow, sweet, fairy music every night;

ocus gach aon do chluineadh an ceól sin, do chodhladh go sámh, socair,

agus gach aon do chluineadh an ceól soin do chodaladh go sámh socair,

and every one who heard that music slept soundly and easily,

gibé galor nó treabhlaoid fhada do bheith air;

gibé galar no treabhlaoid fhada do bheadh air;

no matter what disease or long illness might be upon him;

ro budh súbhac soimheanmnach tar éis an cheóil do chandaois na héin, gach oen do chlos.

budh subhach, soimheanmnach tar éis an cheoil a chanaidís, na héin, gach aon d’a gcloiseadh.

for, happy and delighted after the music the birds chanted was every one who heard it.

Cidh trá acht ro bhádar an dá longphort sin Mhac Mhileadh ocus Thuath De Danann a ttímchioll Locha Dairbhreach

Cidh trá, acht do bhíodar an dá longphort úd Mac Míleadh agus Tuatha Dé Danann i dtimcheall Locha Dairbhreach

Well, then; these two encampments of
the sons of Milesius and the Tuatha Dé
Danann continued around Loch Dairbhreach

ar feadh trí chéad bliadhain.

ar feadh trí chéad bliadhan.

for the space of three hundred years.

Is annsin adúbhairt Fionnghuala ré na bráithre:

Is annsoin adubhairt Fionnghuala le n-a bráithribh lá:

And then Fionnghuala said to her brothers:

“an bhfheadamhair, a óga”, ar sí,

“An bhfeadabhair, a óga,” ar sí,

“Do ye know, O men”, said she,

“go ttairnig libh bhúr ttréimse do chaithiomh annso,

“go dtáinig libh bhur dtréimhse do chaitheamh annso

“that ye have come to the end of your term here,

acht an oidhche anocht amháin”.

acht an oidhche anocht amháin.”

all but this night only”.

Ocus do gabh tuirsi, ocus dobrón ádhbhal na mic

Agus do ghaibh tuirse agus dobhrón ádhbhal na mic

And great distress and sorrow seized upon the sons [of Lir]

ó do chualadar an sgéal sin,

ó do chualadar an scéal soin,

when they heard this news;

oir dob ionann leó ocus bheith ’na ndaoine,

óir do b’ionann leó agus bheith i n-a ndaoinibh

for they thought it the same as being human beings,

bheith ar Loch Dairbhreach,

bheith i Loch Dairbhreach

to be upon Loch Dairbhreach

ag agallamh a ccarad ocus a ccompánach

ag agallamh a gcarad agus a gcompánach

discoursing with their friends and their companions,

seach dul ar fhraoch-fhairrge fhuachda na Maoile budh thuaidh.

seoch dul ar fhraoch-fhairrge na Maoile budh thuaidh.

in comparison with going upon the angry, quarrelsome sea of the Maoil in the North.

Ocus tángodar go moch arnamhárach d’agallaim a noide ocus a nathar,

Agus thángadar go moch ar n-a mháireach d’agallmhadh a n-oideadh agus n-athar,

And they came early on the next day to
speak to their foster-father and their father;

ocus thiomnadar ceiliobhradh dhóibh,

agus thiomnadar ceileabhradh dhóibh,

and they bade them adieu;

ocus do rinne Fionnghuala an laoidh:—

agus do rinne Fionnghuala an laoi seo:

and Fionnghuala made the lay:—

“Ceileabhradh dhuit a Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

“Ceileabhradh dhuit, a Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

“Adieu to thee, O Bodhbh Dearg,

A ghiolla d’ar ghiall gach ceárd,

A ghiolla d’ar ghéill gach ceárd:

Thou man to whom all science has done
homage,

Duitsi mar aon is d’ar nathair,

Duit-se maraon is d’ár n-athair,

[Adieu] to thee, together with our father,

Do Lir Síthe Fhionnachaidh cháidh.

Do Lir Síthe Fionnachaidh cháidh.

Lir of the famous Sioth Fionnachaidh.

Táinig mithid dhuinn, dar liom,

Tháinig mithe dúinn, dar liom,

The time has come for us, we think,

Sgaradh da nach cómhruicfiom,

Scarmhain ó nach comhraicfeam

For separation—after which we shall not meet

Go tí an bhráth, adream shuairc,

Go dtí an bhráth, a dhream shuairc,

Till the judgment come—O pleasant company,

Gan ar ndol chugaibh ar cuaird.

Gan ár ndul chughaibh ar ath-chuaird.

It is not on a visit that we are going to you.

Biamaoid ón lá aniugh da’r naois,

Béam ó’n lá indiu d’ár n-aois,

From this day of our age we shall be,—

A cháirde chróidhe, chómhaois,

A cháirde chroidhe chomhaois,

O ye heart-loved friends, our contemporaries,—

Gan ghlór daonna ’nar ngoire,

Gan glór daonda ’n-ár ngoire

Without human voice near us,

Ar Sruth na Maoile mearaighe.

Ar Shruth na Maoile mearaighe.

Upon the raging Sruth na Maoile.

Rachmaoid as sin dá’r bpianadh,

Rachaimíd as soin d’ár bpianadh

We shall go from that to be punished,

A ccionn trí chéad ceirt-bhliadhan,

Go ceann trí chéad ceart-bhliadhna:

At the end of three hundred proper [i. e.
full] years;

Eólas is mó dá’r bpianadh ann,

Eólas is mó d’ár bpianadh ann

(Greater knowledge of our punishment we shall have there),

Siar go rinn Iorrais Domhnann.

Go rinn Iorruis Domhnann.

Westwards to the point of Iorrus Domhnann.

Trí chéad bliadhain gan fheall

Trí chéad bliadhan gan feall

Three hundred years, without fail [we must be]

Tiar a rinn Iorrais Domhnann;

I rinn Iorruis Domhnann,

In the west at the point of Iorrus Domhnann;

O loch go loch, truagh an dáil,

Ó loch go loch, truagh an scéal

From lake to lake—alas the condition—

Go ccomhraicid Deoch is Lairgneán.

Go gcomhracfaidh Deoch is Lairgnéan.

Until Deoch and Lairgnen are united.

Ba hiad ar ccuilceadha cuanna,

Budh hiad ár gcuilcheadha cuanna

Our beautiful garments shall be [but the]

Tonna sáile searbh ruadha,

Tonna sáile searbh-ruadha

Waves of the salt-water, bitter, briny;

Ionar cceathrar caomh cloinne Lir

’N-ár gceathrar caomh-chlainne

As the four comely children of Lir,

Gan oidhche dhuinn d’á eas bhuidh.

Gan oidhche dhúinn n-a n-easbaidh.

Without a night for us without it.

Agus d’a n-éis sin uile

I ndeireadh ár n-aimsire

Béaraidh arís crábhadh orainn

I nInis Gluaire Bréandain.

A thriar bráthar as dearg dreach,

A thriar bhráthar is dearg dreach,

Ye three brothers of once ruddy cheeks,

Eirgeadh uainn ó Loch Dairbhreach,

Éirghidh ó Loch Dairbhreach;

Let [them] depart from us, from Loch
Dairbhreach,

An drong chómhachtach so rómchar,

A dhrong chúmtha rómchar,

This powerful tribe which have loved us;

Is dúbhach anois ar sgarad”.

Is dubhach ár gceileabhradh.”

Sorrowful now is our separation”.

A háithle na laoidhe sin, do ghabhsad ar eitiollach,

A haithle na laoi sin, go ghabhadar ag eiteallach

After that lay, they took to flight;

go hárd, éattrom, aédhardha,

go hárd éadtrom aerdha

[flying] highly, lightly, aerially,

nó go rángodar Sruth na Maoile, ideir Eirinn ocus Albain;

no go rángadar Sruth na Maoile idir Éirinn and Albain;

until they reached Sruth na Maoile between Erinn and Albain;

ocus ba hole lé fearaibh Eireann sin;

agus do b’olc le fearaibh Éireann a n-imtheacht uatha;

and the men of Erinn were grieved at this,

ocus do fógradh aca ar feadh Eireann

agus do fógradh aca ar feadh Éireann

and they proclaimed throughout Erinn,

gan aon eala do mharbhad

gan aon eala do mharbhadh

that no swan should be killed,

da mhéid cumas da mbeith aca re a dhéanamh ó sinamach.

d’a mhéid de chumas do bheadh aca re n-a dhéanamh ó shoin amach.

however easy it might be to do so, from that time out.

Dobh olc an taitreabh do chloinn Lir

Do b’olc an t-áitreabh do chlannaibh Lir

It was a bad residence for the children
of Lir,

bheith ar Sruth na Maoile.

bheith ar Sruth na Maoile.

to live upon Sruth na Maoile.

Mar do chonncadar crioslach an chuain chóimleathain iona ttimchioll,

Mar do chonnacadar crioslach an chuain choimhleathain i n-a dtimcheall,

When they saw the shore of the extensive coast around them,

do líon fuacht ocus maoithi, ocus aithmhéala iat,

do líon fuacht agus maoithe agus aithmhéala iad,

they were filled with cold, and grief, and regret;

ocus ní thugadar olc dá bhfhuaradar riamh roimhe sin da nuidhe,

agus ní thugadar olc do n-a bhfuaireadar riamh roimhe sin d’a n-oidhe

and they thought nothing of any evil which they had before suffered,

a bfarraidh a bhfhuaradar ar an sruth sin.

i bhfarraidh a bhfuaireadar ar an sruth soin.

compared with that which they suffered upon that current.

Ocus do bhádar ar Sruth na Maoile

Agus do bhíodar ar Shruth na Maoile

And they remained there upon Sruth na
Maoile,

no go ttáinig gloim doininne, oidhche áirighthe chucca.

no go dtáinig gloim doininne oidhche áirithe chucha.

until one night a thick tempest came upon them,

“A bhráithre ionmhuine,”

Adúbhairt Fionnghuala:

arsa Fionnghuala annsoin,

and Fionnghuala said:

“A bhráithre ionmhuine”, ar sí,

“My beloved brothers”, said she,

“is olc an ní do nímid,

“is olc an nidh do ghnímíd,

“bad is the preparation we make,

óir is cinnte go ndealóchaidh doinionn na hoidhche seo anocht lé céile sinn,

óir is cinnte go ndealóchaidh doineann na hoidhche seo anocht le chéile sinn,

for it is certain that the tempest of this night will separate us from one another;

ocus órduighiom ionad cinnte coinne chum a racham,

agus órduigheam ionad cinnte coinne chum a racham

therefore let us appoint a place of meeting to which we shall repair,

dá ttugadh Dia orruinn sgaradh ré chéile”.

má thugann Dia orainn scaradh le chéile.”

if God shall cause us to separate from each other”.

