Cover art is ‘The Approach to Killarney from Kenmare’ by William Henry Bartlett
Notes
Bórama (“Cattle-Tribute” or “Bóromha”) is one of the major prose-and-verse narrative compilations of early Irish literature — a long historical romance tracing the origin, enforcement, and eventual remission of the great tribute exacted by the High Kings of Ireland from the province of Leinster. It is preserved primarily in the Book of Leinster and is one of the most politically charged texts in the manuscript, given that the Book of Leinster is itself a Leinster propaganda document.
The tribute originates in an act of treachery and injustice by Eochu mac Echach Domlén, king of Leinster — who took both daughters of the High King Túathal Techtmar by deception, causing both to die — and is imposed as the éraic (blood-price/compensation) for their deaths.
The two daughters — Fithir and Dáirine — die because Eochu claims Fithir (the elder) has died, then returns for Dáirine the younger. When Fithir sees her sister arrive at Ráith Immil, she dies of shame; when Dáirine sees her sister die, she dies of grief. The double death from shame and sorrow is one of the most psychologically compelling episodes in the tradition.
The place-name Garbthanach (“Rough Funeral-Pyre”) — still visible on the landscape — derives from the harsh burning of the two girls’ funeral mounds.
The tribute itself is enormous and carefully enumerated: 150 hundred cows, pigs, cloaks, silver chains, wethers, and bronze cauldrons — collected every seventh year — with the great bronze cauldron at Tara able to hold twelve pigs and twelve oxen simultaneously.
The text traces the tribute through a succession of High Kings — Mál mac Rochride, Feidlimid Rechtaid, Conn, Conaire, Art, Fergus Dubdetach, Cormac mac Airt, Coirpre Liphechchair — noting which kings managed to collect it and which were defeated by Leinster in the attempt.
The Fenian Cycle enters the narrative when Bressall Bélach king of Leinster asks Find mac Cumaill (Finn mac Cool) for help against Coirpre’s attempt to collect the tribute — Find’s vision of angels at Ross Bruicc (which will become Tech Mo Lling — St Moling’s monastery at St Mullins on the Barrow) is one of the text’s great prophetic moments.
Mo Lling (St Moling, bishop-poet of Leinster, died 697 AD) is the central figure of the text’s climax — it is he who ultimately tricks Fínnachta Fledach (High King, died 695 AD) into remitting the tribute by the famous deception of “until Monday” — which Mo Lling interprets as Doomsday (Luan Brátha) rather than the following Monday.
Adomnán (Adamnán of Iona, biographer of Columba, died 704 AD) appears as a rival intercessor seeking the same remission through legitimate means — his exchange with Fínnachta forms a parallel to Mo Lling’s trickery, contrasting honest petition with inspired deception.
The battle of Dún Bolg — the culminating battle of the Bórama tradition — in which Brandub mac Echach king of Leinster kills Áed mac Ainmerech High King of Ireland (died 598 AD) — is narrated in detail, with the remarkable spy Rón Cerr (“the Hunchback”) as the hero who kills the High King.
Bishop Áedán of Ferns (Mo Aedóc/St Mogue) appears throughout as Brandub’s clerical advisor and the providential guide of events.
The text is extraordinary for weaving together legendary history, hagiography, political propaganda, and lyric poetry in a single continuous narrative — functioning simultaneously as a Leinster origin legend, a saints’ life, and a heroic saga.
The prayer of Mo Lling at the end — the great lorica or breastplate-prayer invoking scores of saints as he travels through Leinster — is one of the most remarkable pieces of early Irish devotional poetry, comparable to St Patrick’s Breastplate in scope and function.
Translation
Here Begins the Bórama
{37639} {MS folio 294b25} A high king seized Ireland — that is, Túathal Techtmar son of Fíacha Findolaid son of Feradach Find Fechtnach. He is the Túathal who {37640} {MS folio 294b30} seized Ireland by force. It is he who killed Ellim son of Conrach at the battle of Aichle beside Tara — and he broke twenty-five battles upon the Ulstermen — and another twenty-five upon the Leinstermen — and twenty-five upon the men of Munster — and twenty-five upon the Connachtmen. In revenge for the killing of his father and his grandfather {37645} {MS folio 294b35} whom the base peoples (atechtuatha) of Ireland had killed. And it is upon the base peoples of Ireland that Túathal Techtmar broke all those battles. Until he settled at Tara after that — and the Feast of Tara was held by him. Until the men of Ireland came to him — men and women and boys and girls — {37649} {MS folio 294b40} and gave him surety of all the elements that they would not contest the kingship of Ireland against him nor against his seed forever. These are the kings of the provinces who were at that feast — that is: Fergus Febal king of Ulster — Eogan son of Ailill — king of the province of Cú Roí — Eochu son of {37653} {MS folio 294b45} Dáire — king of the province of Eochu son of Luchta — Conrach son of Derg king of Connacht — Eochu son of Eochu Domlén over Leinster.
{37655} There were moreover two beloved daughters with Túathal — Fithir and Dáirine their names. So that Eochu mac Echach Domlén king of Leinster took the elder daughter — that is, Fithir — {MS folio 294b50} for it was not customary in Ireland at that time for a younger one to be married in the presence of an elder one. {MS folio 295a} Eochu then brought his wife with him to Ráith Immil in Leinster. A beloved foster-child moreover of the king of Connacht was that daughter of Túathal.
{37660} The Leinstermen said to him that the daughter he had left behind was better. And after that {37661} {MS folio 295a5} he went northward again to Tara — and said to Túathal: “Dead,” said he, “is the girl I took with me. And I would like to take your other daughter.” Túathal said moreover that if he had fifty daughters — he would give them to him — until a woman of them was worn out.
{37665} {MS folio 295a10} The other daughter was then given to him — that is, Dáirine. She moreover was a foster-child of the king of Ulster. And he brought her with him to Ráith Immil — where the other girl was before him. When Fithir saw Dáirine — Fithir immediately died of shame. When she saw the death of her sister — she died of grief. {37669} {MS folio 295a15} Their funeral-pyre was then made — the funeral-pyre of the two girls. Until everyone said: “Harsh is this funeral-pyre.” And from this it is called Garbthanach (“Rough Funeral-Pyre”).
p. 1269
{37671} {MS folio 295a} The truth of that story then reached Tara — to Túathal. A messenger was then sent {37672} {MS folio 295a20} from Túathal to the king of Connacht — that is, to the foster-father of Fithir — and to the king of Ulster — that is, to the foster-father of Dáirine. They mustered their hosts with them to where Túathal Techtmar was. When they met in one place — Túathal {37675} said: “Great,” said he, “is the deed the king of Leinster has done — the death of my two daughters coming through his treachery.” And he was saying it thus — and made a poem:
Fithir and Dáirine — two daughters of Túathal the active. Dead is Fithir from shame — {37680} dead is Dáirine from grief.
Great are the wrongs — I declare — they were in earnest. Heavy are the pressures — {37685} that brought them to the appointment of death.
{MS folio 295a30} Together they were brought — two daughters of Túathal the drove-lord. Strong are the pressures — at another time — with the dead.
{37690} Beautiful Fithir — the gentle — daughter of the high king of Tara — worthy was her wooing — the woman the king of the Barrow gave.
If Dáirine has fallen — {37695} at the king of Leinster’s traps — {MS folio 295a35} I declare — it is no small thing — it is from me the vengeance comes.
If my daughters have fallen — I tell you — it is no hidden saying — {37700} it will be avenged upon the Leinstermen — upon the warriors of the Liffey. F.
p. 1270
{37701} {MS folio 295a} That then is what the Connachtmen said — that they would not accept it from the Leinstermen without battle. {MS folio 295a40} That was likewise the first thing the Ulstermen said. The king of Ireland said moreover: “I do not desire,” said he, “to give battle to the Leinstermen — and yet if that is your counsel — let everyone go forward against them.” Their total number was twenty-two thousand.
{37705} The province of Connacht advanced before them across Gúala to Nás — and encamped there. The hosts of Tara around the king of Ireland rose — across Grafrend — across Buaidgein — across Rige — across Mag Núadat to Nás — {37710} {MS folio 295a50} and encamped there. The Ulstermen rose moreover — across Esa — across Odba — across Fithair — {MS folio 295b} across Faendruin to Lethduma — and encamped there. The Leinstermen advanced to meet them. They fought a battle against the Ulstermen — and Fergus Febal king of Ulster fell there — and the flower of Ulster also. The other {37714} {MS folio 295b5} hosts rose moreover — and burned Nás and Alenn — Maistin and Roírend — {37715} and stormed the Barc of Bresal. That was a ship of undecayed wood made {MS folio 295b10} by Bresal Brathirchenn at the time he was high king of the world. The Leinstermen advanced to meet them — nine thousand the number of Leinster. Until they joined battle at Ráith Immil — called Garbthanach today. A fierce, bitter battle was fought between them — until it broke upon the Leinstermen — for fair combat had not been granted to them. {MS folio 295b15} Eochu mac Echach Domlén king of Leinster was killed in that battle — {37720} and twenty kings along with him. From autumn to Samain — Leth Cuinn ravaging Leinster. Until the Leinstermen made peace at last with Túathal — that is, the éraic (blood-price) of his daughters to him — and he left the kingship of Leinster with Erc son of Eochu Domlén. This is the éraic — {MS folio 295b20} that is: three fifties of hundreds of cows — three fifties of hundreds of pigs — three {37725} fifties of hundreds of drinking-cloaks — three fifties of hundreds of silver chains — three fifties of hundreds of wethers — three fifties of hundreds of bronze cauldrons. A great bronze cauldron into which twelve pigs and twelve oxen went — in the house of Tara itself. Thirty white red-eared cows — {MS folio 295b25} with calves of the same colour — with bronze rings and bronze yokes and bronze goads {37730} upon them. And from this was composed:
Túathal Techtmar — the proper possessor of the earth — {MS folio 295b30} they used to come to Túathal to his house — ten hundred battles he endured — five fields of Uisnech he ploughed.
{37735} It is Túathal who cut off the heads from the provinces — without concealment — it is he who made the rod of a hand — {MS folio 295b35} the holly of the tribute — the drove of horses.
p. 1271
{37739} {MS folio 295b}
Two daughters with Túathal Techtmar — {37740} equal — though you would not have brought them — older his sons than his fingers — whiter than the clouds of heaven.
Fithir and Dáirine the dark-brown — they will tell you how it will be — {37745} two daughters with Túathal Techtmar — {MS folio 295b40} evil the bad luck of conflict — the two.
Fithir found a wooing at Tara — the firebrand of the house of Ros Rúad — Eochu son of Eochu from Alenn — {37750} he was a householder — his name — of pride.
Beautiful the woman — the wife of the son of Eochu — {MS folio 295b45} daughter of Túathal of Taulach Glass. Until her husband broke his covenant — across the ridge of Sliab Colláin the swift.
{37755} He will go ahead toward Tara — Trusten white-sided — it was no tower. She stays south at Mag Mugna — yellower than nuts — fragrant — her hair.
When that man reached Tara — {MS folio 295b50} {37760} {MS folio 296a} a hillock — where mead of Medb was quaffed. He tells his wife in the early morning — that she had truly been on a bad path.
He was answered — a true lord — a western man — he said at Ráith Mór — {37765} “You will get Dáirine — it is not poverty — with a handful of gold rings.”
He brought his wife to Maistin — tender-nested — Tara of the Two Gods — she found her sister there — in health — {37770} from the clay of the man of the ark — she.
p. 1272
{37771} {MS folio 296a5}
It was evil to her — the violation of her sister — concerning her husband — she did not conceal it. A little child died of shame — weeping softly at Sláine there.
