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BAI ri uasal oirdnighe for Airghiallaibh feac[h]t n-aill

Bhí rí uasal oirní ar Oirghialla tráth

A noble, worthy, king ruled Oirghiall at one time

.i. Aedh mac Duach Dhuibh.

*agus* Aodh mac Duach Dhuibh *ab ainm dó*.

whose name was Aodh son of Duach Dubh.

Ein-aimser do sein ocus d’Aedh Fhinn

I gcomhaimsir leis sin, bhí Aodh Fionn

Contemporaneous with him was Aodh Fionn,

mac Fergna meic Fearghusa

mac Fheargna mhic Fhearghasa

son of Feargna, son of Fearghas,

meic Muireadaigh Mail ri Brefne

mhic Mhuireadhaigh Mhaoil, rí *ar* Bhréifne,

son of Muireadach Maol, king of Bréifne,

et do bhatar in dias sin co himrisnach.

agus do bhí imreasán *idir* an dís *acu* sin.

and those two were at strife.

Gach ni maith dognidh fear dhibh,

Gach ní maith do dhéanadh fear díobh,

In every good act performed by one,

rob ail don fhir ele a imurcaid [imurca M] do dhenum do fein.

b’áil leis an bhfear eile a shárú a dhéanamh leis féin.

the other would endeavour to excel him;

Et ni hinann do bhatar aroen,

Agus ní hionann a bhí siad araon,

yet both were not equally circumstanced;

or bui fear cétach comhrumach [domhruinnech M] conaigh acu

óir b’fhear saibhir comhramhach acmhainneach duine acu

for one was a hundred fold more (wealthy), just, and prosperous,

.i. Aedh Finn

.i. Aodh Fionn,

namely Aodh Fionn;

ocus fear crodha cosantach

agus fear cróga cosantach

whilst the other was valiant and warlike,

.i. Aedh mac Duach Duibh ri Oirgiall.

ab ea Aodh mac Duach Dhuibh, rí Oirghiall.

namely Aodh the son of Duach Dubh, king of Oirghiall.

Is do tra ba cora beth crodu dib,

Is dó, trá, ba chóra a bheith cróga díobh

It was, indeed, far easier for him to be the more warlike of the two,

or robui sciath aigi

óir do bhí sciath aige,

for he had a shield,

ocus ba he ainm in sceith [na scéithe M] sin Duibhghilla,

agus ba é ainm na scéithe sin Duibhghiolla,

and the name of the shield was Dubhghiolla (the Black Attendant),

ocus ba da buadhuib

agus ba dá bhuanna

and one of its properties was this,

gach [aen] do chidh a lathair catha hi da bidhbadhuib,

gach [éinne] dá naimhde do chíodh i láthair catha í,

that whosoever was opposed to it in the field of battle

ni bhidh nert mna seólta [or siuil ?; séolta M; náoidhe O] ann,

ní bhíodh neart mná seolta ann,

had not *even* the strength of a woman in labour,

ocus ba maidm roimpi gach conair a teighed [gach cathair i téighedh M]

agus ba mhaidhm *a bheadh* roimpi i ngach aon chonair ina dtéadh sí

and all fled before it in every conflict it entered into,

gin gu beth acht si ocus fear a himcair.

dá mba nach mbeadh ann ach í *féin amháin* agus fear a hiompair.

though only (the shield) itself and its bearer might be there.

Is ann i mbui

Is ann a bhí

It was at that very period and time

Eochaidh [Rí-éiceas

Eochaidh Ríghéigeas,

that Eochaidh Rígéigeas (the chief Professor)

i bfharradh] [Eochaidh meic |     |  fcs.] righ Brefne

i bhfarradh Rí Bhréifne,

was staying with the king of Bréifne,

ocus ba heisein Dallán Forguil.

agus ba heisean Dallán Forgaill.

and this was Dallán Forgaill.

Bui tromdham mor aig[e ann] doib,

Bhí tromdhámh mhór d’fhilí aige ann,

He was accompanied by a numerous professional body,

et as i in Brefne inad ba ferr leis,

agus is i mBréifne an t-ionad ba fearr leis,

and the quarter he liked best was Bréifne,

or ba himdha a cruigh ocus a cethracha.

óir b’iomdha ba a caoraíocht agus a táinte bó.

for numerous were its flocks and cattle herds.

Tarla aenn-oighthi i mBrefne a tigh n-ola

Thárla *don Rí agus don Ríghéigeas* bheith oíche i dteach óil *i mBréifne*

 It happened that the king of Bréifne was one night in his drinking-house,

ocus atbert ra Dallan:

agus dúirt *an rí* le Dallán.

and he said to Dallán:—

“Mor h’oirdni ocus do chadhus uaim, a Dhallain,” ar se.

“Is mór d’onóir agus do cháil a fhaigheann tú uaimse, a Dhalláin,” ar sé.

“You have great honour and privilege from me.”

“Ni hingnadh sin,” ar Dallan,

“Ní haon ionadh sin,” arsa Dallán,

“That is not to be wondered at,” said Dallán,

“ar is mor m’anoir a nAlbain

“mar is mór í m’onóir in Albain

“for great is my honour in Alban (Scotland),

ocus a Saxain

agus i Sasana

in Saxan (England),

ocus a mBretnaibh [a nBreatuinn M]

agus i mBreatain

in Britain, (perhaps Wales)

ocus a Frang [Frainne M; isan bFhraing O].

agus san Fhrainc,

and in France,

Or ata ollamnacht gach crich dibh sin agam.”

mar tá ollúnacht gach críche díobhsan agam.”

because I hold the chief professorship of all those countries.”

“Gidh edh,” ar Aedh,

“Más ea féin,” arsa Aodh,

“Notwithwstanding all that,” said Aodh Fionn,

“doberim-si d’imurcaid (?) gach rig dib sin duit.

“tugaimse breis gach rí díobhsan *d’onóir* duit;

“I give you more than all those kings and noble chiefs together,

Or in tan tede-si ar cuairt ollamnachta i crich ciana comaithigh,

óir, nuair a théann tú ar cuairt ollúnachta i gcríocha imigéiniúla coimhthíocha,

for whenever you go on a professional visit into distant foreign countries,

in tan tesd[as] bo uait cuirim-si bo ’na hinat,

an tan a theastaíonn bó uait, cuirimse bó ina hionad,

and if you should lose a cow I send you a cow in its place,

ocus in tan teasdus each no cru no pinginn cuirim-si ina innad gach neth dibh,

agus an tan a theastaíonn each nó táinte nó airgead uait, cuirimse gach ní díobhsan ina ionad

and if you should lose goods, I send you goods instead of them; and if you lose a penny, I put a penny in its place,

co fagha tusa do cruidh ocus h’innmusa imlán.”

*i dtreo is* go bhfaighe tú do tháinte bó agus d’ionnús-sa iomlán *eile slán romhat nuair a thagann tú abhaile.*”

in order that you may find your cattle, goods, and wealth whole on your return.”

“A [rí], cidh na [leg. ma ?] n-abrai na briatra sin?”

“A Rí,” arsa Dallán, “cad chuige go ndeir tú na briathra sin?”

“Why say you this, O king?” said Dallán.

“Aderim,” ar Aed,

“Deirim,” arsa Aodh,

“For this reason,” said the king,

“curub coir duit-si, in te ata fa chom-[nós friomsa] .i. ri Oirgiall, gach [ní dá] n-iarfair air d’fagbail uadha.”

“*mar* gur cóir duitse gach ní dá n-iarrann tú ar an té ar aon cháil liomsa, .i. Rí Oirghiall, d’fháil uaidh.”

“that you should obtain whatever you would ask from that person whom you honour as much as me, and that is the king of Oirghiall.”

“Ni fuil aigi,” ar Dallán, “a n-ecmuis a fhlaithiusa ni nach tibredh damsa.”

“Níl aige,” arsa Dallán, “in éagmais a fhlaithis-se ní ná tabharfadh domsa.”

“He has nothing,” says Dallán, “excepting his sovereignty, that he would not give me.”

“Ata imorro” ar Aedh Finn.

“Tá, iomorra,” arsa Aodh Fionn.

“He has, surely,” says Aodh Fionn.

“Cid esein?” ar Dallán.

“Cad é sin?” arsa Dallán.

“What is that?” asked Dallán.

“Sciath fhuil aigi; Duibhgilla a ainm,

“Sciath atá aige, Duibhghiolla a ainm,

“A shield which he has; its name is Dubhghiolla,

ocus is leis ro gabh-somh nert riam ocus is leis gabus fos

agus is léi a ghabh sé neart riamh agus is léi gabhfaidh sé fós,

and by it he has hitherto gained sway and will ever gain it,

ocus do chosain crích nOirgiall cona himlib;

agus chosain sé críoch Oirghiall agus a himill;

and by it he has defended the territory of Oirghiall and its borders,

ni thibre duit-si hi.”

agus ní thabharfaidh sé duitse í.”

and he would not give it to you.”

“Ni hathcuingi fhireicis sin,” ar Dallán,

“Ní hachainí fhír-éigis sin,” arsa Dallán,

 “That is not the request of a truly learned man,” said Dallán:,

“ocus damad ead, do iarfaind-si hi.”

“agus dá mb’ea d’iarrfainnse í.”

and if it were, I would ask it.”

“Dobér-sa logh duit-si ar dhul da hiarraid,” ar Aed Finn,

“Tabharfaidh mise luach duitse ar dhul dá hiarraidh,” arsa Aodh Fionn,

“I will reward you for going to ask it,” said Aodh Fionn,

“.i. céd da gach crudh.”

“sé sin, céad de gach saghas crodh.”

“viz., one hundred of each kind of cattle.”

“Ragat-sa [d’a] hiarraid,” ar Dallán,

“Rachaidh mise dá hiarraidh,” arsa Dallán,

“I will go to ask it,” said Dallán,

“ocus muna faghar hi,

“agus mura bhfaighidh mé í,

“and if I shall not obtain it,

aerfad ri Oirgiall.”

aorfaidh mé Rí Oirghiall.”

I will satirize the king of Oirghiall.”

Rucsat as in agaid sin.

Chuireadar an oíche sin díobh.

They passed over that night.

Eirghius Dallán gu moch

D’éirigh Dallán go moch

Dallán arose early,

ocus gabthar a eich do

agus gabhadh a eich dó

and his steeds were got ready for him,

ocus ruc leis a tri naenbur ollaman co dunad righ Oirgiall.

agus rug sé leis a thrí naonúr ollúna go dún Rí Oirghiall.

and he took along with him his thrice nine Professors to the fort of the king of Oirghiall.

O’tcuala in ri Dallán do beth forsin faichthi,

Nuair a chuala an Rí Dallán do bheith ar an bhfaiche,

When the king was informed that Dallán was on the lawn,

tanic chuigi ocus tuc teora póga do

tháinig sé chuige agus do thug trí póga dó

he came forth to meet him and gave him three kisses,

ocus do chuir failte [rian]a ollamnuibh

agus chuir fáilte roimh a ollúna

and, in like manner he welcomed his accompanying professors,

ocus ro himairchuireadh Dallán [gus an ndún].

agus iompraíodh Dallán isteach sa dún.

and Dallán was borne into the fortress.

“Ni airisiub,” ar Dallán,

“Ní fhanfaidh mé agat,” arsa Dallán,

“I will not stay,” says Dallán,

“co fesom in fuighbead m’athchuingid [fuighbea amath. fecs.].”

“gur feasach dom an bhfaighidh mé m’achainí.”

“till I know whether I shall obtain my request.”

“Cret in athchuingid?” ol in ri.

“Cad i an achainí?” arsa an Rí.

“What is the request?” asked the king.

“Do sciath-sa” ar Dallán, “.i. Duibgilla.”

“Do sciathsa, Duibhghiolla,” arsa Dallán.

“Your shield,” replied Dallán, “namely Dubhghiolla.”

“Ni hathchuingid fhireicis sin” ol in ri,

“Ní hachainí fhír-éigis sin,” arsa an Rí,

“That is not the request of a truly learned man,” said the king,

“ocus damad ead doghebhtho-sa.”

“agus dá mb’ea, gheofása í.”

“and if it were, you should obtain it.”

“Tucus-sa duan cugat-sa da cinn,” ar Dallán.

“Thug mise duan chugatsa thar a ceann,” arsa Dallán.

“I have brought you a poem for it,” said Dallán.

“Maith leam-sa do dhuan d’eisteacht,” ol in ri.

“Ba mhaith liomsa do dhuan d’éisteacht,” arsa an Rí.

“I would like to hear your poem,” said the king.

Ro gab Dallán in duan-so:

Ghabh Dallán an duan seo:

He then recited the poem as follows:—

“A err ada, a Aedh,

“A laoich oinigh, a Aoidh,

“A hero of fortune (are you), O Aodh,

a dhaig dana dúr,

a dhaigh dána dúr,

You daring, determined foe (or venom),

[a mhaith mur mhuir mhoir,]

a mhaitheas mar mhuir mhór,

Your goodness as the great ocean;

maith cuirfe for cul.

is maith a thiománfaidh tú do naimhde ar gcúl.

It is well that you shall drive back your enemies.

Concuirfe for cul,

Tiománfaidh tú ar gcúl iad,

You shall drive them back,

A Aed meic [Duach Duibh]

a Aoidh mac Duach Dhuibh.

O Aodh, son of Duach Dubh.

is maith mor do maein,

Is maith *agus is* mór do mhaoin,

Good and great is your substance,

gan aeir is gan [oil].

gan aor is gan oil.

Without censure, and without reproach,

A grian d’aithle a renn,

A ghrian tar éis a réalta,

You sun after leaving its stars

isad uat[h]mar [leam,

is uathmhar liom.

Which is awful to me,

a chláir fith-]cheall finn,

A chláir fichille fionn,

You white chess-board

conthuilfeam [a err].”

go bhfillfimid, a laoich.”

We will return, O hero.”

[M gives another poem here; the gaps in fcs. are taken from O; contilfeam a ear O; leg. co [d]tuilfeam ?]

“[Is maith] in duan,” ol in ri,

“Is maith an duan é,” arsa an Rí,

“That is a good poem,” says the king,

“gibe do tuicfedh hi.”

“an té a thuigfeadh é.”

“whoever could understand it.”

“Fir duid,” or Dallán,

“Is fíor duit,” arsa Dallán,

“That is true for you,” says Dallán,

“ocus gidh cia dogena [in fordheargadh file,

“agus an té a dhéanann an duan fordheargadh file

“and whosoever composes a poetic remonstrance,

is dó] fein is coir a minugad:

is dó féin is cóir a mhíniú.

it is he himself who ought to explain it;

[is meisi dorinne an duan]

Is mise a rinne an duan

and as it was I that composed it,

ocus is me mhineochus hi.

agus is mé a mhíneoidh é.

it is I that will interpret it.

‘A err ada a Æd’ [adubart] frit-sa

‘A laoich adha, a Aoidh’, dúirt mé leat,  

‘A hero of fortune are you, O Aodh,’ I have addressed to you,

.i. mar err einigh ocus gaiscidh [Eirenn tusa].

mar is laoch oinigh agus gaisce na hÉireann tusa;

that is, you are the hero of honour and feats of arms of (the men of) Ireland.

‘A dhaig dana dhur’

‘A dhaigh dána dúr,’ a thug mé ort,

‘You venom, daring and firm,’ I addressed to you,

.i. a dhaig [is ainm do neimh

mar daigh is ainm do nimh,

that is daigh is a name for poison,

ocus is] neim dana tu isna cathaib.

agus is nimh dána thú sna cathanna;

and you are a daring venom in battles.

‘[A mhaith mur mhuir] mor’

‘A mhaitheas mar mhuir mhór,’

‘Your goodness as the great ocean,’

.i. damad lat maín ocus [maitheas na mara,

mar dá mba leat maoin agus maitheas na mara,

that is to say that if the wealth of the ocean belonged to you

do] dailfea he do aes eicsi ocus ealadhan.

dháilfeá é ar lucht éigse agus ealaíon.

you would distribute it amongst the people of knowledge and arts.

‘A grian d’aithle a renn’

‘A ghrian tar éis a réalta,’

‘You sun after (leaving) its stars,’

.i. in grian tar eis a renn d’facbail, as i sin uar is ferr a dealb

ciallaíonn sin, an ghrian tar éis a réalt a fhágáil, as í sin an uair is fearr a dealbh

that is, the sun after leaving its stars is the time its figure appears best,

ocus ni ferr a dealb ina do dhealbh-sa.

agus nárbh fhearr a dealbh ná do dhealbhsa féin;

and its figure is not better than your figure.

‘A clar fithc[h]eall finn’

‘A chláir fhichille fionn,’

‘You white chess-board,’

.i. da mbedis secht foirne fithc[h]le oc aen-duini,

mar dá mbeidís seacht bhfóirne fichille ag an aon duine,

that is, if any person should have seven sets of chess-men

ni budh ferdi do he ocus gan clar aigi;

nárbh aon tairbhe dó agus gan clár aige;

they would be of no use to him without having a board;

is tusa clar cothaigthi ocus conmhala bhfer nEirenn.”

is tusa an clár cothaithe agus coimeádta fear nÉireann.”

you are the board for the support and protection of the men of Ireland.”

“Is maith sin,” ar ri Oirghiall, “ocus dobér-sa cruidh ocus cethra da cinn.”

“Is maith é sin,” arsa Rí Oirghiall, “agus tabharfaidh mise ba agus beithígh ar a ceann.”

“That is good,” said the king of Oirghiall, “and I will give money and cattle for it.”

“Tabair, da ngabtur uait,” ar Dallán;

“Tabhair má gabhtar uait iad,” arsa Dallán,

“Give it if it be taken from you,” says Dallán,

“et doronus-sa duan eli molta don sciath .i.”

“agus rinne mise duan eile molta don sciath, sé sin:”

“and I have composed another poem for the shield as follows:”—

“A Aed suidhcern seig

“A Aoidh, so-thiarna agus seabhac, 

“O Aodh, noble lord, oh hawk,

conselga do sciath,

d’imigh (?) do sciath,

Your shield hath departed (?);

reb tonn a renn [tonna reann M] [reab] [reabh thon arean reab O],

cleas tonn a reann [tonnta reann M] [reabh] [reabh thonn ar an reabh O],

As the sport of waves is the play of its spear-points (?),

cenn ar treab ’s ar triath [sairtriath MS].

ceann ár dtreabh is ár dtriath.

head of our tribes and our chiefs.

Beram-ne a cruth den

Beirimis a cruth dian

Let us bear its strong frame

tar gach finnsruth fial,

thar gach sruth geal fial;

Across each fair and copious stream,

modh cin tnuth ’con triath,

*sin* éacht gan tnúth ón triath,

A feat that excites not the chieftain’s (i.e. Aodh’s) jealousy,

mo sciath sceo a sciath [mo cean trúth guin triath O].

*mar is í araon* mo sciath is a sciath.

[For it is at once] my shield and his.

