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Complete file (PDF)

Incipit do Thochmarc Edaine

*Tosú Thochmhairc Éadaoine anseo*

Here begins the Wooing of Étaín.

Bai ri amra for Eirinn do T[h]uathaib De a c[h]enel,

Bhí rí uasal in Éirinn — de Thuathaibh Dé Danann a chineál

There was a famous king of Ireland of the race of the Tuatha Dé,

Eochaid Ollathar a ainm.

agus Eochaidh Ollathair a ainm.

Eochaid Ollathair his name.

Ainm n-aill do dano an Dagda,

Ainm eile dó an Dá, *ar ndóigh,*

He was also named the Dagda [i.e. good god], *moreover,*

ar ba hé dognith na firta ocus conmidhedh na sina ocus na toirthe doib.

óir b’é sin a dheineadh na fearta agus a rialaíodh na síonta agus na torthaí dóibh.

for it was he that used to work wonders for them and control the weather and the crops.

Ba head asbeirdis combo dé asberthe Dagda fris.

Dá bhrí sin deiridis go nglaoití an Dá air.

Wherefore men said he was called the Dagda.

Bai ben la hEalcmar an Broga .i. Eithni a hainm.

Bhí bean ag Ealcmhar an Bhrú — Eithne a hainm.

Elcmar of the Brug had a wife whose name was Eithne,

Ainm n-aill di Boand.

Ainm eile di an Bhóinn.

and another name for her was Boand.

Atacobair an Dagda dó a cairdeas collaidi.

Bhí sí ón nDá i gcairdeas colla.

The Dagda desired her in carnal union.

Aroét an ben on Dagda

Ghlacfadh an bhean leis an nDá

The woman would have yielded to the Dagda

acht nibad oman Ealcmaire,

mura mbeadh eagla Ealcmhair uirthi

had it not been for fear of Elcmar,

ar med a c[h]umachtai.

toisc méid a chumhachta.

so great was his power.

Faidis an Dagda iarum Ealcmar n-uad for turus

Ina dhiaidh san do chuir an Dá Ealcmhar uaidh ar turas

Thereupon the Dagda sent Elcmar away on a journey

co Bres mac nEalathan co Mag nInis,

go dtí Breas mac Ealaíon i Má nInis

to Bres son of Elatha in Mag nInis,

ocus dogeine an Dagda tincheadla mora for Ealcmar oc dul nuad,

agus do chuir an Dá geasa móra draíochta ar Ealcmhar agus é ag dul uaidh

and the Dagda worked great spells upon Elcmar as he set out,

cona tisad i fairthi .i. a muichi,

chun ná tiocfadh sé thar n-ais go luath

that he might not return betimes (that is, early)

ocus diuchtrais dorcha n-aidchi aire,

agus do bhain sé dorchadas oíche de

and he dispelled the darkness of night for him,

ocus argart gortai ocus itaid de.

agus d’ainic ar ghorta agus ar thart é.

and he kept hunger and thirst from him.

Dobert imorchora mora fair,

Do chuir sé teachtaireachtaí móra air

He sent him on long errands,

co torchaidh .ix. mísa fri haenla.

gur imigh naoi míosa thart in aon ló

so that nine months went by as one day,

Fo bhith asbertsom conicfad ider lá ocus aidchi dia thig afrithisi.

— mar dúirt sé go dtiocfadh sé thar n-ais idir lá agus oíche.

for he had said that he would return home again between day and night.

Luid an Dagda co mnai nEalcmair coléig

Chuaigh an Dá isteach go dtí bean Ealcmhair *idir an dá linn*

Meanwhile the Dagda went in unto Elcmar’s wife,

co mbert mac dó .i. Aengus a ainm,

agus rug sí mac dó — Aonghas a ainm.

and she bore him a son, even Aengus,

ocus ba slan an bean dia galar ar cind Ealcmair,

Agus bhí an bhean slán dá seoladh ós comhair Ealcmhair

and the woman was whole of her sickness when Elcmar returned,

ocus nir airigistair fuirri a bine

agus níor bhraith sé a locht uirthi

and he perceived not her offence,

.i. teacht a coibligi an Dagdai.

.i. í tar éis bheith ina luí leis an nDá.

that is, that she had lain with the Dagda.

Birt an Dagda a mac coleigh for altrom do tig Midir i mBrig Leith i Teathbai.

Rug an Dá a mhac leis ar altram go tigh Mhír i mBrí Léith i dTeafa *ag an am sin*.

The Dagda meanwhile brought his son to Midir’s house in Brí Léith in Tethba, to be fostered.

Alta Aengus i ssuidiu co cend .ix. mbliadna.

Do hoileadh Aonghas ansan go ceann naoi mbliana.

There Aengus was reared for the space of nine years.

Cluichemag már la Midir i mBrig Leith.

Bhí mágh mhór chluiche ag Mír i mBrí Léith.

Midir had a great playing-field in Brí Léith.

Tri .l.a mac ann do maccaemaib thiri Erenn,

Bhíodh trí caogaid mhac ann de mhacaoimh thíre Éireann

Thrice fifty lads of the young nobles of Ireland were there

ocus tri .l.a ingin d’inginaib thiri Erenn.

agus trí caogaid iníon d’iníona thíre Éireann.

and thrice fifty maidens of the land of Ireland.

Aengus bá toiseach doib uili

Bhí Aonghas ina thaoiseach orthu go léir

Aengus was the leader of them all,

ar med a grada la Midir,

ar mhéid a ghrá le Mír,

because of Midir’s great love for him,

ar caime a delba ocus ar suíri a ceneoil.

ar chaoimhe a dheilbhe agus ar shaoire a chineáil.

and the beauty of his form and the nobility of his race.

Ainm do dano an Mac Ócc, a n-asbert a mathair:

B’ainm dó ansan an Mac Óg mar dúirt a mháthair

He was also called in Mac Óc (the Young Son), for his mother said:

“Is óc an mac doronad i tosach lai

“Is óg an mac a deineadh i dtosach lae

“Young is the son who was begotten at the break of day

ocus ro geinir etir ocus fescur.”

agus a rugadh idir é agus bruach nóna.”

and born betwixt it and evening.”

Fearais Aengus deabaid fri Triath mac Feabail nó Gobair do Feraib Bolc,

D’éirigh idir Aonghas agus Triath mac Feabhail (nó Gabhair) de na Fearaibh Bolg

Now Aengus quarreled with Triath son of Febal (or Gobor) of the Fir Bolg,

ba leaththuiseach don cluichi

a bhí ina leathtaoiseach don chluiche

who was one of the two leaders in the game,

ocus ba dalta do Midir.

agus ina dhalta ag Mír.

and a fosterling of Midir.

Nibo menma la Aengus a acal[l]aim do T[h]riath, co n-epert:

Níor mhaith le hAonghas go mbeadh Triath ag caint leis mar dúirt sé:

It was no matter of pride with Aengus that Triath should speak to him, and he said:

“As imnead dam mac an mogad dom acallaim”

“Is olc liom mac an mhogha a bheith ag caint liom,”

“It irks me that the son of a serf should hold speech with me,”

— ar doruimin Aengus co sin robo Midir a athair,

— mar cheap Aonghas go dtí san gurbh é Mír a athair

for Aengus had believed until then that Midir was his father,

ocus ba toich do rigi Breag Leith fadeisin,

agus gurbh í ríocht Bhrí Léith féin a oidhreacht

and the kingship of Brí Léith his heritage,

ocus ni fhidir a chairdeas frisin Dagda an tan sin.

agus ní raibh a fhios aige an t-am san gur chara gaoil dó an Dá.

and he knew not then of his kinship with the Dagda.

Friscart Triath co n-epert:

Do fhreagair Triath agus dúirt:

Triath made answer and said:

“Ni ferr liumsa,” or se, “in t-amus dona fes mathair nó athair dom acallaim.”

“Ní fearr liomsa,” ar seisean, “an t-amhas gan a fhios máthar ná athar dó a bheith ag caint liomsa.”

“I take it no less ill that a hireling whose mother and father are unknown should hold speech with me.”

Luid Aengus iarum for cai ocus dubai docum Midir

Ina dhiaidh san chuaigh Aonghas le gol agus le dúchas chun Mír

Thereupon Aengus went to Midir weeping and sorrowful

iarna athaisiugud do Triath.

agus aithis bainte as ag Triath.

at having been put to shame by Triath.

“Cid sin?” ol Midir.

“Cad é seo?” arsa Mír.

“What is this?” said Midir.

“Triath rom c[h]ain, ocus dorrubai frim eneach

“Cháin Triath mé agus chaith suas im aghaidh

“Triath has defamed me and cast in my face

nad fil mathair na hathair lium.”

ná fuil máthair ná athair agam.”

that I have neither mother nor father.”

“Is gó,” ol Midir.

“Is bréag san,” arsa Mír.

“ ’Tis false,” said Midir.

“Ceist,” ol Aengus, “cia mo mathair, can dom athair?”

“Más ea,” arsa Aonghas, “cé hí mo mháthair agus cad as do m’athair?”

“Who is my mother, from whence is my father?” *said Aengus.*

“Ni hannsa.

“Ní deacair é sin.

“No hard matter.

Eochaid Ollathar do athair”, ol Midir,

Is é Eochaidh Ollathair t’athair,” arsa Mír,

Thy father is Eochaid Ollathair,” said Midir,

“ocus Eithni ben Ealcmair an Broga do mathair.

“agus is í Eithne bean Ealcmhair an Bhrú do mháthair.

“and Eithne, wife of Elcmar of the Brug, is thy mother.

Misi dot alt fó clith ar Ealcmar,

Is mise a oil tú fé cheilt ar Ealcmhar

It is I that have reared thee unknown to Elcmar,

arnabad tocrad do denam dia chind.”

chun ná beadh sé cráite tusa a bheith déanta dá ainneoin.”

lest it should cause him pain that thou wast begotten in his despite.”

“Tairsu liumsa,” ol Aengus,

“Tair im theanntasa,” arsa Aonghas,

“Come thou with me,” said Aengus,

“conomm ardama m’athair,

“go n-admhaí m’athair mé

“that my father may acknowledge me,

arnach rabasa fo clith ba sire fo aithisib Fer mBolg.”

chun ná rabhad níos fuide i bhfolach fé aithisí na bhFear Bolg.”

and that I may no longer be kept hidden away under the insults of the Fir Bolg.”

Docomlai Midir iarum ocus a dalta leis do agallaim Eachach,

Ansan d’imigh Mír agus a dhalta ina theannta chun a bheith ag caint le hEochaidh

Then Midir set out with his fosterling to have speech with Eochaid,

co mbadur i nUisneach Midi a medon Erenn,

go dtí gur shroiseadar Uisneach Mí i lár Éireann

and they came to Uisnech of Meath in the centre of Ireland,

ar ba hann bai teach nEachach,

mar is ansan a bhí tigh Eochaidh

for ’tis there that was Eochaid’s house,

daig ba comfadai uad for cach leth ind Eiriu

ionnas go raibh Éire ar chomhfhad uaidh

Ireland stretching equally far from it on every side,

fodeas ocus fotuaid, sair ocus siar.

ó dheas agus ó thuaidh, soir agus siar.

to south and north, to east and west.

Co fairrnechtar Eochaid ara cind a ndail.

Fuaireadar Eochaidh ar a gcionn i ndáil.

Before them in the assembly they found Eochaid.

Congair Midir in rí[g] leis for leith do agallaim in meic.

Ghlaoigh Mír an rí ar leith chuige chun go mbeadh sé ag caint leis an macán.

Midir called the king aside to have speech with the lad.

“Cid is ail don oglaech sa nach tainig riam?”

“Cad is áil leis an óglach so nár tháinig roimhe seo?”

“What does he desire, this youth who has not come until now?”

“Is ail do a aidide dia athair

“Is áil leis a admháil dá athair

“His desire is to be acknowledged by his father,

ocus ferand do tabairt do,” ol Midir,

agus fearann a thabhairt dó,” arsa Mír,

and for land to be given to him,” said Midir,

“ar ni comadais do macsu can ferann ocus tusa a righi nErenn.”

“mar ní ceart do mhacsa gan fearann agus tusa i ríocht Éireann.”

“for it is not meet that thy son should be landless while thou art king of Ireland.”

“Is fo chean dó,” ol Eochaid, “is mac dam.

“Mochean dó,” arsa Eochaidh, “is mac dom é.

“He is welcome,” said Eochaid, “he is my son.

An ferand dutracarsa dó ni folam fos.”

Ach ní folamh fós an fearann ba mhian liom a thabhairt dó.”

But the land I wish him to have is not yet vacant.”

“Cia ferand sin?” ol Midir.

“Cé’n fearann é sin?” arsa Mír.

“What land is that?” said Midir.

“An Brud fri Boind atuaid,” ol Eochaid.

“An Brú lastuaidh den Bhóinn,” arsa Eochaidh.

“The Brug, to the north of the Boyne,” said Eochaid.

“Cia fil i suidugud?” ol Midir.

“Cé tá ann?” arsa Mír.

“Who is there?” said Midir.

“Ealcmar,” ol Eochaid, “in fer fil and.

“Is é Ealcmhar an fear atá ann,” arsa Eochaidh,

“Elcmar,” said Eochaid, “is the man who is there.

Ni hail dam a crad ni bus mo.”

“níorbh áil liom é a chrá níosa mhó.”

I have no wish to annoy him further.”

“Ceist, cisi comairli doberi don mac sa?” ol Midir.

“Cogair, cé’m chomhairle a thabharfaidh tú don mhacán so?” arsa Mír.

“Pray, what counsel dost thou give this lad?” said Midir.

“Tatham dó,” ol Eochaid.

“Tá agam dó,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I have this for him,” said Eochaid.

“Tiad dia Samna isin mBruig, ocus tuicead gaisgead fair.

“Téadh sé lá Samhna sa Bhrú agus bíodh airm aige.

“On the day of Samain let him go into the Brug, and let him go armed.

La side ocus caincomraic sin la firu Erenn,

Is é sin lá síochána agus cairdeasa d’fhearaibh Éireann

That is a day of peace and amity among the men of Ireland,

ocus ni bi neach a fhuath a cheili and,

agus ní bhíonn éinne ann gur fuath leis a chéile.

on which none is at enmity with his fellow.

ocus bied Ealcmar a Cnuc Shide an Broga cen gaisced fair

Agus beidh Ealcmhar i gcnoc shí an Bhrú gan airm aige

And Elcmar will be in Cnoc Síde in Broga unarmed

acht gablan findchuill ina laim,

ach gabhlán fionnchoill ina láimh

save for a fork of white hazel in his hand,

ocus a brat diabal imi,

agus brat dúbalta uime

his cloak folded around him,

ocus dealg n-oir ina brutt,

agus dealg óir ina bhrat

and a gold brooch in his cloak,

ocus tri .l. isin cluichimuigh ara belaib oca cluichi,

agus trí caogaid sa mhá chluiche ós a chomhair ag a gcluiche.

and three fifties playing before him in the playing-field;

ocus teis Aengus chuici, ocus domaithi do dia marbad,

Agus téadh Aonghas chuige agus bagradh a mharú air.

and let Aengus go to him and threaten to kill him.

ocus is tacar do nin rubai <.i. nir gona>

Agus is beite gan é a mharú

But it is meet that he slay him not,

acht coro ingealla a réir dó,

má gheallann sé a réir dó.

provided he promise him his will.

ocus bá[d] sí riar Aengusa

Agus gurab í réir Aonghasa

And let this be the will of Aengus,

rigi laí co n-aidchi isin Bruigh,

ríocht lae go n-oíche sa Bhrú.

that he be king a day and a night in the Brug;

ocus ní leicisiu a ferand do Ealcmar

Agus ná leigse an fearann d’Ealcmhar

and see that thou yield not the land to Elcmar

co targha mo reirsea,

nó go ngéille sé dom réirse.

till he submit himself (?)to my decision;

ocus bad ed tacra Aengusa iar tiachtain

Agus gurab í tagairt Aonghasa tar éis teacht

and when he comes let Aengus’ plea be

is i mbithdisli dorochair do a ferand

gur i mbithdhílse a thit an fearann dó

that the land has fallen to him in fee simple

ar anacal Ealcmair arnach ro marbad,

ar anacal Ealcmhair gan é a mharú

for sparing Elcmar and not slaying him,

ocus is rigi laí co n-aidchi conatechoir,

agus is ríocht lae go n-oíche a d’iarr sé. 

and that what he had asked for is kingship of day and night,

ocus” asbeirsom “is laib ocus aidchib dochaiter an doman.”

Agus” ar seisean, “is i laethanta agus oícheanta a chaitear an saol.”

and” said he, “it is in days and nights that the world is spent.”

Dochomlai Midir iar sin dia crich

Ina dhiaidh san d’imigh Mír go dtí a chríoch

Then Midir sets out for his land,

ocus a dalta lais,

agus a dhalta ina theannta.

and his foster-son along with him,

ocus gabais Aengus gaisced immon Samain sin ar cind,

Agus an chéad Shamhain eile rug Aonghas ar airm

and on Samain following, Aengus having armed himself

ocus doluid isin mBruig,

agus tháinig sa Bhrú

came into the Brug

ocus foceird Aengus eisce im Ealcmar

agus do bhagair buille ar Ealcmhar

and made a feint at Elcmar,

co n-ingeall do dia anmain rigi lai co n-aidchi ina ferand.

nó gur gheall sé dó ar a anam ríocht lae go n-oíche ina fhearann.

so that he promised him in return for his life kingship of day and night in his land.

Anais in Mac Óc ann a lla n-isin fo cetoir ocus in n-aidchi d’adhaig a rigi an tiri

D’fhan an Mac Óg ann an lá san *fé chéadóir* agus an oíche *dar gcionn* i ríocht na tíre

The Mac Óc straightway abode there that day and the following night as king of the land,

ocus muindter Ealcmair dia reir.

agus muintir Ealcmhair dá réir.

Elcmar’s household being subject to him.

Doluid Ealcmar arabarach do faedredh a feraind don Mac Óc,

Tháinig Ealcmhar arna mhárach chun a fhearann a éileamh don Mhac Óg

On the morrow Elcmar came to claim his land from the Mac Óc,

ocus bages bada mora occa.

agus do bhagair bagair mhóra air.

and therewith threatened him mightily.