{37775} When Dáirine the dark-brown died — at the sight of fair Fithir — it is of grief that Fithir is dead. Alas — how swift was the verse.
{MS folio 296a10} That veteran pursued toward Samain — {37780} the stream of Nechtan‘s wife — to the poison. They had a camp in Almu — until the beginning of summer after that.
They searched the province around Carman — from Carman to Commur the swift — {37785} it was no weak deed as it was done — he took the éraic of his daughter from it.
{MS folio 296a15} Great is the éraic I number — a lying man who is not alive will tell it. Three fifties of hundreds of cows each year — {37790} short was the full length of Liamain to them.
Three fifties of hundreds of silver chains — beautiful — they used to shine there — it is great and no false lie — a chain for every single cow among them.
{37795} Three fifties of hundreds of pigs that would fatten — in great sties where blackbirds live. {MS folio 296a20} Three fifties of hundreds of woolly wether-flocks — it is no poor maintenance of cattle.
Three fifties of hundreds of cloaks of the Liffey — {37800} fine — they used to spread across the floor. Three fifties of hundreds of many linen garments — with the colour of a precious speckled horn.
p. 1273
{37803} {MS folio 296a}
Three fifties of hundreds of bronze cauldrons — in which the mead of Mag Moein was boiled — {37805} {MS folio 296a25} a wether pressed against the breast of another — that was the load of the fine cauldron.
A bronze cauldron of them at Tara — twelve pigs in it below — one after another — the twelve pigs — it would not boil them — {37810} that is what filled its half.
The exact number of those pigs in oxen — {MS folio 296a30} that is what would cook alongside them there — and from this the cauldron was full — so that the slaughter of oxen was put in it.
{37815} From the time of Túathal — their collection — to the time of Fínnachta of the forks — twenty kings of the seed of Túathal — it struck them from the banks of Brig Molt. T.
{37819} {MS folio 296a35} Túathal fell after that — in Dál nAraide — at Mónai in Chathail — by Mál son of Rochraide — after the completion of one hundred and ten years — thirty of them for him in the kingship of Ireland.
{37822} Mál son of Rochraide then seized the kingship of Ireland — and took the Bórama. {MS folio 296a40} Feidlimid Rechtaid then took it from Cú Chorb — and Cú Chorb was killed by Feidlimid in battle.
{37825} Conn son of Feidlimid then took it — after many battles.
Conaire — son-in-law of Conn — took it.
{MS folio 296a45} Art then seized the kingship of Ireland — and was seeking the Bórama — and could not get it without battles.
Fergus Dubdetach took it — for one year.
{37830} Cormac mac Airt took it.
After that Coirpre Liphechchair seized it — and was exacting the Bórama from the Leinstermen. Bressal Bélach son of Fíacha Baccid said he would not give it without battle. A full muster of Leth Cuinn was then made {MS folio 296b50} by Coirpre Liphechchair — to Cnámross in Leinster.
p. 1274
{37835} {MS folio 296b} The Leinstermen mustered as far as Garbthanach. And Bressal asked them how they would give battle — and made a poem:
“Give us your counsel — O people of the wounded province. {MS folio 296b5} Tell us — O Leinstermen — {37840} whether peace is yours — or conflict.
This battle does not match me — against the men of all Ireland. I confess to you the reason — I do not conceal it from anyone.
{37845} A falsehood turns a few against many — as with the men at Fanait — it is an enemy in a wave that has flooded — {MS folio 296b10} the kingship of one who is at his enemy.
Greater than the wrongs — {37850} is in which the gentleness broke — and from this I am thin — it is not known on whose side the fall will be.
What is best of your counsels — O son of Fíacha of the herds — {37855} let us stand against the Leinstermen — send a message from you to Find of the battle.
The warriors of Find — with sharp blades — gather — O son of the lord — they will be with you — in one place — {37860} before you — at the front of battle.
Find — a man beautiful — eager — his stories are manifold — if Find of Almu comes — make a slaughter of arms — do that.” D.
p. 1275
{37864} {MS folio 296b20} “Let a messenger go from you, O Bressal,” said the nobles of the province — “to Find mac Cumaill.” “There shall be none other,” said Bressal — “but myself — and your nobles with me.” He came then before them southward to Rind Descirt — called Rind Dubáin Ailithir today — where Find mac Cumaill was. Tidings were sought {37870} {MS folio 296b25} from the king of Leinster — in the house of the royal warrior of Ireland — that is, of Find mac Cumaill. The king then told his distress and weakness — and said: “It is not proper,” said he, “for the one who will come to drive off this hard tribute from the province of Leinster.” And he was saying it thus — and made a poem:
“O Find — rise to the challenge — {37875} will you be — and Leinster — in one hand? {MS folio 296b30} If you come — rise — O man of battle — against the prime peoples of Tara.
Have you heard the heavy tribute — lambs are taken into Leth Cuinn — {37880} thirty cows or more of fine even-matched cattle.
Have you heard of Leinster — falling in one place — or have you heard of twenty kings — {37885} falling through that evil deed?
{MS folio 296b35} Since my fair heart has broken — unless my father’s glory be proclaimed — unless his high arrogance be refused — against Coirpre of the Liffey — fully fierce.
{37890} Woe to one who sets out without a ship across the sea — woe to one who travels from high to low — woe to the place that is on two divisions — woe to one who puts insult upon noble-born.
{MS folio 296b40} O son of Cumaill — of great deeds — {37895} take it upon yourself — and let us go — take your weapons — finely — and rise — O warrior of Find.” O Find.
p. 1276
{37898} {MS folio 296b} Find then rose — and his warrior-band with him. And they advanced — their left hand to the Barrow — to Rind Ross Bruicc above the Barrow. The {37900} {MS folio 296b45} royal warrior sat on the ridge above the headland. He saw a host — softly keening — in their companies — going up toward heaven and down. “What host is that?” said the warrior-band. “Those are angels,” said Find — “the household of the king of heaven and earth. And tonsured ones (talcind — priests) will come here — to the place where those angels are.” {MS folio 296b50} There were moreover three foster-brothers of Find in that place — the three sons {37905} {MS folio 297a} of Fíacha son of Conga — their names: Mo Lling Lúath — Cellach Máel — and Bráen. Not long were they there when they saw Mo Lling Lúath coming toward them. At the sight of him — Find made this poem:
Mo Lling Lúath — Cellach — Bráen — the melodious — three sons of Fíacha — to the poison. {37910} Druim nDubglaisse — where weapons are — its name will not be from them thenceforth.
They will come here after them — bright will be the music around the headland — cows will chew the cud — angels from God — {37915} no more leaves will be upon a bush.
{MS folio 297a10} Brendan of Birr — Brendan the prophet — not softly will they come to the headland — after them will come to the glen — Mo Lling the prophet — with hundreds of crosses.
{37920} God to protect me — God to tell me — God to keep me — from the branches of the bush — until Find‘s soul is taken — Mo Lling prophesies at the headland.
{MS folio 297a15} The hearth of Brendan — that is the Ridge — {37925} this hearth — the hearth of Find — the third hearth — the best to me — the hearth that is best — the House of Mo Lling.” M.
{37928} After that Mo Lling Lúath asked why they had come there. Then Find said: “The king of Leinster came to lament his distress and compulsion against us — {37930} {MS folio 297a20} that is — the men of Ireland around Coirpre Liphechchair have declared battle against him — or to take the Bórama. It is proper for us to go to the aid of Leinster.” Mo Lling said to Find — not to go in a small number to the king of Ireland — without the men of Ireland around him. {MS folio 297a25} The number Find had there at that time was fifteen hundred royal warriors — and thirty men for each royal warrior among them.
Mo Lling {37935} Lúath said to Find: “Stay with us tonight — and you will get many provisions — however great the distance between the places from which they are gathered — they will be brought to one place.”
And he was in conversation thus — and made a poem:
“I will tell you at Broccross — O Find of the battle — the moorland butter of the bog — the salt pig of Slánga — {37940} acorns from the wilderness — {MS folio 297a35} the boar-steak of the wave — birds of Airer Lemna — fish of the breast of the Barrow — the cooking-pit of Cenn Tíre — fish of Inber Feile — venison of Cnoc Cláre — badger-fat from Bérre — nuts from Lettir Faelchon — from Fid Daruba — sun-ripened brambles {37945} of Sliab dá Duma — the beautiful apples from the woods of Cua — {MS folio 297a40} the sloes from Éblenn — the fallen-glen wood of Fua — berries from Sliab Bairchi — you will have them — gently — small fish on skewers — from the woods of Cáibden —
Five hundred royal men — {37950} they are under your rule — thirty happy men — for every single man of the warriors. Rolls of downy fleece — for you — without blemish of geese — {MS folio 297a45} small brothers’ mantles — a bed for every couple.
A high, pleasant bed — you will know — O warrior — drinking — with health — {37955} welcome — with generosity.
Stay with your people — O son of the lord — not good is a king small in number — at giving battle.
{MS folio 297a50} It is a meeting of enemies — the host of Brega and the Barrow — your father has fallen — at the battles of Tara.
p. 1278
{37959} {MS folio 297a}
The four provinces — {37960} with Coirpre — the neighbour — {MS folio 297b} woe to one without a brother — a falsehood turns to a few.
Dáirine and Fithir — if great distress was found — it is surplus of battle — the affair of the two girls.
Eochu mac Echach — with hundreds of smoke-spirals — {MS folio 297b5} he was the fierce little dart — {37965} the proud deed of Eochu.
It came to Eochu — his being with few — Eochu fell — in that battle with Túathal.
His retinue is needed — in that plain tomorrow — if Coirpre comes — he will be the loud-voiced taunter.
{MS folio 297b10} Stay with the Leinstermen — {37970} with the warriors of the Barrow — do not go alone — to the king of Tara.
Let them not be without you — your fine, wondrous warrior-band — lest you fall into trouble — at the kings of Banba.
All the men of Ireland — are on a single plain — it is enough for a hard struggle — to face the blades.
{37975} A message from you to Fíacha — to the man of the poison — a message from you to Agrúan — to the red-weaponed man of Ene — a message from you to Díccoll — to Druim de Chonar — a message to Adar — to Donn son of Dogar —
A message from you to Cémán — {37980} to the Harps of Áne — {MS folio 297b20} a message to Áed of the Boyne — a message from you to Slánga —
Dubán is there — at Druim Dóele — two nobles of the warrior-band — Lugaid and Gáene — Ídland is there — in Dún above the Letter — Garad is there — {37985} in the glen at Cepten.
p. 1279
{37986} {MS folio 297b}
Bressal grandson of Baiscne — your warrior-band brother — {MS folio 297b25} Crimthann — high — red-weaponed — the swift hermit — Mael Cruind from Cremchall — Mael Augra — the traveller — Flaithchius of the weaponry — Cuán of the slaughter —
Beloved indeed — a sixsome — {37990} Garbdaire — Daelgus — Miledán — Úargus — Ethladán — Óengus — {MS folio 297b30} Gatal from Gatlaig — Bran from Tul Tuinne — Gúaire of the beauty — Dub — Daele — Duinne — Ferscar and Cara — they will come to your help — Ferdomon — the joyful — {37995} Cellach of Cenn Magair — Cúanu from Crecc Escne — Fer Úaine from Aidne — Dubróit — Dubdola — Fer Aba from Ailbe — {MS folio 297b35} Imcían and Rúadchú — Nertach and Lía — a strong threesome that gave battle — the best will come to you.” I will tell you.