“Gabham a shiúr”, ar siad

“Gabham, a shiúr,” ar siad,

“Let us settle, O sister”, said they,

“ionad, cinnte coinne ag carraig na rón,

“ionad cinnte coinne ag Carraig na Rón,

“an appointed place of meeting at Carraig na Rón,

oir is cóimheólach sinn uile uirre”.

óir is coimheólach sinn uile uirthe.”

for we are all equally acquainted with it”.

Cidh trá acht táinig meadhón oidhche chucca,

Cidh trá, acht tháinig meadhon oidhche chucha,

However, when the midnight reached
them,

ocus do thuirn an ghaoth ré,

agus do thuirn an ghaoth léi,

the wind descended with it,

ocus do mhéadaigheadar na tonna a ttreathan ocus a ttormán,

agus do mhéaduigheadar, na tonnta, a dtreathan agus a dtormán,

and the waves increased their violence and their thunder;

ocus do lonnraigh teine ghealáin,

agus do lonnruigh teine ghealáin,

and the lightnings flashed;

ocus táinig sguabadh garbh-anfaidh ar fud na fairrge,

agus tháinig scuabadh garbh-anfaidh ar fuid na fairrge

and a rough sweeping tempest passed all over the sea,

ionnas gur sgaradar clanna Lir lé chéile ar feadh an mhór-mhara;

ionnus gur scaradar clanna Lir le chéile ar feadh an mhór-mhara.

so that the children of Lir were scattered from each other over the great sea;

ocus tucadh seachrán an chuain chris-leathain orra,

Agus tugadh seachrán an chuain chris leathain ortha

and they were set astray from the extensive shore,

go nach fheadair neach dhíobh cá slighe, nó cá conair a ndeachaidh an chuid eile.

go nach feadair neach díobh cá slighe no cá conair a ndeachaidh an chuid eile.

so that not one of them knew what way or what path the rest went.

Táinig trá, féith-chiúim for san bhfhairrge tar éis na doininne móire sin,

Tháinig, trá, féith chiuin ar an bhfairrge tar éis na doininne móire sin,

There came [afterwards], however, a placid-calm upon the sea after that great tempest;

ocus do bhí Fionnghuala ’na haonar ar an sruth;

agus do bhí Fionnghuala i n-a haonar ar an sruth

and Fionnghuala found herself alone upon the current;

ocus tug da haire a bráithre ’na heasbuidh,

agus thug d’a haire a bráithre i n-a heasbaidh

and she observed that her brothers were absent [separated from her];

ocus do bhí ag a néagcaoine go mór,

agus do bhí sí ag a n-éagcaoineadh go mór

and she lamented them greatly;

go ndúbhairt an laoidh:—

go ndubhairt an laoi:

and she spoke this lay:—

“Am riocht is mairg atá beó,

“Im’ riocht, is mairg atá beo,

“In my condition it is woe to be alive;

Mo sgiathain do reóidh ream thaoibh

Mo sciatháin ar reoidh rem’ thaoibh;

My wings have frozen to my sides;

Suaill nar mhionaigh an ghaoth dhian,

Is uaill nár mionadh go dian

It is little that the furious wind has not
shattered

Mo chroidhe am chliabh taréis Aoidh.

Mo chroidhe im’ chliabh tar éis Aoidh.

My heart in my body after [i. e. away from] Aodh.

Trí chéad bliadhain ar Loch Dairbhreach,

Trí chéad bliadhan ar Loch Dairbhreach

Three hundred years upon Loch Dairbhreach

Gan dul a reachtaibh daoine,

Gan dáil i reachtaibh daoine:

Without going into human forms,—

Doilge liom, is ní samhail,

Doilghe liom ’ná san uile

It distresses me more, and not alike [i. e. not merely as much]

Mo sheal ar Shruth na Maoile.

Mo sheal ar Shruth na Maoile.

My time upon Sruth na Maoile.

Ionmhain triúr, ón ionmhain triúr,

Ionmhuin triúr, ón, ionmhuin triúr,

Beloved the three,— oh beloved the three,

Do chodhladh fá bhun mo chlúimh,

Do chodladh fá bhun mo chlúimh,

Who slept under the shelter of my feathers.

Go ttiocfaid na mairbh go cách,

Go dtiocfaid na mairbh go cách

Until the dead return to the living

Ní chómhraicfead go bráth ’sa triúr.

Ní chomhraicfead go bráth mo thriúr.

I and the three shall never meet.

Taréis Fhiachra, ocus Aodh,

Tar éis Fhiachrach is Aoidh

After Fiachra and Aodh,

Ocus Chuinn chaoimh, gan a bhfhios,

Is Chuinn chaoimh, gan a bhfios,

And Conn the comely,—with no account of them,—

Is truagh mfhuirioch ris gach olc,

Is truagh m’fhuireach ris gach olc

Pity that I have  remained, for all [these] evils.

Is mairg atá anocht am riocht”.

Is mairg atá anocht im’ riocht.”

Woe to be this night in my condition”.

Iomthusa Fhionnghualann, do bhí an oidhche sin ar an ccarraig

Iomthusa Fhionnghualan, do bhí sí an oidhche sin ar an gcarraig

*Now* Fionnghuala remained that night upon the rock,

go tráth eirghe do’n ló arnamhárach

go tráth eirghe do’n ló ar n-a mháireach

until the rising of the day upon the morrow,

ag feithiomh na fairrge da gach árd, ’na tímcheall,

ag féachain na fairrge ar gach leith i n-a timcheall

watching the sea in all directions around her;

go bhfhaca Conn chúicthe

go bhfaca sí Conn chúiche

and at last she saw Conn coming towards her,

go ceann-trom clúimh-fhliuch;

go ceann-trom clúimh-fhliuch,

with heavy head, and drenched feathers;

ocus fáiltighios croidhe na hinghine roimhe go mór;

agus d’fháiltigh croidhe na hinghine roimhe go mór.

and her heart joyfully welcomed him;

ocus táinig Fiachra go fuar, fliuch, fíor-anbhfhann,

Iarsoin, tháinig Fiachra go fuar fliuch fíor-anbhfann,

and Fiachra came also, cold, wet, and quite faint;

ocus níor tuigeadh innsge ná úrlabhradh uaidh,

agus níor tuigeadh innsce ná urlabhra uaidh

and neither word nor speech of his could be understood,

lé ro mhéad a fuair dh’fhuacht ocus d’imshníomh;

le ró-mhéad a fuair de fhuacht agus de imshníomh:

such was the excess of cold and hardship which he had suffered;

ocus do chuir sisi fóna sgiathánaibh é, ocus a dúbhairt:

acht do chuir sise fó n-a sciathánaibh é agus adubhairt:

and she put him under her wings, and said:

“Da ttigheadh Aodh chugainn anois, is maith do bheimís”.

“Dá dtigeadh Aodh chughainn anois,” ar sí, “is maith do bheimís.”

“If Aodh would but come to us now, how happy should we be”.

Níor chian dóibh ’na dhiaigh sin,

Níor chian dóibh i n-a dhiaidh sin

It was not long after that

in tan do chonnchadar Aodh chucca,

an tan do chonnacadar Aodh chucha

when they saw Aodh coming towards them,

go ceann-tirim, clúmh-álainn;

go ceann-tirim clúmh-áluinn.

with dry head and beautiful feathers;

ocus fáiltíghios Fionnghuala go mhór roimhe,

Agus fáiltighios Fionnghuala go mór roimhe,

and Fionnghuala welcomed him greatly;

ocus cuirios fá chlúmh a hochta, ocus a hurbhruinne é,

agus cuirios fá chlúmh a huchta agus a húrbhruinne é,

and she put him under the feathers of her breast and chest;

ocus Fiachra fóna sgiathán deas, ocus Conn fóna sgiathán clé;

agus Fiachra fó n-a sciathán deas, agus Conn fó n-a sciathán clé,

and Fiachra under her right wing; and Conn under her left wing;

ocus do dheasaigh a clúmh társa fá’n samhail sin.

agus do dheasaigh a clúmh tharsta fá’n samhail sin.

and she disposed her feathers over them in that way.

“A óga”, ar Fionnghuala,

“A óga,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“O youths”, said Fionnghuala,

“gidh olc libh an oidhche araoir,

“gidh olc libh an oidhche aréir,

“though evil ye may think this last night,

budh mór da macsamhla do gheabhthaoi ó so amach”.

is mór d’a macsamhlaibh do gheobhthaoi ó so amach.”

many of its like shall ye find from this time forwards”.

Do bhádar, imorro, clanna Lir re headh imchian, ocus re naimsir fhada

Do bhíodar, iomorro, Clann Lir, le headh imchian agus le aimsir fhada

The Children of Lir after that continued
a long time there,

ag fulong fuachta, ocus anshocrachta ar Sruth na Maoile mar sin,

ag fulaing fuachta agus anshocrachta ar Shruth na Maoile mar soin

suffering cold and wretchedness *like that* upon the current of the Maoil;

go ttainic oidhche áirighthe oile chuca,

go dtáinig oidhche áirithe eile chucha,

until at last a night came upon them so cold

ocus ní bhfhuaradar riamh roimpe,

agus ní bhfuaireadar riamh roimpe

that never before did they experience

coimhmhéad a reóidh, ocus a fuachta, a sneachta ocus a gaoithe;

coimhmhéad a reodha agus a fuachta, a sneachta agus a gaoithe,

anything like the frost, and the cold, the snow and the wind of that night;

ocus do rinne Fionnghuala an laoidh:—

agus do rinne Fionnghuala an laoi seo:

and Fionnghuala made the lay:—

“Olc an bheatha so

“Olc an bheatha so:

“Evil is this existence,—

Fuacht na hoidhche so,

Fuacht na hoidhche seo,

The cold of this night,—

Méad an tsneachcha so,

Méad an tsneachta so,

The greatness of this snow,—

Cruas na gaoithe so.

