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■^i 


It  is  hoped  to  complete  this  edition  of  the  latest  recen- 
sion of  the  Leabhar  Gabhdla  in  three  parts  similar  t 
that   now  in   the   reader's   hands.      The  title-page  and 
indexes  will  be  issued  with  the  last  part. 

Though  forming  a  work  complete  in  itself,  the  present 
edition  is  only  the  first  instalment  of  the  study  of  this 
important  historical  tract  on  which  the  editors  have  for 
some  time  been  engaged. 

The  authoritative  MS.  23K32,  in  the  Royal  Irish 
Academy's  Library,  is  the  source  of  the  text  printed  in 
the  following  pages.  Its  pagination  is  indicated  by  the 
marginal  numbers.  For  the  chapter  headings  printed 
in  brackets,  and  for  the  division  into  paragraphs,  the 
editors  are  responsible.  A  full  collation  of  the  other 
MSS.  of  the  present  text  will  be  given  with  the  last  part. 


DO    GHABHÁLAIBH   ÉREND 


DO    GHABHÁLAIBH    ÉREND 
SÍOSANA,   ETC. 

1.  Leigmít  dhín  labhairt  ar  na  hoihxi^ihihh  selaithe, 
Tohudh  gnáth  hi  ttosach  gach  sein-liubhair  ghabhála 
oile,  do  brigh  co  bfuil  isin  scriobtuir  dhiadha  ní  as 
ferr,  et  gorab  dona  diadhamííAibh  as  córa  tmchtadh 
orra,  et  nach  dona  daoinib  oile ;  aga  mbeith  co  lor 
le  a  trachtadh,  et  le  a  scrióbadh  aca  ina  éccmais. 
Gidheadh  benaidh  rind  labhairt  ar  aesaib(h)  an  dom- 
haiw  o  cruthwgAadh  Adaim  ;  do  reir  mar  do  sgnobhsat 
ar  senughdair  fein  ina  seinleab(h)r«í&/í,  ar  lorg  an  Da 
Fher  Seachtmoghat,  et  ughdar  «^Veghdha  eolach  na 
hecclaise  lenws  a  lorgsidhe  ind  áireamh  na  naes ;  oir 
ge  atá  ssimmghadh  7  examhlacht  aisneisi  ind  áireamh 
na  naes  ccetna  eitir  ughdamip  iomdha,  asíad  an  Dá 
Fer  Seachtmoghat,  gus  aw  drwing  lenws  iad  ina  rimh, 
7  ina  náireamh,  as  mo  do  lensat  senughdair  na  Gaoidh- 
eilge  diaidh  indiaidh. 

2.  Aireamh  an  Da  Fher  Ixx**  ar  na  ceithre  céd- 
aosaib  don  domhan — 

o  Adam  co  dilind 2242  (dá.m.cc.xl.ii.) 

o  dilind  CO  hAbraham 942  (.dcccc.xl.ii.) 

o  Abraham  co  Dauid 940  (dcccc.xl.) 

o  Dauid  CO  broid  mBabiloine    .     .     .     485  (cccc.lxxx.u.) 
an  cmgeadk  haes 

o  broid  CO  gein  CR/osr 590  (.d-xc**-.) 

3.  As  uime  do  chuirset  na  hughdair  do  len  an  Da 

Fher  Seachtmog(h)íií  nuimir  bliad(h)an  an  chuigeadh 

2 


OF  THE   CONQUESTS   OF   IRELAND 
AS   FOLLOWS,   ETC. 

1.  We  forbear  from  the  discussion  of  the  six  days' 
work,  which  was  usual  in  the  beginning  of  every  other 
old  Book  of  Conquests,  because  they  are  related  better 
in  the  Holy  Scripture,  and  because  it  is  more  right 
for  divines  to  treat  of  them  and  not  for  other  men  ; 
who  may  have  enough  to  treat  of  and  to  write  without 
it.  However,  it  appertains  to  us  to  speak  of  the  ages  of 
the  world,  from  the  creation  of  Adam  ;  as  our  own  old 
men  of  letters  have  written  in  their  old  books,  in  the 
path  of  the  Seventy-two,  and  of  the  notable  and 
learned  men  of  letters  of  the  Church,  who  follow  their 
lead  in  enumeration  of  the  ages;  for  though  there  is 
variety  and  difference  of  setting  forth  in  the  enumera- 
tion of  the  same  ages  among  many  men  of  letters,  it 
is  the  Seventy-two,  with  those  that  follow  them  in 
their  estimate  and  calculation,  that  the  ancient  men 
of  letters  of  the  Irish  have  followed  the  most,  one  after 
the  other. 

2.  The  calculation  of  the  Seventy-two  respecting 
the  four  first  ages  of  the  world — 

From  Adam  to  the  Flood 2242 

From  the  Flood  to  Abraham 942 

From  Abraham  to  David 940 

From  David  to  the  Babylonish  Captivity    ....     485 
the  fifth  age 

From  the  Captivity  to  the  birth  of  Christ    ....     590 

3.  For  this  reason  have  the  men  of  letters  who 

followed  the  Seventy-two  added  the  number  of  years 

3 


4  DO    GHABHÁLAIBH    ÉREND 

haimser  les  na  ceitn  ced-aosaibh,  do  coimhlionadh 
na  nuimire  hliadha.nsa.  5199  ;  edhón  an  lion  hliadhan 
ó  chruthughad(h)  Adaim  co  gein  Criost. 

4.  As  dona  hugdaraip  leanws  an  dá  fer  Ixx**^  is  na 
ceithri  ced-aosaibh,  Eusebius,  airmheas  ina  Croinic  ó 
chruthughadh  Adaim  co  gein  Criost,  5199  ;  Orosius 
isin  ced  capitil  da  ceid-leabhíj:/  adeir  co  fíuil  ó  Adam 
CO  hAbraham  3184,  et  o  Abram  co  gein  Cr/ost  2015  ; 
a  suim  sin  ara,on  5199 :  Da  pnomsta.raidhe  ecclaisi 
Cr/ost  iad  sin.  Aáuhhairt  beós  S.  Hieronymus  ina 
*'  Epistil  dochum  Titws "  nar  coimhlion«íf/j  áé  mfle 
bliadhain  daois  an  domhain  gó  sin.  Adeir  tra  S. 
Augwstinws  isin  deachmadh  captVí/  don  dara  leabhar 
décc  De  Ciuitate  Dei,  nach  airmend  ó  chruthwg/íadh  an 
duine  sé  mile  hliadhan  go  sin.  Cuirther  ina  leith  sin  ar 
aon  CO  ttegaitt  les  an  lucht  rempa  inn  en-nuimir  contais, 
o  chruthwgAadh  domhí^ín  co  gein  Criost  5199.  Dear- 
hadh  oile  ar  an  airemh  ccetna  an  Martarloig  Romh- 
ánach,  deimnighes  iomlaine  bliadhan  na  naossa  o 
chrathughdiáh.  an  domhain  go  gein  Criost  5199. 

5.  Atiet  na  leabhair  ghabhála  bator  do  lathair  ag 
scnobhadh  na  ngabaltws  so  na  hEr^nn.  Leabhar 
Baile  ui  MaoilConaire,  do  scnobh  Muirghes  mac 
Paidin  UÍ  MaoilConaire  as  Leabhar  na  hUidre,  do 
scriohhadh  hi  Cluain  Mac  Nois  ind  aimsir  Naoimh 
Ciaráin :  Leabar  Baile  ui  Cleivigh,  do  sgriohhadh 
ind  aimsir  Maoil(Sh)eachloind  Moir  meic  Domhnaill, 
Ri  Er^nn :  Leabar  Muint^Ve  Duibhgendáin  o  Sen- 
chuaich  ua  nOilella,  da  ngoirther  Leabhar  Glinde  da 
Lacha :  et  Leabar  na  hUaí;[/í]ongbala :  maille  re 
leahiaibh  gabala  et  senchwsa  oile  cenmothátt. 


OF  THE  CONQUESTS  OF  IRELAND    5 

of  the  fifth  epoch  to  the  four  first  ages,  namely,  to 
complete  the  number  of  years  5199  ;  and  that  is  the 
tale  of  years  from  the  creation  of  Adam  to  the  birth 
of  Christ. 

4.  Of  the  authors  who  follow  the  Seventy-two,  re- 
garding the  four  first  ages,  there  are — Eusebius,  who 
counts  in  his  Chronicle  from  the  creation  of  Adam  to 
the  birth  of  Christ  5199  :  Orosius,  in  the  first  chapter 
of  his  first  book,  says  that  there  are  from  Adam  to 
Abraham  3184,  and  from  Abraham  to  the  birth 
of  Christ  2015.  Their  total  together  is  5199.  Those 
are  the  two  leading  historians  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 
Further,  S.  Hieronymus  said  in  his  "  Epistle  to  Titus  " 
that  six  thousand  years  of  the  age  of  the  world  were 
not  completed  till  then.  Then  S.  Augustine  says  in 
the  tenth  chapter  of  the  twelfth  book  De  Ciuitate  Dei 
that  he  does  not  reckon  from  the  creation  of  man  till 
then,  six  thousand  years.  Let  it  be  said  of  both  these 
that  they  agree  with  those  named  before  them  in  the 
reckoning  of  calculation,  from  the  creation  of  the  world 
to  the  birth  of  Christ,  5199.  Another  proof  of  the  same 
reckoning  is  the  Roman  Martyrology,  which  makes 
certain  that  the  fullness  of  years  of  the  ages  from 
the  creation  of  the  world  to  the   birth  of   Christ  is 

5199- 

5.  These  are  the  books  of  conquests  that  were  to 

hand  in  writing  this  record  of  the  conquests  of  Ireland. 
The  Book  of  Baile  Ui  Maoil-Chonaire,  which  Muirghes, 
son  of  Paidin  ua  Maoil-Chonaire,  wrote  out  of  the 
Book  of  the  Dun  Cow,  that  was  written  in  Clonmacnois 
in  the  time  of  S.  Ciaran :  the  Book  of  Baile  Ui  Cleirigh, 
which  was  written  in  the  time  of  Maol-Shechlainn  Mór, 
son  of  Domhnall,  king  of  Ireland  :  the  Book  of  Muinter 
Duibhghenain,  from  Senchua  of  Ui  Oilella,  which 
is  called  the  Book  of  Glendaloch,  and  the  Book  of  the 
Uachongbhail :  together  with  other  books  of  conquests 
and  of  history  besides. 


DO   GHABHALAIBH    ÉREND 


6.  Atíat    suim    na    neitheadh    atá    isin    leahhar 
siosana — 


1.  Gabháil  Ceasra  cetus  ríandílinn 

2.  Gabháil  Partholóin  iarsin      .     . 

3.  Gabháil  Neimeadh  (sic)    .     .    . 

4.  Gabháil  Fer  mBolcc     .... 

5.  Gabháil  Tuaithe  Dé  Dhananw  . 

6.  Gabháil  Mac  M'úeadA  co  MaoilSeach- 

lain»  Mór 


isi«  cetna  duillin/i. 
isin  3 

„    10 

»    17 

M      21 

27 


OF  THE  CONQUESTS  OF  IRELAND   7 

6.  Here  is  a  summary  of  the  matters  that  are  in  the 
following  book — 

The  conquest  of  Cesair,  first,  before  the 

Flood in  the  first  page 

The  conquest  of  Partholon  after  that Page  3 

The  conquest  of  Neimhedh »10 

The  conquest  of  the  Firbolg »    I7 

The  conquest  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann     ...      „21 
The  conquest  of  the  sons  of  Mil,  to  Maol-Shech- 

lainn  Mor »27 

N.B. — The  pagination  of  this  index  does  not  correspond  to  the 
pagination  of  the  MS.  It  must  have  been  copied  unintelligently 
from  an  older  exemplar. 


(ALT    I) 

DO    GHABAIL    CEASi?^CH    CÉTÍ7S 

7.  Ceasair  tra,  inghen  Betha  meic  Noe,  cetna  amocht^ 
Éri  íar  ttuistin  talman,  cethracha  laithe  ria  ndilinw, 
isin  mbliadain-si  daois  an  domhain  2242.  Tnar  fer  et 
caecca  ingen  imaille  fna.  As  aire  éimh  tudhchator 
indti,  for  teicheadh  dilinde ;  uair  ro  raidh  Dia  iri  Noe 
mac  Lamech,  aire  do  denom  dho  fein,  da  mhacaibh, 
.i.  Sem,  Cam,  lapeth,  et  da  mnaibh  Cova,^  OUa,  Oliua, 
Oliuana  ;  ar  daigh  a  soertha  ar  tonwgar  ndilend  ro 
ferfadh  ior  an  doman,  do  dilgheann  et  do  dilaithriu- 
ghadh  a  aittreabthach  co  coitchend,  alloss  Upesicadh 
cloinde  nAdaim ;  gen  mo  thatsom  na  ma,  oir  batar 
an  tochtar  so  glan  o  pesicadh. 

8.  Ro  comairleig  Dia  do  Noe  dedhe  da  cech  cenel 
anmanw  indlighth^c/j  baoi  ior  bith  do  breith  isin  aire, 
Í0  daigh  siolta  uatha  dés  dileann  ;  7  treidhe  danman- 
daibh  dlighteacha,  fo  daigh  udhbarta  7  siolta  uatha 
mar  an  ccetna.  To  rioncoisg  do  deanamh  na  hairce 
gos  na  haidhmibh  ros  f  ogain  di,  7  in  a  heieadh  inti  do 
gach  ni  ro  fhoighenadh  do  daoinib(h)  7  anmanda*6A 
archena. 

9.  lar  na  clos  do  Bioth,  do  Fhionntain  et  do  Ladhra, 
.i.  na  fir  bator  araon  la  Ceasair  ag  techt  co  hEirind 
iaromh,  gorbo  haircend  co  ttargadh  dile  for  an  ccruinde, 
7  CO  inba.iáhíidhe  ilcenela  an  domain  acht  lucht  na 
hairce,  ro  omnaighset  ar  a  aoi.     Ro  athcomairc  cech 

^  Á.  rainicc.  '  Oliva  here  inserted  and  erased. 

8 


(CHAPTER   I) 

OF    THE    CONQUEST    OF    CESAIR    FIRST 

7.  Now  Cesair,  daughter  of  Bith  son  of  Noe,  was 
the  first  who  found  Ireland  after  the  beginning  of 
the  world,  forty  days  before  the  flood,  in  the  year 
of  the  age  of  the  world,  2242.  Three  men  and  fifty 
maidens  were  with  her.  For  this  reason  they  came 
thither,  a-fleeing  from  the  flood  ;  for  God  said  to  Noe, 
son  of  Lamech,  that  he  should  make  an  ark  for  him- 
self, for  his  sons  Sem,  Cam,  and  Japhet,  and  for 
their  wives  Cova,  OUa,  Oliva,  and  Olivana,  in  hope  of 
saving  them  (selves)  from  the  wave-roar  of  the  flood 
which  He  should  pour  on  the  earth,  to  destroy  and  to 
annihilate  its  inhabitants  at  large,  on  account  of  the 
many  sins  of  the  children  of  Adam  ;  except  them 
only,  for  these  eight  persons  were  free  from  sin. 

8.  God  permitted  (  =  commanded)  Noe  to  bring  a 
pair  of  each  sort  of  unlawful  animal  into  the  ark,  for 
the  sake  of  propagation  from  them  after  the  flood  ; 
and  three  pairs  of  lawful  animals,  for  the  sake  of 
sacrifice  and  of  propagation  from  them  likewise.  He 
taught  him  the  shape  of  the  ark  with  the  furniture 
which  was  necessary  for  it,  and  what  he  should  bring 
therein  of  everything  that  would  be  required  for  the 
persons  and  animals  besides. 

9.  When  Bith,  Finntan,  and  Ladhra,  the  men  who 
accompanied  Cesair  in  coming  to  Ireland  later,  heard 
that  it  was  destined  that  a  flood  should  come  on  the 
world,  and  that  all  the  various  races  of  the  world 
should  be  drowned,  save  the  people  of  the  ark,  they 

1  reached. 
9 


10  DO   GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

oen  diobh  ar  nuair  do  Noe  an  ccomhairleiccf^íiíí/í  dho 
dhul  lais  isiwd  aire,  co  roiscedh  dile.  Albert  Noe  na 
ro  choemnagair  aen  do  leigen  inwti  acht  in  ro  ordafgA 
Dia  feisin,  "  ar  nir  bo  long  latronw  i,  7  nir  bo  huaim 
tadat." 

10.  Do  gniadsomh  et  Ceassair  iomagalloimh  andsin, 
d«s  cred  aireacc  do  ghendais  da  S3iOTadh  ar  dhilinw. 

*'  Ta-hiaidh  aidide  damsa,"  ol  an  inghean  Ceassair, 
"  7  dober  airle  daoibh." 

"  Rod  fia,"  ol  iat. 

"  Tabraidh  laimdia  chu^aibh,''  ol  si,  "  adhraidh  do, 
7  delUgh  fn  Dia  Noe." 

11.  As  fair  desid  occa.  Do  bearad  laimdia  dia 
soighidh,  adhraid  do,  7  dellid  iris  an  cCoimdhe  a 
comhairle  Cessra.  As  eadh  ro  ioncoisgside  doib  iarom, 
long  do  dhenamh,  7  a  ndul  for  muir  do  soighidh  Ereann. 
Do  ghniad  3.m\aidh,  acht  ni  featatarsomh  na  a 
laimdhia  cuin  do  rsighadh  dile. 

12.  Tnar  fer  7  caoga  ingen  lotar  isiw  luing  si«  im 
Cessair.  Dia  Mairt,  ar  aoi  laithe  sechtma.me,  lotor 
innte.  Raissiot  iarom  a  hinis  Meroen  for  techedh 
dilenn,  do  Muir  tToirrien.  Ocht  ttmt  dhecc  doib  for 
Muir  Caisp.  Fiche  tr^th  assuidhe  co  riachtsat  Muir 
cCimerda.  En  trath  co  rangatar  dAssia  mBicc,  eitir 
Syria  7  Mu^'r  tToirrien.  Fiche  trath  doibh  aisidhe 
CO  hEalpa.  Ocht  ttrath  decc  o  Elpa  co  hEspain. 
Naoi  (t)trath  ó  Espain  co  hÉrinn.  Dia  Sathuirn  do 
ruachtsat  Ere,  hi  cnigeadh  decc  escca ;  et  as  an» 
rogabsat  airear,  occ  Dun  na  mBarc  i  Corca  Duibne. 
Batar  faoile  asuidhe  im  rochtain  Ériwd,  ar  ba  doigh 

2  leo  gipe  dú  nach  ranaicc   olc  na  iomarbhas,^  et  ro 
S2iOvadh  ar  pidistaibh,  7  miochairtibh  ^  go  sin  gomadh 

^  .i.  peacadA.  *  tarathair. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   CESAIR         ii 

were  terrified  on  that  account.  Each  of  them  ques- 
tioned Noe  in  turn  as  to  whether  he  would  let  him  go 
with  him  into  the  ark  till  the  flood  should  be  spent. 
Noe  said  that  he  had  no  power  to  let  any  one  into  it 
but  such  as  God  Himself  had  ordained,  "  for  it  was 
no  ship  of  robbers,  nor  was  it  a  den  of  thieves." 

10.  Then  they  and  Cesair  take  counsel  to  know 
what  device  they  should  contrive  to  save  themselves 
from  the  flood. 

"  Give  submission  to  me,"  said  the  girl  Cesair, 
"  and  I  shall  give  you  counsel." 

"  It  shall  be  thine,"  said  they. 

"  Take  an  idol  to  you,"  said  she,  "  worship  it,  and 
forsake  the  God  of  Noe." 

11.  They  agreed  to  that.  They  take  an  idol  to 
themselves,  they  worship  it,  and  they  forsake  the 
Lord  at  the  advice  of  Cesair.  This  is  the  instruction 
it  gave  them  thereafter,  to  make  a  ship,  and  that 
they  should  go  on  the  sea  to  Ireland.  They  do  so ; 
but  neither  they  nor  their  idol  knew  when  the  flood 
should  come. 

12.  Three  men  and  fifty  maidens  went  in  that  ship 
with  Cesair.  On  Tuesday,  so  far  as  regards  the  day  of 
the  week,  they  went  therein.  Then  they  rowed  from 
Meroe  Island,  a-fleeing  from  the  flood,  to  the  Tyrrhene 
Sea.  Eighteen  days  they  had  on  the  Caspian  Sea. 
Twenty  days  thence  till  they  reached  the  Cimmerian 
Sea.  One  day  till  they  reached  Asia  Minor,  between 
Syria  and  the  Tyrrhene  Sea.  Twenty  days  they  had 
thence  to  the  Alps.  Eighteen  days  from  the  Alps  to 
Spain.  Nine  days  from  Spain  to  Ireland.  A  Saturday 
they  reached  Ireland,  in  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  moon  ; 

and  the  place  where  they  took  harbour  was  at  Dun  na  < 

mBarc  in  Corco  Duibhne.    They  were  joyful  then  at  ^J 

reaching  Ireland,  for  they  hoped  that  whatsoever  place  ^^ 

where  came  not  evil  nor  sin,  and  that  was  free  from  a 

1  sin.  *  monsters.  S?^^"""^ 


12  DO    GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

saor  ar  dilind ;   uair  ro  foillsighset  fáidhe  doibh  resiú 
luidsiut  anoir  Ere  do  beith  ion  iondws  sin. 

13.  Rangator  tra  as  sin  co  Mileadach,  diangaror 
Bun  Suainmhe  aniu;  .i.  suaineamh  Siuire,  suainemh 
Eoire,  7  suainem  Bearbha.  Ainm  oile  dho,  Comar  na 
tTn  nUiscce,  do  comrac  no  do  comarrochtain  na  tteora 
nabanM.  Randait  an  triar  fer  remraite  an  caecca 
inghen  an  dú  sin.  Rucc  Fionwtain  seacht  mna  decc 
im  Ceassair.  Dob^rt  Bioth  seacht  mna  decc  im 
Bairinw ;  et  tucc  Ladhra  na  sé  mna  decc  oile,  et  ceisis 
forra. 

14.  Ba  do  Toind  na  mban  7  dia  nanmandai6/t  atru- 
hradh  indso — 

a    Cain  roind  ro  randsamor  eatmiwd 
mesi  is  Bith  is  Ladhra  lon«  ; 
ar  sith,  as  ire  cheill  do  úghneadh, 
imon  caocca  ninghen  noil. 

b    Seacht  mna  decc  mccus  im  Ceassair  ; 

Lot,  is  Luam,  is  Mael,  is  Marr, 
Fuirechair,  Femmarr,  Faible,  Forall, 

Cipir,  Tarriam,  Tamall,  Tam, 
Abla,  Alia,  Raighne,  Sille, 

as  é  lion  baoi  sinne  an«. 

c     Seacht  mna  decc  rug  Bioth  im  Bairiwd, 
Sealla,  Delia,  Daoibh,  Addeóss,^ 
Foda,  Trage^  Nena,  Buanwa, 

Tamall,  Tuama,  Natra,  Leos, 
Fodarc,  Rodarc,  Dos,  Clos,  cluint^r — 
ba  hiad  sin  ar  muint^r  beos. 

^  inneosat. 


OF   THE    CONQUEST    OF   CESAIR  13 

reptiles  and  monsters  till  then,  would  be  safe  from 
the  flood  ;  for  prophets  had  showed  them  before  they 
came  from  the  East  that  Ireland  was  on  that  wise. 

13.  Then,  from  there,  they  arrived  at  Miledach, 
which  is  called  Bun  Suainmhe  to-day ;  that  is  the 
Confluence  of  the  Suir,  the  Nore,  and  the  Barrow. 
Another  name  for  it  is  Comar  na  dTn  nUisce,  from  the 
meeting  or  coming  together  of  the  three  rivers.  The 
three  men  aforesaid  divide  the  fifty  maidens  there. 
Finntan  took  seventeen  wives,  with  Cesair.  He  gave 
Bith  seventeen,  with  Bairfhind ;  and  gave  Ladhra  the 
sixteen  others,  and  he  complained  about  them. 

14.  It  was  of  the  division  of  the  women  and  of 
their  names  that  this  was  said — 

a    A  fair  division  we  divided  between  us, 
I  and  Bith  and  Ladhra  bold  : 
Our  peace,  sensibly  was  it  contrived, 
About  the  fifty  splendid  maidens. 

b    Seventeen  I  took,  with  Cesair  ; 

Lot,  and  Luam,  and  Mael,  and  Marr, 
Fuirechair,  Femmarr,  Faible,  Forall, 
Cipir,  Tarriam,  Tamall,  Tam, 
Abla,  Alia,  Raigne,  Sille, 
That  is  the  tale  that  we  were  there. 

c     Seventeen  Bith  took,  with  Bairfhind, 
Sealla,  Delia,  Daoibh,  Addeoss,* 
Foda,  Trage,  Nena,  Buanna, 
Tamall,  Tuama,  Natar,  Leos, 
Fodarc,  Rodarc,  Dos,  Clos,  be  it  heard —      ♦ 
Those  were  our  people  further. 

*  Daoibh  addeoss  might  be  rendered,  "  I  will  tell  to  you,"  but  in 
spite  of  the  gloss  they  must  be  treated  as  proper  names,  as  other- 
wise there  is  no  way  of  making  up  the  necessary  seventeen. 


14  DO    GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

d    A  sé  decc  iar  sin  re  Ladhra(i)n«, 

Labra,  Bonwa,  Abloir,  Ail, 
Gothiam,  Gnmoc,  Aice,  Inge, 

Roorc,  Rinde,  luchar,  Ain, 
Urrand,  Esba,  Sinne,  Somali, 

ba  hiet  sin  ar  ccomawd  cain. 

15.  Luidh  Ladhra  ria  a  mnaibh  co  hArd  Ladhranw, 
cowapaidh  dforail  banaigh,  et  as  eisidhe  ceadnz.  marbh 
'Eienn.  Lotar  a  mna  ier  na  écc  co  Cessair,  dus  cid  do 
gentais.  Faoiter  techta.  o  Cessair  co  Bioth  im  dail  na 
mban.  Dothaett  Bioth  co  Fionntain  dfios  a  cho- 
mairle  imon  ccaingen  ccetna.  Assedh  ar  richt  leo,  na 
mna  hsitar  la  Ladra  do  roinw  ar  dho  etorra,  combat«r 
cuig  mna  fichet  la  gach  aon  diobh  iarom. 

16.  Do  chuaidh  Bioth  cona,  mnaibh  anwsin  co 
tuaisc^ft  'Erenn,  cowerbail  i  Sleb  Beatha,  7  adhnaicit 
na  mna  é,  hi  Carn  Slephe  Beatha ;  conadh  uadh 
ainmnight^^y.  Tegait  na  mna  for  cul  doridhisi,  co 
hairm  a  bfargaibsiot  Cessair  et  Fionwtain. 

17.  Atlai  iziom  Fionntain,  for  teicheadh  rias  na 
mnaibh,  tar  Bun  Suainmhe,  tar  Sliabh  Cua,  co  Cen« 
Feabhrat  mic  Sin,  laimh  cle  fr^'  Sionainw  soir,  co 
Tultuiwde  OS  Loch  Deirgdeirc. 

18.  Teitt  Ceasair  co  Cuil  Ceassrach  hi  Connachta.ihh. 
7  a  mna  le  ;  et  ro  muidh  a  croidhe  anwsin  isin  ingin 
do  iongnais  a  fir  7  do  écc  a  hathar.  Adhnaicit  na  mna 
a  corp  hisuidhe,  conadh  uaithe  ainmnight^ar  "  Cuil 
CAsra  "  et  "  Carn  Ceassra." 

19.  Ro  forbadh  tra  an  céd-aoís  ááesaibh  an  domhain 
anwsin,  .i.  o  Adamh  co  diliwd,  acht  seacht  laithe  na 
ma.     Dusiaxvadh  an  dile  na  mna  ierttain,  gur  ro  baidhit. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   CESAIR  15 

d    Sixteen  thereafter  with  Ladhra, 
Labra,  Bonna,  Abloir,  Ail, 
Gothiam,  Grimoc,  Aice,  Inge, 
Roorc,  Rinde,  luchar,  Ain, 
Urrand,  Esba,  Sinne,  Somali, 
Those  were  our  fair  company. 

15.  Ladhra  went  with  his  women  to  Ard  Ladhrann, 
so  that  he  died  of  excess  of  women,  and  he  is  the  first 
dead  of  Ireland.  His  women  went  after  his  death  to 
Cesair  to  know  what  they  should  do.  A  messenger  is 
sent  from  Cesair  to  Bith  about  the  division  of  the 
women.  Bith  comes  to  Finntan,  to  know  his  advice 
about  the  same  matter.  This  is  the  conclusion  they 
reached,  to  divide  the  women  belonging  to  Ladhra  in 
two,  between  them,  so  that  each  of  them  had  twenty- 
five  women  thereafter. 

16.  Bith  went  with  his  women  then  to  the  north  of 
Ireland,  so  that  he  died  in  Sliabh  Betha,  and  the  women 
bury  him  there  in  the  stone-heap  of  Sliabh  Betha,  so 
that  from  him  it  is  named.  The  women  come  back 
again  to  the  place  where  they  had  left  Cesair  and 
Finntan. 

17.  Finntan  escapes  after  that,  a-fleeing  before 
the  women,  over  Bun  Suainmhe,  over  Sliabh  Cua,  to 
Cenn  Febrat  mic  Sin,  left-handwise  from  Shannon 
eastward,  to  Tul  Tuinne  over  Loch  Dergderc. 

18.  Cesair  goes  to  Cul  Cesrach  in  Connacht,  and  her 
women  with  her  ;  and  there  her  heart  burst  in  the  girl 
for  the  absence  of  her  husband  and  the  death  of  her 
father.  The  women  bury  her  body  there,  so  that  from 
her  are  named  Cul  Cesra  and  Carn  Cesra. 

19.  Then  the  first  age  of  the  world's  ages  was 
finished,  that  is  from  Adam  to  the  flood,  save  seven 
days  only.  The  flood  overtook  the  women  then,  so 
that  they  were  drowned. 


i6  DO    GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

20.  Co«adh  do  scelaibh  Ceassra  et  a  muintire,  et 
dia  noidheaidaibh,  do  roignedh  an  dúan  so — 

a     Ceathr«cha  truth,  don  tur  tind  ^ 
fofnth  Ere  ria  ndilind  ; 
Ceizssair  fos  fuair,  fo  cucht  cain  ^ 
lucht  a  cuiaigh  ca.dal-g\ain.^ 

b     Cessair  cid  dia  tanaic  si  * 
tn'ar  fer  ar  caeccait  fo  li  ?  ^ 
Dia  Mairt  ro  ghluais,  garb  an  sen  ® 
ota  Innsi  Meroén. 

c      Air  tsinaicc,  oird^rc  an  seel, 
ota  Innsi  Meroén, 
tar  Muir  Toirrien  cen  trwime — 
for  techeadh  na  dilinde. 

d     Bai,  mar  atb^rat  (na)baird  ' 
iri  toebh  cech  airir  iomaird, 
ocht  truth  decc  i  wbairc — nir  b'aisc —  ^ 
OS  muinciwd  ^  Mara  mo^V-Caisp. 

e      Fichi  truth  o  Muir  Caisp  cruim, 
cus  an  muir  cCim^rda  ccumm  ^^ 
truth  di  d'Assia  Bice — seal  siar — 
etir  Siria  is  Muir  tTorrian. 

f      Fichi  truth  on  Assia  Bice, 
ace  seoludh  dEalpa  oirrd^rc  ; 
fri  hocht  decc  tamcc  alle 
CO  huillind  naird  nEaspaiwe. 

1  don  isiTiaidh  thinnesnaigh.      ^  fo  ghne  caoin  no  taithnemhaigh. 
'  croicenw-gloin.  *  cidh  im  a  ttanaicc  si,  no  cia  ia  tainicc  ? 

*  ar  a  mbaoi  deghgne. 

*  lion  luinge,  no  lucht  luingi,  no  ba  sen  garbh  ara  ttangatar. 
'  mar  aderit  na  \\eo\aigh. 

*  nir  b'aithiseach  no  imdeargthach.  '  os  uachtar. 
1"  i  ccuim  no  i  fosgadA  Mara  Cimirdha. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   CESAIR  17 

20.  So  that  of  the  tales  of  Cesair  and  her  people  this 
song  was  made — 

a      Forty  days  of  the  strenuous  journey, 
was  Ireland  found  before  the  flood  ; 
Cesair  found  it,  fair  of  colour, 
(with)  the  people  of  her  bright-skinned,  ship. 

b     Cesair,  wherefore  came  she, 

with  fifty-three  persons  well-complexioned  ? 
Tuesday  she  set  out,  harsh  the  omen, 
from  Meroe  Island. 

c      For  this  she  came,  glorious  the  story, 
from  Meroe  Island, 

over  the  Tyrrhene  Sea  without  heaviness — 
fleeing  from  the  flood. 

d     She  was,  as  the  bards  relate, 

on  the  side  of  every  very  lofty  coast, 
eighteen  days  in  a  ship — it  was  no  reproach — 
on  the  surface  of  the  great  Caspian  Sea. 

e      Twenty  days  from  the  crooked  Caspian  Sea 
to  the  Cimmerian  Sea  of  protection  (?)  ; 
A  day  had  she  to  Asia  Minor — a  long  space 

westward — 
between  Syria  and  the  Tyrrhene  Sea. 

f      Twenty  days  from  Asia  Minor 
sailing  to  the  glorious  Alps, 
in  eighteen  she  came  hither, 
to  the  lofty  corner  of  Spain. 

^  of  the  rapid  seeking.  '  with  fair  or  pleasing  appearance. 

'  of  clear  skin.         *  wherefore  came  she,  or  what  day  came  she  ? 

*  who  had  a  good  appearance. 

•  the  ship's  crew  or  cargo,  or  it  was  a  harsh  omen  under  which 
they  came.  '  as  the  learned  say. 

'  it  was  not  abusive  or  reproachful.  •  over  the  surface. 

^®  in  the  protection  or  in  the  shelter  of  the  Cimmerian  Sea. 

B 


i8  DO   GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

g     Aissidhe  co  hErind  ain, 
in  re  naoi  trat  6  Easpain, 
Ssitharn  iri  coicc^ii  decc  gle/ 
tamcc  (si)  d'asccnam  *  cri che. 

h     Tnar  fer,  caocca  inghen  ard, 
ba  he  a  lion  iri  recht  logarcc  ;  • 
ros  timort  gaeth — graindi  an  modh  • — 
CO  tiErinn  ar  iomwrchor.* 

i      Ranwsat  an  tnar  fer  colli 
an  caecca  ingen  a  ttri ; 
secht  mna  decc  dFionwtain  cen  tass,* 
a  seacht  decc  lucc  Bioth  barrchass.'^ 

j       A  sé  decc  nice  Ladm  lor, 
ba  becc  leis  sin,  nir  bo  mor  ; 
do  forail  banafgA,  ba  gnim  gann,' 
atbat  Ladra  in  Ard  Ladrand. 

k     Ranwsat  an  dis  oile  ar  lo 
a  se  mna  deíícc-somh  andó  ; 
iet  céd-ihiv,  iri  saeire  seing, 
faiset  fn  mnaib  ind  Érind.* 

1      Cuicc  mna  fichet  rucc  Bioth  ben«  ^^ 
CO  tuaisc^rt  insi  hErenn  ; 
gus  an  sliab  os  an  muir  mas,^^ 
fa  ttanaicc  a  thiugrad«s.^^ 

•  glan  no  ioWus.  ^  do  ceimniugAaííA. 

•  fri  dligheííA,  no  iri  riochtain,  co  ro-garcc. 

•  ro  tiomsaigh,  no  ro  tiomáin  an  gaoth  iad,  i  modh  cruinfc. 

•  ar  iomchar  mutVidhi,  no  ar  secrán. 

•  gan  covahnaidhe.  '  foltchass. 

•  ba  gniom  goirt,  no  tinn,  no  tiachair. 

•  as  iat  ceidfir  do  luigh,  no  do  righne  feis,  re  mnáibh  saora  seanga 
i  nEnnn  o  thus. 

!•  nig  Bioth  ar  a  roinn  do  na  mnaibh. 
**  maisigh,  no  ccruinn. 

"  i  tanaic  a  dedhen-chéim  ;  "  tiugh  "  deidhenach  7  "  rath«s  " 
cion  ;  .i.  a  cion  deidhenach  basaight^acA. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   CESAIR  19 

g      Thence  to  noble  Ireland, 

in  the  space  of  nine  days  from  Spain, 
a  Saturday,  on  the  clear  fifteenth, 
she  came  to  acquire  territory. 

h     Three  men,  fifty  tall  maidens, 

that  was  her  tale  by  a  barbarous  law  ; 

a  wind  drove  them — terrible  the  manner — 

to  Ireland  on  a  passage. 

i      The  three  well-complexioned  men  divided 
the  fifty  maidens  in  three  ; 
seventeen  women  for  Fiontain  without  resting, 
seventeen  took  Bith  of  plaited  hair. 

j       Sixteen  took  Ladhra  the  ample, 
he  thought  that  small,  not  great ; 
of  excess  of  women,  an  evil  action, 
Ladhra  died  in  Ard  Ladhrann. 

k     The  other  two  divided  thereafter 
his  sixteen  women  in  two  parts  ; 
they  were  the  first  men,  with  stately  freedom, 
who  slept  with  women  in  Ireland. 

1      Bith  of  mountains  took  twenty-five  women 
to  the  north  of  Ireland's  island  ; 
to  the  mountain  over  the  noble  sea, 
whereabout  came  his  latter  end. 

^  plain  or  evident.  *  to  walk. 

3  with  respect  to  a  law,  or  with  respect  to  arrival,  very  bar- 
barously. 

*  the  wind  drove  them  together,  or  urged  them,  in  a  roundabout 
fashion.  ^  borne  on  the  sea,  or  wandering. 

•  without  stay.  '  of  plaited  locks. 

*  it  was  a  bitter,  or  trying,  or  doleful  action. 

•  they  are  the  first  men  who  lay,  or  slept,  with  free,  stately 
women  in  Ireland  from  the  beginning. 

^"  Bith  took  his  share  of  the  women. 
^^  beautiful,  or  round. 

^*  where  came  his  last  step  ;   Hugh  is  "  last,"  and  rathus  is  "  lia- 
bility "  :   that  is,  his  last  death-deaUng  HabiHty. 


20  DO   GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

m    De  sin  ata  Sliab  Betha, 

d'ecc  an  laeich  co  lion  ngretha  ;  * 
do  na  mnaib  ba  mor  an  mod,* 
isin  tsleb  a  adnacol. 

n     Atlai  ^  Fionntain  ria  na  mnaib 
tar  Miledach — ba  sjan  sáimh — 
tar  Bun  Suainwe  *  re  sniomh  slat  ^ 
tar  Sliabh  Cua,  tar  Cenn  Feabrat. 

o      lar  na  nairter,  nuall  cen  gai,® 
do  luid  Fionntain  mac  Bochrai, 
CO  rainicc,  iar  ndith  a  neirt, 
CO  Tul  Tuin«e  os  Loch  Dergderc. 

p     Iar  sin  do  luidh  Ceassair  cain 
CO  Cuil  Ceassra  i  cCon«achtai6/t, 
cowadh  awd  ro  chúala,  ier  ffes,' 
ecc  a  hathor  na  heccmais. 

q     lachtais  an  ben  co  hach^r  ^ 
des  a  fir,  d'écc  a  hathar, 
CO  ro  cnomuid — ba  muich  mor* — 
a  croidhe  na  ceirt-medhón. 

r  Atnaichset  ^°  na  mna  ar  dile 
sethnuch  soer  na  hinghine  ^^ 
isin  cam  os  Búill  messaigh  ^^ 
cor  lil  13  a  hainm  o  aird-Ceasair. 

^  CO  niomat  ngaire  ;   .i.  occa  caoineadh. 

•  ba  mor  an  obair. 

•  ro  éláidh.         *  sosnamh  súaimhnech  ciúin  na  tteora  nabhann. 

•  re  sniomh  do  dul  ina  fearrdha.         •  radh  gan  bréicc. 
'  iar  cconmaidhi,  no  iar  ndniis,  no  iar  praindiughaiiA. 

•  do  rinni  si  éccaoine  no  éighem,  gér,  no  tinn,  no  luinn,  no  tren. 

•  CO  ro  bris  ama«7  cnaoi,  7  ba  tuirsi  mor  sin. 

"  adhnaicset.  *^  corp  onorach  na  hingeine,  no  corp  uasal. 

^'  iasccacA  no  bradánacA.  ^'  gor  lean. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   CESAIR         21 

m    Thence  is  Sliabh  Betha, 

from  the  death  of  the  hero  with  much  outcry ; 
to  the  women  great  was  the  labour, 
his  burial  in  the  mountain. 

n     Finntan  escapes  before  the  women 

over  Miledach — it  was  a  placid  slumber — 
over  Bun  Suainmhe,  with  twining.  ...(?) 
over  Sliabh  Cua,  over  Cenn  Febrat. 

o      Keeping  in  front  of  them  (?) — a  saying  without 
deceit — 
came  Finntan  son  of  Bochra  ; 
till  he  reached,  after  loss  of  his  strength, 
Tul  Tuinne  over  Loch  Dergderc. 

p     After  that  came  Cesair  the  fair 
to  Cul  Cesra  in  Connacht, 
so  that  there  she  heard,  after  sleep, 
the  death  of  her  father  absent  from  her. 

q     The  lady  screamed  sharply  aloud 

after  her  husband,  for  the  death  of  her  father, 
so  that  there  ruptured — it  was  a  great  sorrow — 
her  heart  in  her  very  middle. 

r      The  women  buried  for  friendship 
the  noble  body  of  the  lady  ; 
in  the  stone-heap  over  the  fruitful  Boyle 
so  that  her  name  adhered  from  lofty  Cesair. 

*  with  much  outcry,  that  is,  lamenting  him. 

*  great  was  the  work.  •  escaped. 

*  easy  to  swim  in  the  gentle  confluence  of  the  three  rivers. 
'  before  twining  should  go  on  his  manhood  (?). 

•  a  saying  without  He. 

'  after  dweUing,  or  after  lechery,  or  after  breaking  fast. 

•  she   made  lamentation  or  outcry  sharp,   or   painful,   or  im- 
petuous, or  strong. 

•  so  that  it  broke  Uke  a  nut,  and  that  was  great  sadness. 
^*  they  buried. 

*^  the  honourable  body,  or  noble  body  of  the  girl. 

^*  abounding  in  fish,  or  in  salmon.  ^'  so  that  adhered. 


22  DO   GHABHÁIL   CEASRACH 

s      As  iat  soin  ier  nuair  iechta.  ^ 
a  noidedha.,^  a  nimteachta  ; 
ni  raibe  acht  seachtma»w  namá  ^ 
uatha  CO  mba  cethmcha. 

*  turusa..  *  a  mbais.  •  amháin. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   CESAIR         23 

These  in  the  order  of  proceeding 

are  their  deaths,  their  adventures  ; 

There  was  not  but  a  single  week 

from  them  till  there  were  forty  [days  complete], 

*  of  journey.  •  their  deaths.  •  only. 


(ALT    II) 

DO    GABAIL    PARTHOLOIN   UEIC    SERA    SIOSANA 

O  Adam  co  ro  ghabh  Partholon  Ere,  2520 
O  dhilinn  co  ro  gab  Partholon  Ere,  278 

21.  Ba  fas  tra  Ere  iri  re  ocht  mbliadan  decc  ar  tri 
fichtibh  ar  da  chéd  iar  ndilinn  conus  torracht  Parth- 
olon mac  Seara,  mete  Srú,  meic  E^ssru,  meic  Brament, 
mete  Athechta,  meic  Magog,  meic  lapheth,  meic  Noe, 
asin  Greg. 

22.  As  aire  tamcc-siomh  ona  atharda,  .i.  ó  Sicil 
Grecc,  ar  techedh  na  fiongaile  do  róine  ;  .i.  a  athair  et 
a  mathaix  do  m^arbadhj  ace  cmngeadh  righe  da  brathair. 
Seoladh  mis  do  o  Sicil  co  hAladaciam ;  tri  tmth  ó 
Aladaciam  go  Gotiam ;  uidhe  mis  o  Gothiam  co 
hEaspain ;  naoi  trath  o  Easpain  co  hErinn.  Dia  Mairt 
ro  gab  Ere,  in  Inber  Scénwe,  i  sechtmadh  decc  escco. 

6  23.  Atiet  airig  na  gabhala  so.  Partholon  feisin ; 
Slainghe,  Laighlinne,  et  Rudhraii/ie,  a  tri  meic ; 
Delgnat,  Nerba,  Cichva,  et  Cerbnat,  a  cceitheora  mná  ; 
Aidhne,  Aife,  Aine,  Fochain,  Muchus,  Melepart,  Glas, 
Grennach,  Ablach,  7  Gnbennach,  deich  ningena  Par- 
tholoin ;  atiet  a  ffir,  Brea,  Boan,  Ban,  Catrtenn, 
Eccnach,  Athcosan,  Luchradh,  Lugair,  Liger,  et  Griber. 
24.  D'anmandat^A  na  drwingi  batar  oirrd^rca  do 
mhuintiV  Pártholoin  cenmótátsidhe.  Accasbel  a  rech- 
toire,  as  esimh  cetna  dergene  ^  tech  noidhedh  ind  Érinn. 

*  do  righne. 
a4 


(CHAPTER  II) 

OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON,  SON  OF 
SEAR,  HERE  FOLLOWS 

From  Adam  till  Partholon  tcx>k  Ireland,  2520 
From  the  Flood  till  Partholon  took  Ireland,  278 

21.  Now  Ireland  was  desert  for  a  space  of  two 
hundred  three  score  and  eighteen  years  after  the  flood 
till  Partholon,  son  of  Sear,  son  of  Sni,  son  of  Easru, 
son  of  Brament,  son  of  Athecht,  son  of  Magog,  son  of 
Japheth,  son  of  Noe,  came  to  it  out  of  Greece. 

22.  For  this  cause  he  came  from  his  native  land, 
that  is,  from  Sicily  of  the  Greeks,  a-fleeing  from  the  kin- 
murder  that  he  had  wrought ;  namely,  killing  his  father 
and  his  mother,  seeking  the  kingdom  for  his  brother. 
A  sailing  of  a  month  had  he  from  Sicily  to  Aladacia  ; 
three  days  from  Aladacia  to  Gothia  ;  a  journey  of  a 
month  from  Gothia  to  Spain  ;  nine  days  from  Spain 
to  Ireland.  A  Tuesday  he  took  Ireland,  in  Inbher 
Scene,  on  the  seventeenth  of  the  moon. 

23.  These  are  the  chiefs  of  this  conquest.  Par- 
tholon himself ;  Slangha,  Laighlinne,  and  Rudhraighe 
his  three  sons;  Delgnat,  Nerba,  Cichva,  and  Cerbnat 
their  four  wives  ;  Aidhne,  Aife,  Aine,  Fochain,  Muchus, 
Melepart,  Glas,  Grennach,  Abhlach,  and  Gribennach, 
the  ten  daughters  of  Partholon.  These  are  their 
husbands — Brea,  Boan,  Ban,  Cairtenn,  Eccnach,  Ath- 
cosan,  Luchradh,  Lugair,  Liger,  and  Griber. 

24.  Of  the  names  of  the  troop  who  were  outstanding 
of  the  people  of  Partholon,  besides  those.  Accasbel 
his  steward,  who  was  the  first  who  made  a  guest- 

^  made, 
as 


26  DO   GHABHÁIL    PARTHOLOIN 

Brea  mac  Senboth,  cetna  do  roigne  teach,  coire,  et 
comrac  ainfir.  Malaliach  cet  cor  ^  et  cet  cirpsire  ^  7 
cetna  hesib  liond  ratha  ind  Erind,  et  as  é  do  rigni 
HsLvfaigidh,  eirneadh,  7  adradh  inti.  Tath,  Fios,  et 
Fochmarc  a  tri  druith.  Miolchú,  Meran,  Muin- 
echan,  a  tri  treinfir.  Bachorbladhra  a  ollam  ;  rob 
eiside  cetna  hoide  Erenn.  Biobal  et  Babal  a  chend- 
aidhthe  ;  Biobal  as  e  cédus  tucc  or  in  Erind,  et  Babal 
cetna  tuc  innile.  Tothacht,  Tarba,  lomhMS,  Aith- 
echbel,  Cuil,  Dorcha,  7  Damh  a  secht  primtreahthaighe ; 
Lee,  Lecmagh,  lomaire,  7  Eterce,  anmanwa  na  ndam 
batar  occa.  Topa  gioUa  Partholoin.  Iwd  aimsir  Par- 
tholoin  do  Tonadh  ced  fhoirgneamh,  céd  bró,  ced  lionw, 
et  ced  maisdiecht  ind  Érend. 

25.  Toroegha  tra  Partholon  maighen  shuthach  do 
tochaitheamh  blatha,  mesa,  et  nrnvtovaidh  Erenn 
innte ;  dóigh  nocha  ninair  trebhaire  ara  chionw  iar 
na  rochtain.  As  ann  do  goa-som  an  maigen  sin,  hi 
comfochraib  do  Ess  Da  Écconw,  .i.  inis  fil  ior  ercomair 
an  essu  for  an  ccuan.^  Ba  hesidhe  ionadh  ba  torthaighe 
lais  hiair  roimhe  ind  Erinn.  As  de  asberor  Ess  Da 
Ecconn  fns,  don  eccondacht  et  don  dicheill  do  roine 
ben  Partholoin  et  a  gioUa  Topa,  amail  atfiadhar 
siosana. 

26.  Laithe  noen  dia  luidh  Parthalón  im  eochairim- 
lib*  an  mafa,  amai/  noghnathai^Aedh,  diasccach, 
fagbhais  a  ben  7  a  ghille  imalle  isin  inis.  Ssiigidh  si 
iomagalloim  baoisi  ior  an  ngioUa,  7  ni  ro  fr^gair  í  don 

7  ced  feacht.     Bai  dia  hainfélisi  na  ro  faelangair  gan 

1  cet  uvradh.  ■  ier  denta  lenna. 

'  Cuan  Samhaeire.  *  imeal  uilleannaibh. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF    PARTHOLON    27 

house  in  Ireland.  Brea  son  of  Senub,  the  first  who 
made  a  house,  a  cauldron,  and  single  combat.  Ma- 
laliach,  the  first  surety,  and  the  first  brewer,  and  the 
first  man  who  drank  ale  of  fern  in  Ireland ;  and  it 
is  he  who  made  questioning,  bestowing,*  and  adora- 
tion within  it.  Tath,  Fios,  and  Fochmarc,  his  three 
jesters ;  Miolchu,  Meran,  Muinechan,  his  three  cham- 
pions. Bachorbladhra,  his  man  of  learning ;  he  was 
the  first  foster-father  of  Ireland.  Biobal  and  Babal 
were  his  merchants ;  Biobal,  the  first  who  brought 
gold  to  Ireland,  and  Babal,  the  first  who  brought  cattle. 
Tothacht,  Tarba,  lomhus,  Aithechbel,  Cuil,  Dorcha, 
and  Damh,  his  seven  chief  ploughmen  ;  Lee,  Lecmagh, 
lomaire,  and  Eterche,  the  names  of  the  oxen  they  had. 
Topa  was  the  attendant  of  Partholon.  In  the  time  of 
Partholon  was  made  the  first  building,  the  first  mill, 
the  first  ale,  and  the  first  churning  in  Ireland. 

25.  Now  Partholon  chose  a  fertile  place  wherein  to 
use  the  flowers,  fruit,  and  sea-produce  of  Ireland ; 
because  he  found  no  husbandman  before  him,  after 
his  arrival  there.  The  spot  where  he  chose  that  place 
was  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Waterfall  of  the  Two  Fools  ; 
that  is,  an  island  which  is  over  against  the  waterfall 
on  the  bay.  That  was  the  place  most  fruitful,  in 
his  opinion,  which  he  found  before  him  in  Ireland. 
The  reason  why  it  is  called  the  Waterfall  of  the  Two 
Fools  was  from  the  folly  and  madness  that  the  wife 
of  Partholon  and  his  attendant,  Topa,  wrought,  as 
is  related  below. 

26.  A  day  when  Partholon  went  on  the  shore  of  the 
sea,  as  was  his  wont,  to  fish,  he  leaves  his  wife  and  his 
attendant  together  in  the  island.  She  sues  intercourse 
of  lechery  of  the  attendant,  and  he  made  her  no 
answer  the  first  time.     Such  was  her  immodesty  that 

^  the  first  surety.  *  a  man  of  ale-making. 

'  the  bay  of  Samer.  *  on  the  corners  of  the  border. 

i.e.  probably,  oracle  consulting  and  sacrificing. 


28  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

luighe  na  fochair,  ósi  ar  na  dergadh  ;  ^  conderna  a 
reir.  Geihidh  follscadh  firiotan  iad  asa  haithle.  Bai 
lestor  do  dhig  shaiweamail  ace  Partholon  isin  teghdais, 
as  na  hibthi  ni  acht  tres  an  ccuislinn  nd^rgoir  nobiodh 
aicce  hhodein.  Do  beir-si  cuice  í  anwsin,  co  ro  lúsat  a 
bfolartnaigh  este. 

27.  lar  ttocht  ina  fntheing  do  Partholon  on  selg 
for  a  mboi,  cuingis  digh.  Do  breatha  cuga.  lar  na 
fromadh  dho,  fosfuair  bias  a  mbeoil-sium  for  an  ccuis- 
lind,  et  tucc  dia  úidh  an  mighniom  do  rigensat ;  uair 
rosfoillsigh  an  speorat  deamhnacda  nos  caeimt^cA/adh 
do.  Asb^rt  iarom,  "  Cidh  nach  imchian  atúsa  in  bhar 
neccmais,  ata  ni  as  deacair  lem  as  bhar  los,  et  dlighim 
eneclanw."  , 

28.  Cowerbairt  iwd  so — 

Mor  an  seel  ^  ro  seaelsiubaiV,^ 

a  Delgnat,  fondiwdsabair ;  * 

clanda  ile  indamarMS,^ 

gnuisi  Tuiiech  ruitiug^íí/í,^ 

i  eendhe  arg  iniisi,'^ 

nis  nernfi  sith  slaineridhe  ;  ^ 

an  mi-scel  ro  midsebatV  ^ 

nis  diolfa  min  mor-tnuth  moghadh.**^ 

29.  Frise^rt-si  do  Phartholon  conerhairt  "  As  me- 

•  nochtadh.        *  an  tolc.        '  do  scaoil^aííA  uaib  7  ro  ceiliobair. 

•  do  ronabair  doilges  dhúÍM  7  tugabair  tarcaisni  dhuin. 
'  hed  clanna  iomdha  inderbtha  de. 

•  imdergadh  aighti  na  ttigemadh  7  na  nuasal. 

'  honiaidh  at  7  inbolgadh  cridhe  na  laoch  tria  ed. 

•  ni  fuighbitear  siotchain  o  mba  slan  na  crtdhe  ceadna.. 

•  an  ároichscéal  do  brethaighebair  7  do  meadhaighbhair. 

*•  ni  ba  beg  an  ni  dobera  diol  i  mortnuth  na  mbodacA  mi-nAirech. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    FARTHOLON    29 

she  did  not  suffer  that  he  should  not  lie  with  her, 
she  being  stripped ;  so  that  he  did  her  pleasure.  A 
burning  of  intense  thirst  seizes  them  after  that.  Par- 
tholon  had  a  vessel  of  excellent  drink  in  the  dwelling, 
from  which  nothing  could  be  drank  save  through  the 
tube  of  red  gold  that  he  himself  had.  She  takes  it 
to  herself  then,  so  that  they  drank  their  fill  of  it. 

27.  After  Partholon  returned  from  the  chase  on 
which  he  was,  he  asks  for  drink.  It  was  brought  to 
him.  After  tasting  it,  he  found  the  taste  of  their 
mouths  on  the  tube,  and  gave  heed  to  the  evil  deed 
that  they  had  done  ;  for  the  diabolic  spirit  that  used 
to  accompany  him  revealed  it  to  him.  Then  he  said, 
"  Though  no  long  time  I  am  away  from  you  there  is  a 
thing  arisen  through  you  that  I  find  hard,  and  an 
honour-price  is  my  due." 

28.  So  he  said  this — 

Great  the  story  ye  have  scattered  abroad, 

O  Delgnat,  ye  have  caused  us  trouble  ; 

many  children  in  doubt, 

on  the  face  of  kings  blushing, 

in  the  heart  of  champions  swelling, 

peace  will  not  give  them  sound  hearts  ; 

the  evil  deed  ye  have  plotted 

little  will  not  pay  for  great  jealousy  of  a  slave. 

29.  She  answered  Partholon  and  said,  "  I  think," 

1  stripping.  2  the  evil. 

^  has  been  let  loose  from  you  and  ye  have  concealed. 

•  ye  have  made  sorrow  for  us  and  given  us  reproach. 
'  there  will  be  many  uncertain  children  from  it. 

•  shame  of  face  of  the  lords  and  of  the  nobles. 

'  sweUing  and  distending  will  fill  the  hearts  of  the  warriors 
through  jealousy. 

•  peace  will  not  be  obtained  from  which  the  same  hearts  will 
be  made  sound. 

•  the  evil  story  you  have  conceived  and  considered. 

*•  not  small  will  be  the  thing  that  will  give  pa5anent  for  great 
jealousy  of  shameless  clowns. 


30  DO   GHABHAIL   PARTHOLOIN 

nann  "  ol  si  "  gura.h  meisi  dliges  dire  isi«  Siináligedh  do 
ronaisi ;  oir  as  sibh  fotniair  a  ndergenws  do  ghniomh  ; 
dáigh  ni  dlegar  eislis  do  tahhairt  a  ccomda  ailgis 
neitheadh  ior  araile,  d'omhan  3,iáhmilleadh  nachae  ^ 
dib.  Imtha  an  aithgein  mil  la  mnai,  lemlacht  la  mac, 
ieoil  la  cat,  biad  la  fial,  faebar  la  soer,  imtha  sa,m\aidh 
ben  la  fer,  ni  dleghar  gan  etarghaire  etorru,  o  thicc 
ailghes  an  choblighe  ni  soghabala  Ms." 

30.  As  Í  an  breth  so  Dealgnaitte  ceid  breath  Érind, 
cofiadh  de  as  senarwsc  la  each  o  sin  alle,  "  Cert  a  mna 
iri  Partholon."     Co«erbhairt-si  iwd  so — 

8  A  mo  popa  caein,^  a  Partholoin, 

dechasa  do  butainte  brecdath^,» 
natcuingit  anurnadmaim  ?  * 
Dece  do  caerca  caeintlachta,^ 
nat  ana(t)  tochmairc  tigerna  ?  • 
Cia  dece  h'erca  urarda,' 
ni  dae  saigit  sainredach  ;  ^ 
foluthad  duma  iri  dethbire.' 
Cia  dece  h'ai  áimenda,^° 
o  ticc  rethi  at  rechendais,^^ 

*  nach  aoin.  *  a  mhaighistiV,  no  a  oide  taitnemaigh. 

*  fech  do  thainte  bo  cowdathaibh  éccsamhla. 

*  na  hiarrat  a  ccengal. 

'  fech  do  chaorcha  da  ttigit  bruit  datháillne. 

•  nach  anait  anaimsir  a  ttochmairc  re  a  ttigtfrna  da  comairle- 
gadh  dhoip,  no  nach  ccenglann  a  ttigema  in  am  a  ttochmairc  iat. 

'  cia  fhegha  do  ba  airdcheannacha. 

•  ni  he  a  ttarbh  airithe  iein  ionnsaighit. 

•  do  ni  siad  lúthgaire  do  reir  na  deithbire  bios  orra,  no  na  deith- 
bire  techta  gus  an  tarb  as  luaithi  cuca. 

*"  dia  bhfegha  do  chaorca  sgiamhcha  no  aille. 
1^  o  thig  aimsir  a  reithe  doibh,  co  mbit  cendais  ris  an   reithi 
teigmas  cuca. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    31 

said  she,  "  that  it  is  I  who  deserve  compensation  for 
the  injustice  you  have  wrought ;  for  you  it  is  who 
have  caused  the  deed  which  I  have  done.  For  it 
is  not  right  to  neglect  the  guarding  of  desire  of 
things  for  one  another,  for  fear  of  destroying  any  of 
them.  Just  Hke  honey  to  a  woman,  milk  to  a  boy, 
flesh  to  a  cat,  food  to  the  generous,  a  tool  to  a  wright, 
so  is  a  woman  with  a  man  ;  it  is  not  right  not  to  inter- 
fere between  them ;  when  desire  of  coition  comes  it 
cannot  easily  be  resisted." 

30.  This  verdict  of  Delgnat  is  the  first  verdict  of 
Ireland;  so  that  thence  people  have  a  proverb  from 
that  onward,  "  The  right  of  his  wife  against  Par- 
tholon."     So  she  said  this — 

O  my  fair  lord  Partholon, 

see  thy  cattle  speckle-hued 

do  they  not  ask  to  be  united  ? 

See  thy  sheep  of  fair  robe, 

do  they  not  wait  (?)  the  pairing-master  ? 

If  thou  consider  thy  lofty  cattle, 

not  a  special  buU  they  approach  ; 

they  approach  bulls  (?)  from  necessity. 

If  thou  consider  thy  pleasant  sheep, 

when  the  heat  comes  they  are  very  submissive 

^  each  one.  *  O  pleasant  master,  or  foster-father. 

3  see  thy  herds  of  cows  with  various  colours. 

*  that  do  not  ask  to  be  coupled. 

*  see  thy  sheep  from  which  come  beautiful  coloured  cloaks. 

*  that  wait  not  in  the  time  of  their  wooing  for  their  master  to 
permit  it  to  them,  or  which  their  master  does  not  couple  them  in 
the  time  of  their  wooing. 

'  if  thou  see  thy  high-headed  kine. 

*  it  is  not  their  own  special  bull  that  they  approach. 

*  they  show  joy  according  to  the  necessity  that  they  are  under, 
or  the  necessity  of  coming  to  the  bull  nearest  to  them. 

"^^  if  thou  see  thy  comely  or  beautiful  sheep. 

^1  when  the  time  of  their  heat  comes  to  them,  that  it  is  to  the 
ram  that  meets  them  they  are  submissive. 


32  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

nach  rethi  artus  hi  mannribh.^ 
Laeghtair  legad  nar  liled  a  loilgecha  :  * 
cendtair  airdlesa  ar  uan(aibh)  ana, 
na  ro  denat  cetnata.* 
Ass  nuanfadach  do  buaibh  bendacha 
na  terba  do  chaitine  ;  • 
na  terba  do  biail  bithgeir  ^ 
re  hasna(sa)ch  do  demh.* 

31.  Fnsccair  Partholon  cowerbairt,  "  Mór  an  pudhar 
do  ronsaidh,  a  Delccnat,"  ol  sé. 

Mor  bar  ccionta  comraite,' 
d«sli  fiacha  bar  ccoimchionaiA  ;  ® 
sinde  gapur  siorchomda,* 
sibsi  agar  sárucchadh. 
Lór  do  chach  do  denam  doibesa, 
cnesda  acach  bar  ccairthech«s.^® 
Cionta  Ebha  fuarabair,^^ 
tanaisi  dhó  and^rnsabhair, 
a  Delgnat,  no  as  mo. 

^  nach  ccengailt^r  iad  do  reithe  áirithi  isin  maindir ;    no  gach 
reithi  tegmhM5  leo  isin  maindir  co  mbi  leo. 

*  ceangailter  na  laoigh  ar  uaman  na  loilgheacha  as  maitreacha 
doip  dia  leanmain,  dia  lighe,  no  diandiuil. 

'  dúinter  na  cennsaig/iter  craoithi    arda    ar    úanaibh    degla    a 
ccaorca  do  diul. 

*  delaigh  no  congaibh  do  chat  beg  ó  bainne  cubrach  do  bo  mben- 
dach,  ar  na  hibha. 

^  delaigh   no  aithin  do  tuagh  gnath-iaobracA  don  tsnoidhetoir, 
ar  na  deama  diogbail  di. 

*  dioghbail,  no  diden. 

'  as  mor  na  coirthe  do  chomaentatgA  sibh  do  denam  ar  oen  los, 
as  a  riocht. 

*  dhghidh  sibh  no  do  tuillebair  fiacha  comraiti,  et  eneclann  uaibh 
in  bar  ccionta»6A. 

*  gabar  ngnathcoimhéd. 

^"  biaidh  cosmat/es  bar  ccaire  aga  denom  ag  each  oile. 
^^  ama«7  docoidh  Eua  tar  aithne. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    33 

(to)  whatsoever  ram  is  first  in  pens. 

Calves  have  a  bandage  (?)  that  they  follow  not  their 

milch-kine  ; 
paddocks  are  closed  (?)  on  the  noble  lambs 
that  the  lambkins  suck  not. 
Foaming  milk  from  horned  cattle 
trust  not  to  a  kitten  ; 
trust  not  thy  very  sharp  axe 
with  a  hewer,  for  safety  (?). 

31.  Partholon  answered  and  said,  "  Great  is  the 
injury  you  have  done,  Delgnat,"  said  he — 

Great  are  your  deliberate  crimes, 
your  joint  sin  incurs  penalties  ; 
we  ever  guarding  you, 
you  doing  us  wrong. 
Enough  to  cause  evil  habits  to  all, 
seemly  to  all  will  appear  your  sinfulness. 
The  sin  of  Eve  you  have  found, 
second  to  it  is  what  you  have  done 
O  Delgnat,  or  yet  more. 