{38000} The warrior-band rose after that — and their hounds were unleashed. The {38000} {MS folio 297b40} royal warrior looked at his hounds and his host — and said: “Ross Bruicc is a harbour’s path tonight.” And he made the poem:
Ross Bruicc today — a harbour’s path — a great red sea between two cliffs — {38005} far or near will come the saints here — it will be Teg Mo Lling — its name.
Wild foolish ones — not gentle their step — {MS folio 297b45} the wild women of the wood — around the clear wood — geese crying — making a noise — {38010} pleasant — the badger dozing — the otter of the cave.
Foam-white wave — gathering to the shore — the pack of hounds — under hundreds of harbours — a tonsured one will cross the full flood — they will cast a net around it — in our time.
p. 1280
{38015} {MS folio 297b50} The roar of the Garb — the wood’s shelter — {MS folio 298a} the salmon of the streams — up to the fort — the wild cry of the cuckoo — the sweet pool — the humming of a fair tune — shadow of the shore. A sunny haunt — it will be born here — {38020} pleasant to be at its spring — to my mind — far or near will come the saints here — Mo Lling — the name of the one who is in the cell.
{38023} {MS folio 298a5} Behind us — a swift dark shower — before us — Sliab dá Róen — {38025} last night our fort — at Sliab dá Torc — tonight at Ross Bruicc of the drops. Seeking from Núadu of the dark depths — across the wave of the streams of the brine — through the fields of Femin — through Fid Crott — {38030} {MS folio 298a10} leave Ross Bruicc — be not in it.
{38031} Pleasant to me — the lowing of swift stags — before the warrior-band — in Fid dá Dall — the fore-wave of the wave against the side of the harbour — the sound of a cold waterfall — against the cliff. {38035} Here — there — two hundred saints — will come to the road — to Ross Bruicc — {MS folio 298a15} four hundred and sixty years — until they come to the haven. It will not be us {38040} who brings the tribute finely — it will be no battle — it will be no raiding — it will be no one but Mo Lling only.
{38043} A flood has come upon us — {38044} able to be quaffed — a fine drink — {38045} in vengeance for the son of fair Bressal — {MS folio 298a20} the lords of fair Fál have fallen.
p. 1281
{38047} {MS folio 298a}
Noisy upon the Dubglaiss tonight — rain pours in Fid dá Brón — it does not conceal its sound — {38050} it drips along the Garb — its voice.
The voice of the wind through the storm — as it pleases the king of judgments — the water below — in its course — {MS folio 298a25} the sea-brine — alternately.
{38055} Snow drips on every path — on the tips of branches — in the harbour wood — snow has risen on the ridges of Fál — loud is the roar of the great sea. The cry of waterfalls against the rock —
{38060} the sound of Bran‘s harp — the clash of warriors — {MS folio 298a30} the weeping of Dub Dithruib the swift — the murmuring of Cían son of the two rivers — the lowing of swans on the wave — the bellowing of a dark brown stag — the hard band.
{38065} The murmuring of a warrior-band — to the sound of streams — the cry against the sun — a deed not mean. It will be a dwelling of gentle melody — without oppression — {MS folio 298a35} it will be a dwelling of angels around the haven — a dwelling of land — a dwelling of little birds — {38070} a dwelling of sharp flagstones — Ross of the Badgers. R.
{38071} They went then to the royal hostel of Mo Lling Lúath. Each of them was arranged {MS folio 298a40} according to rank and honour. Music was played — until the whole house was a harmony of music — from one corner to another.
{38074} There were three young warriors in the presence of the warrior: their names were {38075} Miledán — and Ethladán — and Enán of the Cold Booth — Enán of the Cold Booth in the middle between them.
{38077} {MS folio 298a45} The Vision of Enán here — in the Bórama. This is what he saw: a cleric at the mass of the witnesses — with silken embroidered garments around them — and himself among them performing the mass with them. These were the clerics who were there — Mo Lling {MS folio 298a50} and his community thereafter. Enán then rose — and looked around at the host —
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and the host he saw there was a wonder to him. And he made a poem {MS folio 298b50} and prophesied that clerics would come:
Ross Bruicc — the resounding place — above the wave of the Barrow — bright and pure — {38085} Tonsured ones with their great companies — {MS folio 298b5} will dwell beside it — It will be the high noble place — it will be the head of a pilgrims’ route — in the time of the saints.
{38090} Beautiful — awesome — ivy-covered — the place of the reared deer — Brendan the mighty will have it — I saw — in a vision — the cry of the sandy Garb — {38095} against the crest of the deep-booming wave — {MS folio 298b10} a beautiful, cliffy, cold glen.
A fair haunt — curved — of crooked course — it was a bank of rock — of green branches — a multitude has settled here — {38100} journeying for God.
Two hundred saints — of noble purity — the household of the powerful Lord — Mo Lling — the pilot of truth — however long — who will come to it.
{MS folio 298b15} {38105} I heard the masses — I saw the psalters — the rows — side by side — bowed heads I saw — with their bowed-topped staves — {38110} I saw the tonsured ones — the vision of the saints.
p. 1283
{38112} {MS folio 298b}
Mo Lling — pilot of truth — prophet of the Son of Mary — of great deeds — {MS folio 298b20} I am under his protection — {38115} until doomsday from today.
Clerics of the permanent dwelling will be — above angelic altars — a wandering man will come — from the north at Mag Rath.
{38120} High noble houses — hard and strong — are here tonight — bishops and soul-friends — noble — and pilgrims — {38125} {MS folio 298b25} after them at Ross Bruicc.” R.
{38126} Three days and three nights for Find and his warrior-band in that place. Until the warriors of Ireland came to him from every direction. They all went before them then to Ráith Immil — called Garbthanach today.
{38129} {MS folio 298b30} Then the royal warrior Find mac Cumaill asked: “Where here,” said he, “were the girls dead — through whom the tribute is borne from Leinster?” He was then shown the place. And Find sat in that place — and made a poem:
Great is the deed done here — {MS folio 298b35} if men of violence found it. {38135} Two daughters of the king of Tara of the north — they were dead there at one hour.
Eochu mac Echach of the verses — he came before the house of Tara — he was a son-in-law — who had been — {38140} of the king of Tara — of Túathal.
Two daughters with strong Túathal — Fithir and Dáirine — I say again — {MS folio 298b40} Dáirine and Fithir — without fault — two daughters of Túathal Techtmar.
p. 1284
{38145} {MS folio 298b}
Fair Fithir was given to Eochu — at Tara — above the clear ridges — she was a chosen spouse — without fault — the daughter of Túathal of Tara.
The king asks for fair Fithir — {38150} it was a fiercely unjust deed — until he brought Dáirine with him — from green-sided Tara from the other side.
{MS folio 298b45} When dark Dáirine came — the violence was enormous — {38155} Fithir died — of shame — from it — Dáirine died — of grief —
A funeral-pyre was strongly made — in the house of the son of Eochu Domlén — for the daughters of the gracious king — {38160} and from this is Garbthanach.
The news of the tale reached Tara — it was a deed shameful to speak — {MS folio 298b50} thirty — above three fifties of the plain — dead women — from double grief.
{38165} {MS folio 299a}
The hosts of Ulster rise — in the battle — and their high king — in one hand — the hosts of Tara of the mantles rise — and the hosts of the province of Connacht. Conrach son of Derg — fierce his rule — {38170} he it was who was king of Connacht — Fergus Febal — cause — with valour — he it was who was king of Ulster.
{MS folio 299a5} The foster-child of the king of Connacht — of battles — it was she — Fithir of the prime fort — {38175} the foster-child of the king of Ulster — of horses — it was she — Dáirine — the dark-brown.
p. 1285
{38177} {MS folio 299a}
The king of Tara — twelve thousand — that is what came here on the road — six thousand of Ulster — without fault — {38180} six thousand of the host of Connacht —
They meet at strong Tara — around the shameful — loathsome deed — {MS folio 299a10} they take counsel — with fame — with the king of Tara — with Túathal.
{38185} “Better for me than a battle,” said the king of Tara — “I do not desire a hard battle — against the blue-cloaked host of the Barrow.”
The king of Cruachain said — his fine, fierce reply — {38190} “It will not be equal — only a great, fierce battle — I will take from the royal company of Leinster.”
{MS folio 299a15} The king of Emain said — his fierce, fine reply — {38195} that he would not accept — but only battle — from the Leinstermen — the next day.
The king of Tara spoke — without reproach — a wild, full reply — “Let each of you go forward — {38200} against Leinster — in the laochs’ rush.”
The hosts of Cruachain advanced — {MS folio 299a20} across Gúala — it was a fierce deed — they reached Nás — with ordered ranks — {38205} that morning — the next day.
The hosts of Tara advanced — across Grafrend — it was a fine deed — across Mag Múagend — the festive — not faint — across the stream of Rige — across Mag Núadat.
The hosts of Ulster advanced — before all — {38210} across Esa — across usual Odba — across Fithair — with the slopes — across the gentle slopes of Faendruin.
{38213} {MS folio 299a25}
The Leinstermen advance to meet them — under pressure — under contention — {38215} until Fergus — cause of lamentation — fell — on the slope above Lethduma.
It was told to the king of Tara — how the king of Emain fell — thus said the king of Brega — {38220} “A king’s command to his household:
Let Nás and fine Alenn be burned — let Maistin be burned — with thousands of assemblies — {MS folio 299a30} let Roírend be burned — red with blood — and let the Barc of Bressal be walled.”
{38225} The hosts advanced after that — until they reached Ráith Immil — the hosts of Tara — dense with mantles — and the hosts of the province of Connacht. The Leinstermen advance to meet them — {38230} against two kings of Tara — in fierce contention — until they fought a hard battle — at Ráith Immil — from the northeast. {MS folio 299a35} The muster of Leinster — a clear company — five thousand and four thousand — {38235} twelve thousand — great — in the advance — and six thousand facing them. The ships are broken upon the Leinstermen — for they found unequal combat — the king of Leinster is killed in that battle — {38240} and the king of Tara escaped.
p. 1287
{38241} {MS folio 299a} The king of Tara turns northward — and the great host reached Tara — after the killing of twenty kings — {MS folio 299a40} bearing éraic — without anxiety.
{38245} {MS folio 299a45}
Thirty white-and-red cows — let them be full — red-eared — nine thousand cows — for the king of Brega — as éraic for his two daughters.
A third of it at heavy Tara — {38250} thus Leth Cuinn divides it — a third at Emain — without question — a third at Cruachain of Connacht.
{MS folio 299a45} Many of the kings — west and east — gather them to Tara — {38255} the seventh year — it was sorrow — that is when the great tribute is borne.” M.
{38257} The warrior-band was then that night at Garbthanach. They rose in the early morning — the next day — to meet the king of Leinster. The main body {MS folio 299b50} of the warrior-band came — and the main body of the province of the Gailian — and they set their face — in one movement — against Leth Cuinn. They were at Cnámross. {38260} A hard, fierce, contested battle was fought between them — side against side. However — {MS folio 299b5} Leth Cuinn could not endure it — and it broke upon them. And nine thousand of them were killed — including the three sons of Coirpre Liphechchair — that is, Eochaid and Eochaid Domlén and Fíacha Roptene. As was said:
“The battle at Cnámross — I do not conceal — {38265} their rout. {MS folio 299a10} Around three kings who fell there — three times three thousand.”