Cruadhas na gaoithe seo.

The hardness of this wind.

Is ann do chómluighsiod

Is ann do chodlaidís

Where they have lain together, is

Fám’ chaomh-sgiathaibh,

Fám’ chaemh-sciathaibh,

Under my graceful wings,—

Tonn d’ar tréan-thuargainn,

Tonn d’ar dtréan-tuargain,

The wave beating violently upon us,—

Conn is caomh-Fhiachra.

Conn is Caemh-Fiachra.

Conn and comely Fiachra.

Lem’ thriar bháthar-sa

Ann do scaras-sa,

Fuar an cuma so,

Sruth an mhara so.

Do chuir an leasmháthair

Do chuir ár leas-mháthair

Our stepmother has put

Sinn, an ceathrar so,

Sinn, an ceathrar so,

Us, these four of us,

Anocht ’san dochar so,

Anocht ’san dochar so,

This night, into this misery;—

Is olc an bheatha so”.

Is olc an bheatha so.”

Evil is this existence”.

Cidh trá acht do bhádar clanna Lir ag fulong fuair-bheatha mar sin

Cidh trá, acht do bhíodar, Clanna Lir, ag fulaing fuar-bheatha mar soin

So the Children of Lir continued thus to endure a life of extreme cold

go ceann bliadhno ar Sruth na Maoile,

go ceann bliadhna ar Shruth na Maoile

to the end of a year, upon the current of the Maoil,

go rug oidhche orro

go rug oidhche ortha

until at last a night came upon them,

ar bheinn Chairrge na Rón,

ar bheinn Charraige na Rón

upon the pinnacle of the Seal Rock;

a ccallann Ianuair go sonnradhach, an tam soin,

i gCalain Eanair go sonnrádhach.

and the *particular* time was that of the Calends of January;

ocus teachtaighios an tuisge,

Agus téachtuighios an t-uisce

and the waters congealed,

ocus fuaraighios gach aon aca iona áit;

agus fuaraighios gach aon aca i n-a áit;

and each of them became chilled in his place;

ocus mar do bhádar ar an ccarraig

agus mar do bhíodar ar an gcarraig

and as they lay upon the rock,

do leanadar a ccosa, ocus a cclúmh, ocus a sgiatháin d’on charraig,

do leanadar a gcosa agus a gclúmh agus a sciatháin do’n charraig

their feet, and their feathers, and their wings adhered to the rock,

go nár fhéadadar cor do chur dhíobh ’san ionad a rabhadar;

go nár fhéadadar cor do chur díobh ’san ionad a rabhadar;

so that they were not able to move them from where they were;

ocus tugadar feadhmannaibh fíor-chruaidhe fá na ccollaibh,

agus thugadar feadhmana fíor-chruadha fá n-a gcolnaibh

and they made such vehement efforts with their bodies [to move away],

gur fhágbhadar croicionn a ttroightheach,

gur fhágadar croiceann a dtroightheach

that they left there the skin of their feet,

clúmh a nochta,

agus clúmh a n-ucht

and the feathers of their breasts,

ocus barra a neiteadh a leanmhain na cairrge in tan sin.

agus barra a n-eiteadh ag leanmhain na gcarraig an tan san.

and the tips of their wings attached to the rock *at that time*.

“Truagh ámh; a chlanna Lir”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Truagh, ámh, a Chlanna Lir,” arsa Fionnghuala:

“Alas, *indeed,* O Children of Lir”, said Fionnghuala,

“is olc a táthar againn anois,

“is olc atáthar againn anois,

“evil indeed is our condition *now*,

óir ní fhéadmaoid fulang an tsáile,

óir ní fhéadaimíd fulang an tsáile,

for we cannot support the salt-water,

ocus is geis dhuinn bheith ina éagmais;

agus is geis dúinn bheith i n-a éagmuis;

and yet it is prohibited to us to be absent from it;

ocus má théidh an sáile ionár ccréachtaibh

agus má théigheann an sáile i n-ár gcréachtaibh

and if the salt-water enters into our sores,

do gheabham bás”;

do gheobham bás.”

we shall die”;

ocus do rinne an laoidh:—

Agus do rinne an laoi:

and she made this lay:—

“Eaccaointeach againn anocht,

“Éagcaointeach againn anocht

“Moanful are we this night,

Gan clúmh ag tuighiodh ár ccorp,

Gan aon chlúmh ag tuigheadh ár gcorp;

Without feathers covering our bodies,

’Sas fuar d’ár mbonnaibh bláithe,

Is fuar d’ár mbonnaibh bláithe.

And cold are our delicate soles

Ar chairrgibh andóbhráidhe.

Ar charraigibh an dóbhráidhe.

On the rough, uneven rocks.

Dob olc ar leasmháthair ruinn,

Do b’olc ár leas-mháthar linn

Bad was our stepmother to us,

D’ar imir droíghiocht orruinn,

D’ar imir draoidheacht orainn

When she played druidism upon us,

D’ar ccur ar fud mara amach

D’ár gcur fad mara amach

Sending us out upon the sea,

A riocht ealadh niongantach.

I riocht ealadh n-iongantach.

In the shapes of wonderful swans.

As é ar bhfholcadh ar dhruim cuain,

Is é ár bhfolcadh ar dhruim chuain

Our bath upon the shore’s ridge is

Cúbhar an mhara mhong-ruaidh

Cubhar an mhara mhong-ruaidh;

The foam of the brine-crested tide;

Así ar ccuid thall do’n chuirm,

Is í ár gcuid thall de’n chuirm

Our share of the ale-feast is

Sáile an mhara mhong-ghuirm.

Sáile an mhara mhong-ghuirm.

The brine of the blue-crested sea.

Aoin inghion, ocus triar mac,

Aon inghean agus triar mac,

One daughter and three sons,

Cleachtmaoid a ccuasaibh carrach,

Cleachtaimíd i gcuasaibh carrach;

We frequent the clefts of rocks;

Ar na cairrgibh cruaidh doneoch,

Ar na carraigibh, cruaidh do neach,

Upon the rocks, so hard for all,

Ar mbeatha as éaccaointeach”.

Ár mbeatha is éagcaointeach.”

Our existence is moanful”.

Cidh trá acht tángador for Shruth na Maoile arís,

Cidh trá, acht thángadar ar Shruth na Maoile arís,

However, they went out again upon the current of the Maoil;

ocus géar dhoiligh,

fó na gcréachtaibh

and though distressing, indeed,

ocus géar gharbh, ghoirt leó an sáile,

agus cé géar, garbh, goirt leó an sáile,

and sharp, and fierce, and bitter they felt the salt-water,

níor fhéadsad a sheachna

níor fhéadadar a sheachnadh

they were not able to avoid it,

’na iadféin do sháir-dhídion air.

ná iad féin do sháir-dhídean air.

or to shelter themselves effectually from it.

Ocus do bhádar ar an ccuan fá’n ionnas sin,

Agus do bhíodar ar an gcuan fá’n ionnas soin

And so they continued by the shore

no gur fhás a cclúmh, ocus a neitheadha,

no gur fhás a gclúmh agus a n-eiteadha

until their feathers grew (anew), and their wings,

ocus gur chneasaigheadar a ccréachta go hiomlán;

agus gur chneasuigheadar, a gcréachta, go hiomlán.

and until their sores were perfectly healed;

ocus do théighdís gach laoi go hoirear Eireann ocus Alban,

Agus do théighdís gach lá go hoirear Éireann agus Alban,

and then they used to go every day to the coasts of Erinn and of Albain;

ocus do thighdis go Sruth na Maoile gach noidhche,

agus do thigdís go Sruth na Maoile gach oidhche,

and they used to come back to the current of the Maoil each night,

óir fa hé fa hionad bunaidh dhóibh.

óir ba hé ba hionad bunaidh dhóibh.

for it was their original [i. e. they were obliged to return to it as their] place of abode.

Tángadar aon do ló go bun na Banna budh thuaidh,

Thángadar aon lá go bun na Banna budh thuaidh,

They came one day to the mouth of the
Banna in the north;

ocus do chonncadar marcshluaigh álainn, aondatha,

agus do chonnacadar marcshluagh áluinn aondatha

and they saw a splendid rare-coloured cavalcade,

go neachaibh gasda, glangheala fúthaibh,

go n-eachaibh gasta glan-gheala fútha

mounted upon trained pure-white steeds,

ag sír-shiúbhal na slighe aniar-ndeas gach ndíreach.

ag siubhal na slighe aniar is a ndeas gach ndíreach.

constantly walking upon the road from the south-west in all directness.

“An ttabhair sibh aithne ar an marcshluaigh úd, a chlanna Lir?” ar Fionnghuala.

“An dtugann sibh aithne ar an marcshluagh úd, a chlanna Lir?” arsa Fionnghuala.

“See ye yonder cavalcade, O Children of Lir?” said Fionnghuala.

“Ní fheadamair”, ar iadsan,

“Ní fheadamair,” ar siadsan,

“We do not know them”, said they;

“acht gurab dream éigin do Mhacaibh Mileadh no do Thuathaibh De Danann is dócha do bheith ann”.

“acht gurab dream éigin de Mhacaibh Míleadh no de Thuathaibh Dé Danann is dócha do bheith ann.”

“but it is most probable that they are some party of the sons of Miledh [Milesius], or of the Tuatha Dé Danann that are there”.

Do dhruideadar re hoirear an chuain ann sin,

Do dhruideadar le hoirear an chuain annsoin

They moved then to the border of the
shore,

go ttiobhradaois aithne orro;

go dtabharfaidis aithne ortha,

that they might be able to recognize them;

ocus ód chonncadar an marchsluaigh, iadsan,

agus ód’ chonnacadar, an marcshluagh, iadsan

and when the cavalcade [on their side] saw them,

do dhruideadar ’na ccoinne, ocus ’na ccómhdháil,

do dhruideadar i n-a gcoinnibh agus i n-a gcomhdháil

they moved towards them also to meet them,

go rangodar an ionad iomagallmha d’a chéile.

go rángadar i n-ionad iomagallmha d’a chéile.

until they were within reach of converse with each other.