^  that  they  are  not  joined  to  a  special  ram  in  the  pen  ;  or  every 
ram  that  comes  to  them  in  the  pen,  that  he  is  with  them. 

*  the  calves  are  bound  for  fear  of  their  following,  licking,  or  suck- 
ing the  milch  kine  that  are  their  mothers. 

*  high  pens  are  shut  or  confined  on  the  lambs  for  fear  of  their 
sucking  their  ewes. 

*  separate  or  restrain  thy  little  cat  from  the  foaming  milk  of 
thy  homed  cattle,  that  it  drink  it  not. 

'  separate  or  withhold  thy  ever- keen  axe  from  the  hewer,  that  he 
work  not  injury  to  it. 

*  injury,  or  protection. 

^  great  are  the  crimes  ye  have  agreed  to  do  intentionally  and 
deliberately. 

'  ye  owe  or  have  deserved  the  penalties  of  deliberation,  and 
honour -price  from  you  for  your  crimes. 

*  habitually  protecting  you. 

^°  the  hke  of  your  crime  will  be  done  by  every  one  else. 
^^  as  Eve  transgressed  commandment. 

C 


34  DO    GHABHÁIL    PARTHOLOIN 

S2,  Ambatar  for  an  iomaithb^r  sin,  do  toet  mescu  ^ 
Delgnaite  i  bhfiadhnaisi  Partholoin  do  luthugad  fns ; 
Samher  a  haiwmsi.  Buailis  beim  dia  bais  uirre 
CO  rosmarb,  conadh  uaithe  ainwnight^r  an  insi,  .i. 
Inis  Samer.  As  esidhe  ced  éd  Ereanw.  A  ced  drwis 
tra,  a  ghiolla  fnothailme-siuw  do  luighe  la  Dealgnait. 
Atraigh  Topa  do  thecheadh  Partholoin.  Lenais-siuwA 
é,  coros  mudaigh  i  ccionaid  a  mignioma. 

33.  A  ccionn  deich  mhliadan  iar  ttecht  ind  Eirinw 
do  Partholon,  ro  bris  cath  hi  Slemnaib  Moighe  hlotha 
for  Ciogul  nGr^genchosach,  mac  Guill,  meic  Gairbh, 
meic  Tud.thaidh,  meic  Umoir,  a  Sleib  Emhoir,  cona, 
muintir,  7  for  a  mathair  .i.  Lot  Luaimnech.  Da  ced 
\Aiadhain  dóibh  gan  comairb^rt  bith  acht  iascach  et 
enlaith,  cowadh  aire  tangatar  i  tir  for  Partholon  in  Inber 
Domnanw,  co  ro  ficcheadh  an  cath  remraiti  etorra,  co 
ttorchair  Ciogul  cowa  mathair  7  muinter  an«.  Ocht 
ced  a  lion,  .i.  da  ched  df^raip  7  se  ced  do  mnaib.  For 
oenchosaibh  7  aenlamaiftA  7  oensuilibh  ro  fersat  Fo- 
mhoraigh  an  cath  sin  iri  Partholon.  Seachtmain  ro 
both  ga  chur.     As  eisidhe  céd-cath  Erenn. 

34.  Cowadh  dona  neithibh  remraiti  SitrubTadh  inwso — 

a      Partholon,  canas  tainicc  ^ 
dochum  na  hEr^n«,  airmid  ;  ' 
a  eolcha  dan  leir  labra, 
cred  far  trecc  a  athardha  ? 

1  CÚ  beg. 

'  cia  an  ait  as  a  ttantcc,  no  creá  im  a  ttanicc  ? 

*  airmidnigAe,  no  airmhit  eolaigh. 


OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON  35. 

32.  While  they  were  thus  mutually  disputing,  the 
lap-dog  of  Delgnat  comes  to  Partholon  to  play  with 
him ;  Samer  was  its  name.  He  strikes  a  blow  of  his 
palm  on  it,  so  that  he  killed  it ;  so  that  from  it  is 
named  the  island,  namely,  Samer's  Island.  That  is 
the  first  jealousy  of  Ireland.  Moreover,  its  first  adul- 
tery was  the  lying  of  his  serving-attendant  with 
Delgnat.  Topa  rises  to  flee  from  Partholon.  He 
followed  him,  so  that  he  destroyed  him  in  punish- 
ment for  his  misdeed. 

33.  At  the  end  of  ten  years  after  Partholon's  coming 
to  Ireland,  he  won  a  battle  in  the  plain  of  Magh  Ith 
against  Ciogul  Grigenchosach,  son  of  GoU,  son  of  Garbh, 
son  of  Tuathadh,  son  of  Umhor,  from  Sliabh  Emhoir, 
with  his  people,  and  against  his  mother,  Lot  the  Frisky. 
Two  hundred  years  were  they  without  enjoying  food, 
save  only  fish  and  bird-meat,  so  that  therefore  they 
came  to  land  against  Partholon  in  Inbher  Domnann. 
So  the  aforesaid  battle  was  fought  between  them,  and 
Ciogul  feU  there  with  his  mother  and  his  people. 
Eight  hundred  was  their  tale,  namely,  two  hundred 
men  and  six  hundred  women.  With  single  feet,  single 
hands,  and  single  eyes  the  Fomoraigh  fought  that 
battle  against  Partholon.  A  week  were  they  fighting 
it.    This  is  the  first  battle  of  Ireland. 

34.  So  that  of  the  aforesaid  things  this  was  said — 

a      Partholon,  whence  he  came 
to  Ireland,  they  relate  ; 
ye  scholars  to  whom  speech  is  clear, 
wherefore  left  he  his  fatherland  ? 


^  a  little  dog. 

^  what  was  the  place  from  which  he  came,  or  wherefore  came  he  ? 

^  venerable  ;  or  the  learned  reckon. 


36  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

b     Ace  so  daoib,  a  fhoir  an  fhis,^ 
do  reir  aniúil  cen  eislis,^ 
na  screptra  do  leghad  lind, 
einad  ^  na  cesta  chuirim. 

c      Partholón  re  ttecht  anoir, 
diaivaidh  righe  da  bráthoir, 
a  ngniomaibh — gand  *  an  gille — • 
didbaidh  tall  a  thuistidhe.^ 

d     Ar  ngniomh  na  goili  fine 
teichis  on  tir  Siclide ; 
do  treshaidh  ais  na  muire, 
meahaidh  lais  a  lochtaidhe. 

e      Sloinwfet  daoibh,  ni  fios  fallsa,' 
dethbhir,  arsam  ughdar-sa, 
an  la  ro  sin  tar  an  sal, 
cia  tir  as  luid  Partholan. 

10  f      Tanaicc  o  Siccil  co  Grecc  ; 

a  ched  uidhe  ^  bliadain  cen  brecc  ; 
seoladh  mis  otha  sin  siar, 
gondicce  Aladaciam. 

g      O  Dacia  deodham  ro  tnall,^ 
seoladh  tri  ttrdih  co  Gotiam ; 
seoladh  mis  o  Gotiam  gil, 
CO  riacht  Espain  tre-uiWigh. 

h      larsin  do  ruacht  Inis  Fail, 

hi  cionw  naoi  ttrath  a  hEspain  ; 
sechtmadh  décc,  ior  Mairt,  rosmol,* 
in  Inb^r  Scenwe  gabsom. 

^  a  foirenn  an  eólais.  *  nar  leigheadA  i  fcdll. 

'  fuasglaiA.  *  tren  no  tiachair. 

^  do  basaigheaaA  aaathadr  {sic)  7  a  vaathaix  lais. 

•  breccacA.  '  a  chéd-imthecAí. 

'  fa  áeireadh,  no  dia  dheoin  fein,  no  do  deoin  De  ro  thrtalL 

•  ro  cruinwigh. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    37 

b     Here  ye  have,  O  company  of  knowledge, 
according  to  their  learning  without  mistake, 
the  scriptures  that  have  been  read  by  us, 
the  solution  of  the  question  I  put. 

c      Partholon  before  he  came  from  the  East, 
seeking  the  kingdom  for  his  brother, 
in  deeds — niggardly  was  the  youth — 
he  destroyed  his  parents  over  there. 

d     After  perpetrating  the  kin-murder 
he  fled  from  the  Sicilian  land  ; 
he  ploughed  the  back  of  the  seas, 
his  guilt  was  vanquished  by  him. 

e      I  will  name  to  you,  it  is  no  false  knowledge, 
naturally,  for  I  am  the  authority, 
the  day  he  set  forth  over  the  salt  sea, 
from  what  land  Partholon  came. 

f      He  came  from  Sicily  to  Greece  ; 

his  first  journey  was  a  year,  without  lie  ; 
a  month's  sailing  from  thence  westward, 
as  far  as  Aladacia. 

g      From  Dacia  afterwards  (?)  he  journeyed, 
a  sailing  of  three  days  to  Gothia  ; 
a  sailing  of  a  month  from  white  Gothia 
till  he  reached  three-cornered  Spain. 

h     After  that  he  reached  Inis  Fail, 
in  the  end  of  nine  days  from  Spain  ; 
the  seventeenth,  on  Tuesday,  he  collected  them, 
in  Inbher  Scene  he  landed. 

*  O  company  of  knowledge.        ^  that  was  not  left  neglected. 
3  solution.  *  strong  or  perverse. 

*  his  father  and  his  mother  were  slain  by  him. 

*  lying.  '  his  first  journey. 

®  at  last,  or  by  his  own  will,  or  by  the  will  of  God  he  journeyed. 

*  collected. 


38  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

i      Da  céd  ceithri  fichit  fior 

acht  da  hliadain,  ni  hainriomh,^ 
iar  ndilind,  acht  Fionntaw  tra^ 
Ere  fas  co  Partholan. 

j       Atfias  duib  ^  an  muintear  mor 
tudchaidh  ^  sunn  la  Partholón  ; 
eitir  ingin  is  mac  mer, 
eidir  toisech  is  treinfer. 

k      Slainghe,  Laiglinde  co  mbruth  « 
et  Rudhraighe  rogluch,^ 
a  iri  meic,  maith  a  ngail-siom  ; 
BÍTÍgh  iatt  na  fochair-sion. 

1      A  chomaim  ^  budhdein  Delccnat ; 
Nenia,  Ciochua,  et  C^rbnat — 
fordonosna  '  tra  an  úsidh — 
mná  na  nairech  noile-sin. 

m    Anmanw  na  ndech  ningen  nogh  ^ 
ro  batar  ace  Pdirtholon, 
is  anmanwa  a  dech  cclemna, 
liom  ar  leith  at  lain-mheabra. 

II  n     Aidhne,  Aife,  Aine  ard 

Fochain,  Muchus,  Melepart, 
Glas  glanbda,^  et  Grennach, 
Ablach,  et  Gribennach. 

o      Brea,  Boan,  7  Ban, 

Cairthenw,  Éccnach,  Athcosan, 
Luchrad,  Lugair,  Liger  laoch, 
Griber,  ro  ba  Greccach  gaoth. 

*  ni  droch-aireamh.  ^  inneosat. 

*  tantcc.  *  CO  ttes,  no  co  nert.  ^  roghalach. 

*  a  ben.  '  soillseochatííA,  *  iomlán. 

*  glan  aobdha,  no  ba  glan  a  adhba. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   PARTHOLON    39 

i      Two  hundred  four-score  truly 

but  two  years,  it  is  no  miscalculation, 
after  the  flood,  save  only  Finntan, 
was  Ireland  empty  till  Partholon. 

j      I  will  tell  you  the  great  company 
that  came  here  with  Partholon  ; 
both  maidens  and  active  youths, 
both  chieftains  and  champions. 

k     Slainghe,  Laighlinne  the  ardent, 
and  Rudhraighe  the  very  valorous, 
his  three  sons,  good  was  their  valour  ; 
they  were  the  chieftains  in  his  presence. 

I      His  own  spouse  was  Delgnat ; 
Nerua,  Cichua,  and  Cerbnat — 
the  learned  one  enhghtens  us — 
were  the  wives  of  those  other  champions. 

m    The  names  of  the  ten  pure  daughters 
that  Partholon  had, 
and  the  names  of  their  ten  husbands 
I  remember  in  full  individually. 

n     Aidne,  Aife,  tall  Aine 

Fochain,  Muchus,  Melepart, 
Glas  the  beautiful,  and  Grennach, 
Ablach,  and  Gribennach. 

0      Brea,  Boan,  and  Ban, 

Cairthenn,  Eccnach,  Athcosan, 
Luchrad,  Lugair,  Liger  the  warrior, 
Griber,  who  was  a  wise  Greek. 

*  no  bad  reckoning.  *  I  shall  tell.  '  came. 

*  with  heat  or  with  strength.  ^  very  valorous. 

*  his  wife.  '  will  enlighten.  '  perfect. 

*  pure-beautiful,  or  pure  was  her  dwelUng. 


40  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

p     Bachorbladra,  ba  saoi  slan 
ba  hoUam  do  Partholan  ; 
as  e  ceidfer  iar  na  ttecht, 
do  righne  ind  Erinn  oidecht. 

q      La  Brea  mac  Seanbhoith  sin 
teach  ar  tus,  coire  ar  ieinidh  ; 
cles  na  bfagbhaitt  Gaeidhi/  greim, 
comrac  aeinfir  i«d  Erinn. 

r      Accasbel  [a]  ainm  an  fir 
da  maithib  is  da  muintir, 
ro  leicc  Sieidhidh  na  teach  tenn 
ar  tus  in  Inis  Ereanw. 

s      As  la  Malalech,  ro  fes, 

ced-ol  corma,  is  coraiches  ;  ^ 
as  leis  do  nghneadh  iar  sin, 
einadh,  adrad,  iarfaighidh. 

t      Tri  dniith  Partholoin  na  port, 
Tath  is  Fios  is  Fochmorc  ; 
is  a  tri  treinfhir  cen  tar 
Miolchu,  Meran,  Muinechan. 

u      Biobal  7  Babal  ban 

do  cennaighe  do  Partholan  ; 
Biobal  tucc  an  tor  alle, 
Babal  tucc  na  hinnile. 

V     Tothacht  et  Tarha.  tren, 
lomws  et  Athechbel, 
Cuil  7  Dorcha  7  Dam, 
Seacht  ttrebta  do  Partholan. 

*  VLTiadhus,  no  comairce,  no  muinUrdes. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    41 

p     Bachorbladhra,  who  was  a  perfect  sage, 
was  Partholon's  man  of  learning  ; 
he  is  the  first  man  after  their  coming, 
who  held  instruction  in  Ireland. 

q     By  Brea  son  of  Senboth  the  old 

was  a  house  first  made,  a  cauldron  on  the  fire  ; 
a  feat  on  which  the  Gaedhil  keep  hold, 
single  combat  in  Ireland. 

r      Accasbel  was  the  name  of  the  man 
of  his  nobles  and  of  his  people, 
who  let  a  guest  into  his  strong  house 
first  in  Ireland's  island. 

s      To  Malalech  belong,  it  is  known, 

the  first  drinking  of  ale,  and  suretyship  ; 
by  him  was  done  after  that, 
oracle-giving,  adoration,  oracle-consulting. 

t      The  three  jesters  of  Partholon, 
Tath  and  Fios  and  Fochmorc  ; 
and  his  three  champions  without  stain, 
Miolchu,  Meran,  Muinechan. 

u      Biobal  and  white  Babal 

two  merchants  for  Partholon  ; 
Biobal  brought  gold  hither, 
Babal  brought  cattle. 

V     Tothacht  and  strong  Tarba, 
lomus  and  Athechbel, 
Cuil  and  Dorcha  and  Dam, 
seven  husbandmen  for  Partholon. 

*  suretyship,  or  protection,  or  friendship. 


42  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

w     Lee  et  Leccmagh  mo  a  le, 
lomaire  et  Etirche, 
na  ceitre  daim,  dilsi  dail, 
ro  threabhsat  tir  ParthoUm. 

X      Céd  foirgnemh  Eriond,  cen  bron,^ 
do  ronadh  ag  Partholon  ; 
Ced  bró,  msLisdvecht,  lionw — reim  raith— 
ar  tus  in  Kiinn  ard-maith. 

y     Asé  cedfher  tra  tug  mnaoi 
ier  necc  an  fhir  fein,  gan  ghai, 
Fionntain,  tucc  an  ben  co  mbaigh, 
Aoife  ingen  Partholain. 

z      Partholon  ar  itecht  don  Banba 
toghaidh  ionadh  adhamra, 
ar  mbreith  do  mesa  ar  an  fíonn, 
hi  ccúan  Esa  da  Éccond. 

a'    Aire  dosrogh  an  mire 

an  toirer — ara  toithaidhe — 
uair  ni  trebadh  fot  gni  do 
don  cur  soin,  in  lath  Elgo. 

b'    Partolon  luidh  laithe  amach, 
do  chuairt  a  tragha  torbac[h] ;  ^ 
a  ghille  'sa  ben  mo  ale 
fagbhais  dia  eis  san  insi. 

c'     Amail  ro  ha.iar  'na  ttigh 

an  dias,  iongnadh  a.naiithnidh, 
saighis  for  an  ngiolla  ngle,^ 
's  ni  ro  saigh  uirre  an  gille. 

^  gan  troscadh. 

*  buaidhertha,  no  gaireachtairfAi,  no  ro  ba  torbach  dhó. 

*  glan. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    43 

w     Lee  and  Leccmagh  together, 
lomaire  and  Etirche 

the  four  faithful  oxen,  a  proper  grouping, 
who  ploughed  the  land  of  Partholon. 

X     The  first  building  of  Ireland,  without  sorrow, 
was  made  under  Partholon  ; 

the   first    quern,    churning,    ale — a    happy   cata- 
logue— 
were  first  made  in  Ireland  high  and  good. 

y     This  is  the  first  man  who  took  a  wife 

after  the  death  of  the  husband  himself,  without 

deceit, 
Fionntan,  who  took  the  affectionate  woman, 
Aoife,  daughter  of  Partholon. 

z      Partholon  after  his  coming  to  Banba 
chooses  a  wonderful  place, 
after  his  passing  an  estimate  on  the  land, 
in  the  harbour  of  the  Waterfall  of  the  Two  Fools. 

a'     For  this  cause  the  king  chose 
the  coast — for  its  fruitfulness — 
for  it  is  not  ploughing  that  serves  it 
on  that  occasion,  in  the  Land  of  Elg. 

b'    Partholon  went  out  on  a  day, 

to  wander  round  its  fruitful  shores  ; 
his  attendant  and  his  wife  together 
he  leaves  behind  him  on  the  island. 

c'     As  they  were  in  their  house 

the  couple,  strange  and  unacquainted, 
she  sues  of  the  pure  attendant, 
and  the  attendant  sued  not  of  her. 

^  without  fasting. 

*  troubled,  or  laughing,  or  it  was  profitable  to  him. 

^  pure. 


44  DO    GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

d'    Uar  na  rosfreacair  go  feigh  ^ 
an  giolla  deacair  doneimh,^ 
nosnochtanw  tre  trisiaibh  ^  ira, 
ger  b'obair  discciV  deghmhná. 

12         e'     Atrííicch  *  an  giolla  cen  acht  ^ 

— aibriscc  an  raed  an  daennacht — 

et  do  luid,  rádh  cen  ail,® 

CO  Dealccnait  na  coimhlepaid. 

f     Amnas  an  modh  gille  gn'nn  ' 
do  rinne  Toba  teit-binn  ; 
dul  tre  bedhccblaid  brig  gan  blaid,^ 
CO  Delccnait  na  comaientaidh. 

g'     Baoi  ag  Partholon,  fer  an  lis,* 
lestoT  do  lind  soimilis  ; 
as  na  iedadh  nech  ni  d'ól 
acht  tre  chuislind  do  áerccór}^ 

h'    O  do  ronsat  bert  cen  bron,ii 
dosiarraidh  iota  romor  ;  ^^ 
mos  lusat  61  nguala  ngle  ^^ 
tr^s  an  ccuislinw  caiTnvaidheM 

i'     Do  riacht  Partholon  do  mhuich, 
tug  lais  iasgach  uisge  ghlain  ; 
do  ibh  digh  gan  tuislim  de, 
tres  an  ccuislinn  ccumhraidhe.* 

^  if  iothal  CO  ger.  *  rear  deachair  doimhein  do  denomh. 

'  trta  tuirsi,  co  deimhin.      *  do  eirigh. 
^  ga«  contaibairt.  •  gan  aithis. 

'  as  dana,  no  as  a,mna.ÍTeach  an  obair  do'n  giolla  greannmhar  no 
cuibdeasach. 

*  trta  imthecht  obann  7  do  ba  briathar  nár  cluach  no  ó  náx  nert- 
mar  Partholon  sin. 

•  an  baile.  ^°  com  cáol. 
i^  bert  nár  bronach  leó  do  dhenomh. 

*2  tarla  tart  ro-mor  da  bfonrach,  .i.  da  coimeigniugaííA. 

^^  do  ólsat  ól  glan  do  shás  a  ccraos. 

^*  tres  an  com  imbaoi  an  cuirm  ba  coimmilis  re  cumhra. 

♦  This  stanza  is  omitted  in  23K32. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    PARTHOLON    45 

d'    When  he  made  her  no  answer  readily 
the  hard  uncomely  servant, 
she  strips  herself  in  weariness, 
though  it  was  an  unruly  action  of  a  good  woman. 

e'     The  servant  rose  without  hesitation 
— Humanity  is  the  frail  thing  ! — 
and  came,  a  tale  without  reproach, 
to  Delgnat  in  common  bed. 

f     Bold  was  the  work  of  a  pleasant  servant 
which  tuneful-stringed  Topa  did  ; 
to  go  with  a   spring  of  strength,   force  without 

renown, 
to  Delgnat  in  union. 

g'     Partholon,  the  man  of  the  court,  had 
a  vessel  of  very  sweet  drink  ; 
from  which  no  one  could  take  a  drink 
save  through  a  tube  of  red  gold. 

h'    When  they  had  done  the  deed  without  sorrow, 
a  very  great  thirst  came  upon  them  ; 
soon  they  drank  a  bright  coal-drink  * 
through  the  fragrant  tube. 

i'      Partholon  arrived  from  outside, 

brought  with  him  fish  of  clear  water ; 

he  drank  a  draught  from  it  without  stumbling, 

through  the  fragrant  tube. 

1  attended  sharply. 

*  who  thought  it  difficult  to  work  an  ill  desire. 
'  through  her  weariness  truly.  *  arose. 

^  without  danger.  «  without  blemish. 

'  bold  or  shameless  is  the  work  for  the  pleasant  or  discreet  servant. 
^  through  his  sudden  going,  and  that  was  a  word  that  was  not 
famous  or  from  which  Partholon  was  not  strong. 

•  the  bailey.  i"  a  narrow  horn. 
^^  a  deed  that  they  thought  not  sad  to  do. 

"  there  came  very  great  thirst  to  oppress,  that  is,  to  compel  them. 

1'  they  drank  pure  drink  which  satisfied  their  gluttony. 

^*  through  the  horn  in  which  was  the  drink  as  sweet  as  fragrant. 

*  See  Zeitschrift  f.  celt.  Philol.,  viii.  p.  65. 


46  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

y     Ro  foillsicch  deman  dubh  duairc 
an  gniomh  nolc  nedach  nach  suairc  ;  ^ 
"  Bias  beoil  Topa  sunw  co  se,* 
et  bias  beoil  Delccnaite." 

k'    Ann  atbert  mac  Sera  slan, 
fer  dar  comhaiwm  Parthok'n  ; 
"  Cidh  gar  ^  uáir  ataim-ne  amuigh, 
ata  liwd  dual  bar  neccnaigh."  * 

V      Ro  freccair  Delccnat  dia  fior  ; 
"  Nocha  nagainwi  ata  a«  cion  ; 
cid  Serb  lat  a  rad  damsa, 
CO  d^rbh,  acht  as  agatsa. 

m'    "  Mil  la  ben,^  lemlacht  la  mac, 
biad  la  fial «  carna  '  la  cat, 
soer  istigh  7  fáebhar, 
áen  la  hóen,  as  ro-bhaeghal. 

n'     "  Blaisfidh  an  mil  an  ben  bale,® 
iohaidh  an  mac  an  lemlacht, 
dobera  an  fial  an  biadh  ban, 
ioimhelaidh  carna  an  cat  an. 

13         o'     "  Imbeiaidh  na  faebhra  an  sáer, 
laighaidh  an  taen  for  an  aen  ; 
conadh  aire  sin  as  coir 
a  ndagh-choimed  fo  chetoir. 

p'     "  Madh  Serb  lat  a  radh  damh  riot, 
a  Parthalom,  dia  mbe  hi  cctort, 
as  mesi  an  '  taen  la  hoen  '  an«, 
im  saor,  dlicchim  enecclann."  * 

^  an  gniomh  granna  ima  ro  éáaidh  Partholon  7  nar  suairc  lais. 
'  ata  bias  beoil  Topa  ar  so.  '  goirit. 

*  ata   dlestinach    againn  eccaoine  no  imdeargo^A  do  deaamh 
OTaibh. 

'  la  mnaoi.  •  la  duine  náirech.  '  feoil. 

^  laidir.  '  ier  san  ni  dantar  ina  enech. 


OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON     47 

j'      A  black  surly  demon  revealed 

the  evil  deed  of  jealousy  (?)  that  was  not  pleasant ; 
"  The  taste  of  Topa's  mouth  still  here, 
and  the  taste  of  Delgnat's  mouth." 

k'    Then  said  the  sound  son  of  Sera, 
the  man  whose  name  was  Partholon  ; 
"  Though  short  the  time  we  have  been  outside, 
we  have  right  to  complain  of  you." 

r     Delgnat  answered  her  husband  ; 
"  Not  on  us  is  the  fault ; 
though  hard  thou  thinkest  my  saying  it, 
assuredly,  but  on  thee. 

m'   "  Honey  with  a  woman,  new  milk  with  a  child, 
food  with  the  generous,  flesh  with  a  cat, 
a  wright  inside  and  a  tool, 
one  with  one,  it  is  a  great  danger. 

n'     "  The  strong  woman  will  taste  the  honey, 
the  child  will  drink  the  new  milk, 
the  generous  will  give  the  white  food, 
the  kitten  will  eat  the  flesh. 

o'     "  The  wright  will  ply  the  tools, 
the  one  will  go  to  the  other  ; 
so  that  therefore  it  is  right 
to  guard  them  well  at  first. 

p'     "If  hard  thou  thinkest  my  saying  this  to  thee, 

0  Partholon,  if  it  be  in  the  right, 

1  am  the  '  one  with  one  '  here 

I  am  innocent,  I  deserve  recompense." 

^  the  hateful  deed  about  which  Partholon  was  jealous  and  that 
he  did  not  think  pleasant, 

"^  the  taste  of  Topa's  mouth  is  on  this.  '  short. 

*  it  is  lawful  for  us  to  make  complaint  or  reviling  upon  you. 

*  with  a  woman.  •  with  a  modest  person. 
'  flesh.  *  strong. 

*  after  the  thing  which  is  planted  in  his  honour. 


4»  DO   GHABHÁIL   PARTHOLOIN 

q'    As  Í  cétna  druis  ro  clos 
do  ronadh  ar  tús  abhos  ; 
ben  Partholóin,  fhir  anáigh, 
do  beith  la  giolla  niorraith.^ 

r'     Accus  as  i  sin,  amenn  * 

ced  breth  ruccadh  in  Erind  ; 
conad  de  ata  fri  reacht  ran,^ 
*  cert  a  mna  iri  Partholan.' 

s'     Buailis  an  flaith  coin  na  mna, 
dia  bhois,  nir  bo  bed  combá  ;  * 
marbh  an  cú  fri  sedbed  sencc  ^ — 
ba  he  sin  céd-ed  Érend. 

t'     laromh  moslai «  as  in  tigh, 
iar  ffaicsin  an  ch3.inghtigh  ; ' 
dosom  nir  mana  sodain,^ 
Toba,  d'oman  Partholain. 

u'    Doluidh  andiaidh  an  gille, 
coiMS  marb  tre  aininne  ;  • 
do  ni  tsLTiicc  cobhair  De, 
for  CoTSiidh  na  Fiongaile.^^ 


iema  derhadh  co  deimhin, 
mór  a  millsi  ro  bai  la  ! 
in  iath  Innsi  Saimera. 

1  giolla  frtothoilte.  *  así  sin  co  íoIIms,  no  "  a  dhuine  I  " 

'  fri  dlighedh  iirindech.  *  nir  bhó  gníomh  co  maith. 

'  i  leith  re  séd  seng,  no  beag  do  b'olc  isi  do  marbarfA. 

•  elaidhis.  '  fir  an  dioghaltais. 

•  nir  adhbar  sonais.  •  trta  droch-croidhe. 

'"  iomforcraidh  na  fionghaile,  no  eisiomh  an  tamhu5  iorcraidhe 
bhaoi  gan  mnaoi  aige  ;  no  for  ctLoraidhe  .i.  for  gaisg«(iach  na  fioa- 
ghoile. 


OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON  49 

q'    That  is  the  first  adultery  heard  of 
that  was  in  the  beginning  made  here  ; 
the  wife  of  Partholon,  the  man  of  valour, 
being  with  a  servile  attendant. 

r'     And  that,  thus 

is  the  first  judgment  given  in  Ireland  ; 
so  that  thence,  in  noble  jurisprudence, 
is  "  the  right  of  his  wife  against  Partholon.'* 

s'     The  prince  strikes  the  hound  of  the  woman, 
with  his  palm,  it  was  not  a  deed  with  profit ; 
the  hound  died  with  a  slight  chattel-injury  * — 
that  was  the  first  jealousy  in  Ireland. 

V     After  that  he  steals  soon  from  the  house, 
after  seeing  the  avenger  ; 
to  him  it  was  not  a  portent  of  joy, 
Topa,  from  fear  of  Partholon. 

u'    He  went  after  the  servant, 
so  that  he  slew  him  in  anger  ; 
to  him  there  came  no  help  of  God, 
on  the  Weir  of  the  Kin-murder. 

v'    The  name  of  the  place  where  that  was  done 
having  been  verified  certainly, 
how  very  sweet  it  was  once  upon  a  time  ! 
[is]  in  the  land  of  Samer's  Island. 

^  a  serving  attendant.  *  that  is,  it  clearly ;  or  "  O  man  !  " 

•  with  true  right.  *  it  was  not  a  deed  well  done. 

•  towards  a  thing  of  slight  value,  or  Httle  was  the  evil  to  kill  it. 

•  steals  away.  '  of  the  man  of  vengeance. 
"  it  was  no  cause  of  happiness.  •  through  his  evil  heart. 

^^  excess  of  kin-slaughter,  or  this  was  the  measure  of  excess,  he 
had  no  wife  ;  or  on  the  hero,  that  is,  on  the  champion  of  the  kin- 
slaughter. 

•  i.e.  by  the  sUght  act  of  violence  towards  a  valuable  object. 

D 


50  DO  GHABHÁIL  PARTHOLOIN 

w'  Sloinwfet,  ar  lorcc  gach  oide, 
d'aithli  an  sceoilsi  Delccnoide, 
cath  Moighi  hlotha  cowagh,^ 
o's  do  ghniomaibh  Fsntholdin. 


14 


iar  tteacht  sonn  do  Partholan, 
ticc  tasccar  ^  air,  comorbruth, 
d'fine  ferrdha  Fomoruch. 

Da  ced  hliadhain  roimhe  doibh, 
for  iascc  for  enlaith  ethoir  ; 
conadh  de  luidset  alle, 
cen  nach  airbert  bioth  noile. 

Ocht  cced,  ba  hedh  a  lion  soin, 
na  luingsi  luid  don  ler-muir, 
eitiV  fior  is  mnai,  ni  cam, 
gabsat  ind  Inber  Domnand. 

Cioccul  mac  Guill  a  ttnath  sin, 

meic  Gairb,  meic  Tnsdhaigh  teinntighf 

meic  Umoir,  tar  muir  anoir, 

on  ainmnightA^ar  Fomhoraighh  (sic). 

Lot  luaimnech  a  mathair  mas, 

a  Sleibh  Cuccais  credalmhas  ; 

as  a  bniinnib  a  beoil  buirr,^ 

cetheora  suile  as  a  druun, 

ba  luachda  *  doigherda  ^  a  drech, 

an  fuath «  doi-dealbda  duaibhseach  I 

As  aire  tantcc  Lot  lor, 

anoir  a  tiiibh  Emhór ; 

maroen  re  a  mac,  miadh  ro  gheall, 

do  chosnamh  insi  hEr^wn. 


*  con  eagla,  no  ro  bagmar  dhó.  *  coblach.  •  mora. 

*  8oighneiu2a.  •  teinttVfAe.  •  arracht. 


OF  THE   CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON     51 

w'    I  will  tell  you,  in  the  track  of  every  teacher, 
after  this  story  of  Delgnat, 
the  battle  of  Magh  Itha  with  valour, 
as  it  is  one  of  the  deeds  of  Partholon. 

x'    At  the  end  of  ten  complete  years 
after  Partholon's  coming  here, 
came  a  fleet  on  him,  with  great  fury, 
of  the  manly  tribe  of  the  Fomoraigh. 

y'    Two  hundred  years  had  they  before  that, 
(living)  on  fish,  on  birds  of  the  air  ; 
so  that  thence  they  came  hither, 
with  no  use  of  other  food. 

z'     Eight  hundred,  that  was  their  tale 
of  the  fleet  that  went  to  the  ocean, 
both  men  and  women,  it  is  not  crooked, 
they  landed  at  Inbher  Domnann. 

z,"    Ciogul,  son  of  Goll,  was  the  chief  of  those, 
son  of  Garbh,  son  of  fiery  Tuathach, 
son  of  Umor,  over  the  sea  from  the  east, 
from  which  the  Fomoraigh  are  named. 

b"    Lot  the  nimble  was  his  stately  mother, 
from  Caucasus  holy  and  beautiful ; 
out  of  her  breasts  her  fat  lips, 
four  eyes  out  of  her  back,* 
fiery  and  blazing  was  her  form 
the  shapeless,  gloomy  spectre  ! 

c"    For  this  reason  came  Lot  the  ample, 
from  the  east,  from  the  land  of  Emhor, 
together  with  her   son,    an  honour  which    she 

promised, 
to  contest  the  island  of  Ireland. 

^  with  fear,  or  very  threatening  to  him.  *  a  fleet. 

2  great.  *  lightning-like.  ^  fiery.  •  an  apparition. 

*  See  Tenga  Bithnua,  §  loo  (Ériu,  ii.  p.  130). 


52  DO  GHABHÁIL  PARTHOLOIN 

d*'    Fir  cowoencosaibh  ana,^ 
is  CO  naenlamaib  lana  ; 
forra  ro  hviseadh  cath  cain, 
is  for  Cioccal  dFomhórchaibh. 

e'^    Do  commort  Lot  lion  a  slaigh, 
mathaÍT  Cioccuil  ui  Umoir  ; 
ingen  do  Ner,  garbh,  grendachy^ 
a  Sleb  Cucais  coirrbennach. 

i"     Ni  tema  nach  sciulang  as, 
dfine  Fomra  go  an  domgnas  : 
a  ced-cath  Erenn  cowagh, 
seachtmain  ga  chur  Partholan. 

*  luatha.  *  fionnfaiihach. 


OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PARTHOLON  53 

d''    Men  with  single  swift  legs, 
and  with  perfect  single  arms  ; 
against  them  a  good  fight  was  won 
and  against  Ciogal  of  the  Fomoraigh. 

e"    Lot  was  slain  with  the  tale  of  her  host 

the  mother  of  Ciogul  descendant  of  Umhor  ; 
daughter  of  Ner,  rough,  hairy, 
from  Caucasus  of  rounded  tops. 

r     Not  a  fugitive  escaped  out  of  it, 

of  the  tribe  of  the  Fomoraigh  to  their  patrimony ; 
the  first  battle  of  Ireland  with  valour, 
Partholon  was  a  week  fighting  it. 

^  swift.  "  hairy. 


(ALT   III) 

DONA  MAIGHIB  RO  SLEACHTAIT  *  IND  AIMSIR  PARTHO- 
LAIN.  DONA  LOCHAIB,  DONA  HAIBHNIB  FÚAIR 
AR  A  CHIOT^D,  7  DONA  TOMHADHMANNAIB  TAN- 
GATOR  RE  A  LINN  IN  -ERINN.  D'AITTIBH  A  CLOINNE 
7  A  MUINT/iíE,  D'A  OIDED  FEIN,  7  DON  AIMSIR  RO 
CHAITH  INN  ERINN,  ATFIADHAR  SUNNA. 

35.  Cethre  moighe  ro  sleachtait  la  Partholon ; 
.i.  Mag  nEitzVche  la  Cownnachtat^A  (s/c),  Magh  niotha 
la  Laignibh,  Magh  Lii  la  húa  mac  Úais  Bregh,  eitiV 
Bior  et  Camws,  Mag  Latharna  la  Dal  nAraidhe. 

36.  Acciwd  secht  mbliadaw  iar  ngabhail  Eienn 
do  Partholan,  atbath  an  ceid-fer  da  muintir,  .i.  Fea 
mac  Tortan  mete  Sni,  brat  hair  a  athar.  As  uadh 
Tsitear  Magh  Fea,  ar  as  ann  ro  hadnact,  in  Oillribh 
Maighi  Fea ;  7  as  uadh  ced  gein,  .i.  ced  guin  i  Laighnib, 
uair  as  anw  rugad  (sic),^  i  muWach  an  cnuic. 

15  37.  Ni  fairnicc  Partholon  for  a  chionw  acht  tri  locha 
7  naoi  naibhne.  Atiat  na  locha;  Loch  Fordremain 
fors  atta  Traighli  ag  SHabh  Mis  i  Mumhain,  Loch 
Luimnigh  et  Fionnloch  lorrais  Domhanw.  Atiat  na 
haibhne ;  .i.  Abanw  Life  eitir  Uib  Neill  7  Laighne, 
Laoi  hi  Mumain,  Muaidh  la  hUibh  fFiachrach,  Slig- 
each,  Samaoir  for  atta  Ess  Ruaidh,  Buas  eittV  Dal 
nAraide  et  Dal  Riatta,  Fionw  eit*>  Chenel  cConaill  7 
Eoghain,  Modhom  a  Tir  Eogam,  7  Ban;ia  eit»>  Lee 
7EUe. 

»  ro  gcsLiradh  a  coill.  ■  ro  gonadh. 


(CHAPTER   III) 

OF  THE  PLAINS  THAT  WERE  CLEARED  IN  THE  TIME 
OF  PARTHOLON.  OF  THE  LAKES,  OF  THE  RIVERS 
THAT  HE  FOUND  BEFORE  HIM,  AND  OF  THE  LAKE- 
BURSTS  THAT  TOOK  PLACE  IN  HIS  TIME  IN  IRELAND. 
OF  THE  DEATHS  OF  HIS  CHILDREN  AND  OF  HIS 
PEOPLE,  OF  HIS  OWN  DEATH,  AND  OF  THE  TIME 
HE  SPENT  IN  IRELAND,  IS  HERE  RELATED. 

35.  Four  plains  were  cleared  by  Partholon ;  namely, 
Magh  Etirche  in  Connacht,  Magh  lotha  in  Leinster, 
Magh  Lii  in  Ui  Mac  Uais  of  Bregha,  between  Bior  and 
Camus  {sic),  Magh  Latharna  in  Dal  Araidhe. 

36.  At  the  end  of  seven  years  after  Partholon 
occupied  Ireland,  the  first  man  of  his  people  died, 
namely,  Fea,  son  of  Tortu,  son  of  Sru,  his  father's 
brother.  From  him  is  called  Magh  Fea,  for  it  is  there 
he  was  buried,  in  Oilre  of  Magh  Fea ;  and  of  him  is 
the  first  hurt,  that  is  the  first  wounding  in  Leinster ; 
for  there  was  he  slain,  in  the  top  of  the  hill. 

37.  Partholon  found  not  more  than  three  lakes 
and  nine  rivers  before  him.  These  are  the  lakes ; 
Loch  Fordremain,  on  which  is  Tralee  at  Sliabh  Mis 
in  Munster,  Loch  Luimhnigh  and  Fionnloch  of  lorras 
Domhnann.  These  are  the  rivers ;  the  river  of 
Liffey  between  Ui  Neill  and  Leinster,  Lee  in  Munster, 
Muaidh  in  Ui  Fiachrach,  Sligech,  Samair,  on  which 
is  Eas  Ruadh,  Buas  between  Dal  nAraidhe  and  Dal 
Riada,  Fionn  between  Cenel  Conaill  and  Cenel  Eoghain, 
Modhorn  in  Tir  Eoghain,  and  Banna  between  Lee 
and  Elle. 

^  were  cut  from  timber.  *  was  wounded  [to  death]. 

55 


56  IND    AIMSIR   PARTHOLAIN 

38.  Atiat  na  locha  ro  thomhaidhmsiot  in  aimsir 
Partholoin.  Loch  Con  et  Loch  Techet  i  Conda.chtaibh 
isin  dara  bHadhain  decc  ier  ttiochtain  do.  Tomaidhm 
Locha  Mescca  an  hliadhain  ar  ccionw.  Is  in  mhliad- 
hain  sin  atbath  Slainghe  mac  Partholoin  7  i  Cam 
Slebe  Slangha  ro  hadhnact.  Hi  ciwd  da  bliadwa  iar 
sin,  tomaidm  Locha  Laighlinwe  la  hUibh  mac  Uais ; 
dia  mbás  occ  claide  iert  Laighlinwe  vaeic  Partholoin 
as  anw  ro  meabhai/A,  cowadh  uadha  aiwmnight^ar. 
Tomaidhm  Locha  hEachtm  eidir  Sliabh  Modaim  7 
Sliabh  Fuaid.  Tomaidhm  Locha  ^uáhiaidhe  la 
hUltoip  hi  ciwd  decc  mbliadna  iar  sin,  conadh  edh  ro 
baithsiomh,  tomaidm  an  locha  thairis.  Is  in  hliadhain 
iar  sin,  Murtola  Brena  fo  tir,  .i.  Bren-tmcht,  cowadh  é 
an  sesichtmadh  loch. 

39.  A  ccionw  ceithre  mhliadhan  ier  siw,  bas  Partho- 
loin  ioY  Sen-magh  Elta  Edair.  As  aire  as  "  Senmagh  " 
som,  ar  nir  fas  fremh  na  fleascc  fhedha  tnd  riamh. 
Tnochae  hliadhain  bai-siom  in  Eirind  go  sin. 

40.  Dech  mbliadna  iri  iichit  7  da  ced  o  bas  Par- 
toloin  go  taimleacht  a  mhuintire.  Dosfanaic  tamh 
doibsidhe  i  Callainn  Mai  do  sainr^i,  dia  luain  Beal- 
toine,  cowapator  naoi  mile  dibh  on  lúan  có  aroile,  .1. 
cuig  mhile  d'feraibh  7  ceithre  mile  do  mhnáibh,  for 
senmaigh  Ealta.  Tri  ced  hliadain  fod  a  reimhis  lot 
Érind. 

41.  Cowadh  doibh  asrubairt  Y^ochaidh  ua  Floind — 

a    A  choema  clair  Cuiwd  coemseing,^ 
fuiwd  fer  fFáil,  febh  atfedim,^ 
cia  dámh  iar  ttuistin  talman  ^ 
cetna  tarla[d]  co  hEiriwd  ? 

*  a  eólcha  clair  caoimseing  Chuinn,  no  á  eolc^  senga,  .i.  se- 
ghainne  .i.  ealadanta,  chlair  Chuind. 

'  amai/ aisneidhim.  '  iar  ccruthtt^Aadh  an  talmhan. 


IN    THE   TIME    OF    PARTHOLON         57 

38.  These  are  the  lakes  that  burst  in  the  time  of 
Partholon.  Loch  Con  and  Loch  Techet  in  Connacht, 
in  the  twelfth  year  after  his  coming.  The  burst  of 
Loch  Mask  the  year  after.  In  that  year  died  Slanga, 
son  of  Partholon,  and  in  the  Carn  of  Slangha's  Moun- 
tain was  he  buried.  At  the  end  of  two  years  after 
that,  the  burst  of  Loch  Laighlinne  in  Ui  Mac  Uais ; 
while  the  grave  of  Laighlinne,  son  of  Partholon,  was 
being  dug,  it  is  there  it  broke  forth,  so  that  from  him 
it  is  named.  The  burst  of  Loch  Echtra,  between 
Sliabh  Modhairn  and  Sliabh  Fuaid.  The  burst  of 
Loch  Rudraidhe  in  Ulaid  at  the  end  of  ten  years  after 
that,  so  that  what  drowned  him  [i.e.  Rudhraighe] 
was  the  burst  of  the  lake  over  him.  In  the  year  after 
that,  the  sea-flood  of  Brena  over  the  land,  that  is,  the 
Shore  of  Brena,  so  that  it  is  the  seventh  lake. 

39.  At  the  end  of  four  years  after  that,  the  death 
of  Partholon  on  the  Old  Plain  of  Elta  of  Edar.  For 
this  reason  it  is  called  the  "  Old  Plain,"  because  never 
did  root  nor  twig  of  forest  grow  through  it.  Thirty 
years  was  he  in  Ireland  till  then. 

40.  Two  hundred  three  score  and  ten  years  from  the 
death  of  Partholon  to  th*-  plaguing  of  his  people.  A 
plague  came  to  them  on  the  Calends  of  May  precisely, 
the  Monday  of  Beltain,  so  that  nine  thousand  of  them 
died  from  that  Monday  to  the  next ;  that  is,  five 
thousand  men  and  four  thousand  women,  on  the  Old 
Plain  of  Ealta.  Three  hundred  years  the  length  of 
their  stay  over  Ireland. 

41.  So  that  of  them  spake  Eochaid  ua  Floinn — 

a      0  learned  ones  of  the  plain  of  Conn  the  slender 
and  fair, 
of  the  land  of  the  men  of  Fál,  as  I  relate, 
what  company  after  the  creation  of  the  world 
first  came  to  Ireland  ? 

^  O  knowing  ones  of  the  fair-slender  plain  of  Conn ;  or,  O  know- 
ing ones  slender  (that  is,  beautiful ;  that  is,  learned),  of  the  plain 
of  Conn.  "  as  I  relate.  '  after  the  creation  of  the  world. 


58  IND   AIMSIR   PARTHOLAIN 

b     Ere  rian  dilinn  datha,^ 
feb  atrimim  a  retha,^ 
fosfuair  fein  ffesaigh  ffinwgil,^ 
im  Cessair  ingin  Betha. 

1 6  c      Cethracha  laithe  lainfell  * 

do  riacht  an  saithi  semhsheng,' 
ina  mbairc,  ria  ndluim  dilend  ;  • 
gabsat  ait  irenn  Ereann.*' 

d     Do  Dun  mBarc  iri  fled  fosm,® 
dwsfucc  tracht  gan  med  measra  ;  ® 
ace  an  ccam  os  Buill  messaighy^^ 
marh  Cesair  hi  Cuil  Ceasra. 


1  ria  ttabazVt  na  dileanw  co  lúath. 

*  amatV  tMtrmhim  im  rithim,  no  im  rioth  úamha  no  certMsa,  no 
ama»7  twrbim  gach  rioth  da  raibe  ar  Erinw,  no  amat/  atá  liom  i 
rioth  na  rimhe. 

*  fúair  fian  feasach  finnghel  i,  do  chum  feisi  7  comnatiihe  do 
denamh  inwti,  dia  mbeathughadh. 

*  mar  as  iomlan  is  na  haisd^ííaibh.  Láinell  .1.  "  lanoU  "  no 
"  lainfhillti  "  .i.  la  7  oidhche  ;  ar  as  radh  sin  an  la  aicceanta.  La 
saordha  .i.  la  no  oidhche  ;  conadh  fillti  an  la  saordha  isin  la  aigeanta. 
Laineallach,  .i.  Ian  áiste. 

'  Tánaicc  iomat  do  áa.omibh  seimhe  senga  no  foghlomhtha  inti. 

*  ina  luing  ria  ndorchacht  na  dfleanw  ;  dlum  .i.  "  iomat,"  no 
"  nel,"  no  "  dorcha." 

'  i  feronn  na  hÉr^nn. 

"  do  Dhún  na  mBarc  tangatar  re  fósréathnugAoiíA  no  re  sgaoil^ 
i  fleidhi  ann,  no  docum  beith  na  fforws,  .i.  na  ccomnuidhe,  ann. 
Fosra,  .i.  foras. 

*  gan  mheadh  no  mesair  ar  med  an  trachta  gus  a  tangator,  no 
gan  medh  na  mesardhac/»/  ionnta,  no  gan  medh  no  mesatVd'uro^^AatM 
leo. 

^"  ag  an  ccarn  ag  ar  toimseadh  i,  ag  cor  shlaite  tomais  na  huaighi 
fria,  7  an  cam  sin  os  Buill  iasccaigh. 


IN    THE   TIME   OF    PARTHOLON  59 

b     Ireland  before  the  swift  flood, 
as  I  relate  its  courses, 

encountered  a  wise  and  pure  white  warrior  band, 
led  by  Cessair,  daughter  of  Bith. 

c      Forty  days  complete 

the  gentle  slender  swarm  arrived, 

in  their  ship,  before  the  denseness  of  the  flood ; 

they  took  a  place  of  land  of  Ireland. 

d     To  Dun  na  mBarc  for  the  spreading  of  banquets  (?), 
tide  without  scale  of  measure  brought  them  ; 
at  the  Carn  over  the  fruitful  Boyle, 
Cesair  died  in  Cul  Cesra. 


1  before  the  coming  of  the  flood  swiftly. 

*  as  I  reckon  in  my  rhythm,  or  in  my  course  of  consonance  or  of 
correction,  or  as  I  reckon  every  course  which  was  in  Ireland,  or  as 
I  have  in  the  course  of  consonance  or  of  connexion,  or  as  I  have  in 
the  course  of  the  roll. 

'  knowing  pure  white  warriors  found  it,  for  making  rest  and 
habitation  in  it,  to  keep  themselves  alive. 

*  as  is  complete  in  the  poems.  Lainell,  that  is,  "  full  great "  or 
lainfhilUi,  that  is,  "a  day  and  a  night,"  which  is  called  the  natural 
day.  An  artificial  day  is  a  day  or  a  night ;  so  that  the  artificial 
day  is  contained  in  the  natural  day.     Laineallach  is  "  full  metre  (?)." 

*  there  came  many  mild  slender  or  learned  people  into  it. 

*  in  their  ship  before  the  darkness  of  the  flood ;  dlum  is  "  many," 
or  "  a  cloud,"  or  "  dark." 

'  in  the  land  of  Ireland. 

'  to  Dun  na  mBarc  they  came  before  separating  or  scattering  in 
a  feast  there,  or  to  be  established,  that  is  living,  there.  Fosra  is 
foras  ["  establishment  "]. 

*  without  reckoning  or  measure  on  the  amount  of  the  shore  to 
which  they  came,  or  without  their  having  reckoning  or  moderation 
on  them,  or  without  reckoning  or  measure  of  the  chiefs  with  them. 

^"  at  the  Cam  at  which  she  was  measured,  putting  a  rod  for  grave- 
measurement  upon  her,  and  that  cam  is  over  the  fish-abounding 
Boyle. 


6o  IND    AIMSIR   PARTHOLAIN 

e      Bioth,  nir  bo  toi  a  tonwbanw,^ 
cia  ro  cloi  fo  a  glanbarr,^ 
marh  i  Sleb  Betha,  as  badba  ;  ^ 
•    atbat  *  Ladm  in  Ard  Lsiárann. 

i      Luidh  Fionntain  ior  iecht  idlnnt,^ 
fnth  a  Iecht,  ba  lem  luinwi ;  ^ 
nir  bo  áerc  a  cclud  cille,^ 
acht  a  fert  os  Tul  Tuinwe. 

g      Atracht  iri  feacht  fior  img\Aedh,^ 
ire  nert  an  Righ  dia  nadradh  ; 
Fionntain  ba  fer  co  scelaihh, 
do  toraib  iienaih  talman.^ 

h     Cuicc  caocca  "bMadhna  baighim,^^ 
ceithri  seacht  risighla  rimim,^^ 
ba  fas,  atfedi  (sic),  faoidim,^^ 
Ere  (sic)  aibhind,  iar  ndilind. 

i      Doluid  Partholow  pnomda,^^ 
reim  rioghda  tar  lian  ramdha  ;  ^* 
a  chethror  curadh  caoimdil,^^ 
ba  diobh  an  soeirghin  Slángha. 

•  nir  bo  tostach  a  buille  ior  tuinw. 

'  cia  do  Chios  do  hudh  gloine  folt  no  ban  inas  ?     No  fear  é  ro 
claoidheadh  fa  a  glanmac  ;   há,rr  A.  mac. 
'  as  follMS.  *  do  écc. 

'  iecht  da  ttantcc  fainni  no  aimnef/e  dho. 

•  ba  lain»  no  ba  hésgaidh  les  an  lem  sin. 

'  ni  huaimh  no  uaigh  baoi  i  clúdh  cilli  aige. 

•  do  eirtg,  7  as  iecht  no  turus  dar  fuighill  sé  firinde  e. 

•  do  tigemaibh  7  do  triathatfth  trena  an  talman,  no  d'iomat  do 
tnathaibh  no  do  thulcaibh  ;  Tor  .i.  "  iomai,"  tor  .1.  "  triath," 
trtath  .1.  "  tulach." 

^<*  briathraighim.  *^  ainnhim. 

^*  aisneidim  úaim  gur  bo  fas  Í. 

*'  an  tairech  aiVegdha  tantcc  ar  tds. 

**  tar  an  ffairrgi  lAmaigh.        "  do  na  caomaibh  ba  dile  lais. 


IN   THE   TIME    OF    PARTHOLON         6i 

e      Bith,  not  silent  was  his  wave-exploit, 

though  he  conquered  under  his  bright  helmet, 
he  died  in  Sliabh  Betha,  it  is  evident ; 
Ladhra  died  in  Ard  Ladhrann. 

f      Finntan  went  on  a  journey  of  weakness, 

his  grave  was  found,  it  was  a  leap  of  impetuosity  ; 
it  was  no  tomb  within  a  church  boundary, 
but  his  burial  place  is  over  Tul  Tuinne. 

g     He  rose  for  a  journey  of  truth-telling, 

through  the  strength  of  the  King  Whom  he  used 

to  adore ; 
Finntan  who  was  a  man  with  stories, 
for  the  strong  lords  of  the  earth. 

h     Five  times  fifty  years  I  pronounce, 
four  times  seven  the  rule  I  calculate, 
was  it  empty,  I  relate,  I  declare, 
pleasant  Ireland,  after  the  flood. 

i      Partholon  the  primaeval  came, 

a  royal  course  over  the  sea  travelled  by  rowing  ; 

his  four  heroes  fair  and  dear, 

of  them  was  the  free-born  Slangha. 

1  not  silent  was  his  stroke  upon  the  wave. 

2  who  was  heard  of  that  was  brighter  of  hair  or  top  than  he  ? 
Or  he  was  a  man  who  was  defeated  under  his  bright  son  ;  {barr  is 
"  son ").  '  it  is  clear.  *  died. 

*  the  journey  on  which  came  weakness  or  loss  of  strength  to 
him. 

"  eager  or  nimble  he  thought  that  leap. 

'  he  had  no  cave  or  grave  that  was  in  a  churchyard. 

*  he  rose,  and  it  is  a  journey  or  voyage  on  which  he  told  truth. 

*  to  the  chiefs  and  to  the  strong  lords  of  the  earth,  or  to  many 
chiefs  or  leaders.     Tor  is  "  many  "  and  "  chief,"  triath  is  "  leader." 

^°  I  judge.  ^^  I  reckon. 

^'  I  relate  from  me  that  it  was  desert. 

^'  the  distinguished  chief  came  first. 

^*  over  the  sea  plied  with  oars. 

*•  of  the  scholars  he  thought  dearest. 


62  IND   AIMSIR   PARTHOLAIN 

j      Slanga,  Laighlinwe  luinwech  (sic),^ 
clardha  caeimglinwe  a  cuTach^^ 
a  tnar  u^hiaighe  airech,^ 
ocus  Rudhiaighe  an  nnech, 

k    Ro  slechta  moighi  a  morchoill 
lais,  ar  ghairi  dia  gradh-cloinw  ;  * 
Mag  nitha  tes,  bri  buad-Cuinn,^ 
Mag  Li  luatraiwd,  Mag  Lsithraind.^ 

1      lar  ccomgabail  (sic)  sunw  sedal ' 
do  ParthoU w,  nar  traottsidhy^ 
17  Fea,  dedla  in  cech  arccdacht,' 

cetna  galgat  TogSieáadh.^'^ 

m    Uas  Erind  ailne  datha/^ 
feb  atfedim  cech  fotha,^ 
nochan  fuair  for  diwd  mBetha," 
ar  a  chiwd,  acht  tri  locha. 


^  slegach  no  cloidhmeach. 

*  do  ha  caomh  7  do  ha  glind  no  daing^M  a  curach  clarocA,  no  ba 
clarda,  .i.  taitnemhach,  no  a  churach  .i.  a  corp. 

3  a  tri  aireacha  do  ghnidh  ugra  no  dehaidh. 

*  docum  goiridheachta,  do  denamh  dia  clainn  gradhaigh. 

'  an  magh  no  an  cnoc  as  buadach  do  Conn  .i.  Mag  nEitirchi. 

«  luaite  i  TdiTidaibh,  no  ro  baoi  fo  luáithrtíí  iar  losgadh  a  coiUtf 
fair,  no  ar  ar  luath  cosa  ar  na  bein  a  coill. 

'  seal. 

"  nar  traethaidh. 

»  ba  dána  no  ba  daing^M  Fea  in  gach  laochdhacht. 

*°  ced  gdÁsgedh&ch  ro  gonadh. 

*^  Ere  as  álainn  dath,  no  in  andcrlaict^r  na  tabhartais  áille. 

^'  amail  aisneidim  gach  fondament  eolais. 

*'  nochan  nfhúair  for  úachtar  na  ccnoc  as  ar  bensat  a  xnbetha,  no 
{or  na  cnocaibh  i  ttainto;  Bioth  mac  Noé. 


IN   THE   TIME   OF   PARTHOLON         63 

j      Slangha,  Laighlinne  of  spears  (?), 

board-like  the  fair  smoothness  of  their  curachs, 
his  three  warlike  chieftains, 
and  Rudhraighe  the  chief. 

k     Plains  were  cleared  from  mighty  forest 

by  him,  for  the  benefit  of  his  dear  children  ; 
Magh  Itha  southward,  the  hill  of  victorious  Conn, 
Magh  Li  of  swift  division  (?),  Magh  Lathraind. 

1      After  he  spent  a  while  (?)  here 
Partholon,  who  was  not  conquered, 
Fea,  bold  in  all  heroism, 
the  first  champion  that  was  slain. 

m    Over  Ireland  most  beautiful  of  colour, 
as  I  relate  every  basis, 
he  found  not  on  the  fort  of  Bith, 
more  than  three  lakes  before  him. 


*  armed  with  a  spear  or  sword. 

*  fair  and  bright  or  firm  was  his  shining  canoe,  or  it  was  shining, 
that  is,  pleasant,  or  his  curach  is  his  body. 

'  his  three  chieftains  who  used  to  make  war  or  battle. 

*  to  make  nearness  [or  affection  ?]  to  his  dear  children. 

*  the  plain  or  the  hill  that  is  victorious  for  Conn,  that  is,  Magh 
Eitirche. 

*  it  was  mentioned  in  stanzas,  or  it  was  under  ashes  after  burning 
its  wood  on  it,  or  on  which  feet  were  swift  after  it  was  cleared  of 
forest. 

'  a  while. 

*  that  was  not  conquered. 

*  Fea  was  bold,  or  was  firm  in  every  form  of  valour. 
^°  the  first  warrior  that  was  slain. 

^^  Ireland  which  is  beautiful  of  colour,  or  in  which  the  beautiful 
gifts  are  distributed. 

^'  as  I  relate  every  foundation  of  knowledge. 

^'  he  did  not  find  on  the  top  of  the  hills  from  which  they  drew 
their  life,  or  on  the  hills  whither  came  Bith,  son  of  Noe. 


64  IND  AIMSIR  PARTHOLAIN 

n     Tri  locha  aidhbli  amwais,^ 
ocus  naoi  naibhne  niommais  ;  • 
Loch  Fordremain,  Loch  Luimnighy 
Fiowdloch  ier  nimlibh  lorrais. 

o     Abanw  Lifie,  Lai  luaidhem, 

diandriche  cech  drui  deinseng  ;  ' 
derbhthas  deghairrdhe  diliwd, 
senchas  sen-aibhne  nEvend. 

p     Muaidh,  Sliccechy  Samair  *  sluinwi, 
Buais,  buinwi  or  bladaoibh  binwi,^ 
Modern,  Fionw  fogne  galda,* 
Banwa  eihV  Lee  is  EUe.^ 

q     Secht  loch-thomadhman«  toimhsidh 
cloth  cowanmanw  cia  tsiidhsidh  ® 
lins^^  f o  gebinn  gihsibh  ^^ 
Érmn  innsicch  na  haimsir. 


1  tri  locha  mora  nach  teitt  traghadh  ionwta  ;  mós  .i.  traghadh,  7 
amh  ái\útadh.     No  cead&mus  A.  o  tus. 

•  naoi  n-aibhne  i  ccomaois  fris  na  lochaibh  no  ar  a  raibhe  iomhas 
no  ba  maiseach  ucht :  nim  .i.  braon. 

3  dia  ndeochraighenn  no  dia  ndealbhann  gach  draoi  aga  mbiad 
na  diana  seanga,  .i.  ainm  aisti. 

•  Éimi  aniú. 

•  biiinwe  na  Buaisi  ar  a  mbi  bladh  iomais  no  eladhna.,  uair  atá 
aebhne  .i.  aebh  ai  inne ;  no  ar  a  bhfM»7  aoi  bladhach  binn  ;  no  as 
binn  bladh  no  gair. 

•  CO  ngne  gile  no  bhaine  ;  gall  .i.  eala. 
'  anmanna  da  chnoc. 

•  toimsidh  iat. 

•  as  cluach  a  ccomhanmanwa  cia  do  thaisbenfadh  sibh  iat. 

1®  do  honator  is  na  gleanntaibh  fo  beandaibh  an  talmhan.     Gebis 
.i.  gleann.     Ge  Greccach  cia  terra  haiden. 


IN   THE   TIME   OF   PARTHOLON         65 

Three  lakes  great  and  unlovely, 
and  nine  very  splendid  rivers  ; 
Loch  Fordremain,  Loch  Luimnigh, 
Finnloch  west  of  the  borders  of  lorras. 

The  river  of  Liffey,  the  Lee  we  mention, 
for  which  every  druid  composes  deinseang  ; 
it  proves  them  a  clear  mark  of  the  flood, 
the  history  of  the  old  rivers  of  Ireland. 

The  Muaidh,  Sligech,  Samair  thou  mentionest, 
Buais  a  torrent  with  famous  delight  of  melody, 
Modam,  Finn  with  appearance  of  brilliancy, 
Banna  between  Lee  and  EUe. 

Seven  lake-bursts  measure  ye 
names  of  fame,  though  ye  boast  it  (?) 
filled  under  the  valleys  of  fetters 
insular  Ireland  in  his  time. 


^  three  great  lakes  on  which  ebb  comes  not ;  tnos  is  "  ebb,"  and 
amh  is  privative.     Or  ceadamus  ;  that  is,  "  from  the  beginning." 

'  nine  rivers  of  equal  age  with  the  lakes  or  which  had  .  .  .  (?), 
or  that  were  beautiful  of  breast ;   nim  is  "  drop." 

'  for  which  every  druid  that  has  the  diana  seanga  (that  is,  the 
name  of  a  form  of  composition)  distinguishes  or  invents. 

*  Erne  to-day. 

'  the  torrent  of  the  Buas  which  had  fame  of  ...(?)  or  of 
knowledge,  for  there  is  aebhne,  that  is,  a  beauty  of  arts  in  it ;  or  on 
which  is  famous  tuneful  science  ;   or  tuneful  is  the  fame  or  call. 

*  with  an  appearance  of  brightness  or  whiteness  ;  gall  is  "  swan." 
'  names  of  two  hills. 

*  measure  ye  them. 

*  famous  are  their  names  though  ye  should  reveal  them. 

^°  they  poured  into  the  valleys  under  the  peaks  of  the  earth. 
Gebis  is  valley.     Ge  in  Greek,  but  terra  in  Latin. 

E 


66  IND  AIMSIR  PARTHOLAIN 

r      Loch  Laighlinne,  Loch  (sic)  cúan  coltra,^ 
Rudhiaighe  maid  cen  recA^ga,^ 
Loch  Techet,  Loch  Mescc  medach, 
Loch  Cofiy  Loch  nelach  nEchtra.* 

s      Atbath  ier  nuaill,  co  noccaibh,* 
Partholon  don  chuain  chedaigh  ;  * 
ro  sleachta  a  sealbatn  sedaigh,^ 
for  Sen-moigh  Elta  Ettair. 

i8  t      As  aire  as  "  sen-magh  "  sona,' 

as  Dia  delbglan  fodera  ; 
mo  fhioch  rothescc  men  mara  ® 
ni  fnth  fr^mh  no  flesc  fhedha. 

u    Fil  ann  a  fieri y^  na  fih-fir, 
gen  cob  nert  eitir  naomaibh  ;  ^° 
ba  tai  a  tuir  fo  tamaibh  ;  ^^ 
ni  cai  crahaidh  do  chaemaibh.^^ 


^  coltara  .i.  leabaáh  iomramha  ;  no  ceiles  an  talomh  ;   no  Lxxh 
'Rudhiaighe  co  deimhtn. 