{38267} The Bórama was not taken from Leinster after that. Until the thirty royal maidens and a hundred maidens for every single maiden were killed at Tara — by Dunlang mac Ennai Níad — when the Cloenferta was at Tara. Until {38270} {MS folio 299a15} the Bórama was re-imposed upon Leinster.
{38271} Many battles moreover did Leinster fight from then — regarding the Bórama — until Lóegaire mac Néill seized the kingship of Ireland. And these are those battles and those killings — {38273} {MS folio 299a20} that is: the Battle of Mag Núadat — by Bressal Bélach moreover — the Battle of Cruachain Chloenta — by Labraid — against Eochu Mugmedón — twelve battles broken by Enna upon Niall of the Nine Hostages — the killing moreover of Niall of the Nine Hostages at the Sea of Icht by Eochu son of Enna.
{38277} {MS folio 299b25} Lóegaire mac Néill then seized the kingship of Ireland — and gathered Leth Cuinn with him to exact the Bórama — and came on a hosting into Leinster. The king of Leinster at that time was Enna Cendselach son of Labraid son of Bressal Bélach. The Leinstermen mustered around Enna — and gave battle to {38280} {MS folio 299b30} Lóegaire — that is, the Battle of Áth Dara on the Barrow. It broke upon Lóegaire — and the red slaughter of Leth Cuinn was made there — and their heads were gathered — so that a cairn was made of them — on the bank of the Barrow at Mag Ailbe. {MS folio 299b35} Lóegaire mac Néill himself was captured there. He pledged moreover that he would never exact the Bórama — and that he would be spared. He then gave the surety of the elements over himself — that he would never come to exact it through eternity in Leinster. {38286} But that is not what he fulfilled. For he came again — after two and a half years — and seized cows at Síd Nechtain. And from this the elements gave the appointment of death to Lóegaire beside Caissel — that is — the earth swallowing him — and the sun burning him — and the wind going from him. From this it is said:
Lóegaire mac Néill died — beside grey-grassed Caissel — in his land — {MS folio 299b45} the elements of God — from whom came the appointment — carried the appointment of death upon the king.
{38295} Ailill Molt son of Dá Thí seized the kingship of Ireland after that — and exacted the Bórama. These moreover are the battles the Leinstermen broke upon Ailill Molt {MS folio 299b50} and upon the other kings who seized it after Ailill Molt — until Áed mac Ainmerech: the Battle of Luachra Breg — the Battle of Dumha Achir — the Battle of Ocha — upon Ailill Molt. Ailill Molt fell in the last battle — by Crimthann son of Enna. The Battle of Grannae — the Battle of Tortan — the Battle of Druim Ladgaind — the Battle of Brega Ele — the Battle of Frémainn of Meath — by Falge — Rot son of Cathair — twenty-eight battles by the sons of Dunlang — through the word of Brigit — the Battle of Mag Ochtar against Lugaid son of Lóegaire — the Battle of Druim dá Maige — {MS folio 300a10} the Battle of Dún Másc — the Battle of Ocha — a second battle — the Battle of Slabrae — the Battle of Cenn Srátha — the Battle of Findabrach — by Ailill son of Dunlang — the Battle against the body of Illadan — the Battle of Druim Lóegaire — by Óengus and Fergus — two sons of Crimthann son of Enna — against Diarmait mac Cerbaill. {MS folio 300a15} However many of the kings who seized Tara exacted the Bórama — many of them could not take it without battle.
p. 1289
{38311} {MS folio 300a} Áed mac Ainmerech seized the kingship of Ireland. These are the sons of Áed — that is, Domnall — and Mael Coba the cleric — Gabán — and Cummascach. That Cummascach came to speak to his father — and said to him: “It would be desirable for me to make a noble circuit of the sons of noble houses of Ireland — {38315} and I will have the wife of every king in Ireland for a night with me.” Cummascach then went before him on a noble circuit of Ireland — until he came across Rige against Leinster — with four companies in his number. The king of Leinster at that time was Brandub son of Eochu son of Muiredach son of Óengus Brugach son of Feidlimid son of Enna Cendselach. It was then told to Brandub — the son of the king of Ireland was coming toward him on a noble circuit. {38320} Brandub said: “Let messengers go against them and say to them that I am not there — but that I have gone to Britain to collect tribute and rent. And let provisions be collected from the Boyne to Indeoin — and everyone killed in his dwelling — and let Cummascach himself come to me — with three hundred royal sons around him — and I will give him my wife — as the kings of the other provinces have done.” {38325} The provision-collecting was done. And the fourth company of them came to Brandub‘s house — to Belach nDubthaire — called Belach Conglais today. Cummascach then sat down at the doorpost of the settlement. He was served. And they were all brought into one house. On that same day Mo Aedóc grandson of Dunlang came to Brandub — {38330} {MS folio 300a45} with gifts with him — that is: a lime-kiln slab — and a cauldron — and a shield — and a sword. He was showing them to the king — and made a small poem:
“Here are the gifts of a king — O son of Eochu — without anxiety — {38335} a slab with rim-tips — shield and sword — and cauldron.
The slab — its use is in food — that is what is proper for a high king — {MS folio 300a50} the cauldron — to boil the raw — {38340} Christ ordered the communion.
{MS folio 300b} The shield — at the chest in battle — against the unlawful lords — the sword — to turn the battles — have them with you — O son of Eochu.
{38345} Condlaed — the craftsman of Brigit — I do not conceal — it is he who made the slab. Grésach made the cauldron — for the son of Néill — for Lóegaire.
p. 1290
{38349} {MS folio 300b5}
The sword of Crimthann — the shield of Enna — {38350} it is from me you will receive them — the slab of the son of the fair poet — the cauldron of Dubthach from Dublin.
Lóegaire of the mantles gave it — to Dubthach — to the chief-poet of Ireland — {38355} Dubthach — swift his valour — gave it — to Fíac — to the son of his sister — {MS folio 300b10} Fíac gave it — to Dunlang — for the period — Dunlang gave it to Ailill — Ailill gave it to me after that — {38360} and I will give it to you — O Brandub.
Take the best of the cattle with you — slab and strong cauldron — the sword of Crimthann — do not reject it — {MS folio 300b15} the shield of Enna — as red as blood.
{38365} It is I — Mo Aedóc — of the measures — you — Brandub — king of Leinster — I — at prayer — and at keeping — you — at rising — toward possessions.” F.
{38369} Mo Aedóc then bade farewell to Brandub — and said these small words:
{MS folio 300b20} “My three-ridged — rising slab — brought by me to Brandub — the proud — my firm — red-bound cauldron — given from me to the son of Eochu — high victorious — {38375} a hundred hollies — well-concealed — take it there — for a stroke of lime-kiln.” M.
Mo Aedóc then departed.
{38378} {MS folio 300b25} Brandub put a servant’s clothing on him. And he summoned Óengus son of Airmedach king of Uí Failge to him — and said to him: “Let us rise,” said he, {38380} “and put that cauldron on the fire — and fill it with pigs and beef.” {MS folio 300b30} The cauldron was then raised by them onto the fire — and filled with boars and beef. A boar was heated — from a large fire — around it — until it boiled.
p. 1291
{38384} {MS folio 300b} It was then the son of the king of Ireland said: “Where,” said he, “is the wife of Brandub?” {MS folio 300b35} Someone went to fetch the queen from him. The queen came to speak — and welcomed the son of the king of Ireland. “Give,” said she, “a gift from you to me.” “What gift do you ask?” said the son of the king of Ireland. “Not difficult,” said she. “A meeting for me,” said she, “without my being detained — until I come to my share of the host — and that my honour be satisfied from them.” That gift was granted to her. And she went before them then — {38390} until she reached the secret shelter of Dún Buchet. And she left the whole settlement. Then came Glasdám — the satirist of the son of the king of Ireland — with his nine satirists around him — to seek provisions from the household. Brandub said to him: “Is it you yourself who will give the blow of the lime-kiln slab to yourself — or shall I?” {MS folio 300b45} Thus said the satirist: “You give it,” said he. Brandub gave the slab from the cauldron — and struck nine strokes from it with a single blow below. The satirist felt it. Looking at it: “By his word,” said the satirist, “it is not the gift of a servant — but the gift of a king.” {38395} {MS folio 301a} And he took it with him to the house where the king’s son was. And the first thing he said was: “It is then Brandub said to Óengus son of Airmedach: “Fill {38399} {MS folio 301a5} the boat with us — and bring it to the son of the king of Ireland.” That was done thus. And the two kings lifted the boat upon themselves — that is, Brandub and Óengus — and they overturned it — a slat of it — in the presence of the son of the king of Ireland. And they went {38401} {MS folio 301a10} before them outside — and shut the great royal door of the royal house behind them. For the strength of nine men was in each man of them. They then set four fires in the house — that is, a fire at each side. And {38405} then Cummascach said: “Who holds the house over us?” “I,” said Brandub. Then said Glasdám the satirist: “Let no dishonour be done to me,” said he, “for I ate your food.” “It will not be done,” said Brandub. “Climb to the house,” said he, “and leap over the ridge of the house — and leap over the top of the flames outside — and you will be safe from us.” “Do you hear that, O Cummascach?” said {38408} {MS folio 301a20} the satirist. “Take my clothing on you,” said the satirist, “and go outside.” {38410} Cummascach went outside in that manner. And he was greatly broken. He went before him then — feebly — to Monad Cummascaig — at the end of the green of Cill Rannairech. It was there that Lóchine Lond — old son of Ua Lonáin — {38415} {MS folio 301a25} head of Cill Rannairech — came to him. And he struck off his head after he identified himself to him — and brought the head to the place where Brandub was — and showed him the head. And from this — freedom was given to Cill Rannairech. It was then that Bishop Áedán came to them — that is, the bishop of Glenn dá Locha. He was a son of the mother of Áed mac Ainmerech. {38420} {MS folio 301a30} This is what the cleric said: “Great,” said he, “are the deeds you have done. Upon whom should they be avenged?” said Brandub. The cleric answered: “I am content,” said he, “even upon the son of my mother — that is, upon Áed mac Ainmerech.” And he made a poem:
“I pray to the powerful Lord — the co-dweller of Cill Rannairech — &c.“
{38425} {MS folio 301a35} Written elsewhere in this book. This is what Bishop Áedán said to Brandub: “Let a messenger go from you to Ailech — to the house of Áed mac Ainmerech — and let it be told to him — his son is killed.” And then Brandub said: “Let it be done,” said he — and made a poem:
“Let messengers go from us to Ailech — {38430} to the king of energetic Ireland — {MS folio 301a40} let them tell the king the disaster — how Cummascach fell.
It was the poisonous hatred of enemies — the son of the excellent — exiled king — {38435} that is what came on the road — three hundred of the Eoghanacht.
A bed was prepared for him — for the son of the king of the Samaire — the wife of every high king he found in Ireland — {38440} for the king of the cold Erne.
{MS folio 301a45} Let Munchorach and Murchad go — to the house of Áed — of fine feasting — let Cíar Cailli and Daelgus go — and Óengus son of Airmedach.
{38445} Let them tell on the post of Ailech — the meeting they are going about — and let them not release from their hand — the contest they are going about.” T.
{38449} The messengers then went northward — until they reached Ailech. The {38450} {MS folio 301b} king of Ireland asked tidings from them. The king was thus — a horn in his hand — drinking mead. This is what the messengers said: “The tidings we have — we will not tell them without payment.” “Here is that horn for you,” said Áed. And from this is the Horn of Leinster at Ailech. They then told their tidings. {38454} “Your son was killed,” said they, “and the slaughter of his household — by us.” “I had already heard those tidings,” {38455} {MS folio 301b10} said he, “and yet — sit down in peace — and we will follow after you,” said he — “as you will see.”