Is iad is fearr do bhí ar an marcshluaigh sin

Is iad is fearr do bhí ar an marcshluagh soin

The chief men of those who composed
that cavalcade were,

.i. Aodh Aithfhiosach, ocus Fearghas Fithcheallach

.i. Aodh Aithfhiosach agus Fearghus Fithcheallach

Aodh Aithfhiosach, and Fergus Fithchiollach,

.i. dá mhac Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

.i. dhá mhac Bhuidhbh Dheirg,

that is, the two sons of Bodhbh Dearg,

ocus an treas rann do’n mharcradh shíodha már aon riú;

agus an treas rann de’n Mharcradh Sidhe maraon leó;

and [they had] a third of the Fairy cavalcade along with them;

ocus do bhádar an marcshluaigh sin aga niarraidh re tréimsi roimhe sin;

agus do bhíodar, an marcshluagh soin, ag a n-iarraidh le tréimhse roimhe sin.

and this cavalcade had been seeking [the swans] for a long time before that;

ocus ar rochtain a chéile dhóibh,

Ar rochtain a chéile dhóibh,

and when they reached each other,

do fhearadar fáilte fior-chaoin fria aroile, go miochair, muinnteardha;

do fearadhar fáilte fíor-chaoin fria aroile go miochair, muinnteardha;

they bade each other a truly joyous welcome in all love and friendship;

ocus d’fhiafruigheadar clanna Lir cionnas do bhádar Tuatha Dé Danann,

agus d’fhiafruigheadar, Clanna Lir, cionnas do bhíodar, Tuatha Dé Danann,

and the Children of Lir inquired after the Tuatha Dé Danann,

ocus go háirighthe Lir, ocus Bodhbh Dearg, ocus a muinnteara archeana.

agus go háirithe Lir agus Bodhbh Dearg agus a muinntear cheana.

and particularly Lir, and Bodhbh Dearg, and their people.

“Atáid go maith, an éinionad”, ar siad,

“Atáid go maith i n-aen ionad,” ar siad.

“They are well; [they are all] in one place [i. e. assembled together]”, said they,

“a ttigh bhur natharsa a Síoth Fionnachaidh,

“I dtigh bhur n-athar i Síoth Fionnachaidh

“in the house of your father, in Sioth Fionnachaidh,

ocus Tuatha De Danann mar aon ríú ann,

agus Tuatha Dé Danann mar aon leó ann

and the Tuatha Dé Danann along with them there,

ag caithiomh na Fleighe Aoise, go súbhach, soimheanmnach,

ag caitheamh na Fleidhe Aoise go subhach soimheanmnach

consuming the Feast of Age, merrily and happily,

gan imshníom gan anshocracht,

gan imshníomh gan anshocracht

without fatigue and without uneasiness,

acht bhur mbeithsi ’na bhfhéaghmais;

acht bhur mbeith-se i n-a n-éagmuis,

except for being without you,

ocus gan a fhios aca cá ar ghabhabhair uatha,

agus gan a fhios aca cá ar ghabhabhair uatha

and not having known where ye had gone to,

ó’n ló a dhfhágabair Loch Dairbhreach”.

ó’n ló a d’fhágabhair Loch Dairbhreach.”

since the day ye left Loch Dairbhreach”.

“Nocha an ísin ar mbeathane re na hinnisin”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Nocha an í sin ár mbeatha-na le n-a hinnsin,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“Our life is not to be told”, said Fionnghuala,

“óir is mór d’olc ocus d’eadulaing, ocus d’anshódh

“óir is mór de olc agus de éadfulaing agus de anshodh

“for much indeed of evil and suffering and misery

fuaramair seachnón na mara so Shrotha na Maoile go ttrásta”;

fuaireamair seachnón na mara so Srotha na Maoile go dtrásta;

have we endured on the tide of the current of the Maoil to this day”;

ocus a dúbhairt an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt an laoi:

and she spoke the lay:—

“Aoibhinn anocht teaghlach Lir,

“Aoibhinn anocht teachlach Lir,

“Happy this night the household of Lir,

Iomdha a miodh ocus a bhfhíon;

Iomdha a mhiodh agus a fhíon,

Abundant their mead and their wine;

Gé tá anocht a nádhbhadh fhuar,

Gidh tá anocht i n-ádhbhadh fhuar

Though there be this night in a cold home,

Dream do chuan róghlan an ríogh.

Dream de chuan ró-ghlan an riogh.

A company of the king’s pure-born children.

Isiad ar ccoilcibh gan locht,

Is iad ár gcoilchidhe gan locht

Our faultless bed-clothes are [but]

Folach ar ccorp do chlúmh chas,

Folach ár gcorp de chlúmh chas,

The covering of our bodies of wreathed
feathers;—

Gidh minic do deargthaoi sróll

Gidh minic do deargthaoi sróll

[Yet] often ere now have we been clad

Iomainn ag ól mheadha mhas.

Umainn ag ól meadha mas.

In purple, while drinking the cheerful mead.

Ag soin ar mbhiadh ocus ar bhfhíon,

Ag sin ár mbiadh agus ár lionn

Our food and our wine are [but]

Gainimh fhinn is sáile searbh;

Gaineamh fhionn is sáile searbh,

White sand and bitter brine;—

Minic do ibhmís miodh cuill,

Minic d’ibhimís miodh cuill

[Yet] often drank we hazel mead,

A cuachán cruinn cheithre ccearn.

A cuachaibh cruinne cheithre gcearn.

From round cups with four lips [i. e. corners.]

Isiad ár leapacha, isiad lom,

Ag sin fós ár leaba lom,

Our beds, and bare [beds] they are, are [but]

Carraig ós cionn na ttonn ttréan;

Carraig ós ceann na dtonn dtréan;

Rocks above the violent waves;—

Minic do deargthaoi dhuinn,

Minic do dheargthaoi fúinn

[Yet] often have been spread for us,

Leaba do chlúmh ochta éan.

Leaba de chlúmh uchta éan.

Beds of the breast-feathers of birds.

Gidh í ar nobair snámh san sioc,

Cé í ár n-obair snámh ’san sioc

Though it be now our work [though now we have] to swim in the frost,

Ar Shruth na Maoile is trom toirm,

Ar Shruth na Maoile is mear toirn,

Upon the current of the heavy resounding Maoil,—

Fá minic marcshluaigh mhac ríogh,

Ba mhinic marcshluagh mac riogh

Often a cavalcade of the sons of kings

Ag dol ’nár ndiaigh go Síoth Bhoidhbh.

Ag dul ’n-ár ndiaidh go Síot Bhuidhbh.

Has followed us to Sioth Buidhbh.

Is é do chlaochlaidh mo neart,

Is é do chlaochlaidh mo neart

It is this that has wasted my strength,—

Beith ag dul ’sag teacht tar an Maoil,

Bheith ag dul ’s ag teacht thar Maoil

To be going and coming over the Maoil,

Mar na’r chleachtas roimhe riamh,

Mar nár chleachtas roimhe riamh,

As I was never accustomed to be;

’Snách fághaim grian a maigh mhaoith.

’S nach feicim grian i máigh maoith.

And that no more I enjoy the sun in a soft plain.

Leaba Fhiachra, ocus ionad Chuinn,

Leaba Fhiachra, ionad Chuinn

Fiachra’s bed, and Conn’s place,

Luighe fá thuinn m’eite, ar Maoil:

Luighe fó thuinn m’eite ar Mhaoil,

Is to nestle under the cover of my wings
upon the Maoil.

Ionád ar sgáth m’ochta ag Aodh,

Ionad ar scáth m’uchta ag Aodh:

A place under the shelter of my breast hath Aodh;

Sinn ’nar cceathrar taoibh re taoibh.

Sinn ár gceathrar taobh le taoibh.

The four of us side by side.

Teagasg Mhanannáin gan cheilg,

Teagasc Mhanannáin gan cheilg,

The teaching of Manannan without guile,

Cómhrád Bhuidhbh Dheirg ós Dhruim Chaoin,

Comhrádh Buidhbh Deirg ós Druim Chaoin,

The conversation of Bodhbh Dearg over Drom Caoin,

Glor Aonghusa, milsi a phóg,

Glor Aonghusa, mílse a bpóg,

The voice of Aongus, the sweetness of his kisses,—

Do chleachtas gan bhrón ré a ttaoibh”.

Chleachtaimís gan bhrón re dtaoibh.”

I was wont to be without grief by their side”.

As a aithle sin tángadar an marcshluaigh go Síth Lir,

As a haithle sin thángadar an marcshluagh go Sith Lir

After this the cavalcade came to Sioth
Lir,

ocus do innisiodar do mhaithibh Thuath De Danann

agus d’innseadar do mhaithibh Thuath Dé Danann

and they related to the nobles of the Tuatha Dé Danann

imtheachta na néan, ocus a richt.

imtheachta na n-éan agus a riocht agus gach ar chanadar.

the adventures of the birds, and their condition.

 “Ní fhuil comus againne orro”, ar na maithibh,

“Ní’l cumas againne ortha,” arsa na maithe,

“We have no power to help them”, said the nobles,

“acht gur maith linn a mbeith beó,

“acht gur maith linn a mbeith beó,

“but we are glad they are alive;

óir do gheabhaid cabhair a ndeire aimsire”.

óir do gheobhaid cabhair i ndeireadh aimsire.”

for they shall obtain relief in the end of time”.

Iomthusa chloinne Lir,

Iomthusa Chlainne Lir,

As to the Children of Lir,

d’ionnsuigheadar a nadhbhadh bunadh budh thuaigh,

d’ionnsuigheadar a n-ádhbhadh bunaidh bud thuaidh

they returned to their original home in the north

ar Shruth na Maoile,

ar Shruth na Maoile,

upon the current of the Maoil;

ocus do bhádar ann go ráinig leó a ttréimsi do chaithiomh ann;

agus do bhíodar ann go ráinig leó a dtréimhse do chaitheamh ann.

and they continued there until they had reached the consummation of their time there;

ocus adúbhairt Fionnghuala:

Agus adubhairt Fionnghuala:

and then Fionnghuala said:

“Is mithid dhuinn an tionad so d’fhágbháil,

“Is mithid dúinn an t-ionad so d’fhágbháil,

“It is time for us now to leave this place,

oir táinig ar ttréimsi ann”;

óir tháinig ár dtréimhse ann;”

for our time here has come”;

ocus do chan an laoidh:—

agus do chan an laoi seo:

and she spoke this lay:—

“Táirnig ar seal sonnana,

“Tháinig ár seal soineana,

“Our time has come here, indeed,

Is mithid dhuinn a iomghabháil,

Mithid dúinne iomghabháil

It is time to depart now

An cuan so ’nar chleachtamair

Ó’n gcuan so ’n-ar chleachtamair

From this shore which we have frequented

Trí chéad bliadhan buan-tsolais.