Asbert in Mac Ócc ní leicfed a ferann uad

Dúirt an Mac Óg ná leigfeadh sé an fearann uaidh

The Mac Óc said that he would not yield up his land

conid reilgedh a reir an Dagda ara mbelaib fer nErenn.

nó go gcaithfeadh sé i réir an Dá é ós comhair fear nÉireann.

until he should put it to the decision of the Dagda in the presence of the men of Ireland.

Fogellat iarum an Dagda.

Ina dhiaidh san do glaodar ar an nDá

Then they appeal to the Dagda,

Concertasidhe cor caich amal a indell.

agus dhleacht sé siúd cor cáich fé mar a bhí curtha ar inneall aige.

who adjudged each man’s contract in accordance with his undertaking.

“Is lasin n-oclaech sa a feacht sa a ferand as da reir seo”, ol Ealcmar.

“Is leis an óglach so an fearann feasta dá réir seo.”

“So then this land accordingly belongs henceforth to this youth,” said Elcmar.

“Is deithbir ón,” ol an Dagda;

“Is é go deimhin,” arsa an Dá.

“It is fitting,” said the Dagda.

“ro slecht do baegholsa o llo sidhe ocus caíncomraic.

“Thitis i mbaol i lá síochána agus cairdeasa.

“Thou wast taken unawares on a day of peace and amity.

Tartais do ferann ar th’anacal,

Thugais t’fhearann ar t’anacal

Thou gavest thy land for mercy shown thee,

ar ba caime lat do ainim oldas do thír,

mar ba chaoimhe leat t’anam ná do thír.

for thy life was dearer to thee than thy land,

ocus rot biasu tír limsa chena

Mar sin féin beidh tír agat uaimse

yet thou shalt have land from me

nábó hingoiri duit oldas an Brug.”

nach mó a aimhleas duit ná an Brú.”

that will be no less profitable to thee than the Brug.”

“Cia hairm son?” ol Ealcmar.

“Cé’n áit é sin?” arsa Ealcmhar.

“Where is that?” said Elcmar.

“Cleiteach,” ol an Dagda, “cusna tri tirib fil ime,

“Cleiteach,” arsa an Dá, “leis na trí tíortha atá mórthimpeall air,

“Cleitech,” said the Dagda, “with the three lands that are round about it,

do macraid gach día isin Bruig ar do belaib oca cluichi,

do mhacáin gach lá sa Bhrú ós do chomhair ag a gcluiche

thy youths playing before thee every day in the Brug,

la hurthorad Boindi do thomailt duit asin ferann sa.”

agus toradh Bóinne le caitheamh agat as an bhfearann so.”

and thou shalt enjoy the fruits of the Boyne from this land.”

“Is maith,” ol Ealcmar, “dogentar samlaid,”

“Tá go maith,” arsa Ealcmhar, “mar sin a dhéanfar.”

“It is well,” said Elcmar; “so shall it be accomplished.”

ocus beirthi i n-imirghi a Cleitech.

Agus chuaigh sé ar imirce go dtí Cleiteach.

And he made a flitting to Cleitech,

Iar sin dognith dún and lais,

Ina dhiaidh san do dhein sé dún ann

and *after that* built a stronghold there,

ocus anais an Mac Óc isin Bruig ina ferand.

agus d’fhan an Mac Óg sa Bhrú ina fhearann.

and the Mac Óc abode in the Brug in his land.

Iar sin doluid Midir dia bliadna do aithreos a daltai don Bruig,

Ina dhiaidh san i gcionn bliana tháinig Mír ar cuairt chun a dhalta don Bhrú

Then Mider came on that day year to the Brug on a visit to his fosterling,

co fairnic an Mac Óc for duma Sidhe an Brogha a llau na Samna,

go bhfuair sé an Mac Óg ar lá Samhna agus é in airde ar tulach Shí an Bhrú

and he found the Mac Óc on the mound of Síd in Broga on the day of Samain,

ocus na dí macraid ara belaib oca cluichi isin Bruig,

agus an dá fhoireann mhacán ós a chomhair ag a gcluiche sa Bhrú

with two companies of youths at play before him in the Brug,

ocus Ealcmar fora duma Cleitich alla andes oca ndeicsin.

agus Ealcmhar in airde ar tulach Cleitigh theas ag féachaint orthu.

and Elcmar on the mound of Cleitech to the south, watching them.

Astui debaid itir na macu issin Bruig.

D’éirigh idir na macáin sa Bhrú.

A quarrel broke out among the youths in the Brug.

“Nirod gluaisea,” ol Midir frisin Mac Óc,

“Ná gluais,” arsa Mír leis an Mac Óg,

“Do not stir,” said Midir to the Mac Óc,

“fo dháig Ealcmair, arnara torbara a mmagh.

“i dtreo ná beidh Ealcmhar ag teacht anuas sa mhá.

“because of Elcmar, lest he come down to the plain.

Ragadsa do edargairi etaru.”

Raghadsa chun síocháin a tharrac eatarru.”

I will go myself to make peace between them.”

Luid iarum Midir, ocus níbó reidh dó a n-edarscarad.

Ansan do chuaigh Mír agus níor réidh dó síocháin a tharrac.

Thereupon Midir went, and it was not easy for him to part them.

Doleicidh bir cuilind do Midir,

Caitheadh bior cuilinn ar Mír

A spit of holly was thrown at Midir

as he was intervening,

co tobert a lethshuil asa chind

gur bhain sé a leathshúil as a cheann

and it knocked one of his eyes out.

ocon edargairi.

agus é ag tarrac síochána.

Doluid Midir ocus a lethshuil ina durn docom an Meic Óic, ocus asbert fris:

Tháinig Mír agus a leathshúil ina dhorn chun an Mhic Óig agus dúirt leis:

Midir came to the Mac Óc with his eye in his hand and said to him:

“Ní má tu[d]c[h]adhsa do fhis scel uait, conam fil fo athais,

“Ní maith a thánagsa chun fios do scéala a fháil go bhfuilim fé aithis agus náire dá bharr

“Would that I had not come on a visit to thee, to be put to shame,

sech ní rochim fon ainim a tir doroacht do imchaisin,

mar leis an smál so ní éireoidh liom an tír gus a dtánag a fheiscint

for with this blemish I cannot behold the land I have come to,

ocus a tir oa tu[d]chadh ní róás in fecht sa.”

agus ní shroichfeadsa feasta an tír as a dtánag.”

and the land I have left, I cannot return to it now.”

“Bidh gó son,” ol an Mac Óc.

“Nára fíor é sin,” arsa an Mac Óg,

“It shall in no wise be so,” said the Mac Óc.

“Raghasa có Dían Cecht co tudchaid dot íc,

“raghadsa go Dian Céacht go dtaga sé chun tú a íoc

“I shall go to Dian Cécht that he may come and heal thee,

ocus bid lat do ferand fodein ocus bid lat an ferand sa,

agus beidh t’fhearann féin agat agus beidh an fearann so agat leis

and thine own land shall be thine and this land shall be thine,

ocus bid slan do shuil cen athais cen ainim airi.”

agus beidh do shúil slán gan aithis gan aineamh uirthi.”

and thine eye shall be whole again without shame or blemish because of it.”

Luid an Mac Óc co Dian Cecht

Chuaigh an Mac Óg go Dian Céacht.

The Mac Óc went to Dian Cécht.

“co ndeachaidis liumsa,” ar sé, “do tesarcain mo aidi

“Tair im theanntasa,” ar seisean, “chun m’oide a theasargadh

“[. . .] that thou mayest go with me,” said he, “to save my foster-father

ro cailled dia Samna isin Bruig.”

a goineadh lá Samhna sa Bhrú.”

who has been hurt in the Brug on the day of Samain.”

Doluid Dían [Cecht] ocus icais Midir corbó slán.

Tháinig Dian Céacht agus d’íoc Mír go dtí go raibh sé slán.

Dian Cécht came and healed Midir, so that he was whole again.

“Is maith mó turas ifeachtsa,” ol Midir, “o rom icad.”

“Is maith é mo thuras feasta,” arsa Mír, “óir do híocadh mé.”

“Good is my journeying now,” said Midir, “since I am healed.”

“Bid fir ón,” ol in Mac Ócc.

“Gura fíor é sin,” arsa an Mac Óg,

“It shall surely be so,” said the Mac Óc.

“Ansu sund co ceand mbliadna

“fansa anso go ceann bliana

“Do thou abide here for a year

co n-aicter mo fiallachsa ocus mo muindtersa

go bhfeicfear m’fhian agus mo mhuintir

that thou mayest see my host and my folk,

ocus mo theglach ocus mo ferand.”

agus mo theaghlach agus m’fhearann.”

my household and my land.”

“Nocho n-anab,” ol Midir, “acht mina[m] bé a lógh airi.”

“Ní fhanfad,” arsa Mír, “mura mbeidh luach agam air.”

“I will not stay,” said Midir, “unless I have a reward therefor.”

“Cid logh ón?” ol an Mac Óc.

“Cé’n luach é sin?” arsa an Mac Óg.

“What reward?” said the Mac Óc.

“Ni hannsa.

“Ní deacair a rá:

“Easy to say.

Carpad bus fiú .uii. cumala,” ol Midir,

carbad is fiú seacht gcumhala,” arsa Mír,

A chariot worth seven cumals,” said Midir,

“ocus deichealt mo dingmala,

“agus brat mo dhiongmhála

“and a mantle befitting me,

ocus ingen bus ailldem a nEirind.”

agus an cailín is áille in Éirinn.”

and the fairest maiden in Ireland.”

“Ata liumsa on,” ol an Mac Óc, “an carpat

“Tá agamsa,” arsa an Mac Óg, “an carbad

“I have,” said the Mac Óc, “the chariot

ocus in deichealt bus dingmala duit.”

agus brat do dhiongmhála.”

and the mantle befitting thee.”

“Atá dono,” ol Midir,

“Tá leis,” arsa Mír,

“There is moreover,” said Midir,

“inn ingen doroscai di ingenaib Erenn ar chruth.”

“an cailín go sáraíonn a crot cailíní Éireann go léir.”

“the maiden that surpasses all the maidens in Ireland in form.”

“Cissi airm i tá?” ol an Mac Óc.

“Cá bhfuil sí siúd?” arsa an Mac Óg.

“Where is she?” said the Mac Óc.

“Atá la hUltaib,” ol Midir,

“Tá sí i gcúige Uladh,” arsa Mír,

“She is in Ulster,” said Midir,

“ingen Ailella, Edain Echraidi

“agus is í Éadaoine Eachraí í, iníon Oilealla,

“Ailill’s daughter Étaín Echraide,

ingen ríg na raindi airtherthuaiscertaighi na hErenn,

rí oirthuaisceart na hÉireann,

daughter of the king of the north-eastern part of Ireland.

is i as cainem ocus is minem ocus is morailldem a nErinn.”

agus is í is caoine agus is míne agus is móráille in Éirinn.”

She is the dearest and gentlest and loveliest in Ireland.”

Luid in Mac Óg dia cuinchidh co mbaí a Muigh Inis og tigh Ailella.

Chuaigh an Mac Óg dá fios nó go dtáinig sé chun tigh Oilealla i Mágh nInis.

The Mac Óc went to seek her until he came to Ailill’s house in Mag nInis.

Ferthai failti friss, ocus anais teora haidchi and.

Cuireadh fáilte roimhe agus d’fhan sé trí hoíche ann.

He was made welcome, and he abode three nights there.

Raidhis a aitheasc ocus sluindti ar cenel.

Dúirt sé a theachtaireacht agus shloinn sé a chineál.

He told his mission and announced his name and race.

Asbert ba do chuindchid Edaine doluid.

Dúirt sé gur tháinig sé chun Éadaoin a iarraidh.

He said that it was in quest of Étaín that he had come.

“Nis tiber deit,” ol Ailill,

“Ní thabharfad duit í,” arsa Oilill,

“I will not give her to thee,” said Ailill,

“dáigh ní rochaim bá fort

“mar ní shroichim aon tairbhe ort

“for I can in no way profit by thee,

ar suiri do cheniul,

ar shaorgacht do chineáil,

because of the nobility of thy family,

ar med do cumachtai ocus cumachta th’athar.

ar méid do chumhachta agus cumhacht t’athar.

and the greatness of thy power and that of thy father.

Cach a dénai frim ingin do meboil

Pé meabhail a chuirfidh tú ar m’inín,

If thou put any shame on my daughter,

ni rochar fort itir.”

ní fhéadfad í a dhíol ort.”

no redress whatsoever can be had of thee.”

“Níba hedh ón,” ol an Mac Og,

“Ní mar sin a bheidh,” arsa an Mac Óg,

“It shall not be so,” said the Mac Óc.

“nois ciursa díttso fó chetoir.”

“mar ceannódsa uait í fé chéadóir.”

“I will buy her from thee straightway.”

“Rod bia son,” ol Ailill.

“Beidh san agat,” arsa Oilill.

“Thou shalt have that,” said Ailill.

“Findamni uaitsiu,” ol an Mac Og.

“Cloisimís agatsa é,” arsa an Mac Óg.

“State thy demand,” said the Mac Óc.

“Ni hannsa,” ol Ailill.

“Ní deacair é sin,” arsa Oilill,

“No hard matter,” said Ailill.

“Dá magh dég do shlaidhi uaidsiu damsa im ferandsa

“dhá mhá dhéag i m’fhearann a fholmhú domhsa

“Thou shalt clear for me twelve plains in my land

do neoch fil fo dithraib ocus fedaib,

de pé rud atá ann mar dhíthreabh agus choillte,

that are under waste and wood,

co rabad do grés fri geilt do ceithrib ocus fri trebad do dainib,

go mbeidh siad i gcónaí mar ingealtas do cheathra agus mar threabhadh do dhaoine,

so that they may be at all times for grazing for cattle and for habitation to men,

fri cluichi ocus ceiti, fri dala ocus dunadha indtib.”

i gcóir cluichí agus céidí, dála agus dúnta iontu.”

for games and assemblies, gatherings, and strongholds.”

“Dogentar,” ol in Mac Óg.

“Déanfar é,” arsa an Mac Óg.

“It shall be done,” said the Mac Óc.

Dothaet dia thig, ocus caínis a imnead frisin Dagda.

Tháinig sé abhaile agus do chaoin sé a chruachás leis an nDá.

He returns home and bewailed to the Dagda the strait he was in.

Dognither la suide .xii. mag do shlaidhi a n-aenaidchi a ferand Ailella.

D’fholmhaigh sé siúd dhá mhá dhéag in aon oíche amháin i bhfearann Oilealla.

The latter caused twelve plains to be cleared in a single night in Ailill’s land.

It e anmanda na muigi ann so .i.

Is iad so ainmneacha na má san ná

These are the names of the plains:

Mag Macha, Mag Leamna,

Mágh Macha, Mágh Leamhna,

Mag Macha, Mag Lemna,

Mag nItha, Mag Tochair,

Mágh nÍotha, Mágh dTochair,

Mag nÍtha, Mag Tochair,

Mag nDula, Mag Techt,

Mágh nDula, Mágh dTeacht,

Mag nDula, Mag Techt,

Mag Li, Mag Liné,

Mágh Lí, Mágh Line,

Mag Lí, Mag Line,

Mag Murthemné.

Mágh Muirtheimhne.

Mag Murthemne.

O doronadh tra ind opair sin lasin Mac Óg,

Nuair a bhí an obair sin déanta ag an Mac Óg, *áfach,*

Now when that work had been accomplished by the Mac Óc

luid dochum Ailella do chuindchid Édaine.

chuaigh sé go hOilill ag iarraidh Éadaoine.

he went to Ailill to demand Étaín.

“Níis bera,” ol Ailill,

“Ní thabharfaidh mé í,” arsa Oilill,

“Thou shalt not obtain her,” said Ailill,

“co ruga da primusce déc asin ferand sa docum mara

“nó go mbéarfaidh tú as an bhfearann so go dtí an fharraige dhá phríomhuisce dhéag

“until thou draw out of this land to the sea twelve great rivers

do neoch fil a tibradaib ocus mointib ocus seiscnib,

atá i dtiobraidí agus móinte agus seiscinne,

that are in wells and bogs and moors,

do thabairt thoraid o muirib do thuathaib ocus cenelaib,

chun toradh a thabhairt ós na farraigí do thuathaibh agus cineálaibh,

so that they may bring produce from the sea to peoples and kindreds,

do thirmugudh thiri ocus talman.”

chun tír agus talamh a thiormú.”

and drain the earth and the land.”

Doluidside dono dochum an Dagda do chaíniud a imnid fris.

Tháinig sé ansan gus an nDá agus do chaoin sé a chruachás leis.

He came again to the Dagda to bewail the strait he was in.

Dognith la suidhi da primusce déc do dirghiudh dochum mara a n-aenaidchi iar sin.

Ina dhiaidh san dhein sé siúd dhá phríomhuisce dhéag a dhíriú chun na farraige in aon oíche amháin.

Thereupon the latter caused twelve great waters to course towards the sea in a single night.

Ni naicesa and riam co tici sin.

Ní fheacathas ann riamh go dtí san iad.

They had not been seen there until then.

It e anmanda na n-usce .i.

Is iad ainmneacha na n-uiscí sin ná

These are the names of the waters:

Find ocus Modornn ocus Slena

Fionn agus Múdharn agus Sleana

Find and Modornn and Slena

ocus Nas ocus Amnas ocus Oichén

agus Nas agus Amhnas agus Oichéan

and Nas and Amnas and Oichén

ocus Or ocus Banda ocus Samair

agus Or agus Banna agus Samhaoir

and Or and Banda and Samaír

ocus Lóche.

agus Lóiche.

and Lóche.

Ó ro scachadar tra na hopra sa,

Nuair a bhí deireadh leis na hoibreacha so,

Now when these works were accomplished

doluid an Mac Og do acallaim Ailella do c[h]uindchid Etaine chuici.

tháinig an Mac Óg chun cainte le hOilill ag iarraidh Éadaoine.

the Mac Óc came to have speech with Ailill in order to claim Étaín.

“Niss bera conda dergle,

“Ní thabharfaidh mé í go dtí go gceannóidh tú í

“Thou shall not get her till thou purchase her,

for after thou hast taken her,

ol niam biasa ní di maith na hingine

mar ní bheidh faic agam de mhaith an chailín

I shall have no profit of the maiden

iarna breith daitsiu

agus í tabhartha duitse

acht a rrus fo cedoir.”

ach an méid a gheobhad fé chéadóir.”

beyond what I shall obtain forthwith.”

