Books and other items printed in Gaelic from 1871 to 1900 > Gaelic bards, and original poems

168
ANCIENT GAELIC BARDS.
But ere the evening pass’d away,
Ere yet the mirth had ceased.
Branno inquired, “ What is your purpose ?
What would you have of me 1 ”
And Cailta said, “We seek thy daughter,
Her would we have of thee.”
Then Branno said, “ But which of you would have her 1 ”
“ Fingal’s son.” said Cailta : “ this is he.”
“ Mighty hero of the wide ship-havens,
Happy is the maid gets thee.”
“ So high the place, O Ossian !
Do men’s tongues to thee assign,
If I twelve daughters had ” said Branno,
“The best of them should he thine.”
Then they open’d the choice and spare chamber.
That was shielded with down from the cold;
The posts of its door were of polish’d bone,
And the leaves were of good yellow gold.
Soon as generous Evir-Alin
Saw Ossian, Fingal’s son,
The love of her youth, by the hero—
By me, young maid, was won.
Then we left the dark lake of Lego,
And homeward took our way ;
But Cormac, fierce Cormac, waylaid us,
Intent on the furious fray.
Eight heroes Cormac had with him,
And their men behind them stood;
The hillside flamed with their armour,
Their spears were raised like a wood.