Trí chéad bliadhan buan-tsóláis.

Three hundred years of lasting light.

Go Rinn Iorrais iartharaigh,

Luidhmíd-na gan mearughadh dhe

To the point of Western Iorrus.

Ní budh husa a fholong sain,

Go rinn Iorrais thiar thuaidh

(It will not be easy to bear it),

Luídhmídne gan mhearughadh dhe,

Ní budh husa a fhulang soin,

Let us depart now without wandering,

Ré fulang na fuar-ghaoithe.

Le fulaing ó’n ngaoith fhuair.

Upon the support of the cold wind.

Gan osadh, gan oiriseamh,

Gan osadh, gan oiriseamh,

Without rest, without standing,

Gan aoin díon ar dhúr-dhoininn;

Gan díon dúr-dhoineana,

Without any shelter from the thick tempests;—

Ní mochean a ccualamar,

Ní mochean a gcualabhair,

Unwelcome to us is what we have heard,—

Táirnig ar seal sonnana”.

Tháinig ár seal soineana (?)”

Our term has come here, indeed”.

Cidh trá acht, d’fhágbhador clanna Lir Sruth na Maoile fá’n samhail sin,

Cidh trá, acht d’fhágadar, Clanna Lir, Sruth na Maoile fá’n samhail sin,

The Children of Lir then, accordingly,
left the current of the Maoil in that manner,

ocus rángodar rómpa go Rinn Iorrais Domnonn,

agus thángadar rómpa go Rinn Iorruis Domhnann;

and they passed on to the point of Iorrus Domhnann;  

ocus do bhádar ann ré headh ocus ré haimsir imchian,

agus do bhíodar ann re headh agus re haimsir imchian

and there they remained for a long period of time,

ag fulong fuachta ocus fuair-bheatha,

ag fulaing fuachta agus fuair-bheatha

suffering a life of cold and chilling,

go ttárla óglach saorchlanda dhóibh

go dtárla óglach saorchlanda dhóibh

until [at last it happened to them that] they met a young man, of a good family,

do lucht [aithreibhte an fhearainn,

de lucht áitreibhthe an fhearainn.

[one of the occupants of the lands

edhon, Aibhric a ainm];

Aibhric do b’ainm dó,

whose name was Aibhric],

ocus do bhí a aire ar na héanaibh go minic,

agus do bhí a aire ar na héanaibh go minic;

and his attention was often attracted to the birds,

ocus fá binn leis a cceiliobhradh,

agus ba bhinn leis a gceileabhradh

and their singing was sweet to him,

gur char iad go hiomarcach,

gur char sé iad go hiomarcach

so that he came to love them greatly,

ocus gur charadar san éision;

agus gur charadar san eisean.

and that they loved him;

ocus is é an tóglach so do leasaigh ocus d’fhaisnéis a nimtheachta uile.

Agus is é an t-óglach so do leasuigh agus do fhaisnéis a n-imtheachta uile.

and it was this young man that [afterwards] arranged in order and narrated all their adventures.

Acht atá ní cheana, do bhádar Clanna Lir, oidhche áirighthe ann,

Acht atá nidh cheana: do bhíodar, Clanna Lir, oidhche áirithe ann,

But at last it happened that the Children
of Lir, one night that they were there,
[at Iorrus],

ocus mar fuaradar an oidhche sin,

agus mar fuaireadar an oidhche sin

experienced a night

ní bhfhuaradar aon oidhche roimpe ’ná na diaigh riamh,

ní bhfuaireadar aon oidhche roimpe ná i n-a diaidh riamh

such as [they] never [experienced] *any* night before or after it,

lé méad a seaca, ocus a sneachta;

le méad a seaca agus a sneachta;

for the intensity of its frost and its snow;

óir do fhás leac oighre uile ar an sruth ideir Iorras ocus Acaill;

óir do fhás leac oighre ar an sruth uile idir Iorrus agus Achaill.

for a flag of ice grew upon the whole of the current between Iorrus and Acaill,

do leanadar a ccosa do’n lic oighre

Do leanadar a gcosa do’n lic oighre

and their feet adhered to the ice flag,

go na’r fhéadadar cor do chur dhíobh;

go nár fhéadadar cor do chur díobh;

so that they could not move;

ocus go ghabhadar na bráithre ag éaccaoine go mór,

agus do ghabhadar, na bráithre, ag éagcaoineadh go mór

and the brothers fell to moaning greatly,

ocus ag déanamh nuall-dhúbha dearmhár, ocus doghrainge díomhóir;

agus ag déanamh a n-uallcubha ndéarmhar agus doghruinge díomhóir.

and to lamenting loudly, and to grieving intensely;

ocus do bhí Fionnghuala aga ccosc,

Agus do bhí Fionnghuala ag a gcosc,

and Fionnghuala was consoling them,

ocus níor fhéad si;

acht níor fhéad sí;

and she could not,

ocus a dúbhairt an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt an laoi seo:

and she spoke the lay:—

“Truagh gáir na nealadh anocht;

“Truagh é gáir na n-ealadh anocht,

“Pitiful the lament of the swans this night,—

Is tráigh fódheara nó is tart;

Truagh fó gheasaibh iad anois:

Is it the ebb that has caused it, or it is a
drought?—

Gan uisge lionn-fhuar fá na nucht,

Gan uisce lionn-fhuar fá n-a n-ucht,

Without cold-flowing water under their
breasts,

A ccuirp is diombuan ó’n tart.

A gcuirp is díombuan ó’n dtart.

Their bodies will be short-lived from thirst.

Gan uisge tana, tailc, tréan,

Gan uisce tana tailc tréan,

Without thin water, firm, and strong,—

Gan tonn mara ag teacht ré ttaoibh;

Gan tonn mara ag teacht re dtaoibh;

Without a sea wave coming against their sides;

Do theacht an mhuir mheadhrach mhór,

Do théacht an mhuir mheadhrach mhór

The merry great sea has congealed,

Go bhfhuil na clár cóimhfhliuch caoin.

Go bhfuil ’n-a clár coimhfhliuch caoimh.

So that it has become a beautiful damp-wet plain.

A righ do chúm neamh is lár,

A Rí, do chúm neamh is lár,

O King who hast formed Heaven and Earth,

Ocus tug slán na sé shluaigh,

Is a thug slán na sé sluaigh,

And who broughtest safe the six hosts,

Foirthior leat an ealtan éan,

Fóirthear leat an ealta éan,

By thee be relieved the tribe of birds,

Leantar an tréan go madh truaigh”.

Iad anocht i bpéin is truaigh.”

Let the strong be chastised till they become pitiful”.

“A bhráithre” ar Fionnghuala,

“A óga,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“My brethren”, said Fionnghuala,

“creidigh an fir-Dhia forórdha na fírinne,

“creididh i bhfír-Dhia forórdha na fírinne

“believe ye in the truly splendid God of truth,

do chúm neamh go na néallaibh,

do chúm neamh go n-a néallaibh

who made Heaven with its clouds,

ocus talamh go na thorthaibh,

agus talamh go n-a thorthaibh

and Earth with its fruits,

ocus an fhairrge go na hiongantaibh,

agus an fhairrge go n-a hiongantaibh,

and the sea with its wonders;

agus an uile dhúil feicse agus neamh-fhaicse,

ocus do gheabhthaoi cobhair ocus cómhfhurtacht o’n cCoimhdhe”.

agus do gheobhthaoi cabhair agus comhfhurtacht ó’n gCoimhde.”

and ye shall receive help and full relief from the Lord”.

“Creidmíd”, ar iad;

“Creidimíd,” ar siad.

“We do believe”, said they.

“ocus creidimsi libh”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Agus creidim-se libh,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“And I believe with you”, said Fionnghuala,

“do’n fhir-Dhia fhoirfe, fhír-eólach”.

“do’n fhír-Dhia fhoirbhthe, fhír-eólach.”

“in the true God, perfect, truly intelligent”.

Ocus do chreidiodár ar an uair chóir,

Agus do chreideadar ar an uair chóir,

And they believed in the proper hour;

ocus fuaradar cabhair ocus cobhsanadh ó’n cCoimhdhe da éis sin,

agus fuaireadar cabhair agus cobhsanadh ó’n gCoimhde d’a éis sin,

and they received help and protection from the Lord after that;

ocus níor chuir doinionn ná doirbhshíon orra ó sin amach.

agus níor chuir doineann na doirbhshíon ortha ó shoin amach.

and neither tempest nor bad weather affected them from that time out.

Ocus do bhádar a Rinn Iorrais Domhnann

Agus do bhíodar i Rinn Iorruis Dhomhnann

And they continued at the point of Iorrus Domhnann

nó go dtáinig leó a ttréimsi do chaithiomh ann,

no go dtáinig leó a dtréimhse do chaitheamh ann,

until they consummated their [assigned] period there.

ocus adubhairt Fionnghuala:

agus adubhairt Fionnghuala:

And then Fionnghuala said:

“Is mithid dhuinn dul go Síoth Fionnachaidh

“Is mithid dúinn dul go Síoth Fionnachaidh

“It is time now that we go to Sioth Fionnachaidh,

mar a bhfhuil Lir gona theaghlach, ocus ar muinntir uile”.

mar a bhfuil Lir go n-a theaghlach agus ár muinntear uile.”

where Lir is with his household, and *all of* our people”.

“Is maith linne sin”, ar iadsan.

“Is maith linne san,” ar siadsan.

“We think well of that”, said they.