“Cid condaighi chucum a fecht sa?” ol an Mac Óg.

“Cad a iarrann tú orm feasta?” arsa an Mac Óg.

“What dost thou require of me now?” said the Mac Óc.

“Condaigim”, ol Ailill, “comthrom na hingine damsa de ór ocus argad,

“Iarraim,” arsa Oilill, “cothrom an chailín domhsa d’ór agus d’airgead,

“I require,” said Ailill, “the maiden’s weight in gold and silver,

ar [is] i sin mo chuid dia lóg;

ar is í sin mo chuid dá luach;

for that is my portion of her price;

an ndorignisiu co sé,

an méid a dheinis go dtí so,

all thou has done up to now,

dia claind ocus dia chenéol a torbai.”

is tairbhe é sin dá muintir agus dá cineál.”

the profit of it goes to her folk and her kindred.”

“Dogentar,” ol in Mac Óg.

“Déanfar é,” arsa an Mac Óg.

“It shall be done,” said the Mac Óc.

Fochres for lar thigi Ailella,

Cuireadh ar lár thigh Oilealla í

She was placed on the floor of Ailill’s house,

ocus dobreth a cutromu airi dé ór ocus argad.

agus tugadh uirthi a cothrom d’ór agus d’airgead.

and her weight of gold and silver was given for her.

Forfhacbad and índmasin la hAilill,

Fágadh an t-ionnús san ag Oilill

That wealth was left with Ailill,

ocus birt Mac Óg Edain lais dochum a thighi.

agus rug an Mac Óg Éadaoin abhaile leis.

and the Mac Óc brought Étaín home with him.

Ferais Midir failti frissin daim sin.

Chuir Mír fáilte roimh an mbuíon sin.

Midir made that company welcome.

Foidh Etaín la Midir in oidchi sin,

Chodail Éadaoin in aon leabaidh le Mír an oíche sin

That night Étaín sleeps with Midir,

ocus dobreath dechelt a dingmala ocus a carpad do arabarach

agus tugadh brat a dhiongmhála agus an carbad dó arna mhárach

and on the morrow a mantle befitting him and a chariot were given to him,

ocus [ba] buidech dia dalta.

agus bhí sé buíoch dá dhalta.

and he was pleased with his foster-son.

Anais iarum bliadain lain isin Bruig a fail Aengusa.

Ina dhiaidh san d’fhan sé bliain lán sa Bhrú i dteannta Aonghasa.

After that he abode a full year in the Brug with Aengus.

Dochoid Midir dia c[h]rich dia bliadna do Brigh Leith,

I gcionn bliana chuaigh Mír dá chríoch féin do Bhrí Léith

On that day year Midir went to his own land, to Brí Léith,

ocus birt Edaín leis.

agus rug sé Éadaoin leis.

and he brought Étaín with him.

Asbert an Mac Óg fri Midir in la luidhi uadh:

Dúirt an Mac Óg le Mír an lá a chuaigh sé uaidh:

On the day he went from him the Mac Óc said to Midir

“Faitchius duit frisin mnai na mbere lat

“Faire amach ar an mbean a bheireann tú leat

“Give heed to the woman thou takest with thee,

fo diach na mná uathmairi amaindsi fil ar do chind

toisc na mná fuathmhaire meangaí atá ar do chionn

because of the dreadful cunning woman that awaits thee,

co meid fis ocus éolus ocus cumachtai feib ro ngab a cenel,” ol Aengus.

agus leis an bhfios agus eolas agus cumhacht a ghaibh a cineál,” arsa Aonghas,

with all the knowledge and skill and craft that belongs to her race,” said Aengus,

“Sech ata mo briatharsa ocus mo comairghi fria ar Tuatha Dé Danann”

“seach atá mo bhriatharsa agus mo chomairce léi ar Tuatha Dé Danann.”

“also she has my word and my safeguard before the Tuatha Dé Danann,”

.i. Fuamnach bean Midir

.i. Fuamnach bean Mhír

that is, Fuamnach wife of Midir,

di claind Beothaig meic Iardanel.

de chlainn Bheothaigh mhic Iardhainéil. 

of the progeny of Beothach son of Iardanél.

Ba gaeth ocus ba trebar

Bhí sí gaoth agus treabhar

She was wise and prudent

ocus ba heolach hi fis ocus cumachtai Tuath De Danann,

agus eolach i bhfios agus i gcumhacht Tuath Dé Danann

and skilled in the knowledge and magic power of the Tuatha Dé Danann,

ar bá Bresal drui rod[a] alt

mar is é Breasal draoi a d’oil í

for the wizard Bresal had reared her

co n-arnas do Midir.

go dtí gur nascadh le Mír í.

until she was betrothed to Midir.

Feraisi failti fria a fer .i. fri Midir,

Chuir sí fáilte roimh a fear .i. roimh Mír

She made her husband welcome, that is Midir,

ocus raidis an ben már di brian friú.

agus dúirt an bhean a lán de phlámás leo.

and the woman spoke much of  . . .  to them.

“Tairsiu, a Midir,” ol Fuamnach,

“Tair, a Mhír,” arsa Fuamnach,

“Come, O Midir,” said Fuamnach,

“coro thaispenar duit do tech ocus do thechta feraind

“go dtaispeánfaidh mé duit do thigh agus do theachta fearainn

“that I may show thee thy house and thy meed of land

cona dá cathair ingen in rig dom aithis.”

chun ná feictear iníon an rí do m’aithis.”

. . .”

Dorochell Midir la Fuaimnig a ferand n-uili,

Chuaigh Mír timpeall a fhearainn go léir i dteannta Fuamnaí

Midir went round all his land with Fuamnach,

co tarfaid do a dliged ocus do Edain,

agus thaispeáin sí a dhlí dó agus d’Éadaoin.

and she showed his seizin to him and  . . .  to Étaín.

ocus dobert Édain dorisi fri Fuaimnigh iar sin.

*Agus thóg sé Éadaoin arís chuig Fuamnach ina dhiaidh san.*

And after that he brought Étaín again to Fuamnach.

Luidh Fuamnach reimib isa teach cotalta i codlad,

Chuaigh Fuamnach rompu sa tigh codalta mar a gcodlaíodh

Fuamnach went before them into the sleeping chamber wherein she slept,

ocus asbert fri hEdain:

agus dúirt le hÉadaoin:

and she said to Étaín:

“Suide somna i tudchadh.”

“Thángaís go suí mná maithe.”

“The seat of a good woman hast thou come into.”

Amal dofeisigh Edain isin cathair for lar an taigi

Nuair a shuigh Éadaoin sa chathaoir ar lár an tí

When Étaín sat down on the chair in the middle of the house,

nos ben Fuamnach co fleiscc caerthinn corcrai

bhuail Fuamnach í le fleasc chaorthainn chorcra

Fuamnach struck her with a rod of scarlet quickentree,

co nderna lind n-usci dí for lar in tighi,

gur dhein sí linn uisce di ar lár an tí.

and she turned into a pool of water in the middle of the house;

ocus dothaed Fuamnach coa haite, co Bresal,

Tháinig Fuamnach go dtí a oide, go Breasal,

and Fuamach comes to her fosterfather Bresal,

ocus do leic Midir in tech don usciu dorigni do Édain.

agus leig Mír an tigh don uisce a deineadh d’Éadaoin.

and Midir left the house to the water into which Étaín had turned.

Baí Midir iar sin cen mnaí.

Ina dhiaidh san bhí Mír gan bhean.

After that Midir was without a wife.

Doghni tes in tened ocus ind aeoir ocus combruith na talman imfortacht ind usci

Dhein teas na tine  agus an aeir agus bruth na talún fortacht do’n uisce

The heat of the fire and the air and the seething of the ground aided the water

co ndernai cruim din lind ro baí for lar in tighi,

gur deineadh cnuimh den linn a bhí ar lár an tí

so that the pool that was in the middle of the house turned into a worm,

ocus dogní iar sin cuil corcrai don chruim sin.

agus ina dhiaidh san dhein cuileog *chorcra* den chnuimh sin.

and after that the worm became a purple fly.

Ba meid ceand fir as chaineam ro baí isin tír.

Bhí sí chomh mór le ceann fir ba  chaoine do bhí sa tír.

It was as big as a man’s head, the comeliest in the land.

Ba bindi cuslendaib ocus crotaib ocus cornairib

Ba bhinne ná cuisleanna agus cruiteanna agus corna

Sweeter than pipes and harps and horns

fuaim a foghair ocus easnad a heiti.

fuaim a foghair agus easna a heití. 

was the sound of her voice and the hum of her wings.

Doaitnidis a suili amal lega loghmara isnaib reib doirchib.

Thaitníodh a súile mar léaga luachmhara sna réithe dorcha.

Her eyes would shine like precious stones in the dark.

Arghaireadh itaidh ocus gortaidh do neoch a boladh ocus a blath

Bhaineadh a boladh agus a bláth tart agus gorta den té

The fragrance and the bloom of her would turn away hunger and thirst from any one

ima teighedh.

go dtéadh sí ina thimpeall.

around whom she would go.

No ícadh

Leigheasadh

drúcht na mbraon a chaitheadh sí dá heití

The spray of the drops she shed from her wings

would cure

saetho ocus gallra ocus teadmanda

saothar agus galar agus támh

all sickness and disease and plague

fursitin na mbraen foceirded dia heitib

dinni imma theighedh.

do’n té go dtéadh sí ina thimpeall.

in any one round whom she would go.

Coneitged ocus imthiged la Midir sechnoin a feraind amal no téiged.

Chomhriaradh agus imíodh sí le Mír nuair a théadh sér ar fud a fhearainn.

She used to attend Midir and go round about his land with him, as he went.

To listen to her and gaze upon her

Arbiathad sluagu i ndalaib ocus airechta i n-dunadaib

Ba bhiatú do shluaite i ndálaibh agus d’oireachtais i ndúntaibh

would nourish hosts in gatherings and assemblies in camps.

clostecht frihae ocus a deicsiú.

í a chloisint agus féachaint uirthi.

Rofidir Midir rop si Etain ro boi isin richt sin,

Bhí a fhios ag Mír gurbh í Éadaoin a bhí sa riocht san

Midir knew that it was Étaín that was in that shape,

ocus ni thuc mnai

agus níor thóg bean

cen ro boi an chuil sin ina comaidecht,

an fhaid is a bhí an chuileog san ina chuideachtain.

and so long as that fly was attending upon him,

he never took to himself a wife,

ocus arambiath[ad]som a deicsiu.

Agus bhiataíodh a feiscint é.

and the sight of her would nourish him.

Contuiled fria fogur,

Chodlaíodh sé lena foghar

He would fall asleep with her humming,

ocus dofusced

agus dhúisíodh sí é

in tan dotheighedh chuici nech nachad caradh.

nuair a thagadh chuige duine nar chara dó.

and whenever any one approached who did not love him,

she would awaken him.

Doluid Fuamnach do athreos Midir iar tanaib,

I gcionn tamaill tháinig Fuamnach ar cuairt chun Mír

After a time Fuamnach came on a visit to Midir,

ocus dolodar na tri dei Danand lé dia comairghi

agus tháinig na trí déithe Danann ina teannta mar urraí

and along with her as sureties came the three gods of Dana,

.i. Lugh ocus Dagda ocus Oghma.

.i. Lú agus an Dá agus Oghma.

namely Lug and the Dagda, and Ogma.

Ferais Midir athcosan mor fri Fuamnaig,

Chaith Mír achasán mór ar Fuamnaigh

Midir reproached Fuamnach exceedingly

ocus asbert fria na ragadh uadh

agus dúirt léithi ná raghadh sí uaidh

and said to her that she should not go from him

mane beith nert na comairghi dodoucsat.

murach neart na n-urraí a thug í.

were it not for the power of the sureties that had brought her.

Asbert Fuamnach nabad aithrech le in gnim doghene,

Dúirt Fuamnach nárbh aithreach léithi an rud a dhein sí

Fuamnach said that she did not repent of the deed she had done,

ar ba ferr lé in gnim maith di fein oldás dia seitché,

mar b’fhearr léithi gníomh maith di féin ná dá drifiúr

for that she would rather do good to herself than to another,

ocus cebedh si maigen a nÉre a mbeith,

agus pé áit in Éirinn a bheadh sí

and that in whatsoever part of Ireland she might be

ni biadh acht oc aimles Édaine cen no mbeith a mbíu,

ní bheadh sí ach ag déanamh aimhleasa d’Éadaoin an fhaid is a bheadh sí beo,

she would do naught but harm to Étaín so long as she lived,

ciabadh hé richt a mbeith.

pé riocht ina mbeadh sí.

and in whatsoever shape she might be.

Dobertsi dicelta mora ocus tecosca … ndé o Bresal Edarlam on drai

Thug sí breachta móra agus draíochta daingne ó Bhreasal Eadarlámh, ón ndraoi,

She brought powerful incantations and  . . .  spells from Bresal Etarlam the wizard

do indarba ocus focrai Edaine o Midir,

chun Éadaoin a ionnarba agus a fhógra ó Mhór

to banish and warn off Étaín from Midir,

air rofhidirsi an chuil chorcra ro baí ic airfidedh Midir rob sí Édain,

mar bhí a fhios aici gurbh í Éadaoin an chuileog chorcra a bhí ag déanamh oirfididh do Mhír

for she knew that the purple fly that was delighting Midir was Étaín herself,

fo dhaigh ná rochar Midir mnaí in tan atchidh an chuil corcrai,

mar ní raibh grá ag Mír ar bean an fhaid is a chíodh sé an chuileog chorcra

for whenever he saw the scarlet fly, Midir loved no other woman,

ocus níba sam ceól na hól na longadh

agus ní bhaineadh sé pléisiúr as ceol ná ól ná ithe

and he found no pleasure in music or in drinking or eating

in tan nach aicedh ocus nach cluinedh a ceol ocus a foghar.

nuair ná feiceadh sé í agus ná cloiseadh sé a ceol agus a foghar.

when he did not see her and hear the music of her and her voice.

Fogluaisi Fuamnach gaeth n-ammais ocus druidechta

Chuir Fuamnach gaoth amais agus draíochta

Fuamnach stirred up a wind of assault and magic

co tarfaided Édain o Brig Leith,

gur séideadh Éadaoin ó Bhrí Léith

so that Étaín was wafted (?) from Brí Léith,

and for seven years

cona hédadh barr na bili na tulach na dingna forsa n-airsed i nÉre

chun nár fhéad sí barr ná bile ná tullach ná dionn a fháil in Éirinn ar a suíodh sí

she could not find a summit or a tree or a hill or a height in Ireland on which she could settle,

co cend .uii. mbliadna,

go ceann seacht mbliana

acht for cairgib mara ocus for trethnaib tond

ach bhíodh sí ar carraigreacha mara agus ar treathanaibh tonn

but only rocks of the sea and the ocean waves,

ocus imsnam an aeoir,

agus ag snámh tríd an t-aer

and (she was) floating through the air

conda tarla dia .uii. mbliadna

nó gur tharla sí i gcionn seacht mbliana

until seven years from that day when she lighted

for ibel i n-ucht an Meic Oic

ar imeall in ucht an Mhic Óig

on a fringe (?) on the breast of the Mac Óc

for duma an Broga.

ar tulach an Bhrú.

as he was on the mound of the Brug.

As i airm asbert in Mac Óg:

Is ansan adúirt an Mac Óg:

There it was that the Mac Óc said,

.r. “Fo chen Edain

“Mochean Éadaoin

“Welcome, Étaín,

imtechtach imnedhach

imeachtach imníoch

wanderer careworn,

adrualaidh mórgaibthiu

a fuair mórbhaolta

thou that hast encountered great dangers

la gaithi Fuaimnighi.

le gaois Fhuamnaí. 

through the cunning of Fuamnach.

ní fuair fos

Ní bhfuairis fós

. . . ”

na subae do thaebu tairisi

aon áthas de thaobha tairise

fri Midir muindteras

le muintearas Mhír.

me fein fomruair gnimach

Fuair sé mé féin gníomhach

co sluagaib sochaidhi

le sluaite sochraide,

slige dithrebé

folamhú díthreibhe,

diupa ná domna

tochailt na doimhne,

imorchraid n-indbaissa

iomarca ionnúis

Ailella ingini is digbal dimuin

agus díobháil díomhaoin iníon Oilealla

conid do dibel truag

gur tháinig sí chugamsa ina dhiaidh san

domainig iar tain

agus í balbh agus truaigh.

fo chean”

Mochean.”

f.o.c.e.n.

Ferais an Mac Óg failti frisin n-ingin

Chuir an Mac Óg failte roimh an gcailín

The Mac Óc made the girl welcome,

.i. frisin cuil corcrai

.i. roimh an gcuil chorcra

that is, the purple fly,

ocus dosnimthasa i llai a broit fria bruindé.

agus chruinnigh i mothall a bhrait ar a bhruinn í.

and gathered her to his bosom in the fleece of his cloak.

Nó beir docom a thaige ocus a grianain

Rug sé chun a thí í agus chun a ghrianáin

He brought her to his house and his sun-bower

co seinistrib soillsib fri teacht as ocus ind,

le fuinneoga soilse le dul amach agus teacht isteach

with its bright windows for passing out and in,

ocus dobreth tlacht corcrai uimpi,

agus cuireadh tlacht corcra uimpi.

and purple raiment was put on her;

ocus no himchuire in grianán sin lasin Mac Óg cach leth no theigedh,

Agus d’iomparaíodh an Mac Óg an grianán san pé áit a dtéadh sé

and wheresoever he went that sun-bower was carried by the Mac Óc,

ocus ba hand contuiled cach n-aidchi oca comaidecht do airic menman,

agus b’ann a chodlaíodh sé gach oíche ina cuileachtain agus é a fortacht a meanman

and there he used to sleep every night by her side, comforting her,

conda táinic a sult ocus a feth,

nó gur tháinig a sult agus a dath chúichi

until her gladness and colour came to her again.

ocus no línta an grianan sin o luibib boladhmáraib ingantaib,

agus gur líonadh an grianán san le luibheanna boladhmhara iontacha

And that sun-bower was filled with fragrant and wondrous herbs,

combo dhe do forbredsi do bolad ocus blath na luibhi sainemla loghmairi sin.

gur tháinig a forbairt le boladh agus bláth na luibheanna sainiúla luachmhara san.

and she throve on the fragrance and bloom of those goodly precious herbs.