Sciath breac biatta bran [bhuartha bhraon O],

Sciath bhreac a bheathaíonn brain [bhuartha bhraon O],

A variegated shield that feeds the ravens,

gesidh Badhbh dia bruach;

géiseann Badhbh dá bruach;

From its rim screams the Badhbh,

sciath comadbul caem

sciath ollmhór chaomh

A big and beauteous shield

ata ag Aedh mac Duach.

atá ag Aodh mac Duach.

Is that which Aodh son of Duach has.

Bérmait o mac Dhuach,

Béarfaimid ó mhac Duach,

We will carry off from Duach’s son,

rem’ dula for caí [cain fcs.; fór chaoi O],

roimh m’imtheacht ag caoi;

Before I go on my way

sciath comadbhul caem

sciath ollmhór chaomh

That big, beautiful shield

dam o Aedh ar mh’ai [dam air mh’aogh [o] Aodh O].”

damh (mar fhéirín) dom ó Aodh ar mo dhuan.”

An ox to me from Aodh (as a gift) for my poem.”

Aedh.

“Is maith in duan soin, a Dhalláin,” ar Aedh,

“Is maith an duan sin, a Dhalláin,” arsa Aodh,

“That is a good poem, O Dallán,” said Aodh,

“ocus in ni is cubaidh ria .i. or ocus airget, seoit ocus maine,

“agus an ní is cuí a thabhairt air, ór agus airgead, seoid agus maoine,

“and whatever is meet, viz., gold, silver, jewels and substance,

dogebtur uaimsi iat.”

gheofar uaimse iad.”

you shall have them from me.”

“Ni gheb-sa sin,” ar Dallán,

“Ní bhfaighidh mise sin,” arsa Dallán,

“I will not have them,” said Dallán,

“or is don sciath doronus mu dhuan;

“óir is don sciath a rinne mé mo dhuan;

“because it was for the shield I composed my poem,

ocus doronus fos duan eli don sciath .i.”

agus rinne mé fós duan eile don sciath.”

and I have composed another poem, also for the shield, viz.:”—

“Duibhghilla dub a mhaisi, rl.”

“Duibhghiolla dubh a mhaise, is araile.”

“Dark Dubhghiolla, its fineness”, etc.”

“Is maith in duan soin, a Dhalláin,” ar Aedh,

“Is maith an duan é sin, a Dhalláin,” arsa Aodh,

“That is a good poem, O Dallán,” said Aodh,

“ocus cenneoc[h]at-sa co maith hi dh’our ocus d’airget;

“agus ceannóidh mise go maith é ar ór agus ar airgead;

“and I will give good payment for it of gold and silver;

dobér fos cét da gach crudh da cind.”

agus béarfaidh mé fós céad de gach saghas eallaigh duit thar a cheann.”

I will, moreover give a hundred of each flock for it.”

“Is maith sin,” ar Dallán;

“Is maith sin,” arsa Dallán,

“That is very good,” said Dallán,

“gidhedh

“ach más ea,

“however

ni dubairt duini da bhél

ní dúirt duine as a bhéal

no person ever spoke from his mouth

d’or na dh’airget na dho séduibh in domain,

d’ór ná d’airgead ná de sheoda an domhain

of gold nor silver nor jewels of the world,

ni ghebat-sa uaid acht in sciath.”

ní bhfaighfidh mise uaidh, ach an sciath amháin.”

will I accept from you, but the shield.”

“Ni tiber-sa in sciath duit,” ar Aed.

“Ní thabharfaidh mise an sciath duit,” arsa Aodh.

“I will not give you the shield,” said Aodh.

“Aerfat-sa thusa,” ar Dallán.

“Aorfaidh mé thusa,” arsa Dallán.

“I will satirize you,” said Dallán.

“Firta ocus mirbaili Righ nime ocus talman uaim-si at’agaid dom’saerad ocus dom’ anacul ort;

“Fearta agus míorúiltí Rí neimhe agus talún uaimse i d’aghaidh dom shaoradh agus dom anacal ort;

“The powers and miracles of the King of heaven and earth be on my side to save and protect me against you,

et in cumain let, a Dhalláin,” ar Aed,

agus an gcuimhin leat, a Dhalláin,” arsa Aodh,

and do you remember, O Dallán,” said Aodh,

“in tan doronsat naeim Eirenn codach eadrainn ocus sib-si aes ealadan Eirenn,

“an uair a rinne naoimh Éireann conradh eadrainn-ne agus sibhse, lucht ealaíon Éireann,

“that when the saints of Ireland made peace between us (the kings) and you the bards of Ireland,

gibe acuibh-si doghenad aera co hecoir duinn [duiinn MS],

pé duine agaibhse a dhéanfadh aoir éagórach dúinn,

it was agreed that whosoever of you should compose a satire on us unjustly,

tri bolga aithisi dh’fas air,

trí chloig aithise a d’fhásfadh air,

three blotches of reproach should grow upon him;

ocus damad sinne do toillfed

agus, dá mba sinne do thuillfeadh an náire

and if we should deserve it

ocus sibhsi da denum gu coir,

agus sibhse á dhéanamh go cóir,

and that you should compose it justly,

in oired cédna d’fhas oirnne?

an oiread céanna a d’fhásfadh orainn-ne?

the same number should grow upon us?

Et is iat na naeim sin:

agus is iad na naoimh sin:

and the following are (the names of) those saints:—

Colum Cille mac Fedhlim [Fedhlime M];

Colum Cille mac Feidhlimí,

Colum Cille, son of Feidhlimí;

Ciarán Cluana;

Ciarán Cluana,

Ciarán of Cluain;

Sein-Ciaran Saigre;

Sean-Chiarán Saighre,

Old Ciarán, of Saighir;

Finden Cluana hEraird;

Finnian Cluain Ioraird,

Finnian of Cluain Ioraird;

Finden Mhuighi Bile;

Finnéan Maigh Bhile,

Finnéan of Maigh Bhile;

Seanach [Seanachán O] mac Caitin;

Seanach [Seanachán O] mac Caitin,

Seanach son of Caitin;

Ruadhan Lot[h]ra;

Ruadhán Lothra,

Ruadhán of Lothra;

Brenainn Bera;

Bréanainn Biorra,

Bréanainn of Biorra;

Brenainn mac Findloga;

Bréanainn mac Fionnlugha,

Bréanainn son of Fionnlugha;

Mu Colmoc naemtha;

Mocholmóg naofa,

the holy Mocholmóg;

Comgall;

Comhghall,

Comhghall;

Da Lua Daire;

Da Lua Doire,

Da Lua of Doire;

Caillen naemtha.”

agus Caillín naofa.”

and the holy Caillín.”

“Ni béruit sin uili tusa uaim-si gan t’aerad,

“Ní bhéarfaidh siadsan uile tusa uaimse gan d’aoradh,” arsa Dallán,

“All those will not bear you away from being satirized by me;

ocus ni ferdi leam h’aerad muna gabar at’ fiadnuisi ni dhibh”;

“agus ní fearrde liom d’aoradh muna ngabhfar cuid de anseo i d’fhianaise;”

and it is no satisfaction to me to satirize you except I do so in your presence” —

ocus do gab, ut dixit:

agus ghabh sé *an dán*, mar seo:

and this is what he said:—

“A Aedh mic Duach duibh,

“A Aoidh mac Duach Dhuibh,

“O Aodh, son of Duach Dubh,

a ruach ar nach ruib,

a slodáin nach marthanach,

You pool not permanent;

a brog na cuach cain,

a pheata na gcuach caoin,

You pet of the gentle cuckoo;

a adba luath luin [a labhra lua loin O].

a adhbha luath an loin.

You quick chafferer of a blackbird;

A chaer geltaigh [caor ghealta O] glais,

A chaor ghealta ghlais an *fhéaraigh*,

You sour green berry *of the pasture*;

suidfet treabh[thaig] [suidhsit treabha M; suighfid treabhtha O] luis,

súfaidh treabhdóirí lusanna,

Ploughmen will suck the herbs;

a guirt glais mar greis,

a ghoirt ghlais mar ghréas,

You green crop like fine embroidery;

caindleoir brais for buis.

coinnleoir práis gan solas.

A candlestick without light;

A bharc fega [fedha M; feadha O] fuair,

A bháirc adhmaid fhuair,

You cold wooden boat;

a bharc bera beim [bera braein M; beartha braoin O],

a bháirc a bhéarfaidh béim,

You bark that will bear a blow;

a airbhe in duib daeil,

a airbhe an daoil duibh,

You disgusting black beetle;

a airbire, a Aeidh.”

a aithis, a Aoidh.”

You are more disgusting, O Aodh.”

A Aed.

“Is cubus duinni,” ar Aedh,

“Ar m’anam,” arsa Aodh,

“We must confess,” said Aodh,

“nach fedamar-ne in ferr no in mesa sin ina in ced-duan dorinnis.”

“nach bhfuil a fhios againn an fearr nó an measa sin ná an chéad duan a rinne tú.”

“that we do not know whether that is better or worse than the first poem you composed.”

“Ni hingnad fer h’aithne-si da rad sin,” ar Dallán

“Ní hionadh fear d’aithnese dá rá sin,” arsa Dallán,

“No wonder for a man of your intellect to say so,” said Dallán,

“ocus os misi dorinne na haera,

“agus ós mise a rinne na haortha,

“and as it was I that composed the satires,

as me mineochus iat.

is mé a mhíneoidh iad.

it is I that will interpret them.

‘A Aedh meic Duach Duibh, a ruach ar nach ruib:’

‘A Aoidh mac Duach Dhuibh, a shlodáin nach marthanach,’

‘O Aodh, son of Duach Dubh, you pool not permanent;’

inann sin ocus lodan [lodán M; lochán O] samraidh

ionann sin agus lochán samhraidh,

that is equivalent to a summer pool

in uair dogeibh se tart mor ocus shaltras neach ann,

nuair a ghabhann sé tart mór agus nuair a shatlaíonn duine ann,

when it experiences a great drought and that someone tramples in it;

sceinnid a lan as

scinneann a lán as

its water entirely evaporates,

ocus ni thic lan eli ann no gu tic in tuili aris;

agus ní thig lán eile ann go dtagann an tuile arís,

and it is not replenished till the flood comes again;

inann son ocus tusa,

ionann sin agus tusa,

you are similarly circumstanced,

ar ni fuil da mhéd moladh dogebha

mar dá mhéid moladh a gheobhaidh tú,

for no matter how highly you may be praised,

ara ticfa int einech cédna indut doridisi d’eis na n-aer sa.

ní thiocfaidh an t-oineach céanna ionat arís tar éis na n-aortha seo.

the same hospitality shall not possess you again in consequence of these satires.

‘A brog na cuach cain:’

‘A pheata na gcuach caoin,’

‘You captive of a gentle cuckoo;’

inann son ocus peta cuach,

ionann sin agus peata cuach,

that is equivalent to a pet of a cuckoo,

ár ni bi a tigh peta is mesa inas;

óir ní bhíonn i dteach peata is measa ná í;

for there cannot be in a house a worse pet than this,

treicidh a ceileabrudh acht beg

tréigeann sí a ceiliúradh, ach beag,

it ceases to sing except a little,

ocus ni ferr leis eisein do denumh tra [i tráth M] eli ina isin geimreadh;

agus ní fearr leis é a dhéanamh ag am eile ná sa gheimhreadh;

and he will as soon do so in winter as at any other time,

et araili ica radh co ndenann en ele banaltrannus fris,

tá daoine ann ag rá go ndéanann éan eile banaltras uirthi,

and some say that another bird nurses for it;

cobcan [cabcan, cabhcan O] a ainm,

*is* cabhchán a ainm,

its name is Cabhcán,

ocus cuiridh sein a en fein uadha

agus cuireann sé a éan féin uaidh

and he puts away his own bird

ocus bethaigidh se en na cuaiche guma hingnima he,

agus beathaíonn sé éan na cuaiche go mbíonn sé ábalta ar ghníomh a dhéanamh dó féin;

and feeds the cuckoo’s bird till it is able to provide for itself,

ocus beridh in chuach le he

agus beireann an chuach an cabhchán léi;

when the cuckoo takes it away with her,

ocus ni hannsa le in cobcan sin ina gach en eli.

agus ní hansa léi an cabhchán sin ná aon éan eile.

and she has no more regard for that Cabhcán than she has for any other bird.

Inann son ocus do dail-si

Ionann sin agus do dháilse

Such is your case

ocus aes ealadna Eirenn;

agus lucht ealaíon Éireann:

and of the learned professors of Ireland,

ni bhia cuimne aca ar mhaith da ndernuis tar eis na n-aer sa.

ní bheidh cuimhne acu ar aon mhaith a ndearna tú riamh tar éis na n-aortha seo.

for they will not remember any good you have done after these satires.

‘A adhbha luath luin:’

‘A adhbha luath an loin,’

‘You quick chafferer of a blackbird;’

inann sin ocus lon

ionann sin agus an lon

that is equivalent to a blackbird

d’eirghi roim duini san oighthi;

a éiríonn roimh an nduine san oíche,

which is roused by the approach of a person in the night;

leicid fed no scal as

leigeann sé fead nó scol as

he gives a whistle or cry of alarm,

ocus ni labhrann [ni gle labhrann] in oighthi sin o gabus egla he.

agus ní labhrann an oíche sin arís ó ghabhann eagla é.

and does not speak that night from the terror that seizes him.

Is amlaid sin duit-si;

Is amhlaidh sin duitse;

Similar to that is your case;

do clous h’oenech a cein,

chualathas trácht ar d’oineach i gcéin,

your hospitality has been heard of far off,

ocus o dho haerad thu,

agus ó aoradh tú,

and since you have been satirized

ni cluinfe neach he tareis na n-aer-so.

ní chloisfidh neach é tar éis na n-aortha seo.

no one will hear of it in consequence of these satires.

‘Suidfit treabhtha [suighfeadh treabhtha O] luis:’

‘Súfaidh treabhdóirí losa,’

‘Ploughmen will suck the herbs;’

inann ocus in bech,

is ionann agus an bheach,

that is equivalent to the bee,

ar da n-ibhedh oiri secht n-ech a n-aen shoighech,

mar dá n-ólfadh na beacha eire seacht n-each in aon tsoitheach,

for if seven horse-loads (of it) were put into one vessel

o chuirter for teinid é,

an túisce cuirtear an soitheach ar an tine,

upon the fire

ni dhenann acht dubad d’eis na mbech da shugad.”

ní dhéanann ach dúchan tar éis na mbeach dá shú.”

it only blackens after the bees have sucked it.”

“Leic as, a Dalláin,” ol in ri,

“Lig as, a Dhalláin,” arsa an Rí,

“Be done, O Dallán,” said the king,

“na geibh mh’aera am’ fhiadhnusi ni is mo,

“ná gabh m’aoradh i m’fhianaise níos mó,

“do not satirize me any more in my presence,

ar leicfet as don ealaduin tu anois.”

óir ligfidh mise as an ealaín anois tú.”

for I will now excuse you from your art.”

“Budh fir” or Dallán;

“Ba fíor,” arsa Dallán.

“That will be true,” says Dallán;

“gabhur mh’echrad dam co n-imtighinn.”

“Gabhtar m’eachra dom go n-imeoinn.”

“get my steeds ready that I may depart.”

Do gabad a n-eich doibh

Gabhadh a n-eich don Tromdhámh

Their steeds were brought to them,

ocus ro imtigset asin mbaili amach Dallán cona ollamnaib.

agus d’imíodar as an mbaile amach Dallán agus a ollúna.

and Dallán and his professors left the place.

“Nert De ocus na naem uaim-si a nbur ndiaigh,”

“Neart Dé agus na naomh uaimse i bhur ndiaidh,”

“*May the strength of God and the saints overtake you*

ol Ædh, “madh [leg. má] do grisabar co hecoir mhe.”

arsa Aodh, “má ghríos sibh go héagóir me.”

if you have wrongfully satirised me,” said Aodh.

Nir chian rancatar on baili

Ní fada a bhíodar imithe ón mbaile

They had not come far from the township

in tan adubairt Dallán re a ollamnaib:

nuair a dúirt Dallán lena ollúna:

when Dallán said to his professors:

“As ingnadh leam,” ar se,

“Is ionadh liom,” ar sé,

“It is a wonder to me,” said he,

“in ni aderuid lucht scailti na sceladachta,

“an ní a deir lucht scaoilte na scéalaíochta

“what the tellers of tales say,

or is ed aderuit, gidh cia doni na haera co hecoir,

óir is é an ní a deir siad, an té a dhéanann na haortha go héagórach,

for they assert that whosoever composes satires wrongfully

cumad mheisdi do;

gur dó is measa;

it will be worse for himself;

ocus is doigh lim-sa nach dernad riamh aeir bhudh ecora ocus budh ainndligtighi

agus is dóigh liomsa ná dearnadh riamh aortha dob éagórach agus dob aindlítheach

and I believe that never have been made satires more unjustly or wrongfully

inait na haera dorinnus fein;

ná na haortha a rinne mé féin;

than the satires I myself have composed,

ocus is ferdi dam anois a ndenam,

agus is fearrde dom anois a ndéanamh,

and yet I am now the better for uttering them,

or do bhadhus gan ein-shuil ag techt don baili

óir bhí mé gan aon tsúil agam agus mé ag teacht don bhaile

for I was without an eye on my coming to the place,

ocus atait da súil mait[h]i acam anois.”

agus atá dhá shúil mhaithe anois agam.”

and I have two good eyes now.”

“A rí-ollam,” ar siat,

“A rí-ollamh,” ar siad,

“O chief professor,” said they,

“is maith in scel indisi,

“is maith an scéal a insíonn tú,

“it is good news you tell,

ocus ni hurusa a creidemh.”

agus ní furasta é a chreidiúint.”

although it is not easy to believe it.”

“As fir he,” ar Dallán.

“Is fíor é,” arsa Dallán.

“It is a fact,” said Dallán.

“Mas ed,” ar na hollamna,

“Más ea,” arsa na hollúna,

“If so,” said the professors,

“innis duinne ar nhecar [ar nuimher M; air n-eagair O] isin sligid romut ocus ad’ diaigh.”

“inis dúinn-ne ár n-eagar sa tslí romhat agus i do dhiaidh.”

“tell us our order in the way before you and after you.”

“Atait,” ar se, “da naenbur acuibh romam ocus naenbur a m’ dhiaigh.”

“Tá,” ar sé, “dhá naonúr agaibh romham agus naonúr im dhiaidh.”

“There are,” said he, “twice nine of you before me, and nine of you after me.”

“Fir duit, a righ-ollam,” ar siat.

“Is fíor duit, a rí-ollamh,” ar siad.

“True for you, O chief professor,” said they.

“Ni fhedar in maith na hairde ut,” ar Dallán.