{38457} The messengers went before them northward — then — until they reached the place where Brandub was — and told him of the High King of Ireland’s intention to come to Leinster to avenge his son.
{38460} A full muster of Leth Cuinn was made by Áed mac Ainmerech — {MS folio 301b15} and they came before them to Rige. It was told to Brandub that the men of Ireland were at Rige. Brandub was at Scadairc at that time — in the south of Uí Cendselaig — and he came before him northward — across Muntech — across Munichin — {MS folio 301b20} across Dáimne — across Etar — across Ardchaillid — across Ard mBresta — across Slampaaline — across Fé at Belach nDubthaire — called Belach Conglais — to his own fort. {38465} It was then Bishop Áedán came to Brandub. “News with you, O cleric,” said Brandub. “Leth Cuinn is at Baeth Eba at Dún Búacci,” said {MS folio 301b25} Bishop Áedán — “having taken fort and camp there.”
{38470} “Go, O cleric,” said he — Brandub — “to the son of your mother — that is, to Áed mac Ainmerech — and ask a truce of him — so that our hosts may come to us — and you will get peace or conflict after that.” {38473} {MS folio 301b30} The cleric then went before him to the king of Ireland’s tent — and a welcome was given to him. Tidings were asked of him. The cleric said: {38475} “Brandub is at Ráith Branduib on the Sláine.” {MS folio 301b35} “Why have you come?” said Áed. “To seek a truce from you — for peace or for conflict,” said the cleric. “You will not get that truce,” said Áed — “until a hand has been struck from three members you have — which are your children.” The cleric was insulted there — and said: “I know,” said he — “that God will give {38480} {MS folio 301b40} the crop of the son of the land — that those three members you have — as far as that mound over there.” And that was true. And from this Tréball has been named from that time. The king of Ireland then rose — and fury seized him — and the men of Ireland rose — {MS folio 301b45} and they came before them — and Bishop Áedán with them. They came then to Belach Dúin Bolg. The king asked what was the name of this pass. “Belach Dúin Bolg,” said he. {38485} {MS folio 301b50} “What are the bolg (bags) in it?” said the king. “The bolg of the provisions of the men of Ireland will be seen here tonight — at the Leinstermen,” said the cleric. {MS folio 302a} They came then to the Flagstone. The king asked what was the name of this great grey flagstone. “The Flagstone of the Bone-Breaking,” said the cleric. “What bones are involved?” said the king. “For your bones will be broken upon it — {38490} {MS folio 302a5} and your head will be struck from you tonight,” said the cleric.
{38490} They came before them to Berna na Scíath (“the Gap of the Shields”). “What is the name of this gap?” said
p. 1294
{38491} {MS folio 302a} the king. “Berna na Scíath,” said the cleric. “What shields are involved?” said the king. “The shields of Conall and Eogan will be seen here tonight.” {MS folio 302a10} The men of Ireland went through that gap — and the men of Ireland {38495} took fort and camp there. Bishop Áedán went before him to where Brandub was. Brandub asked tidings from him. The cleric said: the men of Ireland had made camp at Cill Bélat. And he said he himself had received no honour. {MS folio 302a15} Then Brandub said: “What is your counsel for us, O cleric?” “Not {38500} difficult,” said Bishop Áedán. “Let a great royal candle be lit for you — in the corner of the fort outside — and let three hundred yoke-teams be brought to you — and twelve oxen in each yoke-team — {MS folio 302a20} and let bright panniers be put on them — and many warriors in those panniers — and coverings on their heads — and food on top of the coverings above. Let three fifties of wild unbroken horses be brought to you — and bags tied in their tails — and let those {38505} {MS folio 302a25} bags be filled with small stones — to cast terror upon the horse-herds of Ireland. Let that great candle go before you — and the royal cauldron around its head — until it reaches the middle of the camp of the men of Ireland. Send a messenger at that time to the king of Ireland — and say to him — that the food of Leinster will be brought to him tonight.” That counsel was done by Brandub.
{38510} {MS folio 302a30} While that was happening — Brandub said: “It is better for me myself,” said he, “to go to view the host. Come with me, O cleric.” “I will go,” said the cleric. Brandub then came — with six score warriors and a single horse with them — that is, a horse at Brandub‘s side — and the cleric went in his chariot with them — from there until they reached the side of Síd Nechtain. The cleric looked down at {38515} {MS folio 302a35} the camp — and he saw — like many-coloured flocks of birds of every colour — without movement — above the camp. The cleric asked: “What are those many-coloured flocks we see?” {MS folio 302a40} “Those are the battle-standards of the men of Ireland,” said Brandub — “on poles and forks — above the booths of the men of Ireland.” And the cleric said these verses:
“I see the standards — they are omens of battle — as birds are flying — {38520} with the form of every colour.
Woe to the one who made the journey — Ua Néill — from his houses — {MS folio 302a45} it will be a deed with wounds — the royal grade of Ailech is wasted.
Not easy is their number — the high, sheer deed of Leinster — by whom two fell — in battles — great Ailill son of Crimthann — though Crimthann was his father — {38525} beside Enna Aignech — it was no harmful deed — he fell at the Leinstermen.
p. 1295
{38528} {MS folio 302a50}
Not easy is their number — the high, wondrous deed of Leinster — {MS folio 302b} by whom they drove from Tara — brave Conn of the Hundred Battles.
Woe to the one who strikes against Brandub — the swelling of a great sea — against the vine-blossom of Tara — {38530} against the high sacred tree of Odba.
At his hand fell — Fíngin — lord of Munster — {MS folio 302b5} at his hand fell — Mael Mada and Mael Mudach — at his hand fell — Írladach son of Cobthach — at his hand fell — Flannacan son of Dondchad.
Tomorrow you will meet — {38535} the high king I foresee — the lords will clash — to know the battle I see.” It.
{38537} {MS folio 302b10} Bishop Áedán then departed from them to his own church. Brandub then saw the mountain full of youths. And the youths who were there were the youths of Ulster — around Diarmait son of Áed Rón. The sons of the king of {38540} {MS folio 302b15} Leinster came — and the household of Brandub — around them — and they were seized as hostages. “Who are you?” said they. “We are the youth-troop of Ulster,” said they — “around the son of the king of Ulster.” That was told to the Ulstermen. The Ulstermen rose then — seven hundred and seven thousand in number — between warrior and cleric. They came to the vicinity of Brandub — and {38544} {MS folio 302b20} said: “Why did you seize our young men?” said they. “To steal your battle-skill from me,” said Brandub. “You will be stolen from forever,” said the king of Ulster — “and a covenant and unity will be made between us — and that is what was prophesied through the vision of Conchobar son of Fachtna.” And the king of Ulster told the vision — and said:
“I saw a wondrous vision — when I was in a trance — does anyone of you know its meaning — {38550} in the Host?
I saw a glass vat — with a golden sheen — with me — at the exact centre of my house — at Brega — at the Boyne.
A third of the vat — with human blood — a wondrous meeting — {MS folio 302b30} there was only one third of new milk — on its floor.
Another third was clear wine — {38555} a wonder to me — bowed-headed people surrounded it — across Muir Mend.
All Leinster — though they were many — with chains of crime — I gave them the love of my heart — and my sense.” At.
p. 1296
{38559} {MS folio 302b35} Conchobar then saw that vision. And he saw Leinster and Ulster around the vat — drinking. “I know,” said he, {38560} “that this is the covenant that was prophesied there. For the blood seen in the vat is the blood of the two provinces — in conflict. The new milk is the canon of harmony they chant — the clerics of the two provinces. The wine is the Body of Christ and His Blood — which the clerics offer.” And he was explaining it thus — and made a poem:
“Make the covenant for us — {38565} let it be a covenant forever — with the vine branches — with the kings of the Liffey.
{MS folio 302b45} Brigit keeping it — Mo Aedóc from Dún Inne — Mo Lling — south of the Táeden — Abbán — Caemgen of Glenn — Bishop Sinchéan — famous — Mo Chalmóc from the Caba — and Mo Biu of the great love — {38570} Comgall — Colmán Ela —
O people of the two provinces — famous in your stories — {MS folio 302b50} let it not be a meeting that is longer — beside God — do it.” D.
{38573} {MS folio 303a} The saints of Leinster and Ulster settled on the mountain after that. And they made their covenant — without dissolution — forever.
{38575} Brandub said after that — to a king — to separate camps from the king of Ireland. “How will we do that?” said the king of Ulster. “Not difficult,” said Brandub. “Take {MS folio 303a5} a camp,” said he, “where the camp of the king of Ireland is. A conflict will arise with them. Do not endure it — and separate from them thus.” The Ulstermen did as Brandub told them. Conall and {38580} {MS folio 303a10} Eogan advanced against them — and two hundred of them were killed before the quarrel was finished. The Ulstermen were driven from there to Inis Ulad. And they dug a trench around them there — with spears. And they put their horses between them and Daingen na Móna. Bishop Áedán turned again toward Brandub. And this is what {38585} {MS folio 303a15} he said: “Great indeed,” said he, “is the disrespect the son of my mother has shown me — that is, Áed mac Ainmerech — and God will avenge it upon him.” And he made this verse:
“The lamp of Áed mac Ainmerech — it will be seen at the Leinstermen — the stone-mason — a dark raven will bear it on his shoulder — to Cill Culind — westward.”
{38590} {MS folio 303a20} “He will fall from the raven — on the green of Cill Culind — and the youth-troop of Cill Culind will make a ball of it — for seven years. The school of Cill Dara will come — and one of them will take that ball. He will make a toy of it — and have it for another seven years. The school of Cluain Mór Mo Aedóc {38594} {MS folio 303a25} will come to Cill Dara — and one of them will take that toy — and I will not see its final fate from that time on. This mountain moreover on which the covenant was made — let Sliab in Chotaig be its name from now on — and Sliab Nechtain was its name until now.”
{38596} The cleric then departed. Brandub mounted his single horse — {38598} {MS folio 303a30} to seek single combat against the men of Ireland. The one who came to him from the men of Ireland was Blátach — the chief charioteer of the king of Ireland — with the horse of the king of Ireland under him. Blátach moreover was poisonous — hostile — he did not cast a missile off-target. {38602} {MS folio 303a35} However — that had no grip on Brandub. For Brandub struck him down — and cut off his head at Áth Blatachta — called Áth mBlathcha today. Brandub went then — after that victory — with the horse of the king of Ireland with him.
{38605} His cattle and his horses were then gathered to him — as Bishop Áedán had instructed. Then Brandub said: “Can we find,” said he, “someone who would go {MS folio 303a40} to spy on the camp and the king — and be there before us until we are ready — and will have these rewards — that is — he will get heaven from the clerics of Leinster if he is killed — and if he escapes — he will have his own tribe free — and my own fosterling-fee for him and for the man in his place.” Pledges were taken to that.