Adcuas do Fuamnaig a ngrad ocus an miadh

Dúrthas le Fuamnaigh an grá agus an miadh

Fuamnach was told of the love and honour

doradad di lasin Mac Óg.

a thug an Mac Óg di.

that was bestowed by the Mac Óc on Étaín.

Asbert Fuamnach fri Midir:

Dúirt Fuamnach le Mír:

Said Fuamnach to Midir,

“Congarar deit do dalta

“Cuirtear fios ar do dhalta chugat

“Let thy fosterling be summoned

co ndernta corai frib dib línaib,

go ndéanadh sibh cóir don bheirt agaibh

that I may make peace between you both,

ocus co ndechas for iarair Édaine.”

agus rachaidh mé ar lorg Éadaoine.”

while I myself go in quest of Étaín.”

Dothaed techt co Mac nÓc o Midir,

Chuaigh teachtaire ó Mhír go dtí an Mac Óg

A messenger comes to the Mac Óc from Midir,

ocus luidis dia acallaim,

agus chuaigh sé chun cainte leis

and he went to speak to him.

ocus doluid Fuamnach timcheall colleic

agus do ghaibh Fuamnach an timpeall *idir an dá linn*

Meanwhile Fuamnach came by a circuitous way

co mbaí isin Bruigh,

nó go raibh sí sa Bhrú

until she was in the Brug,

ocus dobert an athaig cedna fo Édain

agus do chuir sí an ghaoth amais chéanna fé Éadaoin

and she sent the same blast on Étaín,

condo bert asan grianan

a rug as an ngrianán

which carried her out of her sun-bower

foran imluamain forsa roibe ríam,

ar an scinniúint a bhí uirthi roimhis

on the very flight she had been on before

co cend .uii. mbliadna fo Erinn,

go ceann seacht mbliana fé Éirinn.

for the space of seven years throughout Ireland.

conda timart athach gaithi ar troige ocus lobrai

Rug an ghaoth amais ag triall ar truaighe agus ar lobhra í

The blast of wind drove her along in misery and weakness

ocus conda chorastar for cleithe thighe la hUlltu i mbatar ic ól,

nó gur chuir ar cleith tí i gcúige Uladh í ina rabhadar ag ól

until she alit on the rooftree of a house in Ulster where folk were drinking,

co torchair issin n-airdigh n-óir ro baí for laim mna Édair

gur thit sí sa chuaich órga a bhí ar láimh bhean Éadair,

and she fell into the golden beaker that was before the wife of Étar

in cathmiled o Inbér Chichmaine

caithmhíleadh ó Inbhear Chíochmhaine

the champion from Inber Cíchmaine,

a coiced Concobuir,

i gcúigeadh Chonchúir,

in the province of Conchobar,

condo sloicsidhe lassin dig bai isin lestur

gur shloig sí leis an ndeoch a bhí sa leastar í

so that she swallowed her with the liquid that was in the beaker,

coimperta di shuide foa broind

agus toirchíodh mar sin í

and in this wise she was conceived in her womb

combo hingen iar tain.

agus rugadh ina hinín di ina dhiaidh san.

and became afterwards her daughter.

Dobreth ainm dí .i. Edain ingen Édair.

Tabharthas ainm di .i. Éadaoin iníon Éadair. 

She was called Étaín daughter of Étar.

Di bliadain déc ar mili tra

Do bhí dhá bhliain déag ar míle ansan

Now it was a thousand and twelve years

o gein tuiseach Edaíne o Ailill

ó chéad-ghein Éadaoine ó Oilill

from the first begetting of Étaín by Ailill

cosin ngein déigenach o Edar.

go dtí a gein deiridh ó Éadar.

until her last begetting by Étar.

Alta iarum Édain óc lnbiur Chichmuine la hEdar

Ina dhaidh san d’oil Éadar Éadaoin ag Inbhear Cíochmhaine

After that Étaín was brought up at Inber Cíchmaine by Étar,

ocus .l.a ingen impe di ingenaib tuiseach,

agus caoga cailín ina teannta d’iníonacha taoiseach

and fifty daughters of chieftains along with her,

ocus ba heiseom nodo biathad ocus no eidedh ar comaidecht Édaine do grés.

— agus dob’é sin a thugadh bia agus éadaí dóibh le bheith i gcónaí i dteannta Éadaoine.

and he it was that fed and clothed them to be in attendance on Étaín always.

La n-and doib a n-ingenaib uilib isind inbiur oca fothrucadh

Lá amháin tharla do na cailíní go léir bheith san inbhear á bhfolcadh

On a day it befel that all the maidens were bathing in the estuary

co n-acadar in marcach isin magh chucu don usciu.

go bhfacadar an marcach sa mhachaire chúchu ón uisce.

when they saw from the water a horseman entering the plain towards them.

Ech dond tuagmar forran forlethan casmongach caschaircheach foa suidé.

É ina shuí ar capall donn stuamhar forránach foirleathan casmhongach caiseireaballach.

He was mounted on a broad brown steed, curvetting and prancing, with curly mane and curly tail.

Sidhalbrat uaine i filliud immé,

Bhí sí-bhrat uaine i bhfilleadh uime

Around him a  . . . green mantle in folds,

ocus lene fo deirgindledh uime,

agus léine fé dheirgbhreacadh uime

and a red-embroidered tunic,

ocus eó oir ina brat

agus biorán óir ina bhrat

and in his mantle a golden brooch

rosaidhed a gualaind for cach leth.

a shroich a ghuala ar gach leith.

which reached to his shoulder on either side.

Sciath airg[d]idhi co n-imiul oir imme fora muin.

Sciath airgid le himeall óir uime ar a dhrom

A silvern shield with rim of gold slung over his back,

Sciathrach airgid and, ocus tul n-oir fair,

agus sciathrach airgid inti agus bocóid óir uirthi.

and a silver strap to it and boss of gold thereon.

ocus slegh coicrind co fethan oir impé o irlonn co cro ina laim.

Agus bhí sleá le cúig reanna agus ceangail óir uimpi ó urlainn go cró ina láimh.

In his hand a five-pronged spear with bands of gold round about it from haft to socket.

Folt findbuide fair co edan.

Bhí folt fionnbhuí air go héadan

Bright yellow hair he had reaching to his forehead.

Snithi oir fria édán

agus filléad óir ar a éadan

A fillet of gold against his forehead

conna teilgeadh a fholt fo aghaidh.

chun ná beadh a fholt ag titim ar a aghaidh.

so that his hair should not fall over his face.

Assisithar sist forsin purt oc déigsin na hingine,

Stad sé neomat ar an bport ag féachaint ar an gcailín

He halted a while on the bank gazing at the maiden,

ocus ro charsad na hingena uile.

agus bhí grá ag na cailíní go léir air.

and all the maidens loved him.

Conad ann asbertsom in laid seo:

Ansan dúirt sé an laoi seo:

Thereupon he uttered this lay:

“Etain andiu sund amné.

“Tá Éadaoin anso inniu gan dabht

“This is Étaín here to-day

óc Sídh Ban Find iar nAilbe.

ag Sí Bhan bhFionn iar nAilbhe

at Síd Ban Find west of Ailbe,

eter macu beca dí.

idir maca beaga di

among little boys is she

for bru Indbir Chichmaini.

ar bhruach Inbhir Chíochmhaine.

on the brink of Inber Cíchmaine.

Is í ro ícc suil an rígh.

Is í d’íoc súil an rí

She it is who healed the King’s eye

a topor Locha Dá Licc.

i dtobar Loch Dá Lí;

from the well of Loch Dá Líg;

is si asibedh sin digh.

is í d’ól bean Éadair

she it is that was swallowed in a drink

la mnaí Edair a hairdigh.

sa deoch as a cuach.

from a beaker by Étar’s wife.

Is tria hagh dosib in ri.

Is dá muin a sheilgfidh an rí

Because of her the King shall chase

inna eonu di Theathbaei.

an éanlaith de Theafa

the birds from Tethba,

ocus baidfidh a dha each.

agus a bháifidh a dhá chapall

and drown his two steeds

i lind Locha Da Airbreach.

i linn Loch Dá Airbhreach.

in the pool of Loch Dá Airbrech.

Biat imda coicthe ili.

Is mó cogadh a bheidh ann

Full many a war shall be

triat agh for Echaidh Midhi

ded mhuin ar Eochaidh Mí;

on Eochaid of Meath because of thee;

beidit togla for sidhib.

beidh toghlacha ann ar síthe

there shall be destruction of elfmounds,

agus cath for ilmilibh.

agus cath ar ilmhíle.

and battle against many thousands.

Is i ro laigedh is tír.

Is í do luíodh sa tír,

’Tis she that was sung of (?) in the land;

is si arcosnai in rígh.

is í do chosain an rí,

’tis she that strives to win the King;

is i Be Fhind friss doghair.

is í gurbh ainm di Bé bhFionn,

’tis she  . . .  Bé Find,

is i ar nEdain hí iar tain.”

is í ár nÉadaoin í ina dhiaidh san.”

She is our Étaín afterwards.”

E. t. ain.

Dochuaid uaidib in t-oclaech iar tain,

*D’imigh an t-óglach uathu ansan

The warrior departed from them after that,

ocus ni fhedadar can dodechaidh nó cid dochoidh iarum.

agus ní fheadradar cad as a dtáinig sé nó cár chuaigh sé ina dhiaidh san.*

and they knew not whence he had come or whither he had gone *after that*.

O rainic an Mac Óc do acallaim Midir

Ó tháinig an Mac Óg chun cainte le Mír,

When the Mac Óc came to confer with Midir,

ní fornic Fuamnach ara chind Midir,

ní bhfuair sé Fuamnach ina chionn.

he did not find Fuamnach there,

ocus asbert fris:

Dúirt Mír leis

and he (Midir) said to him:

“Bréc dorat an bean imond,

“Thug an bhean bréag umainn

“The woman has played us false,

ocus dia n-ecastar di Etain do bith i nEre

agus má ndéarfar léithi Éadaoin a bheith in Éirinn,

and if she be told that Étaín is in Ireland

ocusraghaidh do denum uilc fria.”

rachaidh sí chun olc a dhéanamh di.”

and she will go to do her ill.”

[“Domuiniur is dóig bid fír,” ol Mac Óc U.]

*[“I mo thuairimse, is dócha go bhfuil sé sin fíor,” arsa an Mac Óg.]*

[“Methinks ’tis likely so,” said the Mac Óc.]

“Ata Etain isin Bruigh ocom thighse o cíanaib

“Tá Éadaoin sa Bhrú im thighse ó chianaibh

“Étaín has been at my house in the Brug since a little while

isin deilb a tarfas uaitsiu

sa deilbh inar tógadh uaitse í

in the shape in which she was wafted (?) from thee,

ocus bes as chuici forobairt an bean.”

agus b’fhéidir go bhfuil an bhean ag triall uirthi siúd.”

and perhaps it is she that the woman is making for.”

Dothaet an Mac Óc dia thigh fora chulu

Tháinig an Mac Óg thar nais go dtína thigh

The Mac Óc returns home

co fairnic a grianan glainidhi cen Édain and.

agus fuair an grianán gloiní gan Éadaoin ann.

and finds the crystal sun-bower without Étaín in it.

Imsosoi an Mac Óc for slicht Fuamnaigi,

D’iompaigh an Mac Óg ar lorg Fuamnaí

The Mac Óc turns upon Fuamnach’s traces

co tarraidh for Aenach Bodbgnai

gur tháinig sé suas léithi ar Aonach Bodhbhghna

and came up on her at Aenech Bodbgna

og tigh Breasail Edarlaim in druadh.

i dtigh Bhreasail Eadarláimh an draoi.

at the house of the druid Bresal Eterlám.

Fosnopair an Mac Óg ocus benaid a cenn dí,

Thug an Mac Óg fóbairt fúithi gur bhain a ceann di

The Mac Óc attacked her and shore off her head,

ocus dobert lais an ceand sin co raibi for brú an Brogha.

agus rug leis an ceann san nó go raibh sé ar bhruach an Bhrú.

and he brought that head with him until he was on the brink of the Brug.

Acht cena is ed islicht a n-inud aili

Ach cheana deirtear i sliocht in áit eile

Howbeit, this is the version elsewhere,

conadh la Manandán ro marbsat a ndís

gurbh é Manannán a mharaigh an bheirt acu

that they were both slain by Manannán,

.i. Fuamnach ocus Midir, a mBrig Leith,

.i. Fuamnach agus Mír i mBrí Léith,

namely Fuamnach and Midir, in Brí Léith,

dia nd-ebradh:

dá ndúrthas:

whereof was said:

Fuamnach baeth bá bean Midir.

Dob’í Fuamnach bhaoth bean Mhír

Fuamnach the foolish one was Midir’s wife,

Sigmall is brig co mbilib.

— Sioghmhall is brí le bilibh;

Sigmall, a hill with ancient trees,

a mBrig Leith, ba lathar lán.

i mBrí Léith, ba láthar lán,

in Brí Léith, ’twas a faultless arrangement,

ro loiscet la Manannán.

loisceadh iad le Manannán.

they were burned by Manannán.

F.I.N.I.D.

FINIT

FINIT

Tochmarc Edaine and seo beos

*Tochmharc Éadaoine anseo arís*

The Wooing of Étaín this again.

Gabais Eochaidh Airium rigi nErenn.

Do ghaibh Eochaidh Oireamh ríocht Éireann.

Eochaid Airem took the kingship of Ireland.

Airgiallsat coic coicidh Erenn do .i. ri cach coicidh.

Ghéill cúig cúigí Éireann dó agus rí gach cúigidh.

The five Fifths of Ireland submitted to him, that is a king of each Fifth.

Batar hé a rígh an tan sin

B’iad so a ríthe an t-am san ná

These were their kings at that time:

.i. Concobar mac Nesa

Conchúr mac Neasa

Conchobar son of Nesa

ocus Mes Geghra

agus Meas Geaghra

and Mess Gegra

ocus Tigernach Tédbandach

agus Tiarnach Téadbhannach

and Tigernach Tétbannach

ocus Cu Rui

agus Cú Raoi

and Cú Ruí

ocus Ailill mac Mata Muirisci.

agus Oilill mac Mada Muirisce.

and Ailill son of Máta Murisc.

Batar eat duine Echdach

B’iad dúnta Eochaidh

Eochaid’s strongholds were

.i. Dun Fremand a Midiu

Dún Freamhainn i Mí

Dún Frémainn in Meath

ocus Dun Fremand a Teathbai.

agus Dún Freamhainn i dTeafa.

and Dún Frémainn in Tethba.

Fremand Thethbai ba hinmaine lais do duinib Erenn.

B’ansa leis de dhúntaibh Éireann Dún Freamhainn Teafa.

Frémainn in Tethba was the one most dear to him of the strongholds of Ireland.

Airfoccarar o Eochaid for firu Erenn feis Temra do denum an bliadain iar ngabail righi

Fógraíodh ó Eochaidh ar fearaibh Éireann feis Teamhra a dhéanamh an bhliain tar éis dó ríocht a ghabháil

Eochaid, the year after he became king, commanded the men of Ireland to hold the Festival of Tara,

fri comus a mbesa ocus a císa doib

chun a mbéasa agus a gcíosa a mheas dóibh

in order to assess their tributes and taxes

co ceann .u. mbliadna.

go ceann cúig mbliana.

for five years.

Ba hinand aithesc la firu Erenn fri hEochaid.

B’é aitheasc fear Éireann go léir

The men of Ireland made the same reply to Eochaid,

Ni theclomdais feis Temra

ná déanfaidis feis Teamhra

that they would not convene the Festival of Tara

do rig cen rigain lais,

do rí gan bhanríon leis,

for a king that had no queen:

ar ni raibi rigan i fail Echach an tan do gab flaithius.

mar ní raibh banríon ag Eochaidh nuair a ghaibh sé flaitheas.

for Eochaid had no queen when he took the kingship.

Faidis Eochaid techta cach coicidh uadh fa Erinn

Chuir Eochaidh teachtairí gach cúigidh uaidh ar fud na hÉireann

Thereupon Eochaid dispatched envoys to every Fifth throughout Ireland

do chuindchid mna nó ingine bad aildeam no beith a nEre do.

chun na mná nó an chailín dob’ áille  in Éirinn a lorg dó

to seek out for him the fairest (woman or) maiden in Ireland.

Al asbert ní biad ina fharradh

mar dúirt sé ná beadh ina theannta

For he said that none should be his wife

acht bean nad fesad fer do feraib Erenn riam.

ach bean nár chomhlaigh léithi fear d’fhearaibh Éireann riamh.

save a woman that none of the men of Ireland had known before him.

Fofrith dó oc Inbir Chichmaine

Fuarathas dó ag Inbhear Cíochmhaine

There was found for him at Inber Cíchmaine,

.i. Édain ingen Edair,

.i. Éadaoin iníon Éadair.

Étaín daughter of Étar,

ocus dosbert Eochaid iarom,

Agus thóg Eochaidh í ansan

and Eochaid wedded her then,

ar ba comadhais dó

mar d’oir sí dó

for she was his match

ar cruth ocus deilb ocus cenel,

ar crot agus deilbh agus cineál,

in beauty and form and lineage,

áine ocus oitidh ocus aerdarcus.

áine agus óige agus oirearcas.

in splendour and youth and fame.

It é tri meic Find meic Findlogha

B’iad trí mic Fhinn mhic Fhionnlogha

The three sons of Find son of Findlug,

meic na rigna

mic na banríona

the queen’s sons,

.i. Eochaid Feidlech

ná Eochaidh Feidhleach

were Eochaid Feidlech

ocus Eochaid Airem

agus Eochaidh Oireamh

and Eochaid Airem

ocus Ailill Anguba.

agus Oilill Anghubha.

and Ailill Ánguba.

Carais Ailill Anguba iarom Etain ic
feis Temrach

Ansan do thit Oilill Anghubha i ngrá le hÉadaoin ag feis Teamhra

Then Ailill Ánguba came to love Étaín at the Festival of Tara,

iar feis dí la hEochaid.

tar éis d’Eochaidh comhluí léithi

after she had lain with Eochaid,

Fo dhaig dognith apairt dia sirshilliudh,

mar dhein sé nós de bheith ag sírfhéachaint uirthi

for it was his wont to gaze at her continually,

uair is deascaidh seirci sirshillidh.

agus is comhartha grá sírfhéachaint.

and such gazing is a token of love.