*  Rxidhraighe  ar  nach  raibbe  Techt  no  dlighedh,  no  at  nach  biodh 
dlighedh  ar  a  gha. 

'  Loch  Con  ar  a  mbit  ealadha. 

*  do  écc  cona  ga.isgedhchsLibh  d'éis  a  núailli. 
5  dona  cédaibh  buidhean. 

*  do  slaigh^a^A  ina  selbánaibh  iat  cona.  mbaoi  ina  seilbh  do 
sedaibh  for  na  conairibh. 

'  sodna  .i.  co  deimin. 

*  ro  tesc  bel  an  mhara  a  dheg-feronn  mór  ;    no  ro  thaoscc  an 
muir  bleidhmiola  mo  a  fearonn.     Men  .i.  miolmór  men  .i.  bel. 

*  a  n-adhnaicthi. 

^°  gé  nach  nert  mor  eittV  naomhaibh  iat. 

"  ba  tostánach  a  triatha  fo  thamhaibh  báis. 

*'  ni  conaii  crabaidh  d'eolchaibh  dul  go  a  hfertaibh. 


IN    THE   TIME   OF   PARTHOLON  67 

Loch  Laighlinne,  a  bay  of  rowing-benches  (?) 
Rudhraighe  the  red  without  lawgiving, 
Loch  Techet,  Loch  Mask  mead-abounding, 
Loch  Con,  Loch  Echtra  swan-haunted. 

He  died  after  pride,  with  warriors, 
Partholon  of  the  troop  of  hundreds  ; 
his  wealthy  hosts  were  cut  down, 
on  the  Old  Plain  of  Elta  of  Edar. 

For  this  reason  it  is  the  fortunate  "  Old  Plain," 
it  is  God  of  pure  form  caused  it ; 
around  its  land  that  the  sea-gulf  cut  off 
nor  root  nor  twig  of  a  wood  was  found  there. 

There  is  their  grave,  the  true  men, 
although  it  be  no  power  among  the  saints  ; 
silent  were  his  chiefs  in  their  resting-places  ; 
no  road  of  piety  is  it  for  scholars. 


^  of  a  coltar  [rowing  bench],  that  is,  a  bed  fit  for  rowing ;  or 
which  conceals  the  earth  ;   or  Loch  Rudhraighe  certainly.* 

2  Rudhraighe  who  had  neither  right  nor  law,  or  who  used  to 
have  no  right  on  his  weapon. 

^  Loch  Con,  on  which  are  swans. 

*  he  died  with  his  warriors  after  his  pride. 

*  of  the  hundreds  of  hosts. 

*  they  were  slain  in  their  troops  with  what  was  in  their  posses- 
sion of  treasures  on  the  roads. 

'  sodna  is  "  indeed." 

*  the  sea-mouth  cut  off  its  great  good  land ;  or  the  sea  poured 
out  whales  about  its  land.     Men  is  "  sea-monster  "  and  "  mouth." 

*  their  burials. 

^"  although  they  are  no  great  power  among  saints. 
"  his  chiefs  were  silent  under  the  stillness  of  death. 
^*  no  way  of  Christian  piety  to  learned  men  is  it  to  go  to  their 
graves. 

*  These  last  words  should  be  transferred  to  the  following  gloss. 


68  IND  AIMSIR  PARTHOLAIN 

V     Fir,  mnai  (sic),  mec,  7  ingin 
i  Callainn  Mai  mo  terbatdh  ;  ^ 
ni  slan  sam-todail  saLinraid, 
tamh  Partokin  tor  Breghmaig.^ 

w     Tri  cett  hliadna,  cia  Sitfesidh,^ 
uas  desibh  diamra  ána.saibh,* 
don  gSLSvaidh  glebinw  gnasatg/^,^ 
for  Erind  iaisaigh  uasail.^ 

X      Bai  tnocha  hltadhna  mbochta  ' 
ba  fas  iri  fianbla  fechta  ;  ^ 
iar  necc  a  sluaig  iri  sechtinain 
na  nealtaibh  for  Moigh  Ealta. 

y     Adraim  do  Righ  na  nduili 
do  Daghbairr  din  ar  ndaeini,* 
les  cech  dream,  les  cech  dine, 
les  cech  ceall,  les  cech  cóeimhi. 

1  mó  do  twrbrodh,  no  do  urhadh,  no  do  áheliiccadh. 

*  nir  bo  slan  7  nir  bo  saimh  iad  on  sgaoileáA  marbtocA  do 
áéiíeadh  co  tostÁnach  forra  ina  ccoraidib  isin  samradh.  Sam  .i. 
corait. 

•  cia  do  iimeosadh  sibh  é,  no  ag  a  mbeith  a  fhios. 

*  uas  na  feronnaibh  diamra  do«a  doe  uasaib,  .i.  dona  daoinip 
uaislib. 

•  don  gasrad  glainbhinn  ara  raibe  gnaoi  uais,  ho  ba  hoirrdeirc  i 


•  do  bi  na  fasacA,  no  ar  a  raibhe  ionfhás  ;    .i.  fas  a  hinne,  .i. 
biseach. 

'  tftocha  hUadhna  mora,  no  mo-aightheacha,  no  iomlana.  no  on 
mbochta. 

•  ba  fásach  í  gan  ííana  gairechtacAa  do  thecht  ar  turas  ara  bruinne 
no  ar  a  faithche. 

•  do    dagh-Uachtaran,    no    do   dagh-Mac,    dorinne    diden     dar 
ndaoinibh. 


IN   THE   TIME   OF   PARTHOLON  69 

V     Men,  women,  boys,  and  girls, 

in  the  Kalends  of  May,  a  very  great  separation  ; 
it  was  no  healthy  summer-feast  of  summer, 
the  plague  of  Partholon  on  Breaghmagh. 

w     Three  hundred  years,  though  ye  tell  it, 
over  the  lands  more  obscure  than  all  lands, 
to  the  pure  tuneful  well-mannered  troop, 
over  noble  desert  Ireland. 

X     It  was  thirty  years  of  poverty, 

she  was  void  of  the  warrior-shout  of  fighting ; 
after  the  death  of  her  host  in  a  week 
in  their  flocks  on  Magh  Elta. 

y     I  adore  the  King  of  the  creatures 

the  good  Chief  the  protection  of  our  people, 
whose  is  every  host,  every  generation, 
whose  is  every  church,  every  knowledge. 


^  was  more  injured,  or  lacerated,  or  separated. 

'  not  sound  and  not  peaceful  were  they  from  the  deathly  separa- 
tion which  was  allotted  silently  to  them  as  champions  in  summer. 
Santh  is  "  champion." 

'  though  ye  tell  it,  or  who  had  knowledge  of  it. 

*  over  the  lands  dark  to  the  dae  over  them,  that  is,  to  the  gentles. 

*  to  the  clear  tuneful  host  who  had  noble  countenances,  or  who 
were  glorious  in  knowledge. 

*  which  was  a  desert,  or  on  which  was  growth  ;  that  is,  "  growing  " 
is  its  meaning,  that  is,  "  increase." 

'  thirty  great,  or  great-faced,  or  complete  years ;  or  from 
poverty. 

*  she  was  desert  without  noisy  champions  coming  on  expedition 
on  her  bosom  or  on  her  lawn. 

*  to  the  good  Leader,  or  to  the  good  Son,  who  made  a  protection 
for  our  people. 


70  IND  AIMSIR   PARTHOLAIN 

z      Me  an  tUa  Floinw  fodlws  fioru  ^ 
roinn  iri  riogha  do  roegha  ^ 
rob  radh  raith  gach  a  raidhe 
roptar  caidhe,  a  choemha.^ 

*  sgáoileas  no  foidhelwigAes  an  firinne  no  na  feroinn. 

•  ro  thoghas. 

'  comba  rath  mar  gach  radh  da  raidheabh,  7  comba  glan  iat, 
a  eólcha  I 


IN   THE   TIME   OF    PARTHOLON         71 

z    I  am  Ua  Floind  who  distributes  truths 
a  sharing  with  kings  I  have  chosen, 
a  saying  of  grace  was  everything  I  say 
they  were  venerable,  O  scholars. 

1  who  scatters  or  apportions  the  truth  or  the  lands. 
'  I  have  chosen. 

3  may  every  saying  that  I  shall  say  be  of  good  counsel,  and  may 
they  be  clear,  O  learned  ones  ! 


(ALT    nil) 

19  DO    GHABAIL    NEIMif /DH    SÍOSANA 

O  Adam  coro  gab  Neimhidh  Ere,  2850 
O  dilinn  co  ro  gab  "Seimhedh,  608 

42.  Bá  fas  tra  Ere  tWocha  hliadna  iar  ttaimleacht 
muintire  Partholoin,  conus  torracht  Neimhidh,  mac 
Agnomain,  meic  Paimp,  meic  Tait,  meic  Sera,  meic 
Sru,  meic  Eassru,  meic  Brament,  meic  Atechta,  meic 
Magog  etc.,  do  Greccaib  Scitia,  innte. 

43.  TuirthecA^a  (sic)  ^  Neimhidh  imorro.  Do  luidh- 
sidhe  asin  Scitia  siar,  ior  iomramh  Mara  Caisp,  gonws 
tarla  for  iomarcor  ^  gus  an  aiccen  mór  budh  tuaidh. 
Ceithre  barca  tnocha(t)  a  lion,  7  triocha  in  gach  bairc. 
Dia  mbator  ior  an  iomarcor  sin,  atces  doib  tor  oir  for 
an  muir  ina  ccomfhoccws.  Ba  imne  baoisidhe ;  an  tan 
ba  haithbe  an  muir  ba  forreil  an  tor  uaisti,  7  an  tan  do 
lionadh  do  ihudchadh  tains.  Luidh  Neimhedh  gona 
mhuinttV  do  saighidh,  do  saint  imon  or.  Baoi 
d'aidble  an  ailghiosa  cuige,  na  ro  amghset  an  mhuir 
ag  lainne  ^  iompa,  co  rug  an  sughainte  a  longa  uatha 
acht  madh  beg,  7  ro  baidit  a  ioime,  acht  a  ttáithuigh 
Neimhedh  7  a  clann  diobh  a  niort  niomrama.  Blia- 
dhain  co  leith  dhoibh  i«romh  ior  iordul  na  fairrge,  co 
rangatar  Ere.    Airisit  innti. 

44.  Neimhedh  tra,  ceithri  hairigh  bataf  lais,  .i. 
Starn,  larbanel  Faidh,  Ferghus  Leithd^rcc,  7  Ainnind. 
Ceithre  meic  do  Neimidh  iaidsidhe.     Macha  ba  hainm 

^  scela.  *  sechran.  *  ag  lionadh. 

72 


(CHAPTER  IV) 

OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    NEIMHEDH    AS    FOLLOWS 

From  Adam  till  Neimhedh  took  Ireland,  2850 
From  the  Flood  till  Neimhedh  took  Ireland,  608 

42.  Now  Ireland  was  waste  thirty  years  after  the  ^ 
plague-burial  of  Partholon's  people,  till  Neimhedh,  son    DCr 
of  Agnoman,  son  of  Pamp,  son  of  Tai,  son  of  Ser,  son  \ 
of  Sru,  son  of  Eassru,  son  of  Brament,  son  of  Aithecht, 

son  of  Magog,  etc.,  of  the  Greeks  of  Scythia,  reached  it. 

43.  Now  this  is  the  account  of  Neimhedh.  He  came 
from  Scythia  westward,  a-rowing  the  Caspian  Sea, 
till  he  reached  in  his  wandering  the  great  Northern 
Ocean.  Thirty-four  ships  were  his  tale,  and  thirty 
in  each  ship.  While  they  were  thus  wandering,  there 
appeared  to  them  a  golden  tower  on  the  sea  close  by 
them.  Thus  it  was ;  when  the  sea  was  in  ebb  the 
tower  appeared  above  it,  and  when  it  flowed  it  rose 
over  the  tower.  Neimhedh  went  with  his  people  to- 
wards it,  for  greed  of  the  gold.  From  the  greatness 
of  their  covetousness  for  it  they  did  not  perceive  the 
sea  filling  around  them,  so  that  the  eddy  took  their 
ships  from  them  all  but  a  few,  and  their  crews  were 
drowned,  except  those  of  them  whom  Neimhedh  and 
his  children  rescued  by  dint  of  rowing.  A  year  and  a 
half  were  they  after  that  wandering  on  the  sea,  till 
they  reached  Ireland.     They  remain  in  it. 

44.  Now  as  for  Neimhedh,  he  had  four  chiefs  with 
him,  Starn,  larbanel  the  Prophet,  Ferghus  Redside, 
and  Ainninn.      They  were  four  sons   of  Neimhedh. 

^  stories.  *  wandering.  *  filling. 

73 


74  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

do   mnaoi   Neunidh.    Medv,    Machu,    Yba,    7   Cera, 
anmanwa  ban  na  nairech  ha.tar  lais. 

45.  An  dara  la  decc  ier  rochtain  Eienn  doibh,  atbath 
ben  Neunidh ;  7  do  bi-sidhe  ced  marbh  Evenn  diob- 
somh. 

46.  Ceithri  loch-thomhadhmanwa  fo  thir  ind  aimsir 
Neimhidh ;  Loch  Cal  i  nÚibh  Niallain,  Loch  Muinre- 
mair  Slebe  Guaire,  Loch  nDairbreach,  7  Loch  Ainniwd 
i  Midhe.  hi  cci«d  naoi  mbliadan  iar  na  ttocht  inn 
Erm«,  ro  meabatar  na  da  loch  deidheanacha  so. 

47.  Ro  classadh  di  rioghraith  ace  Neimedh  in 
Erinn ;  .i.  Raith  Cinw  Eich  in  Uibh  Niallain,  7  Rath 
Chiombaeith  i  Seimne.  Ceithri  meic  Madaiw  Muinre- 
mair  d^FomhoTchaibh  ro  claidsiot  Raith  Cinw  Eich 
inn  aen  16 ;  Boc,  Roboc,  Ruibne,  7  Rodan  an  anmanwa. 

20  Uair  nós  marthait  an  daoiri  ligi  la  Neimhedh,  cona. 
n-athair  Madan,  siu  ro  chinwset  an  claide. 

48.  Ro  slechtdiit  da  magh  decc  la  Neimhedh  ind 
Erinn  in  daoire  lige  mar  an  cetna ;  .i.  Mag  Cera  7 
Mag  nEba  i  Connachtdlhh.,  Magh  Tochair  a  tXir  Eo- 
ghain,  Leaccmagh  i  Mumain,  Magh  mBemsa  la  Laigh- 
niv,  Magh  Chuile  Tolad  i  Connachtdiihh.,  Magh  Lughadh 
la  hUib  tTuirtre,  Magh  Séxed  la  Tethba,  Magh  Seimni 
la  Dal  nAvaidhe,  Mag  Luirg  la  Cownachtaiv,  Magh 
Muirteimni  la  Cowaille,  7  Mag  Macha  la  hAirghiaXlaibh. 

49.  Ro  bris  Neimhedh  tri  catha  for  Fomoraibh ; 
.i.  Cath  Murbuilcc  i  nDal  Riada,  hi  ttorchuir  Sdarn 
mac  Neimidh  la  Cowainn  mac  Faebair,  i  Lethett 
Lachtmoighi  hi  Murbulg :  cath  Ruis  Fraechain  i 
cConnsichtaibh,  da  ngoirt^r  cat  Badgna ;  as  an»  tor- 
cratar  da  righ  Fomhóire  (sic)  .i.  Can»  7  Seanghann  :  7 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     75 

Macha  was  the  name  of  his  wife.  Medv,  Machu,  Yba, 
and  Cera  were  the  names  of  the  wives  of  the  chieftains 
he  had. 

45.  The  twelfth  day  after  they  reached  Ireland,  the 
wife  of  Neimhedh  died  ;  and  she  was  the  first  dead  in 
Ireland  from  among  them. 

46.  Four  lake-bursts  over  land  in  the  time  of  Neim- 
hedh ;  Loch  Cal  in  Ui  Niallain,  Loch  Muinreamhar  of 
Sliabh  Guaire,  Loch  Dairbrech,  and  Loch  Ainninn  in 
Meath.  At  the  end  of  nine  years  after  their  coming  to 
Ireland,  these  two  last  lakes  burst  forth. 

47.  Two  royal  forts  were  dug  by  Neimhedh  in  Ire- 
land ;  Rath  Cinn  Eich  in  Ui  Niallain,  and  Rath  Ciom- 
baeith  in  Seimne.  The  four  sons  of  Madan  Fat-neck 
of  the  Fomoire  dug  Rath  Cinn  Eich  in  one  day — Boc, 
Roboc,  Ruibne  and  Rodan  were  their  names.  For  they 
were  kept  in  servitude  (?)  by  Neimhedh,  with  their 
father  Madan,  before  they  completed  the  excavation. 

48.  Twelve  plains  were  cleared  by  Neimhedh  in 
Ireland  in  servitude  (?)  likewise  ;  namely,  Magh  Cera 
and  Magh  Eba  in  Connacht,  Magh  Tochair  in  Tir 
Eoghain,  Leccmagh  in  Munster,  Magh  mBernsa  in 
Leinster,  Magh  Chuile  Tolad  in  Connacht,  Magh 
Lughadh  in  Ui  Tuirtre,  Magh  Sered  in  Tethba,  Magh 
Seimni  in  Dal  uAraidhe,  Magh  Luirg  in  Connacht, 
Magh  Muirtheimne  in  Conaille,  and  Magh  Macha  in 
Airghialla. 

49.  Neimhedh  won  three  battles  over  the  Fomhoire  ; 
namely,  the  battle  of  Murbolg,  in  Dal  Riada,  where 
fell  Starn,  son  of  Neimhedh,  at  the  hands  of  Conainn, 
son  of  Faebhar,  in  Leithet  of  Lachtmagh  in  Murbolg : 
the  battle  of  Ros  Fraochain  in  Connacht,  which  is 
called  the  battle  of  Badgna  ;  there  fell  two  kings  of  the 
Fomhoire,  namely,  Gann  and  Senghann :  and  the  battle 


76  DO    GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

Cath  Cnamruis  i  Laigniv,  ina  ttorcratar  ár  fer  nt^renn, 
im  Beoan  mac  StaiVn  meic  Neimhidh,  las  an  cConainn 
cetna.  As  ria  Neimhedh  beos  ro  maidset  na  catha  so, 
ge  ro  foirrgit  a  muint^r  co  hadbhal  ionnta. 

50.  At  bath  Neimhedh  iar  sin  do  thamh,  in  Oilen  Arda 
}^eimhidh  in  Uibh  Liathain  i  Mumain ;  7  tri  mile 
imaille  ris. 

51.  Baoi  imorro  dochraide  mor  for  eland  Neimhidh 
iartain,  0  ro  diobdait  a  ttreoin  7  a  ttaoisicch  is  na 
cathaibh  remraiti,  7  o'tbat  Neimedh  cms  an  lion 
atrwbhromor.  As  oca  baoi  a«  dochraitisin  forra,  .i. 
ag  Conainn  mac  Faebair  d'Fomoraib,  7  ag  More 
mac  T)e\edh  an  dara  t3.oiseach.  As  anw  baoi  dún-arws 
Conainw  an  ionhaidh  sin,  a  tTur  Cowainw,  ris  a  raitear 
Toirinis  Ceitne,  iri  hErinw  a  niar-tuaidh.  Do  ronadh 
tir  caireach  d'Eirinw  \eo-san,  cona.  laimthi  de  d'faicsin 
ar  lo  do  thigh  da  mbaoi  inti,  muna  hudh  tol  d'Fomor- 
chaihh.  Da  ttr/an  a  neatha,  a  mbleachta,  7  a  ccloinne, 
cowéttuailngibh  oile,  feib  no  chuingitis,  asedh  do 
berthi  doibh ;  7  fir  Erenw  fesin  d'iodhnacal  cachae 
diob  chuca  cecha  hoidhchi  Samhna  co  Magh  cCetne. 
As  aire  atberor  Magh  cCetni  fns,  ar  a  mionca  ba  héicc- 
en  an  daoircios  do  diol  an«,  la  Fomoiribh  ;  7  ba 
hannfhocfl/  d'feraibh  tlvenn  an  ionhaidh  sin,  a  ath- 
comarc  diaroile,  "  An  gws  an  Magh  cCetna  bertar 
an  cios  don  chur-sa  ?  "  conadh  desidhe  ro  hainnmi- 
gheadh  an  magh. 

21  52.  Gabaidh  tra  fercc  7  fiorluinne  clanna  Neimii  ar 
tfoma  an  dochraide  7  ar  anff óille  a  cciosa ;  co  ro  cocc- 
rator  na  tri  toisicch  batar  leo  toghairm  7  thiomsughai/j 
do  cor  for  a  muint^raibh  seachnon  Ercnn,  co  ristis  co 
haein-maigíM.    Do   gniadh  samhlaidh ;    7   iar   roch- 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     ^^ 

of  Cnamros  in  Leinster,  where  fell  a  slaughter  of  the 
men  of  Ireland,  with  Beoan  son  of  Stam  son  of  Nei- 
mhedh,  by  the  same  Conainn.  Moreover,  by  Neimhedh 
were  these  three  battles  won,  although  his  people 
suffered  great  hurt  in  them. 

50.  Neimhedh  died  afterwards  of  plague,  in  the 
island  of  Ard  Neimhidh  in  Ui  Liathain  in  Munster ; 
and  three  thousand  with  him. 

51.  Now  there  was  a  great  oppression  on  the  children 
of  Neimhedh  after  that,  since  their  champions  and  their 
chieftains  were  destroyed  in  the  aforesaid  battles, 
and  since  Neimhedh  died  with  the  number  we  have 
mentioned.  Those  at  whose  hands  they  suffered  that 
oppression  were  Conainn  son  of  Faebar  of  the  Fomoire, 
and  More  son  of  Dele  the  other  chief.  The  fortress- 
house  of  Conainn  at  that  time  was  at  Tor  Conainn, 
which  is  called  Toirinis  Ceittne,  to  the  North- West 
of  Ireland.  A  sheep-land  was  made  of  Ireland  by 
them,  so  that  not  a  venture  was  made  to  let  smoke 
be  seen  by  day  from  a  house  that  was  in  it,  except 
with  the  consent  of  the  Fomhoire.  Two-thirds  of 
their  corn,  their  milk,  and  their  children,  with  other 
intolerable  burdens,  as  they  used  to  demand,  this  is 
what  was  given  to  them ;  and  the  men  of  Ireland  had 
to  deliver  every  item  to  them  always  on  Samhain 
eve  at  Magh  Cetne.  For  this  reason  is  it  called  Magh 
Cetne,  for  the  frequency  they  had  to  pay  the  heavy  tax 
there  to  the  Fomhoire ;  and  the  men  of  Ireland  had  a 
by-word  at  that  time,  asking  one  another,  "Is  it  to 
the  same  plain  {magh  cetna)  the  tax  will  be  brought  on 
this  occasion  ?  "     So  that  thence  was  the  plain  named. 

52.  Now  wrath  and  rage  seizes  the  Children  of  Nei- 
mhedh for  the  heaviness  of  their  distress  and  the 
injuriousness  of  their  tax  ;  so  that  the  three  chieftains 
whom  they  had  plotted  to  cause  their  people  through- 
out Ireland  to  collect  and  assemble,  so  that  they  should 
arrive  at  one  place.    They  act  accordingly ;  and  having 


78  DO   GHABHAIL   NEIMHIDH 

tain  aein-ionaidh  doib,  cinnit  do  en-cowatVle,  sai- 
ghidh  CO  Tor  Conainw  do  chuingidh  ettromaighte  an 
dochraiti  ior  Fomhoir^,  no  do  chsitughadh  irin. 

53.  Batar  iad  a  ttoisigh  a  suidhe ;  Ferghus  Leithderg 
mac  'i>leimhidh,  Semeon  mac  larbaneóil  meic  Neimidhj 
7  Earglan  mac  Beoain  meic  Staim  meic  Nevmidh. 
Bsitar  airigh  7  ardmaiihe  oile  ism  comdhail  sin  gen  mo- 
thát  somh,  im  Artur  Mor  mac  Neimidh,  7  im  Alma 
Enfhiaclac/i  mac  Neim^Vi  yil.  Triocha  mile  ior  muir, 
7  an  coimlion  céadna  ior  tir,  as  eadh  lion  loiar  Clanna 
Neimhidh  cus  an  ttoghail-si,  cenmotat  echtair-cenela., 
árubh3.T-s\uaigh,  7  dáescar  daoine,  tuccsat  d'aidbliu- 
ghadh  a  ttionoil  in  a.ghaidh  anforloinn  na  fFomhoire. 

54.  lar  Tochtain  trachtai  Toirinwsi  doib,  do  gniat 
botha  7  belscatha  im  eochairimk*6/i  an  chuain.  Cinnit 
comairle  iaromh,  Almha  Einfiaclach  do  chor  co  Con- 
ainn,  d^iairaidh  cairde  imon  ccios  go  diaidh  teora 
mbliadhan.  Luidh  Almha  co  ran^'cc  cathair  Conainn. 
lar  cclos  a  aithescca,  iergaightheai  imon  fflaith-feindiiA 
Condemn,  com.  bai  ba  dosomh  dia  tairerituih.  Soais  go 
a  muintiV  7  atfet  aithiwscca  anuirriogh  doibh.  Batar 
doimenmac/ia-siom  dia  ccluinsin,  7  Sislaighit  Alma  im 
dula  doridhisi,  do  chuinghi[d]  úaine  en-bliadna  for  Con- 
ainn,  an  duime  7  an  daidhbre  dioilhiughadh,  iiadha 
ima  neccumang  ar  dóirchios  na  hliadna.  sin  do  thahhairt 
uatha  do  maighin,^  7  a  torrachtain  cuigi  an  óighe  hi 
cionn  na  ree  remraite.  Atb^rtsat  ris  beos,  muna 
bfoghbhadh  an  chairde  baoi  d'iarrazJA,  cath  d'fogra 
ior  Conainn ;  ar  ba  suall  nar  bo  ferr  leó  comhthuitim 
ar  en-lathair,  flora,  mna,  maca,  7  inghena,  inas  a  mbeith 
ion  mór-dochraitte  a  mbator  ni  hudh  siriu. 

^  do  lathair. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     79 

reached  one  spot,  they  resolve  on  one  counsel,  to  pro- 
ceed to  Conainn's  Tower  to  demand  alleviation  of 
their  oppression  from  the  Fomhoire,  or  to  fight  with 
them. 

53.  These  were  their  chieftains  ;  Ferghus  Redside 
son  of  Neimhedh,  Semeon  son  of  larbonel  son  of 
Neimhedh,  and  Erglan  son  of  Beoan  son  of  Stam 
son  of  Neimhedh.  There  were  other  princes  and 
nobles  in  that  assembly  besides,  with  Artur  the  Great, 
son  of  Neimhedh,  and  Alma  Onetooth,  son  of  Nei- 
mhedh, etc.  Thirty  thousand  on  sea,  and  the  same 
number  on  land,  was  the  tale  of  the  Children  of 
Neimhedh  who  went  to  that  destruction,  besides 
foreigners,  wastrels,  and  a  rabble,  which  they  brought 
to  increase  their  muster  against  the  oppression  of  the 
Fomhoire. 

54.  After  they  reached  the  shore  of  Toirinis  they 
make  booths  and  huts  about  the  borders  of  the  bay. 
Then  they  resolve  on  the  counsel  to  send  Alma  One- 
tooth  to  Conainn,  to  ask  a  respite  in  the  matter  of 
the  tax  to  the  end  of  three  years.  Alma  went  and 
reached  the  fortress  of  Conainn.  When  he  heard  his 
speech,  Conainn  was  enraged  with  the  martial  prince, 
so  that  he  got  no  good  of  his  journey.  He  returns  to 
his  people  and  tells  them  the  words  of  the  chief. 
Downcast  were  they  at  hearing  them,  and  they  induce 
Alma  to  go  back  again,  to  ask  respite  of  one  year  of 
Conainn,  to  show  him  their  poverty  and  need,  to  bear 
witness  to  their  inability  to  produce  there  the  heavy 
tax  of  that  year,  and  that  it  should  come  to  him  in  its 
fulness  in  the  end  of  that  time.  They  said  to  him 
further,  unless  he  should  obtain  the  remission  he  was 
asking,  to  proclaim  battle  against  Conainn ;  for  they 
well-nigh  preferred  to  fall  together  in  one  place,  men, 
women,  boys,  and  girls,  than  to  be  under  the  great  dis- 
tress in  which  they  were  any  longer. 

^  to  the  spot. 


8o  DO    GHABHÁIL    NEIMHIDH 

55.  Toet  Almha  roimhe  co  Cowainn  7  atfet  aithescca 
cloindi  J^ehntdh  fiadha.  "  Foghébhait  an  chairde," 
ol  Conainw,  "  ar  coingheall  gan  scsioileadh  no  scain- 
readh  oraile  dhoibh  co  diaidh  na  hliadhna.  sin,  co 
fagharsa  7  Fomhoire  re  a  mndhughadh  in  oen-maighin, 
muna  ernet  an  cios  a  n'oighe  i  bhforceann  na  cairde." 

56.  lompais  Almha  co  a  braithribh  7  atfet  a  aithescca 
doibh.  Faomhait-siomh  tra  iwdsin,  fodaigh  co  ccuir- 
tis  teachta  go  a  mbraithribh  7  go  a  mbunaidh-fhrem- 

22  haibh  gus  an  nGrecc,  do  chuinghidh  conganta  sochraide 
fonra  ind  SLgaidh  Fomhoire.  Ar  ba  hi  Relbeó  inghen 
righ  Grecc  mathair  desi  don  cloinw  sin  Neimid,  .i. 
Ferghws  Lethd^rg  7  Alma  Einfhiaclach.  Smol  mac 
Esmoil  ba  ri  Grecc  an  ionhaid  sin. 

57.  lar  rochtain  na  ttechtadh  chuicce  ona  com- 
braithnb,  cuiris  tiomaiTgadh  7  tionól  ar  msiithibh 
Grecc  CO  coitchenn,  gur  ro  teglaim  sluag  adhbal-mór 
do  ghlere  ghaisgh^ííach,  do  dru3.daibh  7  ban-druadat6A, 
d'onchonaibh  7  d'anmanwaibh  neimhneacha  seachnoin 
na  ccnoch.  Leccis  roimhe  iat  go  clamdaibh  Neimidh, 
7  dailis  fein  ina  ndiaidh  co  ttrwimthionol  Grecc  lais. 
NÍ  haithrestar  luadail  na  laechloingsi  sin  gur  gabsat 
cuan  ag  Tur  Conaind. 

58.  Batar  faoil/^  Clanna  Neimhidh  íriú. ;  7  as 
fair  desidh  leó  íar  na  ttorrac^/ain,  cath  d'fogm  for 
Conainn  mwwa  telgadh  a  saoire  doibh.  Laaitt  techidi 
da  shoighidh  imsodain.  Fevgaighis  Conamn  riu  iar 
ccoistecht  a  nurwghaill,  gur  ro  faemh  an  cath  do  chur. 
Lotar  na  techta.  ior  ccnlaihh  go  a  muintiV.  Tochuiiis 
Conoiná  chuicce  More  mac  DeWA  .i.  ala  fiaith  na 
Fomoire.  Araidhe  nochar  miadh  lais  airisiomh  gan 
an  cath  do  fregm  fo  cetoir,  ar  an  dar  leis  niptar  iolmha 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     8i 

55.  Alma  goes  forward  to  Conainn  and  tells  him 
the  words  of  the  Children  of  Neimhedh  in  his  presence. 
"  They  will  get  the  grace,"  said  Conainn,  "  on  condi- 
tion that  they  neither  separate  nor  scatter  from  one 
another  till  the  end  of  that  year,  so  that  I  and  the 
Fomhoire  get  them  in  one  place,  for  their  destruction, 
unless  they  pay  the  tax  in  its  fullness  at  the  end  of 
the  grace." 

56.  Alma  returns  to  his  brethren  and  tells  them  his 
news.  They  then  accept  that,  in  hopes  that  they  should 
send  messengers  to  their  brethren  and  their  original 
stock  to  Greece,  to  ask  the  help  of  an  army  from  them 
against  the  Fomhoire.  For  Relbeo,  daughter  of  the 
king  of  Greece,  was  mother  of  two  of  those  children  of 
Neimhedh,  Ferghus  Redside  and  Alma  Onetooth. 
Smol,  son  of  Esmol,  was  king  of  Greece  at  that  time. 

57.  When  the  messengers  from  his  brethren  reached 
him,  he  caused  the  nobles  of  Greece  to  come  and 
assemble  together  in  common,  so  that  he  brought 
together  an  immense  host  of  the  choice  of  warriors, 
of  druids  and  druidesses,  of  wolves  and  venomous 
animals  throughout  the  coasts.  He  sends  them 
before  to  the  Children  of  Neimhedh,  and  himself  joins 
them  afterwards  with  the  full  muster  of  the  Greeks. 
The  progress  of  that  warrior-voyage  is  not  related  till 
they  took  harbour  at  Conainn's  Tower. 

58.  Welcoming  were  the  Children  of  Neimhedh  to 
them  ;  and  this  was  agreed  by  them  after  their  arrival, 
to  declare  war  on  Conainn  unless  he  yielded  them  their 
freedom.  They  send  messengers  to  him  about  this. 
Conainn  is  enraged  with  them  after  hearing  their  speech, 
so  that  he  agreed  to  give  battle.  The  messengers 
went  back  to  their  people.  Conainn  sends  for  More, 
son  of  Dele,  the  other  prince  of  the  Fomhoire,  to  him. 
Notwithstanding,  he  thought  it  inglorious  to  delay 
answering  the  battle  at  once,  for  he  felt  sure  that  the 
Children  of  Neimhedh  were  not  ready  to  undertake 

F 


82  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

Clanwa  Neirnhidh  coimhtnall  catha  fns,  ar  lionmaire 
7  ar  chalmatws  a  Isiechi aidhe. 

59.  Ro  laiset  fir  'Erenn  anMsin  tsiiscéíaidh  íor  chat- 
vaigh  Conoinn,  A.  Relb^ó  ingen  righ  Grecc,  tudchaid  i 
sochraide  a  cloinwe.  Ba  bandrai  isidhe,  7  luidh  i 
riocht  bain-leandain  Conoinw  gus  an  cc3.thiaigh,  co 
mbai  CO  gradach  3.th.aidh  occa,  tre  memcchadh  aigenta. 
Ro  figheadh  cath  céttus  eitir  a  ndruitibh,  7  aroile  eitzV 
a  mbandrwitz6A,  gur  mesibhaidh  ior  Fomhoiribh.  Acht 
cena,  as  eadh  a  chuwmair,  gach  cath  dar  chuirset 
SLÍhaidh  iar  sin,  as  for  Fomoiribh  ro  sminitt,  gur  ro 
dithighit  a  ndaoine  co  mór. 

60.  Do  gnither  mur  daiingean  do-scaoilte  i  comh- 
foccws  na  cathrach  la  clsmdaibh  l^^eimidh  iar  sin,  tna 
comhairle  amairnt^*g/i ;  7  ro  laisit  na  hanmanwa 
urchoideacha  tuccsat  Gregaigh  ina  ttoirithin  dochum 
an  tuir  ier  sin,  go  ro  combuichset  gach  aird  7  gach 
airciwd  de  ar  a  nionchaibh ;  condeachsat  fianlach  na 
toghla  ina  ttovaidhecht  tresna  raonaibh  do  lonsat 
rompa,  ar  an  cca.tTa,igh.  Ni  foraelangair  do  tren- 
feraibh  na  cathrach  airisiomh  ina  hiomchumang,  fo 
daigh  n^rtmaire  7  neimhe  na  nanmann  nurcoit^c/j 
nsdnetarghnaidh  hsXar  ina  ttrechumwsc  don  chur  soin. 

61.  Techis  Conoiwd  cona.  choiright^ftA  catha  a 
ccedoir,  7  nochar  miad  lais  gan  dol  do  SB.igidh  na  sluagh 
eineach  in  ionchaip.     Dóigh  ba  husa  lais  csiihughadh 

23  fnu,  ina  airisemh  isin  ccsLthvaigh  iris  na  hsLnmaindaibh 
ieocra  fir-neimneacha  do  deochator  tre  na  muiaibhy 
ier  na  mblaidhrebhaíí/í  reampa.  Tuidhmit  lucht 
na  ttoghla  iad  iertain,  eittV  conaibh  7  mucaibh 
neimhe,  ier  bfagbail  na  catmch  da  aiia.daibh.  Fag- 
bait  f orcoimed  uirre  Sisendady  7  ro  chingsett  do  sha.ighid 
na  hiorghaile.  Gabait  each  diobh  iertain  i  ffedhmanwa 
catha  forra  adiu  7  anall. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     83 

battle  with  him,  on  account  of  the  multitude  and  valour 
of  his  host. 

59.  Then  the  men  of  Ireland  sent  a  spy  to  the  castle 
of  Conainn,  namely,  Relbeo,  daughter  of  the  king  of 
Greece,  who  came  in  the  host  of  her  children.  A 
druidess  was  she,  and  she  went  in  the  form  of  the 
concubine  of  Conainn  to  the  castle,  so  that  she  was 
in  lover's  wise  with  him  for  a  while,  through  the  con- 
fusion of  his  mind.  A  battle  was  joined  first  between 
their  druids,  and  another  between  their  druidesses, 
so  that  it  went  against  the  Fomhoire.  But  in  short, 
every  battle  which  they  set  for  a  while  after  that, 
against  the  Fomhoire  were  they  won,  so  that  their 
people  were  destroyed  to  a  great  extent. 

60.  A  wall  strong  and  hard  to  pull  down  is  made  by 
the  Children  of  Neimhedh  near  the  castle  after  that, 
at  the  advice  of  their  spy  ;  and  they  sent  the  hurtful 
animals  the  Greeks  had  brought  to  their  assistance  to 
the  tower  after  that,  so  that  they  breached  together 
every  quarter  and  every  side  of  it  before  them ;  so 
that  the  attacking  party  went  on  their  trail  through 
the  ways  they  had  made,  forward  to  the  castle.  The 
mighty  men  of  the  castle  endured  not  to  remain  within 
it,  because  of  the  strength  and  venom  of  the  hurtful 
strange  animals  mingled  with  them  on  that  occasion. 

61.  Conainn  with  his  war-squadrons  fled  at  once, 
and  he  thought  it  ignoble  not  to  attack  the  hosts 
face  to  face.  For  he  considered  it  easier  to  give  them 
battle,  than  to  wait  in  the  castle  for  the  wild  venomous 
beasts  who  came  thiough  the  walls  after  they  had 
disintegrated  them.  The  attacking  host  after  that 
yoke  them,  both  hounds  and  venomous  swine,  after 
its  warriors  had  left  the  castle.  They  leave  a  guard 
over  it  afterwards,  and  proceed  to  the  combat. 
Each  of  them  takes  his  battle-duties  upon  him  on  this 
side  and  that. 


84  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

62,  lar  mbeith  aithaidh  dhoibh  ocon  iomthuargíiíw, 
ba  seadh  a  chomwair ;  Conainw  do  tuitim  do  láimh 
Ferghwsa  Leithd^rg  meic  Neimhidh  a  cert  comlaind. 
Ba.tar  da  chsiitmiiidh  chalma  curata  la  Fomorchat6A 
iaromh,  .i.  Giolcas  mac  Faebair  7  Orcifanat ;  7  iadhait 
Fomor^  iompa  iar  ndith  a  ttigh^ma.  Gabaitt  ior 
toghaú  a  fedhmanw  catha  7  a  ngniomh  gaisgidh  os 
áird,  CO  ro  chuimnighset  Clanwa  Neimhidh  a  neccraide 
7  a  naincride  go  sin  doibh.  Goma  comhranw  do 
Semeon  mac  Stairn  7  do  Giolcas  mac  Faebhair,  do 
larbaineol  mac  Neimhidh  7  d'Orcifanad.  Ba  he  an 
iomscaraíí/í,  na  Fomoir^  do  dicheaindadh  do  lamaibh 
na  laech  sin,  do  rala  i  ciwd  comair  fnu. 

63,  Sraointear  an  cath  a  sendadh  ior  fine  Fomra, 
7  gabthar  ior  a  ccuarttadh  7  timceallai^/j,  cona.  terno 
elaidhiheaich  dhiob.  Saighit  na  sluaigh  an  chathair 
iaromh,  co  ttijftsat  a  seoit,  a  hor,  a  hargat,  7  a  hiol- 
maithiws  archena  eiste.  Cuiritt  teinnti  cecha  hair- 
ciwd  di  dia  és,  consx  bo  hairde  a  de  ina  a  doighir. 
Loisccet  a  bantracht  7  a  bandala,  a  msLCvaidhe  7  a 
hingenrí^íí^,  cowa  terna  sgiúlang  uaithe. 

64.  Ran  wait  Clanwa  Neimhidh  edail  na  cathrach  ar 
úaislibh  7  ar  ardmaithiftA  Grecc  ria  netarscartain 
doibh,  7  bator  huideacha  diaroile.  Oirisit  tra  clanna 
Neimhidh  i  maighin  in  iomairig,  iar  nimtecht  Grecc  ua- 
tha,  ag  adhnacol  in  ro  mndhaigheadh  dia.  ndeghdaoinip. 

65.  Nir  vo  cian  doibh  samlaidh,  conus  facatar  an 
loinges  lanmhór  dia  saighidh ;  iri  fichit  long  a  lion, 
ar  na  ffraislion^ííA  do  ghleire  galgat,  im  More  mac 
Deledh,  an  dara  flaith  Fomhoire,  ag  tocht  do  congnamh 
la   Cowainw ;    gur  gabsat  an  tracht  ina  ffiadhnaisi. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     85 

62.  After  they  had  been  thus  fighting  together  for 
a  while,  this  was  in  short  what  happened ;  Conainn 
fell  by  the  hand  of  Ferghus  Redside,  son  of  Neimhedh, 
in  fair  fight.  The  Fomhoire  had  two  valiant  knightly 
warriors  after  that,  Giolcas,  son  of  Faebhar,  and  Orci- 
fanat ;  and  the  Fomhoire  close  around  them  after 
losing  their  leader.  They  take  to  raising  high  their  war- 
like efforts  and  their  deeds  of  valour,  till  the  Children 
of  Neimhidh  remembered  their  hostility  and  their 
cruelty  to  them  up  till  then.  So  Semeon,  son  of 
Starn,  and  Giolcas,  son  of  Faebhar,  were  mated,  as 
well  as  larbanel  and  Orcifanat.  This  was  the  end  of 
it,  that  the  Fomhoire  were  beheaded  by  the  hands 
of  those  warriors,  who  happened  to  be  matched 
against  them. 

63.  The  battle  at  last  goes  against  the  tribe  of 
the  Fomhoire,  and  they  took  to  encircling  and  sur- 
rounding them,  so  that  not  a  fugitive  escaped  from 
them.  The  hosts  proceed  to  the  castle  after  that, 
so  that  they  took  out  of  it  its  treasures,  its  gold,  its 
silver,  and  all  its  valuables  in  general.  They  put  fires 
at  every  quarter  of  it  after  that,  so  that  not  higher  was 
its  smoke  than  its  flame.  Its  women  and  females, 
its  boys  and  girls  were  burnt,  so  that  not  a  fugitive 
escaped  from  it. 

64.  The  Children  of  Neimhedh  share  the  booty  of 
the  castle  among  the  nobles  and  great  men  of  the 
Greeks  before  parting  from  them,  and  they  were 
grateful  one  towards  the  other.  Now  the  Children 
of  Neimhedh  stay  in  the  place  of  the  conflict,  after 
the  departure  of  the  Greeks  from  among  them,  burying 
those  of  their  nobles  who  were  slain. 

65.  Not  long  were  they  thus,  till  they  saw  a  full- 
great  fleet  approaching  them ;  three-score  ships  was 
its  tale,  teeming  with  a  choice  of  warriors,  led  by  More, 
son  of  Dele,  the  other  chief  of  the  Fomhoire,  coming 
to  help  Conainn ;    so  they  landed  in  their  presence. 


86  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

Saighitt  clanda  Neimhidh  ina  na.ghaidh,  do  chosnamh 
an  puirt  friú,  gébtor  aithscithigh ;  óir  asedh  ba  men- 
mach  leó,  gan  iomaithighid  Erenn  do  leighen  d'Fomor- 
chaibh  ni  ba  siriu. 

66.  AM  chena,  ger  vo  mór  miorún  7  mioscais  Muirc 
meic  Deiledh  do  cla.náaibh  Neimhidh  ria  siw,  ba  mo 
amh  go  mor  mun  ammsin ;  7  ro  ghab  ag  giessadh  a 
muintiVe  fothaibh,  d'aithe  ind  3,nialaidh  forra.  Ferthar 
cath  diochm  dntrachtach  etorra  do  cech  leith.  Bai 
do  diochracht  an  chathaighthe,  7  do  mhed  an  aincridhe 
diaroile,  na  ro  a.ÍTÍghsea.t  an  roadhbuinwe  rabharta  ag 

24  lionadh  da  gach  leith  iompa,  doigh  ni  raibhe  nach 
ninwethem  ina  naiccentaibh  acht  ina  bhfedmanwaibh 
catha  nama  ;  co  ro  baidhit  7  co  ro  mudait  an  ermhor, 
cenmotha  lucht  en  bairce  d'Fomoiribh,  7  en  triocha  fer 
do  clsLudaibh  Neimhidh.  Rangat(2f  foi'rend  na  luingi 
sin  ina  ffntheing  7  aisneidhit  a  scela,  dia  muintiV,  7 
ha.tar  doime3.mnnacha  dia  ccluinsin. 

67.  Dala  an  triocha  trenf^r  t^mattor  do  clannaib 
Neimhidh  ó'n  toghail  sin,  ranwaitt  na  tri  toisigh  batar 
orra  Ere  i  trtbh  ranwaib  eatorra  iar  sin.  Atiat  na 
toisigh ;  Beothach  mac  larbhaineoil  meic  Neimhidh, 
Semeon  mac  Ergalain  meic  Beoain  meic  Stairn  meic 
Neimhidh,  7  Briotan  mac  Fergh«sa  Leithd^iVg  meic 
Neimhidh.  Trian  Beothaigh  cedus,  o  Thoirinis  co  Bóin», 
tnan  Semeoin  tra  6  Bóin»  co  Belach  Cowglais,  trian 
Briotain  dawa  ó  Bealach  Cowglais  co  Toirinis  Ceittne. 

68.  Acht  ceana,  nir  bo  cian  ro  ansat  ambun  na  ronna 
sin,  cen  sca.oiieadh  7  eisredhadh  indaile  criochaibh  tar 
muir ;  doigh  lohtar  omnacha  ria  hhFomhoichaibhy 
an  do  Tuaradh  aca  d'aithe  an  2Lnfia\adh  orra  iersna 
caXaibh  ro  feradh  etarra.    Araill  beos,  nibtar  cdÁideacha 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     Sj 

The  children  of  Neimhedh  go  against  them  to  contend 
the  harbour  against  them,  although  they  were  worn 
out;  for  this  was  their  resolve,  not  to  suffer  the 
Fomhoire  any  longer  to  frequent  Ireland. 

66.  Howbeit,  although  great  was  the  respite  and 
hatred  of  More,  son  of  Dele,  against  the  Children  of 
Neimhedh  before  that,  it  was  far  the  greatest  on  that 
occasion ;  and  he  took  to  inciting  the  people  against 
them,  to  revenge  this  great  spite  upon  them.  A  hot 
desperate  battle  is  fought  between  them  on  every  side. 
Such  was  the  intensity  of  the  fighting,  and  the  great- 
ness of  the  mutual  hostility,  that  they  did  not  perceive 
the  gigantic  wave  of  springtide  filling  up  on  every  side 
around  them,  for  there  was  not  any  heed  in  their 
minds  but  for  their  battle-feats  alone  ;  so  that  the 
majority  were  drowned  and  annihilated,  except  the 
people  of  one  ship  of  the  Fomhoire  and  one  group  of 
thirty  men  of  the  Children  of  Neimhedh.  The  crew 
of  that  ship  arrived  back  and  they  tell  their  news  to 
the  people,  and  they  were  downcast  at  hearing  it. 

67.  As  for  the  thirty  warriors  who  escaped  of  the 
Children  of  Neimhedh  from  that  destruction,  the  three 
chieftains  that  were  over  them  divided  Ireland  into 
three  parts  between  them  after  that.  These  are  the 
chieftains :  Beothach  son  of  larbanel  son  of  Neimhedh ; 
Semeon  son  of  Erglan  son  of  Beoan  son  of  Starn  son  of 
Neimhedh,  and  Briotan  son  of  Fergus  Redside  son  of 
Neimhedh.  The  third  of  Beothach  first,  from  Toirinis 
to  the  Boyne  ;  the  third  of  Semeon  from  the  Boyne 
to  Belach  Conglais ;  the  third  of  Briotan  from  Belach 
Conglais  to  Toirinis  Ceitne. 

68.  However  they  did  not  long  abide  by  that 
division,  without  separating  and  scattering  into  other 
countries  over  sea  ;  for  they  stood  in  fear  of  the 
Fomhoire  lest  what  remained  of  them  should  wreak 
their  resentment  upon  them  after  the  battles  that 
were   fought   between   them.    Another   cause ;    that 


88  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

cridhsercíí  iet  bhodein  imoroile  ;  7  da«a  iris  sin,  batar 
imeglacha  rias  na  támhaib  dia  roeccsat  sochaidhi  dia 
nsirechaibh  7  dia  ndaoinib,  riasan  toghail.  Cowadh 
imna  fothaibh  sin  ro  eit^Vdeikg/^seat  fri  aroile.  Atiat 
na  criocha  an  deachatar :  Semeon  cona.  naenbar  i 
ttirib  Grecc ;  lobath  mac  Beoth^iigh  cona.  muintir  in 
inwsibh  tuaisc^rtacha  na  Greece — liudside  ier  necc  a 
athar  go  hErind  ;  Briotan  7  a  athair  Ferghws  Leithd^rg 
CO  Moinw  Cowain  i  wBrethnaibh. 

69.  Anmanwa  an  tnocha  trenfer  t^rnator  ó  togail 
Tuir  ConaSxin.  hErgvlan,  Matach,  lartach,  Beoan, 
Bethach,  Bnotan,  Baad,  Ibad,  Bethach,  Bronal,  Pal, 
Gortigern,  German,  Glasan,  Ceran,  Gobran,  Gotiam, 
Gam,  Dam,  Ding,  Dial,  Semeon,  Fortach,  Goscen, 
Gnman,  Guillec,  Taman,  Turruc,  Glas,  Feb,  7  Feran. 

70.  Cowadh  do  thoghail  Tuir  Conainw  do  xaiaeadh 
inn  so  ;  ^ochaid  o  Floinw  cecinit* 

a      Toghail  Tuir  Conaind  cowgoil 
for  Cowaind  Mor  mac  Faebair  ; 
fir  Y^xenn  do  \otar  do, 
tri  toisicch  ana  occo. 

b     hErglan  vaac  Beoin  vaeic  Staim, 
Semeon  vciac  larbain  agairbh  ; 
ria  a  loing^s  luidh  laoch  na  lerg 
mac  Neimii/j,  Fergws  Lethd^rg. 

c      Tri  fichit  mile  modh  ngle, 
ier  ttir  7  iar  nuisge, 
as  é  lion  lotar  ó  ttoigh, 
clanwa  ^eimidhy  don  toghoil. 

*  The  note  as  to  authorship  in  a  later  hand. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF    NEIMHEDH     89 

themselves  were  not  friendly  or  heartloving  one 
to  the  other ;  and  then  in  addition,  they  were 
terrified  of  the  plagues  by  which  troops  of  their 
chieftains  and  of  their  men  had  died,  before  the 
storming  [of  the  Tower].  So  that  for  these  causes 
they  separated  one  from  the  other.  These  are  the 
lands  whither  they  went :  Semeon  with  his  nine  to  the 
lands  of  Greece ;  lobath  son  of  Beothach  with  his 
people  to  the  northern  islands  of  Greece — he  had  gone 
after  the  death  of  his  father  to  Ireland  ;  Briotan  and 
his  father  Ferghus  Redside  to  Mon  Conain  in  Wales. 

69.  The  names  of  the  thirty  champions  who  escaped 
from  the  destruction  of  the  Tower  of  Conainn — Erglan, 
Matach,  lartach,  Beoan,  Bethach,  Briotan,  Baad, 
Ibad,  Bethach,  Bronal,  Pal,  Gortigern,  German, 
Glasan,  Ceran,  Gobran,  Gotiam,  Gam,  Dam,  Ding, 
Dial,  Semeon,  Forthach,  Goscen,  Griman,  Guillec, 
Taman,  Turruc,  Glas,  Feb,  and  Feran. 

70.  So  that  of  the  destruction  of  Conainn' s  Tower  this 
was  said ;  Eochaid  ua  Floind  composed  it : 

a      The  storming  of  Conainn's  Tower  with  valour 
against  Conainn  the  Great,  son  of  Faebhar  ; 
the  men  of  Ireland  came  to  it, 
three  noble  leaders  with  them. 

b     Erglan  son  of  Beoan  son  of  Stam, 
Semeon  son  of  larbanel  the  bitter  ; 
with  their  voyage  went  the  champion  of  battlefields 
son  of  Neimhedh,  Ferghus  Redside. 

c      Three  score  thousand  in  brilliant  wise, 
over  land  and  over  water, 
this  is  the  tale  that  went  from  their  home, 
of  the  children  of  Neimhedh,  to  the  assault. 


90  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

25  d     Toirinis,  inis  an  tuir, 

cathair  Conoiwd  meic  Faebuir  ; 
la  Ferghus  fein  fighedh  goil, 
do  cher  Conainn  mac  Faebhoir. 

e      More  mac  Deiledh  tantcc  ann 
ba  do  cowgnamh  fri  Conawd 
torchair  Conainn  ria  si«  e  * 
la  More  ro  ba  moir-scele. 

f      Tri  fichit  long  tar  an  ler, 
lion  tanfcc  More  mac  Deledh  ; 
dos  farraidh  ria  ttocht  i  tir, 
Clanwa  ]<leimidh  co  n^rt-brigh. 

g     Fir  Erenn  uile  san  ccath 
ier  ttichtain  na  fFomhorach, 
rosbaidh  uile  an  ler-muir 
amain  acht  tri  deehneabhuir. 

h     hAerglan,  Mataeh,  lartaeh  an, 

meic  Beoain  meic  Staim,  stiall-ban, 
ba  beo  Briotan  iarsan  eeath, 
Baad  oirrdere,  is  Ibath. 

i      Beothaeh,  Bronal,  7  Pal, 
Goirtig^m,  German,  Glassan, 
Ceran,  Gobran,  Gotiam  glan, 
Gam,  Dam,  Ding,  7  Dial. 

j      Semeon,  Fortach,  Goscen  gle, 
Grtman,  Guillecc  conglice, 
Taman,  T«n*uc,  7  Glass, 
Feb,  7  Feran  folt-chas. 

*  Corrupt :  read  with  BB  Dorochair  Conainn  rdme. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     91 

d     Toirinis,  island  of  the  tower, 

castle  of  Conainn  son  of  Faebhar  ; 

by  Ferghus  himself  who  used  to  fight  bravely, 

fell  Conainn  son  of  Faebhar. 

e      More  son  of  Dele  came  there 
it  was  for  a  help  to  Conainn 
Conainn  fell  beforehand ; 
to  More  it  was  a  great  grief. 

£      Three  score  ships  over-sea, 

the  tale  [wherewith]  came  More  son  of  Dele  ; 
before  their  coming  to  land  they  came  upon  them, 
the  Children  of  Neimhedh  with  powerful  might. 

g     All  the  men  of  Ireland  in  the  battle 
after  the  coming  of  the  Fomhoire, 
the  sea-surge  drowned  them  all 
except  three  decades  only. 

h     Erglan,  Matach,  lartach  glorious, 

sons  of  Beoan  son  of  Starn,  of  the  white  girdle, 
alive  was  Briotan  after  the  battle, 
Baad  the  famous,  and  Ibath. 

i      Beothach,  Bronal,  and  Pal, 
Goirtigern,  German,  Glassan, 
Ceran,  Gobran,  Gotiam  the  pure, 
Gam,  Dam,  Ding,  and  Dial. 

j      Semeon,  Fortach,  Goscen  brilliant, 
Griman,  Guillecc  with  cleverness, 
Taman,  Turruc,  and  Glass, 
Feb,  and  Feran  of  plaited  hair. 


92  DO    GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

k     Tn  dechneabfl^V  sin,  seol  ngrinn, 
\otar  iartain  a  hEriwd  ; 
i  tn  do  ronsat  a  roinw, 
iei  ttogail  tiar  Tuir  Conoind. 

1      Trian  Beothaigh  hu3idaigh,  hladh  biwn, 
Ó  Thoirinis  go  Boind  ; 
as  e  atbath  in  Inis  Fail, 
da  hliadhain  tar  eis  Briotáin. 

m    Trian  Semeóin  vaeic  Erglain  ain, 
CO  BeakcA  Cowglais  congrain  ; 
trian  Briotain,  atbeir  Ua  Floinw, 
on  mBelach  co  Tor  Conaiwd. 

n     A  Crist  chaidh  co  ccaoimhe  cuirp^ 
a  Ri,  pair[t]ech  Parduis  Pw^rt, 
it  richedh,  bladhmhar  an  bla  ^ 
a  RÍ  an  talmaw,  mo  thogha  ! 

71.  As  don  gabail  sin  ro  ráidh  Eochaidh  ua  Floinn — 

a      Ere  oil  oirdnit  Gaoidil,^ 

atfeda  drong  dia  áéAaibh  ;  ^ 

ros  gab  mor  fflatha  ffuailng^c/t,* 

do  cinedh  udLÍhhiech  Adaim. 

26  b     0  Adam  iir-binw,  angbhaidh,* 

co  dilinw,  delm  ro  hindledh,® 
nir  thessaigh  a  treb  toettbailc, 
acht  Cesair,  coeccait  inghen.' 

^  an  baile. 

*  Ere  mor  ina  noÍTánighther  Gaoidhil. 
'  inweosat  cuid  da  scelaibh. 

*  ro  gabsat  flaithe  iomdha,  no  iomfhuilngtfííA  each,  no  iuilngeach 
.i.  sleghach  no  scciathach. 

•  do  bi  na  fhiorthosacA  ag  an  peac^áA. 

•  CO  dilinw  do  ladh  a  hindí6A  aeoir  imaille,  re  fogra  no  re  tormán, 
do  dilghenn  an  cinidh  daonwa. 

'  ni  d^ma  téglach  no  comnatiAe  ina  treibh  tetmsaigh  laid»>,  acht 
Cesair  cona  caoccait  ing^n. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF    NEIMHEDH     93 

k     Three  decades  those,  a  pleasant  course, 
went  afterwards  from  Ireland  ; 
in  three  they  divided  their  shares, 
after  the  destruction  of  Conainn's  tower  in  the  west. 

1      The  third  of  victorious  Beothach,  tuneful  fame, 
from  Toirinis  to  Boyne  ; 
it  is  he  who  died  in  Inis  Fail, 
two  years  after  Briotan. 

m    The  third  of  Semeon  son  of  Erglan  glorious 
to  Belach  Conglais  with  horror : 
the  third  of  Briotan,  says  Ua  Floind, 
from  the  Pass  to  Conainn's  Tower. 

n     O  Holy  Christ  with  beauty  of  body, 
O  King,  sharer  of  the  Paradise-haven, 
in  thy  kingdom,  famous  the  dwelling, 

0  King  of  the  world,  choose  me  to  be ! 

71.  Of  that  conquest  said  Eochaid  ua  Floind — 

a      Great  Ireland  which  the  Gaedhil  order, 

1  tell  a  part  of  her  events  ; 

many  shield-armed  princes  took  her, 
of  the  proud  race  of  Adam. 

b     From  Adam  the  truly-tuneful,  the  trespasser, 
to  the  flood,  a  calamity  that  was  prepared, 
no  one  warmed  her  silent  strong  household, 
save  Cessair  [with]  fifty  maidens. 

^  the  bailey. 

2  Great  Ireland,  in  which  the  Gaedhil  are  settled. 

'  I  will  tell  part  of  her  stories. 

*  many  princes  took  her,  or  everyone  used  to  cause,  or  fuilngech 
is  "  armed  with  spears  or  shields." 

5  who  was  a  real  beginning  for  sin. 

•  to  the  flood  which  was  sent  from  the  inside  of  the  air,  with  noise 
or  with  rumbUng,  to  extinguish  the  human  race. 

'  none  made  a  household  or  dwelUng  in  her  swift  strong  tribe, 
but  Cesair  with  her  fifty  maidens. 


94  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

c      Acht  Bioth  is  Ladm,  luaidem, 
FionntiiM  iri  hamm  nirend,^ 
ni  fnth  fer  foilsicch  feigseng, 
'Eienn,  ria  n-aimsiV  dilend.^ 

d     Da  chéd  iar  ndilinw  dola  ^ 

seachtmogha  a  hocht,  cia  'dbera  * 
ba  glancoron  fri  gola,^ 
ticc  Partholon  mac  Sera. 

e      Sech  cech  psalm-canoin  sochiaidh,^ 
mmntir  Partholo^'w  pesicíhaigh, 
marbh  uile,  lion  a  teglaigh, 
for  a  sen-moigh  rea  seachtmam. 

f      Sé  coicc  bliadna  cen  hiocchadh,'^ 
gan  neóitt,  ba  tiamda  temely^ 
fas  cech  leth  co  ler  labhar  ;  * 

nisTSighabh  ^°  neach  acht  Neimhedh. 


*  Fionntain  do  bi  fa  dorcatas  na  bhferon/i,  no  is  na  ieronnaibh 
maithe  no  do  ciodh  aislinge  i  f^yonwaib  na  hErenn. 

2  ni   frith  fer  foillsighte  fesa  feochair  no  seghanta  no  eladanta 
'Eienn,  acht  an  trzar  sin,  ria  naimsir  dhileann. 
'  do  cor  no  do  imtheacht. 

*  cibe  aderadh  é. 

'^  ba  glan  an  cnraidh  é  iri  goil  no  iri  hriseadh. 

«  in  eccmais  gach  psalm-canoine,  socharthanatgA,  no  soicreid- 
migh,  no  do  ba  maith  re  a  creidiomh. 

'  cen  médughadh,  no  cen  biseach. 

'  ba  dorcha  an  teimheal  baoi  for  Er«n«,  7  ni  raipe  gainni  no 
doicheall  inwti,  ar  ba  fas. 

*  ar  gach  leith  cms  an  muir  labharthajgA  no  gloraigh. 
10  ni  ro  ghabh. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     95 

c      Save  Bioth  and  Ladra,  let  us  tell  it, 
Finntan  for  a  wonder  of  the  land, 
not  a  man  was  found,  sharp  and  stately,  who 

revealed 
Ireland,  before  the  time  of  the  flood. 

d     Two  hundred  after  the  flood's  passing 
seventy-eight,  though  thou  tell  it, 
he  who  was  a  pure  crown  for  valour, 
Partholon  comes,  son  of  Sear. 

e      Beyond  every  dignified  psalm-canon, 
the  people  of  Partholon  the  sinner, 
all  died,  the  tale  of  his  household, 
on  their  Old  Plain  in  a  week. 

Í      Six  times  five  years  without  increase, 
without  battle,  dark  was  the  eclipse, 
vacant  every  side  to  the  sounding  sea  ; 
no  one  took  her  but  Neimhedh. 


^  Finntan  who  was  under  the  darkness  of  the  lands,  or  in  the 
good  lands,  or  who  used  to  see  visions  in  the  lands  of  Ireland. 

2  not  a  man  was  found  to  set  forth  knowledge  of  the  bravery 
and  beauty  and  learning  of  Ireland,  save  those  three,  before  the 
time  of  the  flood. 

^  to  send  or  to  depart. 

*  whoso  should  tell  it. 

^  pure  was  the  hero  in  valour  or  in  defeating. 

•  apart  from  every  psalter-canon,  charitable,  or  credible,  or 
which  it  were  well  to  believe. 

'  without  increase,  or  without  addition. 

®  dark  was  the  eclipse  that  was  over  Ireland,  and  there  was  no 
scarcity  or  inhospitahty  in  her,  for  she  was  desert. 
'  on  every  side  of  the  sounding  or  noisy  sea. 
^0  did  not  take. 


96  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

g     luidh  an  tnc-nia,  ni  dailbfios, 
o'n  Scithia  toir,  a  domgnws,^ 
do  Muir  cCaisp  aideb  imbris 
CO  haigen  na  ttroscc  ttonwbras.* 

h     Ar  an  ttmcht  ngeal  do  hinnledh 
tnocha  bare  nar  beg  foirnedh, 
's  ceithre  cnairre  na  ccomdul,^ 
tn  deich  ^ach  cnairre  i  ccoinnmeth. 

i      Atces  tor  oir,  ger  h'iongnadh, 

ar  an  muir  doib,  na  ccomghar  ; 
tuccsan  (sic)  a  ccaint  co  cinwmer  ; 
tre  saint  lutsat  da  lonnradh. 

27         j      Atrath  aithbhe  *  dobfoiTeil,^ 

da  aithle  on  Ian  im  rionw-fhual ;  • 
forgla  na  ffer  gor  diobadh,^ 
ar  lionadh  don  ler  lionwfuar. 

k     Airigh  na  loinccsi  lere,^ 

ticc  don  droinccsi  da  ndine  ® 
damhna  da  nert  donoadh  ; 
soadh  bud  decht  on  dile.^° 


^  ni  fios  breicci  condechad  an  trenfhear  luath  on  Scithia  thoir,  ó 
a  dhuthchas. 