“Níl a fhios agam an maith na comharthaí iad siúd,” arsa Dallán,

“I know not if these be good signs,” said Dallán,

“Or do naiscius mo comairce ar Colum Cille mac Feilim,

“mar nasc mé mo chomairce ar Cholum Cille mac Feidhlimí

“for I had an assurance from Colum Cille, the son of Feidhlimí,

ind [im M] chomhartha ecsamail d’fhagail dam ria mbas

um chomhartha éagsúil d’fháil dom roimh bás,

that I should have an extraordinary forewarning before my death,

ocus cá fuighinn comhartha bhudh inganta dam

agus cá bhfaighinn comhartha dob iontaí dom

and what more wonderful sign could I get than,

ina mu beth dall ac teac[h]t don bhaili

ná mé bheith dall ag teacht don bhaile

being blind on my coming to the town,

ocus da shuil anois acum?

agus *radharc* mo dhá shúl anois agam?

and to have the use of my two eyes now?

ocus beridh dh’innsaigid mu thighi mhe.”

Agus beirigí d’ionsaí mo thí mé.”

and, therefore take me to my home.”

Rucad da thigh he iarsin

Rugadh chun a thí é ina dhiaidh sin

He was then taken to his house,

ocus do bhi ’na bethaid tri la co n-oidhchib ocus fuair bas iarumh.

agus bhí sé ina bheatha trí lá agus trí oíche agus fuair bás ansin.

and he lived three days and three nights, after which he died.

Tancatur na hollamna co haen-inad ocus ba hiat so a n-anmanna:

Thángadar na hollúna go haon ionad agus ba iad seo a n-ainmneacha:

The professors assembled together, and these were their names:—

 Maol Gedic mac Fir Goboc, ollam Alban;

Maol Gedic mac Fir Goboc, ollamh Alban;

Maol Geidhic, son of Fear Goboc, professor of Alba;

Arrachtan mac Onsclainn, ollam Bretan;

Arrachtán mac Onsclainn, ollamh Breataine;

Arrachtán, son of Onsclann, Bard of Britain;

Srubchaille mac Sreabchaille, ollam Saxan;

Srubhchaille mac Sreabhchaille, ollamh Sasana;

Srubhchaille, son of Sreabhchaille, Bard of England;

Niamchaemh ollam Uladh;

Niamhchaomh, ollamh Uladh;

Niamhchaomh, Bard of Ulster;

Dæl Duileadh [ollam] Laighin [sic. fcs., leg. Laighen];

Dael Duileadh, ollamh Laighean;

Daol Duileadh, professor of Leinster;

[Ollmhór árdeigis ollamh Dheasmhúmhan];

Ollmhór árd-éigeas, ollamh Dheasmhumhan;

Ollmhór, the arch sage of the professors of Deasmumhan;

Oircne Aitemain ollam Tuadhmhuman;

Oircne Aiteamhain, ollamh Thuadhmhumhan;

Oircne Aiteamhain, professor of Thomond;

Senchan eices, file ocus primh-ollam Connacht.

Seanchán éigeas, file agus príomh-ollamh Chonnacht.

(and) Seanchán, the learned poet and chief Bard of Connacht.

Tangatar na hollamna co haein-inad

Thángadar na hollúna go haon ionad

These bards came together

ocus ro fiafraiged acu

agus fiafraíodh eatarthu

they debated amongst themselves

cia da ndingentai ollam a n-inad Dhalláin.

cé hé go ndéanfaí ollamh de in ionad Dalláin.

as to whom they should appoint arch Bard in the place of Dallán.

“Tabhur muime na cleri cucainn,” ar siat,

“Tugtar buime na cléire chugainn,” ar siad,

“Let the foster-mother of the literati be brought to us,” said they,

“.i. Muirenn ingen Cuain Chuilledi ben Dalláin,

(dob í sin Muireann iníon Chúáin Chuillí, bean Dalláin),

“namely, Muireann, daughter of Cúáin Chuillí, the wife of Dallán,

ocus ín chliar caillech .i. Grucc ocus Gracc ocus Grangait.”

“agus an chliar chailleach, Grug agus Grág agus Grangaid.”

together with the learned aged females, namely, Grug, Grág, and Grangaid.”

Tucad on

Tugadh amhlaidh

They were convened accordingly,

ocus ro fhiafraigset dibh cia dar coir ollam do denamh.

agus d’fhiafríodar díobh cé hé gur chóir ollamh a dhéanamh de.

and they enquired of them who ought to be appointed chief Bard.

Adubairt Muirenn: “Dochuaidh sibh-si fec[h]t riamh ar cuairt ollamnachta a nAlbain.

Dúirt Muireann: “Cuaigh sibhse uair ar cuairt ollúnachta in Albain,

Muireann said:— “You formerly went on a professional visit to Alba,

ocus ro fhiafraigi[u]s-sa do Dallán ann sin, gibe tan fogebhudh se fein bas,

agus d’fiafraigh mise de Dhallán an uair sin, pé am go gheobhadh sé bás,

and I then asked Dallán that whensoever he himself would die,

cia da ndingentai ollam ’na inad.

cé hé go ndéanfaí ollamh de ina ionad.

who should be appointed chief professor in his place.

Atbert soin, da cuiredh neach ar doman rann a n-inadh an roinn

Agus dúirt sé sin, dá gcuireadh neach ar domhan rann in ionad an rainn

And he said that if any person in this world could substitute a stanza for a stanza

ocus focul a n-inad in focuil do fein,

agus focal in ionad an fhocail dó féin,

and a word for a word of his own (composition),

as e Senchan seinfhile do chuirfed.”

gurab é Seanchán sean-fhile a chuirfeadh.”

it is Seanchán, the aged poet, that can do so.”

“Maas ed,” arna hollamna,

“Más ea,” arsa na hollúna,

“Well, then,” said the professors,

“dentar ollam-thairngertaid do Senchán aguinn,” ar siat.

“déantar ollamh tairngire de Sheanchán,” ar siad.

“let Seanchán be elected our prophetic chief professor.”

Rohollamhnaiged Senchán acu ann sin

Ceapadh Seanchán ina ollamh leo ansin

Whereupon Seanchán was then inaugurated chief Bard by them;

et adubradur ris dul os cinn Dalláin ocus marbhnaidh do dhenamh dho.

agus dúirt siad leis dul ós cionn Dalláin agus marbhna a dhéanamh dó.

and they desired him to go over Dallán and compose an Elegy for him.

Dochuaidh Senchán ocus doroine in marbhnaidh sin

Chuaigh Seanchán agus rinne sé an marbhna sin,

Seanchán went and made this Elegy,

ocus do ghab os cinn Dallain i:

agus ghabh sé ós cionn Dalláin é:

and recited it over Dallán:—

“Inmhain corp adrocair sunn;

“Is ionúin an corp atá ar lár anseo.

“Beloved is the body that has fallen here,

ger fer trom, ba fer etrum;

Cé gurbh fear trom féin é, b’fhear éadrom é.

Although a weighty man, he was a light man;

etrom cuirp ba trom fedma;

B’éadrom corp é, ba throm feidhme.

Light in body, he was weighty in mind,

mor cliar dar bu tigerna.

Ba mhór an cléir ar a raibh sé tiarna.

Great was the company over whom he was chief.

Tri caegaid dhun ar aen ris,

Trí caogaid againn a bhíodh mar aon leis,

Thrice fifty of us were along with him,

d’eicsib fedba forbhad fis;

d’éigise in éagmais fheasa foirfe.

Of poets deprived of the perfection of knowledge;

mad da mbeimis lín budh lia,

Dá mbeimis líon ba lia

If our numbers had been greater

fodhluim nua uaidh dhuinn gach dia.

gheobhaimis foghlaim nua uaidh gach aon lá.

We would have new instruction from him each day.

Uaim dhileann nach soichit sloigh,

Ba é sin an uaimh dhíleann nach sroicheann sluaite

The cave of the Deluge which hosts cannot reach,

buinne Esa Ruaidh romhoir,

buinne Easa Ruaidh rómhór,

The mighty rushing flow of Eas Rua,

tuili mara romair raín,

tuile Mara Rua riathar,

The overwhelming flood of the Red Sea,

samail inntlechta Dallain.

samhail intleachta Dalláin.

To these may be compared the intellect of Dallán.

Gu roister tar in ngrein ngil

Go dtéitear thar an ngrian gheal,

Until men reach beyond the sun

do dealbh Dia os na duilib,

an ghrian úd a dheilbhigh Dia ós na dúile go léir,

Which God created above the elements,

ni roich fili thuaidh na thes

ní sháróidh file thuaidh ná theas

No poet north or south will surpass

tar Eochaid reid Ri-eiceas.

Eochaidh réidh Rí-éigeas.

The fluent Eochaidh, chief of learned men.

Ba hegnaid, a Dhe nime!

B’eagnaí an duine é, a Dhé neimhe!

He was a philosopher, O God of Heaven!

ba huasal, ba haird-fili,

B’uasal, b’ard-fhile é.

He was illustrious, he was chief poet;

cu tarra[i]d tonn do bhas bhil,

Go rug tonn an bháis ábhail air,

Until the wave of evil death overtook him,

uch ba haluinn, ba hinmain!”

uch, b’álainn agus b’ionúin é!”

Oh, he was splendid, he was beloved!

Inmain.

Adubratar in tromdham uili

Dúradar an Tromdhámh uile

The entire of the Bardic Association declared

cu roibhi a saith fein d’ollam isin te dorinni in marbnaidh sin.

go raibh a sáith féin d’ollamh sa té a rinne an marbhna san.

that they had a sufficiently competent professor in the person who composed that Elegy.

Is ann sin ro fiafraigset

Is ansin d’fhiafraíodar

It was then they deliberated

ga cuiged a nEirinn a rachdais ar tus ar cuairt ollamnachta,

cá cúige in Éirinn a rachaidís ar dtús ar cuairt ollúnachta,

as to what province in Ireland they should first proceed on a professional visit;

ocus bui gach ollam dhibh ag iaraid dhula da cuiged fein.

agus bhí gach ollamh díobh ag iarraidh dul chun a chúige féin.

and each one of them was desirous to go to his own province.

Adubairt Senchán ba cora dhula ar amus in te

Dúirt Seanchán gur chóra dul ar cuairt chuig an té

Seanchán said it would be more meet to visit the person

nar haerad ocus nar himdergad um or na um ilmainib riam.

nár aoradh agus nár imdheargadh um ór ná um oll-mhaoine riamh.

who was never satirized or reproached about (his liberality of) gold or abundance of valuable goods.

“Cia esein?” ar cach.

“Cé hé sin?” arsa cách.

“Who is he?” said each of them.

“Guaire mac Colmain

“Guaire mac Cholmáin

“Guaire, son of Colmán,

meic Cobthaig meic Goibnenn

mhic Chobhthaigh mhic Ghoibhneann

son of Cobhthach, son of Goibhneann,

meic Conuill meic Eogain

mhic Chonaill mhic Eoghain

son of Conall, son of Eoghan,

meic Echach Bric meic nDathi

mhic Eachach Bhric mhic Dhaithí

son of Eochaidh Breac, son of Daithí,

meic Fiachra.”

mhic Fhiachra.”

son of Fiachra.

Adubratar in tromdhamh uili

Dúradar an Tromdhámh uile

The entire of the great Bardic Association declared

ba coir dhoibh dul ann sin o bhudh maith le Senchán he.

gur chóir dóibh dul ansin ó ba mhaith le Seanchán é.

it would be proper to go there since Seanchán desired it.

“Faiter fesa uainn go Guaire.”

“Cuirtear scéala uainn go Guaire.”

“Let messengers be despatched from us to Guaire” (said they).

Tiaghuit ocus innisit do

Imíodh agus insíodh do Ghuaire

They (the messengers) went and informed him (Guaire)

Senchán cona ollamhnaib ocus cona fhiledaib da innsaigid.

go raibh Seanchán agus a hollúna agus a fhilí chuige.

that Seanchán along with his professors and poets were coming to him.

“Mu chean-sa dhoibh,” ar Guaire.

“Mo chionsa dóibh,” arsa Guaire.

“My respect for them,” said Guaire.

“Mu cen da maithibh ocus da n-olcaib.

“Mo chion dá maithe agus dá n-olca.

“My respect for their good and for their bad;

Mu cen da n-uaislib ocus da n-islibh.

Mo chion dá n-uaisle agus dá n-ísle.

my respect for their nobles and their ignobles;

Mu cen da mnaib ocus da feruib.”

Mo chion dá mná agus dá bhfir.”

my respect for their women and for their men.”

Dorinne Guaire iarum bruigin doibh ocus oc[h]t sleasa uirri

Rinne Guaire bruíon dóibh ansin agus ocht sleasa uirthi

Guaire, after that, made a mansion for them, which had eight sides to it,

ocus dorus idir gach da slis dib

agus doras idir gach dá shlios díobh

and a door between every two sides (or divisions);

ocus ocht primhleaptha idir gach da dhorus

agus ocht bpríomh-leaba idir gach dá dhoras

and there were eight first class beds between every two doors,

ocus foileabaid a fiadnuisi gach primleptha.

agus fo-leaba i bhfianaise gach príomh-leaba.

and a low bed (or truckle bed) beside every chief bed.

Is airi ro ordaigh-sium sin:

Is é cúis gur órduigh sé sin ná

The reason he made that arrangement was,

gibe do luc[h]t na himdaighi

pé duine de lucht an tí chodlata

that whosoever of those that occupied the beds,

dogenad troit no imrisan ocus do eireochad aisdi,

a dhéanfadh troid nó imreasán agus d’éireodh amach as an leaba,

in case they should have a quarrel or strife and get out of them,

co faghadh se in foileabhaidh urlam ar a chinn tis.

go bhfaigheadh sé an fho-leaba ullamh ar a cheann thíos.

he might find the lower bed ready for him below.

Agus dorinne se oc[h]t tobair da bhferuib

Agus rinne sé ocht dtoibreacha dá bhfir

And he constructed eight fountains (or lavatories) for their men

ocus oc[h]t tobair da mnaib,

agus ocht dtoibreacha dá mná,

and eight fountains for their women;

ár nír ail do uisci lamh na n-ollaman do dul tar lamhuibh na mban

óir níorbh áil leis uisce lámh na n-ollúna do dhul thar lámha na mban

for he did not wish that the water used in washing the hands of the professors should touch the hands of the women,

na usce lamh na mban do dhul tar lamuib na n-ollam;

ná uisce lámh na mban do dhul thar lámha na n-ollúna.

nor the water of the hands of the women should be used in washing the hands of the professors;

ocus doronad flegha ocus fuireca aigi fo a comair;

Ullmhaíodh fleánna agus córacha bia aige ina gcóir.

and feasts and banquets were ordered by him for their entertainment,

ocus do chuir techta ar a cenn iarum.

agus chuir sé teachtaire ar a gceann ansin.

and he then sent messengers to invite them.

Atbert Senchán: “Gidh maith einech Guaire,

Dúirt Seanchán: “Cé gur maith é oineach Ghuaire,

Seanchán said:— “Though excellent the hospitality of Guaire may be,

ni ber-sa a bhfuil ann so chuice do lot Connacht,

ní bhéarfaidh mise a bhfuil anseo chuige ag lot Connacht,

I will not take all that are here to him to spoil Connacht,

ár ni beg lim a da trian do breith cuigi

óir ní beag linn a dhá dtrian a bhreith chuige

for I consider it enough to take the two-thirds of them to him,

ocus trian d’facbhail”:

agus trian a fhágáil:

and to let one-third remain,”

ocus doroine samlaid;

agus rinne sé amhlaid;

and he acted accordingly.

ni ruc co Guaire acht tri caegaid eces

ní rug sé go Guaire ach trí caogaid éigeas

He did not take to Guaire but thrice fifty of the professors;

ocus tri caegaid eicsín

agus trí caogaid éigsín

thrice fifty students (or second class of professors);

ocus tri caegaid con

agus trí caogaid con

thrice fifty hounds;

ocus tri caegaid gilla

agus trí caogaid giollaí

thrice fifty male attendants;

ocus tri caegaid ban muinnteri

agus trí caogaid ban muintire

thrice fifty female relatives;

ocus tri nonbhur d’aes gacha cerdi;

agus trí naonúr de lucht gach ceirde,

and thrice nine of each class of artificers;

ocus rangatar co Durlus in lin sin.

agus thángadar go Durlas an líon sin.

and that number arrived at Durlas.

Do eirigh Guaire ’na gcoinne

D’éirigh Guaire ina gcoinne

Guaire went forth to meet them,

ocus do thairbir do phoguibh a maithi

agus thoirbhir sé póga dá maithe

and he bestowed kisses on their chiefs,

ocus do fer fáilte rena sait[h]ibh.

agus d’fhear sé fáilte roimh a saoithe.

and gave welcome to their learned men.

“Mo cen-sa dhaibh,” ar Guaire.

“Mo chionsa daoibh,” arsa Guaire.

“My regards to you,” said Guaire;

“Mo cen da bar n-uaislib ocus da bhar n-islib.

Mo chion do bhur n-uaisle agus do bhur n-ísle.

“my regards to your nobles and ignobles;

Morfhailte uaim daib uili

Mór-fháilte uaim daoibh uile

I have great welcome for you all,

itir ollam ocus anrad,

idir ollamh agus ánradh,

both professors and poets;

itir eces ocus adbur,

idir éigeas agus ábhar,

both learned men and students;

itir macuibh ocus mnaib,

idir mhaic agus mná,

both sons and women;

itir coin ocus gilla.

idir chúnna agus giollaí.

both hounds and servants;

Ac[h]t ata da bar n-imed,

Ach atá an oiread sin agaibh ann

but so great is your number,

ni da bur n-aidhbligud,

— ní hamhlaidh ba mhaith liom beagní a dhéanamh d’aoinne agaibh —

not deeming you too many,

ni roich uaim-si fáilte fo leth da gach aen aguibh:

ní féidir liom fáilte faoi leith a chur roimh gach aoinne agaibh;

that I cannot welcome you individually;

acht mu cen romhuib uili dh’ aen-taeib.”

acht mo chion daoibh uile d’aon taoibh.”

however, my respects to you all on every side.”

Agus do cuired isin mbruigin moir iat

Agus cuireadh sa bhruíon mhór iad

And they were led into the large mansion,

ocus do forscailed biadh ar a mbelaib,

agus forscaoileadh bia ar a mbéalaibh

and food was laid out before them,

ocus adubairt Guaire riu gach ni do beth ’na n-esbaidh d’iaraidh

agus dúirt Guaire leo gach ní a bheadh in easnamh ortha a iarraidh

and Guaire told them that whatever they would desire they might ask for it

ocus gu bhfhuigdis.

agus go bhfaighidís.

and they should have it.