Cairigis a menma Ailill don gnim sin dogéne

D’aifir a mheanma an gníomh san d’Oilill

His heart reproached Ailill for the deed that he had wrought,

ocus niba cabair dó.

agus níorbh aon chabhair dó é.

but it availed him in no wise.

Ba treisi tol aicnidh.

Bhí toil níos treise ná aigne.

Desire was stronger than character.

Focheird Ailill a sirg dé fo dhaigh nara thubaidhi fri nech

Do thit Oilill i dtinneas déithe chun ná beadh toibhéim air

Ailill fell into a decline lest his honour
should be stained,

ocus nach erbart frisin mnaí fodeisin.

agus ná dúirt leis an mbean féin é.

nor had he spoken of it to the woman herself.

When he expected death,

Dobreth Fachtna liaig Echach dia imchaisiu

Rugadh Fachtna lia Eochaidh chun breathnú a dhéanamh air

Fachtna, Eochaid’s physician, was brought to see him.

an tan ro gab céill for écaib.

nuair a cuireadh i gcéill a bháis é.

Asbert fris in liaig:

Dúirt an lia leis:

The physician said to him,

“Acht nechtar na da idhan marbtha duine nath ícad legho .i. ida sheirce ocus idu eoid, it é fil indudsu.”

“Ceann den dá íon maraithe duine ná híocfadh lia .i. íon ghrá agus íon éada, atá ortsa.”

“One of the two pains thou hast that kill man and that no physician can heal, the pain of love and the pain of jealousy”.

Ní árdamar Ailill do, ar ba mebal lais.

Níor admhaigh Oilill dó mar bhí náire air.

Ailill did not confess to him, for he was ashamed.

Foracbad iarom Ailill a Fremaind Teathbai fri bás,

Ansan fágadh Oilill le bás i bhFreamhainn Teafa

Then Ailill was left in Frémainn Tethba dying,

ocus luid Eochaid for cuaird nErenn,

agus chuaigh Eochaidh ar cuairt Éireann

and Eochaid went on a circuit of Ireland.

ocus foracbadh Édain hi fail Ailella

agus fágadh Éadaoin i dteannta Oilealla

And Étaín was left with Ailill

co nderndais a thiugmaine lé

chun a thiughmhaine a dhéanamh

that his last rites might be paid by her

.i. cora clasta a fert,

.i. a uaigh a bhaint,

— that is, his grave dug,

coro hagtha a guba,

a chaoineadh a dhéanamh,

his lamentation made,

coro hortha a chethrai.

a eallach a mharú.

his cattle slain.

An tech a mbith Ailill a ngalar dotheigead Etain cach dia dia athreos,

An tigh go mbíodh Oilill i ngalar, théadh Éadaoin ann gach aon lá chun a bheith ag caint leis

Every day Étaín used to come to the house wherein Ailill lay sick to speak with him,

ocus ba lugaide a galarsom ón do suidiu,

agus bhíodh a ghalarsan níos lú dá bharr

and thus his sickness was alleviated,

ocus cein no bith Édain isin maigin sin

agus an fhaid is a bhíodh Éadaoin san áit sin,

and as long as Étaín remained there

no bithsom oca deicsin.

bhíodh sé siúd ag féachaint uirthi. 

he would be gazing at her.

Rathaighis Edain anni sin

Thug Éadaoin fé ndeara an rud san

Étaín observed this,

ocus focheird a menmain aire.

agus smaoinigh sí ina meanma é.

and pondered the matter.

Lá amháin go raibh an bheirt acu ina tigh,

One day as they were together in her house,

Asbert Edain frissom

d’fhiafraigh Éadaoin de

Étaín asked him

la n-and a mbatar ina tigh dib línaib,

cid día mbai fochonn a galair do Ailill.

de cad ba chúis dá ghalar.

what was the cause of his sickness.

“Ata dit seircsiu,” ol Ailill.

“Tá sé ód ghrása,” arsa Oilill.

“It is from love of thee,” said Ailill.

“Dirsan a fhad co n-erbort,” or sisi.

“Is trua an fad go ndúraís é,” ar sise,

“Pity that thou has been so long without telling it,” said she.

“dá mbeadh a fhios againn,

“Had we but known,

“Ropsat slan o chianaib

is ó chianaibh a bheifeása slán.”

thou shouldst have been healed a while ago.”

dia fesmais.”

“Cid andib badam slansa mad ail duitsiu,” ol Ailill.

“Fiú amháin inniu bheinnse slán dá mba mhian leat é,” arsa Oilill.

“Even this day shall I be whole again if thou be willing.”

“Bid ail ecin,” or si.

“Is mian gan dabht,” ar sise.

‘I am willing indeed,” said she.

Doteged iar sin cach dia do folcad a c[h]ind

Ina dhiaidh san thagadh sí gach lá chun a cheann a fholcadh

Every day then she would come to bathe his head

ocus do tinbi a c[h]odach dho

agus chun a chuid fheola a ghearradh dó

and to carve his meat

ocus do urgabail usce fora lamaib.

agus chun uisce a dhoirteadh ar a lámhaibh.

and to pour water on his hands.

Día teóra nomad iarom ba slan Oilill.

I gcionn míosa bhí Oilill slán.

After thrice nine days Ailill was healed.

Adbertsom fri hEdain:

Dúirt sé le hÉadaoin:

He said to Étaín:

“Ocus a testo dom iccsa cuin rom bia?”

“Agus cathain a bheidh agam an méid a theastaíonn dem ícse?”

“And when shall I have from thee what is still lacking to cure me?”

“Rod bia amarach,” ol si,

“Beidh sé agat amárach,” ar sise,

“Thou shalt have it to-morrow,” said she;

“acht niba isin tsosudh na firflatha dogentar an col.

“ach ná déantar an col i sosadh na fíorfhlatha.

“but not in the prince’s dwelling shall he be put to shame.

Dotuisiu ambarach am dailseo cusan tulaigh uasin liss.”

Tairse chugam amárach go dtí an tulach ós cionn an leasa.”

Come to me tomorrow on the hill above the court.”

Bai Ailill ac frithaire na haidche.

Bhí Oilill ag friothaire an oíche.

Ailill watched throughout the night.

Contuili trath a dala.

Chodail sé ag am a dhála.

But at the hour of his tryst he fell asleep,

Ni dersaig co trath teirt ara barach.

Níor dhúisigh sé go dtí teirt lá arna mhárach.

and did not wake until the third hour on the morrow.

Luid Etain ina dailseam,

Chuaigh Éadaoin chuige

Étaín went to meet him,

co n-acai in fer ara cind co cosmailis crotha Ailella,

go bhfaca sí an fear ar a cionn a bhí cosúil le hOilill

and saw a man awaiting her like unto Ailill in appearance,

ocus caínis inlobrai a galair.

agus a cháin lobhra a ghalair.

and he lamented his weakness due to his ailment.

A n-aithesc rop ail do Ailill iss ed ro raidseom.

Dúirt sé an chaint ba mhian le hOilill.

The speech that Ailill would have wished that is what he spoke.

Dofusce Ailill trath teirti.

Dhúisigh Oilill um theirt.

At the hour of tierce Ailill awoke.

Fota fécais for toirrsi trath dodeochaid Etain isa teach.

Is fada chrom sé ar tuirse a dhéanamh nuair a tháinig Éadaoin sa tigh.

He began to be sorrowful for a long while (?) when Étaín came into the house.

“Cid dodgni toirrsich?” or si.

“Cad a dhein tuirseach thú?” ar sise.

“Why are thou sad?” said she.

“Do faidiud duitsiu am dailsi,

“Bhí coinne agam leatsa

“That I should have sent thee to a tryst with me

ocus ni ranac ar do cind,

agus níor thánag chugat

and was not there to meet thee.

ocus dorochair codlad form,

mar thit codladh orm

For sleep fell upon me,

conam earracht anos.

nár éiríos ach anois.

and I am only now arisen.

Is suachnid ni rodchadh mo iccsa.”

Is soiléir nár shroiseas m’íoca.”

It is manifest that I have not yet attained (?) my cure.”

“Ni ba son,” ol Etain, “ata la i ndegaid aloili.”

“Is cuma san,” arsa Éadaoin, “bíonn lá i ndiaidh a chéile.”

 “That matters not,” said Étaín, “one day follows another.”

Gaibthi frithaire na haidc[h]e sin

Leis sin bhí sé ag friothaire an oíche sin

He watched that night

ocus teine mór ara belaib

agus tine mhór ar a bhéalaibh

with a huge fire in front of him

ocus usce na fharrad da tabairt fora shuilib.

agus uisce ina fharradh le tabhairt ar a shúilibh.

and water by his side for bathing his eyes.

Trath a dala dotaet Etain ana dhail

Ag am a dála tháinig Éadaoin chuige

At the hour of her tryst Étaín comes to meet him

co n-acai an fer cedna amal Ailill.

go bhfaca an fear céanna cosúil le hOilill.

and saw the same man like unto Ailill.

Luid Etain dia tigh.

Chuaigh Éadaoin abhaile.

Étaín returned home.

Fecais Ailill oc cai.

Chrom Oilill ar gol.

Ailill fell to weeping.

Doluid Etain co fo tri

Tháinig Éadaoin trí huaire

Three times Étaín came

ocus ní fairnicc Ailill a dail.

agus níor tháinig Oilill chúichi.

and Ailill did not keep his tryst.

Co fornecsi an fear cedna.

Fuair sí an fear céanna.

She found ever the same man.

“Ni fritsu,” ar si, “ro dalasa.

“Ní leatsa,” ar sise, “a bhí dáil agam.

“ ’Tis not with thee that I have trysted,” said she.

Ciasu tu dodeac[h]aid im dail?

Cé hé tú féin a tháinig chugam?

“Who art thou that hast come to meet me?

An fer frisro dalusa

An fear go raibh dáil agam leis,

The man with whom I have made a tryst,

ni ar c[h]ul nó aimleas tiacht ara c[h]ind,

ní raibh teacht chuige ar chol nó ar aimhleas

’tis not for sin or hurt that the tryst has been made with him,

acht as ar cúis tesairgne domnai rig Erenn don galar fotrubai.”

ach chun damhna rí Éireann a shábháil ón ngalar a thit air.”

but that one fit to be king of Ireland might be saved from the sickness that has fallen upon him.”

“Ba tocha duid toidheacht cucamsa,

“B’oiriúnaí duit teacht chugamsa,

“ ’Twere more fitting for thee to come to me,

ol an tan rupsa Etain Echraidhe ingen Ailella

mar nuair ba Éadaoin Eachraí iníon Oilealla tú,

for when thou wast Étaín Echraide, daughter of Ailill,

ba misi do cetmui[n]dter

bhíos féin it fhear céile

’tis I that was thy husband.

ocus ba iar do sharlugaib do primmuigib Erenn ocus uiscib

agus b’in tar éis sárluach príomhmánna agus uiscí Éireann

I had paid thy huge brideprice in great plains and rivers of Ireland,

ocus or ocus airget co tici do chutruma do facbail dar [th’]eis.”

agus ór agus airgead go dtí do chothrom a fhágaint id dhiaidh.”

and had left in place of thee thy weight of gold and silver.”

“Ceist,” ol sisi, “cia h’ainmsiú?”

“Ceist agam ort,” ar sise, “cad is ainm duit?”

“Tell me,” said she, “what is thy name?”

“Ni hannsa, Midir Brig Leith,” ol sé.

“Ní deacair a rá: Mír Brí Léith,” ar seisean.

“No hard matter, Midir of Brí Léith,” said he.

“Ceist,” ol sisi, “cid rodn édarscar”?

“Ceist ort,” ar sise, “cad a scar sinn?”

“Tell me,” said she, “what was it that parted us?”

“Ni hannsa, fithnaisi Fuamnaige

“Ní deacair a rá: draíocht Fhuamnaí

“No hard matter, the sorcery of Fuamnach

ocus brechtai Breasail Edarlaim.”

agus breachtraíocht Bhreasail Eadarláimh.”

and the spells of Bresal Etarlám.”

Asbert Midir fri hEdain: “An ragasu liumsa?”

Dúirt Mír le hÉadaoin: “An rachaidh tú liomsa?”

Midir said to Étaín, “Wilt thou go with me?”

“Nitó,” ol sí. “Noco ririub ri[g] nErenn

“Ní raghad,” ar sise, “ní mhalartód rí Éireann

“Nay,” said she, “I will not barter the king of Ireland

ar fer na fedar clainn na cenel dó.”

ar fear ná fuil a fhios agam clann ná cineál dó.”

for a man whose kindred or race I know not.”

“Is misi em,” ol Midir, “dorat for menmain Ailella do sheircsiu

“Is mise áfach,” arsa Mír, “a chuir do ghrá i gcroí Oilealla

“It was I, *indeed,*” said Midir, “that put love for thee into Ailill’s mind,

co torchair a fuil ocus a feoil dé,

i dtreo gur thit a fhuil agus a fheoil de

so that his flesh and blood fell away from him.

ocus is m[e]si thall cach n-ocobar collaidhi n-aire,

agus is mise a bhain gach aon mhian chollaí de

And it was I that took from him all carnal desire,

na beith milliud einich duitsiu and.

chun ná beadh cailliúint oinigh ort ann.

so that thine honour might not suffer therein.

Acht teisiu liumsu dom c[h]rich

Ach tair liomsa dom chríoch

But come to my land with me

día n-apra Eochaid fritt.”

má deireann Eochaidh leat é a dhéanamh.”

if Eochaid bids thee.”

“Maith lium,” ol Édaín.

“Is maith liom,” arsa Éadaoin.

 “Willingly,” said Étaín.

Tig iarom dia tig.

Ansan tháinig sí abhaile.

Then she comes to her house.

“Is maith ar comrac”, or Ailill;

“Is maith ár gcomhrac,” arsa Oilill,

“We are well met”, said Ailill.

“sech rom ícadsa in fechtsa,

“ní hamháin táim leigheasta feasta

“Now am I healed,

ní fil immlot n-einig duitsiú and.”

ach níl aon lot oinigh duitse ann.”

and yet thine honour had not suffered *therein*.”

“Is amra amlaidh,” ol Édaín.

“Tá san go breá mar sin,” arsa Éadaoin.

“It is well thus,” said Étaín.

Tainic Eochaid día chuaird iar tain,

Ina dhiaidh san tháinig Eochaidh abhaile óna chuairt

After that Eochaid returned from his circuit,

ocus atlaigestar beathaid a brathar

agus ghairdigh sé a dheartháir a fháil ina bheathaigh

and rejoiced that his brother was alive,

ocus buidighthe fri hEdaín co mór

agus tugadh buíochas mór d’Éadaoin

and Étaín received *much* thanks

a ndórigné co tainicsom.

ar son an méid a dhein sé go dtí gur tháinig sé abhaile.

for what she had done until he had come again.

Tochmarc Etaine beos

*Tochmharc Éadaoine arís*

The Wooing of Étaín again.

Fechtas n-aili

Uair amháin eile

Another time

on a lovely summer day

asraracht Eochaid Aiream ri Teamrach

d’éirigh Eochaidh Oireamh rí Teamhra

Eochaid Airem king of Tara arose

la n-alaind a n-aimsir tsamrata,

lá álainn in aimsir shamhrata

ocus fosrocuib for tsosta na Teamrach

agus dhreap in airde ar shosta na Teamhra

and climbed the terrace of Tara

do imchaisiu Muighi Breg.

chun féachaint ar Mágh Brea.

to gaze over Mag Breg.

Bai fó a ile ocus fo blath cach datha.

Ba breá a lí agus í fé bhláth gach aon datha.

It was radiant with bloom of every hue.

A n-imracachai n-imbé

Nuair a d’fhéach sé timpeall

As Eochaid looked round him

co n-acca in occláech n-ingnad forsin tsosadh inna c[h]omair.

chonaic sé an t-óglach anaithnid in airde ar an sosadh ós a chomhair.

he saw a strange warrior on the terrace before him.

Fuan corcra imbé,

Bhí fuan corcra uime

A purple tunic about him,

ocus mong orbuide fair co brane a dha imdáe.

agus mong órbhuí air go braine a dhá ghualann,

and golden yellow hair on him to the edge of his shoulders.

Rosc caindleach glas ina chind.

súil choinnleach ghlas ina cheann,

A shining blue eye in his head.

Sleg coicrind ina laim.

sleá le cúig reanna ina láimh,

A five-pointed spear in one hand,

Sciath tuilgel ina laim

sciath le tul geal ina láimh

a white-bossed shield in the other,

co ngemaib oir furri.

agus geamanna óir uirthi.

with golden gems thereon.

Sochtais Eochaid,

Shocht Eochaidh

Eochaid was silent,

ar ni fhidir a bith isin Temraig in aidchi riam,

mar ní raibh a fhios aige é a bheith i dTeamhair an oíche roimhis

for he was unaware of his being in Tara the night before,

ocus ní foslaici an lis an trath sin.

agus níor osclaíodh fós na leasanna ag an am san.

and the courts had not been opened at that hour.

Doluid ar inchaib Echach iar sin.

Tháinig sé ar ionchaibh Eochaidh ina dhiaidh san.

Thereupon he came up to Eochaid.

Asbert Eochaid iar sin: “Fó c[h]en don ócláech nad athgenamar”.

Ansan dúirt Eochaidh: “Mochean don óglach ná haithnímid.”

Then Eochaid said, “Welcome to the warrior whom we do not know.”

“Is ed dorochtamair,” ar in t-óclaech.

“Is chuige sin a thángamar,” arsa an t-óglach.

“ ’Tis for that we have come,” said the warrior.

“Nit athgenamar,” ol Eochaid.

“Níl aithne againn ort,” arsa Eochaidh.

“We know thee not,” said Eochaid.

“Atotgénsa chedus,” ol in t-oclaech.

“Ach tá aithne agamsa ort,” arsa an t-óglach.

“I know thee, however,” replied the warrior,

“Cía th’ainmsiu?” ol Eochaid.

“Cad is ainm duit?” arsa Eochaidh.

“What is thy name?” said Eochaid.

“Ní hairdirc son,” ol sé, “Midir Breg Léith.”

“Níl sé oirirc,” ar seisean, “Mír Brí Léith is ainm dom.”

“Not famous,” said he, “Midir of Brí Léith.”

“Cid dotróacht?” ol Eochaid.

“Cad chuige a thángaís?” arsa Eochaidh.

“What has brought thee?” said Eochaid.

“D’imbirt fidchilli fritsó,” ol sé.

“Chun ficheall a imirt leatsa,” ar seisean.