'  admhaim  go  ro  imbir  gus  an  ocen  ar  a  mbi  an  cenél  éiscc  sin, 
CO  luthmar  trena  thonnaibh. 

^  ceithre  longa  oile  ag  coimimtecAi  las  an  tiiochat  chedna. 

•  tfagadh. 

'  dobfhollas. 

•  do  biodh  an  muir  imbi  6  barr. 

'  gur  hadbalbathaííA  no  basaigheadh. 

•  toisigh  an  loingis  gloin. 

•  tucc  don  cuid  sin  don  dine  do  rabhsat  fein. 

^"  adbar  da  nert  d'oirrdercvighadh  iompodh  dhóibh  co  deimin  dia 
tturws  o  dilgenn  na  mara. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     97 

g     The  nimble  champion  went,  'tis  no  obscure  know- 
ledge, 
from  Scythia  in  the  east,  his  native  land, 
to  the  Caspian  Sea  I  shall  admit  he  journeyed 
to  the  ocean  of  the  wave-swift  codfish. 

h     On  the  bright  strand  were  prepared 

thirty  ships  that  were  not  small  in  crews, 
and  four  galleys  going  with  them, 
three  tens  in  each  galley  in  quarterage. 

i      A  tower  of  gold  appeared,  though  it  was  a  wonder, 
on  the  sea  to  them,  close  by  them  : 
they  consulted  in  frenzied  wise  ; 
through  covetousness  they  went  to  its  splendour. 

j       In  the  time  of  ebb  it  was  visible, 

after  that  from  the  flow  over  the  top  (?) 

so  that  the  choice  of  the  men  were  drowned, 

at  the  flow  of  the  cold-water  sea. 

k     The  chiefs  of  the  diligent  expedition, 
there  comes  to  this  portion  of  their  race 
a  cause  of  renewal  of  their  strength  ; 
namely,  the  returning  that  was  proper  from  the 
flood. 


^  it  is  no  knowledge  of  falsehood  that  the  swift  champion  came 
from  Scythia  in  the  east,  from  his  native  land. 

*  I  confess  that  he  voyaged  to  the  ocean  on  which  that  kind  of 
fish  is  active,  swiftly  through  its  waves. 

'  four  other  ships  going  along  with  the  same  thirty. 

*  the  ebb. 

*  it  was  evident. 

•^  the  sea  used  to  be  about  it  on  top. 
'  so  that  they  were  drowned  or  slain. 

*  the  chiefs  of  the  clear  expedition. 

^  gave  to  that  part  of  the  tribe  of  which  they  themselves  were. 
^"  a  cause  of  the  glorifying  of  their  strength  was  their  returning 
truly  in  their  journey  from  the  destruction  of  the  sea. 

G 


98  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

1      Na  deigh-tríatha  seólat  sáile  * 
teora  lethhliadna  lére  ;  ^ 
nir  ansat  treoin  ar  ttire, 
fadeoid  gor  gabsat  Ére. 

m    Neimedh  co  nir  na  nuile,* 
CO  lion  ngeimel  is  ngoile,^ 
ba  les  cnoch  caicthe  cuire, 
iar  ndith  na  naicme  [n]oile.* 

n     Imbeiredh  buaidh  cen  baegla, 

Neimhedh  co  n-uaill,^  co  n-ergna  ;  ^ 
mac  Agnamain  co  n-uaibre  ; ' 
cia  samlaghin,  ba  seghda.^ 

o     Starn,  rothaith  re  mac  Feabhair,* 
larbainel  Faith  ba  fedhil,^° 
Ainin»,  co  ngeimlí-6^  glainfhir,^^ 
tri  hairigh  neimhnigh  Neimidh. 


*  hliadhain  co  leith  co  follM5. 

*  Neimedh  do  heireadh  tíodnacal  do  na  hmlibh,  no  ag  a  mbaoi 
feronw  na  nuile  aicce. 

'  aga  mbiodh  iomat  daoine  i  ngeimhM  aige,  7  baoi  fos  lán  do 
ghoil. 

*  ba  leis  an  mbuidin,  tanic  in  eathraibh  7  i  ccoctbaibh,  7  do 
cmreadh  buidhne  i  caoi  thocht,  an  crioch  coccthach  i  mbator  buidne 
dar  eis  na  haicme  oile  do  dithiughadh. 

'  con  diomMí. 

*  coninntUcht. 

'  l^eimedh  mac  Agnomatn  co  MÚabhar,  no  co  sluaightíM. 

*  cia  an  ghein  ba  samalta  ris  ar  seghainnecA/  .i.  ar  eala<í/tain,  no  ar 
shebcamhlacA/,  nó  ar  shofhaicsiwa,  no  ar  ghddsccidheadh  ? 

"  do  thuit  re  Conaing  mac  Faebair. 
^»  ba  hionnraic. 
**  ga  mbittis  glainfhir  ina  gheimhltfcA. 

♦  This  line  is  hypermetric. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH     99 

1      The  good  chieftains  sail  the  sea 
three  half  years  complete  ; 
the  mighty  men  of  our  land  stayed  not, 
till  at  last  they  took  Ireland. 

m    Neimhedh  with  the  rewarding  (?)  of  all, 
with  store  of  fetters  and  of  valour, 
his  was  the  land  of  warfare  of  throngs, 
after  the  loss  of  the  other  septs. 

n     He  used  to  effect  victory  without  ambushes, 
Neimhedh  with  pride,  with  wisdom ; 
the  son  of  Agnoman  with  haughtiness ; 
if  I  were  to  compare  him,  he  was  majestic. 

0      Starn,  who  fell  before  the  son  of  Faebhar, 
larbanel  the  Prophet  who  was  enduring, 
Aininn,  with  the  fetters  of  a  famous  man, 
were  the  three  venomous  chiefs  of  Neimhedh. 


1  a  year  and  a  half  evidently. 

'  Neimhedh  who  used  to  give  a  gift  to  all,  or  who  had  the  land 
of  all  in  his  possession. 

*  who  used  to  have  many  people  in  fetters,  with  him,  and  was 
moreover  full  of  valour. 

*  to  the  troop,  which  came  in  boats  and  in  wars,  and  who  used  to 
put  hosts  in  the  way  of  silence,  belonged  the  warlike  land  where 
troops  were  after  the  other  sept  was  destroyed. 

^  with  pride. 

*  with  invention. 

'  Neimhedh  son  of  Agnoman  with  pride,  or  with  hosts. 
^  who  is  the  creature  that  was  Uke  him  for  majesty  that  is  in 
learning,  or  in  fierceness,  or  in  good  looks,  or  in  valour  ? 

*  he  fell  before  Conainn  son  of  Faebhax. 
1°  who  was  righteous. 

*^  who  used  to  have  famous  men  in  his  fetters. 


100  DO   GHABHÁIL    NEIMHIDH 

p      Neimhedh  rosern  im  ratha,^ 

ba  tenm  teinedh  tar  trocha  ;  ^ 
na  re,  fri  roghairm  retha,^ 
bai  tomaidm  ceithri  locha. 

q     Loch  Muinremair  múir  meWaig,  • 

drema  dmimdr^amain  daingiw  ;  ^ 
Loch  nDairbrech  iri  fál  fonda, 
Loch  Cal,  7  Loch  nAinwin. 

28         r      Aith  ro  dsLSsadh  lia  airbre  ' 

di  raith  iri  daingni  dewmni ;  ® 
Raith  Chiwdech,  ni  dail  inggaeith,® 
is  Raith  Ciombaeith  i  Sewni. 

s      Sleachta  lais,  ba  sed  suba,^° 

da  magh  decc  dec  (sic,  read  derca)  degha  ;  ^* 
Magh  Cera  i  Connsichtaibh  cuba,^^  * 
mor  do  buga,  Mag  nEaba.^^ 

1  no  iocadh  no  srea-thnaigheadh  tuarastal  forra. 

2  ba  cnamh  no  gearraáA  teinedh  do  beiredh  tar  troichettaibh  .i. 
tar  corpaibh,  ga  ccur  in  gerr  sháogw/. 

'  ina  aimsir  do  reimntgheadar  ina  rioth  7  ba  rathmar  dósomh  in 
gairm  inaré. 

*  an  muir  aoibhinw. 

'  ag  a  mbidis  buidhni  7  dreama  co  dásachtach  ara  dniim. 

*  ata  isin  ffonn  ina  bfuil  an  Lia  Fail,  no  do  ni  foghluasacht 
annhail  fhairrge,  no  as  fál  Loch  nDairbreach  don  fhonn  no  dona 
fonduirib  ga  bfuil. 

'  as  ger  no  as  feochaiV  do  tochlaáA  lia  a  sXuagh. 

*  di  raith  do  denamh  daingen  co  dewmnedach,  .i.  co  deithbirech. 
»  in  Uibh  Niallain  ata  Rath  Ciwdech  7  nir  aimghlic  dhó  in  denomh. 

10  do  gherradh  lais  a  coiUHibh  da  magh  decc  7  ba  sUghe  subachais 
do  iat. 

^1  do  deiligheiA  no  do  sgSiOÚeadh  a  fiodh,  ar  daigh  co  mbeadh 
sofaicsiwa  fot  dercatVA,  no  ar  a  ffaicthi  dercain  for  a  dairg»M. 

1*  na  con. 

^'  as  mor  dobhach  .i.  dobrisedh  no  do  rindeadh  rathmoigheocA/ 
ann,  no  do  bugha  muc. 

•  hypermetric. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     loi 

p      Neimhedh  paid  them  for  sureties, 

it  was  a  fiery  gnawing  over  doomed  ones  ; 
in  his  time,  with  a  great  noise  of  rushing, 
there  was  an  outburst  of  four  lakes. 

q      Loch  Muinremair  of  the  pleasant  wall, 
of  the  troop  ridge  firm  and  stout ; 
Loch  Dairbrech  toward  the  chariot  enclosure, 
Loch  Cal,  and  Loch  Ainninn. 

r      Keenly  there  were  dug  by  his  host 
two  forts  with  rapid  firmness  ; 
Rath  Cinneich,  it  was  no  unwise  assembly, 
and  Rath  Ciombaeth  in  Seimne. 

s      Cleared  by  him,  it  was  a  way  of  pleasure, 
were  twelve  plains  of  good  view ; 
Magh  Cera  in  Cinnacht  of  victory, 
Magh  Eaba  full  of  blue-bells. 

^  he  used  to  pay  or  assess  a  wage  for  them. 

2  it  was  a  gnawing  or  cutting  of  the  fire  that  he  used  to  put  over 
the  wretches,  that  is  over  the  bodies,  putting  them  into  short  life. 

^  in  his  time  he  used  to  advance  in  his  course,  and  fortunate  to 
him  was  the  fame  in  his  time. 

*  the  pleasant  sea. 

'  which  used  to  have  hosts  and  troops  furiously  on  its  ridge. 

*  which  is  in  the  land  in  which  is  the  Lia  Fail,  or  which  moves 
like  the  sea,  or  Loch  Dairbrech  is  a  hedge  to  the  land  or  to  the  lands- 
men where  it  is. 

'  keenly  or  bravely  they  were  dug  by  his  host. 

*  two  forts  to  make  firm  swiftly,  that  is  rapidly. 

»  in  Ui  Nuallain  is  Rath  Cinneich,  and  it  was  not  unwise  for  him 
to  make  it. 

*"  twelve  plains  were  cleared  by  him  of  forests,  and  they  were 
a  way  of  pleasure  for  him. 

^*  its  wood  was  separated  or  divided,  in  order  that  it  might  be 
visible  in  sight,  or  that  acorns  might  be  seen  on  its  oaks. 

^"  of  the  hounds. 

^'  greatly  was  broken,  or  rathmoigheacht  (?)  was  made  in  it,  or 
[many]  hare-bells. 


102  DO   GHABHÁIL  NEIMHIDH 

t      Magh  Tochair  tren  ro  g\a.nadhy 

Lecmagh  do  mortoich  Muma«,* 
Magh  mBernsa  iri  run  ia\adh,^ 
Mag  Cula  Taladh,  Mag  Lughadh, 

u      Magh  Seiied  seirgi  sretha,^ 
Mag  Semni  soillsi  datha,* 
Mag  Luirg  luigh-temni  letha, 
Mag  Mwrtheimni,  Mag  Macha.^ 

V     Madmanw,  mod  airmi,  muidis,* 
iri  fein  Fomoire  fal-guis  ;  ^ 
Cath  Mwrbuilg  maghda  mor-guis,^ 
Cath  Badgna  is  Cath  Cnawruis. 

w     A  ccnch  Liathain  la  Mumain, 

marbh  do  tham  tnath  ar  teimin  ; 
CongaLSvaid  glaineoil  gargda  ^° 
ind  aileoin  Arda  Neimidh, 


^  do  mór  ddihaigh,  no  do  mhorthoice,  no  do  medaigh  saidbres 
Mumaiw. 

^  Mag  mBernsa  tarh.  fo  dicleith,  no  do  roleodh,  .i.  ro  gerradh 
asa  dorcacht  é  co  roan,  .i.  co  ro-luath,  no  do  bi  fo  dicleith  darach  no 
railghedh. 

^  As  laidir  do  soiredigAedh,  do  siedLthaigheadh,  no  do  sgajoiledh, 
a  coillte. 

*  do  chomairleige^/f  soillsi. 

^  luaidhfemne  leo  so  e,  no  as  lughaidhe  as  teimen  no  as  dorcha 
é  a  leodh  no  a  gerradh,  no  as  luath  deinmnedach  do  leodh  é. 

•  na  madmanna  ro  bris,  as  obair  duin  anaireamh. 

'  ar  fianaibh  na  fFomorach  do  gniodh  gniowa  iomda  for  fairrgi, 
no  do  beir^c?  iomat  i  mbas.     Fal  .i.  iomat. 

^  ina  ndemaii  moir-gniomha  moeglaightheaca. 

'  do  ecc  do  plaigh  triath  an  air ;  do  cxiiredh  i  mbas  no  indor- 
chatMs. 

^°  condL  gasratííh  glaineól/itgA  gairg,  no  do  bo  fa  ♦  glaineoil,  .i.  fa 
glainfheronn  ;  no  an  gasraííA  do  gniodh  eólas  laochda  le  a  ngaibh. 

♦  sa,  MS. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH    103 

t      Magh  Tochar  was  bravely  cleared, 

Lecmagh  of  the  great  territory  of  Munster, 
Magh  Bernsa  that  was  cast  under  secrecy 
Magh  Cula  Toladh,  Magh  Lughadh. 

u      Magh  Seired  of  the  withered  swards, 
Magh  Seimne  of  pleasing  light, 
Magh  Luirg  of  the  darkish  side, 
Magh  Muirtheimne,  Magh  Macha. 

V     Victories,  a  work  of  recounting,  he  wins 

on   the   warriors   of   the    Fomhoire    of   royal 

strength  (?)  ; 
the  battle  of  Morbolg  of  plains  of  great  strength, 
the  battle  of  Badgna,  and  the  battle  of  Cnamhros. 

w     In  the  territory  of  Liathan  by  Munster, 
the  chief  died  of  plague  in  darkness  ; 
with  the  clear-knowing  violent  troop 
of  the  island  of  Ard  Neimhidh. 


*  of  the  great  country,  or  of  the  great  property,  or  which  in- 
creased the  wealth  of  Munster. 

2  Magh  Bernsa,  which  was  under  concealment,  or  which  was  cut ; 
that  is,  it  was  hewn  out  of  its  darkness  very  quickly,  that  is  very 
swiftly,  or  which  was  hidden  by  oaks  or  terebinths. 

*  powerfully  were  its  woods  smoothed,  or  stretched,  or  parted. 

*  who  used  to  let  through  light. 

^  we  will  mention  it  with  these,  or  it  is  less  obscure  or  dark  from 
hewing  or  cutting,  or  it  is  swiftly  or  actively  it  was  hewn. 

*  the  victories  he  won,  it  is  a  work  for  us  to  reckon  them. 

'  on  the  braves  of  the  Fomhoraigh  he  wrought  many  deeds  on 
the  sea,  or  he  used  to  give  many  to  death.     Fal  is  "  many." 

8  in  which  were  done  great  and  fearful  deeds. 

»  the  chief  of  the  slaughter  died  of  plague  ;  he  was  put  in  death 
or  in  darkness. 

I*'  with  his  clear  knowing  rough  host,  or  he  was  in  a  clear  eol,  that 
is,  in  a  clear  country  ;  or  the  troop  who  used  to  work  heroic  know- 
ledge with  their  darts. 


29 


104  DO   GHABHÁIL    NEIMHIDH 

X     Niptar  dionaidh  im  doladh  ^ 
an  siol  ro  siolaigh  Nemhedh, 
la  Conaind  co  ccorp  caladhy^ 
ocus  la  More  mac  Deledh. 

y     Da  ttnan  a  ccloinde  cuchta,' 
nir  iial  iri  fainwe  feachta,* 
CÍOS  cian  tna  biotha  bet  ha, 
da  ttnan  etha  7  blechta. 

z      Go  Magh  cCeitni  crwaidh  niodna,* 
CO  hEss  Ruaidh  neccni  namra,* 
taircc^i/  fn  foir  affairthi 

doib,  cecha  haidhchi  Samna.^ 

a'    Aidbli  7  trwimi  a  ttennta  ^ 

an  airbri,  rosclaid  a  ccompra  :  ® 
mar  guin  ernbais  inochiaibh,^^ 
gegnais  a  ttorcraidh  trompa.^^ 


*  ni  fuaradar  an  doladh,  no  an  cuideachta  sin,  an  dion. 
'  c^Maidh. 

*  caoimhe,  no  deighdealbdha, 

*  nir  maith  leo  an  turus  lag  ar  a  ttiaghdais  doeimedh  an  ciosa. 
Fial  .i.  nár,  fial  .i.  maith. 

*  ba  cruaidh  an  tiodnacal  sin,  no  ba  cniaidh  airm,  no  ba  crwaidh 
fuireach. 

*  na  mbradán  mór  no  n-iongantach. 

'  ticcedh  so  cuca  re  lucht  i  frtothailme,  da  bfoirithin  i  bfairthe 
docum  a  fleidhe  gacha  haidhche  Shamhna. 

*  med  attMiVsi  imon  ccumgach  i  rabatar. 

*  do  tochail  no  do  scoilt  croidhe  a  sluaigh  no  a  ccwiVp. 

*•  amat/  bid  ghuin  iairn  basaightAigA  do  bretha  forra  ina  nochtaibh. 
**  do  guin  a  ttriatha  treótha. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH    105 

Not  secure  against  loss 
was  the  seed  that  Neimhedh  sowed, 
at  the  hands  of  Conainn  of  hard  body, 
and  of  More  son  of  Dele. 

Two  thirds  of  their  beautiful  children, 

it  was  not  honourable   considering   the  weakness 

of  their  muster, 
a  long  tax  through  ages  of  ages, 
two  thirds  of  corn  and  of  milk. 

To  hard  Magh  Ceitne  of  weapons, 
to  Ess  Ruadh  of  wonderful  salmon, 
they  deliver  it  to  help  their  preparation 
to  them,  every  Samhain  eve. 

The    greatness  and    heaviness    of    their  oppres- 
sion 
of  their  host,  overcame  their  bosoms  ; 
like  a  wounding  of  iron-death  in  breasts, 
it  wounded  their  chieftains  through  them. 


*  that  doladh,  or  that  company,  did  not  find  their  protection. 
2  hard. 

'  of  beauty,  or  shapely. 

*  they  liked  not  the  weak  journey  on  which  they  used  to  come 
to  pay  the  tax.     Fial  is  "  shame  "  ;  fial  is  "  good." 

5  hard  was  that  payment,  or  arms  were  hard,  or  delay  was  hard. 

*  of  the  great  or  wonderful  salmon. 

'  this  used  to  come  to  them  with  the  people  who  served  them, 
to  help  them  in  preparation  for  their  festival  every  Samhain  eve. 

®  the  greatness  of  their  weariness  about  the  straits  in  which  they 
were. 

*  dug  or  spUt  the  hearts  of  their  host  or  their  bodies. 

^"  as  it  were  a  deadly  wounding  of  iron  inflicted  upon  them  in 
their  breasts. 
"  wounded  their  chieftains  through  them. 


io6  DO   GHABHÁIL  NEIMHmH 

b'    Tresan  ngarcclonw-broid  ngalmda,^ 
targlomoid  tiwol  tromda,^ 
da  ccounslechtadh,  tuar  tedma,^ 
CO  shiagh  foirn^rtmar  Fowra. 

c'     Fir  'Érenn  cona.  ff  oirind 

lotar  fo  cheimim  ccumaing  ;  • 
fian  diambai  fuil  tar  coluinw,^ 
siar  do  thogail  Tuir  Cowainn. 

d'    Semeon  mac  larbanoil  fhaoilíííA, 
Ferghws  fialglan-foir  nshhair,^ 
hErglan  mac  Beoain  baighig/i,' 
a  ttri  sairfir  ós  shi3.cchaibh. 

e'     Siritt  cairde  co  hergna,® 

demna  na  nainbreth  iarma. ;  * 
Conainn  ba  cr«aidh  an  deoiaidhy 
nir  deonaigh  acht  uain  hliadhndi.^^ 


*  ba  gniomh  feaigach  congairge,  an  crttadh-broitt  dercaointeach 
imbator. 

2  tionolit  CO  teglomhtha,  co  hincleithe,  no  co  tuirseach. 

'  da  ccoimghearraáA  7  da  coimthesgaííA,  ger  thuar  tedma  doibh  e. 

*  lotar  fir  'Erenn  cona  mbuidin  fo  nert  a  ceimenn  7  a  ccumhact. 
'  fian  la  ttugadh  crechta  no  áladha  ar  chollaibh  daoine. 

•  FearghMS  uaibhrecA  ag  a  raibe  an  cuiáechta  glan,   no  ar   a 
mbaoi  an  ghlanfuir,  .i.  an  glan  fioghuir. 

'  cathacA. 

'  CO  hinntkcA/ach,  no  co  foglomtha. 

•  CO  nioctais  an  ainbretha  iriu  iertain. 

^'  Conaind,  baoi  ina  deoraidh  no  gsisgedhach  tíránta,  nír  aontaigA 
úaid  acht  cairde  bhWAna. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH    107 

b'    Through  the  desperate  rough  fierce  servitude, 
they  assemble  a  mighty  host, 
to  ravage  them,  a  presage  of  pestilence, 
against  the  mighty  host  of  the  Fomhoraigh. 

c'     The  men  of  Ireland  with  their  troops 
went  on  an  advance  of  power, 
warriors  who  had  blood  over  the  body, 
westward  to  the  destruction  of  Conainn's  Tower. 

d'    Semeon  the  son  of  joyful  larbanel 

Ferghus  generous,  pure,  succour  of  pride, 
Erglan  son  of  Beoan  the  wariike, 
were  their  three  chiefs  over  the  hosts. 

e'    They  seek  a  respite  with  wisdom 
to  pay  the  injustice  afterwards  ; 
Conainn,  who  was  a  harsh  ahen, 
allowed  only  a  year's  grace. 


*  it  was  a  wrathful  fact  with  fierceness,   the  hard  desperate 
servitude  in  which  they  were. 

-  they  assemble  in  convention,  secretly,  or  wearily. 

*  to  cut  and  hack  them  together,  though  it  was  a  presage  of 
pestilence  to  them. 

*  the  men  of  Ireland  went  with  their  host  in  the  strength  of  their 
steps  and  their  might. 

*  warriors  by  whom  were  given  hurts  or  wounds  on  the  bodies 
of  men. 

*  Ferghus  the  proud,  who  had  the  pure  company,  or  who  had  the 
pure  appearance ;  that  is,  the  pure  form. 

'  warlike. 

'  cleverly,  or  with  learning. 

*  so  that  they  might  pay  them  their  unjust  assessments  after- 
wards. 

^*»  Conainn,  who  was  a  tyrannical  alien  or  warrior,  did  not  agree 
to  an>-thing  but  a  year's  respite. 


io8  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

30         f     Na  beithre,  ier  cclos  na  cairde, 
raidset  tar  fairrgi  a  ttechts.  ^ 
CO  Greccaibhy  go  [a]  ngaol  corpda  ; 
molta  da  thaobh  an  eachtra. 

g'    Ticc  dar  cuiredh  nandochum 
f ochanw  buiden  do  braf all ;  ^ 
Conainn  do  clodh  da  roithend, 
cloitherr  ar  arlad  rachall.^ 

h'    Fergus  Leihdercc  mac  Neimidh, 
e  do  cret-treghd  an  cuvaidh  ;  * 
gniomh  sin  dar  sohvigh  Fergus  ;  ^ 
tre  elgnus  rotws  mndhaigh.^ 


o  do  scartha  a  ngnia  re  gomtha,® 
iar  noTgain  an  Tuir  i  ffartha  ;  * 
a  ccuit  do  nathnam  nir  chochma.^^  * 


*  rofaidhset,  no  ro  reimnigAset. 

'  rob  adbar  buidean  do  miWeadh  tre  chelg  sin,  no  ba  damna 
breige  do  tabaiVt  i  mbuidhin  é. 

3  gaisgeííAach  cluach  ai  ar  cváredh  brat  mairbh,  no  ar  ar  cuiredh 
miileadh. 

*  ro  ghuin  tremit  cneas  an  curadh. 

^  ba  sobrioghach  nertmar  Fergus  don  gniomh  sin,  no  ba  sobarthain, 
no  sona  dhó. 

*  Consinn  do  cor  i  mi-oidheíiA,  .i.  in  drochbhas,  as  a  riocht ; 
7  ba  gniom  OTiderc  a  marbadh. 

'  tar  muir. 

*  o  do  scaradh  an  gaisg^ííhach,  no  mac  a  sethatV,  re  fioch  no  re 
goini  do  hheadh  aigi  do  chloinn  NeimhirfA  ;  no  re  comthaibh  do 
buain  diobh. 

*  in  uUmha,  no  in  déndais  fledhughadh. 

"  nir  beg  no  nir  cumang  a  ccuid  don  édail. 

♦  This  stanza  is  almost  throughout  hypermetric. 


OF   THE    CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH     109 

f     The  bears,  after  hearing  the  respite, 
sent  over  sea  their  messengers 
to  the  Greeks,  to  their  natural  kinsfolk  ; 
praiseworthy  therefore  was  their  expedition. 

g'    There  comes  [one]  to  them  through  invitation 
a  means  of  taking  hosts  by  surprise  ; 
to  conquer  Conainn  by  his  great  strength  (?), 
the  famous  chariot-hero  on  whom  was  placed  a 
winding  sheet. 

h'    Ferghus  Redside  son  of  Neimhedh, 
it  is  he  who  body-pierced  the  warrior  ; 
that  is  a  deed  for  which  Ferghus  [became]  re- 
nowned (?) ; 
with  intention  he  destroyed  him. 

i'     The  Greeks  go  over  the  sea 

when  their  champions  were  sundered  from  wrath(?); 
after  the  destruction  of  the  tower  in  preparation, 
their  share  of  the  booty  was  not  small. 

^  they  sent,  or  advanced. 

2  that  was  a  cause  for  destroying  hosts  by  treachery,  or  it  was  a 
reason  for  putting  falsehood  upon  the  host. 

^  a  famous  warrior  on  whom  was  put  a  robe  of  the  dead,  or  on 
whom  was  put  destruction. 

•  wounded  through  him  the  skin  of  the  warrior. 

^  efficient  and  powerful  was  Ferghus  from  that  deed,  or  it  was 
prosperity  or  good  luck  for  him. 

•  to  put  Conainn  to  a  shameful  fate,  that  is  an  evil  death,  de- 
liberately ;  and  it  was  a  glorious  deed  to  slay  him. 

'  over  sea. 

®  after  the  warrior,  or  son  of  his  sister,  was  separated  from  anger, 
or  from  wrath,  that  he  would  have  for  the  children  of  Neimhidh  ; 
or  to  extract  terms  from  them. 

•  in  preparation,  or  in  which  they  used  to  make  feasting. 
^**  not  small  or  scanty  was  their  share  of  the  plunder. 


no  DO   GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

j'      lar  sodain  ticc  More  medrach 

do  cobair  don  tore  thuirmech :  ^ 
lais  ba  dodaing  ^  an  tairledh, 
or  bainmech  Conaiwd  cuimn^cA. 

k'    Fechait  an  lion  do  cuiribh  ^ 

ger  muirer  do  siol  Neimidh  ; 
tri  fichit  forcbarc  fedair, 
glifitt  im  More  mae  Delidh.* 

V     Lueht  en-luinge,  mar  fighim,* 
tar  trenbuinwi,  ger  dodaing, 
31  luidh  on  ccosa.Tnaigh  sreabuill,* 

soir,  do  ciiosna.mthaibh  '  Conaind. 

m'  Tor  Conoiwg  eo  mett  millte,^ 
ateomaing  eol  eed  nairgne,* 
cathair  eomola  eeirde, 
feirge  Fomhora  fairrge.^^ 

n'    Fir  iiTenn  iarsan  toghail, 

go  rogail  remenw  reimib," 
ni  therno  diob,  delm  ndiotha, 
acht  trioeha  do  siol  Neimidh.^^ 


^  don  triath  no  don  tigema  áíVmheach.  ^  ij^  doiltgh. 

'  do  cuirset  an  lion  tanicc  ar  a  ttocuir^íiA. 

•  seascat  daingifn  long  ar  na  tteglaim  [do]  deabaid  7  gleic  im  More. 
'  mar  fuaighim  no  mar  fighim  im'  aisde. 

•  do  chúaidh  óna  cethaibh  sruthmhora  fola  iar  na  ccoimtheasc- 
cadh  la  harmaibh. 

'  da  lucht  cosanta. 

•  CO  med  gaisccidh  no  miUtenais. 

•  tarla  céd  col,  olc,  7  orguin,  do  denomh  ann. 

*®  cathair  inar  bho  cerd-comhol  ima  ccuairt  d'Fomoir»6A  íergachA 
no  laochda  na  fatrrgi. 

"  tar  eis  an  ioghoil  do  reimniughaáA  reampa. 

^'  ni  therno  dhiob  on  dioghbail  iomadamail  do  ronadh  doib  acht 
trioeha  amhain.  Delm  .i.  iomat  no  obann,  no  trost,  no  erioth,  no 
ioghar,  no  toranM,  no  s^a.oi]  edh  tuaithi  no  eoimthionóil. 


OF  THE   CONQUEST  OF   NEIMHEDH    iii 

j'     After  that  comes  More  the  joyous 
to  help  the  chief  of  hosts  : 

he  thought  it  hard  that  which  had  been  suffered, 
from  which  was  memorable  Conainn  blemished. 

k'    They  behold  the  number  of  bands 

though  it  was  a  burden  for  the  seed  of  Neimhedh  ; 
three  score  firm  ships  .  .  .  .  (?), 
an  outcry  led  by  More  son  of  Dele. 

r     The  people  of  one  ship,  as  I  weave, 

over  the  strong  wave,  though  it  was  hard, 
went  from  the  great  streaming  slaughter, 
eastward,  of  those  who  contended  against  Conainn. 

m'  Conainn's  Tower  with  much  destruction, 
where  happens  the  sin  of  a  hundred  lootings, 
the  castle  of  assembly  of  craftsmen, 
of  the  wrath  of  the  Fomhoire  of  the  sea. 

n'    The  men  of  Ireland  after  the  destruction, 
with  great  valour  of  courses  before  them, 
there  escaped  not  of  them,  a  report  of  loss, 
but  thirty  of  the  seed  of  Neimhedh. 

*  to  the  chief  or  lord  of  numbers.  *  it  was  difficult. 

*  the  hosts  that  came  invited  put. 

*  sixty  firm  ships  collected  for  battle  and  for  skirmish  under 
More. 

5  as  I  weave  or  as  I  plait  in  my  poem. 

*  went  from  the  stream-great  showers  of  blood  after  their  being 
hewn  with  arms. 

'  of  the  people  defending  him. 

*  with  much  valour  or  destructiveness. 

*  it  happened  that  a  hundred  wickednesses,  evils,  and  rapines, 
were  done  there. 

^"  a  castle  in  which  the  Fomhoire  the  wrathful  or  the  heroic  of 
the  sea  had  a  gathering  of  wrights  around  them. 

^^  after  advancing  the  ravage  before  them. 

^'  there  escaped  not  of  them  from  the  multitudinous  destruction 
that  was  made  of  them  save  only  thirty.  Delm  is  many,  sudden, 
a  beam  of  timber,  shaking,  noise,  thunder,  scattering  of  a  tribe  or 
of  an  assembly. 


112  DO    GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

o'     Ranwait  toisigh  an  tnocha 
Ere,  noisigh  a  hiatha,^ 
a  ttn'b  trenaibh  a  tuatha — 
meabhair  donti  dian  fiacha.^ 

p'    O  Toirinis  tnan  Bethatg/j, 

coimfigis,^  ba  tnall  sochair, 
CO  Boinw  mbraein-sreabh«íg/í,  mbruthú;*gA, 
ccaoimhslemain,  coir,  cclothaig/j. 

q'    Ó  Boinw,  reabach  a«  ris  si,^ 
CO  Beakc/i  coir  Cowglaisi, 
tnan  Semeoin,  soer  an  seisi ;  • 
da  gledeoin  nir  taom  taisi. 

r'     Ass  bho  thuaidh  co  Tur  Conainw, 
don  chur  fuair,  nochar  doroiwd, 
Briotan  do  sealbh  na  {sic)  feroinn — 
da  sliocht-al  do  d^rbh  dodhoing.' 

32         s'     Niptor  coxaigh  mo  a  forba  ^ 

iar  ccath  co  morgail  marga  ;  ® 
don  tnochatmflíí  (sic)  niadh  ^^  noisech, 
luidh  cech  toisech  a  arda.^^ 


^  feroinw  oirrd^rca  na  hRixenn. 

•  dona  senchaáAaibh. 
'  cuiris  re  aroile. 

•  nertmair. 

'  as  sixgach  no  as  clesach  an  seel  so. 

•  as  uasal  an  so-fios  so,  no  ba  huasal  an  compán  é. 
'  do  áerh  docpmhal  da  shiol. 

'  ni  rabhsat  siodhach  ima  fí.eronáaibh. 

•  déis  an  chatha  ina  raibhe  mórghoil  laochdha  7  mairgneach,  ann. 
*"  dona  trenferaifcA  oirrdearca. 

^^  ina  aird  féin. 


OF  THE   CONQUEST   OF   NEIMHEDH    113 

The  chieftains  of  the  thirty  divide 

Ireland,  noble  her  meadows, 

in  three  thirds  her  tribe-lands — 

it  is  remembered  by  him  to  whom  it  is  a  duty. 

From  Toirinis  the  third  of  Bethach,  , 
he  disposes  it,  it  was  a  journey  of  profit, 
to  the  Boyne  of  swirling  water,  eddying 
fair  smooth,  comely,  famous. 

From  the  Boyne,  joyous  this  story, 

to  the  straight  Belach  Conglais, 

the  third  of  Semeon,  noble  the  knowledge  ; 

with  his  good  will  it  was  no  fit  of  weakness. 

Thence  northward  to  Conainn's  Tower, 

he  obtained  by  the  treaty,  it  was  no  bad  share, 

Briotan  possessed  the  lands — 

to  his  progeny  it  assured  hardship. 

They  were  not  at  peace  about  their  possession 
after  the  battle  with  great  valour  of  woe  ; 
of  the  thirty  noble  champions, 
every  chief  went  his  own  direction. 


1  the  glorious  lands  of  Ireland. 

2  to  the  historians. 
'  he  puts  together. 

•  strong. 

^  merry  or  sportive  is  this  story. 

•  noble  is  this  good  knowledge,  or  he  was  a  noble  comrade. 
'  it  confirmed  an  evil  plight  for  his  seed. 

'  they  were  not  peaceful  regarding  their  lands. 

•  after  the  battle  in  which  there  was  great  valour,  heroic  and 
woeful, 

^°  of  the  glorious  champions. 
^^  into  his  own  quarter. 

H 


114  DO    GHABHÁIL   NEIMHIDH 

t'     hi  tir  Ghrecc  daithli  an  iolaigh  ^ 
luidh  Semeon,  ba  set  sodhain ;  * 
go  nergnws  im  roinn  rodain, 
luid  Fergus  i  Moinw  Conain.» 

u'    Briotan  maol,  mac  na  flatha, 

soer  an  sliocht-ram  tar  sreatha,* 
mac  an  Leithd^tVg  don  Lecmaigh, 
otat  Bretnaigh  notbretha.^ 

v'    Beothach  fo  cheimim  aeide,« 

marbh  ind  Eriwd  iar  néide  ; ' 
luidh  a  mac  soir  iarsodain, 
cowgaib  in  doraib  Greece.® 

w'    Adraim  don  Righ  don  roine, 
fadlaim  cech  fir  atfedhe  ;  ^ 
les  doman  cona.  dine, 
les  cech  ire/<*  les  Ere. 

72.  Do  imtheachtoib  Semeoin  meic  Erglain,  meic 
Beoain,  meic  Staim,  meic  Neimid,  7  a  cloinde,  óro 
fhagaibset  Ere  ier  ttoghail  Tuir  Conainn,  go  a  ttoi- 
dhecht  mnti  doridhisi  ina  bFeraib  Bolcc  ;  do'n  reimiws 
\Aiadan  ha.tar  in«  Erinn  iarttain  ;  do  nuimir  a  riogh  ; 
7  da  naitibh  ;  gus  na  neithib  oile  heanas  re  a  ngabhail, 
atfiadhar  siosana. 

^  an  catha  iomatamatV.  '  ba  slighe  shonais. 

*  CO  nergnaoi  úais,  no  con  innilecht,  imon  roinn  ro  áin,  .i.  ro-aoi- 
bhind,  no  ro-dana,  no  ro-dhaoinigh. 

*  as  saor  sliocht  a  raimhe  dar  na  srothaí6A,  no  as  so-fer,  .i.  as 
uasa/,  an  sliocht-iremh  or  scaoil  no  or  srethnuigheadh  sé. 

*  do  reir  ar  mbretnatgAthe. 

*  oige.  '  ier  na(»s,  no  iar  ccr^A/ugho^iA. 

*  in  imlibh  Greece. 

'  fodheilighim  no  sgaoilim  gach  fiiinne  da  ninnisim,  7  dentar  a 
iogloim  uaim.  ^*  gach  feronn. 


OF   THE   CONQUEST    OF   NEIMHEDH    115 

t'     To  the  land  of  Greece  after  the  manifold  combat 
went  Semeon,  it  was  a  road  of  happiness  ; 
with  wisdom  regarding  the  fortunate  division, 
Ferghus  went  to  Mon  Conain. 

u'    Briotan  the  bald,  son  of  the  prince, 
free  the  track-rowing  over  waves, 
son  of  the  Red-sided  from  Lecmagh, 
from  whom  are  the  Brethnaigh  as  thou  hast  been 
taught  (?). 

v'    Beothach  in  the  step  of  youth, 

died  in  Ireland  after  age  [or  wounded] ; 

his  son  went  eastward  after  that, 

till  he  landed  in  the  confines  of  Greece. 

w'    I  adore  the  King  who  hath  made  us, 
I  apportion  every  truth  which  I  relate  ; 
His  is  the  world  with  its  race, 
His  is  every  land.  His  is  Ireland. 

72.  Of  the  adventures  of  Semeon  son  of  Erglan,  son 
of  Beoan,  son  of  Agnoman,  son  of  Neimhedh,  and  of 
his  children,  from  when  they  left  Ireland  after  the 
destruction  of  Conainn's  Tower,  to  their  return  again 
as  the  Fir  Bolg ;  of  the  length  of  years  they  were  in 
Ireland  afterwards  ;  of  the  number  of  their  kings,  and 
of  their  deaths  ;  with  other  matters  that  concern  their 
conquest,  is  related  below. 

^  of  the  manifold  battle.  *  it  was  a  way  of  happiness. 

*  with  noble  wisdom,  or  with  ingenuity,  about  the  very  brilliant, 
that  is,  very  pleasant,  or  very  bold,  or  very  populous,  division. 

*  noble  is  the  track  of  his  rowing  over  the  streams,  or  well- 
manned,  that  is,  noble,  is  the  tribal  root  from  which  he  spread  or 
expanded. 

'  according  to  our  judgment.  •  youth. 

'  after  age,  or  after  wounding.  *  in  the  borders  of  Greece. 

•  I  pubhsh  or  scatter  abroad  every  truth  of  which  I  tell,  and  let 
its  learning  be  accomphshed  from  me.         ^"  every  country. 


(ALT    V) 

33  GABAIL    FEAR    MBOLCC 

Ó  Adam  co  rogabhsatt  Fir  Bolg  Ere,  3266 

Ó  dilind  CO  ttanccator  Fir  Bolcc  i«d  Eiriwd,  1024 

73.  Bá  fas  diu  Eire  írí  ré  da  chéd  bliadan  ier  ndul  na 
ttn  ndechneabhar  atnibrum^y  eiste,  co  toideacht  do 
shliocht  toisigh  dechneabair  inwti  do  ridhisi  ina 
bF^raib  Bholg. 

74.  Do  clannaibh  Neimhedh  iar  mbunadhus  doibh- 
sidhe,  uair  Semeon,  mac  Erglain,  meic  Beoain,  meic 
Stairn,  meic  Neimhidh,  airigh  an  treas  nonbair  do 
ch-ndaibh  Neimhidh  \otar  a  hErinw  iar  ttoghail  Tuir 
Conainw ;  co  rogaibset  isin  Grecc.  Batar  isuidhe  co 
mhatar  iomdha  iolarda  a  cclanwa  7  a  ccenela.  Iar 
bforbairt  doibh  sa.m\aidh,  ni  ro  fhaomhsat  Greccaigh  a 
mbeith  imaille  re  noccaibh  hhodein ;  acht  atachtsat  ^ 
doeire  forra.  Ba  si  a  méd ;  moighe  scoith-semracha 
do  denomh  dhóibh  do  slebhtibh  clochda  cenn-gharbha 
la  húir  ionait  oile,  ier  na  hiomchur  dhoib  gus  na  maigh- 
nib  ina  f orcowgartha  7  ina  noranighthe  doib  a  cur. 

75.  Batar  scithigh,  toirsigh,  doimenmnacha,  desidhe  ; 
conadh  í  comairle  ro  scr^dsat  etorra  bhodhein,  elúdh 
asiw  daoire  ettualaing  a  mbatar.  As  fair  desidh  occo 
fo  deóidh.  Do  gniat  iaromh  axiaigh  7  caoimethatV  do 
croicnibh  7  cadhal-bolccatftA  iomchuir  na  húire,  gur 

1  tucsat. 

ZI6 


(CHAPTER   V) 

THE    CONQUEST  OF   THE    FIR    BOLG 

From  Adam  till  the  Fir  Bolg  took  Ireland,  3266 

From  the  Flood  till  the  Fir  Bolg  came  into  Ireland,  1024 

73.  Now  Ireland  was  desert  for  the  space  of  two 
hundred  years  after  the  departure  of  the  three  decades 
of  men  we  have  mentioned,  till  the  coming  of  the 
race  of  the  chief  decade  into  it,  as  the  "  Fir  Bolg." 

74.  Of  the  children  of  Neimhedh  by  descent  were 
they,  for  Semeon,  son  of  Erglan,  son  of  Beoan,  son  of 
Starn,  son  of  Neimhedh,  was  chief  of  one  of  the  three 
nonads  of  the  children  of  Neimhedh  who  went  from 
Ireland  after  the  destruction  of  Conainn's  Tower, 
and  who  landed  in  Greece.  They  were  there  till 
many  and  divers  were  their  children  and  their 
septs.  After  they  increased  thus,  the  Greeks  did  not 
allow  them  to  be  with  their  own  young  men ;  but 
they  imposed  servitude  on  them.  This  was  its  amount, 
to  make  clovery  plains  of  the  stony  rough-headed 
hills  with  the  clay  from  elsewhere,  after  bringing  it 
to  the  places  in  which  they  were  ordered  and  com- 
manded to  put  it. 

75.  Tired,  weary,  and  despondent  were  they  from 
this  ;  so  that  this  is  the  counsel  they  discussed  among 
themselves,  to  escape  from  the  intolerable  bondage 
in  which  they  were.  They  agreed  thereto  at  length. 
Then  they  make  canoes  and  fair  vessels  of  the  skins 
and  rope  bags  for  carr5dng  the  earth,  till  they  were 

*  they  gave.  , 

"7 


ii8  GABHÁIL   FEAR   MBOLG 

bat  eallma  iomnhara.  Lotar  inntib  asa  haithle,  do 
asccnamh  na  hsdhardha  or  luidset  a  sinnsir.  Ni  haith- 
rist^r  a  nimthechtai  for  muir,  acht  nama  do  riachtatar 
Erinw  an  aoin-sec/^/main. 

76.  Batar  saine  a  sloinwti  do«  c«r  si»  ag  toidh^c/j^ 
doip,  .i.  Gaileoin,  Firbolcc,  7  Fir  Dhomhnan» ;  ar 
aidhe  ger  bo  héccsamha^/  neimh-ionan»  a  sloinwte,  ro 
ba  comfhoccws  a  ccaratradh.  di^roile  ;  ar  roba  d'aoin- 
cenél  7  d'aien-hnnadh  doibh.  Cóig  tóisicch  ind  airachus 
ua.istibh,  Slainghe,  Rudiaighe,  Gan«,  Genanw,  Sen- 
ghand,  coig  meic  Deala,  meic  Loich,  mete  Oirtheachta, 
meic  Tnobuaitt,  meic  Otuirp,  meic  Goisten,  m.eic 
Uirtechta,  m.eic  Semeoin,  meic  hErglain,  meic  Beoain, 

34  m.eic  StairUy  m.eic  Neimidhj  m.eic  Agnamoin  et  era, 
Gaileoin  tm,  do  Slainge  cowa  muintir  do  goirthi ; 
Gaileoin  emh,  .i.  gail-fhian  .i.  an  tnan  no  gebedh  lamha 
for  an  da  tnan  oile  fo  ghail  f on  aivredh  ;  conadh  on  gail 
ro  gabsa^  ainmniughadh.  Fir  Bolcc  dawa,  do  Gan»  7 
do  Senghan»  co«a  muintiV ;  niidles  doibsidhe  Firbolg 
do  ghairm  diobh,  ar  as  iad  batar  ag  iomchur  na  húiri 
is  na  bolccaibh.  Fir  Domnann  ó  tochailt  na  húire 
as  Tubiadh  ;  .i.  fir  domaw-fliuin»,  .i.  fir  no  doimhnigh^iA 
an  talomh.  Do  'Rwdhxaighe.  7  do  Ghenand  co«a  muintir 
do  goirti.  Agus  ba  in  Inb^r  Domhnon»  ro  ghabhsat 
port.  Acht  chena  as  diles  Fir  Bolcc  do  gairm  co  coit- 
cen«  diobh  uile,  uair  as  i  wibdiccaihh  tarrúidh  na  húire 
tangatar  tar  ler  co  hEriwd,  7  as  aon-gabhail  7  aein- 
cenel  7  aon-fhlaithes  iat,  cid  at  saine  laithi  i  ttangator, 
7  inbir  i  ragbhaiset. 

77.  Atiat  na  hinbhir.  Slainge  imorro,  a  pnbmh- 
thaoiseach  7  a  sinwser,  inn  liiher  Slainghe  do  riacht  i  tir. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    119 

sound  and  seaworthy.  They  went  in  them  thereafter, 
in  quest  of  the  fatherland  from  which  their  ances- 
tors had  gone.  Their  adventures  on  the  sea  are  not 
related,  save  only  that  they  reached  Ireland  in  one 
week. 

76.  Different  were  their  tribe-names  at  that  time 
as  they  came,  namely,  Gaileoin,  Fir  Bolg,  and  Fir 
Domnann ;  nevertheless,  though  various  and  dis- 
similar were  their  names,  their  mutual  friendship 
was  very  close ;  for  they  were  of  one  race  and  one 
origin.  Five  chiefs  were  in  authority  over  them — 
Slainghe,  Rudraighe,  Gann,  Genann,  and  Sengann,  the 
five  sons  of  Dela,  son  of  Loch,  son  of  Oirtheacht,  son 
of  Triobuad,  son  of  Oturp,  son  of  Goisten,  son  of  Uirthe- 
acht,  son  of  Semeon,  son  of  Erglan,  son  of  Beoan,  son 
of  Stam,  son  of  Neimhedh,  son  of  Agnamon,  etc.  Now 
Gaileoin  was  the  name  of  Slainghe  and  his  people ; 
Gaileoin  truly  is  gail-fhian,  that  is,  the  third  who  used 
to  surpass  the  other  two- thirds  in  valour  and  in  equip- 
ment ;  so  that  from  the  valour  (gal)  they  took  the 
name.  Fir  Bolg,  again,  is  the  name  of  Gann  and 
Senghann  with  their  people ;  to  them  the  name  Fir 
Bolg  properly  belongs,  for  it  is  they  who  were  carrying 
the  earth  in  the  bags  (bolg).  Fir  Domhnann,  from 
"  digging  the  earth  "  was  it  said  ;  that  is  Fir  Doman- 
fhuinn,  that  is  the  men  who  used  to  deepen  (doimh- 
nighim)  the  earth.  To  Rudhraighe  and  to  Genann 
with  their  people  was  the  name  applied.  And  it  was 
in  Inbher  Domhnann  they  took  harbour.  However, 
it  is  correct  to  call  them  all  Fir  Bolg  in  general,  for  it 
is  in  the  bags  for  carrying  the  earth  they  came  over 
sea  to  Ireland,  and  they  are  one  immigration  and  one 
race  and  one  principality,  though  they  came  on 
different  days,  and  landed  in  different  creeks. 

77.  These  are  the  creeks.  Slainghe,  their  chief 
prince  and  elder,  reached  the  land  in  Inbher  Slainghe. 


120  GABHÁIL   FEAR   MBOLG 

Dia  Sat[h]uim  i  KaWainn  Augwst,  ar  aoi  laithe  secht- 
maine ;  conadh  uadh  ro  gab  an  t-inber  ainmniughaiA. 
Mile  do  daoinibh  a  lion.  Senghanw  7  Ganw  in  Inb^ 
Dubghlaisi ;  Día  Mairt  ro  gabsat,  dá  míli  a  lion.  Rud- 
raighe  7  Geananw,  in  Inber  Domhnanw  gabhsat,  febh 
atrwbhramar,  an  Aoine  ar  ccionn ;  da  mile  beos 
Qllion-sidhe, 

78.  C0nTa.ng3.iar  ieromh  iri  aroile  in«  Uisneach 
Midhe,  7  ranwait  Ere  asuidhe  hi  ccuig  ranwaibh.  Roin» 
Slainghe  céttus  o  Inber  Colptha  co  Commair  Tri  nUiscce  ; 
Gan«  áana  on  cComar  co  Bealach  Cowglais  ;  Seanghann 
o  Béiach  Co^glais  co  Luimneach  ;  Genanw  o  Luimneach 
go  Drobhaois  ;  Ruáraighe  6  Dhrobaois  co  Boinw. 

79.  As  dowa  neithibh  remraiti  aitTubradh.  Tanaidhe 
Fesach  o  Mhaoil-Conwaire  ro  chumadh  [sic]  an  duan  so.* 

a      Ere  áras  na  n-iorghal, 

tatham  ^  dédhe  da  derbadh  ; 
a  tuar  dan  ó  do  chomhgab, 
tonngar  gliad  na  ruadh  renwghal.* 

b     Magh  lotha  ier  naimsir  dhilenn  ' 
35  dus  faillsigA  gur  fior  affiadham  ;  *  j 

Tor  Conoiwd  'sa  seel  scaoilem, 
a  dodaing  tren  nosciallann. 

1  atá  Horn. 

*  tonna  fola  ó  rennaib  galacha  na  ttrexder. 

*  cath  Moighi  íotha  in  aimsir  Partholóin. 

*  in  innismit. 

*  The  words  Tanaidhe,  etc.,  are  in  a  later  hand  in  the  lower 
margin  of  the  MS. 

t  Hypermetric  line. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR    BOLG    121 

Saturday  on  the  Calends  of  August,  so  far  as  regards 
the  day  of  the  week ;  so  that  from  him  the  creek 
took  its  name,  a  thousand  men  his  tale.  Senghann 
and  Gann  in  Inbher  Dubhghlaise ;  a  Tuesday  they 
landed,  two  thousand  their  tale.  Rudhraighe  and 
Genann  landed  in  Inbher  Domhnann  as  we  have  said, 
the  following  Friday ;  two  thousand,  moreover,  was 
their  tale. 

78.  They  came  together  thereafter  in  Uisnech  of 
Meath,  and  they  divide  Ireland  there  in  five  parts. 
The  share  of  Slainghe  first,  from  Inbher  Colptha  to  the 
Meeting  of  the  Three  Waters  ;  of  Gann  next,  from  the 
Meeting  to  Belach  Conglais ;  Senghann  from  Belach 
Conglais  to  Luimnech ;  Genann  from  Luimnech  to 
Drobhais  ;  Rudhraidhe  from  Drobhais  to  Boyne. 

79.  Of  the  aforesaid  matters  was  this  spoken ; 
Tanaidhe  Ua  Maoil-Chonaire,  the  learned,  composed 
this  song : 

a      Ireland  home  of  combats, 
I  have  two  things  to  prove  it ; 
it  is  long  since  she  raised  her  omen  (?), 
the  wave-roar  of  battles  of  the  strong  men  of 
spear-fights. 

b     The     plain     of     Ith    after    the    time    of    the 
flood 
shewed  that  it  is  truth  that  I  relate  ; 
the  Tower  of  Conainn  whose  story  we  spread, 
its  difficulty  strongly  indicates  it. 


*  I  have. 

'  waves  of  blood  from  the  vaUant  spears  of  the  warriors. 
^  the  battle  of  Magh  Itha  in  the  time  of  Partholon. 

*  that  which  we  tell. 


122  GABHÁIL   FEAR   MBOLG 

c      Clanw  galuch  [sic]  Neimhidh  niamgloin, 
on  togail  ffeidil  ffaobraigh,^ 
ni  téma  thiar  dian  áiormaibh, 
acht  tr/ar,  7  trí  naenbhair. 

d     Naonbar  dib,  nir  tn'all  uabair, 

tall  don  tnan,  ger  bad  deoraidh  ;  ' 
CO  Tir  Grecc  deigheol,  dsLeináigh, 
im  Semeon,  ar  set  seóiaidh. 

e      Fo  Semeon  siolais  cetta,^ 
bat  lir  legeoin  atréda  ;  • 
no  ro  faemtha  lia  anocca, 
acht  ro  doerta  la  Grécca. 

f      Ba  sedh  anord  na  naireach, 

imfedhain  bolcc  ;  nir  bladach  ;  ^ 
úir  ior  sleb  chairrgeach  clochach, 
comhadh  mag  scothach  scorach. 

g     Scuchsat  gan  cairde  cealgaigh  • 
tar  fairgi  fievgaig  íforduib,' 
asin  daoire  ndúir  nadMaight 
CO  mhsLTcaibh  is  co  mbolccuib.® 


^  on  toghail  in  ro  sgdioileadh  ar  fine  Fomra  la  harmaibh. 

*  tren  no  laidir. 

'  Semeon  maith  or  siolsat  ceda. 

*  rob  iomda  legeon  dia  cloinn. 

'  tárlodh  críadh  i  tiaghaib  7  nir  cluach  doibh  sin. 

*  do  ceimnt^Aset  co  hobann,  gan  fios,  gan  cairde,  imon  cceilg  sin 
do  ronadh  chuca. 

'  tar  an  ffairrgi  Sergaigh  íorgrudLmdha. 

*  asin  daoire  cruaidh  in  ar  daiiieadh,  no  in  ro  cair^a^A  iat,  no  asin 
daoire  doiligA. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    123 

c      The  valorous  children  of  glistering  Neimhedh, 
from  the  enduring  keen-edged  destruction, 
there  escaped  not  in  the  west  of  their  troops, 
but  three,  and  three  nonads. 

d      A  nonad  of  them,  it  was  no  journey  of  pride, 
of  the  third  yonder,  although  they  were  exiles, 
to  the  land  of  Greece  of  good  knowledge,  well- 
manned, 
under  Semeon,  on  the  way  of  sailing. 

e      Hundreds  sprang  from  Semeon, 

numerous  as  a  legion  were  his  flocks  ; 

they  were  not  permitted  to  be  with  their  youths, 

but  were  enslaved  by  the  Greeks. 

f      This  was  the  order  of  the  chieftains, 

carrying  round  of  bags  ;  it  was  not  renowned  ; 
earth  on  a  rocky  stony  mountain, 
so  that  it  should  be  a  plain  flowery  and  covered 
with  horses. 

g     They  departed  without  deceitful  delay 
over  the  wrathful  very  black  sea, 
from  the  hardly  imposed  servitude, 
with  ships  and  with  bags. 

^  from  the  storming  in  which  the  tribe  of  the  Fomoraigh  were 
scattered  with  arms, 

*  strong  or  powerful. 

^  good  Semeon  from  whom  hundreds  sprang. 

*  there  was  many  a  legion  of  his  children. 

^  drawing  of  clay  in  wallets,  and  that  was  not  glorious  for  them. 

*  they  advanced  suddenly,  secretly,  without   delay,  over  that 
plot  that  was  made  by  them. 

'  over  the  raging,  frowning  sea. 

8  out  of  the  hard  servitude  in  which  they  were  appointed,  or 
placed,  or  from  the  doleful  servitude. 


124  GABHÁIL   FEAR   MBOLG 

h     Ba  síad  a  nanmanw  uaiUe, 

garmanw  gluairi  gniomh  naine  ;  ^ 
Gan«,  Genan»,  gleiri  deaghranw, 
Ruáhiaighe^  Sengan»,  Sláine.^ 

36  i      Siol  Semeoin  sleithi  slegranw,' 

gniom  gledeoin  gleithi  glonwban»/ 
Gailíow  gil  na  ffodb  niowghanw, 
Fir  Bolcc,  7  Fir  Domhnanw.^ 

j      Fir  Bolcc  d'iomcur  na  n-eiri  ;  • 
Gaileoin  d'ionram  a  ngaile  ; ' 
tredhe  ar  ar  hunbredh  forlonw, 
is  Fir  Domnanw  don  claidhe.^ 

k      Na  cuiaidh  luid  don  imrim,® 

addeos  ciod  sain  an  awmaim  ;  ^^ 
alios  na  mbolcc,  mar  fuiglim, 
gurab  Fir  Bolcc  an  garwaim.^^ 


^  do  ba  glan  iat  re  a  ngairm  do  chum  gniomlia  aoibhneasa  do 
denomh,  no  an  gniomha  obainn  do  Tonsat. 

*  na  haingAsi  da  ndentaoi  iomat  do  randatfch  toghtha. 

*  do  niodh  sloidhe  re  rendaibh  sleg,  no  do  niodh  sleachto^A  do 
rendaibh  sleagh  slinn-leathan. 

*  as  é  gniomh  do  ba  gledheoin  leó ;  ingheilt  gniombaill^A  do 
denomh  ingleothe. 

^  Gaileoin  an  fian  galach  tantcc  don  uiscce,  do  gniodh  fodhiubho^iA 
CO  heimh,  tiachair,  no  co  goirt,  no  co  doilighi,  no  co  tinn ;  no  i 
ttangator  fuidhb  trta  chrandaifeA  i  nEnnn  ina  re. 

*  na  iir  no  iomhcradh  oire  do  núir  i  tiagatdA,  as  óna  bolga»6A  sin 
ro  gabsat  ainmniugAaíí/t. 

'  fian  na  gaile,  ag  iriothailem  goile  7  gaiscckA  tar  a  ccionn. 

*  fir  tochalta  na  húire  an  treas  aicmi  dhiobh. 

*  do  chuaidh  do  reimniugAoi/A  7  do  mSiTcaighecht  for  an  rnuir. 
^^  indeosat,  cidh  neimhionann  a  n-ajimanna  eccsamhla. 

1^  amat/  briathraighim  no  breatwuigAim,  as  Fir  Bolcc  angairm 
coitcenn ;  ar  daigh  i  tocht  co  hErinn  i  mbolgaibh  croicnidhe  iom- 
cuir  na  huire. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    125 

h     These  were  their  glorious  names, 
pure  titles  of  noble  deeds  ; 
Gann,  Genann,  a  choice  of  good  divisions, 
Rudhraighe,  Senghann,  Slainghe. 

i      The  seed  of  Semeon  who  wounded  with  spear- 
points 
a  work  of  goodwill  of  the  grazing  of  warlike  deeds(?), 
the  white  Galeoin  of  the  scanty  accoutrements,* 
the  Fir  Bolg,  and  the  Fir  Domnann. 

j       The  Fir  Bolg  from  carrjdng  the  burdens  ; 
the  Gaileoin  from  the  service  of  their  valour  ; 
a  group  of  three  on  whom  oppression  was  prac- 
tised, 
and  the  Fir  Domnann  from  digging. 

k     The  warriors  who  went  to  the  voyage, 
I  will  tell,  though  different  their  names  ; 
by  reason  of  the  bags,  as  I  adjudge, 
that  Fir  Bolg  is  their  title. 

1  bright  were  they  to  be  summoned  to  do  a  pleasant  deed,  or 
their  sudden  deeds  that  they  did. 

2  these  chiefs  for  whom  many  choice  sharings  were  made. 

^  who  used  to  commit  slaughter  with  the  points  of  spears,  or 
who  used  to  make  a  cutting  down  with  the  points  of  broad-bladed 
spears. 

*  this  is  the  deed  that  was  done  with  good  wiU  by  them ;  a 
shearing  by  smiting  deeds  to  make  the  grazing. 

^  Gaileoin  are  the  valiant  heroes  who  came  from  the  water, 
who  used  to  make  cutting  off  quickly,  and  wearily,  or  sorely,  or 
sadly,  or  sickly  ;  or  in  whose  time  there  came  knots  through  the 
trees  in  Ireland. 

«  the  men  who  used  to  carry  a  burden  of  clay  in  wallets,  it  is 
from  those  bags  they  took  their  name. 

'  the  men  of  valour,  serving  valour  and  heroism  on  their  account. 

*  the  men  who  dug  the  earth  were  the  third  division  of  them. 
»  who  went  advancing  and  riding  on  the  sea. 

^^  I  wiU  relate,  though  unlike  are  their  different  names. 
^1  asljudgeorsuppose.  Fir  Bolg  is  their  general  name  ;  on  account 
of  their  coming  to  Ireland  in  the  skin  bags  for  carrying  the  earth. 

*  /od6  =  spoils  taken  in  battle. 


126  GABHÁIL   FEAR    MBOLG 

1      Gaileoin  tall,  Slainge  an  goirwerr  ;  * 
Fir  Bolcc,  Gan«  7  Sengann  ; 
RnáTaighe  is  Genanw,  congbamw,' 
Fir  Domnann  iad  cen  merball.' 

m    Lion  na  ccuig  ttois^cA  tiréníer, 
cuicc  mile,  noiseach  airemh  ;  * 
d'Fodla  a  saoileactaiw  sínedh  ;  ^ 
an^aein-sechtmam  do  áéiledh^ 

n      D'Inber  Slainge  gan  iomroll ' 

saighis  Slainghe  gó  a  degranw  ;  ® 
d'Inber  Dubglaisi,  t«rbhem,' 

tudhchaíí/set  ^^  Gann  is  Sengan«. 

o      Genan«,  Ruáhiaighe,  luaiditt, 
éccsi  urgnaidi  araidhitt,^^ 
gibe  da  ffoghnanw  íiadait, 
CO  hlnb^r  Domnanw  dáilitt.^* 


>  an  gaiscc^iach  oirrderc. 

*  do  gebmit,  no  ata  ar  congbail  agoinn. 

*  cen  seachrán  n-eolais. 

*  as  oirderc  an  tatremh  iat. 

'  ba  he  a  ndochws  sineadh  dhóiph  co  hEinnn. 

•  ro  comhdailset  chuice. 

'  gan  meSiTVLghadh  n-eolais. 

•  com.  roinn  don  tsiúagh. 

•  armhim. 
"  tangatar. 

^i  as  uasal,  gnaoidheach,  inntlecA/ach,  iomraidhit  na  heiccsi  gan 
ainces,  areim  iomramha  7  iomluaidh. 
^*  failtighit,  no  aisneidhit,  in  dail  co  hlnb^r  Domnann. 


THE   CONQUEST    OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    127 

1      The    Gaileoin    yonder,    of   Slainghe   the    famous 
champion ; 
the  Fir  Bolg,  Gann  and  Senghann ; 
Rudhraighe  and  Genann,  let  us  hold, 
the  Fir  Domhnann  are  they  without  error. 

m    The  tale  of  the  five  chieftains  of  mighty  men, 
five  thousand,  noble  the  calculation  ; 
to  Fodhla  it  was  their  hope  to  reach  ; 
in  one  week  the  assembly  was  made. 

n     To  Inbher  Slainghe  without  error 
comes  Slainghe  with  his  fine  division ; 
to  Inbher  Dubhglaise,  we  relate, 
came  Gann  and  Senghann. 

o      Genann,  Rudhraighe,  they  mention, 
excellent  poets  speak, 
whatsoever  god  it  serves, 
to  Inbher  Domhnann  they  muster. 


1  the  glorious  champion. 

2  we  receive,  or  we  have  it  preserved. 
'  without  erring  of  knowledge. 