{38610} {MS folio 303a45} “I will go there,” said Rón Cerr son of Dubánach son of the king of Uí Máil. “Let moreover,” said he, “the blood of a calf and the buttermilk of rye be mixed for me.” A hooded cloak and a bag were given. It was done thus — so that he appeared like every sick person. A wooden crutch was given to him to prop his knee on the way. He went before him in that manner — with a sword under his clothing — to the place where {38615} {MS folio 303b} the nobles of Ireland were — at the door of the tent of Áed mac Ainmerech. Tidings were asked of him — and his story was: he had come from Cill Bélat. {38617} {MS folio 303b5} “I went to the camp of Leinster in the morning — and they came after me — and my hut and my quern and my red stuff and my church were destroyed. Twenty crutch-wounds on me in their healing,” said the king of Ireland — “if you escape from this hosting — and go into that tent — and a ninth-share is my own fosterling-fee — and the household portions.” {38622} “What are the Leinstermen doing?” said the king. “They are preparing food for you — and you have never before found ample food for the cattle. They are boiling their pigs and their beef and their salted meat. {38625} A curse upon the heads of the kindred of Eogan and Conall. The two warrior’s eyes in the leper’s head I see,” said the king. “Woe to you — your mind toward the kingship of Ireland — if it is before your eyes that fear will seize you.” “It is not from that,” said the king. “Go from us,” said he, “to fetch Dub Dúin — king of Airgiall.” {MS folio 303b20} Dub Dúin then came. The king of Ireland said to him: “Go,” said the {38630} king of Ireland — “and take the battle of Airgiall with you — to Bun Aífe southward — and to Crúadabaill — and make a guard there — so that Leinster does not make an attack on our camp.” They went forward as Áed commanded them.
p. 1298
{38633} {MS folio 303b25} Then Áed mac Ainmerech said to his servant: “Bring me the cowl of Colum Cille — so that it may be around me tonight — as a protection for me against the Leinstermen — for Colum Cille had pledged to him that he would not be killed from inside his cowl.” Áed had asked Colum Cille many times: {38637} {MS folio 303b30} “How many of your clerics,” said he, “of those you yourself have encountered — from among kings — will go to heaven?” This is what Colum Cille said: “Certain it is,” said he, “that I know only three kings — namely: Daimmín Dam Argait king of Airgiall — and Ailill Banda king of Connacht — and {MS folio 303b35} Feradach Find son of Dach of the Corco Laígde — king of Ossory.” “What good did those do,” said Áed, “beyond other kings?” “Not difficult,” said Colum Cille. “Daimmín Dam Argait — no cleric went away from him refused — and no cleric was put to shame — and no church or sacred grove was troubled — and he gave much {38644} {MS folio 303b40} to the Lord. He went then to heaven — through the gentleness he showed to the household of the Lord — and the clerics are reciting his requiem.” Ailill Banda moreover — it was easier that he found the gentleness of the Lord. The Battle of Cúl Conaire — he fought it against the clans of Fiachrach — and it broke upon him in that battle. He said to his charioteer: {38648} {MS folio 303b45} “Look behind you — and tell me — is the killing great — and are those who were killed near us?” The charioteer looked behind him — and this is what he said: “The killing is terrible — your household is being killed,” said he. “It is not {38651} {MS folio 304a} their own fault that they are going against them,” said he, “but the fault of my arrogance and my injustice. Turn the chariot toward the enemy,” said he. “For if I am killed — because of it — it will be the salvation of many.” The chariot was then turned against the enemies — and Ailill performed swift repentance after that — and fell by enemies. {38657} {MS folio 304a5} “That man found the gentleness of the Lord,” said Colum Cille. “Feradach Find son of Dach moreover — king of Ossory — a greedy, unconscionable man he was encountered with — and whenever he heard of but a single scruple of gold or silver with a person in his territory — he seized it by force — and put it into his accumulated stores of {38660} cups and goblets and swords and fidchell-sets. A terrible dark misery then seized him. His possessions were gathered to him — until they were in a flood around him. His enemies then came to seize his house over him. His sons moreover came {38664} {MS folio 304a15} to take the possessions with them. “Let them not be taken,” said he, “by my sons — for I have afflicted many people for those possessions — and it is the will of God that I be afflicted here for them myself — and let them be given of my own free will to my enemies — from me — so that the Lord may not afflict me there.” His sons then departed from him. {38667} {MS folio 304a25} And he himself set about earnest repentance — and found death from enemies — and found the gentleness of the Lord.”
{38670} {MS folio 304a} “What of myself?” said Áed — “will I find the gentleness of the Lord?” “You will not find it at all,” said Colum Cille. “But, O cleric,” said he, “grant me the Lord’s forgiveness — without bringing my defeat to the Leinstermen.” “That is grievous to me,” said Colum Cille — “for they are of my mother. And moreover — the Leinstermen came to me at Doire Magh — and put me under fasting (troscud) — until I would give them the gift of my nephew — and that is what they asked of me — that no defeat be brought to them by a foreign king — and I pledged that to them. However — here is my cowl for you — and you will not be killed from inside it if it is around you.” This is the cowl Áed asked from his servant at that time. “The cowl has been left by us,” said the servant, “at Ailech.” {38679} {MS folio 304a40} Áed said moreover: “It is likely,” said he, “that I will be left this night by the Leinstermen.”
{38680} As for Brandub now — his horses and cattle were prepared — and he arranged his battalions — and went before him at midnight. Until {38682} {MS folio 304a45} the Airgialla heard the sound — and the noise of the great host — and the galloping of the horses — and the thunder of the cattle — along the plains.
{38684} The Airgialla rose — under arms. “Who is there?” said the Airgialla. “Not difficult — the servant-troop of Leinster — with food for the king of Ireland.” The Airgialla rose up {MS folio 304b} — and each hand that a man raised took a beef or a pig under arm. “It is true for them,” said the king of Airgiall. “Let them pass.” “Let us go moreover,” said the Airgialla, “lest we be forgotten at that distribution.” The Airgialla went before them {38690} {MS folio 304b5} to their camp booths. The Leinstermen went before them to the hill of the candle in the middle of the camp — and snatched the cauldron from the candle. “What great light do we see?” said the king. “Not difficult,” said the leper. “The food has come.” The leper rose — and struck away his wooden crutch — and his hand reached his sword. {38695} {MS folio 304b10} The yoke-pins were pulled from the teams — and the horses were released into the tethering-posts of the men of Ireland — so that they went into wild racing — and broke the booths and tents of the men of Ireland. The Leinstermen rose from their panniers like a flood-tide from cliffs — {38699} {MS folio 304b15} with swords in hand — shields on forearms — armour on backs. “Who is there?” said the kindred of Conall and Eogan. “The household of the display of food,” said the leper. “Otherwise,” said everyone — “they are a great multitude.” And Conall and Eogan rose. {38702} {MS folio 304b20} And though they were — they were like hands in a serpent’s nest. A rampart of spears and shields was made around the king of Ireland — and he was brought to his horses — and they carried him to Berna na Scíath. The shields of the men of Ireland were left {38704} {MS folio 304b25} at that gap. Rón Cerr launched his assault upon the king of Ireland — and killed nine — approaching him — and Dub Dúin king of Airgiall came between them — and engaged with him and Rón Cerr — and Dub Dúin fell by him. Rón Cerr launched his assault again upon the king of Ireland — and Fergus son of Flathraí king of Tailcha p. 1300 {MS folio 304b30} Óc came between them — and Fergus fell by Rón Cerr. Rón Cerr then {38710} launched his assault upon the king — and seized his leg — and threw him down from his two horses — and cut off his head on the flat flagstone of Commairt Cnáma (“Bone-Breaking”). He took his bag with him — {MS folio 304b35} and poured its portions from it — and put the head in it. And he went before him — on foot — down the slopes of the mountain — and waited there until morning.
{38715} The Leinstermen then pursued Leth Cuinn — and put them to slaughter. Everyone went the next day — with victory and triumph — to the place where Brandub was. And Rón Cerr came — and placed the head of Áed mac Ainmerech before witnesses. And that is the Battle of Dún Bolg — of the Bórama. In that battle Becc mac Cuanach was killed.
{38720} The Bórama was exacted after that — by Colmán Rímid — and Áed Úaridnach — Mael Coba — Suibne Mend — Domnall son of Áed — Cellach {MS folio 304b45} and Conall Cáel — two sons of Mael Choba — Blaithmac and Diarmait. The son of Blaithmac then seized the kingship of Ireland — and did not take the Bórama. Until the north of Ireland was mustered by him — and he pressed them in their petition — and said:
{38725} {MS folio 304b50} “Give us your counsel — {MS folio 305a} O Cenél Eogain of Ailech — shall we go against the Leinstermen — or shall we remain in our houses?
{38730} Let us consider our Bórama — for which the conflict was made. Let us go to Leth Mór Moga — where the hosts do not seek conflict. Let us make a long-wearying hosting — {38735} let everyone tell each other — {MS folio 305a5} let us drop something of our armed raiding — upon Leinster — in earnest.” D.
{38738} He brought Conall and Eogan and Airgialla and the Fir Breg and the Fir Mide to Lerg mná Fine. The Leinstermen advanced to meet them then. The king of Leinster at that time was {MS folio 305a10} Faelán son of Colmán — and he fought a battle. It broke upon Sechnasach — and the slaughter of Leth Cuinn was made. The Bórama was abandoned with the Leinstermen. Cendfaelad son of Crundmael reigned four years. Until he fell by Fínnachta. Fínnachta Fledach son of Dunchad then seized the kingship of Ireland p. 1301 {MS folio 305a15} for twenty years — and took the Bórama twice without opposition. The third {38745} time he came to exact it — the Leinstermen rose against him. A great muster of Leth Cuinn was made by him — to Lathrach Muiredaig — on the border of Leinster and Meath. {38748} {MS folio 305a20} That news reached Bran son of Conall. The Leinstermen were mustered — so that they were — between warrior and cleric — at Alenn.
{38750} Mo Lling did not come with them. And a messenger was sent from them to fetch Mo Lling. And Mo Lling was at that time at Ross Bruicc — called Teg Mo Lling today. For since Mo Lling came from Sruithair Gúaire — he found no place to dwell until he reached Ross Bruicc. Whence Mo Lling sang:
{38755} “Here — I have been appointed — here I will do my hours — I will not depart from this abode — until the day of judgment comes.
Here my heart will be — {38760} my haunt — above the flood — not great is my fill of sleep — with you — O Son of Mary.
{MS folio 305a30} Ross nEidnech of the river-bank — Ross nDubglaisse — with vigour — {38765} Druim nDaíle — Druim nDamgaire — Ross Bruicc — on the bank of the Barrow.
I am Mo Lling of truth — Teg Mo Lling will be my abode — by the will of the king of the flood — {38770} it is here I have been appointed.” Here.
{38771} When that news came to Mo Lling — he gathered his community — and made the poem:
{MS folio 305a35} “Beloved — a threesome — O Christ — bright and pure — who will go with me to fetch the cattle — {38775} Forannán — Áed son of Senach — and Colmán from Clúain Chredail.
p. 1302
{38777} {MS folio 305a}
Beloved — a threesome — that has not suffered hardship — who will come with me — before my lead — Dubthach — Dubán — free from sorrow — {38780} and Cuán from Clúain Mór.
Beloved — a fivesome — of harmonious poetry — Álgenach and Fulartach — {MS folio 305a40} Mo Menóc — Milóc of the diadems — and Findbarr — generous — very white.
{38785} Beloved — a foursome — of noble harmony — Elchomach and Áedán — Sárnatan — Colmnatan — the fair — I consider none of them unloved.” In.
{38789} After that Mo Lling went before him to Alenn — where the Leinstermen were. {MS folio 305a45} And a truly gentle welcome was given to Mo Lling by them. And Mo Lling sat at the king of Leinster’s right hand.
{38792} It was then Bran said: “What counsel shall we make — that is — shall we give battle to Leth Cuinn — or in reliance on our saints shall we go to seek remission of the Bórama? And if in reliance on saints — which of the saints {MS folio 305b} of Leinster shall we send to seek remission of the Bórama?” And he was saying it thus — and made a poem:
“Tell us — O Túathal — O son of fearsome Ailill — who will hold Leinster at Luathmag — {38800} a fitting thing for us — through conflict.