Ba mor tra in decair sin uili d’fagail doib-sium,

Ba mhór, trá, an deacair sin uile na nithe sin go léir a fhágáil dóibhsin,

It was, however, a great difficulty to procure all things for them,

or ba eicen cuid ’na aenar ocus leabaid ar leth da gach neach dib,

mar b’éigean a chuid a thabhairt do gach duine faoi leith acu ina aonar agus leaba faoi leith a sholáthar do gach neach díobh,

for it was requisite to give to each of them his meals apart and a separate bed;

ocus ni leigdis en-agaid gan tor[mas ocus] [ní luighidís in aighthe gan toruili M; gan torrmas orra O²] ni eirgitis en-agaid

agus ní ligidís oíche tharstu gan tormas ortha agus ní éirídís aon mhaidin

and they went not to bed any night without wanting something, and they arose not a day

gan mian ecsamail doirb dofagbala do thecmhail do nech eicin acu;

gan teacht méine éagsúla deacra dofhaighte do neach éigin acu;

without a desire for something that was peculiar, difficult to satisfy, and scarce coming upon one of them;

[ocus do badh éigion sin d’fághuil do,

agus b’éigean sin a fháil dó

and that desire had to be satisfied,

no an rí do áera ocus do chaine].

nó dhéanfaí an Rí d’aoradh agus do cháineadh.

or the king would be satirised and criticised.

Dorala mian ecsamail

Tháinig mian éagsúil

An extraordinary wish occurred

[do neoch

do neach,

to someone

a tigh] na tromdaime

i dteach na Tromdháimhe,

in the mansion of the Learned Association;

.i. do Muirinn

do Mhuirinn,

namely, to Muireann,

muime na cleire,

buime na cléire,

foster-mother of the company,

ben Dalláin,

bean Dalláin,

the wife of Dallán,

[ocus do léic mhairg] moir aisdi.

agus lig sí scréach mhór aisti.

and she let out a great shriek.

“Crét do frit   .   .   .  ?”

“Cad é sin ort?”

“What is the matter with you?”

ar siad.

arsa an Tromdhámh.

said the company.

“Mian dorala dam” [ar sí,

“Mian a tháinig dom,” ar sí,

“A desire that has seized me,” said she,

“ocus muna faghar] an mian soin, [ní baam beo.”

“agus mura bhfaighidh mé an mhian sin, ní bheidh mé beo.”

“and unless it be procured for me I will not live.”

“Crét an mian?” ar Senchán].

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Seanchán.

“What is that wish?” asked Seanchán.

“Sgala do linn leamhnachta

“Scála de leann leamhnachta

“A bowl of the ale of sweet milk

le smir mughdhorn mhuc n-allaid;

le smior murnáin mhuc n-alla;

with the marrow of the ankle-bone of a wild hog;

peta cuach do beth ar crand eiginn am fhiadnuisi”

peata cuaiche a bheith ar chrann eidhinn i m’fhianaise

a pet cuckoo on an ivy tree in my presence

— idir dha Nodlaig in tan sin —

— idir dhá Nollaig an uair sin —

between the two Christmases (Christmas-day and Twelfth-day or Epiphany) at that time;

“ocus a tenn-[eiri for a mhuin

“agus a teann-ualach ar a muin

and her full load on her back,

ocus] crislach ’na timcheall do ruadhan [bloingi toirc] gleghil,

agus crioslach ina timpeall de bhlonag thoirc ghléigil,

with a girdle of yellow lard of an exceeding white boar about her;

ocus ech mongach riabach do beth [fúithi ocus m]ong corcra fuirre

agus each mongach riabhach a bheith fúithi, agus mong chorcra ar an each,

and to be mounted on a dusky, long-maned steed; and a purple mane upon her, *and her four legs exceedingly white*;

ocus bert do lín in damain alla uimpi

agus beart de líon an damháin alla a bheith uimpi féin,

and a garment of the spider’s web around her,

ocus si ac cronan roimpi co Durlus.”

agus í ag crónán roimpi go Durlas.”

and she humming a tune as she proceeds to Durlas.”

“Is decair in mian sin d’fagail,” ar Senchán.

“Is deacair an mhian sin a fháil,” arsa Seanchán.

“It is difficult to procure that wish,” said Seanchán;

“Ni haein-mhian sin

“Ní haon mhian sin

“that is not one

acht greas do mianaib ingantacha nach urusa d’fhagail.”

ach greas de mhianta iontacha nach furasta a fháil.”

but a handful of strange wishes which are not easily gratified.”

Rucatar as in agaid sin co tainic maidiun;

Rugadar as an oíche sin go dtáinig maidin;

They bore away that night until morning came;

ocus ticed Guaire d’innsaighid na bruidne gach lai

agus thagadh Guaire chun na bruíne gach lá

Guaire was in the habit of visiting the mansion every day,

ocus do fiafraighedh cinnus do bidh acu,

agus d’fhiafraíodh sé conas a bhí acu;

and used to enquire how they fared;

ocus tainic in la sin ocus d’fiafraig:

agus tháinig sé an lá sin agus d’fhiafraigh:

and he came on that day and he enquired:

“Cinnus atathar ’con muinntir mhoir maith so aniugh?”

“Conas táthar ag an muintir mhór mhaith seo inniu?”

“How are things with these great and good people today?”

“Ni rabhamar riam,” ar siat, “uar is mesa do bethi aguinn.”

“Ní rabhamar riamh,” ar siad, “uair is measa a bheifí againn.”

“We were never a time,” said they, “*that it was worse with us.”

“Crét sin?” ar Guaire.

“Conas sin?” arsa Guaire.

“How is that?” asked Guaire.

“Mian dorala do neoch acainn,” ar Senchán.

“Mian a thárla do neach againn,” arsa Seanchán.

“A longing that has happened to one of us,” said Seanchán.

“Cia da tarla in mian soin?” ar Guaire.

“Cé dó go dtáinig an mian sin?” arsa Guaire.

“To whom did that occur?” asked Guaire.

“Do Muirinn ingin Cuain Cuilledi,” ar Senchán,

“Do Mhuirinn, iníon Chúáin Chuillí,” arsa Seanchán,

“To Muireann, daughter of Cúán Chuillí,” replied Seanchán,

“.i. ben Dalláin, muime na cleire.”

“bean Dalláin, buime na cléire.”

“namely the wife of Dallán, the foster-mother of the literati.”

“Cred in mian?” ar Guaire.

“Cad í an mian í?” arsa Guaire.

“What is the wish?” said Guaire.

Do innis Senchán [sin dó.

D’inis Seanchán sin dó.

Seanchán told him.

“Ní hein-mhiann amháin sin,” air Guaire, “acht ainmhianna imdha,]

“Ní haon mhian amháin sin,” arsa Guaire, “ach ainmhianta iomaí,

“That is not one wish but a variety of bad wishes,

ocus gibe dib is usa d’fhagáil, is decair he.”

agus cibé ceann díobh is fusa d’fháil is deacair é.”

and whichever of them is easiest, it is still difficult to obtain;”

Agus imtigis Guaire co dubach dobrónach;

Agus d’imigh Guaire go dubhach dobrónach;

and Guaire departed sad and sorrowful.

[M omits the meeting with the “gilla”] ocus ni tharla da muinntir ’na farrad in uair sin acht aein-gilla

agus níor  thárla dá mhuintir ina fharradh an uair sin ach aon ghiolla amháin

None of his people accompanied him at that time but one attending servant,

ocus do fiafraig Guaire don ghilla:

agus d’fhiafraigh Guaire den ghiolla:

and Guaire asked him,

“In maith e do run, a ghilla?’ ar se.

“An maith é do rún, a ghiolla?” ar sé.

“are you a good secret keeper?”

“Créd imma bfiafraige?” ol in gilla.

“Cad uime go bhfiafraíonn tú?” arsa an giolla.

“For what purpose do you ask?” said the servant.

“Dob ail leam dul [go Seasgan [Seasg- O]] Uarbeoil” ar Guaire,

“B’áil liom dul go Seascann Uarbheoil,” arsa Guaire,

“I would wish to go to Seascann Uarbheoil,” said Guaire,

“airm i fuil Fulachtach mac Eogain,

“airm a bhfuil Fulachtach mac Eoghain,

“where dwells Fulachtach the son of Eoghan;

doig as misi do marb a athair ocus a chethre meic ocus a trí derbráit[h]ra

dóigh is mise a mharaigh a athair agus a cheathrar mac agus a thriúr deartháir,

for it was I that slew his father, his four sons, and his three brothers;

ocus is ferr lem he dom marbad

agus is fearr liom eisean dom mharú

and I would rather he should kill me

[ocus m’oineach] ar mh’eis

agus m’oineach tar m’éis

in order that my hospitality may endure after me,

ina mu beth fein tar eis [m’oinighe];

ná mé féin a bheith tar éis m’oinigh;

than that I should survive my liberality,

or ni fuighter na miana ut cu brath.”

óir ní bhfaighfear na mianta úd go bráth.”

for those wishes can never be obtained.”

“Is maith mu run,” ar in gilla,

“Is maith é mo rún,” arsa an giolla,

“My secrecy is good,” said the servant,

“ocus da bfaicer [thu] ag imtecht [da bfaicthear ag imchigheacht thu O],

“agus má fheictear tusa ag imeacht,

“and should you be seen leaving,

ni fuil isin teac[h] sa duine nac[h] bia imat.”

níl sa teach seo duine nach mbeidh umat.”

there is not a person in this house that would not be around you.”

Ba holc le Guaire sin,

B’olc le Guaire sin,

That was displeasing to Guaire,

ocus tainic roime co Finnaragal na Feli,

agus tháinig sé roimhe go Fionnaireagal na Féile;

and he proceeded to Fionnaireagal of the Hospitality,

or in [uair badh teanta] do-som o luc[h]t eicsi ocus ealadhan,

óir, nuair ba chrua air sin ó lucht éigse agus ealaíon,

for when he was burdened by the professors of arts and sciences,

ticedh co Findaracal na Féle

thagadh sé go Fionnaireagal na Féile

he used to go to Fionnaireagal of the Hospitality,

ocus donith slechtain ocus urnaighthi ocus etarguighe co hIsa Crist ann; [ocus dogheabhadh] o Dia

agus rinne sé sléachtadh agus urnaithe agus idirguíonna go hÍosa Críost ann, agus fuarthas ó Dhia

and he used to kneel, pray and supplicate Jesus Christ there, and he used to obtain from God

gach ni da n-iaradh tre fertuib féle;

gach ní dá n-iarradh trí fhearta fhéile,

every thing he desired through the efficacies of his bounteous liberality,

ocus is aire sin do garthi Aracal na Feili dhe.

agus is mar gheall air sin a d’ainmnítí Aireagal na Féile é..

and it was on that account that it was called Aireagal of Hospitality.

Do bhi tra Guaire oc slec[h]tain ocus oc urnuighthi ocus oc eturghuighi De

Bhí Guaire áfach ag sléachtain agus ag urnaí agus ag idirghuí Dé

However, Guaire was kneeling and praying, and imploring God

um bas d’fhaghail do fein

go bhfaigheadh sé féin bás

that he himself  might die

suil do beth ’na bethaid ag eistecht rena aerad ocus rena aithisechad don tromdhaim.

sula mbeadh ina bheatha ag éisteacht leis an dTromdhámh á aoradh agus á aithisiú.

lest he should live and listen to the great Bardic Association satirising and defaming him.

Doigh nír hiarad air riam athchuinghe budh doilghi lais

Ar dhóigh níor iarradh air riamh achainí ba dhoilí leis

To be sure, no favours were ever asked of him more difficult to be procured

inait na miana ro chuinnigh in chaillech,

ná na mianta d’iarr an chailleach,

than the wishes desiderated by the old dame,

ocus do gab ag guighi Dhe co diacra ma foirithin on eicin sin

agus ghabh sé ag guí Dé go díograiseach umá fhóirthint ón éigean sin

and he prayed God fervently to deliver him from that strait,

ocus fa mhian gach en-nduine don cleir d’faghbhail do on Duilemh;

agus go bhfaigheadh sé mian gach duine den chléir ón Dúileamh;

and that he might obtain from the Supreme Being whatever wish any of the Bardic Institution might desire;

ocus dorine in laidh mbic co hatoirrsech a bhFhinnaracal na Féle:

agus rinne sé laoi bheag go hatuirseach i bhFionnaireagal na Féile:

and he made the following little Lay, in sadness, at Fionnaireagal of Hospitality:—

“Dursan dam, a meic mu Dhe,

“Mo mhairg, a Mhic mo Dhé,

“Here is my sorrow, O Son of my God,

gach dámh thainig sunn ane;

gach dámh a tháinig anseo inné;

Through all that happen’d me yesterday;

trí caegaid eices, doirbh dám,

trí caoga éigeas, is doirbh an dámh,

Thrice fifty learned men, a vexatious clan,

tainicc sunna le Senchán.

a tháinig anseo le Seanchán.

Who came to this place with Seanchán.

Gidh mor do dhamhuibh cruaidhi

Cé gur mó buíon chrua

Though great is the number of austere bards

tainic co Durlus Guairi,

tháinig go Durlas Ghuaire,

That came to Durlas of Guaire,

cluiche is gáiri ann gach nech

cluiche is gáire a bhí ann ag gach neach

Every one had sport and laughter

no gu tainic in chaillech.

nó go dtáinig an chailleach.

Until the old woman arrived.

Mor in feidhm fa tucus laim,

Is mór an fheidhm a ghabh mé idir lámha,

Great was the task to which I set my hand,

freastul cliar in bhetha bain;

freastal ar chliar an domhain mhóir;

To serve the learned of the wide world;

da ndech om’ thigh nech gan ni,

dá dtéadh ó mo theach neach acu gan ní,

Should any depart from my house unsupplied,

mh’fheidhm cus aniug is neifní.

b’shin í m’fheidhm gus inniu ar neamhní.

My achievement so far is rendered void.

Cidh ma tuc Ri geal grene

Cad uime go dtug Rí geal na gréine

Why has the king of the brilliant sun

a dhelbh orum budhene,

a dhealbh féin orm-sa,

Conferred on myself his likeness,

o nach tibred dham Dia dil

ó nach dtabharfadh Dia dílis dom

Should he of his bounty not grant to me

ní do [dhi]dheonad m’aighidh?

ní a dhéanfadh m’oineach a dhíonadh?

Means to protect my countenance?

Do gheallus do Mac Muire

Gheall mé do Mhac Mhuire

I have promised to the son of Mary

nach diultfainn re dreich nduine;

nach ndiúltóinn d’aoinne choíche;

Not to refuse the face of man;

da mbéana se dím mu bladh,

dá mbainfeadh Sé dhíom mo chlú oinigh,

Should any such person deprive me of my good fame.

cidh nach do féin bhudh dursan?”

cad a bhéarfadh nach Dó féin ba mhairg a leithéid do theagmháil dom?”

Even to him it will be no sorrow.”

Dursan.

Rucastar Guaire as in aigid sin cu tainic maidin

Rug Guaire as an oíche sin go dtáinig maidin

Guaire passed over that night till the morning came,

ocus atcuala tairm ocus treathan in aen-oclaig chuigi i mucha lai;

agus chuala sé tormán agus treathan an aon óghlaigh chuige le fáinne an lae go moch;

and he heard the bustle and paces of an individual advancing towards him in the early morn,

ocus do bhi do mhéd a dhogra ocus a dhomenman nar fhec air

agus bhí a dhólás agus a dhomheanma chomh mór sin nár fhéach sé air,

but his grief was so great that he did not look on him,

ocus do aithin he iar sin;

agus d’aithin sé é ina dhiaidh sin;

and he afterwards, however, recognised him,

ocus as e do bhi ann, Marbhan mucaid

agus is é duine bhí ann ná Marbhán muicí,

and he who happened to be there was Marbhán the swine-herd,

primhfhaid nimhe ocus talman,

príomh-fháidh neimhe agus talún,

the prime prophet of heaven and earth,

ocus fa mac mathar do Guairi he

mac máthar do Ghuaire ab ea é

he was son of Guaire’s mother,

ocus is e ba mucaid do Guaire.

agus is é ba mhuicí do Ghuaire.

and swine-herd to Guaire.

Agus is airi bui ’na mhucaidh,

Agus is é cúis gur ina mhuicí a bhí sé

And his object in this occupation was

ar comad usaidi do creidium ocus crabhadh do dhenamh

ná gurbh fhusa dó creideamh agus crábhadh do dhéanamh

that he might the more advantageously devote himself to religion and devotion

bheth ’na mhucaid

bheith ina mhuicí

in the capacity of swine-herd,

a bhfeghuibh ocus a bhfasaighibh;

i bhfeánna agus i bhfásaigh,

in woods and desert places,

ocus bennachuis do Guaire.

agus bheannuigh sé do Ghuaire.

and he saluted Guaire;

“Fon cuma cédna duit-si,

“Gurab amhlaidh duit-se,

“The same compliments to you,

a primfhaidh nimhe ocus talman,” ar Guaire.

a phríomh-fháidh neimhe agus talún,” arsa Guaire.

chief prophet of heaven and earth,” said Guaire.

“Cred in bron soin ort?” ar Marbhan.

“Cad é an brón sin ort?” arsa Marbhán

“What is the cause of your sadness?” asked Marbhán.

“Mian dorala do neoch a tigh na tromdhaimhi,” ar Guaire.

“Mian do thárla do dhuine i dteach na Tromdháimhe,” arsa Guaire.

“A yearning that has seized a person in the house of the great Bardic Association.”

“Créd in mian?” ar Marbán,

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Marbhán,

“What is the wish?” enquired Marbhán,

“nó cia dha tarla?”

“nó cé dó go dtárla?”

“or to whom did it happen?”

“Do Muirinn ingin Chuain Chuilledhi” ar Guaire,

“Do Mhuirinn, iníon Chúáin Chuillí,” arsa Guaire,

“To Muireann, daughter of Cúán Chuillí,” replied Guaire,

“ben Dalláin ocus buime na cleire.”

“bean Dalláin agus buime na cléire.”

“the wife of Dallán, and the foster-mother of the Bards.”

“As i sin dob ail linne dh’fhaghbhail bais ar tus dib;

“Is í sin dob áil linn-ne bás a fháil ar dtús díobh.

“That is she, whom we desire to be the first of them that should die;

ocus caidhi in mian?” ar Marbán.

Cad í an mian í?” arsa Marbhán.

and what is the wish?” asked Marbhán.

“Sgala do linn lemhnachta” ar Guaire,

“Scála de lionn leamhnachta,” arsa Guaire,

“A bowl of the ale of sweet milk,” said Guaire,

“la smir mhughdhorn mhuc n-allaid.”

“le smior murnáin mhuc n-alla.”

“together with the marrow of the ankle bone of a wild hog.”

“As deca[i]r in mian soin d’fhagail,” ar Marbán,

“Is deachair an mhian san a fháil,” arsa Marbhán,

“It is difficult to procure that wish,” said Marbhán,

“ocus gidh decair, dogebthar acum-sa a nGlinn in Scail he.”

“agus, cé gur deachair, gheofar agamsa i nGleann an Scáil í.”

“and although difficult, it will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil.”

“Do iar si ni eli,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She asked for another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. peta cuach do bheth ag ceileabrad ar crand eiginn ’na fiadhnuisi.”

“peata cuaiche a bheith ag ceiliúradh ar chrann eidhinn ina fianaise.”

“namely, a pet cuckoo cooing on an ivy tree in her presence.”