*  a  glorious  reckoning  are  they. 

*  it  was  their  hope  that  they  should  reach  Ireland. 

*  assembled  together  thereto. 

'  without  confounding  knowledge. 

8  with  his  share  of  the  host. 

»  I  reckon. 
10  they  came. 

1*  nobly,  pleasantly,  wisely,  tell  the  poets  without  doubt,  of  the 
course  of  their  voyage  and  motion. 

*•  they  welcome,  or  they  relate,  the  muster  to  Inbher  Dom- 


128  GABHÁIL   FEAR   MBOLG 

37  p     Da  ched  hliadna,  iar  nedhaibh,^ 

iar  Neimedh,  niamda  a  gala,^ 
cowgaibset  Fir  Bolcc  bniig-binn 
Ere,  do  mhuirlinw  mara.^ 

q     Mzxaidh  a  ttoitt  a  ttorainw  ; 

ranwsat  a  ccoig  cen  chreidhim,* 
cen  \MÍs\edhy^  dia  treh  taoibsing, 
a  \í\Jisvíech  aoibhinw  Érind. 

r      Roinn  Slaingi,  toghta  an  témeadh,^ 
o  Inper  Colpta  a  tóimeadh,'^ 
CO  Commar,  glan  an  ciuinbhior, 
na  tteoranabh  *  anóin-mhedh.^ 

s      On  Cowmar  sreblong  segda,® 

le  geal-Ganw  sdmníer  slóghda,^^ 
CO  Búach  Cowglais  gluarda  ;  ^^ 
don  rebhach  ba  mais  mórdha.^^ 

^  iar   coimhshineáA    aimsire    ó  ivDtíiecht  doibh    na    ccIandat&A 
NeimhíííA  a  YiExinn  go  a  ttoiáecht  doridhisi  ina  bhFeratM  Bolcc. 

*  ba  taithnemhach  goil. 

'  CO  ro  ghabsat  Fir  Bolcc,  ag  a  mbaoi  HInnnes  no  firinne  ina 
mbailtí6A  no  ina  fferonwaibh,  Ere  do  linntift/t  muiridhe  na  fairrge. 

*  rrnxxid  co  taitnemac/j  ina  n-iomlaine  toranwa  na  ccoig  coined, 
cen  oirbemaííA  gan  uiresbaííA  amai/  do  rannsat-somh  iad. 

'  cen  twíVleim. 

*  as  togaidhQ  an  roinn  tvigadh  do  Slainghe ;   no  as  toghaxV^Ae  an 
fuasgladA  eolais  e. 

'  a  torann.  > 

*  comarrochtain  no   comrochtain   an   ghlanocAi  (sic)  ciuin    na 
ttri  nabhanw  ccoimhionand  in  aoin  ionadh. 

*  gus  a  soighit  loinges  srubfada ;   no  do  nit  eolas  ara  sreabatM 
ioda  sofhaichsena. 

10  ba  trenfer  7  ba  sonn  catha  co  sloghat&A  e. 

11  glain  no  gloraigh. 

^*  ba  mhais^cA  cuid  an  cleasarnhnatgA  don  roinn. 

*  Sic ;  read  tteorabhan[n]. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    129 

Two  hundred  years,  in  the  course  of  time, 
after  Neimhedh,  bright  his  braveries, 
the  Fir  Bolg  of  tuneful  palaces  took 
Ireland,  from  the  sea-pool  of  the  ocean. 

Their  division  remains  in  entirety ; 
they  divided  in  five  without  subtraction, 
without  stumble,  among  their  slender-sided  tribe, 
Ireland  from  pleasant  Uisnech. 

The  portion  of  Slainghe,  choice  the  assessment, 
from  Inbher  Colpa  is  its  measuring, 
to  the  Meeting,  pure  is  the  quiet  water, 
of  the  three  rivers  in  one. 

From  the  Commar  of  stately  stream-ships, 
to  white  Gann  the  steadfast  man  of  armies, 
to  Belach  Conglais  glorious  ; 
to  the  sportive  one  it  was  noble  good  fortune. 


^  after  harmonising  the  time  from  their  departure  as  the  chil- 
dren of  Neimhedh  from  Ireland  to  their  return  as  Fir  Bolg. 

2  who  was  pleasing  in  valour. 

^  so  that  the  Fir  Bolg,  who  had  tunefulness  or  truth  in  their 
homes  or  in  their  lands,  took  Ireland  from  the  sea-pools  of  the 
ocean. 

*  the  divisions  of  the  five  provinces  remain  pleasantly  in  their 
completeness,  without  infraction  or  loss  as  they  divided  them. 

'  without  descent. 

•  choice  is  the  division  given  to  Slainghe  ;  or,  it  is  a  choice  open- 
ing of  knowledge. 

'  his  division. 

^  the  meeting  or  joining  in  quiet  purity  of  the  three  equal  rivers 
in  one  place. 

'  to  which  a  long-stream  migration  attains ;  or,  they  make 
acquaintance  of  its  long  streams  fair  to  see. 

^**  he  was  a  warrior  and  a  bulwark  of  battle  with  hosts. 

^^  clear  or  noisy. 

^*  noble  in  the  division  was  the  share  of  the  trickster. 

I 


130  GABHÁIL   FEAR  MBOLG 

t      Le  Sengan«  uaidh  co  Luimn^cA, 

dealbham  nar  ndúain  co  deimn^cA  ; 
as  coria  Drobhais  toinnmeach,^ 
forais  Genainw  ba  geimlech. 

u      Roinn  Ruávatghe  fos  fecchaidh, 
ar  sulbaire  ^  sluinn  siarain : 
ó  Drobaois  co  Boinn  mbraenaígA, 
doigh  nach  fogaois  a  ffiadafV. 

V     Fer  gan  ainces  a  bfuachaíJA,^ 
la  na  ttairmcres  na  dichil ;  * 
Ua  MsiOÍlChonaire  an  croichin,* 
a  Ri  roghaide  an  nchidh  !  • 

30  w     A  Rí  do  rosaid  duile 

gursib  noisicch  a  neimhe  !  ' 
tiodlaic  cadus  da  cuaine, 
áius  na  n-iorgal,  Ére. 

80.  Atiat    anmanna    ban    na    naireach    remraite; 
Fúad  ben  Slaine,  Éudar  ben  Gainn,  Anast  ben  tSen- 


^  bradan2u:h. 

«  ar  solabarthatghe. 

'  i  foclaibh. 

*  na  dennait  e  isin  lá  in  a  mbia  an  ttairmcrtotnugho^íA  ar  cre- 
chadh  an  aeoir  .i.  lá  an  braiih. 

'  an  peactAacA  o  Cmachain. 

•  a  Ri  ro  toghaidhe  an  Rig-iatha. 

'  a  Rf  do  chrathutgh  na  dúile,  derlaic  onóir  nó  comatVce  do  bui- 
dhin  nó  do  cloinn  na  hErenn,  go  mba  heallomh  a  noirrdtfrcas. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR    BOLG     131 

t      to  Senghann  thence  to  Luimnech, 
we  frame  in  our  song  affimiingly  ; 
thence  to  Drobhais  rich  in  salmon, 
the  habitation  of  Geanann  who  was  a  man  of 
fetters. 

u     The  division  of  Rudhraighe  behold  it, 
declare  it  eloquently  westward  : 
from  Drobhais  to  the  dewy  Bo57ne, 
sure  that  not  unwise  is  what  is  related. 

V     A  man  without  doubt  in  words, 

on  the  day  of  noise-shaking  obscure  him  not ; 
Ua  Maoil-Chonaire  of  the  Croichen, 
O  choice  King  of  Heaven  ! 

w     O  King  who  created  the  elements 
that  her  brightness  may  be  noble  ! 
give  honour  to  her  troop, 
the  home  of  combats,  Ireland. 

80.  These  are  the  names  of  the  wives  of  the  afore- 
said chiefs ;  Fuad  wife  of  Slainghe,  Eudar  wife  of 
Gann,  Anast  wife  of  Senghann,  Cnucha  wife  of  Genann, 


1  abounding  in  salmon. 
'  for  eloquence. 

*  in  words. 

*  forget  him  not  in  the  day  in  which  the  noise-trembling  will 
be  shaking  the  air,  that  is,  the  Day  of  Judgment. 

'  the  sinner  from  Cruachu. 

*  O  most  choice  King  of  the  royal  land. 

'  O  King  who  didst  create  the  elements,  grant  honour  or  mercy 
to  the  troop  or  the  children  of  Ireland,  that  their  glory  may  be 
perfect. 


132  GABHÁIL  FEAR  MBOLG 

ghainn,   Cnucha  ben   Genainw,   7  Liber   ben    Rudh- 
Taighe.    As  dia  fforaithmet  do  raidheadh  inwso — 

a      Fúad  ben  Slainge,  ni  camm  lib  ; 
Éudar  ba  ben  Gainw  con  goil ; 
Anast  ben  Sengainw  na  slig  ;  * 
Cnucha  ba  ben  Genainw  gloin. 

b     Liber  ben  Rúdhraicchi  ier  rod,^ 
muint^r  cumraidhe  ni  cúacc  ;  ' 
Ruáhiaighe,  ruire  na  reabh,« 
docha  lem  as  í  a  ben  Fúad.*^ 

*  na  slegh  ;  nó  ro  hema,iámedh  lais  í. 

*  ier  ro-umhlughaí/A  ;  nó  ier  shghidh  ;  no  ingach  cowair  i  teigeadh. 

*  muintgr  milis  ag  a  mbíodh  cuirm  ga«  cuwga. 

*  na  ccles. 

*  as  deimiw  gwr  ben  saor  do  Ruáraighe  Ére. 


THE   CONQUEST   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG     133 

and  Liber  wife  of  Rudraighe.    To  commemorate  them 
this  was  said — 

a     Fuad  wife  of  Slainghe,  it  is  no  deceit  in  your 
opinion  ; 
Eudar  was  wife  of  Gann  with  valour  ; 
Anast  wife  of  Senghann  in  his  path  ;  (?) 
Cnucha  was  wife  of  pure  Genann, 

b     Liber  wife  of  Rudraighe  after  humiliation, 
a  people  sweet  not  narrow  ; 
Rudraighe,  lord  of  wiles, 
I  prefer  to  think  that  Fuad  was  his  wife. 

^  of  spears  ;  or  she  was  contracted  to  him. 

^  after  great  submission  ;   or  along  a  way  ;  or  in  every  path  in 
which  she  used  to  come. 

^  a  sweet  people  who  had  ale  without  stint. 

*  of  the  tricks. 

*  It  is  certain  that  Ere  was  free  wife  to  Rudraighe. 


(ALT   VI) 

DO  RIOGUAIBH  FER  MBOLG.  DA  REIMHI Í75  I  RIGHE, 
7   DA   NAITIBH,   ATFIADHAR   liVDSO   SÍS 

8i.  Ni  roghabh  tra  aeinfher  go  ngairm  "  riogh " 
righe  na  flt>d-chenn«s  for  Evinn  co  ttangatar  Fir  Bolg 
innte.  Do  T3.dset-sidhe  righe  dia  sinwser  brathar, 
.i.  do  Slainghe,  conadh  é  céd  rí  ro  hoivánigheadh  úas 
Érinn  é.  Aein  hliadhain  dó  isin  righe,  conerbhailt  an 
Dionn  Righ  ;  7  as  eisidhe  céd  marbh  Érenn  á'úaiislibh 
Fer  mBolcc.    Aeis  Domain  3267.* 

82.  RvBRA/GfíE  a  d^rbbratha^V,  dá  hliadhain  isin 
ríghe,  cofierbail  ^  isin  Brugh  ós  Bóinn.     3269. 

83.  Gana^  7  Geanana^,  ceithre  bliadna  dóibh  i  righe, 
coneplettar  do  tamh  ^  i  fFremhainn  Midhe.     3273. 

84.  Senghana^,  cuicc  blíadna,  co  ttorchair  la  Fíacha 
Cinwfionán  mac  Stairn,  vaeic  Deala,  m.eic  Loich.     3278. 

85.  FiACHA  CiA^DFiivDAN,  cúig  blíadna  oile,  co 
ttorchair  la  Rionwal  mac  Genainti.  Batar  cind- 
fhion«a  ba  Exenn  i  reimhes  an  righ  Fiacha.     3283. 

39  86.  RiONA^AL  mac  Genainw,  meic  Deala,  sé  bliadna, 
CO  ttorchair  la  Foidbgeinidh  mac  Seanghainw  i  ccath  i 
nEabha  Coirbre.  As  in  aimsir  an  Rionnail-sin  do 
idXiadh  cinn  íarainn  ior  crandaibh  gae,  ar  ní  bítis  acht 
na  ndichealtraib  gan  ciwdaforra  in  a  lamhaibh  gó  sin. 
3289. 

♦  This  and  the  other  dates  are  written  in  the  margin  of  the  MS. 
>  CO  ffuair  bás.  ^  plaigh. 

134 


(CHAPTER   VI) 

OF  THE  KINGS  OF  THE  FIR  BOLG.  OF  THE  TIME  THEY 
SPENT  IN  THE  KINGSHIP,  AND  OF  THEIR  DEATHS, 
THE  FOLLOWING  IS  RELATED 

8i.  Now  no  one  called  "king"  took  the  kingship 
of  chief  rule  over  Ireland  till  the  Fir  Bolg  came  into 
it.  These  gave  the  kingship  to  their  elder  brother, 
that  is,  to  Slainghe,  so  that  he  was  the  first  king 
appointed  over  Ireland.  One  year  had  he  in  the 
kingship,  till  he  died  in  Dind  Righ  ;  and  he  is  the  first 
dead  of  Ireland  of  the  nobles  of  the  Fir  Bolg.  Anno 
mundi  3267. 

82.  RuDHRAiGHE  his  brother,  two  years  in  the 
kingship,  till  he  died  in  the  Brugh  on  the  Boyne.  3269. 

83.  Gann  and  Genann,  four  years  had  they  in  the 
kingship,  till  they  died  of  plague  in  Fremhann  of 
Meath.     3273. 

84.  Senghann,  five  years,  till  he  fell  by  the  hand  of 
Fiacha  Cinnfhionnán,  son  of  Stam,  son  of  Dela,  son 
of  Loch.     3278. 

85.  FiACHA  Cendfhionnan,  five  other  years,  till  he 
fell  by  the  hand  of  Rionnal  son  of  Genann.  White- 
headed  (cend-fhionna)  were  the  kine  of  Ireland  in  the 
time  of  King  Fiacha.     3283. 

86.  Rionnal,  son  of  Gennan,  son  of  Dela,  six  years, 
till  he  fell  by  the  hand  of  Foidbgenidh,  son  of  Senghann, 
in  battle  in  Ebha  of  Cairbre.  It  was  in  the  time  of 
that  Rionnal  that  iron  heads  were  put  on  spear-shafts, 
for  they  used  only  to  be  headless  shafts  that  were  in 
their  hands  before  then.     3289. 

^  till  he  died.  *  plague. 

13s 


136         DO   RIOGHAIBH   FEAR   MBOLG 

87.  FoiDBGEiNiDH,  ccithre  hliadhm.  dhó  i  righe,  co 
ttorchair  la  hEochaidh  mac  Ere,  meic  Rionwail,  meic 
Genainw,  i  Muigh  Muirthemhne.  As  in  aimsir  an 
Foidhbghenidh  [so]  ro  gheinset  foidhb  7  cnapain  ire 
crandaip,  ar  robtar  reidhe  dirghe  fedha  Evenn  go  siw. 

3293. 

88.  'EocHA/DH  mac  Ere,  dech  mbliadna  i  righe,  co 
ttorchair  la  tnbh  msicaibh  Neimhidh  meic  Badmoi,  do 
Tua.thaibh  Dé  Dananw  ;  Cesavh,  Luamh  7  Lúaehra  a 
nanmanwa,  sunhail  atfiadhar  siosana.  Ba  maith  ámh 
an  ri  si«  Eochaidh  mac  Eire ;  ni  baoi  fieochadh  ina 
re,  acht  drweht  namá.  Ni  baoi  hlisiaain  cen  mes.  Do 
cuirti  gai  ^  a  hEirinw  re  a  linw.  As  les  cedMs  do  rónadh 
rechtgi  coir  .i.  dlighedh  cert  inwte. 

89.  As  do  reimhes  7  d'aitibh  na  riogh  si»  ro  Táiáeadh  ; 
Tanaidhe  o  Maolconaire.* 

a    Fir  Bolcc  bator  sonna  seal, 
in  insi  moir  mac  Wledh  ; 
coicc  toisigh  tugsat  leo  anall ; 
atat  Occam  an  awmanw. 

b    Blididain  do  Slainghe,  as  iior  so, 
cowerbailt  na  degh-dhumha  ; 
céd  ri  d'Feraibh  Bolg  na  mbenn, 
atbath  in  Inis  Éreann. 

c     Da  bliadam  Rudhiaighe  ruadh, 
conerbailt  san  mbrugh  mbratfhuar  ; 
a  ceathair  Ghenainn  is  Gainn, 
CO  ros  marbh  tamh  i  f Freamhainn. 

^  ro  aicvdred  brecc.  *  this  name  in  a  later  hand. 


OF   THE    KINGS    OF   THE   FIR    BOLG    137 

87.  FoiDBGEiNiDH,  fouF  years  had  he  in  the  king- 
ship, till  he  fell  at  the  hand  of  Eochaidh  son  of  Ere, 
son  of  Rionnal,  son  of  Genann,  in  Magh  Muirtheimne. 
In  the  time  of  this  Foidbgheinidh  knots  and  knobs 
came  into  existence  on  the  trees,  for  smooth  and 
straight  were  the  woods  of  Ireland  till  then.     3293. 

88.  EocHAiD,  son  of  Ere,  ten  years  in  the  kingship, 
till  he  fell  at  the  hands  of  the  three  sons  of  Neimhedh, 
son  of  Badrai,  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann ;  Cesarb, 
Luamh,  and  Luachra  were  their  names,  as  is  related 
below.  Now  good  was  that  king  Eochaid  son  of  Ere ; 
there  was  no  rain  in  his  time  but  only  dew.  There 
was  not  a  year  without  fruit.  Falsehood  used  to  be 
expelled  from  Ireland  in  his  time.  By  him  were  first 
made  right  judgment,  that  is,  just  law,  there. 

89.  Of  the  length  of  reign  and  the  deaths  of  these 
kings  it  was  said ;  Tanaidhe  Ua  Maoil-Chonaire  [com- 
posed it] — 

a     The  Fir  Bolg  were  here  a  while, 

in  the  great  island  of  the  sons  of  Mil ; 

five   chieftains   they   brought    with   them   from 

yonder ; 
I  have  their  names. 

b     A  year  to  Slainghe,  this  is  true, 
till  he  died  in  his  fine  mound  ; 
the  first  king  of  the  Fir  Bolg  of  mountains, 
who  died  in  Ireland's  island. 

c     Two  years  strong  Rudraighe, 

till  he  died  in  the  Brugh  of  cold  winding-sheets  ; 

four  to  Genann  and  Gann, 

till  plague  slew  them  in  Freamhainn. 

*  lying  was  driven  out. 


138         DO    RIOGHAIBH    FEAR   MBOLG 

d    Cúig  hMadhm.  Senghainn  ba  sáimh 
CO  ro  marb  Fiacha  mac  Stair ; 
a  cuig  oile,  ba  tria  agh, 
robai  Fiacha  Cinn-fhionnan. 

e    Fiacha  Cind-fionnan  seach  each, 
mevaid  a  ainm  co  tti  an  bráth  ; 
cindfhionda  uile,  cen  ail, 
ba  'Eienn  'na  urchomhair. 

f     Co  ttorchair  la  Rionwal  rúadh, 
f  úair-siomh  a  sé  re  saorshlwag/i ; 
do  rochair  Ua  Deala  de, 
in  Eabha  la  Foidbgheine. 

^.0  g     Gur  f has  Rionnal  ni  bhái  rinw 

aca  ior  arm  in  Érinn  ; 
ar  gaib  ittr  gan  cleth  cain, 
acht  a  mheth  na  siothcv2ináaihh. 

h  A  cethair  d'Foidbgeinidh  an, 
go  cath  Muirthemne  na  mál ; 
go  ro  mdirbadh  gan  deachair, 
la  Mac  Eire,  la  haird-Eacha^íí/i. 

i     A  naimsir  Foidbghein  ann  soin, 
tangatar  fuidb  ire  chrandaifth ; 
na  f  eadha  go  sin  alle 
ropsat  redhe  ro-dhirghe. 

)      Dech  mhliadhndL  Eochaidh  mac  Ere, 
nocha  nfhuair  eochatV  aimhn^*rt, 
go  ro  marbsat  ós  an  rae, 
tri  meic  Neimid  meic  Badhrae. 


OF   THE    KINGS   OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    139 

Five  years  of  Senghann  who  was  gentle, 
till  Fiacha  son  of  Star[n]  slew  him  ; 
five  other,  it  was  through  his  fighting, 
was  Fiacha  Cendfhionnan. 


e      Fiacha  Cendfhionnan  beyond  all, 
his  name  shall  endure  to  the  Doom  ; 
white-headed  all,  without  reproach, 
were  the  kine  of  Ireland  in  his  presence. 

f      Till  he  fell  at  the  hands  of  strong  Rionnal, 
he  obtained  six  [years]  with  a  free  host ; 
Ua  Deala  fell  thereafter, 
in  Eabha  at  the  hands  of  Foidbgeinidh. 

g     Till  Rionnal  rose  there  was  no  point 

in  their  possession  upon  a  weapon  in  Ireland  ; 
upon  javelins  there  was  no  good  covering, 
but  they  were  long  poles. 

h     Four  to  Foidbgheinidh  the  noble, 

till  the  battle  of  Muirtheimne  of  chiefs  ; 
till  he  was  slain  without  distinction, 
by  the  son  of  Ere,  by  lofty  Eochaid. 

i      In  the  time  of  Foidbgheinidh  then, 
came  knots  through  trees  ; 
the  woods  till  then 
were  smooth  and  very  straight. 

i      Ten  years  to  Eochaid  son  of  Ere, 
he  found  not  the  brink  of  weakness, 
till  there  slew  him  on  the  plain, 
the  three  sons  of  Neimhedh  son  of  Badra. 


140         DO    RIOGHAIBH    FEAR    MBOLG 

k    Anmann  tri  mac  Neimta  no,^ 
Ceasarb,  Luamh,  7  Luachro  ; 
leo  ro  goet  an  ri  do  rin«, 
Eochaidh  mac  Ere  atberim. 

1     lar  sin  tangatar  Tuatha  (sic)  Dé 
ar  Feraib  Bolcc  ba  buan  gné  ; 
rugsat  tre  maithes  ^  amuigh 
a  bflaithes  ona  Feruibh. 

90.  Ni  hairimthear  ratha  do  claidhe,  na  maighe  do 
shle2Lchtadh,  na  tomaidm  loch,  ind  aimsir  Fher 
mBolcc.  Atberat  liubair  gwrab  d'iarsma  Fer  mBolcc 
Gahraighe  Suca  hi  ConnsLchtaibhy  Ui  Tairsigh  Laighean 
la  hUibh  Failghe,  7  Gaileóin  do  Gaileonaift/t  Laighen, 
ycra, 

*  dna,  no  oirrd^fc  •  tre  áraoiáhecht. 


OF   THE    KINGS    OF   THE   FIR   BOLG    141 

k     The  names  of  the  three  sons  of  Neimhedh  then, 
Ceasarb,  Luamh,  and  Luachra  ; 
by  them  was  wounded  the  king  by  a  spear, 
Eochaid,  son  of  Ere,  1  speak  of. 

1      After  that  came  the  Tuatha  Dé 

on  the  Fir  Bolg  who  were  a  lasting  tribe  ; 
through  wizardry  they  snatched  in  the  field 
their  kingship  from  the  Fir  Bolg. 

90.  There  is  no  record  that  forts  were  dug,  or  plains 
cleared,  or  lakes  burst,  in  the  time  of  the  Fir  Bolg. 
The  books  say  that  of  the  remnant  of  the  Fir  Bolg  are 
the  Gabraidhe  of  Suca  in  Connacht,  the  Ui  Tairsigh  of 
Leinster  in  Ui  Failghe,  and  the  Gaileoin  of  the  Gaileoin 
of  Leinster,  etc. 

*  then,  or  glorious.  *  through  druidry. 


(ALT   VII) 

41  GABAIL  THUAITHI  DE  DANANN.  DO  IMTHEACHT^IBH 
lOBAITH,  UEIC  BEOTUAIGH,  UEIC  lARBAINEOIL. 
MEIC  NEIMIDH  7  A  SLECHTA,  Ó  DO  FACCAIBHSET 
ERE  lER  TTOGHAIL  THUIR  CONOINiS^  GO  A  TTUI- 
DHEACHT  NA  TTVATH  A  IB  DE  DONANN  IND  HEI- 
RINiV  FOR  FERAIB  BOLCC.  DO  NUIMHIR  A  RIOGH, 
DA  REIMES.  7  DÁ  NAITTIBH,  ATFIADHAR  BEOS,  IM- 
AILLE  RE  SENCÍ75S  DRUINGE  DHIOBH 

Ó  Adam  corogabsat  Tuath  De  Donann  Ere,  3303 
Ó  dilinn  co  ttangatar  Tuat  De  Dononn,  1061 

90.  Dála  lobaith  meic  Beoihaigh,  meic  larbhaineoil, 
vaeic  Neimhíá^,  iar  ffágbhail  Evenn  do  cona,  mhuintir 
iarsan  togail  remraiti,  rogabsat  in  insibh  tuaisc^rtacha 
na  Greece.  Batar  ainnsidhe  gur  bat  iolardha  a  cclanna 
7  a  cceneóil.  Ro  fhoghlaimset  draidheacht  7  ilcerda 
éccsamhla  is  na  hinsib  imbatar,  eittr  fhiothnas^/»^, 
Qxnsitecht,  coinbliocht,  7  gach  saeithe  gleintlec/i^a  [sic] 
ar  chena,  gombtar  fesach,  foghlomtha,  firghlic  ina 
nerndailib.  Túatha  De  do  gairm  dhiobh,  .i.  dee  an 
t-aes  dana  leosom  7  andee  an  toes  treabtha,  ar  mhed 
a  ccumhaing  in  cech  ealadhain  7  in  cech  diamar-dhán 
dfaoidec/í/a.  As  de  conrainic  an  tainm  as  Túatha  Dé 
doibh. 

91.  Atíat  na   cathracAa    i    mbatar  ga  ffoghluim  ; 

Falias,  Gorias,  Finias,  Murias.     Aide  foghloma  leo  i 

ngach  cathrach  do  suidib.    Atiet  an  anmanna  ;   Mor- 

14a 


(CHAPTER   VII) 

THE  CONQUEST  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  DANANN.  OF 
THE  ADVENTURES  OF  lOBATK,  SON  OF  BEOTHACH. 
SON  OF  lARBANEL,  SON  OF  NEIMHEDH  AND  OF 
HIS  SEED,  FROM  THE  TIME  WHEN  THEY  LEFT  IRE- 
LAND AFTER  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  CONAINN'S 
TOWER  TILL  THEY  RETURNED  AS  THE  TUATHA 
DE  DANANN  TO  IRELAND,  AGAINST  THE  FIR  BOLG. 
OF  THE  NUMBER  OF  THEIR  KINGS,  OF  THE  LENGTH 
OF  THEIR  REIGNS,  AND  OF  THEIR  DEATHS,  IS  RE- 
LATED FURTHER,  TOGETHER  WITH  THE  GENEA- 
LOGY OF   SOME   OF   THEM 

From  Adam  till  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  took  Ireland,  3303 
From  the  Flood  till  the  Tuatha, De  Danann  came,  1061 

90.  As  for  lobath  son  of  Beothach,  son  of  larbanel, 
son  of  Neimhedh,  after  his  leaving  Ireland  with  his 
people  after  the  conquest  before  described,  they 
settled  in  the  northern  islands  of  Greece.  They  were 
there  till  numerous  were  their  children  and  their  kin- 
dreds. They  learned  druidry  and  many  various  arts 
in  the  islands  where  they  were,  what  with  fiothnaisecht, 
amaitecht,  coinhliocht,  and  every  sort  of  gentilism  in 
general,  till  they  were  knowing,  learned,  and  very 
clever  in  the  branches  thereof.  They  were  called 
Tuatha  De ;  that  is,  they  considered  their  men  of 
learning  to  be  gods,  and  their  husbandmen  non-gods, 
so  much  was  their  power  in  every  art  and  every 
druidic  occultism  besides.  Thence  came  the  name, 
which  is  Tuatha  De,  to  them. 

91.  These  were  the  cities  where  they  were  being 
instructed  ;  Falias,  Gorias,  Finias,  and  Murias.  They 
had  an  instructor  of  learning  in  each  one  of  these 
cities.    These  are  their  names ;    Morfesa  in  Falias, 

143 


144    GABHÁIL   THÚAITHE   DÉ   DANANN 

fesa  i  Falias,  Esras  i  nGorias,  Usicias  i  fFinias,  7  Semias 
baoi  i  Murias.  A  Falias  tnccadh  an  Lia  Fail  bai  i 
TeaLTriiaigh  ag  Lugh ;  as  1  do  geisedh  fo  cech  righ  no 
ghehedh  righe  Érenw,  ó  aimsir  Logha  Lamfhada  co 
haimsir  geine  Criost,  7  nochar  gheisestair  iaromh  fo 
aoin-rígh  o  siw  alle;  uair  ba  deamhan  ro  ghab  iona- 
tocht  inwte  7  do  arm.cta.taT  (sic)  tcumhachta  gach  iodh- 
42  oil  ind  aimsir  na  geine  Coimdetta  do  thuism^iiA  ó  ógh 
Muire.  Os  an  ffál  sin  atberar  Inis  Fail,  febh  d^rbhMS 
Cionaedh  ua  h^rtagáin  didinébert — 

An  cloch  forsttád  mo  di  sail, 
uaithe  raiter  Inis  Fail ; 
eitir  da  traigh  tuile  tinn, 
Magh  Fail  uile  for  Eirin». 

A  Gorias  tuccadh  an  tslegh  baoi  ag  Lugh  ;  ni  cowgeibti 
cath  fnsindi  hi  mbiodh  láimh.  A  Finias  tugadh 
doidheamh  Nuadhat ;  ni  ternoidedh  aon  ar  a  híor- 
dergtha  de.  A  Murias  tngadh  coire  an  Daghda  ;  ni 
theighedh  neach  diomdach  úaidh. 

92.  lar  hioihadh  a  ffoghloma  doibsiomh,  do  choidset 
eitir  Athenwstaib  7  Felistineda,  gur  ronaitrebhsat 
etorra.  Ro  eiiigh  din  cogtha  7  congah.  eitir  na  cene- 
\aibh  sin  iarttain  gur  bat  misgneach  vnirunach  imoroile. 
Ro  figeadh  iolchatha  eatorra  dihhnibh  7  as  e  for  Aith- 
nenstaibh  ro  srainti,  go  ro  scaichsett  a  IsLOchradh  acht 
súaill  biucc.  Atraghat  déina  Túath  Dé  imbaidh  na 
nAthnensta  iarsuidhe,  cowdolbdais  tri'a  draoidheacht 
spioratta  deamhnacdha  hi  curpw  an  fianlaigh  do 
marbhta  dowa  hAithnenstaibh,  gomtis  ionchatha  ;  7  co 
ttochraitis  iriu  doridhisi.    Ba  ma^chtnadh  adba/  las  na 


CONQUEST   OF   TUATHA   DE   DANANN     145 

Esras  in  Gorias,  Usicias  in  Finnias,  and  Semias  who  was 
in  Muirias.  From  Failias  was  brought  the  Lia  Fail, 
which  Lugh  had  in  Temair  ;  this  is  what  used  to 
scream  under  every  king  who  took  the  sovereignty 
of  Ireland,  from  the  time  of  Lugh  Lamfhada  to  the 
time  of  the  birth  of  Christ,  and  it  has  never  screamed 
thereafter  under  any  king  from  that  out ;  for  it  was  a 
demon  that  had  entrance  into  it,  and  the  powers  of 
every  idol  ceased  in  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  Lord, 
who  was  bom  of  the  Virgin  Mary.  From  that  [Lia]  Fail 
is  called  Inis  Fail,  as  Cinaeth  O  Hartacain  proves,  having 
said — 

The  stone  on  which  my  heels  stand, 

from  it  is  named  Inis  Fail ; 

between  two  strands  of  a  mighty  flood, 

Ireland  altogether  is  called  the  Plain  of  Fal. 

From  Gorias  was  brought  the  spear  that  Lugh  had  ; 
no  battle  was  maintained  against  him  who  had  it  in  his 
hand.  From  Finias  was  brought  the  sword  of  Nuadha  ; 
none  used  to  escape  who  was  wounded  by  it.  From 
Muirias  was  brought  the  cauldron  of  the  Dagda  ; 
none  came  from  it  unsatisfied. 

92.  After  they  completed  their  learning,  they  went 
between  the  Athenians  and  the  Philistines,  so  that 
they  dwelt  between  them.  Now  there  arose  battles 
and  fightings  between  those  races  after  that,  so  that 
they  were  malicious  and  evil  disposed  one  to  the  other. 
Many  battles  were  fought  between  them  on  both  sides, 
and  it  is  against  the  Athenians  they  used  to  be  won, 
till  all  their  warriors  save  a  little  remnant  were  ex- 
hausted. Then  the  Tuatha  De  join  in  friendship 
with  the  Athenians,  so  that  they  formed  through 
druidry  demon-spirits  in  the  bodies  of  the  soldiers 
of  the  Athenians  who  were  slain,  so  that  they  were 
fit    for    battle ;    so    that    they    used    to    encounter 

K 


146      GABHÁIL   THÚAITHE   DÉ   DANANN 

Felistindaibh  na  íioru  no  marbdais  d'faicsiw  do  cath- 
ughadh  íriú  isin  laithe  ar  cciwd.  Atfetsomh  dia  ndraoidh 
inwsin.  Do  beir  a  senoir  ^  comairle  doib  cowerbairt 
*'  Beiridh  "  ol  sé  "  bera  cuill  7  cairthinn  don  chath  a- 
mbúarach,  7  madh  remhaibh  maidhfiws  saiithidh  na 
bera  inn  airrscidhibh  na  bfer  muirbfidhe  i  mbú^rach ; 
7  masa  deamna  do  dentor  daisi  crumh  dhíobh." 

93.  Do  gnitt  saimlaidh.  Mmáhidh  ria  hFelistinibh, 
7  saidit  na  beara  in  airrscidhibh  na  \a.ochiaidhe  ro  mar- 
bhsat,  7  TÓbtar  crumha  ar  a  ha.Tach.  Taimtear  nert 
Aithnensta  desidhe  7  ba  foirtill  Felistínedha.  Cuim- 
nighit  iarom  an  aincndhe  7  an  eccmide  do  Túaith  De, 
imon  ccombáidh  ro  íhersat  íri  hAthnenstaibh  na 
naghaidh;  conadh  edh  ro  chinwset,  tegiajnhadh  dia 
saigidh  daithe  an  2Lnfia.\adh  íons.. 

94.  lar  na  fhios  sin  do  Thuaith  Dé,  \otar  for  techedh 
na  bFelistin  gur  ro  ghabsat  forba  7  ieronn  ag  Dobhar 
7  ag  lordobar  hi  tuaisc^rt  Alhan.  Seacht  mbliadhm. 
hsitar  an  du  sin,  7  Nuadha  i  flaithiws  forra.     Ba  seadh 

43  airle  arricht  leo  hi  ciwd  na  ree  sin,  soighidh  Erenn  for 
Fheraib  Bolg,  ó  robtar  daoinigh  ;  úair  ro  ba  toich 
doibh  ó  a  sinnseraibh  rochtain  iwnte. 

95.  O  ro  chinwset  for  an  ccomairle  sin,  ro  esccomh- 
láiset  íor  muir ;  7  ni  haithrestar  a  mmthechta.  fuirre  co 
ragaibhset  cuan  ind  airear  Erenn,  dia  Lúain  i  Jial- 
lainn  Mai  do  shonxadh.  Loisccit  a  longa  7  a  libeama 
iaromh,  ar  na  fagbhaitis  fine  Fomra  iat,  d'fogwaw  ioibh 
fonrosomh;    7  araill  beos,  ar  na  beittis  ara  ccionn 

^  an  árai  no  \inco\s%edh  sen  uaire. 


CONQUEST    OF   TUATHA   DE   DANANN     147 

them  [the  Philistines]  again.  The  Philistines  thought 
it  immensely  astonishing  to  see  the  men  they  used  to 
slay  fighting  with  them  the  day  after.  They  related 
that  to  their  druid.  Their  elder  gave  them  advice, 
saying,  "Take,"  said  he,  "pegs  of  hazel  and  of  quicken 
to  the  battle  on  the  morrow  ;  and  if  yours  be  the  vic- 
tory, thrust  the  pins  in  the  backs  of  the  necks  of  the 
men  who  shall  be  slain  to-morrow  ;  and  if  they  be 
demons,  heaps  of  worms  will  be  made  of  them." 

93.  They  do  so.  The  Philistines  are  victorious, 
and  they  thrust  the  pegs  in  the  backs  of  the  necks  of 
the  warriors  they  slew,  and  they  were  worms  on  the 
morrow.  Thence  the  strength  of  the  Athenians  is 
humbled,  and  the  Philistines  were  powerful.  Then 
they  remember  their  hostility  and  unfriendliness 
against  the  Tuatha  De,  in  the  matter  of  the  confederacy 
they  had  made  with  the  Athenians  against  them  ;  so 
that  this  is  what  they  resolved j.  to  assemble  to  attack 
them  to  revenge  their  spite  against  them. 

94.  When  the  Tuatha  De  knew  that,  they  went  in 
flight  before  the  Philistines  till  they  received  patri- 
mony and  land  in  Dobar  and  lardobar  in  the  north  of 
Scotland.  Seven  years  were  they  in  that  place. 
Nuadha  being  prince  over  them.  This  was  the 
counsel  decided  by  them  at  the  end  of  that  time, 
to  attack  Ireland  against  the  Fir  Bolg,  as  they 
were  populous ;  for  to  reach  there  was  theirs  by 
heredity. 

95.  When  they  arrived  at  this  resolution,  they  set 
out  on  the  sea  ;  and  their  adventures  thereon  are  not 
related  till  they  took  harbour  in  the  coast  of  Ireland  ; 
a  Monday  in  the  Calends  of  May  particularly.  They 
bum  their  boats  and  ships  thereafter,  in  order  that 
the  Fomoraigh  should  not  get  them  for  their  service 
against  them  ;   and  further,  in  order  that  they  them- 

^  The  druids  who  used  to  instruct  the  omen  of  time. 


148     GABHÁIL   THÚAITHE   DÉ   DANANN 

hhodein  iri  túchedh  inntibh  a  hEriww,  á\z.mbadh  forra 
hadh  ráon  ría  bFeraibh  Bolg.  Dolbhaitt  asa  haithle 
dorchata  d^rmair  ina  ttimceall  go  riachtsat  sliabh 
Cowmhaicne  Réin  hi  Conwachtai&Zt  cen  airiugaíí/t 
d'Feraib  Bolg.  Cowaitcid  ^  cath  no  righe  go  a  mbraith- 
nbh  CO  Feraib  Bolcc. 

96.  Cowadh  iarom  ro  íigedh  cath  Mhuighe  Tmredh 
Conga  i  Co wmaicne  Chuile  Toladh  Co wnacht  etorra. 
As  é  ba  rí  d'Feraibh  Bolcc  an  tan  siw,  an  íEocliaidh 
mac  Eire  ro  rémhraidhsem.  Tailltiu  ing^w  Magh- 
mhoir  ri  Espame  ba  ben  don  ^oohaidh  sin  ;  7  Núadha 
TS\ac  ^cYitaigh  vaeic  Eadarlaimh  ba  ri  for  Tuaith  De. 
Batar  co  cian  ag  sloigh^íí^  an  chatha,  co  raoimidh  fo 
deoidh  for  Fheraibh  Bolcc,  gur  ro  ladh  an  ár  budh 
thúaidh,  7  ro  machtait^  ced  ar  mfle  diobh,  o  Muigh 
Tmredh  co  riachtsat  traigh  nEothuile.  Edleo  mac 
AUdai  asé  ceidfher  do  rochair  in«  Eirinw  do  Thuathaibh 
De,  do  laimh  Nercoin  ui  Shiomóin. 

97.  Ba.tar  Tuatha  De  ag  togmim  Fer  mBolcc  conus 
ruccsa^  for  an  righ  'Eochaidh  mac  Eire  isi»  maigtw 
atrwbmmor,  co  ttorchair  la  tríbh  macaibh  Neimhtii/j 
meic  Badrai,  edhón  Cesarb,  Luamh,  7  Luachro.  Ciodh 
Tuatha  De  ro  machtait  7  ro  tamhnaid  go  mór,  7  ro 
fhagaibhset  a  ri,  .i.  Nuadha  in  eallach  an  chatha,  ier 
mbéim  a  láimhe  dhe  ona  ghualainn  amach.  Do  rad 
ieromh  Diancécht  an  Uaigh  7  Creidhne  an  cerd  laimh 
n-airgit  fair,  co  luth  ingach  méor  7  ingach  n-alt  dhi. 
Gattaidh  tra  iar  ttnoU  Miach  mac  Díancécht  an  laimh 

44  n-a^Vgitt  de,  7  dob^rt  alt  iri  halt,  7  féith  fri  feith,  7 
icidh  iri  teóra  nómhadha  ;  7  ba  foíVwtech  Diancécht  a 
athaíV  fns.  As  aire  émh  atberti  Nuadha  ^lirgettlamh 
frisiomh  indsi»^ 

*  athcuinghit.  *  ro  marbhait. 


CONQUEST   OF   TUATHA   DE   DANANN     149 

selves  should  not  have  them  to  flee  therein  from 
Ireland,  if  it  was  against  them  the  Fir  Bolg  should  be 
victorious.  Thereafter  they  make  a  great  darkness 
around  them,  till  they  reached  the  mountain  of  Con- 
maicne  Rein  in  Connacht  without  the  Fir  Bolg  per- 
ceiving it.  Then  they  demand  battle  or  the  kingship 
of  their  kinsmen  the  Fir  Bolg. 

96.  So  after  that  the  battle  of  Magh  Tuiredh  of  Cong 
was  fought  in  Conmaicne  Cuile  Toladh  of  Connacht 
between  them.  He  who  was  king  of  the  Fir  Bolg  then 
was  the  Eochaidh  son  of  Ere  we  have  mentioned  above. 
Tailltiu,  daughter  of  Maghmor  king  of  Spain,  was 
wife  of  that  Eochaid  ;  and  Nuadha,  son  of  Eochaidh, 
son  of  Eadarlamh,  was  king  over  the  Tuatha  De.  They 
were  a  long  time  fighting  that  battle,  so  that  it  was  won 
at  last  against  the  Fir  Bolg,  and  the  rout  was  pressed 
northward,  and  eleven  hundred  of  them  were  slaugh- 
tered, from  Magh  Tuiredh  till  they  reached  the  strand 
of  Eothaile.  Edleo,  son  of  AUdae  is  the  first  man  who 
fell  in  Ireland  of  the  Tuatha  De,  by  the  hand  of 
Nercon,  grandson  of  Siomon. 

97.  The  Tuatha  De  were  pressing  upon  the  Fir 
Bolg  till  they  came  on  king  Eochaid,  son  of  Ere,  in  the 
place  we  have  mentioned,  so  that  he  fell  at  the  hands 
of  the  three  sons  of  Neimhedh,  son  of  Badrae,  namely, 
Ceasarb,  Luamh,  and  Luachra.  Even  the  Tuatha  De 
were  slain  and  cut  off  to  a  great  extent,  and  they  lost 
their  king  Nuadha  in  the  joining  of  the  battle,  after  his 
arm  was  hewn  from  his  shoulder.  Afterwards  Dian- 
cecht,  the  leech,  and  Creidhne  the  wright,  set  on  him  a 
silver  arm,  with  vitaHty  in  every  finger  and  every  joint 
of  it.  But  Miach,  son  of  Diancecht,  lops  the  silver 
arm  from  him  after  a  while,  and  puts  joint  to  joint, 
and  sinew  to  sinew,  and  heals  it  in  thrice  nine  days  ; 
and  Diancecht  his  father  was  envious  of  him.  For 
this  cause  he  used  to  be  called  Nuadha  "  Silverarm." 

^  demand.  *  were  slain. 


150    GABHÁIL   THÚAITHE   DÉ   DANANN 

98.  Tailltiu  tra,  ingen  Mhaghmoir  rí  Espaine,  hen 
Eochaidh  meic  Erc,  bainriogaw  Fer  mBolg,  ro  fhaoíside 
la  hEochaidh  nGarbh  mac  Dúach  DaiU  do  Tmihaibh 
Dé ;  7  do  toet  Tailltiu  ier  ccur  a»  catha  sin  Muighi 
Twreadh  co  Coill  Chúan  ;  7  sleachtaither  an  coill  for 
a  forcowgra,  cor  bo  magh  scoith-seamrac/i  ria  cciwd 
bliadna,  7  ros  naittrebh  anw  ierttain.  Agus  do  rat 
Cien  mac  Díancecht  (7  Seal  Balb  aÍMm  oile  don  Chien 
sÍM)  a  mhac  .i.  Lugh  mac  Eithne  ingine  Balair,  for 
altrom  do  Thailltin.  Agus  ro  chuinnigh  for  a  dalta  7 
for  a  caiiáibh  co  mhadh  úaithe  ro  hainmnighthe  an 
maighen  siw  ro  slechtadh  lé,  7  co  ro  hadhnachti  an« 
ier  na  hécc.  Atbail  iaromh  Tailltiu  i  Tailltein,  7  ro 
hadhnacht,  conadh  é  a  fert  fil  ón  foradh  Taillten  sair 
túaidh.  Do  gnithi  a  cluiche  caoin/^  cecAa  \Aiadhm. 
la  Lugh  7  las  na  xio^aihh  ina  dhiadh ;  coictighis  ria 
Lughnas^íí/í,  7  coicthighis  ina  diaidh  do  gnitis  dogres. 
Lughnasadh,  .i.  násadh  Logha  ;  "  nksadh  "  .i.  konachy 
no  féil  foraithmit  no  cuimn^gMi  bais. 

99.  Fir  Bolcc  imorro  ro  machtait  uile  isiw  cath  siw 
3.mhail  atnibhramar,  inge  madh  beg  ;  7  an  do  masadh 
dhiobh  ro  teichsiot  ria  tTusLthaibh  Dé  in  inwáibh  7  in 
oilénaibh  imeachtrachai6/i  mara,  gor«s  aittreabsa^ 
inntip  iar  si«. 


CONQUEST   OF   TUATHA   DE   DANANN    151 

98  As  for  Tailltiu,  daughter  of  Maghmor,  king  of 
Spain,  wife  of  Eochaidh  son  of  Ere,  queen  of  the  Fir 
Bolg,  she  wedded  Eochaidh  the  Rough  son  of  Dui  the 
BUnd  of  the  Tuatha  De  ;  and  Tailltiu  comes  after  the 
fighting  of  that  battle  of  Magh  Tuiredh  to  Coill  Chuan  ; 
and  the  wood  is  cleared  at  her  command,  so  that  it 
was  a  clovery  plain  before  the  end  of  a  year,  and  she 
inhabited  it  afterwards.  And  Cian  son  of  Diancecht 
(Seal  the  Dumb  is  another  name  of  that  Cian)  gave  his 
son,  named  Lugh,  son  of  Eithne  daughter  of  Balor,  to 
Tailltiu  for  fosterage.  And  she  desired  of  her  foster 
and  of  her  friends  that  from  her  should  be  named  that 
place  that  was  cleared  by  her,  and  that  she  should  be 
buried  there  after  her  death.  After  that  Tailltiu  died 
in  Tailltiu,  and  was  buried  ;  so  that  it  is  her  grave 
which  is  north-westward  from  the  assembly-place  of 
Tailltiu.  Her  mourning  games  used  to  be  performed 
each  year  by  Lugh  and  by  the  kings  after  him  ;  a 
fortnight  before  Lughnasad,  and  a  fortnight  after, 
they  used  to  be  held  continually.  Lughnasad  is 
the  nasad  of  Lugh :  nasad  is  an  assembly  or  festival 
in  commemoration  or  memorial  of  a  death. 

99  Now  the  Fir  Bolg  were  all  slaughtered  in  that 
battle  as  we  have  said,  save  a  few  ;  and  those  of  them 
who  survived  fled  before  the  Tuatha  De  into  the 
outermost  isles  and  islets  of  the  sea,  so  that  they 
dwelt  in  them  after  that. 


(ALT   VIII) 

DO  SEANCHAS   Di?C7INGE  DO  THÚAITH  DÉ  AND  SO 

100.  Clann  Elathain  meic  Dealbaoith,  meic  Neid, 
meic  londaoi,  meic  AUdaoi,  meic  Taitt,  meic  Tabaim, 
meic  Enwa,  meic  Baaith,  meic  lobaith,  meic  Beothaigh, 
meic  larbaineóil  Fatha,  meic  Neimhiih,  meic  Agno- 
main  .i.  Bres,  EUoith,  Daghda,  Dealbaeth,  7  Oghma. 

loi.  hEre,  Fodla,  7  Banba,  teora  hinghena  Fiachna 
meic  Dealbhaoith,  meic  Oghma  meic  Ealathain,  meic 
Dealbaeith. 

102.  Fea  7  Nemhain,  di  inghin  Elcmair  an  Brogha 
45  meic  Dealbaoith,  meic  Oghma,  meic  Ealathain  ;   mna 

Neid,  meic  londaoi,  ó  laitear  Oileach  Néitt. 

103.  Badhb,  Macha,  7  Moir-Rioghan,  teora  hingena 
Dealbaoith  meic  Neid,  meic  londai.  Eambas  ing^w 
Eatarlaim,  meic  Ordain,  meic  londai,  meic  Alldaoi, 
mathair  na  mban  sin  uile.  Moir-Rioghan,  Anann 
ainm  oile  di ;  7  as  uaithe  aderar  Ciche  Anan»  in 
Ur-Luachair.  Donanw  ing^w  Dealbaeith,  meic  Oghma, 
meic  Ealathain,  mathaii  Briain,  lucharba,  7  luchar ;  7 
as  iriu  atbeirti  na  tri  dee  Donann  ;  7  as  uatha  mitear 
Tuatha  De  Donann  ;  úair  Tuatha  De  ba  hainw  doibh 
go  ruccsat-som  orra,  7  Tuatha  De  Donann  an  ainm 
laromh. 

104.  Goibnend  an  goba,  Luchne  an  saor,  Creidhne  an 
cerd,  Diancécht  an  liaigh,  mac  Easairg  Brie,  meic 
Neit,  meic  londaoi.    Aenghws  .i.  an  Mac  óg,  mac  an 

IS» 


(CHAPTER   VIII) 

OF  THE  GENEALOGY  OF  SOME  OF  THE 
TUATHA  DE 

100.  The  children  of  Elathan,  son  of  Dealbaoth,  son 
of  Ned,  son  of  londae,  son  of  Alldae,  son  of  Tai,  son  of 
Tabam,  son  of  Enna,  son  of  Baath,  son  of  lobath,  son 
of  Beothach,  son  of  larbanel  the  Prophet,  son  o 
Neimhedh,  son  of  Agnoman,  were  Bres,  Elloith,  Daghda, 
Dealbaeth,  and  Oghma. 

loi.  Ere,  Fodla,  and  Banba,  the  three  daughters  of 
Fiachna,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma,  son  of 
Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaeth. 

102.  Fea  and  Neman,  the  two  daughters  of  Elcmar 
of  the  Brugh,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma,  son  of 
Elathan ;  wives  of  Ned,  son  of  londae,  from  whom 
Ailech  Néid  is  named. 

103.  Badb,  Macha,  and  Moir-Rigan,  the  three 
daughters  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Ned,  son  of  londa. 
Ernbas,  daughter  of  Eatarlamh,  son  of  Ordan,  son  of 
londae,  son  of  Alldae,  was  mother  of  all  those  women. 
Mor-Riogan  had  another  name,  Ana ;  from  her 
are  named  the  Paps  of  Anann  in  East  Luachair. 
Dona,  daughter  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma,  son 
of  Ealathan,  was  mother  of  Brian,  lucharba,  and 
luchar,  and  they  are  called  the  three  gods  of  Dona ; 
from  them  are  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  called  ;  for 
Tuatha  De  was  their  name  till  those  arrived  among  them, 
and  Tuatha  De  Danann  was  their  name  afterwards. 

104.  Goibniu    the    smith,  Luichne    the  carpenter, 

Creidhne  the  wright,  Diancecht  the  leech,  were  sons  of 

Easarg  the  Speckled,  son  of  Ned,   son   of   londae. 

153 


154  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

Dághdha,  meic  Ealathain,  meic  Dealbaeith,  meic  Néitt. 
Lug  mac  Cen,  meic  Diancecht ;  Cridhenbel  Bniidne 
.i.  "a  beol  ina  bruinwi,"  7  Casmael  na  tri  cainte. 
Bechuille  7  Dinanw,  na  di  hsLXituaXhach.  Eattan 
bainecces,  inghen  Diancecht  meic  Easairg  Bnc  meic 
Neitt.  Cairpre  file  mac  Tuara,  meic  Tuirill,  meic  Cait 
Cowaitcinw,  meic  Ordain,  meic  londaoi,  meic  Alldaoi. 
Eatan  bainecces  mathair  an  Coirbre  siw.  Tri  meic 
Cermada  Mirbheoil  meic  an  Daghdha  meic  Ealathain, 
meic  Dealbhaoith,  Dermit,  Ermitt,  7  Aodh  a  nanmanwa. 
105   As  doibh  ro  ráidh  'Eochaidh  ua  Floinn — 

a     hÉre  conuaill,  goniodnaibh,i 

sniset  úuaigh  for  a  senmoigh  ;  * 
siar  CO  fuin  roptar  íodXaigh,^ 
a  ttuir  toghk  in  Tomxaigh.* 

b     Tncha  bliadwa  ier  nGenanw, 

gabsat  sluag  siabra  sonanw  ;  * 
for  Tuaith  mBolcc,  buaibti  barann, 
tadall  Tuaiti  Dé  Danann,^ 


*  conoÍTidercus  cathMÍgAthi  uirre  alos  arm. 

*  do  bator  sluaigh  ag  iomcosnaaA  7  ag  coimsin^í^  re  aroile  ima 
moighibh  aosda. 

*  roba  scaoilttfcA  7  ropa  sreatnaighthícA  a  sluagh  co  fuineadh 
greiniu. 

*  na  tighernacíAa  do  ghniodh  goil  taitnemach  im  Temraigh. 

*  do  gabsat  an  sluatgh  siabhartha  an  fonn  sonasa  co  deimhin. 

*  do  ronsat  Tuatha  De  Donann  bagar  laittir  íergach  ar  Fheraibh 
Bolcc  tria  neimh  andraoidhícAía. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  155 

Oenghus,  that  is  "  the  young  son,"  *  son  of  the  Daghda, 
son  of  Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Ned.  Lugh, 
son  of  Cian,  son  of  Diancecht ;  Cridhenbel  Bruidhne 
(that  is  "his  mouth  was  in  his  bosom  "),  and  Casmael, 
the  three  satirists.  Bechaille  and  Dinann,  the  two 
she-lords.  Eadan  the  poetess,  daughter  of  Diancecht, 
son  of  Easarg,  the  Speckled  son  of  Ned.  Cairpre,  the 
poet,  son  of  Tuar,  son  of  Tuirell,  son  of  Cat  Conaitchenn, 
son  of  Ordan,  son  of  londae,  son  of  AUdae.  Eadan  the 
poetess  was  mother  of  that  Cairbre.  The  three  sons  of 
Cermad  Mirbél,  son  of  Daghda,  son  of  Ealathan,  son 
of  Dealbaeth,  Dermitt,  Ermit,  and  Aedh  were  their 
names. 

105    Of  them  spake  Eochaid  Ua  Floind — 

a      Ireland  with  pride,  with  weapons, 
hosts  encountered  on  her  old  plain  ; 
westward  to  sunset  they  were  distributed, 
their  chiefs  of  capture  around  Temair. 

b     Thirty  years  after  Genann, 

the  goblin  host  took  the  fertile  land  ; 
against  the  race  of  Bolg,  a  victorious  stroke, 
was  the  visit  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann. 

1  with  fame  of  battling  upon  her  by  reason  of  arms. 

2  hosts  were  contending  and  competing  with  one  another  about 
her  ancient  plains. 

2  scattered  and  spread  abroad  was  their  host  to  the  setting  of 
the  sun. 

*  the  lords  who  used  to  work  briUiant  valour  about  Temair. 

3  the  goblin  host  took  the  fortunate  land  in  truth. 

«  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  made  a  strong  wrathful  threat  against 
the  Fir  Bolg  through  the  venom  of  their  druidry. 

*  Recte  mac  ind  ócc,  "  son  of  the  young  twain." 


156  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

c      Dia  do  daim,  ciod  dos  riowmort/ 
gabsa^,  cowgmin,  conglownalt ;  * 
46  na  nell  olcoicti  arracht, 

for  sleb  Cowmaicni  Cownacht.^ 

d     Do  daoinib  a  dior  áligidh, 

an  saoirgin  dian  siol  seirigh  ;  * 
Bethach  fianbunel  idbaidh, 
mac  d'Iarbunel  mac  NeimhtííA.s 

e      Nir  thairccset  dál  na  dlig^i 
im  inedh  fail  co  ÍMmedh  ;  ^ 
ro  bai  daig  7  áebadh 

fo  áevedh  i  Maigh  Tuiredh.' 


*  ba  lor  a  méid  do  dháimh  7  do  buidin  ;  an  idonól  ro  theglaimsed 
do  mór-básughaííA  aireach  7  uasal,  do  áeonatdh  Dia  doibh  do  tocht 
CO  deimin. 

*  ro  gabhsat  na  huaisle  aird-ghniomacha  ag  a  mbaoi  grain  rompa 
ior  sleibh  Cowmaicne. 

'  na  dae  tangator  i  morloinges  ina  nealtain  tar  tonnaibh  do 
dhénamh  coccadh  nertmair  in  ollcoigiíí  .x.  éscca. 

*  do  dhhghedh  an  soifer  or  geinset  an  siol  seirigh  no  laittir  dualgais 
dleistionacha  7  eneclann  do  daoinip. 

*  Beathach  luath  no  esgaidh,  as  é  doha  bun  dona  deeibh  no  don 
fein  feilsi ;  7  ba  mac-som  d'Iarbhanél  mac  NeimhirfA. 

*  nir  thairgset  no  nir  togairset  cairde  no  siothcain  im  einionoJA 
in  Inis  Fail  i  fuinenn  grian. 

'  baoi  deaba^A  námhnech  7  loiscthi  luatha  eatarra  fo  dhéiiMdh 
i_Muigh  TvLÍTedh. 


GENEALOGY    OF   THE   TUATHA   DE     157 
c      God  permitted  it,  though  He  drove  them, 
they  landed,  with  horror,  with  high  deed, 
as  a  cloud  of  great  fighting  of  spectres, 
on  the  mountain  of  Conmaicne  of  Connacht. 

d     Of  men  by  lawful  right,* 

was  the  freeman  whose  strong  seed  it  was  ; 
Bethach,  of  noble  warrior  origin  and 

nimble, 
son  of  larbanel,  son  of  Neimhedh. 

e      They  did  not  offer  terms  or  right 
about  the  place  of  Fail  to  the  sunset ; 
there  was  fire  and  battle 
at  last  on  Magh  Tuiredh. 

^  sufficient  was  their  number  of  company  and  of  troop  ;  the 
assembly  which  they  collected  to  slaughter  chiefs  and  nobles,  God 
granted  them  that  they  should  come  certainly. 

'  the  nobles  of  lofty  deeds  who  were  regarded  with  horror, 
landed  on  the  mountain  of  Conmaicne. 

*  the  gods  who  came  in  a  great  expedition  in  their  troop  over 
the  waves  to  make  the  powerful  war  for  the  great  Fifth  the  tenth 
of  the  moon. 

*  The  freeman  from  whom  was  bom  the  strong  or  powerful  seed 
used  to  owe  lawful  hire  and  compensation  to  people. 

*  Beothach  the  swift  or  nimble,  he  it  was  who  was  the  origin  of 
the  gods  or  of  this  noble  band  ;  and  he  was  a  son  of  larbanel  son 
of  Neimhedh. 

*  they  did  not  offer  or  concede  truce  or  peace  about  one  place 
in  In  Fail  on  which  the  sim  sets. 

'  there  was  a  venomous  feud  and  swift  burnings  between  them 
at  last  on  Magh  Tuiredh. 

*  This,  Uke  the  disclaimer  of  idolatry  in  stanza  w,  is  a  profession 
of  the  author  of  the  poem  :  it  means  that  the  Tuatha  De  Danann 
were  of  mortal  descent,  not  (as  was  commonly  supposed)  divine. 


158  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

f      Tuatha  De  ba  tolcc  treni, 

for  Thuaith  mBolg  baichset  righi ;  ^ 
ina  ccath  co  méd  nuailli,^ 
atbath  cuaini  ced  míle.^ 

g     Meic  Ealathain,  aob  iodhna, 
fri  fael  fer-fogail  fodla,* 
Bres  do  brug  belgaeth  Banba, 
Daghda,  Delbaeth,  is  Oghma.* 

h     Ere  ciodh  rodbla  roa, 

Banba,  Fodla,  7  Fea,^ 
Nemann  na  fforanw  ffathach/ 
Donanw  mathair  na  ndea. 

i      Badb  is  Macha  med  nionwmais,^ 
Móir-Riogan  fat[h]a  felbais,^ 
tinnrema  agha  amnais, 
ingena  ana  Ernbais.^o 


1  do  bensat  Tuatha  De  Danann  a  los  a  ttreoin,  no  a  ntVt,  righi 
'Erenn  do  Feraibh  Bolcc  iar  mbrisedh  orra. 

2  CO  neighmigh  nadhbail,  no  co  ndiumas  7  con  oirrdercus  mor. 

'  do  basaigheáA  buidhne  doáirmhi,  no  buidean  cead  do  ghearra- 
daibh. 

*  do  geibtis  neimthenchws  no  onoir  ar  gloine  an  ealadhan ;  no 
do  biodh  gne  cataighthi  ar  cloinn  Ealathain,  fri  fogadl  do  denomh- 
amail  faolconaibh  ar  feraibh  fuihightheacha  Fodla. 

^  Bres  tuc  trosccadh  7  ro  dhiult  frisinti  ba  gUce  bel  ind  Erind,  .i. 
an  t-ardoUamh  Cairpre  mac  Eattaine, 

*  ciodh  reimnighther  ar  slighttbh,  no  ar  comxxibh,  no  ar  bruinne 
na  hEirenn,  no  ar  a  faichtzftA,  ba  bean  isidhe  iar  nainmniughoáA. 

'  Neman  ba  ia.tach  ghc  in  deaghrannaibh. 

*  ba  mor  uasal  innúecht  no  aireg  meanman  na  mban  so. 

»  ba  maith  a  fondameint  7  an  banfaidh  isin  droichfios  7  isi» 
drochbhas. 

^°  do  reimnightis  co  tinnisnacA  teanM  do  frtothaileamh  gach  agha 
no  gach  cataighthi  co  feochatr  no  co  ger  na  hingena  fiuinneacha  so 
Eambais. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  159 

Í      The  Tuatha  De,  it  was  a  feat  of  power, 
from  the  Bolg-race  challenged  the  kingship  ; 
in  their  battle  with  much  pride, 
there  died  companies  of  hundreds  of  thousands. 

g      The  sons  of  Eladan,  a  beauty  of  weapons, 
against  a  wolf-man,  a  spoiling  of  division, 
Bres  from  the  .  .  .  land  of  Banba  (?) 
Daghda,  Delbaeth,  and  Oghma. 

h     Ere,  although  it  should  reach  a  road-boundary, 
Banba,  Fodla,  and  Fea, 
Nemann  of  the  prophetic  divisions,  (?) 
Donann,  mother  of  the  gods. 

i      Badb  and  Macha  a  store  of  treasure, 

Moir-Riogan  a  foundation  of  enchantments, 
accomplishments  of  severe  battle, 
were  the  noble  daughters  of  Embas. 

1  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  by  reason  of  their  strength,  or  of  their 
might,  severed  the  kingdom  of  Ireland  from  the  Fir  Bolg  after 
defeating  them. 

*  with  immense  shouting,  or  with  pride  and  with  great  fame. 

^  countless  troops  were  slain,  or  a  troop  of  hundreds  of  warriors. 

*  They  used  to  get  privilege  or  honour  for  the  brilUancy  of  their 
learning  ;  or  the  children  of  Ealathan  used  to  have  a  fighting  ap- 
pearance, for  making  inroads  like  wolves  on  the  patient  men  of 
Fodla. 

^  Bres  who  gave  fasting  and  denied  the  man  whose  mouth  was 
cleverest  in  Ireland,  namely,  the  chief  man  of  learning,  Cairbre  son 
of  Etan. 

*  although  the  ways,  or  the  roads,  or  the  bosom  of  Eire,  or  her 
lawns,  are  traversed,  she  was  a  woman  according  to  her  name. 

'  Neman  who  was  prophetic  and  cunning  in  good  verses. 

*  great  and  noble  was  the  intellect  or  the  invention  of  minds  of 
these  women. 