Ocus do ghluaiseadar rómpa go huréadtrom, aégheardha

Agus do ghluaiseadar rómpa go húiréadtrom éanamhail aerdha

And they set out forward, lightly and
airily,

nó go rangodar Síoth Fionnachaidh;

no go rángadar Síoth Fionnachaidh;

until they reached Sioth Fionnachaidh;

ocus is amhlaidh fuaradar an baile, fás, folamh ar a ccionn,

agus is amhla fuaireadar an baile i n-a fhásach fhollamh ar a gcionn,

and they found the place deserted and empty before them,

gan acht maol-rátha glasa,

gan acht maol-rátha glasa

with nothing but unroofed green raths,

ocus doireadha neannta ann,

agus doireadha neannta ann,

and forests of nettles there;

gan teach, gan teine, gan treib.

gan treabh, gan teach gan tigheas gan teine.

without a house, without a fire, without a residence.

Ocus tángadar a néinionad iona cceathrar,

Agus thángadar i n-aon ionad i n-a gceathrar,

And the four drew close together,

ocus tugadar trí gártha éaccaointe ós árd,

agus thugadar trí gártha goil is éagcaointe ós ard,

and they raised three shouts of lamentation aloud;

ocus adúbhairt Fionnghuala an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt Fionnghuala an laoi seo:

and Fionnghuala spoke the poem:—

“Iongnadh liom an baile so.

“Iongnadh liom an baile seo

“A wonder to me this place,—

Mar ’tá gan tigh, gan toighe,

Mar tá gan tigh gan tuighe;

How it is without house, without dwellings,

Mar do chím an baile so,

Mar do chím an baile seo,

This place as I see it now—

Uchán is cráidh lém’ chroidhe.

Uchán, is crádh lem’ chroidhe.

Uchone, it is bitterness to my heart.

Gan cona, is gan conarta,

Gan cona is gan conartha,

Without hounds, and without packs of dogs,

Gan mná, ’sgan ríoghraidh rathmhar,

Gan mná, gan rioghra rathmhar:

Without women, and without prosperous kings,

Mar ’tá anois ní chualamar,

Mar tá anois ní fhacamair

We have never heard of it as now it is,

An áitsi riamh ag ár nathair.

An áit seo riamh ag ár n-athair.

This place, before, with our father.

Gan corna, gan copána

Gan corna, gan copana,

Without drinking horns, without cups,

Gan ól ’na múraibh soillse;

Gan ól ’n-a múraibh soillse:

Without drinking in its lightsome halls,

Gan marcraidh, gan macámha,

Gan marcradh, gan macaomha,

Without cavalcades, without youths,

Mar tá anocht, is tuar tuirse.

Mar tá anocht is tuar tuirse.

As it is to night is an omen of grief.

Mar atáid lucht an bhailesi,

Mar atáid lucht an bhaile seo,

The state in which are the people of this place,

Ochán is cráidh lém’ chroidhe,

Uchán is crádh lem’ chroidhe:

Uchone, it is bitterness to my heart,

Atá anocht ar mairesi,

Atá anocht ar m’aire-se

It is clear this night to my perception,

Nach marionn triath an tíghe.

Nach maireann triath an tighe.

That the lord of this house is not alive.

A bhailesi ’na bhfhacamar,

A bhaile seo ’n-a bhfacamair

O thou, this place in which we have seen

Ceól is imirt, ocus aonach,

Ceol, imirt agus aonach,

Music, playing, and the fair-assembly;

Dar liom is é an tatharach,

Dar liom is é an t-atharrach

To me it seems a sad reverse,

Mar atá anocht anaonar.

Mar tá anocht ’n-a aonar.

How it stands this night deserted.

Méid na ndochar fuaramar,

Méid na ndochar fuaireamair

The greatness of our misfortunes,

O’n tuinn mara go chéile,

Ó thuinn mara go céile,

From the one ocean wave to the other,

A leithéid ní chualamar

A leithéid ní chualamair

The like of which we have not heard

D’imtheacht ar dhaoinibh eile.

D’imtheacht ar dhaoinibh eile.

To have happened to any other persons.

Dobh annamh an bailesi

Do b’annamh é an baile seo

Seldom has been this place

Taobh ré fér is ré fíodhbhaidh,

Taobh le féar ’s le fiodhbhadh

Trusting to grass and to wood,

Ní mhair fear ar naithnidhne,

Ní maireann fear ár n-aithne-na,

The man to recognize us liveth not,

Sinn san áitsi leis gé’r bhiongnadh”.

Sinn ’san áit seo leis nár bh’íongnadh.”

To find us here, though to him it were a
wonder”.

Cidh trá acht do bhádar Clanna Lir an oidhche sin

Cidh trá, acht do bhíodar Clanna Lir an oidhche sin

However, the Children of Lir remained that night

a nionad a nathar, ocus a seanathar

i n-ionad a n-athar agus a sean-athar

at the place of their father and their grandfather,

mar ar hoileadh iad;

mar ar oileadh iad;

where they had been nursed;

ocus do cansad ceól sír-bhinn síthe;

agus do chanadar ceól sír-bhinn sidhe.

and they chanted plaintively sweet, fairy music;

ocus do éirgheadar a mocha na maidne arnamhárach,

Agus d’eirgheadar i mocha na maidne ar n-a mháireach,

and they arose at early morning next day,

ocus do thionóladar éanlaith na críche go coitchionn chucca,

agus do thionóladar éanlaith na críche go coitcheann chucha

and the birds of the country in general congregated near them

ar Lochán na hEanlaithe a nInis Gluaire Bréanainn;

ar Locán na nÉanlaithe i nInis Gluaire *Bréandain*.

upon the Lake of the Birds in Inis Gluaire of Brendainn.

ocus do thigdís d’ingheilt gach laoi fa reannaibh imchiana na críche

Agus do théighdís d’ingheilt gach lá fó rannaibh imchiana na críche

And they used to go forth to feed each day to the remote points of the coast,

.i. go hInis Geóidh, ocus go hAchaill, ocus go Teach Duinn;

.i. go hInis Geoidh agus go hAcaill agus go Tigh Dhuinn

namely, to Inis Geadh and to Acaill, and to Teach Duinn,

ocus gus na hoiléanaibh iartharacha ar cheana;

agus gus na hoileánaibh iartharacha ar cheana.

and to the other western islands in like manner;

ocus do théighdís go hInis Gluaire Bréanainn gach oidhche.

Acht do thigidís go hInis Gluaire *Bréandain* gach oidhche.

and they used to return to Inis Gluaire of Brendainn each night.

Ocus do bhádar ar an ordúghadh sin ré headh, ocus ré haimsir fhada,

Do bhíodar ar an órdughadh soin re headh agsu re haimsir fhada,

And they continued living thus for a
long period of time,

go haimsir chreidimh Chríost,

go haimsir Chreidimh Chríost

till the time of the Faith of Christ,

ocus go ttáinig Pátraic naomhtha a nEirinn;

no go dtáinig Pádraig Naomhtha i nÉirinn

and until holy Patrick came into Erinn;

ocus go ttáinig Mochaomhóg naomhtha go hInis Gluaire Bréanainn.

agus fós go dtáinig Mochaomhóg naomhtha go hInis Gluaire Bréandain.

and until holy Mochaomhóg came to Inis Gluaire of Brendainn.

Ocus an chéad oidhche táinig do’n inis

Agus an chéad oidhche táinig sé do’n Inis

And the first night that he came to the island,

do chualadar Clanna Lir guth a chluig aga bhuain ’san iairméirge láimh leó;

do chualadar, Clanna Lir, guth a chluig ag a bhuain ’san iairmeirghe láimh leó

the Children of Lir heard the voice of his bell, ringing at matins, near them;

gur bhíogadar,

gur bhíodhgadar

and they started,

ocus gur bhuain-sginneadar go adhuathmhar aga chloisdin;

agus gur bhuain-sceinneadar go hadhfhuathmhar ag a chlos.

and leaped about in terror at hearing it;

ocus d’fhágbhadar a bráithre Fionnghuala na haonar.

Agus d’fhágadar, a bráithre, Fionnghuala i n-a huath agus i n-a haonar.

and her brothers left Fionnghuala alone.

“Créad sin, a bhráithre ionmhaine?” ar sí.

“Créad soin, a bhráithre ionmhuine?” ar sí.

“What is this, O beloved brothers?”
said she.

“Ní fheadamair” ar siad, “cia an guth anbhfhann adhfhuathmhar do chualamar”.

“Ní fheadamair,” ar siad, “cia an guth anbhfhann adhfhuathmhar do chualamair.”

“We know not”, say they, “what faint fearful voice it is we have heard”.

“Guth chluig Mhochaomhóig sin”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Guth chluig Mhochaomhóig san,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“That is the voice of the Bell of Mochaomhóg”, said Fionnghuala;

“ocus is é sgarfas sibhsi ré péin, ocus ré peanaid,

“agus is é scarfas sibh-se le péin agus le peanaid,

“and it is that [bell that] shall liberate you from suffering and from pain,

ocus fhóirfeas sibh maille re toil Dé”;

agus is é fhóirfios sibh maille le toil Dé.”

and shall relieve you according to the will of God”;

ocus adúbhairt an laoidh:—

Agus adubhairt an laoi seo:

and she spoke the lay:—

“Eisdigh ré clog an chléirigh,

“Éistidh le clog an chléirigh,

“Listen to the Cleric’s bell;

Tógbhaidh bhur neite ocus éirgidh,

Tógbhaidh bhur n-eite is éirghidh,

Elevate your wings and arise;

Beiridh a bhuidhe ré Dia a theacht,

Beiridh a bhuidhe le Dia A theacht,

Give thanks to God for his coming,

Ocus altaighidh a éisteacht.

Agus altuighidh A éisteacht.

And be grateful for having heard him.

Córaide dhaoibh bheith dhá réir,

Córaide dhíbh bheith dh’a réir,

It is the more proper that ye to be ruled by him,

Is é sgarfas sibh ré péin,

Is é scarfas sibh le péin;

Because it is he that shall liberate you from pain,

Sgarfaidh ribh cairrge is clocha

Scarfaidh libh carraig is cloch,

Shall bring you away from the rocks and stones,

Ocus sgarfaidh garbh shrotha.

Maraon agus luas na sroth.