“As ingnad in trath da iarraidh sin anois,” ar Marbán,

“Is ionadh an tráth dá iarraidh sin anois,” arsa Marbhán,

“It is a strange time (of the year) to desire that now,” said Marbhán,

“ocus gidh ingnad, is ait[h]nid duinni int inad a bfhuil sin.”

“agus, cé gurab ionadh, is eol dúinn-ne an t-ionad ina bhfuil sin.”

“and although strange we know the place where that is.”

“Do shir si ni ele” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She asked for another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. ech riabhach ocus mong derg uirri ocus cethra cosa glegheala fuithi.”

“each riabhach agus mong dhearg uirthi agus ceithre cosa gléigeala fúithi.”

“namely, a bay steed, with a red mane and its four legs purely white.”

“A n-ein-tigh ata in dias sin,” ar Marbán,

“In aon teach atá an dá ní sin,” arsa Marbhán,

“In one house those two are to be had,” said Marbhán,

“in peta cuach ocus int ech riabach.”

“an peata cuaiche agus an t-each riabhach.”

“the pet cuckoo and the bay steed.”

“Cia oca bhfhuilid?” ar Guaire.

“Cé aige go bhfuilid?” arsa Guaire.

“Who has them?” asked Guaire.

“Der Dhamhma ingen Iubddain, do leannan cumachtach fein,

“Dear Damhna, iníon Iubhdáin, do leannán cumhachtach féin,

“Dear Damhna, daughter of Iubhdán, your own powerful beloved,

is aice atait.”

is aici atáid.”

it is she possesses them.”

“Mad aici, doghebh-sa,” ar Guaire.

“Más aici, gheobhaidh mise iad,” arsa Guaire.

“If she has them I will obtain them,” said Guaire.

“Do shir si ní eli,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She desired another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. beirt ildathach impe do lin in damáin allaid.”

“brat ildathach de líon an damháin alla a bheith uimpi.”

“namely, to have about her a garment of many colours made of the spider’s silk.”

“Doghebhthar sin agum-sa a nGlinn i[n] Scail,” ar Marbán.

“Gheofar sin agamsa i nGleann an Scáil,” arsa Marbhán.

“That will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil,” said Marbhán.

“Do shir si ni eli,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She desired another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. a tenn-eri for a muin

“a teann-ualach ar a muin

“namely, her full load on her back

ocus crislach ’na timchell do ruadhan bloingi thuirc gleghil.”

agus crioslach ina timcheall de ruán blonaige toirc ghléigil.”

and a girdle about her of the yellow lard of a purely white boar.”

“Inar shir si sin?” ar Marbán.

“Agus ar iarr sí sin?” arsa Marbhán.

“Did she request that?” asked Marbhán.

“Do shir,” ar Guaire.

“D’iarr,” arsa Guaire.

“She did request it,” replied Guaire.

“Mu mhallacht-sa ar in te do shir sin,” ar Marbán,

“Mo mhallachtsa ar an té d’iarr sin,” arsa Marbhán,

“My malediction on the person who desired that,” said Marbhán,

“ocus guighim-si Ri nimhe ocus talman nar foghna in mian sin di.

“agus guímse Rí neimhe agus talún nár fhónamh an mhian sin di.

“and I implore the King of Heaven and earth that that wish may not serve her.

Doigh is acam-sa ata in torc sin

Ar dhóigh is agamsa atá an torc sin

For it is I who have that boar

ocus is docair dhamh a mharbad,

agus is dochar domsa a mharú,

and it is a hardship for me to kill him,

or is buachail dam he ocus is liaigh ocus is techtuiri ocus is oirfidech.”

óir is buachaill dom é agus is lia agus is teachtaire agus is oirfideach.”

for he is to me a herdsman, a physician, a messenger and a musician.”

“Cinnus doni se sin duit?” ar Guaire.

“Conas a dhéanann sé sin duit?” arsa Guaire.

“How does he perform all that for you?” asked Guaire.

“Ni hannsa” ar Marbán,

“Ní deacair a insint,” arsa Marbhán,

“Not difficult to tell,” replied Marbhán:

“in uair thicim-si ona mucaib san oighthe

“nuair a thagaimse ó na muca san oíche

“When I return from the swine at night,

ocus nach facbhuit dreasla Glinne in Scail leathar ar mu chosaibh,

agus nách bhfágann driseoga Ghleanna an Scáil leathar ar mo chosa,

and that the skin is torn off my feet by the briars of Gleann an Scáil,

tic-sium cucam ocus cuirid a theanga tar mo chosaibh

tagann seisean chugam agus cuireann a theanga thar mo chosa

he comes to me and rubs his tongue over my feet,

ocus da mbedis taithlega ocus uindemeinti in domain agam,

agus, dá mbeidís táithlianna agus ungthaí an domhain agam,

and though I should have all the surgeons and healing ointments in the world

is tusca dom [sic fcs.; leg. doni ? (Bergin)] a thenga-som slainti dhamh.

is túisce a dhéanann a theangasan sláinte dom.

his tongue would cure me soonest;

As liaigh damh he amlaid sin.

Is lia dom é amhlaidh sin.

in that manner he is a physician to me.

Is buachail damh he,

Is buachaill dom é,

He is herd to me,

or in tan tiaghuit na muca ar fud Glinne in Scáil

óir an uair a théann na muca ar fud Ghleanna an Scáil

for when the swine wander through Gleann an Scáil,

ocus bís leisci oram-sa,

agus nuair bhíonn leisce ormsa,

and that I am wearied,

doberim builli dom’ chois ann san

tugaim buille de mo chos ansin

I give him a blow with my foot,

ocus teit a ndiaigh na muc;

agus téann sé i ndiaidh na muc;

and he goes after the swine.

ocus atat nai ndoirsi ar Glinn in Scáil,

agus tá naoi ndóirse ar Ghleann an Scáil,

There are nine passes leading into Gleann an Scáil,

ocus ni hecal do mhuc dibh

agus ní heagal do mhuc díobh

and there is no danger of any hog of them (being carried off)

gaduigi na caibhdhen na faelchu a figbuid [figluid fsc., leg. fidbaid; faolchu fiodhbha M; fiodhbuighe O]

gadaí ná ceithearnach ná faolchú coille

by a thief, vagrant, or wolf of the forest,

gu cuireann se in muic ndereadhaigh dib istech.

go gcuireann sé an mhuc dheireanach díobh isteach.

until he drives in the very last hog of them.

Is oirfitech dhamh he,

Is oirfideach dom é

He is a musician to me,

or in tan bis saint codalta orm-sa,

óir, an uair bhíonn saint chodlata ormsa,

for when I am anxious to sleep

doberim builli dom chois ann sin

tugaim buille dem chos annsan,

I give him a blow with my foot

ocus cuirid a druim fai ocus a thair a n-airdi

agus chuireann sé a dhroim faoi agus a tharr in airde

and he lies on his back with his belly uppermost

ocus canaidh cronan damh,

agus canann crónán dom,

and sings me a crónán (humming tune),

ocus is bindithir lim

agus is chomh binn, dar liom,

and as sweet to me

fria tétuib mendcrot il-lamhuib suadh ica saeirsheinm

le téada meannchruite i lámha saoi á shaor-sheinm,

as a sweet toned harp in the hands of an accomplished minstrel,

in ceol canus damh;

an ceol a chanann sé dom,

is the music which he sings to me,

ocus as i in smolach bethadach is lia aisdi cheileabraidh ar bith,

agus is é an smólach beithíoch is lia aiste ceiliúrtha ar bith,

and the blackbird is the most variable in his notes of all birds,

ocus is lia aitherrach cronain aigi-seom.

agus is lia athrach crónáin aige sin.

yet he (the boar) is still more varied.

As decair damsa in bethadach sin do marbhadh,” ar Marbán,

Is deacair domsa an beithíoch sin do mharú,” arsa Marbhán,

It is hard for me to kill that animal,” said Marbhán,

“ocus cuir-si fein techta ara cheann, or ni fhétuim-si a mharbad;

“cuirse féin teachta ar a cheann, óir ní fhéadaimse é mharú;

“and do you yourself send messengers for him, for I cannot kill him,

ocus doberim-si mu briathar duit-si,” ar Marbán,

agus tugaimse mo bhriathar duitse,” arsa Marbhán,

and I pledge my word to you,” said Marbhán,

“gu tibér-sa cuairt en-lai co bruighin na tromdhaime

“go dtabharfaidh mise cuairt aon lae go bruíon na Tromdháimhe

“that I will pay a visit some day to the mansion of the great bardic body

do dhighail in tuirc fhinn orra,

ag díoghail an toirc fhionn orthu

to be avenged of them for the white boar,

ocus gumba meisdi beit siad co brath i.”

agus gur miste a bheidh siad go bráth é.”

and may they never be the better for it.”

Fritha imorro na miana sin uili tre bithin Marbain.

Fuarthas na mianta sin uile trí bhíthin Mharbháin, áfach.

Howbeit, all those objects of desire were procured through the instrumentality of Marbhán.

Do marbadh iarum in torc finn

Marbhadh an torc fionn ina dhiaidh sin

The white boar was afterwards killed,

ocus do cuired a blonac ar muin na cailligi

agus cuireadh a bhlonag ar mhuin na caillí

his lard was put on the old dame’s back,

ocus dochuaid ar a heoch ocus do bi ag cronan roimpe co Durlus;

agus chuaigh sí ar a heach agus do bhí sí ag crónán roimpi go Durlas,

and she rode on her horse and she hummed her tune as she proceeded on her way to Durlas,

agus tarla for clochan chorrach hi ac dul don bhaili,

agus thárla ar chlochán chorrach í agus í ag dul sa bhaile isteach,

and, while passing over an unsettled causeway that led to the place

cor thuit a hech ocus cu tarla hi fein fuithi,

i dtreo gur thuit a heach agus go dtárla sí féin fúithi,

her steed fell and she happened to be under it,

cor bris cnaimh a lairgi ocus a righedh ocus a muinil,

gur bhris sí cnámh a lorgan agus a rí agus a muiníl,

by which her thigh bone, fore arm, and neck were broken,

co bhfhuair bas amlaid.

agus go bhfuair bás amhlaidh.

and she died after that manner;

Conadh de sin ata ‘eire na cailligi don blonaic.’

Agus is de sin atá an focal úd: ‘eire na caillí den bhlonag.’

and thence originated (the adage,) ‘The Hag’s load of lard.’

[D]orala mian ele do neoch a tigh na tromdaime

Tháinig mian eile do dhuine i dtigh na Tromdháimhe,

Another longing desire seized a person in the mansion of the great Bardic Association,

.i. Medb Neidigh ingen Shencháin,

do Mheidhbh Néidigh, iníon Sheancháin,

namely Meadhbh Néidigh, the daughter of Seanchán,

ocus do leic mhairg moir eisdi.

agus leig sí scréach mhór aisti.

and she let out a great shriek.

Do fhregair a hathair hi:

D’fhreagair a hathair í.

Her father responded to her:

“Créd thicc riot, a ingen?” ar se.

“Cad atá ort, a iníon?” ar sé.

“What ails you, my daughter?” said he.

“Mian domrala,” ar si,

“Mian a tháinig dom,” ar sí,

“A yearning wish that has possessed me,” answered she,

“ocus muna faghar in mian sin, ni baam beo.”

“agus, mura bhfaighidh mé an mhian sin, ní bheidh mé beo.”

“and unless I shall get it, I will not live.”

“Crét in mian?’ ar Senchán.

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Seanchán.

“What is the wish?” asked Seanchán.

“Lan beinne mo broit acum do smeruibh corra cirdhubha,”

“Lán binne mo bhrait agam de sméara corra ciardhubha,”

“That I might have the full of the skirt of my mantle of large blackberries;”

— isin fhailledh ro chuinnidh sisi sin —

— is san fhaoilleach d’iarr sise sin —

— it was at the end of winter that she asked for it —

“ocus co mbeinn ag dul romam co Durlus

“agus go mbeinn ag dul romham go Durlas

“and that I might be on my way to Durlas,

ocus comadh amlaid foghabuind muinnter Guairi i saeth ocus i ngalar.”

agus gur i dtinneas agus i ngalar a gheobhainn muintir Ghuaire.”

and that on my arrival there I might find the people of Guaire in sickness and distemper.”

“Cidh uma n-abrai sin, a ingen?” ar Senchán,

“Cad uime go ndeir sin, a iníon?” arsa Seanchán,

“Why do you say that, my daughter?” said Seanchán,

“ocus Guaire ’gár ngoiri-ne ocus ’gar lesugad.”

“agus Guaire ár gcoimeád agus ár gcothú.”

“since Guaire is our consoler and comforter.”

“In bhfeturis-si, a athair,” ar Medb, “mar atú-sa a cosuined ocus in fidat .i. in neanntog; 

“An bhfuil a fhios agat, a athair,” arsa Meadhbh, “gurab ionann mise agus an fidat, sin an neantóg;

“Do you know, father, how I am like unto the Fidat, that is the nettle,

an te doni teach uimpi,

mar, an té a dhéanann teach uimpi sin,

for he who would construct a house about it

ni ferr le nech da loiscenn inas.

ní fearr le neach dá loisceann ná é.

would as soon be stung by it as any other person.

Is amlaid sin dam-sa;

Is amhlaidh sin domsa;

Similar is my case,

ni ferr lim nech ele d’fagail bais ar tus

ní fearr liom neach eile a fháil bás ar dtús

for I do not desire that any other should die sooner

ina in te dober main ocus mor-mait[h]ius dam.”

ná an té a thugann maoin agus mórmhaitheas dom.”

than he who gives me wealth and great substance.”

Rucsat as in agaid sin.

Rugadar as an oíche sin.

They wore away that night.

Tainic Guaire roime co bruigin na tromdhaime arna marrach ocus do fiafraig

Tháinig Guaire roimhe go bruíon na Tromdáimhe arna mhárach agus d’fhiafraigh:

Guaire came to the mansion of the bards on the morrow, and he asked:

“Cinnus atathar ’con muinntir mhoir mhaith so aniugh?” ar se.

“Conas atá ag an muintir mhór mhaith seo inniu?” ar sé.

“How does it fare with this great and worthy people to-day?” said he.

“Ni rabhamar riamh” ar Senchán, “la as mesa do beithi againn,

“Ní rabhamar riamh,” arsa Seanchán, “lá is measa a bheifí againn,

“We were never a day,” said Seanchán, “that it was worse with us.”

or tarla mian dom’ ingin-si .i. Medbh Neidig.”

óir thárla mian dom iníonse, Meadhbh Néidigh.”

for a longing desire has seized my daughter, namely Meave Neidigh.”

“Crét in mian?” ar Guaire.

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Guaire.

“What is the desire?” asked Guaire.

Da innis Senchán do.

D’inis Seanchán dó.

Seanchán told him.

Ba bronach Guaire dhe sin.

Ba bhrónach Seanchán de sin.

Guaire was sorrowful for that.

“Ni fuil a n-aicned,” ar Guaire, “na miana sin d’fagail.”

“Níl sé do réir nádúir,” arsa Guaire, “na mianta sin d’fháil.”

“It is not in the comprehension of man to procure these wishes,” said Guaire.

Impódus on bruigin

D’iompaigh sé ón mbruíon

He departed from the mansion,

ocus ni cian dochuaidh in tan tarla Marbán do.

agus ní fada a chuaigh sé nuair a chas Marbhán air.

but had not proceeded far when Marbhán met him.

“Mo chen duit, a Guaire,” ar Marbán.

“Mo chion duit, a Ghuaire,” arsa Marbhán.

“My love to you, Guaire,” said Marbhán.

“Fon cuma cédna duit-si, a primhfáid nime ocus talman” ar Guaire.

“Gurab amhlaidh duitse, a phríomh-fháidh neimhe agus talún,” arsa Guaire.

“Likewise to you, chief prophet of Heaven and earth,” responded Guaire.

“Crét in brón so ort, a Guaire?” ar Marbán.

“Cad é an brón seo ort, a Ghuaire?” arsa Marbhán.

“What sadness is this over you, Guaire?” asked Marbhán.

“Mian dorala do neoch don tromdám,” ar Guaire.

“Mian do tharla do dhuine den Tromdháimh,” arsa Guaire.

“A wish that has seized one of the great bardic body,” replied Guaire.

“D’éis in tuirc finn?” ar Marbán.

“Tar éis an toirc fhionn?” arsa Marbhán.

“After the white boar?” exclaimed Marbhán.

“Is ed,” ar Guaire.

“Is ea,” arsa Guaire.

“Yes,” responded Guaire.

“Crét in mian?” ar Marbán.

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Marbhán.

“What is the wish, and to whom did it occur?” asked Marbhán.

“To Meadhbh Néidigh, the daughter of Seanchán,

“Lan beinne a broit do smeraibh corra círduba.”

“Lán binne a brait de sméara corra ciardhubha.”

viz., the full of the skirt of her mantle of large blackberries.”

“Dogebhthar sin acam-sa a nGlinn in Scáil,” ar Marbán.

“Gheofar sin agamsa i nGleann an Scáil,” arsa Marbhán.

“They will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil,” said Marbhán.

“Cinnus on?” ar Guaire.

“Conas sin?” arsa Guaire.

“How may that be?” asked Guaire.

“La dha rabadhais-si oc seilg a nGlinn in Scáil

“Lá a raibh tusa ag seilg i nGleann an Scáil

“One day that you had been hunting in Gleann an Scáil,

ocus do bhi cú for eill at’ laimh,

agus bhí cú ar éill i do láimh,

you held a hound by the leash,

ocus atconnaic in cu in bethadach ocus tug tarrang ort-sa;

agus chonaic an chú an beithíoch agus thug tarraing ortsa,

and the hound having espied an animal, he made a pull at you;

ocus do bhi tor dreasladh att’ fharrad ocus do tharraing se do brat dit

agus bhí tor driseoige i d’fharradh agus do tharraing sé do bhrat díot,

a bush of briars which was adjacent to you, caught and pulled off your cloak,

ocus do leicis-si leis he co hescaid, or nir erais nech um ní riamh,

agus lig tusa leis é go héasca, óir níor éar tú neach um ní riamh,

which you readily let go, for you never refused a favour to any;

ocus ni dernais-si acht dul uaidh in tan tanac-sa chuige;

agus ní dhearna tú ach dul uaidh nuair a tháinig mise chuige,

you had only just departed from it when I came up,

ocus fuarus smera imdha ar in tor

agus fuair mé sméara iomdha ar an tor

and found a great large quantity of berries on the bush;

ocus do scaileas in brat uime innus nar ben doinenn na derdan o sin ille ris

agus scaoil mé an brat uime ionas nár bhain doineann ná fearthainn ó shin i leith leis

and I spread the cloak over it, so that neither storm nor rain has touched them ever since,

le cumhachtaib Dé ocus lem’ chumhachtaibh-si;

le cumhachtaí Dé agus le mo chumhachtaíse féin;

through the powers of God and my own powers;

ocus in ní ba derg in la sin dibh, as dubh anois,

agus an méid ba dhearg an lá sin díobh is dubh anois,

and such of them as were red on that day, are black now,

ocus in ni ba dubh, ata blas meala orro.”

agus an méid ba dhubh atá blas meala orthu.”

and those that were black have the taste of honey.”