»  she  was  well  grounded,  and  the  prophetess  in  forbidden  know- 
ledge and  evil  death.* 

^°  these  true  daughters  of  Eambas  used  to  advance  swiftly  and 
stoutly  to  serve  every  warfare  or  every  battling  fiercely  or  keenly. 

*  perhaps  for  drochbhas,  "  evil  death,"  we  should  read  fealbhas, 
"  enchantment,"  as  in  the  poem  ;  droch  having  been  accidentally 
repeated  from  the  previous  droichfhios. 


i6o  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

j      Goibnenw  nir  bo  baoth  bruithne,^ 
Luichtni  saor,  an  cerd  Crethni,^ 
Diancecht  iri  dul  rod  roicthe,^ 
Mac  an  Occ,  Lugh  mac  Eithne. 

k    Cridenbel  Bruinwe  bladach,* 

Bechuille,  Dinanw  drechach,^ 
47  Casmaol  combairdni  becta,® 

Cairpre  mac  Etna,  is  Etan.' 

1      htJi  an  Daghda  diar  bo  treranw,^ 
rannsat  Banba  na  mbuadhall ;  • 
iiaithi  feabgarta  fedam,^® 
tri  meic  Cermata  Chúalann. 

m    Glé  ros  diobaidh  dia  nirinw, 

Mac  Dé,  don  righmoigh  redhsing  ;  ^ 
im  goil,  na  gniom  na  gleroinw, 
nach  foil  a  siol  for  Erinw.^^ 


^  nir  baoth  no  leamh  an  bruithneoir  ag  bniith  tinneadh  7  caor 
i  cceardcha  é. 

*  Creidni  cerd  do  ghehhedh  neimhthenchMs  tn'asan  criaidh  teal- 
laigh. 

*  Diancecht  do  biodh  ag  imthecht  tama  conaiiibh  an  roileighis 
no  na  ccorp  neinert  neaslan. 

*  ba  cluach  do  nar  bo  luaithe  an  sgrudughadh  ina  croidhe  oldas 
tara  hélaibh  sechtazr. 

'  do  dealbhtais  dreachta  7  airceata/  no  ba  deig-delbdha  iatt. 

*  batar  natha  no  a.istedha  na  ffogradh  co  beacht  aige. 
'  jnáJhair  Cairpre,  7  ba  file  si  amaz/  Tobadh  Cairpre. 

*  Aga  mbaoi  roinn  trenach  ar  Erinn. 

*  na  righteach  mbuadha  ara  raibhe  oirrderchMi  mor. 

!•>  aXsneidhim  gombtar  deigheinigA,  saidhbir,  tóchasach,  na 
nogha  so  re  na  saoghal. 

1^  as  follas  gur  adhbal-basaigh  Dia  iatt  do  moighip  singreidhe  no 
redhioda  rioghda  na  hEireann  7  da  feronnaibh  glana. 

^'  comch  fiuil  aón  da  niarsma</aip  no  da  sliocht  ag  dénomh 
gniomh  gadsgidh  no  glannronna  innti. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  i6i 

j      Goibnenn,  who  was  not  weak  in  kindling, 
Luichtne  the  carpenter,  the  wright  Creidne, 
Diancecht  going  roads  of  great  heahng, 
Mac  an  Occ,  Lugh  son  of  Eithne. 

k     Cridenbel  Bruinne  the  famous, 
Bechuille,  Dinann  the  shapely, 
Casmaol  with  exact  bardism, 
Cairbre  son  of  Etan,  and  Etan. 

1    The   grandsons   of   the  Daghda,    who   had   three 
shares, 
divided  Banba  of  the  conquerors  ; 
the  princes  of  worthy  renown  let  us  describe, 
the  three  sons  of  Cearmat  of  Cuala. 

m     He  utterly  destroyed  them  from  their  land, 

the  Son  of  God,  from  the  smooth,  stately  royal 

plain  ; 
respecting  valour,  or  deeds,  or  clear  division, 
so  that  their  seed  is  not  in  Ireland. 


1  not  weak  or  foolish  was  the  kindler  as  he  kindled  fire  and  flames 
in  a  forge. 

*  Creidne,  the  wright,  who  used  to  get  privilege  through  the  clay 
of  the  hearth. 

'  Diancecht,  who  used  to  be  journeying  over  the  roads  of  great 
heahng  or  of  weak  unsound  bodies. 

*  It  was  rumoured  of    him  that  not  swifter  was  discrimination 
in  his  heart  than  out  through  his  mouth. 

'  who  used  to  make  poems  and   prophecy  or  they  were  well- 
favoured. 

*  he  had  sciences  or  poems  exactly  proclaimed. 

'  the  mother  of  Cairbre,  and  she  was  a  poet  as  Cairbre  used  to  be. 

*  who  had  a  triple  division  on  Ireland. 

*  of  the  victorious  royal  houses  which  had  great  glory. 

^°  I  tell  that  these  kings  were  of  good  honour,  wealthy,  rich,  in 
their  time. 

^^  It  is  clear  that  God  annihilated  them  from  the  slender-smooth 
or  smooth-long  royal  plains  of  Ireland  and  from  her  clear  lands. 

^'  so  that  there  is  not  one  of  their  survivors  or  of  their  race  doing 
deeds  of  valour  or  making  clear  divisions  in  it. 

L 


i62  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

n     Eochaidh  cen  fealbais  niodlann,i 

dealbais  deochair  na  ndeaghrann  ;  * 
acht  iios  na  biian  dia  ffuighliom, 
cia  nostwifbem,  nis  adhraim.* 

o     AdhraiVw  ainm  Righ  dob  rorainn — * 
isidlaidh  cech  iis  atf édhim  !  ^ 
ro  sem «  cech  sin  ar  shaoilim, 
ro  dealb  tir  n-aoibhinn  nErinnd. 

^  Ua  Floinn  ar  na  lingedh  droichfios,  no  nach  raibhe  co  maith  in 
droichfhios  no  in  draoidecht  na  n-iodal  so. 

*  do  dealbh  na  deagh-roinw-si  do  doechrughadh   7  do  deiliugoáA 
Tuaithi  Be  Banann  re  aroile. 

'  acht  fios  na  fíian  dia  ro  briathrat^Aes  no  dia  ro  chanas,  ciatú  da 
naireamh,  ni  adhroim  doibh. 

*  do  chratuigh,  do  torainn,  7  o  sileainw  cech  maith. 

*  scaoíliííA  uaibh,  a  eolcha,  an  fhirinne  aisneidhim  daoibh. 

*  ro  sreathnwfgA  no  ro  sccaoil. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  163 

n     Eochaid,  without  enchantment  of  idols, 
shaped  the  distinction  of  good  verses  ; 
but  as  for  knowledge  of  the  warrior  bands  of  whom 

we  speak, 
although  we  enumerate  them  we  do  not  worship 

them. 

o      I  adore  the  name  of  the  King  who  measured  you — 
publish  ye  every  truth  which  I  relate, 
who  has  spread  abroad  every  storm  on  which  I 

think, 
who  formed  the  pleasant  land  of  Ireland. 

^  Ua  Floinn,  on  whom  no  ill-knowledge  used  to  leap,  or  who  was 
not  expert  in  ill -knowledge  or  in  the  druidry  of  these  idols. 

*  formed  these  good  verses  to  separate  and  to  distinguish  the 
Tuatha  De  Danann  from  one  another. 

'  except  the  knowledge  of  the  warriors  of  whom  I  have  spoken 
or  of  whom  I  have  sung,  though  I  be  reckoning  them,  I  do  not 
worship  them. 

*  who  created,  who  divides,  and  from  whom  every  good  springs. 
'  pubUsh  abroad,  O  sages,  the  truth  I  relate  to  you. 

«  scattered  or  spread  abroad. 


(ALT    IX) 

DO  RIOCCHAIBH  TUAITHE  DÉ  DANANN,  DA  SENCHAS, 
DIA  REIMES  HI  RIGHE,  7  DIA  NOID/DH  ATFIADAR 
INDSO. 

106.  Breas  mac  Ealathain,  meic  Néitt,  meic  Ciol- 
caigh,  meic  Ploiscc,  meic  Lipaim,  meic  Golaim,  meic 
LsLTgaidh,  meic  Mercill,  m,eic  Sailt  Claratg/t,  meic  Staim 
Fiaclatg^,  meic  Sipuim,  meic  Sadail,  meic  Ucatt,  meic 
Effic,  meic  Pelist,  meic  Fedil,  meic  Cuis,  meic  Cairn,  meic 
Noe  :  Seacht  mbliadna  dhó  irighe  Eienn  go  ro  hiocadh 
lámh  Núadhat,  ier  na  béim  dhe  i  ccéd  cath  Moighe 
Tniiedh  amai/  atrubhratnar.  Agus  a  dúalghws  a  mathair^ 
.i.  Ere  ingh^n  Dealbhaoith,  ro  fhaomhsat  Tuath  De 
Donann  an  righe  do  Breas,  an  ccein  baoi  lámh  Núadhat 
gá  leighes.  Atbath  ieromh  Bress  hi  cCam  Ui  Néid  dia 
neisibh  an  rúadhroda  airiocht  anloma  ;  7  ro  hadhnacht 
isin  ccariiy  conadh  úadh  ro  hainmnigh^aiA.  As  céáiadh 
imorro  diaroile  senchaidhibh,  3.mail  as  follws  in  Dind- 

43  sencMS  an  cairn  chetna,  gomba  do  Thúaith  De  Danann 
fodhein  athair  Bhreis,  .i.  Bress  mac  Ealathain,  meic 
Dealbaoith,  m^eic  Neitt,  meic  londaoi,  meic  Tait,  meic 
Tabaim,  meic  Énda,  meic  Baath,  meic  lobaith,  meic 
BeothachUy  meic  larbaineoil  Fhatha,  meic  J^eimliidh, 
meic  Agnamotw,   etc.     3310. 

107.  NuADHA  AiRGETLAMH  mac  Echtaigh.meic  Eatar- 
laimh,  meic  Ordain,  meic  londaoi,  meic  Alldaoi,  meic 
Taitt,   meic   Tabaim,   meic  Edna,  meic  Baath,  meic 

lobhaith,   meic   Beothac/w,   meic    larbanéoil  Fhatha, 

164 


(CHAPTER   IX) 

OF  THE  KINGS  OF  THE  TUATHA  DÉ  DANANN,  OF  THEIR 
HISTORY,  OF  THE  LENGTH  OF  THEIR  REIGNS.  AND 
OF  THEIR  DEATHS,  THIS  IS  RELATED. 

io6.  Bres,  son  of  Ealathan,  son  of  Ned,  son  of 
Ciolcach,  son  of  Plosg,  son  of  Lipam,  son  of  Golam, 
son  of  Largadh,  son  of  Mercell,  son  of  Salt  Clarach, 
son  of  Stam  of  the  Teeth,  son  of  Sipum,  son  of  Sadal, 
son  of  Ucatt,  son  of  Eííec,  son  of  Pelest,  son  of  Fedel, 
son  of  Cush,  son  of  Cham,  son  of  Noe  ;  Seven  years 
was  he  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland  till  the  arm  of  Nuadha 
was  healed,  after  it  was  cut  from  him  in  the  first  battle 
of  Magh  Tuiredh  as  we  have  related.  And  in  right 
of  his  mother.  Ere,  daughter  of  Dealbaoth,  the  Tuath 
De  Danann  yielded  the  kingdom  to  Bres,  so  long  as 
the  arm  of  Nuadha  was  a-healing.  Then  Bres  died  in 
the  Cam  of  Ua  Neid  when  he  had  drunk  the  red  rota  * 
in  the  form  of  a  great  draught ;  and  he  was  buried  in 
the  Cam,  so  that  from  him  it  was  named.  It  is,  how- 
ever, an  opinion  of  other  historians,  as  is  clear  in  the 
Dindsenchas  of  the  same  cam,  that  the  father  of  Bres 
was  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  themselves — that  is, 
Bres,  son  of  Elathan,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Ned, 
son  of  londae,  son  of  Tai,  son  of  Tabam,  son  of  Enna, 
son  of  Baath,  son  of  Ibath,  son  of  Beothach,  son  of 
larbanel  the  Prophet,  son  of  Neimhedh,  son  of  Agna- 
mon,  etc.     3310. 

107.  Nuadha  Silver- arm,  son  of  Eachtach,  son  of 
Eatarlamh,  son  of  Ordan,  son  of  londae,  son  of  Alldae, 
son  of  Tai,  son  of  Tabarn,  son  of  Enna,  son  of  Baath,  son 
of  Ibath,  son  of  Beothach,  son  of  larbanel  the  Prophet, 

*  a  water  with  mineral  stain. 
16s 


1 66    DO  RIOGHAIBH  THÚAITHE  DÉ  DAN  ANN 

meic  ^eimidhy  fiche  bliadhan  dhó  isin  righi,  co 
ttorchatV  la  Bakr  Bailc-beimn^c/i  i  ccath  Muighi  Tuiredh 
na  hhFomhoraigh.     3330. 

108.  LuGH  Lamhfh/íz)A  mac  Cén,  meic  Diancéc/i^, 
meic  Easairg  Brie,  meic  Néid,  meic  londaoi,  meic 
Alldaoi ;  cetracha  hliadhain  co  ttorchair  la  Mac  Cuill 
hi  Caen  Df«im.     3370. 

109.  Eocn A /DN  Ollathar,  áíar  bo  hainm  an 
Daghda  mac  Ealathain,  meic  Dealbaoth,  meic  Net,  meic 
londaoi  iceithre  fichit  hliadhain  cowerbailt  isin  mBnigh 
do  gaoibh  cro  an  urchair  tarlaicc  Ceithlenn  fair  i  ccéd 
oath  Muighe  Tuivedh.     3450. 

no.  Dealbaoth  mac  Oghma  Gnanoinig/t,  meic 
Ealathain,  meic  Dealbaeth,  meic  Néitt,  Taeic  londui : 
deich  mbliadhna  co  ttorchaiV  do  laim  a  meic  hhodein, 
Á.  Fiacha  mac  Dealbaeith.    3460. 

111.  FiACHA  mac  Dealbaoth  meic  Oghma:  .x. 
mhliadna  co  ttorchair  la  hEoghan  nInbtV.     3470. 

112.  Ermit,  .i.  Mac  Cuill,  Dermit  .i.  Mac  Cecht, 
AoDH  .i.  Mac  Gr^iniu,  tri  meic  Cermatta  Mirbeoil, 
meic  an  Daghda,  meic  Ealathain  :  deich  mbliadna 
fichett  CO  ttorcrator  i  ccath  Taillten  la  msicatbh 
MÚedhj  amhat/  atfiadhar  siosana.  Ethor,  Tethor,  7 
Cetheor  tri  hanmawna  oile  do  clainn  Cermada.  Mac 
Cuill,  dawa,  coll  a  dhea,  Ethor  a  ainm,  Banba  a  bean  ; 
Mac  Greiniu  din,  grian  a  dea,  Cethor  a  ainm,  Eriu  a 
bean  ;  Mac  Cecht  din,  cecht  a  dea,  Tethor  a  ainm, 
Fodla  a  hean.    3500 . 

113.  Manannan  mac  EUoith,  meic  Ealathain,  meic 
Dealbaeith,  meic  Néitt ;  Gaer  7  Oirbsén  da  ainm  oile 
don  Manannan  chetna,  7  as  uadha  sinmrngthear  Loch 
Oirbsean  ;  7  an  tan  ro  clas  a  iert  as  ann  ro  meahaidh  an 
loclj,  conadh  uadha  ainmnighther. 


KINGS  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  DANANN     167 

son  of  Neimhedh ;  twenty  years  was  he  in  the  kingdom, 
till  he  fell  at  the  hand  of  Balor  of  the  Mighty  Blows, 
in  the  battle  of  Magh  Tuiredh  of  the  Fomhoire.    3330. 

108.  LuGH  Lamhfhada,  son  of  Cian,  son  of  Dian- 
cecht,  son  of  Easarg,  the  speckled,  son  of  Ned,  son  of 
londae,  son  of  Alldae ;  forty  years  till  he  fell  at  the 
hands  of  Mac  Cuill  in  Caen-Druim.    3370. 

109.  EocHAiD  Ollathair,  whose  name  was  the 
Daghda,  son  of  Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of 
Ned,  son  of  londae  ;  fourscore  years  till  he  died  in  the 
Brugh  of  the  deadly  darts  of  the  cast  that  Cethlenn 
shot  at  him  in  the  first  battle  of  Magh  Turedh.     3450. 

no.  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma  Sun-fajde,  son  of 
Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Ned,  son  of  londae  ; 
ten  years  till  he  fell  by  the  hand  of  his  own  son,  namely, 
Fiacha,  son  of  Dealbaeth.     3460. 

111.  Fiacha,  son  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma  ;  ten 
years  tiQ  he  fell  by  the  hand  of  Eoghan  of  Inbher. 

3470. 

112.  Ermit,   that  is,   Mac  Cuill,   Dermit,   that   is 

Mac  Cecht,  Aedh,  that  is  Mac  Greine,  the  three  sons 
of  Cermatt  Mirbél,  son  of  the  Daghda,  son  of  Ela- 
than  ;  thirty  years  till  they  fell  in  the  battle  of  Tailltiu 
at  the  hands  of  the  sons  of  Mil,  as  is  related  below. 
Ethor,  Tethor,  and  Cetheor  were  three  other  names 
of  the  children  of  Cermatt.  Now  Mac  Cuill,  the  hazel 
was  his  god,  Ethor  his  name,  Banba  his  wife ;  Mac 
Greine,  the  sun  his  god,  Cethor  his  name,  Eriu  his 
wife  ;  Mac  Cecht,  the  ploughshare  his  god,  Tethor  his 
name,  Fodla  his  wife.     3500. 

113.  Manannan,  son  of  EUoth,  son  of  Elathan,  son  of 
Dealbaoth,  son  of  Ned  ;  Gaer  and  Oirbsiu  are  two 
other  names  of  the  same  Manannan,  and  from  him  is 
named  Loch  Oirbsen  ;  and  when  his  grave  was  dug  it 
is  there  the  lake  burst  out,  so  that  from  him  it  is  named. 


i68    DO  RIOGHAIBH  THÚAITHE  DÉ  DANANN 

114   As  dóib  sin  do  ráidh^aáA — 

a     Ethur  ard  fo  fuair  miodh, 
cruaidh  an  fer ; 
coll  a  dea,  úa  don  Daghda  nar  bo  dubh, 
Banba  a  ben. 

b    Tethur  tren,  tren  a  ttroitt, 
ger  an  greid  ;  ^ 
Fodla  a  ben,  mor  ndrecht  •  ro  df«id, 
cecht  ro  creitt. 

c     Cethur  cas,  caomh  a  li, 
ba  soer  se  ; 
Eri  a  ben,  ba  hen  fial  i, 
grian  a  dhe. 

d    Manannan  mac  Lir  on  loch, 
mo  sir  sreath  ;  • 
Oirbsen  a  ainm,  iar  cced  cath, 
ecc  ad  eath.* 


^  an  gadsgedhaich.  no  an  gifxait. 

2  drecht,  .i.  cuidechta.  no  aircetal. 

^  sieaXnaighes  no  iarruf  ioma/ ;  sreath  .i.  iomat. 

*  fuair. 


KINGS  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  DANANN     169 

114    Of  those  it  was  said — 

a     Ethor  high  got  renown, 
stem  the  man  ; 
Hazel  his  god,  grandson  of  the  Daghda,  who  was 
not  black. 
Banba  his  wife. 

b     Tethor  strong,  strong  in  battle, 
keen  the  warrior  ; 
Fodla  his  wife,  many  poems  he  finished, 
the  ploughshare  he  believed. 

c      Cethor  the  curly,  fair  his  complexion, 
he  was  a  craftsman  ; 
Eriu  his  wife,  a  generous  woman  was  she, 
sun  his  god. 

d     Manannan,  son  of  Lir  from  the  lake, 
who  stretched  the  greatest  sward ; 
Oirbsiu  his  name,  after  a  hundred  battles, 
death  he  met. 

^  the  wairrior  of  the  champion. 

'  drecht  is  "  a  company  "  or  "  prophecy." 

^  he  draws  out  or  asks  much  ;   sreath  is  "  much." 

*  found. 


(ALT    X) 

49  DO    SENCHAS    Di?í7INGI    DO    THUATHA    BE 

BAN  ANN    BEOS 

115.  Miodhair  Bri  Leith  mac  londaoi,  meic  Each- 
iaigh,  meic  Eatarlaimh,  meic  Ordain,  meic  londaoi, 
meic  Alldaoi.  Caicher  7  Neachtain  da  mac  Namhat 
meic  EachdacA  Gairhh,  meic  Duach  Theimin,  m.eic 
Breisi,  meic  Ealathain,  meic  Dealbaeith,  meic  Neid, 
meic  londaoi,  meic  Alldaoi,  meic  Tait,  meic  Tabhaim. 
Bodhbh  Sidhe  ar  Feimhen,  meic  EsLchdach  Gairbh, 
meic  Duach  Teimhin,  meic  Breis,  meic  Ealatatn,  meic 
Dealbhaeith.  Siughmall  mac  Cairpre  Cf«im,  meic 
Ealcmaire,  meic  Dealbhaoith,  meic  Oghma,  meic 
Ealathain,  meic  Dealbaeith,  meic  Néitt.  Aoi  mac 
OWamhatiy  meic  Oghma,  meic  Ealatan,  meic  Dealbaeith, 
meic  Néitt. 

116.  Sé  meic  Dealbaeith,  meic  Oghma,  meic  Eala- 
thain, meic  Dealbaoith,  .i.  Fiachna,  Ollamh,  londui, 
Bfi'an,  lucharbo,  7  luchar.  Na  tri  dee  Donann  an 
tff'ar  deidheannac/j,  a.mhail  atrubhramar.  As  do'n 
Dealbaeth  is  a  clann  sin  do  goirthi  Tuireall. 

117.  Aenghws  .i.  an  Mac  óg,  7  Aedh  Caom,  7  Cermat 

Mirbel,  tri  m.eic  an  Daghdha,  meic  Ealat/win.     Clann 

Diancecht   meic  Easairg   Brie   .i.   Cu,   Ceithen,   Cen, 

Miach,  Ciach ;  Eatan  .i.  an  bainfhile,  maihair  Coirpre, 

Armed  an  bainliaigh ;    di  inghin  Diawcecht  iaidsidhe. 

Brigit  bainfile,  ing^n  an  Daghda  ;   as  aice  robatar  Fe 

7  Men,  da  righ-dama»re,  diata  Femhen  ;  nair  ba  seadh 

170 


(CHAPTER  X) 

THE  GENEALOGY  OF  SOME  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE 
DANANN  FURTHER 

115.  Miodhar  of  Bri  Leith,  son  of  londa,  son  of 
Echtach,  son  of  Eatarlamh,  son  of  Ordan,  son  of 
londae,  son  of  AUdae.  Caicher  and  Nechtan,  the  two 
sons  of  Namha,  son  of  Eochaid  the  Rough,  son  of  Dui 
the  Dark,  son  of  Breas,  son  of  Ealathan,  son  of 
Dealbaoth,  son  of  Ned,  son  of  londae,  son  of  AUdae, 
son  of  Tai,  son  of  Tabharn.  Bodb  of  the  Sid  east  of 
Feimhen,  son  of  Eochaid  the  Rough,  son  of  Dui  the 
Dark,  son  of  Breas,  son  of  Ealathan,  son  of  Deal- 
baeth.  Siughmall,  son  of  Cairbre  the  Crooked,  son 
of  Ealcmar,  son  of  Dealbaoth,  son  of  Oghma,  son  of 
Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaoith,  son  of  Ned.  Aoi,  son  of 
Ollamh,  son  of  Oghma,  son  of  Ealathan,  son  of  Deal- 
baeth,  son  of  Ned. 

116.  The  six  sons  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma,  son 
of  Ealathan,  son  of  Dealbaoth,  were  Fiachna,  Ollamh, 
londa,  Brian,  lucharba,  and  luchar.  The  three  last 
are  the  three  gods  of  Danu,  as  we  have  said.  Deal- 
baeth, whose  descendants  those  are,  was  called  Tuireall. 

117.  Oenghus,  that  is,  the  Young  Son  (sic),  and  Aedh 
the  Beautiful,  and  Cermat  Mirbél,  the  three  sons  of 
the  Daghda,  son  of  Elathan.  The  children  of  Diancecht, 
son  of  Easarg  the  Speckled,  are  Cu,  Cethen,  Cen, 
Miach,  Ciach  ;  Eatan  the  poetess,  mother  of  Coirbre ; 
Armed  the  she-leech  ;  they  are  the  two  daughters  of 
Diancecht.  Brigit  the  poetess,  daughter  of  the  Daghda  ; 
hers  were  Fe  and  Men,  two  royal  oxen,  whence  is 

Femhen  ;  for  that  was  the  place  of  pasture  where  they 

171 


172  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

ionadh  a  ngealtaois  an  mgeaXtradh.  hUillenn  Faob- 
ardearg  mac  Caithir,  meic  Namhat,  meic  Eachdhach 
GatVbh,  meic  Duach  Teimin,  as  lais  do  rochair  Manan- 
nan  i  cath  Cuillenw. 

11 8.  Boiwd  inghen  Delbaoth,  meic  Oghma,  meic 
Ealathain.  Abhcan  mac  Biccfealmais,  meic  Con,  meic 
Diancecht,  file  Logha  m.eic  Etlenw.  Én  mac  Bicceoin, 
meic  Stairn,  meic  Edleo,  m.eic  Aldaoi,  meic  Taitt,  meic 
Tabaim,  7  c. 

119.  Gach  diamair  dhana,  gach  amhainsi  ealathan, 
7  gach  leire  leighis  do  cuisiw,  as  ó  Thuathaibh  De 
Dananw  atá  a  \y\inadh.  Agus  cia  tainicc  Creideamh, 
ni  ro  dichuirthe  na  dana  sin,  ar  it  maithe. 

50      120.  As  do  x\occ\iaihh  Thúaithi  Dé  Donann  ro  ráid- 
headh  indso  ;  Tanaidhe  ó  M3.o\Conaire  cecinit* 

a      Tuatha  De  Donanw  fo  diamair,^ 
lucht  gan  com  all  ccrabhaidh, 
cuileoin  an  caoille  ro  chnonaigh,^ 
daoini  dfuil-feoil  Adaim. 

b     Uaisli  tall  na  tuaithe  treni, 
lucht  na  cruaichi  críne,* 
iomraidem,  san  treimsi  ataimni, 
a  reimsi  sa  righe. 

c      Secht  mhliadhna.  Nuadait  náirsing, 
OS  an  ccuanairt  ccélbinn,^ 
ílaithes  an  íir  ciocair,*  cuilíinn, 
re  ttiochtain  ind  En'nn. 

^  gámbaoí  diamhair  anfhesa  co  maith,  no  ará  mbiodh  an  fee 
fía. 

*  cuaine  feroinn  "Erenn  iadsomh,  7  taimic  7  ro  crionaddh  a  reimeas. 

*  indeachaidh  críne  no  caithemh  ina  nairechus.  Croch  .i.  ard 
no  aireghdha. 

*  ós  buidnibh  úaisle  na  ndea  ba  binn  erlabra. 
'  cen  cair. 

*  The  words  "  Tanaidhe  .  .  .  cecinit "  added  in  later  hand. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  173 

used  to  be  pastured.  Uillenw  Red-edge,  son  of  Caicher, 
son  of  Namha,  son  of  Eochaid  the  Rough,  son  of  Dui 
the  Dark,  by  him  fell  Manannan  in  the  battle  of 
CuilHu. 

118.  Boind  the  daughter  of  Dealbaeth,  son  of  Oghma, 
son  of  Ealathan.  Abhcan,  son  of  Biccfealmhas,  son 
of  Cu,  son  of  Diancecht,  poet  of  Lugh,  son  of  Ethliu. 
En,  son  of  Biccén,  son  of  Starn,  son  of  Edleo,  son  of 
Alldae,  son  of  Tai,  son  of  Tabarn,  etc. 

119.  Every  secret  of  art,  every  subtlety  of  know- 
ledge, and  every  diligence  of  healing  that  exists,  from 
the  Tuatha  De  Danann  had  their  origin.  And  although 
the  Faith  came,  these  arts  were  not  driven  out,  for 
they  are  good. 

120.  Of  the  kings  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  was 
this  said  ;  Tanaidhe  O  Maoil-Chonaire  composed  it — 

a      The  Tuatha  De  Danann  under  mystery, 
a  people  without  performance  of  religion, 
whelps  of  the  portion  that  has  withered, 
people  of  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Adam. 

b     Nobles  yonder  of  the  strong  race, 
people  of  the  withered  stack, 
let  us  declare,  in  the  time  in  which  we  are, 
their  period  and  their  kingdom. 

c      Seven  years  of  Nuadha,  noble  and  slender, 
over  the  troop  of  tuneful  sense, 
was  the  princedom  of  the  man  clever,  fairhaired, 
before  their  coming  to  Ireland. 

*  who  used  to  have  the  occultism  of  ill-knowledge  well,  or  who 
used  to  have  magic  darkness. 

^  troops  of  the  land  of  Ireland  are  they,  and  their  space  of  time 
came  to  an  end  and  grew  old. 

3  on  which  went  old  age  or  wasting  in  their  princedom. 
Crock  is  "  high  "  or  "  princely." 

*  over  the  noble  troops  of  the  gods  who  were  melodious  of  speech. 
»  without  fault. 


174  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

d     A  Muigh  Tuivedh  truim  co  ttrucha, 
go  ffarccaib  cuing  catha,^ 
do  chosnamaidh  ban  an  betha 
ro  leodh  ^  a  lam  fhlatha. 

e      Secht  mhliadhna.  Breisi,  nir  bánfhad,' 
tre  deisi  don  duanabb  ;  * 
a  fflaithiws  ior  an  cclar  ccnobocc,* 
gor  hiocadh  lam  Nuadatt. 

f      Nuadha  ier  sin  fiche  hUadhan 
nice  sithe  for  sluaghai/t ;  ^ 
CO  Lugh  lionndighach  do  no^hadh  ' 
'loldanach  ^  gan  fuaraiA. 

g     Cethracha  do  Lugh,  ba  lomda,* 
i  righi  OS  Bnigh  Banba  ; 
ni  ranaic  nocht-colba  nemdha  ;  ^° 
ochtmogha  don  Daghda. 


*  i  tugadh  gar  secle  do  daoinifcA  ar  an  muigh  sin,  7  dob  fath  tuirrsi 
sin,  no  baoi  tuirsi  im  chorpai&A  iomdha  ann ;  no  ba  trom  an  torchu- 
%hadh  do  cuing  a  ccatha.  do  Nuadhat,  a  lámh  do  béin  de. 

'  ro  tesccadh  no  ro  g^rradh. 

*  nir  maith  an  oiread  sin. 

*  tria  na  deroile  iri  fer  denmha  na  ndúan,  .i.  an  file  Cairpr<j  mac 
Etaine  ;  .i.  tuc  na  iri  toichnedha  no  na  tri  troiscthi  fair,  .i.  a  bel  gan 
biadh,  a  taobh  gan  leba,  a  chosa  gan  ionnloth. 

■  bog  oirrderc. 

*  do  dersgnaigh  se  don  tslúagh  siodamai/,  no  h^readh  an  taos 
side  for  sluaigheadh. 

*  do  gniodh  agh  no  gaisccedh  do  rennaibh  no  d'faobhraibh  a  arm. 

*  ilcherdacA. 

*  .xl.  CO  cotrom  do  Lngadh  Lamfoda. 
!•  ni  fuair  leaba  no  ionat  i  nimh  gloin. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE   175 

On  Magh  Tuiredh,  heavy  with  doom, 
till  he  left  the  yoke  of  battle, 
from  the  pale  conqueror  of  the  world 
his  arm  of  sovereignty  was  lopped  off. 

Seven  years  of  Breas,  it  was  not  a  bright  space, 
through  misery  for  the  poem-abbot ; 
in  princedom  over  the  plain  generous  in  nuts  (?), 
till  the  hand  of  Nuadha  was  healed. 

Nuadha,  after  that  twenty  years, 

wielded  blows  on  an  expedition  ; 

till  Lugh  of  warlike  spearpoints  was  made  king 

the  many  crafted,  without  growing  cold. 

Forty  to  Lugh,  it  was  complete, 
in  the  kingdom  over  the  territory  of  Banba  ; 
he  reached  no  heavenly  naked  bed  ; 
eighty  to  the  Daghda. 


1  in  which  a  short  life  was  brought  to  men  on  that  plain,  and 
that  was  a  cause  of  weariness,  or  there  wsls  weariness  about  many 
bodies  there  ;  or  it  was  a  heavy  hindrance  to  the  joining  of  their 
battle  by  Nuadha,  that  his  hand  was  cut  from  him. 

*  was  lopped  or  cut  off. 

'  not  good  was  that  space. 

*  through  its  misery  for  the  man  who  made  the  poems,  that 
is  the  poet  Cairbre,  son  of  Etan  ;  t.e.  he  took  the  three  fasts  of  the 
three  penances  on  him,  namely:  his  mouth  without  food,  his  side 
without  a  bed,  his  feet  without  washing. 

*  bog  is  "  famous." 

*  he  excelled  above  the  fairy  host,  or  he  used  to  bring  the  fairy 
troop  a-hosting. 

'  he  used  to  work  war  or  valour  with  the  points  or  edges  of  his 
arms. 

*  of  many  arts. 


forty  evenly  to  Lugh  Lamfoda. 

he  found  no  bed  or  place  in  pure  Heaven. 


176  SEANCHAS  THÚAITHE  DÉ 

h       Dech  mbliadhna  do  Dealbaeth  dioc/ira, 
gus  ricc  remgaeth  riachda,^ 
gan  cleith  os  broine  na  mbaethga  ; 
a  deich  oile  d'Fíachna.^ 

51  i      Dech  mbliadna  fichet,  fosfiadaim,^ 

OS  cech  sithfert  dErinn,* 
i  righi  for  Banba  bruighfind,^ 
d'uibh  an  Daghda  deinsing.' 

j      lar  sin  tangatar  Meic  Múedh^ 
ranga tar  dia  niamadh,^ 
clann  mor  an  merscail  romaeidh^i/i,® 
a  hEspain  cen  ind^vadh. 

k     Go  ros  gonsat  Gaoidi/  gnithe 
gun  taeidhin  tre  thuaichle,' 
ni  do  braisi  ni  do  baoithe, 
beg  taisi  na  Tuaithe. 

121.  D'aitib  Thuaithe  Dé  Donnann  amhail  ro  chan 
Flann  Mainistreach — 

a     Éstidh  a  eolcha  gan  ón, 

madh  áil  daoib,  condecathor '° 
aidhedha  go  ttuaichle,  thall, 
forgla  Thuaithe  Dé  Dhonann. 

*  gus  ann  gaoith  fer  do  reimnigh  uadha  do  rochtain  i  righe,  .i. 
Fiachna,  no  go  ro  íuachtaiw  dfagai/  do  o'n  fer  las  ro  gonadh  é. 

■  gan  ceilt  os  taoisecAoibh  na  ngó  ndraoidhec/t/a,  ga  mbiodh  na 
gasain  sanais,  no  os  taoistfacAaibh  na  ngo  mbaoth. 
3  innisim. 

*  OS  feranda»6A  ailne  no  siodhamla  Ér«nn. 

*  as  fionn  no  taithnemhacA  f earoinn  no  bailte. 

•  dob  eolach  is  na  haist»6A  dana  hainm  diana  senga. 

'  dia  ruaimh  adha  no  dlighthigh,  amai/  ro  meisemhnaig/ieadh 
dhoibh  ;  no  as  do  ro  mudhwgAadh  no  dforruamnadh  Tuaithi. 

•  clann  an  laoich,  .i.  Miledh,  no  commaoidecht. 

•  foillsighim  tre  gliocas  m'eolais,  gan  breig,  gan  leime,  nar  bho 
tais  no  lag  Túatha  Dé  Donann  co  ro  ghonsat  buidhne  gniomacha 
Gaoidheal  iad.  ^°  co  ninniser. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE   177 

h     Ten  years  to  vehement  Dealbaoth, 

until  there  came  .  .  .  man  of  present  course, 
without  concealment  over  the  edge  of  rash  spears  : 
ten  other  to  Fiachna. 

i      Thirty  years,  I  tell  it, 

over  every  great  land  of  Ireland, 
in  the  kingdom  over  Ireland  of  the  white  territory, 
were  the  grandsons  of  the  Daghda  skilled  in  dein- 
seang. 

j      After  that  came  the  sons  of  Mil, 
who  arrived  for  their  reddening, 
great  children  of  the  blithe  hero  who  was  boasted, 
from  Spain  without  growing  cold. 

k     Till  the  active  Gaedhil  slew  them 
by  the  troop  through  cunning, 
it  is  not  fabulous  or  foolish, 
small  was  the  weakness  of  the  Tuatha. 

121.  Of  the  deaths  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  as 
Flann  Mainistrech  composed  it — 

a      Hear  o  learned  without  fault, 
if  ye  desire,  that  I  relate 
the  deaths  with  cunning,  long  ago, 
of  the  choice  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann. 

^  until  the  wise  man  who  surpassed  him  in  attaining  the  king- 
dom, namely,  Fiachna,  or  till  great  injury  was  received  by  him 
from  the  man  by  whom  he  was  slain. 

2  without  hiding  over  the  chieftains  of  deeds  of  druidry,  who 
used  to  have  wands  of  secrecy,  or  over  the  chieftains  of  weak  lies. 

3  I  tell.  *  over  the  beautiful  or  fairylike  lands  of  Ireland. 
5  white  of  pleasing  are  the  lands  or  steadings. 

•  who  was  skilled  in  the  poems  which  are  called  diana  seanga. 

'  to  their  legal  or  lawful  graveyard  (?),  as  it  was  adjudged  to 
them  ;  or  it  is  to  annihilate  or  redden  the  Tuatha. 

•  the  children  of  the  warrior,  that  is  Mil ;  or  with  boasting. 

•  I  reveal  through  the  accomplishment  of  my  knowledge,  without 
falsehood,  without  folly,  that  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  were  not  soft 
or  weak  till  the  powerful  troops  of  the  Gaedhil  slew  them. 

10  that  I  teU. 

M 


178  SEANCHAS    THÚAITHE   DÉ 

b     Edhleo  mac  Alldaoi  na  nall, 
cedfer  do  Thuaith  De  Donann 
do  rochair  ind  Erinw  óigh, 
do  laim  Nerchoin  úi  Semeoin. 


c      Do  cher  Embas,  ard  a  gal, 
Fiacha,  Echtach,  Eadarghal, 
Tuireall  Biccreo  baile  Bregh, 
a  cced-chath  Muighe  Tuiredh. 

d     Do  rochair  Eliot  anaigh, 
athair  morgarg  Mananwain, 
ocus  Donanw  comlann  cain, 
la  De  Domnanw  á'Fomhoichaibh. 

e      Atbath  Cethin  7  Cu 

do  úathbas  i  n-Aircealtrú  ; 

ro  marbhsat  Cen  cian  o  thoigh — 

Brian,  lucharba,  7  luchoir. 

f      Marb  do  ghaibh  greine  gloine 
CoÍTpre  mór  mac  Eatoine  ; 
at  bath  Etan  ós  an  linw 
do  chnmaidh  Cairpr^  chindfhinn. 

g     hl  Muigh  Twireadh  ba  tna  agh 
do  cher  Nuadha  Airgetlamh  ; 
ocus  Macha  iar  Samhain  si« 
do  lamh  Balair  Bailc-bhéimnigA. 

h     Do  cher  Oghma  gen  gor  ffanw 
la  hlnneach  mac  De  Domhnann  ; 
torchair  Casmaol  Bniinni  bU, 
la  De  Domhnann  d'  FomoiriftA. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE   179 

b     Edleo,  son  of  Alldae  of  the  cliffs, 

the  first  man  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann 

who  fell  in  virgin  Ireland, 

by  the  hand  of  Nerchu,  grandson  of  Semeon. 

c      Fell  Embas,  high  her  valour, 
Fiacha,  Echtach,  Edarghal, 
Tuirell  Biccreo  of  the  steading  of  Breg, 
in  the  first  battle  of  Magh  Tuiredh. 

d     EUoth  of  the  valour  fell, 

the  great  fierce  father  of  Manannan, 
and  Donann  of  perfect  combats, 
by  De  Domnann  of  the  Fomhoire. 

e      Cethin  and  Cu  died 
of  horror  in  Airceltra  ; 
Cian  far  from  his  house  they  slew — 
Brian,  lucharba,  and  luchar. 

f      Died  of  the  darts  of  the  bright  sun 
Coirbre  the  great,  son  of  Etan  ; 
Etan  died  over  the  water 
from  sorrow  for  Cairbre  white-head. 

g      In  Magh  Tuiredh  it  was  through  battle 
fell  Nuadha  Argetlamh  ; 
and  Macha,  after  that  Samhain, 
by  the  hand  of  Balor  of  the  Strong  Blows. 

ti     Oghma  fell  without  being  weak 
before  Innech,  son  of  De  Domnann  ; 
Casmaol  of  the  lucky  breast  was  slain 
by  De  Domnann  of  the  Fomnoire. 


i8o  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

i      Marbh  do  tham  treghdach  tra 
DÍ3.ncecht  is  Goibhnenw  gobha  ; 
do  cher  Luichtni  saor  co  sé, 
do  saighit  trein  teindtidhe. 

52  j      Ro  baidhedh  Creidhne  an  cerd  cas  ^ 

for  an  lochmuir  lionwamhnas, 
ag  tabhairt  meini  an  óir  ain, 
do  chom  Eienn  a  hEaspáin. 

k     Atbath  Breas  hi  Cam  úi  Neitt, 
do  cheilg  Logha  gan  lainbréig, 
ro  ba  dawwa  troda  tra, 
dól  roda  a  riocht  anlomá. 

1      Bechuille  7  Dinanw  dil, 

marbha  na  di  hbdndudcthaighy 
fesccor  conarsioidheacht  fa  dheoidh, 
la  demhnaibh  odhraibh  aieóir. 

m    Do  cher  a  cciwd  tragha  toir, 
i  fíiorthaobh  ratha  Oiligh, 
londaoi  mor,  mac  Dealbaeith  dhil, 
la  Ganw  mac  nDara  ndoimghil. 

n     Tathaimh  Fea  ba  buan  hladh 
i  ccionw  mis  iar  na  maxhhadhy 
gun  raith  cettna,  camain  lin«, 
do  chumaidh  londaoi  foiltfhinn. 

o     Atbath  Boani  gus  an  mbaigh, 
ag  topar  Sithe  Nec/i/ain  náir  ; 
.  marb  Ainghe  inghen  an  Daghdha 
do  scire  Daire  donn-Bhanbha. 

^  caomh. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  i8i 

i      Died  of  plague  penetrating, 

Diancecht  and  Goibniu  the  smith  ; 
Luichtne,  the  carpenter,  fell  as  well 
by  a  strong  fiery  arrow. 

j      Creidhne,  the  pleasant  Wright,  was  drowned 
on  the  sea-pool  of  fierce  water, 
bringing  ore  of  noble  gold, 
to  Ireland  from  Spain. 

k     Breas  died  in  the  Cam  of  Ua  Neid 

by  the  treachery  of  Lugh  without  full  falsehood, 
it  was  then  a  cause  of  strife, 
of  drinking  poisonous  water  in  the  form  of  a  deep 
draught. 

1      Bechuille  and  Dinann  the  faithful, 
the  two  she-lords  died, 
an  evening  with  druidry  at  last, 
at  the  hands  of  tawny  air-demons. 

m    At  the  head  of  the  eastern  strand  there  fell, 
in  the  very  side  of  the  fort  of  Oilech, 
londae  the  great,  son  of  Dealbaoth  the  faithful, 
before  Gann,  son  of  Dair  of  white  fist. 

n     Died  Fea,  who  was  of  lasting  fame, 
at  the  end  of  a  month  after  his  slaying, 
at  the  same  rath,  we  remember, 
of  sorrow  for  londae  fairhaired. 

o      Boand  died,  the  combative  (?) 

at  the  well  of  noble  Nechtan's  mound  ; 
Ainghe,  daughter  of  Daghda,  died 
of  love  of  Daire  of  brown  Banba. 

*  beautiful. 


i82  SEANCHAS   THÚAITHE   DÉ 

p     Do  cher  Cairpr^,  cuimn^/t  lat, 

do  laimh  Neachtain  mac  Namhatt ; 
do  cher  Neachtain  gus  an  neimh, 
la  Siugmall  úa  Saoir-Mhidir. 

q     Abhcan  mac  Biccfhealbais  fhúair, 
file  Logha  co  lán-bhuaidh, 
do  cher  la  hAongws,  gan  oil, 
i  ndaoir  MidiV  morglonnaigh. 

r      Midir  mac  londaoi  oile 
.  do  cher  do  laim  Ealcmoire  ; 

do  rochair  Ealcmar  an  aigh 
do  laim  Aonghwsa  iomláin. 

s      Brian,  lucharba,  is  luchar  ann, 
tri  dee  Thuath  De  Donanw, 
marb  ag  Mana  os  muir  menw, 
do  laimh  Logha  meic  Ethnenn. 

t      Do  cher  Cearmat  Mirbel  mas 

la  Lugh  mac  nEthnenw  n-amhnas  ; 
ag  éd  moa  mnaoi,  mór  an  modh, 
dia  ros  brécc  an  draoi  dhósomh. 

u     Do  laimh  meic  Cecht  gan  chaire 
do  rochair  Cian  cruitire  ; 
do  rochair  Lugh  os  tuinn  tfa, 
la  Mac  Cuill  mac  Cermada. 

V     Do  cher  Aodh  mac  an  Daghdha 
,  J  la  Coirrcheanw  caom  comhcalma  ; 

gan  gaoi  loha  dlugh  deinmhe, 
ar  ndul  go  a  mnaoi  ar  inneirghe. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  183 

p     Cairpre  died,  thou  rememberest, 

by  the  hand  of  Nechtan,  son  of  Namha  ; 

Nechtan  died,  the  fierce, 

at  the  hand  of  Siughmall,  grandson  of  noble  Midher. 

q     Abcan,  son  of  cold  Biccfhealbas, 
poet  of  Lugh  with  store  of  victory, 
fell  before  Oenghus,  without  reproach, 
in  Dair  (?)  of  Midher  the  splendid. 

r      Midher,  son  of  another  londae, 
fell  by  the  hand  of  Elcmar  ; 
Elcmar  of  the  battle,  fell 
by  the  hand  of  Oenghus  the  perfect. 

s      Brian,  lucharba,  and  luchar  there, 

the  three  gods  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann, 

died  at  Man,  over  the  clear  sea, 

by  the  hand  of  Lugh,  son  of  clear  Ethniu. 

t      Cearmat  Mirbel  the  stately  fell 
before  Lugh  of  Ethniu  the  savage  ; 
in  jealousy  about  his  wife,  great  the  manner 
after  the  druid  wiled  her  to  him.  (?) 

u     By  the  hand  of  Mac  Cecht,  without  blame, 
fell  Cian  the  harper  ; 
Lugh  fell  over  the  wave  there, 
by  Mac  Cuill,  son  of  Cearmat. 

V     Aedh,  son  of  the  Daghda,  fell 
before  fair,  valiant  Corrcheann  ; 
without  deceit  it  was  a  covetous  deed, 
having  gone  to  his  wife  in  carnal  intercourse. 


i84  SEANCHAS  THÚAITHE  DÉ 

w     Do  rochair  Coirrcheanw  a  Cruaich, 
an  trenfer  amhnws  iomluaith, 
don  ail  tuargaib  ar  an  tmigh, 
for  lighe  Aedha  iomlain. 

X     Do  cher  Cndhenbel  claon  cam, 
pnomchainte  Tuath  De  Dhonanw, 
don  or  fnth  san  mBanba  baoith, 
do  laimh  Daghda  ui  Dealbaoith. 

y     Ag  tiochtain  a  hAlbain  fhuair, 
do  mhac  an  Dagdha  dreachruaidh, 
in  Inbher  na  Boinwe  abws, 
as  an«  ro  baidhedh  Aonghwss. 

53  z      En  mhac  Mananwain  don  mhen, 

ceids^rc  don  ingin  Dibél, 
docher  an  mac  maoth  san  moigh, 
la  Beanwan  mbaoth  a  Breghmoigh. 

df    Néid  mac  londaoi  sa  di  mhnaoi, 
Badhbh  7  Nemain  gan  ghaoi, 
ro  marbtha  ind  Ailech,  gan  ail, 
la  Neptar  nderg  dFomórchai6A. 

b'    Fuamnach  baoth  ba  bean  Midir, 
Sioghmall  is  Bri  gan  benib, 
i  mBri  Leith,  ba  lathar  nan, 
ro  loisccitt  la  Manannán. 

c'     Do  chear  mac  Ealloitt  na  nágh, 
an  mionw  maoineach  Manannán, 
isin  ccath  a  cCuillenn  cniaidh, 
do  laim  Uillenw  Abratruaidh. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE   185 

w     Corrcheann  from  Cruach  fell, 
the  hero  savage  and  fickle, 
by  the  stone  which  he  raised  at  the  strand, 
over  the  grave  of  Aedh  the  perfect. 

X  Cridinbel  the  perverse,  the  crooked,  fell, 
chief  satirist  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann, 
for  the  gold  that  was  got  in  wild  Banba 
by  the  hands  of  Daghda,  grandson  of  Dealbaeth. 

y     In  coming  from  cold  Alba, 

the  son  of  the  Daghda,  ruddy  of  countenance, 
in  the  creek  of  the  Boyne  on  this  side, 
there  it  is  Oenghus  was  drowned. 

z      The  one  son  of  Manannan  from  the  gulf 
the  first  love  of  the  maiden  Dibél, 
the  tender  youth  fell  in  the  field, 
at  the  hand  of  Beannan  the  rash  from  Breghmagh. 

a'    Ned,  son  of  londae,  and  his  two  wives, 
Badb  and  Neman  without  lie 
were  slain  in  Aileach,  without  fault, 
by  Neptar  the  Red  of  the  Fomhoraigh. 

b'    Fuamnach  the  inconstant,  who  was  wife  of  Mider, 
Siughmall  and  Bri  without  crimes, 
in  Bri  Leith,  it  was  a  splendid  place, 
they  were  burnt  by  Manannan. 

c'     The  son  of  Ealloth  of  the  battle  fell, 
the  wealthy  gem  Manannan, 
in  the  battle  at  Cuillenn  hard, 
by  the  hand  of  Uilliu  of  the  red  eyebrows. 


i86  SEANCHAS   THUAITHE  DÉ 

d'    Do  rochair  Uillenn  go  nuaill 
la  Mac  Greine  conglanbhuaidh  ; 
atbat  bean  an  Daghdha  duin» 
do  tham  for  leirg  a  Liathdr«im. 

e'     Marb  an  Daghdha  do  gaibh  cro 
isi«  mBrugh,  ni  hiomargho, 
dia  ro  ghon  Ceithlenw  an  bhen 
i  cced-chath  Muighe  Tuiredh, 

f     Do  cher  Dealbaoth  la  a  mac 
do  laimh  Caichir  meic  Namhat ; 
do  gaet  Caichir  gun  mBoinw  mbaoith 
do  laim  Fhiachna  meic  Dealbhaoith. 

g'    Do  cher  Fiachna  7  Aoi  an 
la  hEoghan  ninbir  n-iomlán  ; 
do  cher  Eoghan  Inbir  fhuair 
la  hEochaid  nluil  niam-chrúaidh. 

h'    Do  cher  Eochaid  luil  iar  soin 
la  hAedh  7  la  Labraidh  ; 
Labraidh,  Aonghws,  7  Aodh, 
la  Cermat  condail  cruthchaomh. 

i'     Ere  7  Fodla  combuaidh, 

Mac  Greini  is  Banba  go  núaiU, 
Mac  Cuill,  Mac  Cecht  co  ccogadh, 
i  ccat  Taillten  torchrodar. 

y     Mac  Cecht  la  hEremhon  an  ; 
Mac  Cuill  le  hEimher  niomlán  ; 
Ere  sonw  la  Suirghe  iar  sin  ; 
Mac  Greine  la  hAimirgin. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE  187 

d'    Uilliu  with  pride  fell 

before  Mac  Greine  with  clear  victory  ; 
the  wife  of  the  noble  Daghda  died 
of  plague  on  a  slope  in  Liathdruim. 

e'     The  Daghda  died  of  blood-wounds 
in  the  Brugh,  it  is  no  falsehood, 
since  Cethlenn  the  woman  had  wounded  him 
in  the  first  battle  of  Magh  Tuiredh. 

f '     Dealbaoth  fell  with  his  son 

by  the  hand  of  Caicher,  son  of  Nama  ; 
Caicher  was  killed  at  the  inconstant  Boyne 
by  the  hand  of  Fiachna,  son  of  Dealbaeth. 

g'    Fiachna  and  Aoi,  the  noble,  fell 

before  Eoghan  of  the  Creek  the  perfect ; 

Eoghan  of  the  cold  Creek  fell 

before  Eochaid  of  Knowledge  iron-hard. 

h'    Eochaid  of  Knowledge  fell  after  that 
before  Aedh  and  before  Labraidh  ; 
Labraidh,  Oenghus,  and  Aedh, 
[fell]  before  Cermat  the  decorous  and  fair-formed. 

i'     Ere  and  Fodla  with  victory, 

Mac  Greiniu  and  Banba  with  pride, 
Mac  Cuill,  Mac  Cecht  with  war, 
in  the  battle  of  Tailltiu  they  fell. 

Y     Mac  Cecht  by  Eremhon  noble  ; 
Mac  Cuill  by  Emher  the  perfect ; 
Ere  here  by  Suirghe  after  that ; 
Mac  Greine  by  Amergin. 


i88  SEANCHAS  THÚAITHE  DÉ 

k'    Fodla  la  hEttan  co  n-uaill ; 
la  Caicher  Banba  co  mbuaidh  ; 
cia  baili  i  ffod  as  iatt  sin  ^ 
oiáheadha.  na  n-ócc  eistidh. 

*  i  ffaoiit,  no  i  ccomnaíVíAit,  no  cibe  ga  mbeith  fuireachr«5  riú. 


GENEALOGY  OF  THE  TUATHA  DE   189 

k'    Fodla  by  Etan  with  pride  ; 

by  Caicher  Banba  with  victory  ; 
whatever  place  they  may  sleep,  those  are 
the  deaths  of  the  heroes,  hear  ye. 

*  in  which  they  sleep,  or  in  which  they  dwell,  or  whoever  has 
watchfulness  about  them. 


(ALT    XI 

GABHÁIL    CHLOINNE    MÍLEDH ») 

54  122.  O  ro  aisnedhsem  do  ghabháil  Ceasra  cettws, 
ro  ghab  Eirind  rian  dilinw,  7  do  na  cetheoraibh  gabhal- 
uibh  ron  gabsat  ier  ndilind,  do  siol  Aitheachta  mheic 
Magog,  mheic  lapheth,  vsxeic  Noe — atiat  na  ceithre 
gabhala  ;  Partholon,  Neimedh,  Fir  Bolcc,  Tuath  De 
Donand — as  techta  duinw  co  ro  aisneidem  bhodestae 
do  shiol  an  meic  roba  sine  do  cloinn  Magog,  .i.  Baath 
is  a  siol,  ro  gabhsat  an  Scithia  Greccda  .i.  domnas 
cloinne  Magog ;  iarom  isin  Egipt ;  isi«  Sccithia 
doridisi ;  estisidhe  is  na  Gaothlaigib  ;  iarttain  ind 
Easpain ;  eistisidhe  co  Scithia ;  co  hEccipt ;  co 
hEaspam  doridisi ;  7  eistisidhe  co  hErinn ;  7  amAatV 
ro  gabsat  i  for  Thuathaib  De  Donann  ;  7  an  lion  riogh 
ro  ghab  Ere  diob,  diaidh  in  diaidh,  cowa  nuimhir  bliadan 
Ó  Ereamon  co  Maol-Seachloind  Mor  mac  Domnoill. 

O  Adam  co  rogabsatt  Meic  Wledh  Érinn,  3500. 

O  dhilinn  co  ttangator  Meic  Miledh  ind  Erinn,  1258. 

123.  Ro  rann  Noe  an  doman  a  ttribh  ranwaibh  etir 
a  macaibh  Sem,  Cam,  lapheth.  Sem  for  medhon 
Assia,  o  Srwth  liEóírait  co  tmcht  airthir  mbetha  ;  Cam 
for  Affraic  7  for  deiscc^rt-leth  na  hAssia ;  lapheth  for 
thuaisc^rt-leth  na  hAssia  7  for  an  Eoruip  uile.  lapheth 
mac  Noe,  meic  Lamech,  meic  Mathuasalam,  meic 
Enoch,  meic  lared,  meic  Malaleel,  meic  Cainan,  mec 
Enos,  meic  Seth,  meic  Adam.    lapheth  tra,  as  lad  a 

*  This  chapter  heading  is  not  in  the  MS. 
190 


(CHAPTER   XI 

THE    OCCUPATION    OF   THE    CHILDREN    OF   MIL) 

122.  Since  we  have  told  of  the  occupation  of  Ceasair 
first,  who  took  Ireland  before  the  flood,  and  of  the 
four  occupations  which  took  it  after  the  flood,  of  the 
seed  of  Aitheacht,  son  of  Magog,  son  of  Japhet,  son  of 
Noe — these  are  the  four  occupations :  Partholon, 
Neimhedh,  Fir  Bolg,  Tuatha  Dé  Danann — it  is  right  for 
us  to  tell  next  of  the  seed  of  the  son  who  was  eldest  of 
the  children  of  Magog,  namely,  Baath  and  his  seed, 
who  took  Grecian  Scythia,  the  patrimony  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Magog  ;  thereafter  went  to  Egypt ;  again  to 
Scythia  ;  thence  to  the  Gaethlaighe ;  after  that  to 
Spain  ;  thence  to  Scythia  ;  to  Egypt ;  to  Spain  again  ; 
and  thence  to  Ireland  ;  and  how  they  took  it  against 
the  Tuatha  De  Danann  ;  and  the  tale  of,  the  kings 
who  took  Ireland  of  them,  one  after  another,  with 
their  number  of  years  from  Eremon  to  Mael-Shech- 
lainn  Mor,  son  of  Domhnaill. 

From  Adam  till  the  sons  of  Mil  took  Ireland,  3500. 
From  the  flood  till  the  sons  of  Mil  came  to  Ireland,  1258. 

123.  Noe  divided  the  world  into  three  parts  be- 
tween his  sons  Sem,  Cham,  Japheth.  Sem  over  the 
middle  of  Asia,  from  the  River  Euphrates  to  the  eastern 
shore  of  the  world  ;  Cham  over  Africa  and  the  southern 
half  of  Asia  ;  Japheth  over  the  north  half  of  Asia  and 
all  Europe.     Japheth,  son  of  Noe,  son  of  Lamech,  son 

of  Mathusalem,  son  of  Enoch,  son  of  Jared,  son  of 

191 


192         GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

clanw ;  Gomer,  Magog,  Thiras,  lauan,  Masoch,  Madai, 
7  Thubal. 

124.  Magog  áa.na  mac  lapheth,  isin  Scithia  Gregáha, 
ro  aittreabhsomh.  Cuicc  meic  la  Magog ;  Baath, 
Ibaath,  Barachan,  Emoth,  7  Aithecht.  Do  siol 
Aithechta  na  gabha/a  atrubramor,  genmótha  Ceasair 
namá.  Baath  an  cett  mac  do  Magog,  mac  do  Feiniws 
Farsaidh.  As  é  Fenius  an  tres  pr^'omthaoisiuch  baoi 
ag  cumdach  thúir  Nembroth.  Da  mac  la  Feniws,  .i. 
Naenbal  7  Nel.  As  é  Naenbal  ro  fagaib  a  athair 
Feniws  i  forlamws  na  Scithia,  tar  a  és  ace  tocht  do  chum 
-  an  tuir  do  bhodein.  Nel  tra,  an  dara  mac  Feniusa,  ag 
an  tur  vnccadh-sonih.  Ba  saoi  esidhe  is  na  húhelTaibh 
55  ro  sccaoilit  ag  an  tur,  daig  ni  raibe  anw  go  si«  acht  an 
pnmberla,  .i.  Eabhra  namá.  Feniws  tra  do  luidhsiomh 
dochuw  na  Scithia  doridisi  iar  scaoileadh  chaigh  o'n 
tur,  go  rosgab  righe  hi  suidhe ;  cowerbailt  i  ccind 
cethrachat  hliadhan  ier  sin,  7  fagbais  flaithÍMS  na 
Scithia  ag  a  mac  Naenbal. 

125.  As  e  an  Feniws  siw  atrubhramor  ro  faoidh  da 
descipi/  seactmhogha^  fon  domhan  d'foghlaim  na 
nilbhérla,  conus  targloimset  chuige  co  haonmaighin  iar 
na  ffoghloim.  As  é  bheos  ros  nothrastair  iad  do 
biudh  7  d'edgadh,  seacht  mhliadhna.  na  foghloma  7 
teora  hliadhna.  an  taisealbhaíí/í ;  7  ba  hanwsin  ro 
toghadh  Niul  i  foghloim  na  nilbherla  gur  bo  herghna 
airrderc  fiad  uaisl^  na  ccennadacA  ccoitcheann.  O  ro 
clos  la  righ  Egipti,  Pharo  Cingcns,  a  beith  siomh 
saLwlaidht  rostóchuirsium  dia  saighidh  ar  aidble  a 
fhis,  a  eólais,  7  a  fhoghloma.  Tig  Nel  fon  toghairm 
sin,  7  iar  mbeith  dXhaidh  dho  isiw  Egipt,  do  beir  an  Faro, 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL     193 

Mahalaleel,  son  of  Cainan,  son  of  Enos,  son  of  Seth,  son 
of  Adam.  Now  Japheth,  these  are  his  children :  Gomer, 
Magog,  Thiras,  Javan,  Mesech,  Madai,  and  Tubal. 

124.  As  for  Magog,  son  of  Japheth,  he  lived  in 
Grecian  Scythia.  Five  sons  had  Magog :  Baath, 
Ibath,  Barachan,  Emoth,  and  Aithecht.  Of  the 
seed  of  Aithecht  were  the  conquests  we  have  related, 
except  Cesair's  only.  Baath  the  first  son  of  Magog, 
his  son  was  Fenius  Farsaidh.  This  Fenius  was  one 
of  the  three  principal  chiefs  who  were  at  the  building 
of  Nimrod's  Tower.  Fenius  had  two  sons,  Naenbal 
and  Nel.  This  Naenbal,  his  father  Fenius  left  in 
authority  over  Scythia  behind  him,  when  he  him- 
self was  going  to  the  Tower.  As  for  Nel,  the  other 
son  of  Fenius,  he  was  bom  at  the  Tower.  He  was 
learned  in  the  various  languages  that  were  separated  at 
the  Tower,  for  till  then  there  was  none  but  the  primitive 
language,  Hebrew,  only.  Fenius  then  came  back  to 
Scythia  again  when  they  all  scattered  from  the  Tower, 
so  that  he  took  the  kingdom  there  ;  till  he  died  at 
the  end  of  forty  years  after  that,  and  left  the  kingdom 
of  Scythia  to  his  son,  Naenbal. 

125.  This  Fenius  we  have  mentioned  is  he  who  sent 
seventy-two  students  through  the  world  to  learn  all 
the  languages,  till  they  brought  them  together  to  him 
to  one  place  after  they  had  learnt  them.  He  further 
furnished  them  with  food  and  clothing,  the  seven 
years  of  learning  and  the  three  years  of  setting  them 
forth  ;  and  there  Nel  was  instructed  in  the  learning  of 
all  languages  till  he  was  learned  and  famous  before 
the  nobles  in  their  territory  at  large.  When  the  king 
of  Egypt,  Pharaoh  Cingcres,  heard  that  he  was  thus, 
he  invited  him  to  him  on  account  of  the  greatness  of 
his  knowledge,  skill,  and  learning.  Nel  comes  at  that 
invitation,   and  after  being  a  while  in  Egypt,   the 

N 


194  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

.i.  rí  Egipti  a  inghen,  .i.  Scota,  do  mhnaoi  dhó,  la  taob 
forba  7  feroinn.  Rug  iaromh  Scota  mac  do  Nél, 
Gaedheal  Glas  a  ai«m.  Tri  hanmanwa  ó  sloinnt^r 
siol  an  Gaedhil  sin,  Feni«s,  Scota,  7  Gaoidheal.  Feni 
an  aiwm  ó  Fenius,  Scuit  o  Scota  mgin  righ  Eigipti  ba 
ben  do  Níul,  7  Gaeidhil  ó'n  Gaeidheal  sin  mac  Níuil 
meic  Feniwsa  Farsaidh. 

126.  Cowadh  do  áeihadh  na  senanman»  sin  do 
TQÍáheadh  inwso — 

Féni  ó  Feniws  atb^rta, 

bri  cen  dochta  ;  ^ 
Ghaeidhil  o  Gaoidea/  Glas  garta, 

Scuit  ó  Scota. 