And shall bring you away from the furious currents.

A deirimsi ribhse, dhe,

Adeirim-se libh-se dhe,

I say unto you, therefore,

Déanaidh creideamh cóir cinnte,

Deinidh creideamh inchreidthe:

Make you a confession of proper accurate faith;

A cheathrar chaomh Chloinne Lir,

A cheathrar chaomh-Chlainne Lir,

Ye comely four [three ?] Children of Lir,

Eistigh ré clog an chléirigh”.

Éistighidh le clog an chléirigh.”

Listen to the bell of the Cleric”.

Cidh trá, acht do bhádar Clanna Lir agh éistiocht ris in cceól sin do rinne an cléirioch,

Cidh trá, acht do bhíodar, Clanna Lir, ag éisteacht leis an gceól soin do rinne an cléireach

The Children of Lir, therefore, continued listening to that music which the cleric performed,

nó gur chríochnaigh a thrátha.

no go dtáinig dó a thrátha do cheileabhradh.

until he had finished his matins.

“Canam ar cceol anois”, ar Fionnghuala,

“Canam ár gceól anois,” arsa Fionnghuala,

“Let us chant our music now”, said Fionnghuala,

“d’áird-righ nimhe ocus talmhan”.

“do Áirdrigh neimhe agus talmhan.”

“for the High King of Heaven and Earth”.

Ocus do chanadar a cceadóir, ceól síreachtach, sír-bhinn, síthe,

Agus do chanadar i gcéadóir ceól síreachtach sír-bhinn sidhe

And they immediately chanted a plaintive, slow-sweet, fairy music,

ag moladh an choimhdhe, ocus do adradh an áird-righ.

ag moladh an Choimhde agus ag adhradh an Áirdriogh.

in praise of the Lord, and in adoration of the High King.

Ocus do bhí Mochaomhóg ag éisteacht riú,

Do bhí Mochaomhóg ag éisteacht leó,

And Mochaomhóg was listening to them,

ocus do ghuidh Dia go dúthrachtach

agus do ghuidh Dia go dúthrachtach

and he prayed God fervently

fána fhoillsiúghadh dhó, cia ro chan an ceól sain;

fá n-a fhoillsiughadh dhó cia do chan an ceól soin.

to reveal to him who it was that chaunted the music;

ocus ro foillsigheadh dhó gurab iad Clanna Lir do rinne é.

D’fhoillsigheadh dó gurab iad Clanna Lir do rinne.

and it was revealed unto him that it was the Children of Lir that performed it.

Ocus iar tteacht na maidne arnamhárach,

Iar dteacht na maidne ar n-a mháireach,

And upon the coming of the morning of the next day,

gluaisios Mochaomhóg go Loch na hEanlaithe

do ghluais Mochaomhóg roimhe go Loch na hÉanlaithe,

Mochaomhóg went forward to the Lake of the Birds;

ocus do chonnairc na héin uadha ar an loch;

agus do chonnaic na héin uaidh ar an loch;

and he saw the birds out upon the lake;

ocus do chuaidh go hoirear an chuain mar a bhfhacaidh iad,

do chuaidh go hoirear an chuain mar a bhfacaidh iad,

and he went to the brink of the shore where he saw them,

ocus do fhiafraigh dhíobh:

agus d’fhiafruigh díobh:

and he inquired of them:

“An sibh Clann Lir?” ar sé.

“An sibh Clann Lir?”

“Are ye the Children of Lir?” said he.

“As sinn go deimhin”, ar iadsan.

“Is sinn go deimhin,” ar siad san.

“We are, indeed”, said they.

“Do bheirim a bhuidhe sin ré Dia”, ar Mo chaomhógh,

“Do bheirim a bhuidhe sin le Dia,” arsa Mochaomhóg,

“I return thanks to God for it”, said Mochaomhóg,

“óir as ar bhur son tangusa chum na hinnsesi,

“óir is ar bhur son do thánga-sa chum na hinse seo

“for it is for your sakes that I have come to this island

tar gach ninnsi oile in Eirinn;

thar gach inis eile i nÉirinn.

beyond every other island in Erinn;

ocus tígídh a ttír,

Agus tigidh i dtír

and come ye to land now,

ocus tabhraidh taobh friomsa,

agus tugaidh taobh liom-sa,

and put your trust in me,

óir as annso atá a ccinneadh dhíbh deaghoibreacha do déanamh,

óir is annso atá i gcinneadh dhíbh deagh-oibreacha do dhéanamh

for it is here it is destined for you to perform good works,

ocus dealúghadh ré bhur bpeacthaibh”.

agus dealughadh le nbhur bpeacaíb.”

and separate from your sins”.

Tángadar i ttír iar sin, ocus tugadar taobh ris an ccléireach;

Thángadar i dtír iarsoin agus thugadar taobh leis an gcléireach.

They came to land after that, and they
put trust in the Cleric;

ocus do rug lais da adhbhuidh féin iad;

Do rug seisean leis d’a adhbhaidh féin iad,

and he took them with him to his own abode,

ocus do bhídís ag déanamh tráth,

agus do bhídís ag déanamh tráth

and they used to keep the canonical hours there,

ocus ag éisteacht aifrinn a bhfhochair an chléirigh.

is ag éisteacht Aifrinn i bhfochair an chléirigh.

and to celebrate mass along with the Cleric.

Ocus tug Mochaomhog ceárd maith chuige,

Agus thug Mochaomhóg ceárd maith chuige,

And Mochaomhóg took a good artificer to him,

ocus d’fhuráil air slabhradha airgid aoinghil do dhéanamh dhóibh;

agus d’fhuráil air slabhradha airgid aenghil do dhéanamh dóibh;

and he ordered him to make chains of bright white silver for them;

ocus do chuir slabhraidh idir Aodh ocus Fhionnghuala,

agus do chuir slabhradh idir Aodh agus Fhionnghuala

and he put a chain between Aodh and Fionnghuala,

ocus slabhraidh idir Chonn ocus Fhiachra;

agus slabhradh idir Chonn agus Fhiachra.

and a chain between Conn and Fiachra;

ocus do bhídís na cceathrar ag urgháirdiúghadh intinni,

Do bhídís i n-a gceathrar ag úrgháirdiughadh intinne

and the four of them gave much joy of mind

ocus ag méadúghadh meanmna ag an ccléireach;

agus ag méadughadh meanman ag an gcléireach,

and increase of spirits to the Cleric;

ocus níor chuir imshníomh ná atuirse ar na hénuibh aon ghuasacht ná aon riocht d’ar imthigh orra conuige sin.

agus níor tháinig imshníom ná athtuirse ar na héanaibh mar gheall ar aon ghuasacht ná aon riocht d’ar imthigh ortha go nuige sin.

and no danger nor distress in which the birds had been hitherto, caused them any fatigue or distress now.

As é fá righ ar Chonnachtaibh an tan sin,

Is é ba rí ar Chonnachtaibh an tan soin

He who was king of Connacht at this
time was

Lairgnén mac Colmáin, mic Cobhthaigh,

Lairgnéan mac Cholmáin, mhic Chobhthaigh;

Lairgnen, the son of Colman, son of Cobhthach,

ocus Deoch inghean Fhinnghin mhic Aodha Allainn

agus Deoch inghean Fhinghin mhic Aodha Áluinn

and Deoch the daughter of Finghin, son of Aodh Allainn,

.i. inghean righ Mumhan,

.i. inghean riogh Mumhan,

that is, the daughter of the King of Munster,

as í bá bhan chéile dhó.

is í ba bhainchéile dhó.

was his wife.

Ocus do chualaigh an inghean tuarusgbháil na nén

Do chualaidh an inghean tuarasgabháil na n-éan

And the woman heard the account of
the birds,

ocus do líon da searc ocus da síor ghrádh;

agus do líon d’a seirc agus d’a síor-ghrádh,

and she was filled with affection and fast love for them;

ocus do iarr ar Lairgnén na heóin d’fhághail dhi.

agus do iarr ar Lairgnéan na héin d’fhagháil di.

and she entreated of Lairgnen to procure the birds for her.

Ocus adúbhairt Lairgnén nách iarrfadh ar Mhochaomhóg iad.

Acht adubhairt Lairgnéan nach iarrfadh ar Mhochaomhóg iad.

And Lairgnen said that he would not ask them of Mochaomhóg.

Ocus tug Deoch a briathar

Agus thug Deoch a briathar

And Deoch gave her word

nách beith féin aon oidhche ag Lairgnén,

nách beadh féin aon oidhche ag Lairgnéan

that she would not remain one night longer with Lairgnen

muna bhfhaghaidh na heóin;

muna bhfaghadh na heoin,

if she did not obtain the birds;

ocus do ghluais roimpe as an mbaile.

agus do ghluais roimpe as an mbaile.

and she set out at once from her residence.

Ocus do chuir Lairgnén teachta go luath da tóruigheacht,

Do chuir Lairgnéan teachta go luath d’a tóruidheacht,

And Lairgnen sent messengers quickly after her,

ocus ní rugadh uirre go ráinic Cill Dalua.

acht ní rugadh uirthe go ráinig Cill Dálua.

and she was not overtaken till she reached Cill Dalua.

Ocus táinig sisi tar a hais do’n bhaile iarsin;

Tháinig sise thar a hais d’on bhaile iarsoin,

And she went back to the residence then;

ocus do chuir Lairgnén teachta d’iarraidh na néan ar Mhochaomhóg;

agus chuir Lairgnéan teachta d’iarraidh na n-éan ar Mhochaomhóg,

and Lairgnen sent messengers to ask the birds from Mochaomhóg;

ocus ní bhfhuair iad.

acht ní bhfuair iad.

and he failed to get them.

Do bhí fearg mhór ar Lairgnén uime sin,

Do bhí fearg mhór ar Lairgnéan uime sin,

Great anger seized upon Lairgnen on
this account,

ocus táinig féin go hairm araibh Mochaomhóg,

agus tháinig féin go hairm a raibh Mochaomhóg,

and he came himself to where Mochaomhóg was,

ocus d’fhiafhraigh dhe ar bhfhíor a rádha gur dhiúlt im na héanaibh é.

agus d’fhiafhruigh de ar bh’fhíor a rádh gur dhiúlt um na héanaibh é.

and he asked him if it was true that he had refused him the birds.