“Do shir si ní ele,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She desired another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. mo muinnter-sa do beth i saeth ocus i ngalar ar a cinn.”

“mo mhuintirse a bheith i dtinneas agus i ngalar ar a ceann.”

“namely, that my people might be in sickness and disease on her arrival.”

“Is decair sin d’iaraid,” ar Marbán;

“Is deacair sin a iarraidh,” arsa Marbhán,

“It is hard to ask that,” said Marbhán,

“ocus eirigh-si romut anoc[h]t co Finnaragal na Fele

“agus éirighse romhat anocht go Fionnaireagal na Féile

“and you go to-night to Fionnaireagal of Hospitality,

ocus rachat-sa gu Glinn in Scáil,

agus rachaidh mise go Gleann an Scáil,

and I will go to Gleann an Scáil,

ocus guighem araen Airdri nime ocus talman

agus guímis araon Ard-Rí neimhe agus talún

and let us conjointly implore the Supreme King of Heaven and Earth,

umat’ muinntir-si do beth i saeth ocus i ngalar

umat mhuintirse a beith i dtinneas agus i ngalar

that your people may be in sickness and disease,

ocus a mbeth slan ar in lathair cédna.”

agus a bheith slán ar an láthair chéanna.”

and be restored immediately after.”

Tiagait rompu ocus doniat edurguighi dicra gu Dia in agaid sin.

Chuaigh siad rompu agus rinne siad idirghuí díograiseach go Dia an oíche sin.

They proceeded forward and they both prayed to God fervently that night.

Agus fuair Medbh na smera

Agus fuair Meadhbh na sméara

Meadhbh got the blackberries;

ocus tainic co Durlus

agus tháinig sí go Durlas,

she came to Durlas,

ocus is amhlaid fuair muinnter Guairi

agus is amhlaidh fuair sí muintir Ghuaire

and the condition she found the people of Guaire in,

ocus airdhe bais ag gach duini dhib

agus airíonna báis ar gach duine díobh

was that each of them had the symptoms of death

tre edarghuigi Guairi ocus Marbáin;

trí idirghuí Ghuaire agus Mharbháin;

through the united prayers of Guaire aud Marbhán;

ocus ni derna si acht in baili d’fhacbail

agus ní dhearna sí ach an baile a fhágáil

and she had only left the place

in tan fuaratar slainti idir fhir ocus mhnai.

nuair a fuaireadar go léir idir fhir agus mná sláinte.

when all of them, both men and women recovered their health;

Con[adh] amlaidh sin frith na miana sin ar bithin De ocus Marbhain.

Agus sin mar a fuaradh na mianta sin trí bhíthin Dé agus Mharbháin.

such was the manner in which those things wished for were obtained by God’s means and Marbhán.

Tarla mian ele do neoch a tigh na tromdaime

Thárla mian eile do dhuine i dteach na Tromdháimhe,

Another longing desire seized a person in the house of the great Bardic Association,

.i. Brighit ingen Onithcherne, baincheli Sencháin,

do Bhríd, iníon Onithcheirne, banchéile Sheancháin,

namely, Bríd, daughter of Onithchearn, the wife of Seanchán,

ocus do leic mhairg moir aisdi.

agus lig sí liach mhór aisti.

and she let out a great shriek.

Do freagair Senchán: “Crét tic friut, a bhanfhlaith?” ar Senchán.

D’fhreagair Seanchán: “Cad atá ort, a bhanfhlaith?” arsa Seanchán.

Seanchán responded — “What is the matter with you, chieftainess?” asked Seanchán.

“Mian domrala,” ar si,

“Mian a tháinig dom,” ar sí,

“A wish that has seized me,” said she,

“ocus muna fhaghar he ni bhaam beo.”

“agus mura bhfaighidh mé í, ní bheidh mé beo.”

“and unless it be obtained I will die.”

“Abair in mian,” ar Senchán.

“Abair an mhian,” arsa Seanchán.

“Say the wish,” said Seanchán.

“Mu saith d’fhagail damh do shaill luin uisce

“Mo sháith a fháil dom de shaill loin uisce

“To get my fill of the fat of a water blackbird;

ocus mo shaith ele do bhoin cluaisdeirg gleghil gan ai innti,

agus mo sháith eile de bhó chluas-dhearg ghléigil gan ae inti

and again my fill of a red-eared and purely white cow without a liver,

acht ger a n-inat a haei;

ach geir in ionad a hae,

but having tallow in place of her liver;

ocus mu shaith do shumhuibh derga ocus do chaeraibh corcra,

agus mo sháith de shútha dearga agus de chaora corcra,

also my fill of red strawberries and of purple berries,

ocus gumad hi deoch foghabuinn ’na ndiaigh, fethnait fegha fuinn

agus gurab í deoch a gheobhainn ina dhiaidh ná feathnait feadha fuinn,

and that the drink I may get after them shall be Fethnait Feagha Fuinn,

.i. mil na féthlenn [feathnad nait feighe fuinn .i. mil na bhfeiliog MO. Here the older version breaks off in M].”

’sé sin, mil an fhéithlinn.”

viz., the honey of the woodbine.”

“As decair na miana sin d’fagail,” ar Senchán.

“Is deacair na mianta sin a fháil,” arsa Seanchán.

“It is difficult to procure these wishes,” said Seanchán.

Rucsat as in agaid sin.

Rugadar as an oíche sin.

That night wore on.

Tainic Guaire gu moch ar[na] mharach co bruidhin na tromdhaime ocus do fhiarfaig:

Tháinig Guaire go moch arna mhárach go bruíon na Tromdháimhe agus d’fhiafraigh:

Guaire came early on the morrow to the bardic mansion, and enquired —

“Cinnus atathar ’con muinntir moir maith-si aniugh?”

“Conas atá ag an muintir mhór mhaith seo inniu?”

“How fares it with this great and excellent people today?”

“Ni rabhumur riam,” ar Senchán, “uair is mesa do bheimiss,

“Ní rabhamar riamh,” arsa Seanchán, “uair is measa a bheimís,

“We were never a time,” replied Seanchán, “that it was worse with us.”

or tarla mian do neoch againn

óir tharla mian do dhuine againn,

for a longing desire has seized one of us,

.i. Brigid ingen Onithcherna, mu ben-sa fein.”

do Bhríd, iníon Onithchearna, mo bhean féin.”

namely, Bríd, daughter of Onithchearn, my own wife.”

“Cred in mian?” ar Guaire.

“Cad í an mhian í?” arsa Guaire.

“What is the wish?” asked Guaire.

Ro innis Senchán.

D’inis Seanchán.

Seanchán informed him.

“Ni fhuil a n-aicned na miana sin d’faghail,” ar Guaire.

“Níl i nádúr na mianta sin a fháil,” arsa Guaire.

“There is no possibility of procuring those wishes,” said Guaire.

Tainic roime co toirrsech on bruigin

Tháinig sé roimhe go tuirseach ón mbruíon

He went away in sorrow from the mansion,

ocus ni fada dochuaid in tan tarla Marbán do.

agus ní fada a chuaigh sé nuair a chas Marbhán air.

but did not proceed far when he met Marbhán.

Bennachais cach da chele dibh.

Bheannaigh cách dá chéile díobh.

They greeted each other.

“Crét in brón sin ort, a Guaire?” ar Marbán.

“Cad é an brón sin ort, a Ghuaire?” arsa Marbhán.

“What is the matter with you, O Guaire?” asked Marbhán.

“Mian tarla do neoch a tigh na tromdáime,” ar Guaire.

“Mian a tharla do dhuine i dteach na Tromdháimhe,” arsa Guaire.

“A wish that has happened to a person in the dwelling of the Bards,” replied Guaire.

“D’eis in tuirc fhinn on?” ar Marbán.

“Tar éis an toirc fhionn, an ea?” arsa Marbhán.

“After the white boar, eh?” exclaimed Marbhán.

“Is ed,” ar Guaire, ocus do innis na miana.

“Is ea,” arsa Guaire, agus d’inis sé na mianta.

“Yes,” responded Guaire, and he told him the wishes.

“Is ait[h]nid dhamh-sa baile a fuilid sin” ar Marbán,

“Is aithnid domsa an bhaile ina bhfuil siad sin,” arsa Marbhán,

“I know the place where those are,

“.i. ag caillechab Tuama Da Ghualann,

“ag mná rialta Thuama Dhá Ghualann,

viz., with the Nuns of Tuama Dá Ghualann,

or atait nai fhichit caillech i n-oen-teach

óir tá naoi bhfichid bean rialta in aon teach ansiúd

for there are nine score nuns in one house,

ocus tic a saith uili dh’aein-bleagan on boin soin.

agus tagann a sáith uile d’aon bhleán ón mbó sin.

and they all get a sufficiency (of milk) by one milking from that cow;

Agus is acu ata in lon sin

Agus is acu atá an lon sin,

and it is they who have that blackbird,

ocus in tan leices in caillech fa dheoigh dhibh ar chodlad

agus, nuair luíonn an bhean faoi dheoidh díobh ar chodladh,

and when the last of the nuns retires to sleep

canaidh-sium ceol doibh

canann sé sin ceol dóibh

he sings music for them

da coidelduis fir ghonta ocus mna co n-idnuib;

lena gcodlóidís fir ghonta agus mná i bpianta;

which would lull to sleep wounded men and parturient women;

ocus as deimhin, da tuctha-sa nai fhichit bo cluaisderg glegheal doibh

agus is deimhin, dá dtabharfása naoi bhfichid bó chluas-dhearg ghléigeal dóibh

and it is certain that should you give them nine score, red-eared, purely white cows,

ocus laegh gacha bo dhibh,

agus lao gach bó díobh sin,

and a calf with each of the cows,

gurub ferr a mbo san ina sin

gurbh fhearr a mbósan ná sin

their one cow would be better than them all;

ocus da tuctha nai fichit lon doibh

agus dá dtabharfá naoi bhfichid lon dóibh

and should you give them nine score blackbirds,

gurub ferr a n-aen-lon inait.”

gurbh fhearr a n-aon lonsan ná iad go léir.”

their one blackbird would be better than they.

“Do sir si ni eli,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sí ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“She desired another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. sumha ocus caera ocus mil na feithlenn [ocus deoch feathnaitt feadha fuinn MO].”

“sútha agus caora agus mil an fhéithlinn.”

“namely, shrub-berries and tree-berries and the honey of the woodbine.”

“Dogebhthar sin acam-sa a nGlinn in Scáil,” ar Marbán.

“Gheofar sin agamsa i nGleann an Scáil,” arsa Marbhán.

“Those will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil,” said Marbhán.

Fritha uile na miana sin amail dorarngair Marbán,

Fuarthas na mianta san uile amhail do thairngir Marbhán,

All those wishes were procured as Marbhán predicted,

ocus tucadh nai fichit bo ocus nai fichit lon dona caillechaib

agus tugadh naoi bhfichid bó agus naoi bhfichid lon do na mná rialta

and nine score kine, and nine score blackbirds, were given to the nuns

ar son a n-aen-bo ocus a n-aon-luin;

ar son a n-aon bhó agus a n-aon lon;

for their one cow and one blackbird;

agus adubratar maithe bhfer nEirenn

agus dúirt maithe fear nÉireann

and the nobility of the men of Ireland, declared

nar fhiu in tromdam uili in diass-sin do marbad.

nárbh fhiú an Tromdhámh uile an dís sin a  mharú.

that the entire of the great Bardic Association were not worth those two (animals) that were killed.

Tarla mian aili do neoch a tigh na tromdáime .i. do Shenchán

Thárla mian eile do dhuine i dteach na Tromdháimhe, do Sheanchán,

Another longing desire seized one of the great Bardic Association, namely, Seanchán,

ocus do leig mhairg moir as.

agus lig sé liach mór as.

and he let out a great lamentation.

Do fhregair an tromdám uile a n-aeinfhecht

D’fhreagair an Tromdhámh uile in éineacht

The whole of the great Bardic Association simultaneously responded,

ocus ro fiafraighset cidh uma raibhi.

agus d’fhiafraíodar cad uime go raibh.

and they asked what was the matter with him.

“Mian domrala” ol se,

“Mian a tháinig dom,” ar sé,

“A longing desire that has seized me,” replied he,

“ocus muna fhaghar he, ni baam beo

“agus muna bhfaighidh é, ní bheidh mé beo,

“and unless it be procured I shall die,

.i. ma shaith d’fhagail dum fein ocus dom’ cleir ocus do maithib Connacht

’sé sin, mo sháith a fháil dom féin agus dom’ chléir agus do mhaithe Connacht

namely, that I myself, my Bardic Association and the nobles of Connacht may get our fill

do saill mhuici nach rucad fos

de shaill mhuice nár rugadh fós,

of the fat of hogs that have not yet been farrowed,

ocus do chuirm en-grainne,

agus de choirm aon ghráinne,

and also of ale (the produce) of one grain (of corn),

ocus muna fhagur sin suil dech in trath ina chele,

agus muna bhfaighidh mé sin sula dtiocfaidh an tráth seo amárach,

and except these be obtained before this time tomorrow,

bidham marbh.”

beidh mé marbh.”

I shall be dead.”

Do tadhbhas sin do Guaire san oighthi

Taispeánadh sin do Ghuaire san oíche

That circumstance was revealed to Guaire in the night,

ocus nir fhuirigh re la gan tec[h]t d’innsaigid na bruighne,

agus níor fhan sé le lá gan teacht d’ionsaí na bruíne,

and he did not wait for the day, but came directly to the mansion,

ocus do fhiarfaig: “Cinnus atathar agon muinntir mhoir mhaith sin thall anocht?”

agus d’fhiafraigh: “Conas atá ag an muintir mhór mhaith sin thall anocht?”

and he asked — “How does it fare with this great and good people tonight?”

“Ni rabamur riam,” ar siat, “oighthi is mesa do beithi againn.”

“Ní rabhamar riamh,” ar siad, “oíche is measa a bheifí againn.”

 “We were never a night,” said they,  “that it was worse with us.”

“Cidh on?” ar Guaire.

“Conas sin?” arsa Guaire.

“How so?” asked Guaire.

“Mian tarla do neoch againn.”

“Mian a thárla do dhuine againn.”

“A longing desire that has seized one of us.

“Cia dha tarla in mian sin?” ar Guaire.

“Cé dá dtáinig an mhian sin?” arsa Guaire.

“To whom did that longing happen?” asked Guaire.

“Do Senchán seinfhile, don righ-ollam fein.”

“Do Sheanchán sean-fhile, don rí-ollamh féin.”

“To Seanchán the aged poet, the arch bard himself.”

“Créd in mian?” ar Guaire.

“Cad í an mian í?” arsa Guaire.

“What is the wish?” asked Guaire.

Ro hinnised dho.

Insíodh dó.

He was told it.

Ba bró[nach] Guaire dhe sin,

Ba bhrónach Guaire de sin

Whereupon Guaire was sore troubled,

or nír shail na miana soin d’fhaghail.

óir níor shíl sé gurbh fhéidir na mianta sin a fháil.

for he considered that those wishes could not be gratified.

Do innta on bruidhin amach

D’iompaigh sé ón mbruíon amach

He turned away out from the mansion

ocus ni cian rainic in tan tarla Marbán do.

agus ní fada a chuaigh sé nuair a chas Marbhán air.

but proceeded not far when Marbhán met him.

“Créd in brón sin ort, a Guaire?” ar Marbán.

“Cad é an brón sin ort, a Ghuaire?” arsa Marbhán.

“What is it troubles you, O Guaire?” asked Marbhán.

“Mian tarla do neoch a tigh na tromdáime,” ar Guaire.

“Mian a tháinig do dhuine i dteach na Tromdháimhe,” arsa Guaire.

“A longing desire that has seized one in the mansion of the learned.”

“Tar eis in tuirc fhinn?” ar Marbán.

“Tar éis an toirc fhionn?” arsa Marbhán.

“After the white boar?” exclaimed Marbhán.

“Is ed” ar Guaire.

“Is ea,” arsa Guaire.

“Yes,” replied Guaire.

“Crét in mian?” ar Marbán, “ocus cia dha tarla?”

“Cad í an mian í?” arsa Marbhán, “agus cé dó a tharla?”

“What is the wish?” asked Marbhán, “and to whom did it happen?”

“Do Senchán seinfile” ar Guaire,

“Do Sheanchán sean-fhile,” arsa Guaire,

“To Seanchán, the aged poet,” replied Guaire,

“.i. a shaith d’fhagail do fein ocus da cleir ocus do mhaithibh Connacht

“’sé sin, a sháith a fháil dó féin agus dá chléir agus do mhaithe Connacht

“namely, a sufficiency for himself and for his associates, and for the nobility and gentry of Connacht,

do chuirm en-gráinne.”

de choirm aon ghráinne.”

of the ale of one grain (of corn).”

“Doghebhthar acam-sa sin a nGlinn in Scáil,” ar Marbán.

“Gheofar agamsa sin i nGleann an Scáil,” arsa Marbhán.

“That will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil,” said Marbhán.

“Cinnus on?” ar Guaire.

“Conas sin?” arsa Guaire.

“How so?” asked Guaire.

“Aen do lo da raibhi do rechtaire-si fein

“Lá dá raibh do reachtaire féin,

“One day that your own agriculturist,

.i. Guaire Beiceinig

’sé sin, Guaire Beag-oinigh

namely, Guaire Beag-Oinigh (or of little hospitality)

ac techt o chur shil,

ag teacht ó chur síl,

had been returning from sowing seed,

ocus do mhothaig se ard etarra ocus bonn a bróigi

mhothaigh sé ard idir a chos agus bonn a bhróige

he felt a substance (literally a prominence) between his foot and the sole of his shoe,

ocus fuair gráinne cruithnechta ann

agus fuair sé gráinne cruithneachta ann,

and he found a grain of wheat in it,

ocus nir mho dercu for daraig inas;

agus níor mhó dearca ar dair ná é,

and an acorn was not larger than it;

ocus tuc leis chucam-se [leg. sa] é.

agus thug sé leis chugamsa é.

and this he brought to me.

Ro clannaiged lium-sa a talmain he in bliadain sin

Cuireadh liomsa i dtalamh é an bhliain sin

It was planted by me in the ground that year,

ocus tancatar in bliadain tanaise secht  primdhiasa fichet.

agus thángadar an bhliain ina dhiaidh sin seacht bpríomh-dhiasa fichead.

and seven and twenty prime ears sprung forth in the second year.