{MS folio 305b5} Which of the saints of Leinster — of woods — of plains — of places — which saint of the good noble company — will ward off from us the plague?
{38805}
Is it Brigit — the victorious — {MS folio 305b10} or is it Fintan — the host-great — or is it Mo Aedóc — the vigorous — or Mo Lasse — the arch-full — or is it — [gap in manuscript]
p. 1303
{38810} {MS folio 305b}
Is it Brendan of Gabra — or is it Cainnech — the wondrous — or is it Lachtán — full-angel — that wards off what is over our head? Or is it Fíac of Tara — {38815} or Tigernach — the three-netted — or is it white Fiachra?
Which of the five musicians — from their single harmonious leader — Dagán — Bishop Eogan — {38820} and Abbán — the angel — and fair Caimgen?
{MS folio 305b15} Is it Mo Chua of Clúain Dolcain — with its victories — with its sixsome of victories — {38825} who will bear the lamb from the tribute? Is it Colum of Tír — or is it vigorous Baethín — or is it Mo Aedóc of Ferns — the fine man — without weariness?
{38830} Is it the Gaul — the devout — or Ithairnaisc — the gentle — or is it Bishop Colmán — or Comgán of the glens? {MS folio 305b20} Or is it Berchán — the highly praised — {38835} or Eimín — without distribution — or Mo Chua son of Lonán — or is it Mo Lling?
Or is it the breaking of the encounter — or the facing toward what moves {38840} — toward Fínnachta — the host — or is it the hardness of our battles — around which the sons of lords will fall — who will bear wrong from us?
p. 1304
{38844} {MS folio 305b}
Mo Lling — a flame of fire — {38845} {MS folio 305b25} a wave filling the shores — will do good to everyone.
He is the boar above the herds — he is the peak above the branches — the son of Faelléan — the prophet.
{38850} He is the satin above the hosts — he is the ship — on sailing — he is the calendar of the month. The badger-star of victories — I have heard — I have heard — {MS folio 305b30} {38855} he will bear the lamb from the tribute.
He is the fierce water — he is the heart-candle — his word is the vapour. He is the Daniel of the Gael — {38860} he is the pilot of the Táeden — grandson of Dega — of the company.
A horse for every great king — a scruple for every wood-corner — from me — to Mo Lling — {38865} an ounce for each every kindred — {MS folio 305b35} the kindred — of the grandson of Feradach Find — a scruple for every wanderer — it is no matter — {38870} between east and west — a sheep for every woman of the corner — a heifer-calf for every possession — to the son of Faelléan — generous.
I myself will go before — {38875} if it please God — {MS folio 305b40} until my poem is received. The rich Bórama — is borne from you — O Leinster — forever — it will not be strengthened.
p. 1305
{38880} {MS folio 305b}
I will traverse the land of Áed — I will not find gentleness — seeking your cattle. I will go your road — {38885} until it is prosperous — across the summits of every tower.” Tower.
{38886} {MS folio 305b45} It was then Bran Ardchenn said — strengthening Mo Lling:
“Rise, O Mo Lling — with the victory of fine piety — do what is good for us — {38890} and go northward —
let it not be a sun through a house — let it not be a meeting beside it — let it be a benefit to the host — let it be lucky — and calm — {38895} let it not be the day of Lúan — {MS folio 306a} let it not be harsh — gloomy — let it not exhaust the difficulty — let it not be a visit — or a circuit.
My horse and my usual equipment — {38900} you will take from me — to everyone — until judgment comes — it will be a victory.
You will get Ros Caín — and you will get Dún mBrain — you will get Gáisit Glúair.
{MS folio 306a5} {38905} To your son and to your grandson — kingship will come to them — I do not conceal it from everyone — in what you gave me — your fame will be greater — {38910} until judgment comes.
The Bórama of your cattle — it will not be taken from you — O fine Bran Ardchenn — while I carry it on heaven — {38915} it will not be borne by the men — of the clans of noble Néill.
p. 1306
{38917} {MS folio 306a}
Your points are reddened — Mo Lling says to you — {MS folio 306a10} your order will be shameful —
{38920} Fínnachta has fallen — as Áed fell — at Belach Dúin Bolg. Faelchú — the keen — fell — and Róen son of Néill — {38925} their fadb (cattle-trap) left — Dáre — the swift — fell — by Bran Find of the hostages — at the battle of Ros dá Carn —
Do not hesitate to contend — {38930} but rise to the meeting — with pleasant gentle words — {MS folio 306a15} you will get a silk cowl — I will be at your right hand — amply — so rise, O Mo Lling.” E.
{38935} Mo Lling rose after that — and said to Tollchenn of Clúain Ena — the poet — that he should come with him to the king’s house — so that it would be he who would recite the praise-poem Mo Lling had made. And Mo Lling said these words while fastening his garment:
{MS folio 306a20} “In the name of the Trinity — {38940} the Trinity — who owns heaven — Father — Son — and Holy Spirit — they are together — for my part.
In the name of His humanity — the Son of the holy Lord — {38945} in the name of His divinity — Jesus — noble — fine.
In the name of the archangels — who are with Him — on heaven — in the name of the chief apostles — {38950} who are around His bright face.
p. 1307
{38951} {MS folio 306a25}
With Him is the power of our living — with the co-dweller of the children — with Him is the power of our dying — when the time comes.” In.
{38955} They then went before them to the house of Cobthach son of Colmán in Uí Faelain — and a feast was set out for them — until they were satisfied. The members of his community said to the poet: “We think little,” said they, “of being in a cleric’s entourage.” “If so,” said the poet — “let us leave the clerics — and let us go before them to the house of the king of Ireland.” They then went before them to the house of Fínnachta. When {38960} {MS folio 306a35} they arrived — the poet took Mo Lling‘s poem — and said it was he who had made it. As for Mo Lling — he rose the next day — and the entourage was not found. “It is true,” said Mo Lling. “The poet has fled from my poem — and will sell it to the king of Ireland.” Mo Lling went before him to Muneal Findmaige — called Mag Nechta today — up through Mag Cláraig until he reached Lathrach Muiredaig. {38965} {MS folio 306a40} The youth-troop of the men of Ireland rose — around Dondgilla son of Fínnachta — after they had been warned of their approach. They pelted showers — a shower of sods — of stones — and of wooden blocks — so that the two clerics could not be in any one place among them. Mo Lling went before them on horseback until he reached the king’s house. And {38970} {MS folio 306a45} he found no rising there. He looked at the host — and it was a shame to him — without rising to receive him. And he saw Colcu son of Máenach son of Dubánach son of the king of Uí Cholgan — who rose before him. And Diarmait son of Colcu raised his knee before him. And they were on the corner pillars of the post. Mo Lling then blessed that Colgu and Diarmait son of Colcu. A wild stag then chanced against the same youth-troop — and {38975} {MS folio 306b5} they shot the wild stag — so that a shot of theirs struck the tongue of Dondgilla son of Fínnachta — so that he was dead from it immediately — at the sigh of Mo Lling. A great wailing cry arose there. “What is this great lamentation?” said {38980} {MS folio 306b10} Fínnachta. “Your son Dondgilla has fallen there — for my honour,” said Mo Lling. “Revive the boy, O cleric,” said Fínnachta — “and you will have his reward.” “I do not ask it,” said Mo Lling — “except for my poem — and for the reviving of your son — and for heaven for yourself — only a truce concerning the Bórama — until Monday.” “You will have that,” said the king.
{38985} Mo Lling then rose up to him — and invoked the Trinity and the four Gospel-books of harmony upon him. And the breath of a foolish buffoon came upon him. The cleric took his poem.
p. 1308
{38987} {MS folio 306b}
“Fínnachta — of Uí Néill — as a sun he rose — {38990} he is the bark above the wave — he is the wave above the strand.
He is the battle on land — that kings may not set their attacks — he is the king of Tara — protecting his people — {38995} he is the lord from whom help comes.
{MS folio 306b20} He is a flood of deeds — facing valour — he is the wave — outward and inward — he is the king of Tara — from the north — he is the hard iron — before the battle.
{39000} He is the wise heart of Conn — the sacred tree of Tara — spike by spike — he is the Fínnachta — not weak — he is the fair tree of kin-craft.
I have heard from the ancients here — {39005} praise is better than every treasure — {MS folio 306b25} that generous Fínnachta does not know — that the cattle do not last long.
The cattle leave everyone’s possession — with the seed of Adam — in harsh times — {39010} every person under noble heaven is in danger — the little world passes by.
Coirpre and Cormac and Art — Conn — who reached the royal beds — though they seized Tara — firmly — {39015} to my mind — Fínnachta is better.” F.
{39016} {MS folio 306b30} “Worse than all of us — your meeting,” said the king — “that a lie was told to you — that is — the poem that Tollchenn the poet sold to you.” Mo Lling said: “If it is he who made it — let him rise and take his poem.” The poet rose — and came to his head — and said:
p. 1309
{39018} {MS folio 306b35}
“Drí bor drá bor — hens and jackdaws — grey ducks — the limp shafts of a chariot — the stones of Éore — {39020} colours of speed — the horns of Cuailnge — the confusion of sense — sense taken away — the high sun — hazy — the wind of the síde — the Liffey — full of herbs — Mo Lling — the pilot — the pilot of true judgment — the strong — guiding charge — {39025} in shaping true judgment.
{MS folio 306b40} I myself — I go — to the middle sea — there will come upon me — the croaking treble-strain — I tomorrow — to the whale-sea — to Ess Rúaid — rowing — after a triple-coiled cave.” D.
{39030} The poet then rose — and went — {MS folio 306b45} swift and frenzied — to the wave of Dún mac Fánait — far to the north — of Ess Rúaid — and was drowned there.
{39031} When Fínnachta saw that — he seized the cleric’s foot — and without asking any more of him — his son being revived for him — and everything about which he had come — he would receive.
{39034} Mo Lling rose then — until he was above the boy. And he prayed {39035} {MS folio 307a} to the Lord fervently — until God revived Fínnachta‘s son for him. And Mo Lling said:
“Christ — O support of my heart — let not sadness come to me through it — let my strife be pure — as long as I live in this present world — let Dondgilla come — {39040} to the king — with whom is the frost.
{MS folio 307a5} If it please the Son of God — let the boy be alive. Let the boy be alive — the son of Fínnachta of the host — if the lad is alive — at the meeting — until Monday — far or near — until judgment — it will be the usual — fine — voice — this Monday that is mentioned — {39045} it will be Mo Lling‘s Monday.
p. 1310
{39046} {MS folio 307a10}
It will be a far meeting — it will not be a meeting back in time — it is not the Monday of the hour of rest — but the Monday of great judgment.
Rise up high — readily — {39050} by the will of the holy Lord — O swift Dondgilla — let it not be a leap past the hand.
For God makes the peace — let it not be the dear thing after weariness — the house is there — where the Passion is — let it not go again — {MS folio 307a15} the Only Son of Mary is greater — above every company seen — the Lord of the new heavens — my protection and my heart.” C.
