Ossian Collection > Reliquiae Celticae > Volume 2

THE TALE OF DEIRDHE. 457
After them I cannot live —
Three that }3revailed in every conflict,
Three wlio well could suffer hardship,
Three heroes who shunned not fight.
A curse on thee, Cathbad druid,
Who didst, thi'ough a woman, Naesi slay !
'Tis sad thou wert not helping him,
Who was worthy to be the world's one king.
! thou who diggest the grave.
And layest (in it) my love from me,
Make not the bed too narrow,
1 will be along with the noble (cues).
Never have I been alone
But ^ the day your graves were made,
Although often have I
And you been in solitude.
My sight hath gone from me
At seeing the grave of Naesi ;
Soon shall J part with my life,
And those who would mourn me survive not.
For sake of me were they betrayed —
The three strong flood Waves ;
Alas ! that I was not under ground
Before the sons of Uisnech wei-e slain.
Sad has been my journey with Fergus,
Guilefully allured to the Red Branch
By his warm and sweet words,
We were together betrayed.
I have shunned the joy of Ulad,
Many warriors and friends ;
Now that I am alone behind them
My days will not be long.
Then Deirdre sat in the grave and gave three kisses to Naesi
-before he was laid in the earth. And Cuchulainn left for Dun-
' 0' Flanagan's version has " Go M" (until the day).