Acht ata aein-bliadain dec o sin ille

Ach atá aon bhliain déag ó shin i leith

But eleven years have elapsed since then,

ocus nir leces arbhur ele trit frisin re sin,

agus níor lig mé arbhar eile tríd leis an ré sin,

and no other corn has been allowed to mix with it during that period,

ocus atait cethre prímhcruacha do thorad in aen-gráinne sin acum-sa,

agus tá ceithre príomh-chruacha de thoradh an aon gráinne sin agamsa,

and I have (now) seven prime stacks (of corn) which are the produce of that one grain.

ocus ro urailius fled mhorchain do dhenamh a nGlinn in Scáil;

agus d’fhoráil mé fleá mhór chaoin a dhéanamh i nGleann an Scáil

I have given directions to prepare a great excellent banquet in Gleann an Scáil,

ocus is doigh lim-sa,” ar Marbhan, “da tisdais maithi Connacht a n-aen-bhaili,

agus is dóigh liomsa,” arsa Marbhán, “dá dtagaidís maithe Chonnacht in aon bhaile,

and I am confident,” said Marbhán, “that should all the nobles of Connacht assemble,

co bhfuigdis a ndaethain bíd ocus dige do thorad in aen-gráine sin.”

go bhfaighidís a ndóthain bia agus dí de thoradh an aon ghráinne sin.”

they can have plenty of food and drink from the produce of that one grain.”

“Do shir se ni eli,” ar Guaire,

“D’iarr sé ní eile,” arsa Guaire,

“He desired another thing,” said Guaire,

“.i. a saith d’fagail do fein ocus da cleir ocus do maithibh Connacht

“’sé sin, a saith a fháil dó féin agus dá chléir agus do mhaithe Connacht

“namely, to have plenty for himself and for his poetic associates and for the nobles of Connacht

do saill muice na rucad fos;

de shaill mhuice nár rugadh fós

of the fat of a hog that has not yet been farrowed,

ocus muna fagtur sin suil decha in trath ana cheli,

agus, muna bhfaightear sin sula dtaga an tráth seo amárach,

and unless it be procured within the space of a day and a night,

ni ferdi a fhaghail co brath.”

ní fearrde a fháil go bráth.”

it need never be procured.”

“Dogebhthar acam-sa sin a nGlinn in Scail,” ar Marbán.

“Gheofar agamsa sin i nGleann an Scáil,” arsa Marbhán.

“That will be found with me in Gleann an Scáil,” said Marbhán.

“Cinnus?” ar Guaire.

“Conas?” arsa Guaire.

“How?” asked Guaire.

“Aen do lo da ndechaid bantaisech do mhuc-sa do breith orc ar fud Glinni in Scail

“Lá dá ndeachaigh bantaoiseach do mhucsa agus í ar bhruach beartha ar fud Ghleanna an Scáil,

“One day that the chief sow of your swine had wandered through Gleann an Scáil to farrow,

ocus tarla da chele hi ocus faelchu isin fighbhaid;

agus chas faolchú uirthi sa choill,

she encountered a wolf in the forest,

ocus tug in chu tarraing don muic, gur leic a habach ocus a hinathar fria;

agus thug an fhaolchú tarraing don mhuc gur lig a habach agus a hionathar léi.

and the wolf having torn her, her litter and bowels gushed out,

ocus tuc in mhuc tarraing don coin gur ben a cenn di;

Thug an mhuc tarraing don fhaolchú gur bhain a ceann di

and the sow made a charge at the wolf and took off her head,

ocus ni dernsat araen acht comthoitim intan tanac-sa cucu,

agus ní dhearnadar araon ach comhthitim nuair a tháinig mise chucu

and they had only fallen by each other when I came up to them,

ocus fuarus coimhet na n-orc for lar

agus fuaras soitheach na n-arc ar lár

and found the holder of the piglings on the ground,

ocus gach orc dhibh ac tabairt tuindsiumha for a chomhair.

agus gach arc díobh ag brú roimhe amach ina chóir féin.

and each pigling making a forward effort.

Do leces-sa amach iat,

Lig mise amach iad.

I let them out,

nai n-oirc firenna ocus aen-orc bainenn.

Naoi n-airc fhireanna agus aon arc baineann is ea bhí ann.

there being nine boar piglings and one sow pigling.

Do mharbhus-[s]a iarum oirc muice fa mesa cenel inait-sium;

Mharaigh mise ina dhiaidh sin airc mhuice ba mheasa ná iadsan

I then killed the sucking pigs of a hog of an inferior breed to these, in order to rear them,

ocus atait naí mbliadna o sin ille

agus tá siadsan naoi mblianta ó shin i leith

and nine years have since then elapsed,

ocus atait sin ina naí torcaibh liatha luibfhiaclacha;

agus naoi dtoirc liatha lúib-fhiachlacha is ea iad;

and they are now nine full grown boars with curved tusks;

ocus is doigh lim-sa,” ar Marbán,

agus is dóigh liomsa,” arsa Marbhán,

and it is my opinion,” said Marbhán,

“da tistais maithi Connacht co haen-ait,

“dá dtagaidís maithe Chonnacht go haon ionad,

“that should the nobility and gentry of Connacht assemble together,

co fuighbhitis a lordaethain do shaill na muc soin;

go bhfaighidís a leor-dhóthain de shaill na muc sin,

they shall have their full sufficiency of the fat of those hogs;

ocus tabuir-si a rogha dhoibh in flegh sin d’idhlacad chuca

agus tabhairse a rogha dóibh an fhleá sin a thabhairt chucu

and do you give them their choice to have the feast conveyed to them

nó thecht da caithimh gu Glinn in Scáil.”

nó teacht dá caitheamh go Gleann an Scáil.”

or come and partake of it at Gleann an Scáil.”

Tucad a rogha don tromdhamh dhibh sin.

Tugadh a rogha don Tromdháimh díobh sin.

The choice of selection was submitted to the Bards.

Adubhratar gur fhobratar maithi Connacht d’aerad

Dúirt siad gur ró-dhóbair dóibh maithe Chonnacht d’aoradh

They replied, that they had a mind to satirize the nobles of Connacht

trena radh co bhfuicfitis a mbruigin fein.

trína rá go bhfágfaidís a mbruíon féin.

for presuming to think that they would leave their own mansion.

Tucad in fhlegh sin cuca

Tugadh an fhleá sin chucu

That feast was brought to them,

ocus do suidhiged ar breith Sencháin iat;

agus suíodh ar bhreith Sheancháin iad,

and they were seated in conformity with the decision of Seanchán.

ocus ro gabsat ag ol ocus ag aibhnes

agus ghabhadar ag ól agus ag aoibhneas

They took to drinking and making merry,

ocus a rogha oirfitidh ocus ealadhan

agus a rogha oirfide agus ealaíon

with their choice of music and art,

da gach duine uasal dibh on tromdhaim.

do gach duine uasal díobh ón dTromdháimh.

for every noble guest present from the great Bardic Association.

Batar forsan bhfleidh sin teora la ocus teora oidchi.

Bhíodar ar an bhfleá sin trí lá agus trí oíche.

They were feasting for three days and three nights.

O’tconnaic Senchán imurcraigh in bhidh ocus na dighe

Nuair do chonaic Seanchán iomarca an bhia agus na dí

When Seanchán perceived the extraordinary quantity of food and drink

ica chaithium ac ghillanradh ocus ag daescarshluagaib Connacht,

á chaitheamh ag giollanra agus ag daoscarshluaite Chonnacht,

that was being consumed by the servants and the rabble of Connacht

do ghabh doichiull mor e

ghabh doicheall mór é

he became very churlish,

ocus adubairt nach caithfedh biad na deoch

agus dúirt sé nach gcaithfeadh sé bia ná deoch

and said, that he would not taste food or drink

no gu cuirthe maithi Connacht asin mbaili amach;

nó go gcuirfí maithe Connacht as an mbaile amach,

until the nobles of Connacht were dismissed from the mansion,

ocus do cuirit a cetoir.

agus cuireadh ar an láthair sin.

and forthwith they were sent away.

Bai tra Senchán trí la ocus trí oidchi gan biadh gan digh.

Bhí Seanchán, áfach, trí lá agus trí oíche gan bhia gan deoch.

Seanchán, however, continued three days and three nights without food or drink.

Do raidh Guaire: “As truadh dhuin,” ar se,

Labhair Guaire. “Is trua linn,” ar sé,

Guaire said. “It is grievous to us

“an tromdhamh uili ag caithem bidh a timchell Sencháin

“an Tromdhámh uile a bheith ag caitheamh bia timpeall Seancháin

that the whole Bardic Order should be taking food around Seanchán

ocus se fein ’na troscud”;

agus é féin ina throscadh.”

while he himself fasts,”

ocus do chuir dalta muirnech do bhi aigi do shaighid Shencháin,

Agus chuir sé dalta muirneach do bhí aige ag triall ar Sheanchán,

and he then sent a favourite domestic of his to Seanchán,

ocus adbert fris bior fada findchuill do ghabhail cuigi

agus dúirt leis bior fada fionn-choill a ghabháil chuige

and he instructed him to procure a long white hazel spit,

ocus gegh do chur a[i]r,

agus gé a chur air

to put a goose on it,

ocus da trian in bera roime ocus a aein-trian ina dhiaig,

agus dhá thrian an bheara do bheith roimhe amach agus an trian eile ina dhiaidh aniar,

to keep two-thirds of the spit before him, and one-third behind him,

ocus dul da imfhuine a bhfiadhnuisi Shencháin.

agus dul dá fuineadh i bhfianaise Sheancháin.

and to cook it in that manner in the presence of Seanchán.

Teit in macamh co hairm i mbai Senchan.

Chuaigh an macaomh mar a raibh Seanchán.

The young man went into the place where Seanchán was.

“Cidh is al duit don ghegh soin?” ar Senchán.

“Cad ab áil leat don ghé sin?” arsa Seanchán.

“What do you intend to do with that goose?” asked Seanchán.

“A ullmughad duitsi, a righ-ollaim,” ar in macaemh.

“I a ullmhú duitse, a rí-ollaimh,” arsa an macaomh.

“To prepare it for you, O Royal Bard,” replied the youth.

“Cidh arar cuired thusa leis?” ar Senchán.

“Cad uime gur tusa a cuireadh léi?” arsa Seanchán.

“Why have you been sent with it?” asked Seanchán.

“Nech gu caeinbesaibh ocus gu nglaine

“Neach caoinbhéasach glan

“As a mild-mannered and clean person,

dob’ ail do Guaire led’ chuit-si.”

ab áil le Guaire a chur led chuidse.”

selected by Guaire to bring you your food.”

“As doigh linn,” ar Senchán,

“Is dóigh liomsa,” arsa Seanchán,

“We believe,” said Seanchán,

“nach fuair se isin mbaili nech budh misciamhaighi ina thusa.”

“nár bhfuair sé sa bhaile duine ba mhísciamhaí ná tusa.”

“that he could not find in the locality a more uncomely person than yourself.”

“Cred int adbar, a ri-ollaimh?” ar in macaemh.

“Cad ina thaobh sin, a rí-ollamh?” arsa an macaomh.

“For what cause, O Royal Bard?” asked the youth.

“Dob’ aithnid dhamh-sa do shenathair ocus do bhi se mell-ingnach;

“B’aithnid dom-sa do sheanathair, agus bhí sé meill-ingneach;

“I knew your grandfather and he was chip-nailed,

ocus o do bhi, ni caitheabh-sa biadh as do laimh-si.”

agus, ó bhí, ní chaithfidh mise bia as do lámhsa.”

and since he was so, I shall not take food out of thy hands.”

Imthigis in macaemh cu brónuch

D’imigh an macaomh go brónach

The youth came away sorrowfully,

ocus do innis do Guaire sin.

agus d’inis sin do Ghuaire.

and he related to Guaire what had happened.

Fa olc la Guaire sin

B’olc le Guaire sin

Guaire was dissatisfied with that;

ocus rucsat as cu cenn trí la ocus trí n-oidche.

agus ní dhearna sé aon rud go ceann trí lá agus trí oíche eile.

and they passed away the time till the termination of three days and three nights.

Gaires Guaire dalta eli dho chuigi

Ansin ghlaoigh sé dalta eile dó chuige,

Guaire then called another foster child of his to him,

.i. ingen Becbainigi

iníon Bheag Bháiní,

namely the daughter of Beag Báinigh,

ocus atbert ria:

agus dúirt léi:

and he said to her:

“Beir lat, a ingen, plur cruithnechta ocus iuchra bradain

“Beir leat, a iníon, plúr cruithneachta agus eochraí bhradáin

“Lady, take with you wheaten flour and the roe of a salmon to Seanchán,

ocus fuin ’na fhiadhnuisi iat.”

agus fuin ina fhianaise iad.”

and knead them in his presence.”

Teit an ingen.

D’imigh an iníon.

The maiden went.

“Créd dob ail de sin, a ingen?” ar Senchán.

“Cad ab áil leat dó sin, a iníon?” arsa Seanchán.

“What do you intend to do with that, young girl?” asked Seanchán.

“A ullmhuchad duit-si, a righ-ollaim,” ar si.

“É a ullmhú duit-se, a rí-ollamh,” ar sí.

“To prepare it for you, O Royal Bard,” she replied.

“Cret umar cuired thusa leis?” ar Senchán.

“Cad uime gur tusa a cuireadh leis?” arsa Seanchán.

“Why have you been sent with it?” asked Seanchán.

“Neach go nglaine ocus co sceim

“Duine glan sciamhach

“As a clean and comely person

dob ail do Guaire led’chuid duit-siu.”

ab áil le Guaire a chur le do chuidse.”

whom Guaire desired to send with your food to you.”

“As doigh leam-sa amh,” ar Senchán,

“Is dóigh liomsa, ámh,” arsa Seanchán,

“Indeed I am sure,” said Seanchán,

“nach fuil isin baili indara macamh is misciamhighi ina thusa.”

“nach bhfuil sa bhaile an dara macaomh mná is mísciamhaí ná tusa.”

“that there is not in the place another young girl more unseemly than yourself.”

“Cidh on, a righ ollamh?” ar an ingen.

“Conas sin, a rí-ollaimh?” arsa an iníon.

“How so, O Royal Bard?” asked the maiden.

“Dob aithnidh dam-sa do shenmháthair,

“B’aithnid domsa do sheanmháthair

“I knew your grand-mother,

ocus do bhi for carraic aird

agus bhí sí ar charraig ard

who was seated (one day) on a high rock

ag thecusg eoluis do lobhraibh,

ag teagasc eolais do lobhair

whilst giving instructions to lepers about their way,

ocus do shin a laim do thecasc in eoluis doibh,

agus shin sí a lámh ag teagasc an eolais dóibh,

and she stretched her hand forth to point out the way for them,

ocus o dho sin, cidh uma caithfinn-si biadh as do laimh-si?”

agus, ó tá sin mar sin, cad uime go gcaithfinnse bia as do lámhsa?”

and as she did so, how could I take food from your hands?”

Tainic an ingen roimpi cu bronach ocus do indis do Guaire.

Tháinig an iníon roimpi go brónach agus d’inis do Ghuaire.

The maiden went away in sorrow, and informed Guaire.

Adubhuirt Guaire: “Mu mhallacht-sa ar in mbel adubairt sin!

Dúirt Guaire: “Mo mhallachtsa ar an mbéal a dúirt sin!

Guaire exclaimed: “My malediction upon the mouth that uttered that!

ocus guigim Airdri nimhe ocus talman,

Agus guím Ard-Rí neimhe agus talún,

and I implore the Supreme King of Heaven and Earth

ria siu dhech Seanchán don tsaegal,

sula dté Seanchán den tsaol,

that ere Seanchán shall depart this world,

co tuca a bhel fein poic do bhel lobhair.”

go dtuga a bhéal féin póg do bhéal lobhair.”

his mouth may kiss a leper’s mouth.”

Bai Senchán la gu n-oighthi iarsin gan biadh gan digh.

Bhí Seanchán lá agus oíche ina dhiaidh sin gan bhia gan deoch.

Seanchán continued for a day and night after that without food or drink.

Adubairt Brighidh ingen Onithcherne rena mnai fritholmha

Dúirt Bríd iníon Onithchearna lena bean fhriothála féin

Bríd, the daughter of Onithchearn, asked her maid servant

a fuigheall do thabairt do Senchán.

a fuíoll a thabhairt do Sheanchán.

to give Seanchán her spare food.

“Cret in fuighill fhuil acut?” ar Senchán.

“Cad é an fuíoll atá agat?” arsa Seanchán.

“What leavings have you?” enquired Seanchán.

“Ugh circe,” ar Brigit.

“Ubh chirce,” arsa Bríd.

“A hen egg,” replied Bríd.

“Is bec nach fuil mu shaith and sin,” ar Senchán,

“Is beag nach bhfuil mo sháith ansin,” arsa Seanchán,

“It is almost as much as I could eat (at any time),” said Seanchán,

“ocus ni beg lim he istráthsa.”

“agus ní beag linn é an tráth seo.”

“and it is enough for me just now.”

Teit in ben fritholma ar cenn na huighi,

D’imigh an bhean fhriothála ar ceann na huibhe.

The maid servant went for the egg,

Be Aidgill a hainm,

Bé Aidhgill ab ainm di

Bé Aidhgill was her name,

ocus bai ogh [sic, leg. og (oc)] iaraid in fhuighill co fada ocus ni fhuair he.

agus bhí ag iarraidh an fhuíll go fada agus ní bhfuair sí í.

and she searched for the remnant of the food a long time and did not find it.

Adubairt Senchán: “As doigh leam as tu fein ata oc longad in fuigill.”

Dúirt Seanchán: “Is dóigh liom gur tú féin atá ag ithe an fhuíll.”

Seanchán said: “I believe it is yourself who is eating the leavings.”

“Ni me, a righ-ollamh,” ar Be Aidgill,

“Ní mé, a rí-ollaimh,” arsa Bé Aidhgill,

“Not I, O chief Bard,” replied Bé Aidhgill,

“acht tuata daithi aduaidh he .i. na lochaid.”

“ach an tuath éasca a d’ith é, na lucha.”

“but the nimble race that have eaten it, namely the mice.”

“Nir choir doibh-siumh sin,” ar Senchán,

“Níor chóir dóibhsan sin,” arsa Seanchán,

“That was not proper for them,” said Seanchán;

“arai cena ní fuil da fheabus ri na flaith

“agus, go deimhin, níl rí ná flaith dá fheabhas

“nevertheless there is no king however exalted,

nach bhudh mhaith leo-som slicht a bhfiacal fein do beth ar a chuid;

nár mhaith leosan rian a bhfiacla féin a bheith ar a chuid;

but they would like the mark of their teeth to be on his food,

ocus is ainmhfeasach doib-sium beth amlaid sin,

agus is ainbhiosach dóibh bheith amhlaidh sin,

and they are ignorant to be thus,

or ni bhudh inchaithmhe do neoch biadh tar eis a bhfiacal-somh;

óir níorbh inchaite do neach aon bhia tar éis a bhfiaclasan,

for food should not be used by any person after the prints of their teeth,

ocus aerfat-sa iat,” ar Senchán, “ocus is obair urasa esein”;

agus aorfaidh mise iad,” arsa Seanchán, “agus is obair furasta é sin.”

and I will satirize them,” said Seanchán; “and that is easy work;”

ocus do ghab oca n-aerad ocus atbert:

Agus ghabh sé á n-aoradh agus dúirt:

and he began to satirize them, and said:—

[Senchán]

[Seanchán]

[Seanchán]

“Lochaid gidh ger a nguilbne,

“Cé gur géar iad guilbne na luch,

“The mice though sharp are their beaks,

ni trén a cathaibh cirbdhe;

ní tréan iad i gcathanna gearrthacha;

Are not powerful in the battles of warriors;

dobher tonnaidh don bhuidin

béarfaidh mise bás don bhuíon

Venomous death I’ll deal out to the tribe,

a cinaidh fhuighil Brigdi.”

de dheasca fuíoll Bhríde.”