“As fíor go deimhin”, ar Mochaomhóg.

“Is fíor go deimhin,” arsa Mochaomhóg.

“It is true, indeed”, said Mochaomhóg.

Ann sin do eirigh Lairgnén, ocus tug sítheamh ar na héanaibh,

Annsoin d’eirigh Lairgnéan, agus thug sítheamh ar na héanaibh,

Then Lairgnen arose, and grasped at the birds,

ocus tug chuige do’n altóir iad

agus thug chuige do’n altóir iad

and snatched them to him off the altar,

.i. dá éan ann gach láimh dhó;

.i. dhá éan i ngach láimh dó.

namely, two birds in each hand;

ocus gluaises roimhe go hairm araibh Deoch,

Agus do ghluais roimhe go hairm a raibh Deoch,

and he went forth towards the place in which Deoch was;

ocus leanas Mochaomhóg é.

agus lean Mochaomhóg é.

and Mochaomhóg followed him;

Acht ar nglacadh na néan dó,

Acht ar ghlacadh na n-éan dó,

but as soon as he had laid hands on the birds

do chuaidh a ttlacht cochaill dhíobh,

do chuaidh a dtlacht cochaill díobh;

their feathery coats fell off them,

ocus do rinneadh trí seanoire críona, cnámhacha dona macaibh;

agus do rinneadh trí seanóire críonna cnámhacha de na macaibh

and the sons were transformed into *three* withered, bony old men,

ocus sean chailleach, lom, arsaidh, gan fhuil, gan fhéoil, do’n inghin.

agus sean-chailleach lom ársaidh gan fhuil gan fheoil de’n inghin.

and the daughter into a lean, withered old woman [real men and woman], without blood or flesh.

Ocus do ghabh bíodhgadh Lairgnén iar sin,

Do ghaibh bíodhgadh Lairgnéan iar soin

And Lairgnen started at this,

ocus do ghluais as an mbaile amach;

agus do ghluais as an mbaile amach;

and he went out of the place;

ocus ní cian do chuaidh

agus ní cian do chuaidh

and he had not gone far

an tan do eascain Mochaomhóg é go díochrach.

an tan d’eascain Mochaomhóg é go díocrach.

when Mochaomhóg cursed him fervently.

Is ann sin adúbhairt Fionnghuala.

Is annsoin adubhairt Fionnghuala:

It was then that Fionnghuala said:

“Tar d’ar mbaisdeadh a chléirigh,

“Tair d’ár mbaisteadh, a chléirigh,

“Come to baptize us, O Cleric,

oir as gairid uainn dul do’n éag;

óir is gairid uainn dul do’n éag;

for our death is near;

ocus as dearb nách measa leatsa dealúghadh linne,

agus is dearbh nach measa leat-sa dealughadh linne

and assuredly you do not think worse of parting with us

na linne dealúghadh leatsa;

ioná linne dealughadh leat-sa.

than we do at parting with you;

ocus déana ar nadhlacadh as a haithle,

Agus déin ár n-adhlacadh as a haithle.

therefore make our grave afterwards,

ocus cuir Conn dom’ leith dheas, ocus Fiachra dom’ leith chlé,

Chuir Conn agus Fiachra do leith mo chúil

and place Conn at my right side, and Fiachra on my left side,

ocus Aodh do leith m’aighthe”;

agus Aodh do leith m’aighthe;”

and Aodh before my face”;

ocus adúbhairt an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt an laoi seo:

and she spoke the poem:—

“Tar d’ar mbaisteadh a chléirigh,

“Tair d’ár mbaisteadh, a chléirigh,

“Come to baptize us, O Cleric;

Gabh umat ocus éirigh,

Gaibh umat agus éirigh,

Take upon thee and arise;

Glan dinn ar niomad smáil,

Glan dinn ár n-iomad smáil

Clear away from us our many stains,

’Sar ccionta uile, a chompáin.

’S ár gcionta uile, a chompáin.

And all our faults, O companion.

Guidh si Dia do dhealbh neamh,

Guidh-se Dia do dhealbhuigh neamh

Pray thou the God who formed Heaven,

Go ttigh leatsa ar mbaisteadh;

Go dtig leat ár mbaisteadh

That thou mayest succeed in baptizing us;

Gurabh luchtmhar ar nuaigh,

Go raibh lucht úird ós ár n-uaigh

Let our grave be capacious,

’Sar mbuinn re haltóir aonuair.

Is ár mboinn le haltóir fhuair.

And our feet at once to the altar.

As amhlaidh órdaighim an uaigh,

Is amhlaidh órduighim an uaigh,

Thus do I order the grave:

Fiachra, is Conn for mo dhá thaobh,

Fiachra is Conn cruaidh rem’ thaobh;

Fiachra and Conn by me on either side,

Am ucht, idir mo dhá láimh,

Roimh m’ucht, idir mo dhá láimh,

And in my lap, between my two arms.

A chléirigh cháidh cuir Aodh.

A chléirigh cháidh, cuir Aodh.

Thou chaste Cleric, place Aodh.

A Mhochaomhóg an ghlóir ghlic,

A Mhochaomhóg an ghlóir ghlic,

O Mochaomhóg of the subtle speech.

Sgarthainn ribh cia doiligh leam,

Scarmhain libh gidh doiligh liom,

Though grievous to me to part from thee,

Déana go héasgaidh an uaigh,

Déin go héascaidh an uaigh

Prepare thou hastily the grave;

Imthigh go luath is tar a nam”.

Imthigh go luath, is tair i n-am.”

Depart quickly, and come in time”.

A haithle na laoidh sin, do baisteadh; ocus do éagadar, ocus do hadhlacadh, Clanna Lir;

A haithle na laoi sin do baisteadh iad, agus d’éagadar. Do hadlacadh Clanna Lir leis an gcléireach annsoin.

After this lay, the children of Lir were
baptized; and they died, and were buried;

ocus do cuireadh Fiachra ocus Conn for a dá taobh,

Cuireadh Fiachra is Conn do leith a cúil do’n inghin,

and Fiachra and Conn were placed at either side [of Fionnghuala],

ocus Aodh do leith a haighthe, mar do ordaigh Fionnghuala;

agus Aodh do leith a haighthe, mar do órduigh sí.

and Aodh before her face, as Fionnghuala ordered;

ocus do tógbhadh a lia ós a leacht,

Do tógbhadh a lia ós a leacht,

and their tombstone was raised over their tomb,

ocus do scríobhadh a nanmanna oghaim,

do scríobhadh a n-ainmneacha oghaim,

and their Oghaim names were written;

ocus do fearadh a ccluiche caointe;

do fearadh a gcluiche caointe,

and their lamentation rites were performed;

ocus do fríth neamh dia nanmannaibh, tré impidhe Mhochaomhóig.

agus do frith neamh do n-a n-anamnaibh tré impidhe Mhochaomhóig.

and Heaven was obtained for their souls through the prayers of Mochaomhóg.

Ocus do bhí Mochaomhóg go cúmach, tuirseach ina ndiaigh;

Agus do bhí Mochaomhóg go cumhach tuirseach i n-a ndiaidh

And Mochaomhóg was sorrowful and
distressed after them;

ocus do bhí ag tabhairt achmhusáin ocus eascaine ar Lairgnén,

agus do bhí ag tabhairt achmhusán is eascaine ar Lairgnéan,

and he was bestowing reproaches and maledictions upon Lairgnen;

ocus adúbhairt an laoidh:—

agus adubhairt an laoi seo:

and he spoke the lay:

“A Lairngéin! mo mhallacht ort,

“A Lairgnéin! mo mhallacht ort

“O Lairgnen! my curse upon thee,

As géar do chrádhais mo chaomh-chorp;

Tré mar do chrádhais-se mo chorp;

Sharply hast thou tortured my fair body.

Go ccráidheadh Dia do chorp slán,

Go gcrádhaidh Dia do chorp slán

May God torture thy living body,

Mar do chrádhais an bochtán.

Mar do chrádhais-se an bochtán.

As thou hast tortured this poor wretch.

Mo cheithre peataidhe dil, éan.

Mo cheithre pheataidhe díl-éan

My poor beloved pets of birds,

Mar do mhillis a Lairgnén,

Mar do mhillis, a Lairgnéin,

As thou hast ruined, O Lairgnen,

Go milleadh Dia thusa féin,

Go millidh Dia tusa féin

May God ruin thee thyself

Fád’ bhainchéile, a Lairgnén.

Fód’ bhain-chéile, a Lairgnéin.

In thy wife [lit. woman companion,] O Lairgnen.

An bhean tug ort a labhradh,

An bhean thug ort a labhradh,

The woman who induced thee to speak,

Mas déoin ré mo thighearna,

Má’s deoin le mo thighearna,

If it be willing to my Lord,

Go raibh dhi ar son an fhill,

Go raibh dhi ar son an fhill

May she have, in return for this guile,

Giorra saoghail is ifrinn.

Giorradh saoghail, pian ifrinn.

Shortness of life and Hell.

Andiaidh mo cheathrar daltadh,

I ndiaidh mo cheathrar daltadh,

After my four pets,

Gan chompán, gan chomhaltadh;

Gan chompán, gan chomhdhalta,

Without a companion, without a pet,

Mar táim anocht, truag an sgéal,

Mar táim anocht, is truagh an scéal:

As I am, this night—sad the tale,

Mo mhallacht ort a Lairgnén!”

Mo mhallacht ort, a Lairgnéin!”

My curse upon thee, O Lairgnen!”

Níor chian iar sin

Níor chian iarsoin

It was not long after this

go bhfuair Lairgnén, maille re na bhainchéile, bás go hobann,

go bhfuair Lairgnéan, maille ré n-a bhain-chéile, bás go hobann

until Lairgnen, together with his wife, came to a sudden death

tré eascaine Dé ocus Mhochaomhóig.

tré eascaine Dé agus Mochaomhóig

through the curse of *God and* Mochaomhóg.

i ndioghail an droich-ghníomha soin do rinneadar.

Conadh í Oidheadh Chloinne Lir conuige sin.

Gonadh Oidhe Chlainne Lir go nuige sin.

And that is the Fate of the Children of
Lir, so far.