127.  Ro  aittreab  t  'a  Nél  thes  in  Eccipt,  hi  Capachi- 
runt,  in  eochaíV-imlibh  Mara  Ruaidh,  frisi  rsitear  Muir 
Robhuir.  Ba  hí  sin  aimsir  in  ro  elaidhset  Meic  Israel 
asin  daoire  Egioptacda  i  mbatar  ag  Pharo ;  go  rioch- 
tator  gus  an  bhfearonw  i  mboi  Nél  mac  Fem«sa,  íor 
bru  Mara  Robuir.  Saighis  Nel  cuca  dus  ciabtar  iat ; 
cowdasrala  Aaraon*  mac  Amra  brathair  Moyse  dho  in 
imeal  na  sluagh.  Atgladathar  cách  diob  a  chele. 
Atfet  Aaron  dosomh  attuirtheachta  feisin,  7  na  ferta 
fiadhnacha  do  righni  Dia  trza  Moisi  i  tir  Egipti,  fodhaig 
an  popwí7  Israeldha  do  ádiov adh  ;  ro  ba  dibsidhe  na 
deich  plaga  foillsighthe  do  breata  forra,  dia  ro  eccsat 
sochaidhe.  Ro  naidm  Aaron  7  Nel  codach  7  cara- 
áradh  etarra  bhodein  iertain.  Ba  tochraáh  m^wman  tra 
la  Nél  in  ro  lúiniedh  dettualang  forrosomh,  7  aidhble 

^  BriaUar  co  ttegoscc  no  comuna^A.  This  gloss  added  in  a  later 
hand. 

*  The  second  a  in  Aaraon,  here  and  elsewhere,  added  under  the 
line. 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL     195 

Pharaoh,  that  is  the  king  of  Egypt,  gave  him  his 
daughter  Scota  to  wife,  besides  a  heritage  and  land. 
Then  Scota  bore  a  son  to  Nel,  Gaedheal  Glas  his  name. 
There  are  three  names  from  which  the  seed  of  that 
Gaedheal  are  sumamed,  Fenius,  Scota,  and  Gaedheal. 
Feni  is  their  name  from  Fenius;  Scots  from  Scota, 
daughter  of  the  king  of  Egypt,  who  was  Nel's  wife, 
and  Gaedhil  from  that  Gaedheal,  son  of  Niul,  son  of 
Fenius  Farsaidh. 

126.  So  that  to  verify  those  old  names  this  was 

said — 

Feni,  from  Fenius  they  were  called, 

a  word  with  difficulty  ;  ^ 

Gaedhil  from  Gaedheal  Glas  were  called, 

Scots  from  Scota. 

127.  Now  Nel  lived  southward  in  Egypt,  in  Capa- 
chirunt  [Pi-Hahiroth,  Exodusxiy.  2] ,  on  the  shores  of  the 
Red  Sea,  which  is  called  the  Mare  Ruhrum.  That  was 
the  time  when  the  Children  of  Israel  escaped  from  the 
Egyptian  bondage  wherein  they  were  with  Pharaoh ;  so 
they  reached  the  land  where  was  Nel,  son  of  Fenius,  on 
the  border  of  the  Red  Sea.  Nel  goes  to  them  to  ascer- 
tain who  they  were  ;  so  Aaron,  son  of  Amram,  brother 
of  Moses,  met  him  on  the  outskirts  of  the  hosts.  They 
talk  each  with  the  other.  Aaron  tells  him  their  own  ad- 
ventures, and  the  manifest  miracles  that  God  wrought 
through  Moses  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  on  account  of  the 
bondage  of  the  people  of  Israel ;  among  them  were  the 
ten  revealed  plagues  which  were  brought  upon  them, 
whereby  multitudes  perished.  Aaron  and  Nel  made  a 
covenant  and  friendship  between  themselves  after  that. 
Nel  thought  it  a  grief  of  mind  all  the  intolerable  trouble 
that  had  been  inflicted  upon  them,  and  the  greatness  of 

*  a  word  with  teaching,  or  with  instruction. 


196  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

na  haidilgne  a  mbatar ;  7  do  ringheall  i  mbaoi  ina 
cAwmhawg  do  maith  do  roiwd  fnu,  an  ccein  no  beitis  ina 
comfogws.  Scarait  áon  cur  sin. 
56  128.  Luidh  Aaron  co  Moyses  asa  haithle,  7  atfett 
dhó  an  morfhailte  twcc  Nél  mac  Feniusa  dhóib,  7  gach 
maith  ro  tingheall  do  denom  fnu  an  ccein  no  beitis  ina 
fhochair.  Ba  buidheach  Moyses  do  Niul  tres  an 
coiiVdine  sin.  Ciodh  tracht  iar  scarthain  do  Nel  iri 
hAaron,  luidh  dochom  a  muintire  7  ro  aisneidh  scela. 
mac  nlsrael  doib,  7  an  t-eccumang  a  mbatar.  Ro 
inwis  beos  zxaail  ro  cengail  7  ro  ernaidm  fein  a  chara- 
txadh  fnu,  7  atbert  co  caiivieadh  asccadha  tuara  7 
tomholtais  dia  S3iighidh.  Do  gni  sdimhlaidh.  Ba 
buidheach  Moyses  7  Aaron  cona  mhuintir  desiomh  as 
a  los. 

129.  Ro  baoi  tra  an  Gaoidheal  atrubhramar  ina  mac 
beg  in  ionhhaidh  sin,  7  tecomnacair  gwr  ro  iadh  nathatV 
nemidhe  ina  timchell  gur  bo  comhfhoccws  bas  do,  gur 
ro  imeagla^'^/iset  each  a  ecc  dé  muns.  tesaircthi  i  traitiu. 
Ro  raidset  a  muintiV  iri  Nel  an  mac  do  breith  ar  amw«s 
Moises,  Ó  Tobtar  aLontadha.igh  iri  aroile,  7  o  ro  fetatar 
na  ferta  7  na  miorbala  mora  do  righne  Dia  tremit  go 
siw.  Do  gnith  S2im\aidh  ;  do  roine  Moyses  emaidhthe 
áiochra  duthrachtac/j  go  Dia,  iar  rochtain  an  meic 
chuige,  7  do  huail  an  ffleiscc  nairrderc  fnsin  ndithiaigh 
gur  ro  dluighestair  ar  dhó.  Ba  hóghslan  an  mac 
fochetoir.  Baoi  ti  glass  fair  isin  ionadh  in  ro  iadh 
an  nathair  ime,  o  sin  amach  go  a  bhás,  conadh  aire  ro 
lil  "  glas  "  do  fortormach  anma  dhe.  Ro  fhdigaibh 
Moyses  do  hu3.áhaibh  7  didigbaXaibh  for  an  mac,  .i. 
tor  Gaeid^/,  gan  nathair  neimhe  do  urchoittiug/wiA 
dhó  Ó  sin  amach,  ina  do  duine  dia  siol  co  brath ;  7  na 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    197 

the  necessity  in  which  they  were ;  and  he  promised  to 
divide  with  them  all  the  goods  in  his  power,  so  long  as 
they  should  be  in  his  neighbourhood.    Then  they  part. 

128.  Aaron  went  to  Moses  after  that,  and  tells  him 
the  hearty  welcome  that  Nel,  son  of  Fenius,  gave 
them,  and  all  the  good  that  he  promised  to  do  them 
so  long  as  they  should  be  in  his  company.  Moses 
was  grateful  to  Nel  for  that  friendliness.  However, 
when  Nel  separated  from  Aaron,  he  went  to  his  people 
and  told  them  the  tidings  of  the  Children  of  Israel, 
and  the  straits  in  which  they  were.  He  further  told 
them  how  he  had  bound  and  contracted  his  friendship 
on  them,  and  said  that  he  would  send  gifts  of  food  and 
provision  before  them .  H e  does  so .  Moses  and  Aaron , 
with  their  people,  were  grateful  to  him  on  that  account. 

129.  Now  that  Gaedheal,  whom  we  have  mentioned, 
was  a  Httle  boy  at  the  time,  and  it  happened  that  a 
venomous  serpent  wound  itself  round  him  so  that 
death  was  near  him,  and  all  feared  he  would  die  of  it 
unless  he  were  saved  quickly.  His  people  said  to  Nel 
that  he  should  carry  the  boy  to  Moses,  since  they  were 
covenanted  together,  and  since  they  knew  the  wonders 
and  the  great  miracles  that  God  worked  by  him  up 
till  then.  So  it  was  done  ;  Moses  made  vehement 
and  diligent  prayer  to  God,  when  the  boy  reached  him, 
and  he  struck  the  famous  rod  on  the  serpent  till  he 
cleft  it  in  two.  The  boy  was  sound  at  once.  There 
was  a  green  ring  on  him  in  the  place  where  the 
serpent  had  coiled  about  him,  from  that  out  to  his 
death,  so  that  thus  Glas  ["  Green"]  stuck  to  him  as  an 
extra  name.  Moses  left  for  virtues  and  blessings  on 
the  boy  Gaedheal,  that  no  venomous  serpent  should 
do  a  mischief  from  that  out  to  him,  or  to  any  of  his 
seed  for  ever ;   and  that  no  venomous  serpent  should 


f 
198  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

ro  ziitxeahadh  nathair  neimhe  isin  tir  in  aittreabhfadh 
a  siol  dia  éis  ;  7  iomat  riogh  7  vnuech,  naomh  7  firen  do 
geineamfliw  dia  siol  ina  dheadha^íí/í.  Conadh  eadh  sin 
fo  deara  gan  nathair  neime  do  beith  ind  Erinn  riamh. 

130.  As  ieromh  ro  raidh  Nél  íri  Moyses ;  "  Do  ria 
Pharo  chugoinwe,  7  nondaorfa  hi  ccionaidh  ar  ccarad- 
raidhe  Hb-si,  7  na  failte  do  ratsam  daoibh,  7  tria  gan  bar 
ninghreim  7  bar  nastadh."  "Tairsi  linne  go  t'uile 
mhuintiV,"  ol  Moyses,  "  madh  lainn  Hbh,  7  anaidh 
occainw  do  ghres,  7  dia  rigem  an  tir  do  thairrngir  Dia 
dhuinn  f  oghebthaoi-si  comroinn  di ;  no  madh  f  earr 
lib  do  beraim-ne  cuid  do  libeamaibh  Pharo  daoibh 
CO  ra  hait  [sic]  ar  bhar  ccomws  do  thechead  rias  na 
hEcceptdicáaibh,  co  festaoi  cionwws  scerfaimne  7  iad- 
somh  iri  a  roile." 

131.  As  fair  desidh  occa  na  longa  do  bheith  ar  a 
ccomwws,  a.mail  bid  iad  meic  Israel  do  thaWiadh  ar 
Fhorand   iad,    ar   na    fagbaitis    Ecceptacda   trealma 

57  iowmara  ina  ndiaidh  dia  ttarróchtain.  Luidh  tra  Nél 
lion  a  mhuintire  for  muir  is  na  hbemaibh  rémraite 
an  oidhce  sin,  co  bhfesadh  cionwws  no  biadh  ioms- 
caxadh  na  sluagh  ccechtardhsi  ar  a  hdivach  ;  7  batar 
for  an  muinchinw  muiridhe  go  roimthighset  meic 
Israhél  cosoib  tiormaib  tria  Muir  Robuir,  7  co  ro 
haiáheadh  Pharo  cowa  sochraidhe  ag  tnall  an  iomfhos- 
taidh.  As  sedh  Uon  ro  ha.iáheadh  isuidhe  ;  se  ced  cairp- 
theach,  caocca  mile  marcach,  7  da  chéd  mfle  traigh- 
theach.  Ot  chonderc  Nel  an  diach  sin  Ph(a)ro  cona, 
muintiV,  soais  go  a  fheronw  fein  doridhisi,  uair  ro 
la  gach  Oman  de  o  ro  bsiidheadh  na  hEgioptacdha 
saxahlaidh  ;  7  aittreabais  ann  go  a  écc. 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    199 

live  in  the  place  where  his  seed  after  him  should  live  ; 
and  that  many  kings  and  over-kings,  saints  and  just 
men,  should  be  bom  of  his  race  after  him.  So  that  is 
the  cause  why  there  is  never  any  venomous  serpent  in 
Ireland. 

130.  After  that  Nel  said  to  Moses :  "  Pharaoh  will 
come  to  us  and  oppress  us  in  punishment  for  our  friend- 
ship towards  you,  and  the  welcome  we  have  given  you, 
and  because  we  have  not  persecuted  and  restrained 
you."  "  Come  with  us,  with  thy  whole  people,"  said 
Moses,  "  if  you  will,  and  remain  permanently  with  us, 
and  when  we  reach  the  land  that  God  hath  promised 
us,  you  will  get  a  share  in  it ;  or,  if  you  prefer,  we 
will  give  you  some  of  Pharaoh's  boats,  so  that  they  may 
be  at  your  command  to  flee  before  the  Egyptians,  till 
you  know  how  we  and  they  shall  separate  one  from  the 
other." 

131.  They  agreed  that  the  ships  should  be  in  their 
possession,  as  though  it  were  the  children  of  Israel  who 
should  steal  them  from  Pharaoh,  in  order  that  the 
Egyptians  should  not  find  seaworthy  equipments  behind 
them  to  overtake  them .  Nel  went  with  all  his  people  on 
the  sea  in  the  aforesaid  boats  that  night,  till  he  should 
know  how  the  hosts  would  separate  from  one  another 
on  the  morrow  ;  and  they  were  on  the  strait  of  the  sea 
till  the  sons  of  Israel  departed  dryfoot  through  the 
Red  Sea,  and  till  Pharaoh,  with  his  troops,  were 
drowned  in  attempting  to  hinder  them.  This  is  the 
tale  of  those  who  were  drowned  there ;  six  hundred 
chariot  fighters,  fifty  thousand  horsemen,  and  two 
hundred  thousand  footmen.  When  Nel  saw  that 
fate  of  Pharaoh  with  his  people  he  returned  again  to 
his  own  estate,  for  he  put  every  fear  from  him  once 
the  Egyptians  were  drowned  thus  ;  and  he  lived  there 
till  his  death. 


200  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MILEDH 

132.  Gabais  Gaoidhel  Glas  mac  Niuil  toisigheacht  7 
trénchennws  an  ieroinn  remhraite,  .i.  Capachirunt,  iar 
nécc  a  athar.  Ruccadh  mac  iarom  do  Gaeidhel  isin 
Eccipt,  Eassru  atacomhnaic.  Ailt^r-somh  cor  bo 
hinfhedhma,  7  rogab  an  toireachas  cetna  iar  necc  a 
athar.  Bai  mac  aireghda  las  an  Essru  sin,  Sru  a 
aiwmsidhe.  Ro  áerscnaigh  d'ógaibh  a  chomaoisi  ar 
goil  7  gaiscc^íí/i.  Atbath  Essru  iar  ttnoll,  7  gabaidh  a 
mac  Sni  aireachws  na  dheoidh. 

133.  Cóig  righ  batar  íor  Egipt  ó  aimsir  Pharo  Cing- 
cns  go  si«  ;  atiat  an  ananmanwa — 


Phaxo  Cerres  . 
Pharo  Armadis 
Pharo  Rameises 
Pharo  Amenoses 
Pharo  Amenomes 


.xii  hliadhna. 

.u.  hliadhna. 

tri  fichit  hliadhain. 

•xl.  hliadhain. 

ocht  mbliadna  fichet. 


Ro  ghabh  Pharo  Tures  righe  Eigipte  iarttain,  7  o  ro 
gabhsomh  nert  7  cumachta,  7  o  robtar  lionmhar  a 
Idiochvadhy  ro  chuimnigh  a  eccraidhe  7  a  aincn'dhe  do 
shiol  Niuil  meic  Feniwsa,  imon  ccodach  7  imon  ccara- 
draidh  ro  nenaisg  Nel  iri  Macaibh  Israel  re  ndul  doibh  tre 
Muir  Robuir,  7  amail  rug  longa  Pharo  leis,  7  na  tard 
togri?im  na  tovuighecht  hi  cuma  chaigh  do  Mhacaibh 
Israel.  Asaidh  desidhe  iorghala  7  imserga  eatorra 
dihlinibh,  co  rosdiochuirset  iiru  Eigipte  Sru  7  a  mhac 
Eber  Scot,  co  lion  a  muinttVe,  as  in  Eigipt. 

134.  Tocomlat  tra  for  muir  do  sa.ighidh  a  nathardha 
hnnaidh,  an  Scithia,  7  Scota  ingen  Pharo  Cingcris, 
mathair  Gaedil  Glais  ina  sendataidh  imaille  írin, 
Caoga  long  a  lion,  7  ceithre  lanamhna  iic[h]eat  in  gach 
luing.     Seolaitt   iaromh   do    Muir   Robuir,   co   hinis 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    201 

132.  Gaedheal  Glas,  son  of  Nél,  took  the  rule  and 
strong  headship  of  the  aforesaid  estate,  Capachirunt, 
after  his  father's  death.  A  son  was  bom  afterwards 
to  Gaedheal  in  Egypt,  Easru  was  he.  He  was  nour- 
ished till  he  could  bear  arms,  and  he  took  the  same 
principality  after  his  father's  death.  That  Easru  had 
a  princely  son,  Sru  his  name.  He  excelled  the  warriors 
of  his  time  in  valour  and  heroism.  Easru  died  after  a 
season,  and  his  son  Sru  takes  the  principality  after 
him. 

133.  There  were  five  kings  over  Egypt  from  the  time 
of  Pharaoh  Cingcris  till  then.     These  are  their  names — 

Pharaoh  Cerres 12  years. 

Pharaoh  Armadis  .>....  5  years. 

Pharaoh  Rameses 60  years. 

Pharaoh  Amenoses 40  years. 

Pharaoh  Amenomes 28  years. 

After  that  Pharaoh  Tures  took  the  rule  of  Egypt,  and 
when  he  obtained  strength  and  power,  and  when  his 
warriors  became  numerous,  he  remembered  their 
hostility  and  unfriendliness  against  the  seed  of  Nel, 
son  of  Fenius,  in  the  matter  of  the  treaty  and  covenant 
that  Nel  formed  with  the  Children  of  Israel,  before 
they  went  through  the  Red  Sea,  and  how  he  took  the 
ships  of  Pharaoh  with  him,  and  did  not  give  rapine 
and  pursuit  to  the  Children  of  Israel  like  everyone 
else.  There  grew  up  thence  frays  and  contentions 
between  them  on  both  sides,  so  that  the  men  of  Egypt 
drove  Sru  and  his  son,  Eber  Scot,  with  the  whole  of 
their  people,  out  of  Egypt. 

134.  They  advance,  accordingly,  on  the  sea  to  their 
native  fatherland,  Scythia.  Scota,  the  daughter  of 
Pharaoh  Cingcris,  mother  of  Gaodhal  Glas,  was  with 
them  in  her  old  age.  Fifty  ships  their  tale,  twenty- 
four  couples  in  each  ship.  They  sail  thereafter  to 
the  Red  Sea,   to  the  island  of  Taprobane,   around 


202  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

Deprophane,  timcheall  Sleibe  Riffe  budh  tuaidh,  co 
rangatar  Scithia.  lar  rochtain  i  tir  doibh  isin  crich 
sin,  atbath  Scota  inghen  Pharo  aca. 

135.  As  e  ba  ri  Scithia  for  a  ccionn  an  tan  sin,  Noenbal 
mac  Baath,  meic  Noenbhail,  meic  FenÍMsa  Farsaidh. 
Atbath  Sru  mac  Eassni  iarttain,  7  ro  ecc  Noenbal  do 
thamh  aon  oidhche.  Consnisett  anwsin  siol  Noenbail 
meic  Feniwsa  7  siol  Niuil  im  flaithes  na  criche,  co  rosgab 
Eibear  Scot  an  righe  uas  cloinn  Noenbail,  alios  a  neirt. 

58  Rob  eisidhe  ceidri  na  Scithia  do  shhocht  Niuil.  Do 
rochair  an  ri  Y.hher  Scot  iar  sin  la  Noenius  mac  Noenbail, 
meic  Baaith,  m.eic  Noenbhail,  meic  Feniusa  Farsaidh. 

136.  Baoi  eccraides  marbhta  a  athar  ag  Beoamain 
mac  EibiV  Scuit  don  Noenius  cedna,  go  ro  eirgettor 
deabhtha  dearmara  7  cowgala  iomdha  eatorra  ;  go  ro 
ghab  Beoamain  an  righe  a  niort  chathaighthi  otha 
Scithia  CO  tmcht  Mara  Caisp.  Do  cer  Beoamain  iartain 
i  ccaith  EtaLinaidh  la  Noeniws,  7  gaphais  fein  an  righe 
as  a  haithle,  co  ttorchair  la  hOgamain  mac  Beoamain. 
Gebidh  Oghamain  an  righe  asendadh  cowerbail  a  aonar. 
Gabais  ReffiU  mac  Noeniusa  an  righe  iaromh,  co 
ttorchair  la  Taitt  mac  Ogamain  imon  righe.  Ro  ghab 
Tait  mac  Oghamain,  meic  Beoamain,  an  righe  co  ttor- 
chair la  Reffloir  mac  Refill.  Asaidh  iomchosnamh  eitir 
an  Reffloir  siw  7  Agnomain  mac  Taitt  meic  Oghamain 
imon  righe,  7  ro  bator  ceithre  bliadna  ag  an  iom- 
chosnamh sin,  CO  ttorchair  Reffloir  fa  dheoidh  la 
hAgnomain. 

137.  Bator  da  mac  maithi  ag  an  Reffloir  sin  mac 
ReffiU,  .i.  Noenbal  7  Reffloir.  Ro  choimerghetor- 
suidhe  in  a.ghaidh  Agnomain  meic  Taitt  imon  righe 
conax  bo  reidh  eatorra.  Mór  do  chogthaibh  7  congh.- 
alaibh  dorala  eatarra,  leath  tor  leath,  co  ro  ionnarbsat 
clann   Reffloir   meic   ReffiU   fa   deoidh   a   mbrathair 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    203 

Sliabh  Riffe  northward,  till  they  reached  Scythia. 
After  their  landing  in  that  country  Scota,  the  daughter 
of  Pharaoh,  died  among  them. 

135.  He  who  was  king  of  Scythia  on  their  arrival  at 
that  time  was  Noenbal,  son  of  Baath,  son  of  Noenbal, 
son  of  Fenius  Farsaidh.  Sru,  son  of  Easni,  died 
after  that,  and  Noenbal  died  of  plague  of  one  night. 
Then  the  seed  of  Noenbal,  son  of  Fenius,  and  the  seed 
of  Nel  fought  about  the  rule  of  the  country,  until 
Eber  Scot  took  the  kingdom  from  the  children  of 
Noenbal  by  means  of  his  might.  He  was  the  first 
king  of  Scythia  of  the  race  of  Nel.  King  Eber  Scot 
fell  after  that  by  Noenius,  son  of  Noenbal,  son  of 
Baath,  son  of  Noenbal,  son  of  Fenius  Farsaidh. 

136.  Beoamain,  son  of  Eber  Scot,  had  a  blood-feud 
for  his  father  against  the  same  Noenius,  so  that  there 
arose  violent  battles  and  many  combats  between 
them  ;  so  Beoamain  took  the  kingdom  by  strength  of 
fighting  from  Scythia  to  the  shore  of  the  Caspian  Sea. 
Beomain  fell  thereafter  in  the  battle  of  Etamadh  by 
Noenius,  and  he  himself  took  the  kingdom  thereafter, 
till  he  fell  at  the  hand  of  Ogamain,  son  of  Beoamain. 
Ogamain  takes  the  kingdom  afterwards  till  he  died  a 
natural  death.  Reifill,  son  of  Noenius,  takes  the  king- 
dom after  that,  till  he  fell  by  Tai,  son  of  Ogamain,  for 
the  sake  of  the  kingdom.  Tai,  son  of  Ogamain,  son  of 
Beoamain,  took  the  kingdom  till  he  fell  by  Refíloir,  son 
of  Reifill.  There  arose  a  contest  between  that  Reffloir 
and  Agnomain,  son  of  Tai,  son  of  Ogamain,  for  the  sake 
of  the  kingdom,  and  they  were  four  years  in  that 
contest,  till  Reffloir  fell  at  last  by  Agnomain. 

137.  That  Reffloir,  son  of  ReffiU,  had  two  good  sons, 
Noenbal  and  Reffloir.  These  arose  together  against 
Agnomain,  son  of  Tai,  for  the  sake  of  the  kingdom, 
so  that  there  was  no  peace  between  them.  Many 
battles  and  combats  took  place  between  them,  one 
against  the  other,  so  that  the  children  of  Reffloir,  son 


204  GABHÁIL  CHLOINNE  MÍLEDH 
Agnomain  mac  Taitt,  co  lion  a  muintíV^,  asin  Scithia. 
Atiet  na  toisigh  batar  lais,  .i.  Eher  mac  Tait  a  áer- 
brathair ;  EUoth,  Laimfiwd,  7  Glas,  tri  meic  Agna- 
main  ;  Caicher  draoi,  7  Cing,  da  mac  EbtV  meic  Tait. 
Tnocha  long  a  lion,  tri  fichit  in  gach  luing,  7  mna  an 
treas  fiche. 

138.  Raiset  iarom  co  rangatar  inis  Mara  Caisp. 
Anait  bliadain  innte.  Atbail  Agnamain  an  dú  si«. 
Tocomlaid  iarom  do  Muir  Libis  ;  uidhe  se  samhlaithe 
doib  occ  iomramh  ó  Inis  Caisp  gó  sin.  Foghebit  inis 
ccaoin  ttaitneamhac/t  an«,  Coronis  a  haiwm.  Airisit 
raithe  íor  bliadhwa  innti.  Atbail  Glass  mac  Agnomain 
in  ecmaing  na  ree  si«.     Seolait  iarttain  íor  muir. 

139.  Batar  iad  a  ttoisigh ;  Elloith  7  Laimhfhiwd  da 
raac  Agnamotw  ;  ba  hairi  atb^rti  "  Laimfiwd  "  lis  f o 
bith  niptar  forele  lochranwa  lasamhna  inaitt  a  lama 
isin  oidhche  ag  an  iomramh.  Cing  7  Caicher,  da  mac 
Ebfr  mic  Tait.  Ba  he  Caichear  fuair  leighiws  doib  ar 
m.eáhTadh  na  mwrduchanw,  dia  mbatar  íor  muinchind 
Mara  Caisp.  Amhlaid  ira  bit  an  muirmil  hisin,  con- 
eccosg  mbanda  leó  ó  nimlendaibh  suas,  dersgnaighes  da 
gach  baindelb  ar  chaoimhe  7  crwthaighe,  cona.  mongatbh 
fiionnbuide  tar  a  íovmnaibh  sios  ;  iascc  dawa  iaidsidhe 
o  a  nimliwdaibh  ier  niochtair.    Canaitsidhe  ceol  sir- 

59  rechtach  sirbinw  do  íoimihh  na  long  niait  ina  ccomh- 
iochvaibh,  cowtuilit  ina  ttoirchim  suain  ag  coistecht 
irin  ;  sr^angthairmgit-siomh  iaromh  foime  na  long 
chuca  o  foghabati  ina  ccoáladh  ssimlaidh^  conus 
toimlitt.  Canait  don  cur  sin  ceol  taidhiur  do  Laimh- 
find  cona.  muinttV,  dia  mbatar  ag  dul  seocha,  go  rosgabh 
an  cohlach  tas  ag  coistecht  friú  for  formna  na  fairrge. 
Torioncoisg  Caicher  dhoiph  ceir  do  leaghaiA,  día  cor 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF    MIL    205 

of  Reffill,  at  last  drove  their  kinsman  Agnomain,  son 
of  Tai,  with  all  his  people,  out  of  Scythia.  These  are 
the  chieftains  he  had  :  Eber,  son  of  Tai,  his  brother  ; 
Eliot h,  Laimhfhind,  and  Glas,  the  three  sons  of 
Agnomain  ;  Caicher  the  druid,  and  Cing,  the  two  sons 
of  Eber,  son  of  Tai.  Thirty  ships  their  tale,  three- 
score in  each  ship,  of  which  one  score  were  women. 

138.  Then  they  voyaged  till  they  reached  the  island 
of  the  Caspian  Sea.  They  stay  a  year  in  it.  Agno- 
main died  there.  After  that  they  go  to  the  sea  of  Libis  ; 
a  journey  of  six  summer  days  were  they  rowing  thither 
from  the  island  of  the  Caspian.  They  find  a  beautiful 
pleasant  island  there,  Coronis  its  name  ;  they  stay  a 
year  and  a  quarter  there.  Glas,  son  of  Agnomain,  died 
in  the  end  of  that  space.  After  that  they  sail  on  the 
sea. 

139.  These  were  their  chieftains :  EUoth  and  Laimh- 
fhind, the  two  sons  of  Agnomain  ;  for  this  reason  was 
he  called  Laimhfhind,  because  burning  lamps  were  not 
brighter  than  his  hands  in  the  night  at  the  rowing ;  Cing 
and  Caicher,  the  two  sons  of  Eber,  son  of  Tai.  It 
was  Caicher  who  found  a  remedy  for  them  against  the 
singing  of  the  mermaids,  while  they  were  in  the  strait 
of  the  Caspian  Sea.  In  this  wise  are  those  sea- 
monsters,  with  the  form  of  a  woman  from  their  navels 
upwards,  excelling  every  female  form  in  beauty  and 
shapeliness,  with  light  yellow  hair  down  over  their 
shoulders  ;  but  fishes  are  they  from  their  navels  down- 
wards. They  sing  a  musical  ever-tuneful  song  to  the  crews 
of  the  ships  that  sail  near  them,  so  that  they  fall  into  the 
stupor  of  sleep  in  listening  to  them  ;  they  afterwards 
drag  the  crews  of  the  ships  towards  them  when  they 
find  them  thus  asleep,  and  so  devour  them.  They  sing 
on  this  occasion  a  plaintive  song  to  Laimhfhind  with  his 
people,  when  they  were  going  past  them,  so  that  the  fleet 
stands  still  to  listen  to  them  on  the  surface  of  the  sea. 
Caicher  instructed  them  to  melt  wax,  to  put  it  in  their 


206         GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

ina  ccluasaibh  ar  na  cloistis  dord  na  mwrdhuchann. 
Do  gniat  ssimlaidh. 

140.  O  do  Tes2iÍTgeadh  ar  medhxadh  na  mwrduchonn 
iat  tna  comairle  Chaichir,  raiset  isesináadh  gus  an  Océn 
Mor  bud  thuaidh,  7  batar  fri  re  sechtrmine  for  iom- 
archor,  ag  cesadh  gorta  7  iotadh,  go  rangatar  an  rin« 
budh  thuaidh  do  Shleibh  Rife.  Fogheiphitt  tiopm  co 
mblas  7  séisadh  ffiona  hisuidhe,  co  ro  loingset  a  lor- 
daothain  eisti,  gombtar  mescda  medarcaoin.  Co wtuilit 
izxomh,  7  batar  isiw  ionadh  sin  re  tri  laithe  7  teora 
noidhche  cowerbairt  Caicher  fnu  ag  tairmgin  doiph, 
"  I  aill  Ará,"  .i.  "  ni  anfam  go  roisem  an  inis  nuasail 
Ere."  "  Cia  hairm  ita  '  Ere  '  ?  "  or  Láimhfinw.  "  As 
sia  uainn  ina  an  Scitia  ;  7  ni  sinn  fen  rioccf ws  1,  acht  ar 
cclanwa,  ier  ttribh  cedaibh  bliadaw." 

141.  Seolait  iaromh  for  muir  co  rangatar  na  Gaeth- 
laige ;  airisit  isin  ccrich  sin.  Genair  mac  amra  do 
Laimhfhinw  mac  Agnoiaain  anwsiw,  .i.  Ebher  Gluin- 
fhiwd.  Genar  mac  oile  do  Eallot  mac  Agnomain, 
Eber  Dubh  a  aiwm.  In  oen  aimsir  ros  fuctha  na  meic 
siw,  is  na  Gaethlaightft/t.  Baoi  iarmhúa  an  Ebir 
Gluinfhinw  sin  mac  Laimhfiwd,  .i.  Noenel  mac  Febrigh 
Glais,  meic  Aghnoin  Find,  meic  Ebir  Gluiniiwd,  7  úa 
Ebir  Duibh  meic  Elloith,  meic  Agnomatw,  .i.  Taith- 
echta  mac  Tetrig,  meic  Ebhir  Dhuib,  hi  comfhlaithes 
isna  Gaethlaigibh.  Tri  ched  bliadan  bator  siol  Gaoi- 
dhil  in  GsiOthldiighibh,  6  Laimhfiwd  mac  Agnomatn  do 
thocht  inwti  go  Brath  mac  Death  da  fághbhail. 

142.  Tocomlais  ira  an  Brath  sin,  mac  Death,  meic 
'Evchadha.y  meic  Elloith,  meic  Nuadhat,  meic  Noenel, 
meic  Febrigh  Glais,  meic  Agnoin  Finn,  meic  Ebir 
Gluinfhinw,  meic  Laimhfinw,   meic  Agnomain,  as  na 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    207 

ears,  so  that  they  should  not  hear  the  chorus  of  the 
mermaids.    They  do  thus. 

140.  When  they  were  delivered  from  the  music  of 
the  mermaids  by  the  advice  of  Caicher,  they  sailed  at 
length  to  the  great  Northern  Ocean,  and  were  for  a 
space  of  a  week  drifting  on  it,  suffering  hunger  and 
thirst,  till  they  reached  the  northern  point  of  Sliabh 
Riffe.  They  find  there  a  well  with  the  taste  and 
satisfaction  of  wine,  so  that  they  took  their  fill  from 
it  till  they  were  intoxicated  and  merry.  They  sleep 
after  that,  and  they  were  in  that  place  three  days  and 
three  nights,  till  Caicher  said  to  them,  prophesying  to 
them,  "  I  axil  Ara'' ;  that  is,  "we  shall  not  tarry  till 
we  reach  the  noble  island  of  Ireland."  "  In  what 
place  is  '  Ireland  '  "  ?  said  Laimhfhind.  "  Farther 
from  us  than  Scythia  ;  and  not  ourselves  will  reach  it 
but  our  children,  after  three  hundred  years." 

141.  After  that  they  sail  on  the  sea  till  they  reached 
the  Gaethlaighe  ;  they  stay  in  that  land.  A  noble 
son  was  bom  to  Laimhfhind,  son  of  Agnomain,  there, 
namely,  Eber  Whiteknee.  Another  son  was  bom  to 
Ealloth,  son  of  Agnomain,  Eber  the  Black  his  name. 
In  one  and  the  same  time  were  bom  those  boys,  at  the 
Gaethlaighe.  They  were  the  great-grandson  of  that 
Eber  Whiteknee,  son  of  Laimhfhind,  namely,  Noenel,  son 
of  Febri  Glas,  son  of  Aghnon  the  White,  son  of  Eber 
Whiteknee,  and  the  grandson  of  Eber  the  Black,  son 
of  EUoth,  son  of  Agnomain,  namely,  Taithechta,  son 
of  Tetrech,  son  of  Eber  the  Black,  who  were  in  joint 
rule  in  the  Gaethlaighe.  Three  hundred  years  were 
the  seed  of  Gaedheal  in  the  Gaethlaighe,  from  the  time 
when  Laimhfhind,  son  of  Agnomain,  came  into  it,  till 
Brath,  son  of  Death,  left  it. 

142.  Then  that  Brath,  son  of  Death,  son  of  Erchaidh, 
son  of  Elloth,  son  of  Nuadha,  son  of  Noenel,  son  of 
Febri  the  Green,  son  of  Agnon  the  White,  son  of  Eber 
Whiteknee,   son   of   Laimhfhind,   son  of    Agnomain, 


2o8  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE    MÍLEDH 

Gaethlaighí6/j  for  muir  iar  necc  a  sinnser.  Cethracha 
long  a  lion.  Seolaitt  do  Creid,  do  Sicil  deisil  nEorpa, 
go  rangatar  Easpain.  Atiatt  a  ttoisigh  an  tan  sin  ; 
Brath  bhodein  ;  Occe  7  Uicci  da  mac  Elloith,  meic 
Noenbail,  meic  Neimhidh,  meic  EUoith,  meic  Oghamain, 
meic  Totheachta,  meic  Tetrig,  meic  Ebir  Duib,  meic 
EUoith,  meic  Agnamain,  meic  Taitt,  meic  Oghamaí'n  ; 
Manntan  mac  Caichir,  m.eic  Erchadha,  meic  Coeim- 
teachta,  meic  Soeta,  meic  Mantain,  meic  Caichir 
drwadh,  meic  Eibir,  m.eic  Taitt  meic  Ogamain. 

143.  Raointe  tri  catha  reampa  ier  rochtain  Eas- 
paine   doibh ;    cath   for  Toisiona,    cath   íor    Bachra, 

60  7  an  treas  cath  for  Longbardaib.  TeacomhnacazV 
támh  doibh  iertain,  conanpaXar  foirenw  dá  long  diobh 
imo  tioise3ichaibh  Occe  7  Uicce,  cenmotha  deichneabhar 
doémá  im  da  mac  na  ttoiseach  remhraite  .i.  im  Én 
mac  Occe  7  im  Un  mac  Uicce. 

144.  Rnccadh  mac  do  Brath  mac  Death  iertain  isin 
Espain,  Breoghan  a  ainmsidhe.  Ro  hoileadh  go  mba 
hinfhedhma.  Atbath  Brath  iar  ttri'oU  7  gabais  Breo- 
ghan an  fiaithes  dia  eis.  Ro  eirghetar  deabtha  7 
déchetfadha,  iorghala  7  imresna,  eitir  ilchenela  na 
hEspaine  7  fine  Gaeidhil,  go  ro  úgheadh  catha  7  con- 
gala  iomdha  etorra.  Acht  cena  ba  he  Breogan  cowa 
mikii/iaibh  7  muintir  robtar  cosgraig/i  in  gach  caith- 
ghliaidh,  7  ba  reampa  ro  ba  raon,  gur  bat  riarac/t  na 
cenela  sin  na  HEspaine  do  fo  dheoidh. 

145.  Ro  cumdacht  cathair  iaromh  la  Breoghan 
isin  Easpain,  Brigantia  a  hainm,  7  do  ronadh  tor  lais 
ara  hionchaibh,  dia  ngoirter  Tor  Breoghain.  lostadh 
aoibhind  airerda,  7  ionadh  feithme  7  fairccsena  eisidhe. 
Ro  taismedh  clann  o'n   Breoghan  sin   isin  Easpain 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN    OF   MIL    209 

proceeded  from  the  Gaethlaighe  over  sea,  after  the 
death  of  his  ancestors.  Forty  ships  his  tale.  They 
sail  to  Crete,  to  Sicily,  keeping  Europe  on  the  right,  till 
they  reached  Spain.  These  were  their  chieftains  then  : 
Brath  himself  ;  Occe  and  Uicce,  the  two  sons  of  EUoth, 
son  of  Noenbal,  son  of  Neimhedh,  son  of  EUoth,  son 
of  Oghamain,  son  of  Tothechta,  son  of  Tetrech,  son  of 
Eber  the  Black,  son  of  EUoth,  son  of  Agnomain,  son 
of  Tai,  son  of  Oghamain  ;  Mantan,  son  of  Caicher,  son 
of  Ercadh,  son  of  Caomtecht,  son  of  Soet,  son  of  Mantan, 
son  of  Caicher  the  Druid,  son  of  Eber,  son  of  Tai,  son 
of  Oghamain. 

143.  Three  battles  were  won  by  them  after  they 
reached  Spain  ;  a  battle  against  the  Toisiona,  a  battle 
against  the  Bachra,  and  the  third  battle  against  the 
Lombards.  A  plague  feU  out  among  them  after  that, 
so  that  two  ships'  crews  of  them  died,  headed  by  the 
chiefs  Occe  and  Uicce,  except  ten  who  escaped,  headed 
by  the  two  sons  of  the  aforementioned  chieftains, 
namely,  En  son  of  Occe,  and  Un  son  of  Uicce. 

144.  A  son  was  bom  to  Brath,  son  of  Death,  after- 
wards in  Spain,  Breoghan  his  name.  He  was  nourished 
tiU  he  was  able  to  bear  arms.  Brath  died  after  a 
while,  and  Breoghan  takes  the  princedom  after  him. 
There  arose  strifes  and  discords,  quarrels  and  disputes 
between  the  various  races  of  Spain  and  the  tribe  of 
Gaedheal,  so  that  many  battles  and  skirmishes  were 
fought  between  them.  However,  it  was  Breoghan  with 
his  soldiers  and  people  who  were  victorious  in  every 
battle-combat,  and  theirs  was  the  victory,  so  that 
those  tribes  of  Spain  were  submissive  to  them  at  last. 

145.  Afterwards  a  city  was  founded  by  Breoghan 
in  Spain,  Brigantia  its  name,  and  a  tower  was  built 
by  him  in  front  of  it,  which  is  called  Breoghan' s  Tower. 
A  pleasant  dehghtful  dwelling,  and  a  place  for  watch 
and  outlook  was  that.  Children  were  bom  of  that 
Breoghan  in  Spain  afterwards  ;  these  are  their  names : 

o 


210  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

iarttain  ;    atiat  an  anmanwa,  Bregh,  Cuala,  Cuailnge, 
Bladh,  Fuad,  Muirthemne,  Eble,  Nár,  Ith,  7  Bile. 

146.  As  dforaithmet  7  do  réladh  senchasa  Gaoidhil 
co«a  shíol  do  canadh  ai\  dúan-sa  sios  ;  Giolla  Caoimh- 
ghin  cecinit,* 

a     Gaedheal  Glas  ottátt  Gaeidhil — 
mac  saidhe  Niúil  nertmaoimg^  ; 
ro  ba  tren  thiar  7  toir, 
Nel  mac  Faeiniwsa  Farsaidh. 

b     Da  mhac  ag  FenÍMs,  íior  dhamh, 
Nel  ar  nathair  is  Noenbal ; 
ragadh  Nel  ag  an  tur  toir, 
Noenbal  'san  Scithia  sgiathgloin. 

c      Nel  mac  Feiniusa  nir  ffann,^ 
luidh  in  Eigipt  co  Foranw  ; 
i  feronw  Egipti  iar  soin, 
rugadh  Gaoidhel  ar  nathoir. 

d      Sru  mac  Eassrú  meic  Gaoidhil, 
ar  sen-athair  sluagh-faoiltíí/t, 
as  é  luidh  bho  thuaidh  dia  toich, 
tar  ucht  mara  róaidh  Roboir. 

e      Cáoga  lóideng  líon  a  sluaigh, 
raiset  tar  an  ro-Muir  Ruaidh  ; 
tall  in  gach  cláradba  as  ced, 
ceitn  lanamna  fichead. 

í      Flaith  na  Scitia,  ba  gairm  glan, 
an  giolla  dár  baiwm  Noenbhal, 
as  anw  atbath  ga  toigh  thall, 
tan  rangatar  Gaoidh^^c[h]lann. 

^  3Áneo\ach. 
*  Giolla  Caoimhghin  cecinií  added  in  a  later  hand. 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN   OF   MIL    211 

Bregh,    Cuala,    Cuailnge,    Blad,    Fuad,    Muirthemne, 
Eble,  Nar,  Ith,  and  Bile. 

146.  To  commemorate  and  display  the  history  of 
Gaedheal  and  his  seed,  the  following  poem  was  sung ; 
Giolla  Caiomhghin  composed  it — 

a     Gaedheal  Glas,  from  whom  are  the  Gaedhil — 
he  is  the  son  of  Nel  of  mighty  wealth  ; 
he  was  strong  west  and  east, 
Nel,  son  of  Fenius  Farsaidh. 

b     Two  sons  had  Fenius,  truth  I  tell, 
Nel  our  father,  and  Noenbal ; 
Nel  was  bom  at  the  tower  in  the  East, 
Noenbal  in  Sc5rthia  of  pure  shield. 

c      Nel,  son  of  Fenius,  who  was  not  weak, 
went  into  Egypt  to  Pharaoh  ; 
in  the  land  of  Egypt  after  that 
was  bom  Gaedheal  our  father. 

d     Sru,  son  of  Easru,  son  of  Gaedheal, 
our  ancestor,  of  the  joyous  host, 
he  went  northward  to  his  home, 
over  the  bosom  of  the  ruddy  Red  Sea. 

e      Fifty  ships  the  tale  of  their  host, 
who  sailed  on  the  great  Red  Sea  ; 
there  on  every  deck-abode  is  permitted, 
four-and- twenty  wedded  couples. 

Í      The  prince  of  Scythia,  it  was  a  brilliant  title, 
the  youth  whose  name  was  Noenbal, 
died  there  at  his  house  yonder, 
when  the  Gaedheal-tribe  arrived. 

^  ignorant. 


212  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

g     Gabais  Ebher  Scot  na  scál 
OS  cloinw  Noenbail  conemnár, 
CO  ttorchair,  gan  caoines  ccain, 
las  an  Noeines  mac  Noenbail. 

h     Neartmar  mac  Eibhir  ierttain, 
dar  baiwm  hechtgldni  Beoamain  ; 
CO  traigh  Mara  Caisp  ba  rí, 
CO  ttorchair  do  laimh  Noeni. 

6i  i      Noeniws  ba  mac  Noenbail  nirt, 

gahaidh  an  Scithia  scíath-bric  ; 
do  cer  an  flaith  comlan  cain, 
la  hOghman  mac  Beoamain. 

j      Oghamain  iarom  ba  flaith, 
tar  eis  Noenius  n^rtmaith  ; 
cowerbailt  i  ccrine  cind  ; 
da  eise  righi  Riffil. 

k     Do  rochair  Riffill  iar  soin 
do  laim  Tait  meic  Ogamoin  ; 
do  cer  Tait,  tenw-coir  nar  tim, 
do  laim  Refíioir  meic  Rifíill. 

1      Reffloir,  Agnomain  gan  on, 
ceitn  bliadna  in  iomchosnomh  ; 
CO  ttorchair  Reffloir  roglaw 
la  mac  Tait,  la  hAgnoman. 

m    Noenel  is  Reffloir  co  rin», 
da  mac  Reffloir  meic  Riffill, 
ionnarbsat  Agnomain  ass 
tar  an  muir  mediach  morglas. 


OCCUPATION    OF   CHILDREN  OF   MIL     213 

g     Eber  Scot  of  the  champions  becomes  king 
over  the  children  of  Noenbal  unreproached, 
till  he  fell,  without  tender  compassion, 
by  Noenius  son  of  Noenbal. 

h     Powerful  the  son  of  Eber  afterwards, 
whose  exact  bright  name  was  Beoamain  ; 
to  the  shore  of  the  Caspian  Sea  he  becomes  king, 
till  he  fell  by  the  hand  of  Noenius. 

i      Noenius,  who  was  son  of  Noenbal  of  strength, 
takes  Scythia  of  speckled  shields  ; 
the  perfect  kindly  chief  fell 
at  the  hand  of  Oghamain,  son  of  Beoamain. 

3      Oghamain  afterwards  was  prince, 
after  Noenius  of  good  strength  ; 
so  that  he  died  in  hoarness  of  head  ; 
after  him  was  the  kingdom  of  Rifhll. 

k     After  that  fell  Rifhll 

by  the  hand  of  Tai,  son  of  Oghamain  ; 
Tai  fell,  a  firm  crime  that  was  not  weak, 
by  the  hand  of  Reffloir,  son  of  Rifhll. 

1      Reffloir,  Agnomain  without  reproach, 
four  years  [were]  in  strife  ; 
till  Reííioir  the  glorious  fell 
before  the  son  of  Tai,  before  Agnomain. 

m    Noenel  and  Refiloir  with  a  spear, 
the  two  sons  of  Refiloir,  son  of  Rifhll, 
drove  Agnomain  out 
over  the  great  green  merry  sea. 


214  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MILEDH 

n     Maithe  na  toisigh  ba  dia  ; 
tangator  asan  Scithia — 
Agnomain,  Ebher  gan  ail, 
da  mac  Tait,  meic  Oghamoin. 

o     EUoit,  Laimhfionw,  Glass  lon«  leir, 
tri  meic  Agnom^m  imrél ; 
Caicher  is  Cing,  clú  go  mbuaidh, 
da  deg-mac  d'Eb^r  each-lúaith. 

p     An  aiream  tnocha  longa, 
ag  tiochtain  tar  trom-ton«a  ; 
tri  fiichit  each  luing  dibh  de, 
agus  mná  an  tres  íiche. 

q     Atbath  Agnamain,  cen  aiscc, 
OS  muincinw  Mara  mor-Chaisp  ; 
bail  imbatar  iri  bliadaiw, 
a  ffuarattor  ro-diamair. 

r      Rangatar  Mur  Libis  lán, 
seoladh  se  samhlaithe  slán  ; 
Glas  mac  Agnamain,  nar  dis, 
an«  atbath  i  Coronis. 

s      Caoin  inis  fuaratíir  ann, 

for  Muir  Libis  na  laech-lanw  ; 
raithe  for  bliadha/w,  co  mbloidh, 
an  aittreabh  san  ionadh  soin. 

t      Seolait  for  muir,  monar  ngle, 
eittV  laithe  7  oidhche  ; 
taitneam  lam  Laimhfhinn  lainnrigh 
bat  cosmail  iri  caom-chaindlt6A. 


OCCUPATION  OF  CHILDREN   OF   MIL     215 

n    Good  the  chieftains  who  were  after  him  (?)  ; 
who  came  out  of  Scythia — 
Agnomain,  Eber  without  stain, 
the  two  sons  of  Tai,  son  of  Oghamain. 

)      Elloit,  Laimhfhinn,  Glas,  bold  and  prudent, 
the  three  sons  of  Agnomain  the  very  rightful ; 
Caicher  and  Cing,  fame  with  victory, 
the  two  good  sons  of  Eber  of  steed-swiftness. 

)     Their  number  thirty  ships, 
coming  over  the  heavy  waves  ; 
three  score  each  ship  of  them, 
and  one  score  of  them  women. 

\     Agnomain  died,  without  reproach, 
on  the  strait  of  the  great  Caspian  sea  ; 
the  place  in  which  they  were  for  a  year, 
where  they  found  a  great  mystery. 

They  reached  the  full  sea  of  Libis, 
a  saiUng  of  six  complete  summer  days  ; 
Glas,  son  of  Agnomain,  who  was  not  poor, 
died  there  in  Coronis. 

5      A  beautiful  island  they  found  there, 
on  the  sea  of  Libis  of  hero-blades  ; 
a  season  and  a  year,  with  renown, 
their  residence  in  that  place. 

t      They  sail  on  the  sea,  a  bright  deed, 
both  day  and  night ; 

the  sheen  of  the  hands  of  Laimhfhinn  bright 
was  like  beautiful  candles. 


2i6  GABHÁIL   CHLOINNE   MÍLEDH 

u      Ceithre  toisigh  doib,  nar  dis, 
ag  tiochtain  do  Muir  Lipis  ; 
EUoith,  Laimfionw,  luaiter  libh, 
Cing,  is  a  brathair  Caichir. 

V     Caicher  fuair  leighiws  dhoibh  thall 
ar  mesiáhTadh  na  murdhuchanw, 
cowerbairt  riú  Caicher  cain 
cer  do  leghadh  na  ccluasaibh. 

w     As  e  Caicher  comhol  ngle 
do  rigne  doibh  faistine, 
ag  Sleibtibh  Riffe,  gun  rinw — 
"  Ni  fhuil  fos  duibh  co  hErin«." 

X      "  Cia  hairm  ita  an  '  Ere  '  ard  ?  " 
ar  LaimhfhionM  luchair  langarg. 
"  Imcian  uaibh  "  ol  Caicher  anw, 
"  ni  sibh  rice,  acht  bar  ccaomclanw." 

y     Cingset  ina  ccath  co  ffi,^ 

budh  deas  seach  rindibh  Riffi — 
clanwa  GaoidhtV  gongloine — 
coMgabsat  na  Gaethloighe. 

z      Geanair  gein  amhra  anwsoin 
do  Laimfhiwd  mac  Agnomoin, 
62  Ebher  Gluinfhiwd,  glan  a  li, 

senathair  foltchas  Febri. 

a'     Fine  Gaoidhil  garta,  ghil,  • 

tri  ced  bliadain  san  tir  sin  ; 
treabsat  í  o  soin  amach, 
no  gMr  geineadh  Brath  búadhach. 

^  CO  neimh. 


OCCUPATION  OF   CHILDREN  OF  MIL     217 

u      Four  chieftains  they  had,  that  were  not  poor, 
coming  to  the  sea  of  Libis  ; 
EUoth,  Laimhfhinn,  be  it  related  by  you, 
Cing,  and  his  brother  Caicher. 

V     It  was  Caicher  who  found  a  remedy  for  them  over 
there 
for  the  charming  of  the  mermaids, 
so  that  fair  Caicher  said  to  them 
to  melt  wax  into  their  ears. 

w     It  is  Caicher  of  bright  perfection 
who  made  a  prophecy  to  them, 
at  the  mountains  of  Riffe,  at  the  point — 
"  There  is  no  rest  for  you  till  Ireland." 

X      "  What  place  is  that  lofty  Ireland  ?  " 
said  bright  ferocious  Laimhfhinn. 
"  Very  far  from  you,"  said  Caicher  there, 
"  not  ye  will  reach  it,  but  your  fair  children." 

y     They  progress  in  their  battalion  with  venom  : 
southward  beyond  the  points  of  Riffe — 
the  children  of  Gaedheal  with  fury — 
till  they  occupied  the  Gaethlaighe. 

z      A  noble  birth  was  bom  there 
to  Laimhfhind,  son  of  Agnomain, 
Eber  white-knee,  clear  his  complexion, 
curl-haired  grandfather  of  Feibri. 

a'    The  tribe  of  Gaedheal  renowned,  white, 
three  hundred  years  were  in  that  land  ; 
they  cultivated  it  from  that  out, 
till  victorious  Brath  was  bom. 

*  with  venom. 


2i8  GABHÁIL  CHLOINNE  MÍLEDH 

b'    Brath,  deghmhac  Deaadh  dil, 
tanaic  do  Creid,  do  Shiccil, 
cethracha  long  seolta  saimh, 
deisiol  nEorpa,  co  hEspain. 

c'     Occe  7  Uicce  gan  ail, 

da  mac  Ealloit  meic  Noenbail, 
Mantan  mac  Caichir,  Brath  bil, 
atiet  a  ceithri  toisigh. 

d'    Tren  na  tuir  tudhchator  ann, 
fine  Gaeidil  na  ngormlanw  ; 
tre  nert  goile,  ire  gniomh  gaidh, 
raoinsiot  tn  catha  in  Espáin. 

e'     Ard  an  cedchath,  nocha  chel, 
ro  sraoinset  for  sluagh  Toisen  ; 
cath  for  Bachru  ba  garhh  goil, 
agus  cath  for  Longbardoibh. 

f '     Ba  tar  eis  an  chatha  cle, 
dos  ianaicc  tarn  enlaithe  ; 
lucht  long  meic  nEUoit,  gan  on, 
batar  mairbh  acht  deichneabhor. 

g'    Do  emaidhset  Un  7  En, 

da  deghmac  na  ttoiseach  ttrén 
iar  sin  ro  genair  Breoghain, 
athair  Bile  bailc-dremhain. 

h'    Brisis  mor  ccomlanw  is  ccath 
for  sluagh  nEspaine  nughrach, 
Breoghan  na  nglor  gal,  ba  nia, 
leis  do  ronadh  Brigantia. 


OCCUPATION   OF  CHILDREN  OF   MIL      219 

b'    Brath,  good  son  of  faithful  Death, 
came  to  Crete,  to  Sicily, 
forty  ships  of  a  quiet  sailing, 
right-hand  to  Europe,  to  Spain. 

c'     Occe  and  Uicce,  without  blemish, 

the  two  sons  of  EUoth,  son  of  Noenbal, 
Mantan,  son  of  Caicher,  Brath  the  lucky, 
these  are  their  four  chieftains. 

d'    Strong  the  heroes  who  came  there, 

the  tribe  of  Gaedheal  of  the  blue  blades  ; 

by  the  strength  of  valour,  by  deeds  of  stress  (?) 

They  won  three  battles  in  Spain. 

e'    High  the  first  fight,  I  will  not  conceal  it, 
they  Won  against  the  host  of  Toisen  ; 
a  battle  against  the  Bachra,  it  was  rough  in  valour, 
and  a  battle  against  the  Lombards. 

f '     It  was  after  the  unlucky  battle, 

that  a  plague  of  one  day  came  to  them  ; 

the  people  of  the  ships  of  the  son  of  Elloth,  without 

blemish, 
died  save  ten  men. 

g'    Un  and  En  escaped, 

the  two  good  sons  of  the  strong  chiefs  ; 
after  that  Breoghan  was  bom, 
father  of  strong  furious  Bile. 

h'    He  wins  many  combats  and  battles 
against  the  contentious  hosts  of  Spain, 
Breoghan  of  the  noise  of  fights,  who  was  a  champion, 
by  him  Brigantia  was  made. 


220         GABHAIL  CHLOINNE  MILEDH 

i'     Deich  meic  Breogain  gan  meirbe, 
Brea,  Fúad,  is  Muirtemhne, 
Cuailngne  (sic),  Cuala,  Bladh  mo  alle, 
Ebhle,  Ith,  Nár,  is  Bile. 

)'     Bile  mac  Breoghain  blaith  bil, 
as  do  roba  mac  Milidh  ; 
ro  ba  ceann  toisech  is  treabh, 
d'iine  noiseach  nert-Ghaoidheal. 

147.  Ro  geineadh  mac  oirrd^rc  oireaghdha  on  mBile 
sin  mac  Breoghain  isin  Easpáin  ;  Golam  ataconmaic. 
Ro  hoUeadh  go  mba  hinfhedhma,  hi  ceidaibh  goile  7 
gaiscc^,  eittV  oidedhaib  gacha  foghloma,  co  rucc- 
saidhe  do  occaip  a  aimsire  ar  luth  7  ar  Isiochdacht  7  ar 
gach  bfoghlaim  archena. 


OCCUPATION  OF  CHILDREN   OF  MIL     221 

i'     Ten  sons  of  Breoghan  without  weakness, 
Brea,  Fuad,  and  Muirthemne, 
Cuailnge,  Cuala,  Blad  as  well, 
Ebhle,  Ith,  Nar,  arid  Bile. 

j'     Bile,  son  of  Breoghan  of  lucky  fame, 
to  him  was  Mil  a  son  ; 
who  was  head  of  princes  and  tribes, 
of  the  noble  race  of  the  strong  Gaedhil. 

147.  A  famous  noble  son  was  born  of  that  Bile,  son  of 
Breoghan,  in  Spain  ;  Golam  is  he.  He  was  nourished 
till  he  was  able  to  bear  arms,  in  the  arts  of  valour  and 
warfare,  among  tutors  of  every  learning,  till  he  sur- 
passed the  youths  of  his  time  in  swiftness  and  valour 
and  every  learning  besides. 


(ALT    XII) 

DO  IMTHEACHT^/BH  GOLAIMH  lAEIC  BILE,  Mf/C  BREO- 
CHAIN,  ON  SPAIN  GOS  AN  SCITHIA,  7  AMH  AIL  DO  ROINE 
CLEAMHN^S  INNTE,  DIA  TTUG  SENG  INGHEN  REF- 
FLOIR  ;  DON  FHOTHA  IMA  RO  LUIDH  EISTE,  7  DONA 
HÁITIBH  INDEACH^/DH  7  IN  RO  AIRIS,  GO  GABAIL 
63  ESPAINE  DO  RIDHISI,   ATHFIADHAR  SÍOSANA  COL- 

LÉICC. 

148.  iar  bforbhadh  cecha  foghloma  do  Gholamh 
mac  Bile,  amhail  atrubramar,  7  o  do  riacht  co  háeis 
ferrdhata,  do  ruimin  ina  mhenmain  nar  bho  miadh  no 
maisi  dho  gan  eolws  7  aithentws  a  domnwsa  duitchi  7  a 
hraitreach  hunaidh  isin  Scithia  Gréccda  do  beith  aicce 
7  aithentws  7  taisteal  aile  crioch  cenmotaisidhe.  Ro 
comhairleicc  iri  a  choimfhialws  7  chomhihuilidhe  dul  iris 
in  toisg  sin,  7  ro  cedaighset  dho  saorchuairt  na  Scithia 
do  thabhairt.  O  rob  erlamh  gach  nadhailge,  ranaic 
Golamh  ales  do  dhul  for  an  eachtm  sin,  7  ó  robtar 
ellma  ionmara  a  longa,  luidsidhe  inwtibh  foireann 
cetheora  long  danradhai&/i,  forbtha  i  ffo[c]chluim  gach 
gSiisgidhf  7  d'ógaibh  ecclonwda  infhedhma  sleachta 
GaoidhiV  Glais  meic  Niuil,  meic  Feniwsa  Faxsaidh. 

149.  Atiat  anmanwa  na  nsiiiech  7  na  n-oigtighem 
hditar  ina  coimthecht  ior  an  ter«s  sin.  Oicce  mac 
Eóin,  raeic  Oicce,  meic  Elloith,  meic  Noenbail,  Taeic 
"i^eimhidh,  meic  Elloith,  meic  Oghamaiw,  meic  Toith- 
eachta,  meic  Tétrigh,  meic  Ebir  Duib,  meic  Elloith,  meic 
Agnomaiw,  ga  ccomraicc  7  Golam.    Uicce  mac  Uin, 


(CHAPTER   XII) 

OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH,  SON  OF  BILE,  SON  OF 
BREOGHAN.  FROM  SPAIN  TO  SCYTHIA,  AND  HOW  HE 
MADE  A  MARRIAGE  THERE,  WHEN  HE  TOOK  SENG, 
DAUGHTER  OF  REFFLOIR  :  OF  THE  CAUSE  WHY 
HE  DEPARTED  FROM  THERE,  AND  OF  THE  PLACES 
WHERETO  HE  CAME  AND  WHEREIN  HE  SOJOURNED, 
TILL  HE  TOOK  SPAIN  AGAIN,  IS  HERE  RELATED 
AT   PRESENT. 

148.  After  Golamh,  son  of  Bile,  completed  all  learn- 
ing, as  we  have  related,  and  when  he  came  to  the  age 
of  manhood,  he  reflected  that  it  was  no  credit  or 
honour  to  him  that  he  had  no  knowledge  or  acquaint- 
ance with  his  native  home  and  his  kin-brethren  in 
Grecian  Scythia,  or  acquaintance  with  or  travel  in  other 
countries  besides.  He  sought  leave  of  his  kin  and  tribes- 
men to  go  on  that  journey,  and  they  gave  him  leave 
to  go  on  a  free  visit  to  Scythia.  When  every  necessary 
that  was  needful  for  Golamh  in  going  on  that  adven- 
ture, was  ready,  and  when  his  ships  were  prepared  and 
seaworthy,  he  went  into  them  with  the  crew  of  four 
ships  of  men  of  rank,  perfect  in  the  learning  of  all 
valour,  and  of  champion  youths  fit  to  bear  arms,  of 
the  race  of  Gaodhal  Glas,  son  of  Nel,  son  of  Fenius 
Farsaidh. 

149.  These  are  the  names  of  the  chiefs  and  lordlings 

that  were  in  his  company  on  that  journey.     Occe,  son 

of  En,  son  of  Occe,  son  of  EUoth,  son  of  Noenbal,  son 

of  Neimidh,  son  of  Elloth,  son  of  Oghamain,  son  of 

Toithechta,  son  of  Tetrech,  son  of  Eber  the  Black,  son 

of  Elloth,  son  of  Agnomain,  at  whom  his  pedigree  meets 

that  of  Golamh.    Uicce,  son  of  Un,  son  of  Uicce,  son  of 

223 


224        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

meic  Uicce,  meic  Elloith  ycra.  Caicher  mac  Manwtain, 
meic  Caichir,  meic  Evchadha.,  meic  Caoimthechta,  meic 
Soeta,  meic  Manntain,  m.eic  CaichtV  Drúadh,  m.eic 
Ebir,  meic  Tait,  meic  Oghamain.  Buas,  Bres,  7 
Buaighne,  tri  meic  Tigemhaird  m.eic  Brega,  m.eic 
Breoghain,  ga  ccommicit  iri  Galom.  Suirgi  mac 
Caichir,  m.eic  Mantaiw,  m.eic  Caichir,  7c  :  go  roighnibh 
ro-ghalgat  roghlach  na  hvmadh-iievmi  or  fhasatar  cen- 
mothat  indsiw.  Raiset  iarom  for  an  muinchinw  mui- 
ridhe  do  Gatian,  do  Cholamnaibh  Ercuil,  do  Siccil,  7 
da  gach  cuan  go  aroile,  co  rangatar  Scithia. 