In avengement of Bríd’s leavings.”

[In luch]

[An luch]

[Mouse]

“As beg fuighill do fhacbu[i]s,

“Is beag fuíoll a d’fhág tú,

“Small were the leavings you left,

ni ba tuirinn do threicis;

ní haon raidhse a bhí id dhiaidh;

It was not abundance you left behind;

gabh ic uainn is gab luighi [leg. luighe];

gabh íoc uainn agus gabh suaimhneas,

Receive payment from us, receive compensation,

na haer inn uili, a eicis!”

ná haor sinn uile, a éigis!”

Don’t satirize us all, O learned bard!”

[S.]

[Seanchán]

[Seanchán]

“A luch ata san froighidh,

“A luch úd atá sa fhraigh,

“You mouse that art in the hole,

doni guth o thic aghaidh;

a dhéanann guth nuair a thagann an oíche,

Who makes noise when the night comes;

is tusa, a ingnech ni gherr,

is tusa, le hingne nach gearr,

’Twas you, whose claws are not short,

aduaidh mh’fhuigheall tre fhalaidh.”

a d’ith m’fhuíoll trí fhala.”

That ate my leavings in your spite.”

[In l.]

[An luch]

[Mouse]

“Mu mac-sa Bianan broinngheal,

“Mo mhacsa Bianán broinngheal,

“My own son Bianán of the white breast,

sesgach na riaghlan

trí ainbhios na rialta, is eisean a rinne an chreach;

Barren (ignorant) of the very clear rules;

is do cleir romóir ruitin

tá an chléir mhór oirirc

To the mighty and luxurious bardic body,

ata a tuicsin a mharbadh (?).”

ar tí é mharú feasta.”

Is the knowledge of it, you little doomed being.”

[S.]

[Seanchán]

[Seanchán]

“Folmhuighidh laitri lethna

“Folmhaígí na láithrigh leathana

“Clear out of open spaces,

o ataim-ne a ndail bhar fromhtha;

ó tháimidne ar tí bhur bpromhadh;

Since we are are going to put you to a severe test,

eircidh uili san froigid

éirígí uile as an bhfraigh

Make off to your holes in the wall

ocus loigid, a lochtha!”

agus luígí, a lucha!”

And lie low, oh mice!”

Agus aderur cor thuitset dech lochaid dibh marbh i fiadhnaisi Sencháin

Agus deirtear gur thuit deich lucha díobh marbh i bhfianaise Sheancháin

And it is stated that ten mice fell dead in the presence of Seanchán;

ocus do raidh Senchán:

agus dúirt Seanchán:

and Seanchán said unto them —

“Ni sibh-si bhudh coir dam-sa dh’aerad

“Ní sibh-se ba chóir domsa a aoradh

“It is not you that I ought to have satirized

acht in bhuigin aga bhfuil bar cosc .i. tuatha cat;

ach an bhuíon á bhfuil bhur gcosc, ’sé sin, tuatha cat;

but the party whose duty it is to suppress you, namely, the tribe of cats;

ocus aerfat-sa iat co maith

agus aorfaidh mise iad go maith

and now I will satirize them effectually,

ocus aerfat a triath ocus a tigerna ocus a mbreithium .i. Irasan mac Arasain;

agus aorfaidh mé a dtriath agus a dtiarna agus a mbreitheamh, Irusán mac Arasáin,

as also their chief, lord and judge, namely, Irusán, son of Arusán,

ocus is aithnid dhamh airm a fuil se .i. a n-uaim Cnogda [Cnobha MO]

Is aithnid domsa cá bhfuil sé, in uaimh Chnóbha,

and I know where he is, viz., in the cave of Cnogda,

don leth toir do Cluain mac Nois naeimh-Chiaráin;

lastoir de Chluain Mac Nóis naoimh Chiaráin,

on the eastern side of Cluain Mac Nóis of St. Ciarán;

ocus Riachaill Rinnfiaclach

agus aorfaidh mise leis Riachaill Rinnfhiaclach

and also Riachaill Rinnfhiaclach (of the sharp-pointed teeth),

ingen Claibaithinne a bhen

iníon Chlabaithinne, a bhean,

the daughter of Clabaithinne (or firebrand-mouth), his spouse;

ocus Reng Gérfhiaclach a ingen

agus Reang Géarfhiaclach, a iníon,

Reang Géarfhiaclach (of the sharp teeth,) his daughter;

ocus in Cronanach a Cruachain

agus Crónánach as Cruachain

the Crónánach (or the purrer) of Cruachan,

ocus Gruaman Gairbhfhiaclach a [dhá] derbbráthair;

agus Gruamán Garbhfhiachlach, a dhá dheatháir;

and Gruamán Garbhfhiaclach (or the surly looking fellow with the rough teeth), her brothers.

ocus aerfat-sa Irusan fein,

agus aorfaidh mé Irusán féin,

And I will satirize Irusán himself,

or is e is ferr ocus is urrada acu ocus is tigerna dhoibh”;

óir is é is fearr agus is urrúnta acu agus is tiarna dóibh;”

for he is the chief and most responsible of them, and is their lord,”

ocus atbert:

agus dúirt:

— and he said:—

“Hirusan atach [athach MO] n-ingne;

“Irusán ionsaitheach na n-ingne;

“Irusán, attacker with claws.

fuighiull dhoibri;

fuíoll an dobharchú;

Remnant food of the otter.

erball bo buach;

eireaball bó ionlao;

The tail of a cow in heat.

ara fri haraidh;

ara le hara;

Charioteer side by side with charioteer.

atach fria Hir[usan]."

aitim Irusán.”

An entreaty to Irusán.”

Hirusan.

“‘Hirusan atach n-ingne,’” ar se,

“‘Irusán ionsaitheach na n-ingne,’” ar sé,

“‘Irusán, attacker with claws,’” said he,

“.i. in uair bis in luch isin froighidh,

“mar nuair a bhíonn an luch sa fhraigh,

“that is to say, that when the mouse gets into the wall,

ni bi aigi-sium acht gabail da ingnibh don froighidh.

ní bhíonn aige ach ag gabháil dá ingne don fhraigh.

he has no resource but to ply his claws on the wall.

‘Fuigheall dhoibri,’” ar se,

‘Fuíoll an dobharchú,’” ar sé,

‘Remnant food of the Otter,’”said he,

“or bui sinnser na cat fechtus aili ar bru loca alinne [leg. a linn] uisce ’na chodlad,

“mar bhí sinsear na gcat uair ar bhruach locha le hais linn uisce ina chodladh

“for the progenitor of the cats had been formerly on the margin of a lake at a pool of water asleep,

co tainic in dobhran chuigi, gur ben barr in da cluas de;

agus tháinig an dobhrán chuige agus bhain sé barr an dá chluas de,

and the otter came up to him and bit off the tops of his two ears,

co bhfuil gach cat o sin ille citach cerbcluasach.

i dtreo go bhfuil gach cat ó shin i leith ciotach cearbh-chluasach.

so that every cat ever since has been defective and jagged-eared.

‘Erball bo buach,’” ar se,

‘Eireaball bó ionlao,’” ar sé,

‘The tail of a cow in heat,’” he said,

“or ni luaithi erball bo aibhill

“óir ní luaithe eireaball bó aoibhill

“for no quicker does a cow’s tail fall downward

ina a erball som in tan teit in luch uadha.

ná a eireaballsan nuair a théann an luch uaidh.

than does his tail when the mouse escapes from him.

‘Ara fria haraid’

‘Ara le hara,’

‘Charioteer side by side with charioteer,’

.i. is amhlaid bhis in luch ocus in cat mar bit da ech aice

mar is amhlaidh bhíonn an luch agus an cat mar a bhionn dá each

viz., the mouse and cat are similar to two horses yoked together,

ocus fraigh dluith eturra,

agus iad i gcóngar a chéile;

for there is a close attention between them;

bidh a cluas-si oc eistecht fris-siumh

bíonn a cluas-sa ag éisteacht leis-se

the ear of one is listening to the other,

ocus a cluas-sum oc eistecht frie-si;

agus a chluas-sa ag éisteacht léi-se.

and the ear of the other is listening to him;

ocus as iat sin na hoera,” ar Senchán.

Agus sin iad na haortha,” arsa Seanchán.

and those are the satires,” said Seanchán.

Tainic menma na n-aer neme sin d’Irusan ocus se a n-uaim Cnogda, ocus atbert:

Tháinig meanma na n-aortha nimhe sin d’Irusán agus é in uaimh Chnóbha, agus dúirt sé:

Their influence reached Irusán while in the cave of Cnóbha, and he said, —

“Do aer Senchán me,” ar si,

“D’aor Seanchán mé,” ar sé,

“Seanchán has satirized me,” said he,

“ocus dighelat-sa air he.”

“agus bainfaidh mise díoltas amach air é.”

“and I will be avenged of him for it.”

Atbert Reng Gérfhiaclach a ingen fris:

Dúirt Reang Ghéarfhiachlach, a iníon, leis:

Reang of the sharp teeth, his daughter, said unto him,

“Robadh fherr linn,” ar si, “co tucta Senchán ’na beathaid cucainn

“B’fhearr linn,” ar sí, “go dtabharfá Seanchán ina bheatha chugainn

“we would rather,” said she, “that you would bring Seanchán alive to us

ocus do dhighelmais fein na haora fair.”

agus díoghlaimis na haora amach air.”

so that we ourselves may take revenge on him for the satires.”

“Dober tra,” ar Irusan,

“Béarfaidh mé *é* cheana,” arsa Irusán,

“I shall bring him in due time,” said Irusán,

ocus do gluais roime,

agus ghluais sé roimhe

and he made ready to go on,

ocus asbert fria ingin a braithre do chur ’na lenmain.

agus dúirt lena iníon a bráithre a chur ina dhiaidh.

and told his daughter to send her brothers after him.

Do hinnised do Senchán Irasan do beth ar sligid chuigi ocus da mharbad,

Insíodh do Sheanchán go raibh Irusán ar an slí chuige dá mharú,

It was told to Seanchán that Irusán was on his way coming to kill him;

ocus atbert re Guaire techt co maithibh Connacht uime

agus dúirt sé le Guaire teacht le maithe Chonnacht uime

and he requested Guaire to come with the nobility of Connacht

da anacal ar Irusan;

dá anacal ar Irusán;

in order to protect him against Irusán.

ocus tancatar uili ’na thimchell.

agus thángadar uile ina thimpeall.

They all came around him,

Agus nir chian doibh

Agus níor chian dóibh

and they had not been long there

cu cualatur in torann crithnaightheach choimhtenn combruithin

gur chualadar an torann creathánach, chomh teann, chomh brothallach

when they heard a vibrating, impetuous and impressive sound

amhail buinne teinedh mire moirdhene ag merloscad,

amhail buinne teine mire mór-dhian ag mear-loscadh,

similar to that produced by a tremendously raging fiery furnace in full blaze;

ocus dar leo ní raibi a Connachtuib damh imechtrach budh mo inas.

agus, dar leo, ní raibh i gConnachta damh imeachtrach ba mhó ná é.

and it appeared to them that there was not in Connacht a plough bullock larger than he.

Is amhlaid boi-seom .i. Irusan,

Mar is amhlaidh a bhí Irusán

His appearance, viz., that of Irusán’s, was as follows:—

ocus se srónmhael suntach

agus é srón-mhaol, santach

Blunt-snouted, rapacious,

seitfethach bailc cerbcluasach

séideánach, bailc, cearbh-chluasach

panting, determined, jagged-eared,

cliablethan ard allatar [leg. allata]

cliabh-leathan, ard, altach

broad-breasted, tall, famous

ingingher slemain sroinbernach

ionga-ghéar, sleamhain sróin-bheárnach

sharp and smooth clawed, split-nosed,

geirfhiaclach garb [goib]remhar

géir-fhiachlach, garbh goib-reamhar

sharp and rough-toothed, thick-snouted,

utmhall tairptech taeibhlethan

udmhall, tairpeach, taoibh-leathan

nimble, powerful, deep-flanked,

fualcrech fergach

fualcrech (fualach?), feargach,

urine-spraying (?), angry,

firmhiscnech mercronanach cranshuileach,

agus é fír-mhiscneach mear-chrónánach, cráin-shúileach,

extremely vindictive, quick, purring, glare-eyed;

ocus tainic da n-innsaigid fon samla sin

agus tháinig sé dá n-ionsaí faoin samhail sin

and he came towards them in that form,

ocus imthigis ar fud chaich gu coitchenn;

agus d’imigh trína chéile go léir go coiteann

and he passed amongst them generally,

ocus nir ghabhsat airm he co rainicc airm a mbai Senchán,

agus níor ghabh sé airm gur shroich sé airm ina raibh Seanchán.

but did not stop till he came to the place where Seanchán was.

ocus gabus ar lethlaim he

Rug sé ar leathláimh air

He took hold of him by one arm,

ocus teilgius ar a muin

agus theilg sé ar a mhuin é

jerked him on his back,

ocus gluaisis isin sligid cedna,

agus ghluais sé sa tslí chéanna,

and he proceeded by the same way (he had come),

or ni raibhi do thoisc aigi acht techt ar cenn Sencháin.

óir ní raibh de thoisc aige ach teacht ar cheann Seancháin.

for he had no other desire but to come for Seanchán.

Is ed imorro doroine Senchán, beth ac molad Irusain

*Agus* is é rud a rinne Seanchán ná bheith ag moladh Irusáin, *áfach*,

Seanchán, however, had now recourse to flattery of Irusán,

ocus a leime ocus a reime ocus a retha

ag moladh a léime agus a réime agus a reatha

praising his leap, his progress in his running,

ocus a neirt ocus a chalmatais ocus a thapaidh;

agus a nirt agus a chalmachta agus a mhire;

his power, strength, and activity;

ocus atbert:

agus dúirt sé:

and he said,

“Hirusan mac Arusain:

“Irusán mac Arusáin,

“Irusán, son of Arusán,

do shil Faigli Fithisi:

de shíol Faighli Fithisi;

of the race of faigli fithise

(probably the remnant of the food of the otter);

adraim-si dia adras-sum:

adhraimse an Dia a adhrann seisean;

I adore the god he adores;

adhraidh-sium doimtisi.”

tá sé ar intinn aige mé a ithe.”

he is bent upon eating me.”

Arai nir leiced Senchán ar lar

Ach níor ligeadh Seanchán ar lár, *áfach*,

But, however, Seanchán was not let down

cu riacht Cluain mac Nois naeim-Chiarain;

gur shroich sé Cluain Mac Nóis Naoimh Chiaráin;

until they reached Cluain Mac Nóis of St. Ciarán.

ocus bui oc dul seach dorus cerdcha

agus bhíodar ag dul thar doras ceárta

As they were passing by the door of the forge

ocus dorala Ciarán isin cerdcha

agus thárla do Chiarán bheith sa cheárta

in which forge Ciarán happened to have been,

ocus atconnaic Irusan ocus Senchán for a mhuin.

agus chonaic sé Irusán agus Seanchán ar a mhuin.

he beheld Irusán with Seanchán on his back,

“Mor in scel,” ar Ciarán, “oinech Guairi do bhadhad

“Is mór an scéal,” arsa Ciarán, “oineach Ghuaire a scriosadh

and he said: “It is a great pity that Guaire’s hospitality should be tarnished,

ocus ac sut ard-ollam Eirenn ar muin in chait.”

agus ag siúd ard-ollamh Éireann ar mhuin an chait.”

and there goes the chief Bard of Ireland on the back of the cat.”

Bui dino caer aithleaghtha iaruinn a mbel na tencairi

Bhí san am sin caor athleáite iarainn i mbéal na teanchaire,

There was at the time a flaming bar of refined iron held by the pincers,

ocus tuc Ciarán urcur adhmur urmuisnech don cat,

agus thug Ciarán urchar ámharach urmhaiseach don chat

and Ciarán made a fortunate brave throw at the cat,

cu tarla ’na thaebh

a bhuail ina thaobh

with which he hit him on the flank,

cu riacht in taeb araill curo fhacuibh cin anmuin.

gur shroich an taobh eile anonn agus gur fhág an cat gan anam.

and it passed out on the other side, and left him lifeless.

Toirlingius Senchán de

Thúirling Seanchán de

Seanchán dismounted from him,

ocus atbert breithir neime.

agus dúirt briathar nimhe.

and he uttered a vindictive expression.

“Mu mhallacht ar in laim tuc int urcur sin,” ar se.

“Mo mhallacht ar an láimh a thug an t-urchar sin,” ar sé.

“My curse on the hand that gave that throw,” said he.

“Cidh on?” ar Ciaran.

“Cad ina thaobh sin?” arsa Ciarán.

“Why so?” asked Ciarán.

“A olcus lem

“A olcas liom

“I am so dissatisfied

gan mu leiced le Hirusan dom ithe

gan mo ligint le hIrusán dom ithe

that I have not been let go with Irusán to be eaten by him,

ar gu mbeth in tromdham oc aerad Guairi.

chun go mbeadh an Tromdhámh ag aoradh Guaire.

that thereby the great Bardic Association might satirize Guaire;

Or dobudh ferr lim Guaire d’aerad

Óir b’fhearr liom Guaire d’aoradh

for I would rather that Guaire would be satirized

ina mhe fein a mbethaid ocus eisium gan aerad.”

ná mé féin a bheith i mbeatha agus eisean gan aoradh.”

than that I should live and he not satirized.”

Agus teit roime gu Durlus

Agus d’imigh leis roimhe go Durlas

He then proceeded to Durlas

ocus dob ail le maithibh Connacht failti do cur ris,

agus b’áil le maithe Connacht fáilte a chur roimhe

where the nobility of Connacht desired to welcome him,

ocus nir ghab-sum pog na fáilte o neoch dibh;

agus níor ghabh seisean póg ná fáilte ó aoinne acu;

but he did not take a kiss or welcome from any of them;

ocus teit co bruighin na tromdhaime

agus d’imigh go bruíon na Tromdháimhe

he went to the Bardic mansion,

ocus rucsat as fria hathaig gan esbaidh maithiusa na fledaighthi orro.

agus rugadar as an oíche sin díobh gan easba maitheasa ná fleá orthu.

where they passed away the time with no lack of prosperity nor of feasting.