“To play chess with thee,” said he.

“Am maithsi eim,” ol Eochaid, “for fidchill.”

“Go deimhin táimse go maith chun fichille,” arsa Eochaidh.

“Of a truth I am good at chess,” said Eochaid.

“A fromadh dún,” ol Midir.

“Bainimís triall as,” arsa Mír.

“Let us make trial of it,” said Midir.

“Ata,” ol Eochaid, “an rigan ina codladh.

“Tá an bhanríon ina codladh,” arsa Eochaidh.

“The queen is asleep,” said Eochaid,

Is lé in tech ata ind fidchell.”

“Is léithi an tigh go bhfuil an clár fichille.”

“and it is in her house that the chess-board is.”

“Ata sund chena,” ol Midir, “fidhchell nad mesum.”

“Tá anso cheana,” arsa mír “clár fichille nach measa.”

“I have here,” said Midir, “a chess-board that is not inferior.”

Ba fir ón,

Bhí san fíor:

That was true:

clar n-airgid ocus fir óir,

clár airgid agus fir óir

a silver board and golden men,

ocus fuursundadh cacha hairdi furri di líc logmair,

agus soilsiú gach cúinne air le cloch luachmhar

and each corner thereof lit up by a precious stone,

ocus ferbolg di fighi rond credumae.

agus fearbholg de ronnaí cré-umha fite fuaite trí chéile.

and a bag for the men of plaited links of bronze.

Ecraidh Midir ind fhidchill iar sin.

Chuir Mír eagar ar an bhfichill ansan.

Thereupon Midir arranges the board.

“Imbir,” ol Midir.

“Imir,” arsa Mír.

“Do thou play,” said Midir.

“Ní immeór acht dí giull,” ol Eochaid.

“Ní imreod ach ar gheall,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I will not play save for a stake,” said Eochaid.

“Cidh geall bías and?” ol Midir.

“Cé’n geall a bheidh ann?” arsa Mír.

“What shall the wager be?” said Midir.

“Cuma lium,” ol Eochaid.

“Is cuma liom,” arsa Eochaidh.

“It is all one to me,” said Eochaid.

“Rod bia limsa,” ol Midir,

“Beidh agamsa duit,” arsa Mír,

“Thou shalt have from me,” said Midir,

“madh tú beras mó thoceall

“más tusa a bhéarfaidh an bhua orm,

“if thou win my stake,

.l. gabar ndubglas, it é ceindbreca croderca biracha

caoga capall dúghlas agus iad ceann-bhreaca craoraga cluas-bhioracha

fifty dark grey steeds with dappled blood-red heads pointed-ears,

bruindlethain bolgroin

broinn-leathain bolg-shróin

broad-chested, with distended nostrils,

coscháela combrasa faeburdha femenda

cos-chaola comhbhrasa faobhracha feimheanna

slender limbs, mighty, keen  . . .  ,

urarda aignecha shostaide shogabaltai,

urarda aigeanta seasta soghabhálta

huge, swift (?), steady, easily yoked

cona caecaib n-all cruanmoithni.

lena gcaogaid srianta crónta.

with their fifty enamelled reins.

Tairgebat am trath teirti arna barach.”

Sroichfid am teirte amárach.”

They shall be here at the hour of tierce to-morrow.”

Atbert Eochaid an cetna frisium.

Dúirt Eochaid an rud céanna leis.

Eochaid said the same to him.

Imrid iar sin.

Ina dhiaidh san d’imríodar.

Thereupon they play.

Berar tochell Midir.

Rugadh bua ar Mhír.

Midir’s stake is taken.

Téid uad ocus beris a fidcheall lais.

Chuaigh sé uaidh agus rug a chlár fichille leis.

He goes off taking his chess-board with him.

A n-asracht Eochaid arabarach

Nuair a d’éirigh Eochaidh lá arna mhárach

When Eochaid arose on the morrow

doluid for sostai na Temrach im turcabail ngréine,

tháinig sé ar sosta na Teamhra le héirí na gréine

he came on to the terrace of Tara at sunrise,

co n-acca a cheile chuicé iarsind tsosad ina arrud cheana.

go bhfaca a chompánach cheana chuige ar an sosadh ina fharradh.

and he saw his opponent close by coming towards him along the terrace.

Ni fhidir cidh dochuaid nó can dodeochaid,

Ní raibh a fhios aige cár chuaigh sé nó cad as gur tháinig sé,

He knew not whither he had gone or whence he had come,

co n-acca in .l. n-ech ndubglas cona srianaib cruanmaithne friú.

go bhfaca sé an caoga capall dúghlas agus na srianta crónta leo.

and he saw the fifty dark grey steeds with their enamelled reins.

“Indraic sin,” ol Eochaid.

“Tá san go hionraic,” arsa Eochaidh.

“This is honourable,” said Eochaid.

“Is fiach ní dlomthar,” ol Midir.

“Is fiach rud má ghealltar,” arsa Mír.

“What is promised is due,” said Midir.

“In imberum fidcheall?” ol Midir.

“An imreoimíd ficheall?” arsa Mír.

“Shall we play at chess?” said Midir.

“Maith lium,” ol Eochaid, “acht ro be gell and.”

“Ba mhaith liom,” arsa Eochaidh “ach bíodh geall ann.”

“Willingly,” said Eochaid, “so it be for a stake.”

“Rod bia liumsa,” ol Midir,

“Beidh agamsa duit,” arsa Mír,

“Thou shalt have from me,” said Midir,

“.l. torc trichem, at é casbreca

“caoga torc agus trí bliana slánaithe acu agus iad cas-bhreaca

“fifty young boars, curly-mottled,

foliath forglasa,

bolg-liatha drom-ghlasa,

grey-bellied, blue-backed,

co cruib eich foraib,

le crúba capaill orthu

with horse’s hooves to them,

ocus lothar draigin fordo talla uile.

agus lothar draighin ina gcuirtear iad go léir. 

together with a vat of blackthorn into which they all will fit.

In fecht n-aili .l. claidem n-ordoirnn.

An uair eile caoga claíomh órdoirn.

Further, fifty gold-hilted swords,

In fecht n-aili .l. bó find n-oderg

An uair eile caoga bó fhionn cluas-dhearg

and again fifty *white* red-eared cows

co laegaib findaib odergaib leó

agus laonna fionna cluas-dhearga acu

with white red-eared calves

ocus nasc credumae for cach laeg dib.

nasc cré-umha ar gach lao díobh.

and a bronze spancel on each calf.

In fecht n-aile .l. molt nglas ceindderg trichenn trebennach.

An uair eile caoga molt glas ceann-dearg trícheannach tríbheannach.

Further, fifty grey wethers with red heads, three-headed, three-horned.

In fecht n-aili .l. colg ndéd.

An uair eile caoga colg déid.

Further, fifty ivory-hilted swords.

In fecht n-aile [.l.] brat breiclighach.

An uair eile caoga brat lí breice.

Further, fifty speckled cloaks,

Acht ba cach .l. díb a lá.”

Ach gach caoga díobh agus a lá féin.”

but each fifty of them on its own day.”

Frithcomraic a aidi inti Eochaid,

Chuir a oide altrama ceist ar Eochaidh

Eochaid’s fosterfather questioned him,

ocus asbert fris can dombert a marindmas.

agus d’fhiafraigh de cad as gur thóg sé a mhórshaibhreas.

and asked him whence he had brought his great wealth.

Asbert fris, “Amin, insceoil inní sin.”

Dúirt sé leis, “Am baist, ana-scéal an rud san.”

He said to him, “That is indeed fit to relate (?).”

“Amné eim. Is beite duit menma fris,

“Go deimhin, is beite duit faire amach air.

“Verily indeed. Thou must take heed of him;

as fer mórcumachtai dotainic.

Is fear mórchumhachta an té a tháinig chugat.

it is a man of magic power that has come to thee,

A macain, tabair decrai mora foraib <nó fair>” ol se.

Cuir deacrachtaí móra air, a mhic ó,” ar seisean.

my son, lay heavy burdens on him.”

Is iarum dothaet a ceili chuice

Ina dhiaidh san tháinig a chompánach chuige

After that his opponent came to him,

ocus forruirim Eochaid fair na mórchesta urdharca

agus do chuir Eochaidh na mórcheisteanna oirirce air

and Eochaid laid upon him the famous great tasks,

.i. dichlochad Midhi,

.i. díochlochadh Mí,

namely to clear Meath of stones,

luachair tar Tethbai,

luachair thar Teafa,

to put rushes over Tethba,

tochar tar Moin Lamraide,

tóchar thar Móin Lámhraí,

a causeway over Móin Lámraige,

fid tar Bréifne.

coill thar Bréifne.,

and a wood over Bréifne.

Conad de sin asbert an fili na rundu sa:

gonadh aire sin a dúirt an file na ranna so:

Concerning which the poet uttered the followings staves:

Is hé seó in ceatharda

Is iad so na ceithre rudaí

These are the four things

adroega Eochaid Airem.

a chuir Eochaidh Oireamh

that Eochaid Airem imposed

for ilar ndrong ndreachardha

ar iolar drong dreachúil

on many a manly-visaged throng

co lín sciath ocus claidem.

le líon sciath agus claíomh:

with many a shield and spear:

Tochar dar Moin Lamraidhi

Tóchar thar Móin Lámhraí,

A causeway over Móin Lámraige,

fidh dar Breifne cen decrai

coill thar Bréifne gan deacracht,

a wood over Bréifne, without difficulty,

dichlochadh mas mórMidi

díochlochadh mas mórMhí

a clearing of stones from the hillocksof great Meath,

ocus luachair tar Tethbai.

agus luachair thar Teafa.

and rushes over Tethba.

It e sin tra gealla ocus ánchesa foruirmithé and.

Is iad san na geallta agus na deacrachtaí a cuireadh air ansan.

These then are the pledges and the hardships that were imposed.

“Romór a ndobeiri orm,” ol Midir.

“Tánn tú ag cur an iomarca orm,” arsa Mír.

“Thou layest too much upon me,” said Midir.

“Ní denaim chena,” ol Eochaid.

“Nílim mhuis,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I do not indeed,” said Eochaid.

“Rom bithsa itghe ocus ailghes uait iarom.

“Bíodh achainí agus logha agam uait más ea.

“Then do thou grant me a request and a boon.

Nach ní rosia do cumachtai,

An fhaid is a shroicheann do chumhacht,

As far as thou holdest sway

ni roib ben na fer and fria tech anechtair co turcbail ngreine ambarach.”

ná bíodh bean ná fear ann lasmuigh dá dtigh go dtí fáinne an lae amárach.”

let no man or woman be out of doors until sunrise to-morrow.”

“Dogentar,” ol Eochaid.

“Déanfar,” arsa Eochaidh.

“It shall be done,” said Eochaid.

Nis n-imdhechaid duine in monai sin riam.

Níor shiúil éinne an mhóin sin roimhis.

No one had ever trodden that bog before.

Erpais Eochaid iar sin a rechtaire

D’earb Eochaidh ansan ar a reachtaire

Then Eochaid commanded his steward

fri deiscin ind feadma dobertatar do dénam an tochair.

féachaint ar an bhfeidhm a chuireadar i ndéanamh an tóchair.

to watch the effort they put forth in making the causeway.

Luid dí in rechtairi issin monai.

Mar sin chuaigh an reachtaire sa mhóin.

The steward *then* went into the bog.

Anndár leis batar fir betha o turcbail greine co fuinedh tancadar in monai.

Dar leis b’iad fir an domhain ó éirí na gréine go dtí luí na gréine a tháinig sa mhóin.

It seemed to him as though all the men in the world from sunrise to sunset had come to the bog.

Dogensat uile oendumae dia n-édaigib,

Dheineadar go léir aon tulach dá gcuid éadaí

They all made one mound of their clothes,

ocus luid Midir forsin dumae sin.

agus chuaigh Mír in airde ar an dtulaigh sin.

and Midir went up on that mound.

Into the bottom of the causeway

In fhidbadh cona bun ocus cona fremaib, is ed sin doberdis

Do chuiridís an choill lena bun agus lena préamhacha

they kept putting a forest with its trunks and roots,

a n-ichtar an tochair.

in íochtar an tóchair.

Midir ina sesum ag gresacht an tsloigh for cach leth.

Bhí Mír ina sheasamh ag greasáil an tsluaigh ar gach leith.

Midir standing and urging on the host on every side.

Andar lat batar fir betha adaigdis breisim foé.

Dar leat bhí fir an domhain ag déanamh fothraim mhóir féna bhun.

One would think that below him all the men of the world were raising a tumult.

Iar sin doberar uir ocus grian ocus clocha forsin monai.

Ina dhiaidh san cuireadh úir agus grean agus clocha ar an móin.

After that, clay and gravel and stones are placed upon the bog.

Fri hetnu dam dano batar fedmanda la firu Erenn cusin n-aidchi sin.

Go dtí an oíche sin bhíodh fir Éireann ag cur teinne ar éadan damh

Now until that night the men of Ireland used to put the strain on the foreheads of oxen,

Co n-aices la lucht an tsídha fora formnaib.

go dtí go bhfacadar lucht an tsí á chur ar a bhformna.

(but) it was seen that the folk of the elfmounds were putting it on their shoulders.

Dognith samlaid la hEochaid,

Dhein Eochaidh mar sin é

Eochaid did the same,

conid dé ata dosom Eochaid Airem,

agus is de sin a tugadh Eochaidh Oireamh air

hence he is called Eochaid Airem [i.e. ploughman],

ar is aice toisech tucad chuing for muinelaib dam do feraib Erenn.

mar is é an chéad duine d’fhearaibh Éireann a chuir cuing ar muineál daimh.

for he was the first of the men of Ireland to put a yoke upon the necks of oxen.

Is ed dono and focal ro baí a mbelaib an tsluaig

Is iad so na focail a bhí i mbéal an tsluaigh, áfach,

And these were the words, *however,* that were on the lips of the host

o[c] denum an tochair:

agus é ag déanamh an tóchair:

as they were making the causeway:

.r. “Coire a laim,

“Cuir i láimh,

“Put in hand,

tochra i laim,

cuir anso i láimh,

throw in hand,

urdhairc damrudh,

oirirc damhraidh,

excellent oxen,

trathaib iar fuin,

tráthanna iar bhfuinneadh,

in the hours after sundown;

fortrom ailges,

róthrom áilíos,

overhard is the exaction;

ní fes cuich les

ní fios cé leis an leas,

none knoweth whose is the gain,

cuich aimles

cé leis an t-aimhleas

whose the loss,

de thochar dar Moin Lamruide.”

de thóchar thar Móin Lámhraí.”

from the causeway over Móin Lamraige.”

Ni biad isin bith tochar bud ferr

Ní bheadh ar an ndomhan tóchar a b’fhearr

There had been no better causeway in the world,

mina beithi ocá deiscin.

mura mbeifí ag féachaint air.

had not a watch been set on them.

Forfhacbad de lochtai ann iarom.

Fágadh lochtanna ann ina dhiaidh san.

Defects (?) were left in in then. 

Iar sin doluid in rechtaire co hEochaid

Ansan chuaigh an reachtaire go hEochaidh

Thereafter the steward came to Eochaid

ocus adfed scela dó in morfedma atconnairc fiadai,

agus d’inis dó scéala na mórfheidhme a chonaic sé ós a chomhair

and brings tidings of the vast work he had witnessed,

ocus isbert nad roibé for fertais an betha cumachtai doroisce de.

agus dúirt ná raibh ar fearsaid an bheatha chumhacht a sháródh é sin.

and he said there was not on the ridge of the world a magic power that surpassed it.

A mbatar fora mbriathraib co n-accadar Midir chucu.

Nuair a bhíodar ag caint, chonacadar Mír chúchu.

While they were speaking they saw Midir coming towards them,

Ardchustal ocus drochgné fair.

Bhí ard-ghustal air agus droch-chuma.

his loins girt (?) and an evil look on him.

Atraigestair Eochaid ocus ferais failte fris.

Baineadh geit as Eochaidh agus chuir sé fáilte roimhis.

Eochaid was afraid, but bade him welcome.

“Iss ed dorochtamar,” ol Midir.

“Chuige sin a thángamar,” arsa Mír.

“ ’Tis for that we have come,” said Midir,

“Is torcdo ocus is dicheill nó taí frim mórdhecrai ocus mórainchesa do thobairt form.

“Is allta agus is díchéillí a tánn tú liom mórdheacrachtaí agus móraincheasa a chur orm.

“It is fierce and unreasonable of thee to lay such hardship and infliction upon me.

Atethaind ní badh maith lat chena

Dhéanfainn rud ba mhaith leat fós

I would have wrought something else to please thee,

acht is bairnech mo menma frit.”

ach tá mo mheanma báirneach leat.”

but my mind is inflamed against thee.”

“Ni bara fri buiri daitsiu ón,

“Ní báirneacht le búireanna duitse é sin,

“Thou shalt not get wrath in return for thy rage;

dogighnestair do menma,” for Eochaid.

ceansófar do mheanma,” arsa Eochaidh.

thy mind shall be set at ease,” said Eochaid.

“Gebthar dí,” ol Midir.

“Géabhthar más ea,” arsa Mír.

“It shall be accepted then,” said Midir;

“In imberum fidchill?” for Midir.

“An imreoimíd ficheall?” arsa Mír.

“Shall we play at chess?” said Midir.

“Cidh geall bias ann?” for Eochaid.

“Cé’n geall a bheidh ann?” arsa Eochaidh.

“What shall the stake be?” said Eochaid.

“Gell adc[h]obra cechtar dá lína,” for Midir.

“Geall is mian le ceachtar de’n bheirt againn,” arsa Mír.

“The stake that either of us shall wish,” said Midir.

Berar tochell nEchada an lá sin.

Buadh ar Eochaidh an lá san.

That day Eochaid’s stake is taken.

“Rucais mó tochell,” for Eochaid.

“Bhuais orm,” arsa Eochaidh.

“Thou hast taken my stake,” said Eochaid.

“Madh ail dam do beraind o cíanaib,” ol Midir.

“Dá mba mhian liom is fadó bheadh buaite agam ort,” arsa Mír.

“Had I wished I could have taken it before now,” said Midir.

“Ceist, cid adcobrai formsa?” for Eochaid.

“Ceist, cad ba mhian leat uaimse?” arsa Eochaidh.

“What wouldst thou from me?” said Eochaid.

“Di laim im Étaín ocus póc dí,” ol Midir.