{39056} Mo Lling then went from the north — to seek from Leinster the remission of the Bórama. Adomnán heard that story — that is, the remission of the Bórama by Mo Lling — and that a truce was being given around it — until Monday. He came {39060} {MS folio 307a20} before him to the place where Fínnachta was. Adomnán sent a cleric of his community to Fínnachta — so that he would come to speak to him. Fínnachta was playing fidchell at that time. “Come to speak to Adomnán,” said the cleric. “I will not go,” said Fínnachta — “until this game is finished.” {MS folio 307a25} The cleric came to Adamnán. And reported to him that reply. Adomnán said: “Go,” said Adomnán — “and say to him: I will recite fifty psalms in the meantime — and there is a psalm in those fifty that wins kingship for his children and his grandsons — and for the man of his name.” The cleric came {39065} {MS folio 307a30} to Fínnachta — and told him. Fínnachta gave no heed to it — until the game was finished. “Come to speak to Adomnán,” said the cleric. “I will not go,” said Fínnachta — until {39070} this game is finished.” The cleric told that to Adomnán. “Go again,” said Adomnán — to his approach — “and say to him: I will recite another fifty here — and there is a psalm in it that will give him length of life.” The cleric went — and told Fínnachta — and Fínnachta gave no heed — until the game was finished.
{39075} The cleric said a third time to Fínnachta: “I will not go,” said Fínnachta — “until this game is finished.” The cleric came to Adomnán — and told him. “Approach him,” said Adomnán — “and say to him: I will recite fifty in the meantime — and there is a psalm in it — that will win for him the finding of the Lord‘s forgiveness.” The cleric went — and told Fínnachta.
{39080} When Fínnachta heard that — he threw the fidchell board aside — quickly — eagerly. And he came before him to the place where Adomnán was. {MS folio 307a45} “What delayed you, O Fínnachta?” said Adomnán — “that you did not come with the first messengers?” “Not difficult,” said Fínnachta:
p. 1311
{39083} {MS folio 307a} “What he threatened against me,” said Fínnachta — “that is — that no one of my children seize the kingship of Ireland — and no man of my name. That is light to me — for Mo Lling has pledged heaven to me. {MS folio 307b} As for the second thing you pledged me — that is, length of life — that too is light to me — since Mo Lling has pledged heaven to me. The third thing moreover you pledged me — that is — that I should not find the Lord‘s forgiveness. I could not endure hearing that — without coming at the sound of your voice.”
{39088} {MS folio 307b5} “God did that,” said he — “for in what Mo Lling pledged him — regarding the remission of the Bórama — he did not permit Adomnán to dispute it. Is the remission of the Bórama true for you — until the Day of Monday?” said Adomnán. “It {39091} {MS folio 307b10} is true,” said the king. “You have been deceived in that then,” said Adomnán. “For it is Monday of the Day of Judgment (Lúan Latha Brátha) that the cleric said. If it does not pass today — it will never come until judgment.” {39095} Adomnán and Fínnachta had moreover been friends — when Fínnachta was a prince — and Adomnán a young student. And then Adomnán made these verses:
{MS folio 307b15} “Today — whoever ties tightly — the grey-haired — toothless king — {39100} the meeting that was remitted to Mo Lling — the difference is — the clever one does not catch it.
If it were I — Fínnachta — lord of Tara — forever — I would not give it — {39105} forever I would not do what has been done.
Every king who does not remit his tribute — his stories will be long — woe to the one who gave the meeting he gave — the one who is weak — woe — and woe.
{39110} They are aimed at your wisdom — and at your folly — with melody — woe — the king who remitted the tribute — O Jesus — of the heavenly heaven.
Famous is every one who has a homestead — {39115} {MS folio 307b25} woe to the one who follows the grey-haired — long is this meeting — if it falls out — it will be long — like cattle-dues.
p. 1312
{39118} {MS folio 307b}
If I were to reach the redness of blood — I would bring down my enemy — {39120} I would raise my strongholds — my contentions would be many.
My contentions would be many — my judgments would not be false — {MS folio 307b30} my meetings would be true — {39125} my peoples would be full.
My heights would be seen widely — my strongholds would be firm — this meeting — however it came about — I would not let it go — to Leinster.
{39130} I pray a prayer to God — that death or danger may not come to me — that Mo Lling may escape today — he will not fall by point or blade.
{MS folio 307b35} The son of Faelléan — the man across the walls — {39135} will not be driven back — he knew the secrets of the Son of God — the Son of God knew his secrets.
Three fifties of psalms — every day — that is what he prays to God — {39140} three fifties of poor — on the path — being fed — that is what he feeds every night.
The tree of victories — the leap-year — {MS folio 307b40} the knower — with the knowings — the ship of the sea — that found welcome — {39145} the wave of the Barrow — the bark of Bressal.
The golden ship — noble its content — the golden plank — above the children — the wisdom of the dark Dubglaiss — the sound of the wave — against the cliff.” A.
{39150} After that the men of Ireland rose after Mo Lling. And Mo Lling was marking out the place of a mill at Fornocht. Until they saw Fínnachta with the men of Ireland — coming toward them. When Mo Lling saw them — he said:
p. 1313
{39153} {MS folio 307b}
“O my powerful Lord — who made every king — {39155} O king — who knows every secret — O back of Fínnachta — {MS folio 308a} Fínnachta — his royal beds are passed — my curse — and the curse of the king of heaven — {39160} upon the king of Tara — upon Fínnachta — Fínnachta — his royal beds are passed — his kingship — beyond all — has been terminated — I do not conceal it — for Fínnachta.
{39165} {MS folio 308a5} The lawless lords will sink — the kin-murderers will rise — blessing upon the seed of Diarmait — curse upon the seed of Fínnachta.
Ten times — the Bórama was borne — {39170} two score kin-slayings — from Túathal Techtmar — of the multitudes — until the reign of Fínnachta.
I have borne the Bórama — to the Leinstermen — as their right — {39175} {MS folio 308a10} from the Uí Néill — without the power of grief — O my powerful Lord.” A.
{39177} Mo Lling then went forward — across the ford — on the far side. And he rang his bell. And he cast terror upon the Leinster cattle — so that every cow of them reached its fort and stronghold. Leth Cuinn made a battle-enclosure around them. And then Mo Lling said:
{39180} {MS folio 308a15} “May rocks be as dark oaks — may waves be as green pools — may stone houses rise above churches — may it not be an empty vision.”
p. 1314
{39183} {MS folio 308a} Mo Lling then went westward — until he reached the place where the Cross of Mo Lling is. He sat there — and made the verse:
{39186} {MS folio 308a20}
“Let us sit here — a seat of battle — let us rise — to victorious conflicts — whoever be under the pressure of Colum — {39190} his body will not be under the hounds.
My curse upon Fínnachta — and the curse of the King of Heaven — Fínnachta has turned against me — his people will not be more eminent.
O Brigit of Cill Dara — {39195} O Mac Táil from Cill Chuilind — and O Son of Mary — with you is every seat I take.” S.
{39198} {MS folio 308a25} After that Mo Lling said: help would be needed here at this time. This was revealed to Mo Thaireán — who was in the court of the king of Leinster. {39199} {MS folio 308a30} “It is a straitness,” said he, “for Mo Lling at this time. And if it were good to the Lord — it would be good to us — to put a mist over him.” The mist was put over him. And though it was put — they could not lift it. And their enemies thought they saw them. They went before them to Áth Lóegaire — the place where Labraid Longsech was born. Then Mo Lling said: {39205} {MS folio 308a35} “Who is in that place over there — where we hear the bell?” And Cólmnait the nun said to him: “Alas, O cleric — it seems to me you are in fear.” “That is Cell Usaille,” said the nun. Mo Lling said: “What is that great badger with the tonsured head — we see in the corner of the four-square?” “That is Cell Dara,” said the nun. And then Mo Lling made this intercession:
{39210} {MS folio 308a40}
“O Brigit — bless our road — let no harm come on our journey — O nun of the full Liffey — until we reach your house — safely.
O Brigit — bless our road — {39215} be yourself — our protection. Though long — though short — our going — let two spirits accompany us.
p. 1315
{39218} {MS folio 308a45}
O Brigit — bless — clear our road — O young shy nun there — {39220} come over help us — a hundred times — that our road be prosperous — with you.
A shining word — O Christ — come to my protection. O Brigit — spread from above my head — {39225} your white cloak — for my protection.
O Mac Táil — O fine — ordained cleric — {MS folio 308b} O Brigit of the Liffey of Lurc — let not the sons of evil come to our meeting.
{39230} O Mael Ruain — O Michael — archangel — of the cave — let us not be feeble — but strong — let our help come readily from you.
A strong prayer — {39235} Mo Chua of Clúain Dolcáin — with me — {MS folio 308b5} if Uxaille of the church is present — let him come — with sweet voice — at our head.
My king lives — the Son of the Living God endures — {39240} on every road — in this present world — before the host of enemies — let none come.
The strength of God — with us — lest we be caught in our track — O holy Caimgen — if you are in your glen — {39245} for the contest of Mo Lling — raise your head.
{MS folio 308b10} Comgán — live — for my protection — in every conflict. Mo Lasse — with hundreds of saints — and our first letter — together with them.
p. 1316
{39250} {MS folio 308b}
Golden vessel — Áed son of Eogan of Clúain Mór — many royal grades — around his grave — {39253} let them be numerous — coming to pursue us.
Pure spring — {39255} Dílgedach son of Cairpre — the fair — {MS folio 308b15} the best of the nobles of the world — the man — welcome — the help of the man.
The elder of the company — Dagán and white Baethín — {39260} our protection — against every field — let us not dread evil — or battle.
Bishop Ith — Cruad and Elcho — without concealment — they pray to the Lord separately — {39265} for our going — past guilt — past raiding.
Bishop Ith of Áth Fadat — beyond the hosts we did not fear — around us — with us — in every conflict — {MS folio 308b20} Bishop Ith — our protection in every conflict.
{39270} I implore Mo Thaireán — his protection is very strong — sustain me at every hour — O bishop of Áth Fadat.
Against every evil I pray — {39275} I contend with the son of Óengus — I revere Mo Thaireán — the flame — {MS folio 308b25} let him put a mist over my beloved path.
O nun of Cetharlocha — O fine prominent nun — {39280} O Crón daughter of Sétna — bless the road of my path.
p. 1317
{39282} {MS folio 308b}
O Tacán — fine pilgrim — dwelling in the land of Uí Crimthannáin — let not enemies come to our meeting — {39285} let them not be at our evasion.
{MS folio 308b30} Hear our cry — O Mo Énóc of Ros Muchnig — the great — O Colum son of Cathbad — fine — O holy Colum from Clúain Úail.
{39290} The cattle-herd I have brought from the north — safe it will leave me — safe I found it. O Cellán — O church on the mountain — come at the stroke of the enduring summit.
{MS folio 308b35} Mo Aedóc — gentle — {39295} let him come over every noble crooked road. Colum Cille — holy Comgall — Mo Lling of the meetings — if it is right.
O Mundu — clear our road — O Abbán — the gentle — on our path — {39300} O Mo Aedóc — over the summits of peoples — let us not dread terror — or death.
The Cross of the Living God — at the breast — against every evil — three times — {MS folio 308b40} for we do not fear the Son of God — {39305} whoever it be — we fear nothing.
It rose around me — from every direction — it rose — to protect my track. The daughter of Talán — high her love — {MS folio 308b45} rose — from the middle of Mag Luirg.
{39310} O Colmán of Sliab in Messa — my feet are in pain — O Bishop of Áth Fadat — now it is the time of a friend.
p. 1318
{39314} {MS folio 308b}
O secret King — {39315} O holy Patrick — who is in Dún — let us reach the half of the road in peace — [gap in manuscript] every secret road.
Come over our protection — O Mary — O mother of the King — {39320} O Éimnat — O fine Fídnat — O white Cholmnat — and O Bríg.” A.
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