“Dhá láimh timpeall ar Éadaoin agus póg di,” arsa Mír.

“My arms around Étaín and a kiss from her,” said Midir.

Sochtais Eochaid la sodhain, ocus isbert:

Shocht Eochaidh leis sin agus ansan a dúirt:

*Thereupon* Eochaid was silent. *And he said:*

“Tís dia mís oniú; doberthar duit aní sin.”

“Tair mí ó’n lá inniu agus tabharfar duit an rud san.”

“Come a month from to-day and that shall be given thee.”

In bliadain ria tiachtain do Midir co hEochaid do imbirt na fidchille

An bhliain sarar tháinig Mí go hEochaidh chun ficheall a imirt,

The year before Midir came to play chess with Eochaid

baí oc tochmarc Édaine, ocus nís n-édadh leis.

bhí sé ag tochmharc Éadaoine agus níorbh fhéidir leis í a ghnóthú.

he was wooing Étaín, but he could not win her.

Is ed ainm dobered Midir dí Bé Fhind,

Is é an ainm a thugadh Mír dí ná Bé bhFionn

The name by which Midir called her was Bé Find,

conid [de] isbert fria

go ndúirt sé léithi:

and he spake to her:

“A Bé Fhind, in ragha lium.

“A Bé bhFionn, an rachaidh tú liom

“O Bé Find wilt thou come with me

a tír n-ingnadh i fil rind.      

i dtír iontach ina bhfuil rionn,

to the wondrous land wherein harmony is,

is barr sobairci folt and.  

is barr sabhaircín folt ann

hair is like the crown of the primrose there,

is dath snechta for corp slim.

agus dath sneachta ar corp slim.

and the body smooth and white as snow.

Is ann nád bí muí na tuí.

Is ann ná bíonn is liomsa ná is leatsa.

There, is neither mine nor thine,

gel ded and dubai a brai. 

Geal fiacail, dubh fabhra

white are teeth there, dark the brows.

is lí sula lín ar sluag.

is lí súile líon ár slua,

A delight of the eye the number of our hosts,

is dath síon and gach gruadh.
         

is dath sian sléibhe ann gach grua.

every cheek there is of the hue of the foxglove.

Is corcair muighi cach muín.

Is pincín gach muin,

A gillyflower (?) is each one’s neck,

is lí sula ugai luin.

is lí súile uibheacha loin;

a delight of the eye are blackbirds’ eggs,

cidh cain deicsiu Muighe Fail.

cé gur breá féachaint ar Mágh Fáil,

Though fair the prospect of Mag Fáil,

anam iar ngnais Muigi Mair.

annamh é tar éis gnás Mhágh Móir.

’tis desolate after frequenting Mag Már.

Cidh caín lib coirm Insi Fail,

Cé gur breá libh coirm Inis Fáil,

Though choice you deem the ale of Inis Fáil,

is mescu cuirm Thiri Mair.

is meisce coirm Thíre Móire,

more intoxicating is the ale of Tír Már.

amrai tíre tír asber.

is tír amhra an tír a deirim;

A wondrous land is the land I tell of;

ni théid óc ann ré sén.

ní imíonn óige ann roimh aois.

youth departs not there before eld.

Srotha téith millsi tar tír.

Sruthanna teo milse thar tír,

Warm sweet streams flow through the land,

rogha dé midh ocus fín.

rogha de mhiodh agus fíon,

the choice of mead and wine.

daine delgnaide cen ón.      

daoine maorga ann gan on,

Stately (?) folk without blemish,

combart cen pecadh cen chol.

coimpeart gan pheacadh gan chol.

conception without sin, without lust.

Atchiam cach for cach leath.

Chímíd gach éinne ar gach leith

We see everyone on every side,

ocus nícon aice nech.

agus ní fheiceann éinne sinn;

and no one seeth us.

teimel imorbuis Adaim      

teimheal iomarbhas Ádhaimh

It is the darkness of Adam’s transgression

dodonarcheil ar araim.

a chuir cosc ar sinn a áireamh.

that hath prevented us from being counted.

[A ben día ris mo thuaith tind

[A bhean, má shroicheann tú mo thuath

[O Woman, if thou come to my proud folk,

is barr oir bias fort chind U.]

anumhal, is barr óir a bheidh ar do cheann;]

a crown of gold shall be upon thy head]

mil fín laith lemnacht la lind

mil, fíon, laith, leamhnacht le lionn,

honey, wine, ale, fresh milk, and drink,

rod bia lium and, a Bé Fhind.”

a bheadh agat liomsa ann, a Bhé bhFionn.”

thou shalt have with me there, O Bé Find.”

a.B.é.F.

“I will go to thee,”

Asbert Édaín:

Dúirt Éadaoin:

said Étaín,

“Matumchotaise om aiththighi

“Má fhaghann tú ó m’fhear céile mé,

“if thou obtain me from my husband,

ragasa chucad;

raghadsa chugat;

minam édai, ní ragh.”

mura bhfaghann tú, ní raghad.”

if thou obtain me not, I will not go.”

Is iar sin doluid Midir co hEochaid

Ina dhiaidh san tháinig Mír go hEochaidh

After that Midir came to Eochaid,

ocus damair a thocheall fo cédóir,

agus lig dó buachtaint air fé chéadóir,

and he yielded his stake at once

co mbeith folo ocai do Eochaid.

chun go mbeadh ábhar conspóide aige do Eochaidh.

in order that he might have a ground of quarrel with Eochaid.

Is aire ro íc na comadha mora,

B’in é an chúis gur íoc sé na cumhaí móra

Therefore it was that he fulfilled the onerous conditions,

ocus is aire is fó anfis conatigh a ghell,

agus b’in é an chúis gur fé ainbhfios a d’iarr sé a gheall

and it was for that reason he stipulated an unnamed pledge,

conadh iarsin ngiull adrubradh.

go ndúrthas tar éis an ghill é.

so that it was afterwards it was named. 

An tan tra ro baí Midir cona muintir óc íc comadh na haidchi

Ansan nuair a bhí Mír lena mhuintir ag íoc cumha na hoíche

When Midir and his people were carrying out the terms of the night,

.i. tochar tar Moin Lamraide

.i. tóchar thar Móin Lámhraí

i.e. the causeway over Móin Lámraige,

ocus dichlochad Midhi

agus díchlochadh Mí

and the clearing away the stones from Meath,

ocus luachair tar Teathbai

agus luachair thar Teafa

and putting rushes over Tethba,

ocus fid tar Breifne

agus coill thar Bréifne,

and the wood over Bréifne,

ocus is e seó and foclai bai oca muindtir

is iad so na focail a bhí ag a mhuintir

these are the words his people were saying,

amal atbeir Lebor Droma Snechta:

fé mar a deir Leabhar Droma Sneachta:

according to the Book of Druim Snechta:

.r. “Cuirthe i lland

“Cuir i lann,

R. *   *   *

tochre i lland

cuir anso i lann,

airderg damrudh

oirirc damhraidh,

trom an coibden cluinitar fir

trom an choibhdhean a chloiseann fíor,

ferdi buidne

fearga buíonta,

balcthruim crandchuir

balcthroma crannchuir,

forderg saire fedhar

. . .

sechuib slimprib snithib

sciathu lama indrochad cloena

scíotha lámha in droichead claona

fó bith oenmna

ar son aon mhná,

duib in digail

díbh an díoghail,

duib an tromdam

díbh an tromdhámh,

tairthim flatho

toirchim flatha

fer ban fomnis

. . .

in fer mbraine cerpai fomnis

diadh dergae fer arfeidh solaid

fri ais eslind fer bron fort ier techta in delmnad

o luachair for di Teithbi

ó luachair ar dhá Theafa,

dichlochad Midi

díochlochadh Mí

indracht

. . .

coich les

cé leis an leas,

coich aimles.”

cé leis an t-aimhleas.”

Dailis Midir día mís.

Shocraigh Mír dáil i gcionn míosa.

Midir made a tryst for a month from that day.

Fochiallastair <.i. ro tinoil> im[murgu] Eochaid formná laech nErenn co mbatar a Temraigh,

Ach thionóil Eochaidh formna laoch Éireann go rabhadar i dTeamhair

But Eochaid mustered the flower of the warriors of Ireland to Tara,

ocus an robo deach do fhiannaib Erenn,

agus is chuid dob’ fhearr d’fhiannaibh Éireann,

and the best of the war-bands of Ireland,

cach cuaird im araili im Temraig

gach cuairt timpeall a chéile um Theamhair,

each encircling the other around Tara,

a medhón ocus aneachtair ocus istigh,

i lár agus lasmuigh agus laistigh,

in the midst, without and within,

ocus in rí ocus an righan i meadhón an taighe,

agus an rí agus an bhanríon i lár an tí

and the king and queen in the middle of the house,

ocus in lis iatai fo glasaib,

agus na leasa iata fé ghlas

and the courts locked,

ar rofedadar co ticfad fer in márcumachtai.

mar bhí a fhios acu go dtiocfadh fear na mórchumhachta.

for they knew that the man of great magic power would come.

Edaín baí ocon dail in n-aidchi sin forsna flaithe,

Bhí Éadaoin ag dáil dí an oíche sin do na flaithibh

Étaín was serving the lords on that night,

ar ba sain dí disi dail.

mar ba shaincheird dí deoch a dháil.

for the serving of drink was a special gift of hers.

A mbatar iarom fora mbriathraib

Ansan nuair a bhí comhrá ar siúl acu

Thereafter as they were speaking

co n-accotar Midir chucu for lar an rigthaighe.

chonacadar Mír chúchu ar lár an ríthí.

they saw Midir coming towards them in the midst of the royal house.

Ba caínsom do gress; ba cáine dono in aidchi sin.

Ba mhas an duine é i gcónaí ach bhí sé níos maise fós an oíche sin.

He was fair at all times, but on that night he was fairer.

Tosbert i immod na sluag[u] adconnairc.

Chuir sé uamhan ar na sluaite a chonaic sé.

The hosts were astonished.

Sochtsat uile iarom, ocus ferais an rí failti fris.

Bhíodar go léir ina dtost ansan agus do chuir an rí fáilte roimhis.

Then silence fell upon *all of* them, and the king bade him welcome.

“Is ed dorochtamar,” ol Midir.

“Is chuige sin a thángamar,” arsa Mír.

“ ’Tis that we have come for,” said Midir;

“An ro gellad damsa,” ol sé, “tucthar dam.

“Tugtar dom an rud a ghealladh dom,” ar sé.

“what has been pledged to me,” said he, “let it be given to me. 

Is fiach ni atgelltair.

Is fiach rud má ghealltar.

What is promised is due.

An ro gelladh tucus duitsiú.”

Thugas duitse an rud a gealladh.”

What was promised, I have given thee.”

“Ní imrordusa,” for Eochaid, “anní sin co sé.”

“Níor smaoiníos ar an rud san go dtí so,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I have not thought further of that until now,” said Eochaid.

“Atrogell Édaín fén damsa,” ol Midir, “tiacht uaitsiú.”

“Gheall Éadaoin féin domhsa,” arsa Mír, “go dtiocfadh sí uaitse.”

“Étaín herself promised me that she would come away from thee,” said Midir.

Imdhergthair im Édaín la sodhain.

Imdheargadh Éadaoin leis sin.

Thereupon Étaín blushes.

“Nat imdergthair, a Édaín,” for Midir.

“Ná bíodh náire ort, a Éadaoin,” arsa Mír.

“Do not blush, O Étaín,” said Midir.

“Ni drochbanas duitsiú.

“Ní drochbhanúlacht duitse é.

“It is not unwomanly for thee.

Atusa,” ol sé, “bliadain ac do (chuingid)

Táimse,” ar seisean, “tar éis bliain a chaitheamh ad iarraidh

I have been a year,” said he, “seeking thee

co maínib ocus sédaib at ail[d]em a nEre,

leis na maoinibh agus seodaibh is áille in Éirinn.

with gifts and treasures the most beautiful in Ireland,

ocus ní thucussa comad co(m)arlecudh do Eochaid.

Agus níor thógas tú ach le moladh Eochaidh.

nor did I take thee until I had Eochaid’s leave.

Ní tria déoas damsa cé dodchotaind.”

Trí dhéineacht ní bhfaghainn tú.”

It is not through any . . .  though I should win thee?”

“Atrubartsa fritso,” ol si,

“Dúrtsa leat,” ar sise,

“I have told thee,” said she,

“conom riré Eochaid nít rís.

“ná raghainn chugat go dtí go ndíolfadh Eochaidh mé.

“that I will not go to thee until Eochaid sell me.

Atometha lat ár mó chuit fén dianom riri Eochaid.”

Mar liom féin, beidh mé agat má dhíolann Eochaidh mé.”

As for me, thou mayst take me if Eochaid sell me.”

“Nid ririubsa im[murgu],” for Eochaid,

“Ní dhíolfad tú mhuis,” arsa Eochaidh

“I will not sell thee indeed,” said Eochaid,

“acht tabrad a di laim umut for lár an tighi amal ro gabais.”

“ach cuireadh sé a dhá láimh umat i lár an tí fé mar a tánn tú.”

“but let him put his arms round thee in the middle of the house as thou art.”

“Dogentar,” ol Midir.

“Déanfar,” arsa Mír. 

“It shall be done,” said Midir.

Ateta a gaisced ina laim clí,

Ghaibh sé a ghaisce ina láimh chlé

He takes his weapons in his left hand,

ocus gabais án mnaí fó lethoxail deis,

agus an bhean féna ascaill dheis

and the woman he took under his right arm,

ocus fochoislé for forles an tighi.

agus rug leis trí forléas an tí í.

and bore her away though the skylight of the house.

Conerghed in tsluaig imón rí[g] iar melacht forro.

D’éirigh na sluaite i dteannta an rí agus méalacht orthu

The hosts rose up in shame around the king.

Co n-accadar in da éla timchell na Temra.

go bhfacadar an dá eala timpeall na Teamhra.

They beheld two swans in flight round Tara.

Is ed ro gabadh do Sidh ar Femun,

B’é a dtriall go Sí ar bhFeimhean

And the way they went was to Síd ar Femuin,

ocus luid Eochaid co formna fer nErenn ime

agus chuaigh Eochaidh agus formna fear Éireann ina theannta

and Eochaid went with the flower of the men of Ireland around him

do Sidh ber Femin .i. Sidh Ban Find.

go Sí ar bhFeimhean .i. Sí na mBan bhFionn.

to Síd ar Femuin, that is Síd Ban Find.

Ba sí comairli fer nErenn

B’í comhairle fear Éireann

And this was the counsel of the men of Ireland,

fochlade cach sidhe baí a nEre

tochailt gach sí dá raibh in Éirinn

to dig up every elfmound in Ireland

co tisadh a bean do uaidib.

nó go dtiocfadh an bhean amach chuige.

until his wife should come thereout to him.

Focechladar Sidh Ban Find,

Thochlaíodar Sí na mBan bhFionn

They dug up Síd Ban Find,

ocus dóet nech chuca ass,

agus tháinig duine amach as chúchu

and a certain person comes forth *to them*

ocus isbreth fris nó friu nabú ann baí a mben.

agus dúirt leo nach ansan a bhí a mbean.

and told them that the woman was not there.

“Rí sidhe nErenn an fer robarfainic.

“B’é rí sí Éireann an fear a tháinig chugaibh.

“The king of the elfmounds of Ireland, he is the man who came to you.

Ata dono ina rigdún laisin n-ingen.

Is amhlaidh atá sé ina dhún ríoga leis an gcailín.

He is in his royal stronghold with the young woman, *however*.

Eirgidh do co risidh.”

Éirígí chuige go dtiocfaidh sibh ann.”

Set out thither until ye come to it.”

Tiagaid bothuaid.

Chuadar ó thuaidh.

They go northwards.

Gabsad tochailt an tsidhe.

Thosnaíodar ag tochailt an tsí.

They began to dig up the elfmound.

Tri mís for bliadain doib occo.

Bhíodar chuige sin bliain is ráithe.

They were a year and three months at it.

A ndothochlaidis andíu ba comlan arnabarach.

An méid a thochlaídís inniu bhíodh sé comhlán lá arna mhárach.

What they would dig up one day would be restored on the morrow.

Lodar da fiach finda chuco asin tsidh,

Chuadar dhá fhiach fhionna chúchu as an sí

Two white ravens went forth from the mound to them,

ocus dolodar da choin .i. Scleth ocus Samair.

agus thángadar dhá mhadra .i. Scleath agus Samhair.

and there came two hounds, Scleth and Samair.

Lotar fodes aitherrach do Sid Ban Find.

Chuadar ó dheas arís go Sí na mBan bhFionn.

They went south again to Síd Ban Find.

Gabsad claide in tsidhe.

Chromadar ar an sí a thochailt.

They began to dig the elfmound.

Tic nech chuco afrisi as, ocus asbert fríu:

Tháinig duine chúchu arís as agus dúirt leo

One comes forth to them again and said to them,

“Cid nó taí dún, a Eochaid?” or sé.

“Cad tá agat inár gcoinne, a Eochaidh?” ar seisean.

“What hast thou against us, O Eochaid?” said he.

“Ni tucsam do mnaí.

“Ní rugamair do bhean.

“We have not taken thy wife.

Ní fóruachad frit.

Níor deineadh aon díobháil duit.

No injury has been done thee.

Ní lamathar ní bus aimles do ríg do epert.”

Seachain rud a bheadh ina aimhleas do rí a rá.”

Beware of saying aught that may be harmful for a king.”

“Ni ragasa uaibsi,” for Eochaid,

“Ní raghadsa uaibhse,” arsa Eochaidh,

“I will not go hence,” said Eochaid,

“co n-erbaraid frium cia cruth rosis mo mnaí.”

“go ndéarfaidh sibh liom conas a shroichfidh mé mo bhean.”

“till ye tell me how I may attain my wife.”

“Beir dallchuilena lat ocus dallchato, ocus fosnacaib.

“Beir leat coileáin dalla agus cait dalla agus fág iad.

“Take blind welps with thee, and blind cats, and leave them.

Iss ed in opair dogné cach día.”

Is í sin an obair a dhéanfair gach aon lá.”

That is the work thou must do every day.”

Sóaid ass iarom ocus dognither leo inní sin.

D’fhilleadar ansan agus dheineadar an rud san.

They turn away *then*, and that is done by them.

Conid samlaid lotar aire.

Agus is mar sin a thugadar fé.

And in this manner they set about it.

A mbatar and oc tochailt Sídh Breg Leith

Nuair a bhíodar ann ag tochailt Sí Brí Léith

As they were there razing Síd Brí Léith

co n-acatar Midir chucu.

chonacadar Mír chúchu.

they beheld Midir coming towards them.

“Cid nó tai dam?” ol Midir.

“Cad tá agat im choinne?” arsa Mír,

“What has thou against me?” said Midir.

“Is anfír a ndoghni frim.

“is éigeart a dheineann tú orm.

“Thou dost me wrong.

At móra do decrai form.

Tánn tú ag cur deacrachtaí móra orm.

Thou hast put great tribulations upon me.

Ro renais do mnaí frim.

Dhíolais do bhean liom.

Thou didst sell thy wife to me.

Nachim forraig ta[i]ris,” ol sé.

Ná gortaigh a thuilleadh mé,” ar seisean.

Injure me no more,” said he.

“Ni bia ocud,” for Eochaid.

“Ní bheidh sí agat,” arsa Eochaidh.

“She shall not be with thee,” said Eochaid.

“Ní bía,” ol Midhir.

“Ní bheidh,” arsa Mír.

“She shall not,” said Midir.

“Erg do[t] tigh.

“Téir abhaile.

“Get thee home.

Roticfa do ben trath teirti ambarach.

Tiocfaidh do bhean ag am teirte amárach.

Thy wife shall reach thee at the third hour tomorrow.

Fír na cetnai ocus na n-irradh,” ol Midir.

Fíor na gcéanna agus na n-iorradh,” arsa Mír.

. . . ,” said Midir.

“Nacham forais atherrach, madh slán do menma lat don chur sa uaim.”

“Ná gortaigh a thuilleadh mé má tánn tú sásta liom an babhta so.”

“Injure me not again if thou are contented with me this time.”

“Atumo” <.i. faemaim> for Eochaid.

“Faomhaim,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I accept,” said Eochaid.

Naiscis Midir a curu, ocus téid uaidib.

Nasc Mír a choir agus d’imigh uathu.

Midir bound his covenants and departs from them.

A mbatar ann trath teirti arnabarach

Nuair a bhíodar ann am teirte arna mhárach

As they were there at the third hour on the morrow,

co n-accadar in .l. mban a n-aendeilb ocus i n-aenécosc uile fri hÉdaín.

chonacadar an caoga bean ar aon deilbh agus ar aon éagasc go léir le hÉadaoin.

they saw fifty women all of like form and raiment as Étaín.

Sochtsat iarom in tsluaig.

Thit na sluaite ina dtost ansan.

Silence fell on the hosts *then*.

Bai gast glastliath remib.

Bhí drabóg ghlasliath rompu.

There was a grey slut before them.

Asber[a]t [fri] Eochaid: “Togai do mnai din chur sa,

Deirid le hEochaidh: “Tóg do bhean an babhta so

They say to Eochaid, “Choose thy wife now,

no apair fri mnaí díb anadh lat.

nó abair le bean díobh fanacht id theannta.

or bid one of the women to abide with thee.

Is toich duinde ascnam diar tigh.”

Tá sé in am againne filleadh abhaile.”

It is meet that we set out for home.”

“Cid dogenaidh,” for Eochaid fri firu Erenn,

“Cad a dhéanfaidh sibh,” arsa Eochaidh le fearaibh Éireann,

“What will ye do,” said Eochaid to the men of Ireland,

“dón ainches doforfainicc?”

“den aincheas atá tagtha oraibh?”

“because of the doubt that has come upon you?”

“Nochon ta comairle de cia dingnium,” for fir Erenn.

“Níl aon chomhairle againn cad a dhéanfaimíd,” arsa fir Éireann.

“We have no resolve as to what we shall do,” said the men of Ireland.

“Atá liumsa,” for Eochaid.

“Tá agamsa,” arsa Eochaidh,

“I have,” said Eochaid.

“Mo bensa as deach oc dáil a nEre.

“is í mo bheansa an bhean is fearr a dháileann deoch in Éirinn.

“My wife is the best at serving drink in Ireland.

Atagensa ocon dail.”

Beidh aithne agam uirthi ón ndáil.”

I shall recognize her by her serving.”

Tochorastair a coic .xx. it a leth thighi innonn,

Do cuireadh a cúig is fiche sa taobh anonn den tigh

Twenty-five were placed at that side of the house

ocus a .u.xx.it a leth a tighi illé,

agus a cúig is fiche sa taobh anall den tigh

and twenty five at this,

ocus tucad lestar co lind for lár an tighe.

agus cuireadh leastar leanna ar lár an tí.

and a vessel filled with liquor was placed in the midst of the house.

Dothiced iarom ben disiu ocus ben anall,

Ansan thagadh bean anonn agus bean anall

Then a woman would come from this side and from that,

ocus ni fuairseom Etain ann beos.

agus ní bhfuair sé Éadaoin ann fós.

and still he did not find Étaín.

Tainic de cosin di mnai deidencho.

Tháinig sé go dtí an bheirt bhan déanacha.

It came to the last two women.

Dalais indala n-ai a tossach.

Duine acu a dháil ar dtúis.

One of them poured out first.

Adbert Eochaid: “Etain and so, ocus ni si fodhein.”

Dúirt Eochaidh: “Is í seo Éadaoin agus ní hí féin.”

Said Eochaid, “This is Étaín, and it is not herself.”

Is iarum ba comairli leo uili.

Ansan ba chomhairle leo go léir.

Then they all took counsel.

“Anais Etain,” ar iat, “cen cop sí a dal.”

“D’fhan Éadaoin,” ar siadsan, “bíodh is nach í seo a dáil.”

“Truly it is Étaín, though it is not her serving.”

Lodar ass na mna arcena.

D’imíodar na mná eile go léir.

The rest of the women departed.

Mor a imt[h]oltain la firu Erenn in gnim sin dogenosom,

Ba mhór an sásamh d’fhearaibh Éireann an gníomh san a dhein sé

That deed which he did was a great satisfaction to the men of Ireland,

ocus na mordrechta na damraidhe do denam leo,

agus móréacht na damhraí a dheineadar

and the high feats the oxen had done,

ocus tesoirgne na mna do feraib sidhe.

agus teasargan na mná ó na fearaibh sí.

and the rescue of the woman from the men of the elfmounds.

Atraracht Eochaid la n-alaind,

D’éirigh Eochaidh lá álainn

One fine day Eochaid arose,

ocus bai ocus a righan a n-imagallaim for lar an lis,

agus bhí seisean agus a bhanríon ag comhrá ar lár an lis

and as he and his queen were conversing in the middle of the court,

co n-acadar Midir cuco.

nuair a chonacadar Mír chúchu.

they saw Midir coming towards them.

“Maith, a Eochaid,” ol Midir.

“Tá go maith, a Eochaidh,” arsa Mír.

“Well, Eochaid,” said Midir.

“Maith,” ol Eochaid.

“Tá go maith,” arsa Eochaidh.

“Well,” said Eochaid.

“Ni hindraic ro ba frim,” or sé, “na hairddecrai do fuirmiu[d] form

“Ní hionraic a bhís liom,” ar seisean, “na hárddeacrachtaí d’imirt orm

“Thou has not played me fair with the hardships thou hast inflicted on me,

ocus a mbith for do cul

agus a mbeith ar do chúl

considering the backing thou hadst

ocus a ndodnucuiss do cuingid cucum.

agus a dtugais de chuinge chugam.

and all that  . . .  to demand from me (?).

Ni baí ni nachim tomnathá.”

Ní raibh rud ná cuirfá fém thuairim ann.”

There was naught that thou didst not suspect me of.”

“Niro renus frit mo mnaí,” for Eochaid.

“Níor dhíolas mo bhean leat,” arsa Eochaidh.

“I did not sell thee my wife,” said Eochaid

“Ceist, in tinci do c[h]ubus frim?” ol Midir.

“Ceist agam ort, an dteilgeann tú do chúis liom?”

“Answer, dost thou consider thy conscience in regard to me?” said Midir.

“Noco tegma a n-aill do imgeallad,” ol Eochaid, “ni tincubh.”

“Ní theilgfead,” arsa Eochaidh, “nó go dtarlóidh duit geall eile a chur.”

“Until thou proffer another pledge, I will not consider it,” said Eochaid.

“Ceist, an fallán do meanma lat?” ol Midir.

“Ceist agam ort, an folláin do mheanma leat?” arsa Mír.

“Answer, is thy mind at ease?” said Midir.

“Fallan,” for Eochaid.

“Folláin,” arsa Eochaidh.

“It is,” said Eochaid.

“Samhlaid damsa,” for Midir.

“Is mar a gcéanna domhsa,” arsa Mír.

“So also is mine,” said Midir.

“Torrach do bean an tan rodnucad uait,” for Midir,

“Bhí do bhean torrach nuair a rugadh uait í,” arsa Mír,

“Thy wife was pregnant when she was taken from thee,

“ocus ingen ronuc,

“agus rug sí iníon

and she bore a daughter,

ocus is si fil it c[h]omair.

agus is í sin atá id theannta.

and it is she who is with thee.

Ata dono do bean lium,

Agus tá do bhean im theanntasa, áfach,

Thy wife, moreover, is with me,

ocus dotainic condara leicis uait aitherroch.”

agus tharla duit í a leigint uait an tarna huair.”

and it has befallen thee to let her go a second time.”

Téid iar sin.

Ina dhiaidh san d’imigh sé.

Thereupon he departs.

Nir lamair iarom Eochaid tochailt sida for Midir dorís,

Ina dhiaidh san ní raibh sé de mhisneach ag Eochaidh sí a thochailt ar Mír arís

After that Eochaid did not dare to dig again an elfmound of Midir’s,

ar boi arach fris.

mar bhí árach air.

for there was a bond against him.

Focerd Eochaid i ces a ben do eludh

Tháinig ceas croí ar Eochaidh ó éaló a mhná

It grieved Eochaid that his wife had eloped

ocus coiblighi a ingine fris,

agus óna chomhluí féin lena iníon.

and that his own daughter had lain with him.

ocus ba torrach sidhe uadhasum, ocus bert ingean do.

Bhí sí siúd torrach uaidh agus rug iníon dó.

And she was with child by him and bore him a daughter.

“A dee eimh,” for Eochaid,

“A dhéithe,” arsa Eochaidh,

“O ye gods,” said Eochaid,

“nimmanaicigi damsa fri hingin m’ ingine.”

“ní fhéachfaimíd ar a chéile, mise agus iníon m’iníne.”

“I and my daughter’s daughter shall never look on one another.”

Teid diass dia muindtir dia cor a cuithe co piastaib.

D’imigh beirt dá mhuintir chun í a chur i gclais leis na péisteanna.

Two of his household go to throw her into a pit among beasts.

Adellat leo cu teach Findlama buachalla na Teamra bai a Sliab Fuait

Thugadar cuairt ar tigh Fhionnlámha buachaill na Teamhra a bhí i Sliabh bhFuaid

They visit the house of Findlám the herdsman of Tara in Sliab Fuait,

i mmedon dithruib.

i lár díthreibhe.

in the midst of a wilderness.

Ni bai neach isin tig.

Ní raibh éinne sa tigh.

There was no one in the house.

Cathsit biad n-and.

D’itheadar bia ann.

They ate food therein.

Focerdat in ingin don tsaid cona cuilenaib

Chaitheadar an cailín don tsoith lena coileáin

Then they threw the girl to the bitch with her welps

ro bai issin cru isin tig.

a bhí sa chró sa tigh.

that was in the kennel in the house.

Tiagaid as doridisi.

D’imíodar arís.

They go away again.

Tic in buachaill dia tig ocus a seitig

Tháinig an buachaill agus a bhean abhaile

The herdsman and his wife return home

co n-acadar istig in blaicne ngel isin cru.

go bhfacadar istigh an garlach geal sa chrú.

and saw within the fair infant in the kennel.

Dosbert i mmod inni sin.

Chuir an rud san ionadh orthu.

They were amazed at that.

Dosberat asan cru.

Rugadar amach as an gcró í.

They take her out of the kennel.

Ros n-altsad, cen co fetatar can dí,

D’oileadar í gan a fhios a bheith acu cad as dí.

They brought her up without knowing whence she had come,

ocus ba maith a forbairt dí, amal ba hingen rig ocus rigna.

Ba mhaith an fhorbairt a tháinig uirthi mar b’iníon rí agus banríona í.

and she waxed strong, moreover, being the daughter of a king and queen.

Ba druiniu cach mnai.

Is mó druine a bhíodh aici ná ag aon bhean.

She surpassed all women at embroidery.

Ni faicdis a suili ni nad edais a lama dhi dhruine.

Ní fheiceadh a súile rud ná féadadh a lámha a dhruine.

Her eyes saw nothing that her hands could not embroider.

Alta iarum fon samhail sin la Findlamh ocus a bainceili,

Do hoileadh ansan ar an nós san ag Fionnlámh agus ag a bhean

In that wise then she was reared by Findlám and his wife,

conda acadar muindtir Eidirsceoil la n-and,

nó go bhfaca muintir Eidirsceoil í lá amháin.

until one day Etarscél’s people saw her

ocus cor indisiter don ri[g],

D’insíodar don rí é

and told the king,

ocus co tucadh ar eicin la hEidirscel hi as,

agus thóg Eidirscéal ar éigin as í

and she was taken away forcibly by Etarscél,

ocus bai ocai iar sin di bainceili.

agus as san amach bhí sí aige mar bhean.

and was with him after that as his wife.

Conad sissidhe mathair Conaire meic Eidirsceoil.

Agus b’í siúd máthair Chonaire mhic Eidirsceoil.

So she is the mother of Conaire son of Etarscél.

Bai Eochaid Oiream iar sin hi Fremaind Tethbai

Ina dhiaidh san bhí Eochaidh Oireamh i bhFreamhainn Teafa

After that Eochaid Airem was in Frémainn of Tethba

iar n-easbaidh Etaíne,

agus Éadaoin in easpa uaidh

after he had lost Étaín,

ocus ba scith leis a menma.

agus ba scíth leis a mheanma.

and his mind was troubled.

Tainic Sigmall Cael ua Midir

Tháinig Sioghmhall Caol ó Mír

Sigmall Cael, grandson of Midir,

.i. mac ingine Midir

(.i. mac iníon Mhír

that is, the son of Midir’s daughter,

.i. Oicnia a hainm sidhe,

.i. Oicnia a hainmse)

Oicnia was her name,

ocus ro loisc Dun Fremaind for Eochaid,

agus loisc Dún Freamhainn ar Eochaidh

came and burned Eochaid’s Dún Frémainn,

ocus dorochair Eochaid leis,

agus do thit Eochaidh leis

and Eochaid fell by him,

ocus rucad a cend la Sighmall co Sit[h] Nendta

agus rugadh a cheann le Sioghmhall go Sí Neanta

and his head was brought by Sigmall to Síd Nennta

a ndighail einig a senathar .i. Midir.

i ndíoghail oineach a sheanathar .i. Mír.

in vengeance for the honour of his grandfather, even Midir.

Acht cena ni fir sin,

Ach ní fíor san áfach

This is not so, however,

ar dorochair Sigmall ocus Fuamnach ben Midir

mar thit Sioghmhall agus Fuamnach bean Mhír

for Sigmall and Fuamnach the wife of Midir had fallen

la Manandan a mBri Leith re cian roime sin

le Manannán i mBrí Léith tamall fada roimhis sin

at the hands of Manannán in Brí Léith long before that

a flaitheas Tuath De Danann,

i bhflaitheas Tuath Dé Danann,

in the reign of the Tuatha Dé Danann,

dia n-ebairt an fili:

dá ndúirt an file:

whereof the poet said:

.r. Fuamnach baeth ba ben Midir.

Dob’í Fuamnach bhaoth bean Mhír

R. Fuamnach the foolish one, was Midir’s wife,

Sigmall as bri co mbilib.

— Sioghmhall is brí le bilibh;

Sigmall, a hill with ancient trees

a mBrí Leith, fa lathair lan.

i mBrí Léith, ba láthar lán,

in Brí Léith, ’twas a faultless arrangement,

do loiscead la Manandan.

loisceadh iad le Manannán.

they were burned by Manannán.

Is amlaidh seo im[murgu] forcaemnacair bas Echach Oireaman,

Is mar seo áfach a tharla bás Eochaidh Oireamh

It is in this wise however that the death of Eochaid Airem came about,

amal asberat eolaig an tsencasa.

fé mar a deireann eolaigh an tseanchais.

as the learned in ancient lore say:

Bai Eochaid a Fremaind Tethbai amail ro raidsium,

Fé mar a dúramair bhí Eochaidh i bhFreamhainn Teafa

Eochaid was in Frémainn of Tethba, as we have said,

ocus is inti no bídh a dunaras ocus a domghnas fo deoid.

agus is ansan a bhíodh a dhúnáras agus a dhomhnas fé dheoidh.

and it is there was his mansion and his ancestral domain towards the end.

Ro fas desidhe daerchis fognama co trom ocus co dirim

De sin d’fhás daorchíos fónaimh go trom agus go dírímh

Hence there arose hard tribute of service beyond telling

for lucht na criche ocus ind fearaind desidhe

ar lucht na críche agus an fhearainn

on the people of the district and the land,

tria bith in rígh co gnathach forru,

mar bhíodh beatha an rí orthu de ghnáth

because the sustenance of the king usually fell on them,

conad de dogarar seachtmad Erenn Tethba,

gonadh aire sin a ghlaotar seachtú Éireann ar Teafa,

wherefore Tethba is called the seventh part of Ireland,

ar ro tuit sechtmad rand cisa ocus biata in rig forro.

mar do thit an seachtú cuid chíosa agus biadhta an rí orthu.

for the seventh part of the tribute and the maintenance of the king fell on them.

Fir Cul im[murgu] do Luignib Temra is siatt bai a Tet[h]bai in tan sin,

Más ea, bhí Fir Chúl de Luighnibh Teamhra i dTeafa ag an am san

The Fir Chúl of the Luigne of Tara were in Tethba at this time, *however,*

ocus is forro doratad in cis sin.

agus is orthu do cuireadh an cíos san.

and on them that tribute was laid.

Mormael is e ba ri for Feraib Cul an tan sin

B’é Mórmhaol a bhí ina rír ar Fearaibh Cúl ag an am san

Mórmael was king of the Fir Chúl then

ocus ba rechtaire a Fremaind.