150.  As  é  ba  ri  for  an  Scitia  an  tan  siw,  Reffloir  mac 
Nema,  do  shiol  Noenbail  m.eic  Feniwsa  Farsaith.  O 
ro  gabhsat  caladh  ro  foacht  dhiobh  cuich  haXar  iad. 
Atfedat  iaromh.  O  ro  sloinwset  a  cceinel  do  Scith- 
ecohaihh  xdbtar  faoiliWA  reampa,  7  nosfiadhaigMt,  7 
nos  fnothailet  do  ghaoine  cecAa  maithiwsa  con  rangatar 
a  les.  Batar  cartanaig/i  cndeshercaigh  an  ri  Reffloir 
CO  Scithecdat^A,  7  Golamh  cowa  muintiV,  imoroile,  ier 
ffios  a  ccairdesa  7  a  ccoimfhialwsa,  7  o  ro  taiscelsat 
airrdhe  7  inwethem  cechtarn3.e  U3.iáhibh,  Do  hert  an 
ri  Reffloir  iar  ttrioll  dia  úidh  gor  bo  hiomsirgidhi  i  dhó 
inghen  alainw  aentoma  ro  baoi  lais  do  emaidhm  fnsin 
ti  Golam,  ar  aoi  a  uaisle  7  a  ergna,  a  nirt  7  a  niadhachais. 
As  rubradh  fnsiomh  iwdsin,  7  ro  hettws  úad,  go  ros 
dientuigheadh  a  coiblighe.  Dosnaittreabh  Golamh  cona. 
muinttV  isiw  Scithia,  ó  roba  cHamhain  do'n  righ  Reffloir, 
CO  rug  ing^w  an  righ — Seng  inghen  Reffloir  a  hainm — 
da  mac  dho,  .i.  Donn  7  Ereach  an  anmanwa.  Ba 
tniWeadh  anma  don  Donn  hisin,  Eb^r  Donw  do  gairm 
de. 
64  151.  Gabhais  iarom  an  ti  Golamh  fortamlacht  7  tren 
mór  eittV  Scitheaccdhaibh,   go  mba  suaill  nar  bhó 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF   GOLAMH       225 

EUoth,  etc.  Caicher,  son  of  Manntan,  son  of  Caicher, 
son  of  Erchadh,  son  of  Caimthecht,  son  of  Soet,  son  of 
Manntan,  son  of  Caicher  the  Druid,  son  of  Eber,  son 
of  Tai,  son  of  Oghamain.  Buas,  Bres,  and  Buaigne, 
the  three  sons  of  Tigernbard,  son  of  Breg,  son  of 
Breoghan,  at  whom  his  pedigree  meets  that  of  Golamh. 
Suirge,  son  of  Caicher,  son  of  Manntan,  son  of  Caicher, 
etc.  ;  with  the  choice  of  the  valiant  heroes  of  the  root- 
stock  from  which  they  grew,  as  well  as  these.  Then 
they  sailed  on  the  strait  of  the  sea  to  Gades,  to  the 
Pillars  of  Hercules,  to  Sicily,  and  from  one  harbour 
to  another,  till  they  reached  Scythia. 

150.  He  who  was  king  over  Scythia  then  was  Ref- 
floir,  son  of  Nem,  of  the  seed  of  Noenbal,  son  of  Fenius 
Farsaidh.  When  they  took  harbour  he  enquired  of  them 
whence  they  were.  Then  they  tell  him.  When  they 
had  related  their  kindred  to  the  Scythians,  they  were 
hospitable  to  them,  and  honoured  them,  and  served 
them  with  the  choice  of  everything  good  that  was 
needful  to  them.  King  Reffloir  with  the  Scythians, 
and  Golamh  with  his  people,  were  kindly  and  affec- 
tionate one  with  the  other,  after  they  had  learned  of 
their  friendship  and  kinship,  and  after  they  made 
known  the  purpose  and  design  (?)  of  each  of  them. 
After  a  while  the  king  considered  that  it  was  fitting 
for  him  to  betroth  a  beautiful  marriageable  daughter 
he  had  to  Golamh,  on  account  of  his  nobility  and  his 
learning,  his  strength  and  his  valour.  That  was  told 
to  him,  and  he  consented,  so  that  the  match  was 
agreed  upon.  Golamh  and  his  people  dwelt  in  Scythia, 
since  he  was  king  Reffioir's  son-in-law,  till  the  king's 
daughter — Seng,  daughter  of  Reffloir,  was  her  name — 
bore  him  two  sons,  Donn  and  Erech  were  their  names. 
A  further  name  had  this  Donn  ;  he  was  called  Eber 
Donn. 

151.  Then  Golamh  assumed  strength  and  great 
power  among  the  Scythians,  till  he  was  all  but  stronger 


226         DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

sonairte  isiw  ccrich  inas  an  ri  Reffloir,  ar  a  aidhbhle  ro 
charsat  lucht  an  tire  co  coitchenw  e,  ar  a  chaonairill^á/j. 
Dob^rt  an  ri  dia  úidh  an  ni  siw,  co  ros  lion  d'fhormad 
7  d'fhirmiscais  Golaimh,  d'uaman  a  theacht  fris  imon 
righe  7  an  crioch  do  ghabail  for  a  belaibh,  febh  ro 
ghabhsat  sinnsir  Golaim  Uin  a  bhunaidhchenel-som 
i^cht  riamh.  Ro  haisneidh^íí/í  fios  an  ainchridhe  7  an 
mhioruin  siw  co  hincleithe  do  Ghol«w/i,  co  wbaoi  for 
a  comdha  7  ina  urfhoichill.  Ro  infhas  7  ro  forbhair 
fa  dheoidh  eccraiteas  Reffloir  ima  chliamhain,  cona  ro 
damhair  dho  gan  comlonw  aoinfhir  dfogm  fair.  Nochar 
miadh  tva  la  Golamh  comlanw  aoinfhir  do  émgadh  for 
nach  naen  itir,  go  ros  ionwsaigh  fein  7  Reffloir  aroile, 
CO  mbator  occ  iommhadh  (sic)  a  cele  fri  haXhaidh  foda  ; 
go  ros  gonastair  an  ti  Golamh  Reffloir,  uair  ro  clan- 
nustzx  an  ccr^oisigh  ccróidheirg  tna  na  sliasait ;  7  ro 
eitíVdeb'g/íset  a  muinttV  éihhlmihh  fri  aroile  iad. 

152.  ier  bfagbhail  Reffloir  in  othatVlighe  écca,  co 
ro  ecc  do  gaeibh  cro  na  gona  siw  iaromh,  rosliontar 
formad  7  fiormioscais  ermor  aireach  7  ard-úasal  na 
criche  i  ccoitchinne  iri  Golamh  com.  muinttV,  tres  an 
ngniomh  sin  doroine ;  co  ro  emghset  d'aoinmhean- 
main  ina  Sighaidh,  go  rosathcuirset  7  go  ros  ionn^irbsat 
consi  mhuintiV  é  asin  Scithia.  Dála  Gholaim,  luidh  co 
lion  a  mhuinttVe  ior  longws,  7  fágbais  a  inghen  ag  an 
righ,  7  rug  a  da  mhac  lais.  Cethracha  long  cona. 
ffoimib,  7  cona.  cowgaib  thechta,  ba  seadh  a  lion.  Raiset 
timcheall  Assia,  sairdhes  co  hinis  Deaprophane.  Anait 
teora  mis  inwte.  Teóra  mis  oile  dhoibh  for  muir  co 
ranccatar  Eccipt.  Pharo  Nectenibws  ba  ri  Eccipte  ior 
a  ccionw,  7  ba  faoilidh  iri  Golam,  ar  aoi  a  adhbhclois 
7  a  oirrd^rcais,  7  cairdesa  a  sinnstV  iri  aroile  iecht 
riamh. 


OF  THE   JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH       227 

in  the  country  than  King  Reffloir,  for  the  greatness 
wherewith  the  people  of  the  country  at  large  loved 
him,  for  his  merits.  The  king  perceived  that  matter, 
so  that  he  became  filled  with  jealousy  and  hatred 
of  Golamh,  for  fear  that  he  might  come  against 
him  to  snatch  the  kingdom  and  the  country  away 
from  him,  as  the  ancestors  of  Golamh  himself  had 
subdued  his  original  stock  once  before.  News  of  this 
unfriendliness  and  evil  disposition  was  related  secretly 
to  Golamh,  so  that  he  was  on  his  guard  and  prepared. 
The  hostility  of  Reffloir  towards  his  son-in-law  grew 
and  increased  at  last,  so  that  he  could  not  refrain 
from  challenging  him  to  single  combat.  Golamh 
thought  it  no  credit  to  avoid  single  combat  with  any- 
one at  all,  so  that  he  and  Reffloir  attacked  one  another, 
and  were  smiting  one  another  a  long  time  ;  till  Golamh 
wounded  Reffloir,  for  he  planted  the  blood-red  lance 
through  his  thigh  ;  and  their  people  separated  each 
from  the  other. 

152.  Having  left  Reffloir  on  his  deathbed,  so  that  he 
died  of  the  gashes  of  that  wounding  afterwards,  envy 
and  great  hatred  filled  most  of  the  chiefs  and  nobles  of 
the  land  in  general  against  Golamh  and  his  people,  on 
account  of  that  deed  which  he  had  done  ;  so  they  rose 
with  one  mind  against  him,  and  put  him  out  and  drove 
him  with  his  people  from  Scythia.  As  for  Golamh, 
he  went  a-sailing  with  all  his  people,  and  left  the  king's 
daughter  with  him,  and  took  his  two  sons  away. 
Forty  ships  with  their  crews,  and  with  their  fitting 
champions,  that  was  their  tale.  They  sailed  round 
Asia,  south-east  to  the  island  of  Taprobane ;  they 
stay  three  months  there.  Three  months  besides  had 
they  on  the  sea  till  they  reached  Egypt.  Pharaoh 
Nectonebus  was  king  of  Egypt  when  they  came,  and 
he  was  hospitable  to  Golamh,  on  account  of  his  renown 
and  his  glory,  and  the  friendship  of  their  ancestors  to 
one  another  once  on  a  time. 


228         DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

153.  Ba  dona  himthea.chtaib  sin  Golaimh  ro  idÁáeadh 
an  ranw — 

Ro  ghon  Golam,  ba  gniomh  gand, 
Reffloir  reidh,  nochar  rofhand  ; 
gor  sguch  on  Scithia  tren  tall, 
Ó  Snith  Nil,  CO  riacht  Forand. 

154.  Ro  aittreabh  ira  Golam  isiw  Egipt  iarttain, 
7  fogheib  fearann  inte  7  dobert  Scota  inghen  Pharo  do 
mnaoi.  Ba  he  an  Pharo  Nectenibws  siw  an  dara 
Foranw  tf^'ocha  ro  gab  righi  Eccipti  iar  san  bForann  ro 
bBÍáeadh  i  Muir  Robuir.  Agus  ba  "  Pharo  "  aiwm  cech 
righ  dhiobh,  diaidh  indiaidh,  on  ceid  righ  darb  ainm 
Pharo  gus  an  righ  ndeidhenach ;    feibh  as  foraiwm 

65  "  Cesair  "  da  gach  righ  hi  Roimh,  7  "  Ptolomeus"  da 
gach  righ  in  Alaxandna.  Agus  ar  thuccait  onóra 
dona  Tioghaibh  ind  sin.  Atiatt  anmanwa  na  riogh 
roghabh  Egipt  eitir  an  da  Foranw  sin,  cona  reimios 
isin  righe — 


Pharo  Cerres     . 

.u.  b  .X. 

Pharo  Armades 

.u.  b. 

Pharo  Rameses 

.lx,b. 

Pharo  Amenoses 

.    .xLb. 

Pharo  Amenomes     . 

.uiii.  mb.  XX 

Pharo  Tures     . 

•uii.  mb. 

Pharo  Darem^wdis 

.XX.UÍ.  b. 

Pharo  Senres     . 

.xl.  b. 

Pharo  Thustus  . 

.ix.  mb. 

Pharo  OschoTus 

.uii.  mb. 

Pharo  Esinuch«j 

.ix.  mb. 

Pharo  Esimes  ,. 

•u.  b.  XX. 

Pharo  Sessonchwj 

.b.  ar.  XX. 

Pharo  Pissamwj 

.     .xl.  b. 

Pharo  Bachor   . 

.     .uii.  mb.  xl. 

Pharo  Etheops  . 

.    .xii.  b. 

Pharo  SiluicwJ  . 

.     .xu.  b. 

Pharo  Etheops  . 

.     .XX.  b. 

OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH         229 

153.  Of  those  adventures  of  Golamh  the  stanza  was 
said — 

Golamh  wounded,  it  was  a  rare  deed, 
Reffloir  the  smooth,  who  was  not  very  weak  ; 
so  that  he  left  strong  Scythia  yonder, 
from  the  River  of  Nile,  till  he  reached  Pharaoh. 

154.  Now  Golamh  lived  in  Egypt  after  that,  and 
receives  an  estate  therein,  and  he  took  Scota, 
daughter  of  Pharaoh,  to  him  to  wife.  That  Pharaoh 
Nectonebus  was  the  thirty-second  Pharaoh  who  took 
the  kingdom  of  Egypt  after  the  Pharaoh  who  was 
drowned  in  the  Red  Sea.  Now  "  Pharaoh  "  was  the 
name  of  every  king  of  them,  one  after  the  other,  from 
the  first  king  whose  name  was  Pharaoh  to  the  last 
king  ;  as  "  Caesar  "  is  the  surname  of  every  king  in 
Rome,  and  "  Ptolemy  "  of  every  king  in  Alexandria. 
That  is  a  sign  of  honour  to  the  kings.  These  are  the 
names  of  the  kings  who  took  Egypt  between  those 
two  Pharaohs,  with  the  time  they  spent  in  the  king- 
ship— 

Pharaoh  Cerres 15  years. 

Pharaoh  Armades 5  years. 

Pharaoh  Rameses 60  years. 

Pharaoh  Amenoses 40  years. 

Pharaoh  Amenomes 28  years. 

Pharaoh  Tures 7  years. 

Pharaoh  Daremandis 26  years. 

Pharaoh  Senres 40  years. 

Pharaoh  Thustus 9  years. 

Pharaoh  Oschorus 7  years. 

Pharaoh  Esinachus 9  years. 

Pharaoh  Esimes 25  years. 

Pharaoh  Sessonchus 21  years. 

Pharaoh  Pissamus 40  years. 

Pharaoh  Bachor 47  years. 

Pharaoh  Etheops 12  years. 

Pharaoh  Silvicus 15  years. 

Pharaoh  Etheops 20  years. 


230        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 


Pharo  Etheops  Memess 
Pharo  Stapantes 
Pharo  Enchepr«j 
Pharo  Necha     . 
Pharo  Assanet  . 
Pharo  Nechot    . 
Pharo  Asmutes . 
Pharo  Huprzfis . 
Pharo  Am^/ziris 
Pharo  Amartes . 
Pharo  Nefrites . 
Pharo  Anchoris 
Pharo  Mutes 
Pharo  Nectenebw^ 


•xx.ii.  b. 
.uii.  mb. 
.ui.  b. 
.uiii.  mb. 
.ix.  mb. 
.vi.  b. 
.xii.  b. 
.XXX.  b. 
.xl.ii.  b. 
.ui.  b. 
.ui.  b. 
.xii.  b. 
.i.  b. 
.uiii.  mb.  x. 


— as  eisidhe  ba  ri  Egipti  ar  cion«  Golaim. 

155.  Ro  airis  tra  Golamh  ocht  mbliadhna  isiw  Egipt 
i  íidiTxadh  a  cleamhna.  Rucc  Scota  mgen  Pharo  da 
mac  daon  ÍMÍsmedh  dhó,  .i.  Emher  Fionw  7  Aimirgin 
an  anmanwae.  Ro  fhogloimset  foirenw  do  mhuintir 
Golaim  pnomhdhana — Sedgha,  Suirghe,  7  Sobairce, 
iri  saoirsi ;  Mantan,  Caichear,  7  Fulman,  iri  draoid- 
heacht ;  batiir  buadhlaind  7  bat«r  firbhreathaig/t  an 
tnar  oile,  .i.  Goisten,  Aimirgin,  7  Donw ;  batar  calma 
cathbhuadafg/i  Galomh,  Occe,  7  Ucce. 

156.  O  ro  forbsat  a  ffoghlaim  samlaiW/^,  ba  sed  ro 
chind  Golam,  an  Egipt  do  fagbhail  7  tridW  do  fios  a 
cheneoil  feisin  don  Espain,  a  comairle  a  mna  7  a 
muinttVe.  Ceileabhraitt  don  righ  7  do  mdMYdhh 
Egipte  as  a  haithle.  Lotar  for  muir,  an  lion  long 
robatar  ag  fágbail  na  Scithia,  7  Scota  ing^n  Forainn, 
amaille  fnu.  Seolait  do  Muir  Robuir.  Dos  fanaicc 
ainbthine  dermair  doib,  combatar  for  iomorchar  go 
rangatar  Inis  Deprophane.  Ansat  mis  inwte.  Im- 
rulaiihset  ieromh  seach  Albania  siar,  do  rind  Slebe 
Riphe  hho  tuaidh,  co  rangatar  Tragia.  Airisit  isuidhe 
CO  ros  tuismetar  Scota  mac  dia  cloinn  ann :  ír  a  ainm. 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH       231 


Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 
Pharaoh 


Etheops  Mcmess 

Stapantes 

Encheprus 

Necha 

Assanet 

Nechot 

Asmutes 

Huprifis 

Ameniris 

Amartes 

Nefritis 

Anchoris 

Mutes 

Nectonebus 


22  years. 

7  years. 
6  years. 

8  years. 

9  years. 
6  years. 

12  years. 
30  years. 
42  years. 

6  years. 

6  years. 
12  years. 

I  year. 
18  years. 


— he  was  the  king  that  Golamh  found. 

155.  Now  Golamh  stayed  eight  years  in  Egypt  with 
his  father-in-law.  Scota,  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  bore  him 
two  sons  by  one  birth,  Emer  the  White  and  Amergin 
their  names.  A  number  of  the  people  of  Golamh  learned 
the  chief  arts — Sedgha,  Suirghe,  and  Sobairche  learnt 
craftsmanship  ;  Mantan,  Caicher,  and  Fulman  learnt 
druidry  ;  the  next  three,  Goisten,  Aimirgin,  and  Donn, 
were  judges  (?)  and  givers  of  true  decisions  ;  valorous 
and  victorious  were  Golamh,  Occe,  and  Ucce. 

156.  When  their  education  was  finished  thus,  this 
is  the  resolution  that  Golamh  came  to,  to  leave  Egypt 
and  go  to  his  own  race  to  Spain,  by  the  advice  of  his 
wife  and  his  people.  They  bid  farewell  thereafter  to 
the  king  and  the  nobles  of  Egypt.  They  went  on  the 
sea,  as  many  ships  as  they  had  leaving  Scythia,  and 
Scota,  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  with  them.  They  sail 
to  the  Red  Sea.  There  arose  a  great  storm  against 
them,  so  that  they  were  drifting  till  they  reached  the 
island  of  Taprobane.  They  stayed  a  month  in  it. 
After  that  they  went  on  beyond  Albania,  westward,  to 
the  point  of  Sliabh  Riffe  northward,  till  they  reached 
Thracia.  They  stay  there  till  Scota  brought  forth 
one  of  her  children  there  ;   Ir  his  name.    They  rowed 


232        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH   GOLAIMH 

Imraiset  aisidhe  co  riactatar  na  Gaethlaighe  Meotacda. 
Bliadhain  doibh  ag  taisteal  na  nairear  sin,  tna  gach 
fordul  do  rala  dhóibh.  Roghabhsa^  fos  íri  ré  is  na 
Goethlaigibh.  Geanar  mac  oile  do  Golam  an  dú  sin, 
Colptha  atacomhnaic.  Lot«r  a  sendadh  co  rangatar 
66  Germain  ;  foghabhatt  tais  inwte. 

157.  As  anwsiw  tangatar  drong  do  mhúedh2iihh. 
Cruithentuaithe,  fo  clú  7  oirdercus  an  mnvchóblaigh 
sin  Golaim  ;  a  robtar  aithenta  diafoile  on  uair  baoi- 
siomh  isin  Tragia  cowa  muintiV.  Ro  fhailtrngAset  each 
diobh  fri  cele,  7  ro  naidmset  a  ccodach  7  a  ccaradmdh 
do  dib  leitibh.  O  robtar  aontadatg/j  iri  araill,  ro 
acaoinset  Crwithnigh  friu-somh  cumga  a  bforba  7 
a  bferoind  i  Tracia  7  hi  Cniitentuaith.  Toringheall 
Golam  condL  braitnb  7  cona  cloinn  doibh-siom  co  ttiobh- 
ratais  cowgnamh  7  combaidh  chataighte  dhoibh,  do 
chosnamh  criche  7  caomf  orba  ele ;  7  combtais  3.eníhugh- 
aigh  in  a.ghaidh  ineccmtt  febh  baitis  combrait/ír^ ; 
acht  cowgabhtais  foss  7  co  ttairistis  don  iomarchor 
7  don  fordul  muiridhe  fors  mbatar,  7  co  roichtis  a 
nathardha  hnnaidh.  Robtar  huidhigh  Cruitnigh  de- 
sidhe,  7  tiomnait  celeaibradh  do  Gholam  as  a  haithle. 
As  don  codach  7  don  cha.T2idTadh  sin  ro  nenaiscset 
Cruithnigh  iri  Golam,  ro  sealgatar  Gaoidht/  iar  ccein 
an  tir  ina  bhfuilit  Cruithnigh  dhoibh  ar  eccin,  feb  do 
raimgir  Golamh  don  chur  sin. 

158.  Seolaidh  Golam  ierttain  cona.  muinttV  tar 
Sruth  Ren,  sech  Gallia,  do  Cred,  do  Sicil,  do  Belgaint, 
do  Bregaint,  co  rangatar  gus  an  Easpain  ndesc^rtaigh, 
don  Easpaiw  tuaisc^rtaigh  7  eistisidhe  gus  an  Easpain 
tXre-uilKg/t.  Dia  Dardaoin  ar  aoi  laithe,  ro  ghap- 
sat  hisuidhe.  Lotar  iarom  co  Brigantia,  7  ba  fas  an 
chathair  for  a  cciwd  ;  doigh  nir  bo  cian  iar  nasccnamh 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH       233 

thence  till  they  reached  the  Gaethlaighe  Meotacda 
[Maeotis].  A  year  were  they  passing  those  coasts, 
by  reason  of  all  the  wandering  that  fell  to  their  lot. 
They  took  rest  for  a  space  in  the  Gaethlaighe.  Another 
son  was  bom  to  Golamh  in  that  place,  Colptha  is  he. 
They  went  at  last  till  they  reached  Germany ;  they 
make  a  halt  in  it. 

157.  It  is  there  that  there  came  a  troop  of  the 
soldiers  of  the  Pict-folk,  on  account  of  the  fame 
and  glory  of  that  sea  expedition  of  Golamh  ;  they 
having  had  knowledge  of  one  another  from  the  time 
he  was  in  Thracia  with  his  people.  Each  of  them 
welcomed  the  other,  and  they  joined  their  treaty  and 
friendship  on  each  side.  When  they  were  agreed 
together,  the  Picts  complained  to  them  of  the 
narrowness  of  their  land  and  territory  in  Thracia  and 
in  Pict-]and.  Golamh  with  his  brethren,  and  his 
children  promised  that  they  would  give  help  and 
military  alliance  with  them,  to  contend  for  another 
territory  and  fair  heritage  ;  and  that  they  would  be 
united  against  their  enemies  as  though  they  were 
brethren  ;  until  that  they  [Golamh  and  his  people] 
should  get  rest  and  should  desist  from  the  sea- 
joume5dngs  and  wanderings  on  which  they  were,  and 
that  they  should  reach  their  native  land.  The  Picts 
were  satisfied  with  that,  and  took  farewell  of  Golamh 
thereafter.  It  is  from  that  treaty  and  friendship  which 
the  Picts  joined  with  Golamh  that,  long  afterwards, 
the  Gaedhil  perforce  cleared  for  them  the  land  where 
the  Picts  are,  as  Golamh  foretold  at  that  time. 

158.  Golamh  sails  after  that  with  his  people  over 
the  river  Rhine,  past  Gallia,  to  Crete,  to  Sicily,  to 
Valencia  (?),  to  Brigantia,  till  they  reached  Southern 
Spain,  Northern  Spain,  and  thence  to  Three-cornered 
Spain.  Thursday,  as  far  as  regards  the  day,  they  reached 
it.  Then  they  went  to  Brigantia,  and  the  city  lay  empty 
before  them ;   for  it  was  not  long  after  Golamh  went 


234        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH   GOLAIMH 

Gholaimh  don  Scithia  cowerbail  a  shenathair  Breoghan, 
7  delligh  anfforlanw  an  eccarat,  for  a  mbaoi  isiw  Espain, 
do  Gdioidelibh  co  ro  hiownarbait  7  co  ro  hathcuirit  in 
eoch.3.iv-im\ibh  na  ccrioch  ccomhfhoccws,  conar  lamhsat 
tadhall  na  taith^'gMdh,  ionatocht  na  B.itties.hadhy  cath- 
rach  Breoghain,  ina  an  athardha  ina  hiomthacmhang, 
gus  an  tan  sin.  Ros  aittreab  Golam  cona.  muinUV 
ierom  i  mBrigantia,  7  ros  tochuir  7  rostiomairg  fine 
Gaeidil,  as  gach  airva  in  ro  scaoilit  7  in  ro  hesreidhit 
seachnón  na  ccnoch,  co  riachtatar  ina  nóighe  fo  a 
thoghairm.  Robtar  aidble  iolardha  an  lion  daoine  do 
nangatar  anw,  ier  na  tteglamaíí/í  co  haonmaighin. 

159.  Rucc  Scota  mgen  Forainw  dias  dia  cloinn  isin 
'Espain  iertain,  .i.  Eremon  7  Eranwan  da  sosar  cloinwe 
Golaim.  As  d'foraithmet  na  n-ionadh  nexam/a  in  ro 
tuismit  an  clann  sin  Golaimh  ro  xdiiáheadh  innso — 

a      Ocht  meic  Golaim  na  ngáire, 
diar  b'ainm  Milidh  Espáine  ; 
ro  sledLohiadh  doibh  mfle  magh  ; 
citne  tire  in  geinseadar  ? 

67  b     Aireach  Febra  is  Donw  ba  dia, 

ros  fucc  Seng  isin  Scithia  ; 
rug  Scot,  in  Eigipt  aibiwn, 
Eimher  Fionw  is  Aimhirgin. 

c      Ir,  nir  b'eiccen  ^  laoch  bud  lia, 
ro  genair  hi  taob  Traicia  ; 
ros  ÍMccadh  Colptha  an  cloidim 
in  Glionw  Gampa  in  Gaethlaighibh. 

d     Rucctha  ag  Tur  mBreoghain,  gan  bron, 
Eranwan  is  Eremhon  ; 
da  shósar  na  laoch  gan  locht — 
Mac  De  do  thmoth  a  ttothocht. 

^  deimin. 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH       235 

to  seek  Scythia  that  his  grandfather,  Breoghan,  died, 
and  the  hatred  of  their  enemies,  over  whom  they  were 
in  Spain,  pursued  the  Gaedhil  till  they  scattered 
and  drove  them  into  the  borders  of  the  neighbouring 
countries,  so  that  they  did  not  dare  to  visit  or  frequent 
enter  or  inhabit,  the  city  of  Breoghan,  or  their  in- 
heritance round  about  it,  till  then.  Golamh  settled 
after  that  with  his  people  in  Brigantia,  and  invited 
and  collected  the  tribe  of  Gaedheal,  from  every  place 
where  they  were  scattered  and  separated  through  the 
lands,  till  they  came  in  their  fullness  at  his  summons. 
Great  and  immense  was  the  tale  of  the  men  who 
came  there,  after  their  being  assembled  to  one  place. 

159.  Scota,  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  bore  two  of  her 
children  in  Spain  after  that,  Eremhon  and  Erannan, 
the  two  youngest  of  the  children  of  Golamh.  To 
commemorate  the  various  places  where  those  children 
of  Golamh  were  bom  was  this  said — 

a     Eight  sons  of  Golamh  of  merriment, 
whose  name  was  Mil  of  Spain  ; 
a  thousand  plains  were  cleared  by  them  ; 
in  what  lands  were  they  bom  ? 

b    Airech,  Febra,  and  Donn,  who  was  next  (?) 
Seng  bore  in  Scythia  ; 
Scota  bore,  in  pleasant  Eg3^t, 
Emer  the  White  and  Aimirgen. 

c     Ir,  there  certainly  was  no  greater  hero, 
was  bom  in  the  side  of  Thracia  ; 
Colptha  of  the  sword  was  bom 
in  Gleann  Gampa  in  the  Gaethlaighe. 

d    Bom  at  Breoghan's  Tower,  without  sorrow, 
Erannan  and  Eremhon  ; 

the  two  youngest  of  the  heroes,  without  blemish — 
God's  Son  brought  down  their  pride. 

^  certain. 


236         DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

1 60.  Dála  ilchenel  na  hEspaine,  ro  athtairgeatar  ^ 
7  ro  theglaimset  as  gach  aird  7  as  gach  aircenw  i  mbatar, 
eitir  Fresiona,  Longbarda,  7  Bachra,  do  athchur  7  do 
ionna.Thadh  sleachta  GhaoidhtV.  Ar  robtar  naimhde 
bunaidh  dhoibh  iaidsidhe,  7  nir  bo  lainw  leo  a  \egen 
doibh  ionatocht  7  3.ittvébhadh  na  ccrioch  ccomhfoghws 
imon  ccsithTaigh  Brigantia,  iar  na  nathcur  eiste  iecht 
riamh.  O  ro  fes  do  Golamh  cons,  cloinn  7  braithnbh 
an  midhuthracht  7  an  mi-inwethem  baoi  oca  suidhe 
doib,  ha.tar  ina  ffoimhtin,  7  do  recclamaitt  an  lion  as 
lia,  cowangatar  ina  n3.ghaidh  do  cath  fnu  ;  go  ro  fighedh 
ceithre  catha  ar  caoccait  fnu,  diaidh  indiaidh.  Agus  ba 
milidh  mearchalma  an  ti  Golomh  is  na  csithaibh  sin  7  ba 
reimhe  nosmointi  gach  cath  diob  iora.  easccairdt&/i  ar 
nuair,  cowadh  aire  ro  gSLirmedh  an  tainm  as  "  Milidh  " 
desiomh ;  co  roslil  occ  each  a  gairm  de  o  si«  amach 
gér  bó  Golam  a  chéd-ainw. 

161.  Iar  mbnsedh  na  ccath  siw  do,  ag  cosnamh  cirt 
a  smnsir,  ro  ghab  flaithes  na  hEspaine  ar  eiccin,  7 
robtar  vianacha  aicmedha  7  2iiiiTea.bthaidhe,  ceanwdacha 
7  cenela,  na  hEspaine  do  as  a  haithle.  Ba  siodhach 
soinmheach  a  righe  7  a  fhlaithiws  iar  ttairbert  chaich  fo 
a  smacht,  7  fo  areacht,  7  f o  a  mamws,  7  f o  a  chumach- 
taibh  samlaidh.  Baoi  Múidh  athaidh  foda  occ^  fol- 
]a.nmughadh  a  fiaithesa  inwt^,  7  i  treisi  adhbhaiY,  conus 
fainicc  tamh  do  fein  7  dia  chombraithnbh  7  do  drwing 
dia  muintiV ;  cowapaidh  an  ri  Múidh,  Occe  7  Ucce, 
CO  coicc  lanamhnaibh  décc  dia  sainmhuintir  imaille 
friú. 

162.  Ate    anwsin    imtecte    Golaimh    on    Scithia ; 

^  ro  tionoilset. 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH   237 

160.  As  for  the  various  races  of  Spain,  they  were 
assembled  and  collected  from  every  quarter  and  every 
border  where  they  were,  Frisians,  Lombards,  and 
Bachra,  to  drive  out  and  banish  the  posterity  of  Gaed- 
heal.  For  they  were  hereditary  enemies  of  theirs,  and 
they  did  not  think  it  agreeable  to  let  them  enter  and 
dwell  in  the  neighbouring  lands  about  the  city  of 
Brigantia,  after  they  had  formerly  driven  them  out. 
When  Golamh,  with  his  children  and  brethren,  knew 
the  malevolence  and  ill-intention  they  had  against 
them,  they  were  on  their  guard  against  them,  and 
gathered  together  the  greatest  host,  so  that  they  as- 
sembled against  them  to  battle  with  them  ;  so  four  and 
fifty  battles  were  fought  with  them,  one  after  the  other. 
A  valiant  soldier  was  Golamh  in  those  battles,  and  by 
him  was  every  battle  won  on  his  enemies  in  turn,  so 
that  for  that  reason  was  the  name  "  Miledh  "  given 
him  ;  so  that  it  stuck  to  him  in  everyone's  mouth 
from  that  out,  although  Golamh  was  his  first  name. 

161.  After  he  won  those  battles,  contesting  for  the 
rights  of  his  ancestors,  he  took  the  rule  of  Spain  by 
force,  and  after  that  the  septs  and  inhabitants,  the 
tribes  and  races,  of  Spain  were  obedient  to  him. 
Peaceful  and  fortunate  was  his  kingdom  and  his  rule 
after  he  brought  everyone  under  his  sway,  and  rule, 
and  yoke,  and  power,  in  this  manner.  Mil  was  a  long 
while  ruling  his  kingdom  there,  and  in  great  strength, 
till  a  plague  came  to  himself  and  to  his  brethren  and 
to  a  number  of  his  people  ;  so  that  there  died  king 
Mil,  Occe  and  Ucce,  and  fifteen  wedded  couples  of  their 
own  people  with  them. 

162.  Those   are   the   adventures   of   Golamh   from 

*  assembled. 

*  died. 


238        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

cowadh  doibh  ro  ráidheadh :  Cionwfaeladh  fo[gh]lumtha 
cecinit  *  : — 

a     Doluid  Golamh  asin  Scithia — 

seel  for  a  ffagbait  baird  bias — 
iar  nguin  Reffloir  meic  Neman, 
gona  fogha  gle-ban  glas.^ 

b     Cethracha  long  lion  a  longais  ; 

lotar  for  an  muir  méd  clanw  ;    • 
ba  ferr  gach  fedhan  an  cuire, 
meamhair  lem  an  uidhe  ann. 

53         c      Tárrasair  tri  mis  san  insi 

ag  Deprophane  na  bport ; 
trimsi  ele,  eadh  cen  cairde, 
ag  iomramh  tar  fairrge  folt. 

d     iar  sin  rangatiif  tir  nEccipt, 

CO  hoirecht  Forainw  na  ffian  ; 
atnaghar  Scota  don  Milidh, 
Galam  ar  nar  raimhidh  riamh. 

e      Ro  gabsat  dioma  ^  don  dreim  sin 
dana  dfogloim  for  a  ccuairt : 
Sédga,  Sobairce,  7  Suirge, 

fri  saoirsi  gan  duilghe  nduairc. 

f      Disioiáecht  la  Mantan,  la  Caicher, 
la  Fulman  n-inntleachtacA  n-oll ; 
brethemnws  las  an  ngein  ngluingheal, 
le  Goisten  nduirmher,  le  Donn. 

g     Tri  righ  na  \2i0chvaidhe  luaidheamh, 
ro  leath  an  gnaoi  sunn  tar  sal ; 
fri  foghlaim  ngaiisccdih  is  troide, 
Galam,  Uicce,  Occe  an. 

*  gleo  uais.  '  nuimir  no  tomhu5. 

*  These  three  words  added  in  a  later  hand. 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH      239 

Scythia  ;   so  that  of  them  it  was  said :    Cionnfaeladh 
the  Learned  composed  it — 

a     Golamh  came  out  of  Scythia — 

a  story  in  which  bards  find  sweetness — 
after  wounding  Reffioir,  son  of  Neman, 
with  his  bright  white-green  spear. 

b     Forty  ships  the  tale  of  their  expedition  ; 
there  went  on  the  sea  store  of  families  ; 
the  host  was  better  than  any  band, 
I  remember  their  journey  there. 

c      He  stays  three  months  in  the  island 
of  Taprobane  of  harbours  ; 
three  months  elsewhere,  a  season  without  delay, 
sailing  over  the  sea  of  foam. 

d     After  that  they  came  to  the  land  of  Egypt, 
to  the  court  of  Pharaoh  of  warrior  bands  ; 
Scota  is  bestowed  on  Mil, 
Galemh  on  whom  never  was  victory  won. 

e      A  number  of  that  troop  took 
to  learn  arts  in  their  sojourn  : 
Sedga,  Sobairce,  and  Suirge, 
in  craftsmanship  without  sad  difficulty. 

f      Druidry  by  Mantan,  by  Caicher, 
by  Fulman  the  inventive  and  great ; 
jurisprudence  by  the  white-kneed  mortal, 
by  Gosten  the  hard-fingered,  by  Donn. 

g      Three  kings  of  the  warriors  we  tell  of, 

their  countenance  spread  here  over  the  sea  ; 
in  learning  of  valour  and  prowess, 
Golamh,  Uicce,  noble  Occe. 

^  a  noble  battle.  *  number  or  measure. 


240        DO  IMTHEACHTAIBH  GOLAIMH 

h     Lotar  as  hi  ccionw  ocht  mbliadan, 
for  a  CCÚ1  an  chonair  choir  ; 
ansat  mis  ag  Deprophane, 
gidhedh  nir  bo  baire  broin. 

i      Raiset  sech  rinw  Slephe  Riphe, 
ro  rensat  gach  tir  ar  tuinw  ; 
h\ia.dain  doibsium  laim  re  Tracia, 
cowgabsat  in  Dacia  nduinw. 

j       Ansat  mis  in  Dacia  ndsLthaigh, 
lottar  ass  in  Gotiam  ngluair, 
in  Delgaint,  im  Breogaint  mbraimg/i, 
isin  Espain  nUúligh  nfuair. 

k     Ceithri  catha  decc  da  fhichet 
ro  fersat  an  \a.ocTadh  lor  ; 
im  chert  nEspaine  dariribh, 
meabatar  re  Milidh  mór. 

1      De  ata  "  Milidh  Espain  "  airsiomh, 
dona  cathaib  siw  do  bris  ; 
Golam  a  ainm  data  dileas, 
mo  popa,  gan  dimes  ndis.^ 

m    Dosfainicc  tamh  ina  theglach  ; 

coig  lanamhna  decc  de  atbath, 
im  na  trib  rioghaibh  ro  rsiiaheadh, 
iodhail  nár  cainedh  i  ccath. 

n      Galam  asi«  Scithia  sciat-glain, 
isiw  Dardaoin,  ni  delm  go, 
gabhais  Espain,  a  leth  laithe, 
ro  pa  séd  cowdaithe  dhó.2 

^  imderoile. 

'  a  leith  re  laithe  secA/maini,  no  do  taobh  a  ghaisgidh,  7  ba  séad 
soraid  no  lúath  dho  innsÍM. 


OF  THE  JOURNEYS  OF  GOLAMH       241 

h     They  went  forth  at  the  end  of  eight  years, 
backward  on  the  right  road  ; 
they  stayed  a  month  at  Taprobane, 
although  it  was  not  a  goal  of  sorrow. 

i      They  sailed  past  the  point  of  Sliabh  Riffe, 
they  reached  (?)  every  land  on  the  wave  ; 
a  year  were  they  near  Thracia, 
till  they  took  harbour  in  brown  Dacia. 

j      They  stayed  a  month  in  coloured  Dacia, 
they  went  thence  to  clear  Gothia, 
into  Delgaint,  into  dewy  Breoghan, 
into  cold  cornered  Spain. 

k     Two  score  and  fourteen  battles 
the  complete  warriors  fought ; 
about  the  right  of  Spain  earnestly, 
they  were  won  by  great  Mil. 

I      Thence  is  "  Mil  of  Spain  "  upon  him, 
from  those  battles  he  fought  ; 
Golamh  is  his  pleasant  proper  name, 
my  master,  without  low  despite. 

m    Plague  came  upon  them  in  his  household  ; 
fifteen  couples  died  of  it, 
with  the  three  kings  that  are  mentioned, 
idols  that  were  not  reviled  in  fight. 

n     Golamh  from  Scythia  of  clear  shields, 
on  Thursday,  it  is  no  sound  of  falsehood, 
he  takes  Spain,  according  to  the  day, 
it  was  a  treasure  with  swiftness  to  him. 


*  meanness. 

2  according  to  the  day  of  the  week,  or  by  reason  of  his  valour, 
and  that  was  a  successful  or  swift  treasure  to  him. 

Q 


(ALT   XIII) 

DO  GHABAIL  RIGHE  EASPÁINE  DO  DONN  MAC  MÍLEDH 
7  D'ÉREAMHÓN  DÍA  DHEARBHRATHAIR  ÍER  NÉCC 
A  NATHAR  :  DO  THEACHT  ÍOTHA  MEIC  BREOGHAIN 
IND  ÉRIND,  7  DIA  OIDHIDH  LA  TÚATHAIB  DE 
BONANN.  DO  THEACHT  MAC  MILEDH  DÁ  DHIO- 
GHAIL,  DONA  CATHAIB  RO  CUIREADH  EATARRA, 
DO  ROINN  ÉRENN  EITIR  EREAMHÓN  7  EIMHER 
FHIONAT,  DOiVA  RATH  A IBH  RO  CLASADH  LEO  IND 
ÉRINN,  ATFÍADHAR  SIOSANA. 

69  163.  far  nécc  Mhíledh  amhail  atrubhramar,  ro  ghab 
Eibher  Donn  7  Eremhón,  a  dha  mac,  righe  7  roi-chen- 
dus  na  hEaspaine  eatarra  buddein. 

164.  Baoi  dearbrathair  athar  do  Milidh  ina  fia.rradh, 
.i.  Ith  mac  Breoghain ;  ba  hergna  eolach-somh  i 
fios  7  i  foghlaim.  Feacht  naon  dia  mbaoi  íth,  glain- 
fheascor  geimridh,  i  muWach  Tuir  Breoghain,  ag 
midhemaÍM  7  ag  fairgsin  na  ceathar-airde,  an  dar  lais 
2iicondairc  iosgadh  7  fíor-scáile  iatha  7  ardoilein  in 
imchein  uaidh.  Taot  for  ccúl  dochum  a  braithreach, 
7  atf ét  SLiiSitcondairc ;  7  atb^rt  gur  bhó  menmarc  7  gur 
bo  hacobar  lais  dol  dimchisiw  an  iatha  do  tadhbhás 
dhó.  Atrubairt  Breg  mac  Breoghain  nar  bo  tir  atcow- 
dairc  acht  ba  neoill  nimhe,  7  baoi  aga  toirmescc  dul  for 
an  tsiiieredh  sin.     Ni  ro  faomh-som  tairisiomh  araoidhe. 

165.  Do  beir  iaromh  a  luing  for  muir,  7  do  desichaidh 

fein  cona.  mac,  'Lughaidh  mac  Ithe,  7  ar  oile  dia  mhuin- 

tir  innte.     Seolaitt  fo  thuairim  Erind,  7  ni  hinnester 

a  mrnthechta.  for  muir,  acht  ro  gabhsat  cuan  i  mBren- 

tracht  Moighi  hlotha.     Lotar  na  comfochraibhe  dia 

242 


(CHAPTER   XIII) 

OF  THE  TAKING  OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  SPAIN  BY  DONN 
SON  OF  MIL  AND  BY  EREMHON  FROM  THEIR 
BROTHER  AFTER  THEIR  FATHER'S  DEATH  :  OF  THE 
COMING  OF  ITH  SON  OF  BREOGHAN  TO  IRELAND, 
AND  OF  HIS  DEATH  BY  THE  TUATH  A  DE  DANANN.  OF 
THE  COMING  OF  THE  SONS  OF  MIL  TO  AVENGE  HIM, 
OF  THE  BATTLES  THAT  WERE  FOUGHT  BETWEEN 
THEM.  OF  THE  DIVISION  OF  IRELAND  BETWEEN 
EREMHON  AND  EMER  FINN,  OF  THE  FORTS  HEAPED 
UP  BY  THEM  IN  IRELAND,  IS  HERE  RELATED. 

163.  After  the  death  of  Mil,  as  we  have  said,  Emer 
,Donn  and  Eremhon,  his  two  sons,  took  the  rule  and 

chief  government  of  Spain  between  themselves. 

164.  There  was  a  father's  brother  of  Mil,  Ith,  son  of 
Breoghan,  with  them  ;  he  was  expert  and  accom- 
plished in  knowledge  and  in  learning.  Once  on  a  while 
when  Ith,  of  a  clear  winter's  evening,  was  on  the  top 
of  Breoghan's  Tower,  contemplating  and  overlooking 
the  four  quarters,  it  seemed  to  him  that  he  saw  a 
shadow  and  likeness  of  a  land  and  lofty  island  far  away 
from  him.  He  went  back  to  his  brethren,  and  told 
them  what  he  had  seen  ;  and  said  that  he  was  mindful 
and  desirous  of  going  to  see  the  land  that  had  appeared  X. 
to  him.  Breg,  son  of  Breoghan,  said  that  it  was  no 
land  he  had  seen  but  clouds  of  heaven,  and  he  was 
hindering  him  from  going  on  that  expedition.  He 
did  not  consent  to  stay,  however. 

165.  Then  he  brings  his  ship  on  the  sea,  and  comes 
himself  with  his  son,  Lugaid  son  of  Ith,  and  others  of 
his  people  in  it.  They  sail  towards  Ireland,  and  their 
adventures  on  sea  are  not  related,  save  only  that  they 

took    harbour    in    Brentracht    of    Magh    Itha.    The 

243 


244     DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

nagallaimh  gus  an  tmcht,  7  atfett  cách  diobh  scela 
diaroile  tnas  an  mberla  Scoitecdha.  Ro  athcho- 
mhairc  Ith  dan  ainm  na  criche  gus  a  rainic,  7  cia  ro 
ba  forlamhaidh  fuirre.  "  Inis  Ealga  "  ol  íad-somh  ; 
"  Mac  CuiU,  Mac  Cecht,  7  Mac  Greiniu  anmanwa  a 
riogh." 

166.  Ba  isiw  la  sin  dorala  ermor  aireach  7  úasal 
Erenn  in  Oileach  Neitt,  ag  sith  eitir  Mac  CuiU  7  a 
braithre  ;  ar  atrubh3.irtset  combaoi  imf  orcraidh  do 
sédaibh  Fiachna  meic  Delbaeth  aicce,  atbath  riasan 
tan  sin.  Otchuala  Ith  inásin,  luidh  cona.  mhac  7  con 
da  ttnan  a  mhuintíre  anwsin  co  hOileach.  Ro  fhailt- 
nighset  na  ríogha  ris  ar  rochtain  na  dála,  7  iar  mbeith 
a.thaidh  ina  bfochair,  atfettsat  dhó  an  ni  imo  mbaoi  a 
fínthert  7  an  imr^sain,  7  damna  a  ttwrcomhraic  7  a 
ttionoil  co  haenmaighin.  Rucc  ^  Ith  do  hveithemnaibh 
a  aimsire  ar  amhainse  ;  7  ro  choraigh  gach  caingen 
7  gach  nimr^asaiw  ro  baoi  eatorra.    Agus  asbert  fnu — 

167.  "  Dénaidh  reaichtghe  cóir.  Cnhaidh  dhaoíbh 
deghbraithirsi  do  denomh.  As  coir  daoibh  menma 
maith  do  beith  occaibh.    As  maith  bar  fferanw  7  an 

70  athardha  in  aittreabhtaoí ;  iomdha  a  mes,  a  mil, 
a  hiascc,  a  cniithneacht,  7  a  hioth  ar  chena.  Mes- 
laighthe  a  tes  7  a  huacht.  Ata  bar  bfurthain  uile 
inwte."  Ceileabrais  doibh  iaromh,  7  luidh  dochum 
a  luinge. 

168.  Coccrait  na  maithe  eisiomh  do  vnarhadh,  tre 
iormtinghadh  ^xenn,  7  trms  na  testm.o\tadh  sin  do 
rat  íor  an  insi ;  7  ro  laiset  forlion  ina  leanmhuin,  go 
ro  gonadh  i  Muigh  lotha,  cona,  uadha  ro  ghabh  an 
magh  a.inmmaghadh.  Ro  siacht  cneadhach  fuiltep- 
esnach  do  cum  a  luinge,  tria  ecclandacht  7  calmacht 
a  muintiVe  ;  cowapaidh  occa  ina  luing  for  muir. 

*  ro  dersccaigh. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    245 

neighbours  went  to  the  shore  to  interview  them,  and 
each  of  them  told  news  to  the  other  through  the 
Scotic  language.  Ith  asked  then  the  name  of  the 
land  to  which  he  had  come,  and  who  was  in  authority 
over  it.  "  Inis  Elga,"  said  they,  "  Mac  Cuill,  Mac 
Cecht,  and  Mac  Greiniu  are  the  names  of  its  kings." 

166.  It  happened  in  that  day  that  there  were  many 
chieftains  and  nobles  of  Ireland  in  Ailech  Neid,  making 
peace  between  Mac  Cuill  and  his  brethren  ;  for  they 
said  that  he  had  an  excess  of  the  goods  of  Fiachna 
son  of  Dealbaeth,  who  had  died  previously.  When 
Ith  heard  that,  he  went  then  with  his  son  and  with 
two-thirds  of  his  people  to  Aileach.  The  kings  wel- 
comed him  when  he  reached  the  assembly,  and  after 
he  was  a  while  among  them,  they  told  him  the  matter 
about  which  they  were  in  opposition  and  contention, 
and  the  cause  of  their  meeting  and  assembling  in  one 
place.  Ith  excelled  the  judges  of  the  time  in  cunning  ; 
and  he  settled  every  dispute  and  contention  between 
them.    And  he  said  to  them — 

167.  "  Do  just  righteousness.  It  is  fitting  for  you 
to  maintain  a  good  brotherhood.  It  is  right  for  you 
to  have  a  good  disposition.  Good  is  your  land  and 
the  patrimony  ye  inhabit ;  plenteous  her  harvest,  her 
honey,  her  fish,  her  wheat,  and  her  other  grain. 
Moderate  her  heat  and  her  cold.  All  that  is  sufficient 
for  you  is  in  her."  Then  he  took  farewell  of  them, 
and  went  to  his  ship. 

168.  The  nobles  plot  to  kill  him,  in  jealousy  for 
Ireland,  and  for  the  testimony  of  praise  he  gave  to 
their  island  ;  and  they  sent  a  great  number  to  follow 
him,  so  that  he  was  wounded  to  death  in  Magh  lotha, 
so  that  from  him  the  plain  took  its  name.  He  reached 
his  ship  wounded  and  bleeding,  by  the  valour  and 
bravery  of  his  people ;  so  he  died  with  them  in  his 
ship  on  the  sea. 


246     DO   GHABHÁIL   RfGHE   EASPÁINE 

169.  Do  riachtatar  iaromh  co  hEsp^^w  7  taisealbaitt 
corp  lotha  da  braithribh,  7  hditar  doghailsig  doimen- 
mnaigh  dia  oidhedh  amlaidh  sin.  Ro  iomraidhset  din 
meic  MUedh  7  clanwmaicne  Gaoidhil  arcena  gur  bo 
hadha  7  gur  bho  láom3.ÍTgidhe  doibh  dul  do  dhiogail  a 
mbrathar  ior  Tna.thaibh  De  Donanw.  As  fair  deisid  leo 
fodheóidh.  Do  ionalat  a  Idiochiadh  7  a  laith  goile  as 
gach  airm  a  mbat«/',  seachnoiw  na  ccn'och  7  na  ccean- 
nadhdichj  go  mbatar  in  aenmaighin  i  mBngantia,  co 
lionmar  leirthionoilte.  Do  bertsat  tra  Meic  Miledh 
cona.  mbraithn'bh  7  comfhuihWMbh,  7  cona.  mumtir 
archena,  a  longa  ior  muir  do  tocht  do  shoigidh 
Erenw,  d'aithe  an  anfal^^  ior  ThúaXhaibh  De  Donann, 
Cuig  longa  Ix***  lion  na  loingsi ;  ceathracha  toisech 
nuimhir  an  air ech  im  Donn  mac  Múedh.  Atíat  anm- 
awna  na  ttoiseach, 


Ebher  Donn 

Muimne 

Ebher  mac 

Ir 

Lughaidh 

Caicher 

Eremón 

Luighne 

Bregha 

Lui 

Suirge 

Ebher  Fionn 

Laighne 

Cuala 

Bile 

En 

Ir 

Palap 

Cuailnge 

Buas 

Un 

Aimhirgin 

Ér 

Bladh 

Breas 

Eatan 

Colptha 

Orba 

Fuad 

Buaighni 

Sobairce 

Airech  Febria 

Feron 

MMrthemhne 

Fulman 

Sedga 

Erannan 

Fergin 

Ebhlinne 

Nar 

Mantan 

Goisten 

Batí^r  caithmil^ííAa  an  deichneabhiir  áeióhenach  dona 
tóis^c/^aibh  siw,  .i.  Fulman,  Mantan,  7cra. 

170.  As  do  cmmnhxghadh  anmanw  na  ttois^cA  7  na 
naxcech  sin  ro  xaiaedh  inwso  ;  Flann  ro  chachain — 


71 


Toisicch  na  loingsi  tar  lear, 
dia  ttangatar  meic  Mileadh, 
at  memra  liomsa,  remla, 
an  anmanwa  gan  iomarbá.^ 


1  can  bréicc. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    247 

169.  Then  they  reached  Spain  and  show  the  body 
of  Ith  to  his  brethren,  and  they  were  anguished  and 
sorrowful  at  his  dying  thus.  Then  the  sons  of  Mil 
and  the  posterity  of  Gaedhel  in  general  thought  that 
it  was  fitting  and  proper  for  them  to  go  to  avenge 
their  brother  on  the  Tuatha  De  Danann.  They  de- 
cided on  this  at  last.  They  collected  their  warriors 
and  their  men  of  valour  from  every  place  where  they 
were,  through  the  lands  and  the  districts,  till  they  were 
in  one  place  in  Brigantia,  numerous  and  fully  assem- 
bled. Then  the  sons  of  Mil,  with  their  brethren  and 
kinsmen,  and  their  people  in  general,  brought  their 
ships  on  the  sea  to  go  to  Ireland  to  avenge  their  bad 
welcome  on  the  Tuatha  De  Danann.  Threescore  and 
five  ships  was  the  tale  of  the  expedition  ;  forty  chiefs 
the  number  of  their  leaders,  with  Donn  son  of  Mil  at 
their  head.    These  are  the  names  of  their  chiefs — 


Emer  Donn 

Muimne 

Emer  son  of  Ir 

Lughaidh 

Caicher 

Eremon 

Luighne 

Bregha 

Lui 

Suirge 

Eber  Finn 

Laighne 

Cuala 

Bile 

En 

Ir 

Palap 

Cuailnge 

Buas 

Un 

Aimirgin 

Er, 

Bladh 

Bres 

Eatan 

Colptha 

Orba 

Fuad 

Buaighne 

Sobairce 

Airech  Febra 

Feron 

Muirthemhne 

Fulman 

Sedga 

Erannan 

Fergin 

Ebhlinne 

Mantan 

Goisten 

Nar 

The  last  ten  of  those  chiefs,  namely  Fulman,  Mantan, 
etc.,  were  champions. 

170.  To  commemorate  the  names  of  those  chiefs 
and  leaders  this  was  said  ;  Flann  composed  it — 

a    The  chiefs  of  the  voyage  over  sea, 
by  which  the  sons  of  Mil  came, 
I  have  in  recollection,  during  my  life, 
their  names  without  lie. 

^  without  lie. 


248      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

b    Donw,  Eremón,  Eber  an, 
Ir,  Aimhirgin  gan  clethram,* 
Colptha,  Airech  Feabra  feig, 
Eranwan,  Muimne  minreidh. 

c     Luighne,  Laighne,  Palap  bil, 
Er,  Orba,  Feron,  Ferghin, 
Eibher  mac  Ir,  Bregha  atber, 
Cuala,  Cuailnge,  Bladh  borbtAr^. 

d    Fuad,  is  Muirteimne  co  mblaidh, 
Eblinne,  Nar,  is  Lughaidh, 
Lui,  is  Bile,  Buas  con  ágh, 
Bres,  Buaigne,  7  Fulman. 

e     Manwtan,  Caicher,  Suirghe  seng, 
En,  Un,  is  Etan  imthend, 
Sobairce,  Setga  na  slegh, 
ocus  an  galgat  Goisten. 

f     Do  ragbatar  Erinw  ain 

for  Thuathaib  De  co  ttrom-gm'in, 
in  áiogail  lotha  na  neach — 
tn'ocha,  deichneabar,  toisech. 

171.  Dala  mac  Miledh,  ro  seolsat  a  morloinges  for 

muir  do  shoighidh  Éreanw,  7  ni  ro  ansat  dia  reimim 

conus   facatar   an   insi   úatha   dow   muir.    Agus   occ 

[fjhaiccsin  Érenn  doibh,  do  ronsat  a  ttreinfhir  iomar- 

baigh  iomramha  7  seolta  fa  ccumang,  la  tinwenas  7  la 

hailghes  a  rochtana  ;   co  rug  ír  mac  Mileadh  muir- 

chreach  2  da  ceach  luing  a  loss  a  nirt  7  a  chalmatais. 

Co  ro  formtigh  Ebear  Donn  mac  ^iledh,  a  sinnser, 

coneThairt 

"  Ni  foHth 

Linges  ir  seach  Ith  " — 

^  gan  claoini  no  lethtrom  ina  breithemhnus. 
*  tonn. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    249 

b    Donn,  Eremon,  noble  Emer, 
Ir,  Aimirgin  without  partiality, 
Colptha,  Airech  Feabra  the  keen, 
Erannan,  Muimhne  fine  and  smooth. 

c     Luighne,  Laighne,  Palap  the  lucky, 
Er,  Orba,  Feron,  Ferghin, 
Eber  son  of  Ir,  Breagha,  I  shall  say, 
Cuala,  Cailnge,  Bladh  rough  and  strong. 

d    Fuad,  and  Muirteimne  with  fame, 
Eblinne,  Nar,  and  Lughaidh, 
Lui,  and  Bile,  Buas  with  battle, 
Bres,  Buaighne,  and  Fulman. 

e     Manntan,  Caicher,  slender  Suirghe, 
En,  Un,  and  rigid  Etan, 
Sobairce,  Sedga  of  spears, 
And  Goisten  the  champion. 

f     They  conquered  noble  Ireland 

against  the  Tuatha  De  of  heavy  horror, 
in  vengeance  for  Ith  of  the  steeds — 
thirty,  ten,  and  one  chieftain. 

171.  As  for  the  sons  of  Mil,  they  sailed  in  a  great 
expedition  on  the  sea  to  Ireland,  and  did  not  pause  in 
their  course  till  they  saw  at  a  distance  the  island  from 
the  sea.  And  when  they  saw  Ireland,  their  warriors 
made  a  contention  of  rowing  and  sailing  to  their  utmost 
in  their  eagerness  and  anxiety  to  reach  it ;  so  that  Ir 
son  of  Mil  advanced  a  wave  before  every  ship  by 
reason  of  his  strength  and  his  valour.  So  Eber  Donn 
son  of  Mil,  the  eldest  of  them,  was  jealous  and  said — 

"  It  is  no  good  deed 
Ir  'fore  Ith  to  proceed  " — 

^  without  crookedness  or  one-si dedness  in  his  judgment. 
"  wave. 


250      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

.i.  seach  \j\xghaidh  mac  lotha,  ar  ba  haiwm  loth  do 
iMghaidh.  As  annsin  ro  meabaidh  an  ramh  baoi  i 
laimh  ír,  co  ttorch^zV  Ir  an  táixsech  tar  a  ais  co  ro 
comibnsedh  a  druim  ar  dho  ind ;  cowerbhail  isin 
oidhchi  ar  cciwd,  7  ro  \ea.suighset  a  corp  an  ccein  ro 
batar  íor  muir,  co  ro  adhnaicsiot  ieromh  hi  Scellic 
lorrais  deisczVt  CoivCa  Duibne.  Bator  bronaigh  tra 
Ereamhon,  Ebher  Fionn  7  Aimirgin  do  écc  a  mbrathar  ; 
7  ro  raidhset,  a.mhail  bidh  a  haoinghion,  ba  coir  cen 
co  toimbiA  Eimer  Don«  an  feronw  ima  ro  formtigh 
íri  a  brathair,  .i.  íri  hír. 

172.  Imralaidhset  meic  Miledh  do  gabail  in  Inbear 
Slaine.  Nis  reilccset  Tuatha  De  Donanw  i  tir  an  du 
sin,  ar  nir  luaidsiot  imchora  íriú.  Ro  dholbsat  tna 
draoidheacht  co  ttarfas  do  macaibh  ^Liledh  nár  bo 
hiath  nó  oilen,  forba  no  feronw  an  cnoch  itir  for  a 
cciwd.  Dosrimcheallsat  Erinn  fo  thri,  co  ro  gabsat 
port  fa  deoidh  in  Inbear  Sceine  ;  dia  Dardain  ar  aoi 
laithe  sec/ítoiaine  hi  pvid-Kallann  Mai,  7  hi  sechtmad 
decc  escca  ;  aeis  domhain  3500.* 

173.  Tiaghait  iaromh  i  cciwd  tri  la  ierttain  co  Sliabh 
Mis.    Do  cuirethar  Banba  doib  i  Sleibh  Mis,  co  sluagh- 

72  aibh  drtííoidheachta  7  amhainseachta.  Ron  ath- 
comhairc  Aimirgin  a  hainm  di.  Albert  si  "  Banba  " 
ol  si  "7  as  ó'm  anmaim  [sic]  ainmnight^r  Banbha  do 
ghairm  don  crich-si."  Agus  ro  chuindigh  ascaidh 
chuca,  CO  maradh  a  hainm  do  gres  for  san  innsi.  Do 
rattadh  di  innsiw. 

174.  Aiccillit  beos  Fodla  in  Eblinne  7  iomcowaircidh 
an  file  Aimirgin  a  hainm  dhi  fon  ccoir  ccetna.  "  Fodla  " 
ol  si  "7  as  uaim  ainmnighther  an  chrioch."  Agus 
conataigh  a  hainm  do  marthain  fuirre,  7  taccadh  di 
amail  ro  chnindigh.  » 

*  in  margin. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    251 

that  is,  before  Lughaid  son  of  Ith,  for  Lughaid  had 
the  name  Ith.  Then  the  oar  that  was  in  the  hand  of 
Ir  spHt,  so  that  Ir  fell  backwards  on  the  thwart  so  that 
his  back  broke  in  two  there  ;  so  that  he  died  in  the 
following  night,  and  they  preserved  his  body  so  long 
as  they  were  on  the  sea,  till  they  buried  it  afterwards 
in  Sceillic  of  lorrais  Deiscert  of  Corco  Duibhne. 
Sorrowful  were  Eremhon,  Eber  Finn,  and  Aimirgin 
at  the  death  of  their  brother  ;  and  they  said,  as  it 
were  out  of  one  mouth,  it  was  right  that  Eber  Donn 
should  not  enjoy  the  land  about  which  he  was  envious 
of  his  brother,  that  is  of  Ir. 

172.  The  sons  of  Mil  advanced  to  a  landing  in  Inbher 
Stainghe.  The  Tuatha  De  Danann  did  not  suffer  them 
to  come  to  land  there,  for  they  had  not  held  parley 
with  them  (?).  They  made,  by  their  druidry,  that  it 
appeared  to  the  sons  of  Mil  that  the  region  was  no 
country  or  island,  territory  or  land  at  all,  in  front  of 
them.~  They  encircled  Ireland  three  times,  till  at 
length  they  took  harbour  in  Inbher  Scene  ;  a  Thursday, 
so  far  as  regards  the  day  of  the  week,  on  the  day  before 
the  Calends  of  May,  the  seventeenth  day  of  the  moon  ; 
Anno  Mundi  3500. 

173.  Then  they  came  in  the  efid  of  three  days  there- 
after to  Sliabh  Mis.  Banba  meets  them  in  Sliabh 
Mis,  with  the  hosts  of  druidry  and  of  cunning.  Aim- 
irgin asked  her  name  of  her.  She  said  "  Banba,"  said 
she,  "  and  it  is  from  my  name  that  Banba  is  named 
as  a  title  for  this  country."  And  she  asked  a  petition 
of  them,  that  her  name  should  remain  always  on  the 
island.    That  was  granted  to  her. 

174.  Then  they  have  converse  with  Fodla  in  Eblinne, 
and  the  poet  Aimirgin  asks  her  name  of  her  in  like 
manner.  "  Fodla,"  said  she,  "  and  from  me  is  the 
land  named."  And  she  prayed  that  her  name  might 
remain  on  it,  and  it  was  granted  her  as  she  requested. 


252      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

175.  Acailsiut  Ére  inn  Uisniuch  Midhe.  Albert 
riu  "  A  occa  "  ol  si  "as  mocen  duibh.  As  cian  o  ata 
acc  fathaib  bar  ttiochtain.  Bidh  libh  co  brath  inw  inis. 
Ni  fail  inis  as  ferr  for  doman.  Ni  bia  ciniudh  hus 
comlainiu  ina  bar  cciniudh."  "  As  maith  sen "  ol 
Aimirgein.  "  Ni  frie  b^nnit  a  buide "  ol  Donn, 
"  acht  riar  ndeibh  7  ria  ar  ccumachta."  "  Cuma 
duit  "  ol  hEre,  "  ni  ba  duit  tarba  na  hinsi  7  ni  ba  dot 
cloinn.  Ascaidh  damsa,  a  maca  Miledhy  7  a  eland 
Breughain,  m'aiwm  do  bith  for  san  insi  siu." 
*'  Bidh  e  a  priomainm  co  brath "  ol  Aimirgin, 
"  .i.  hEriu." 

176.  Lotar  Goedhil  co  Tea.mTaigh,  7  ba  Druim 
Caoin  a  hainm  isin  inbuidh  sin  acc  Tuaith  Dé 
Donanw,  Liathdruim  imorro  a  haiwm  acc  Fearaibh 
Bolcg.  As  anw  batar  na  righ  ara  cciwd  i  Liath- 
drwim,  .i.  Mac  Cuill,  Mac  Cecht,  7  Mac  Greniu. 
Cowaitchetor  meic  Mileadh  cath  no  righe  no  coccert 
chuchu. 

177.  Fuighellsat  fri  Macu  Mileadh  comad  leo  an 
inis  CO  cenn  naoi  ttrath  fri  telcud,  no  gialladh,  no  íri 
tionol  catha.  "Dia  mbadh  mo  chomairli-si  do 
gneithi  ann,"  ol  Don«  mac  'M.úedh,  "  is  na  chath  no 
biadh."  Ni  ro  faemhsat  meic  Mhiíedh  an  cairde 
cowaitcettar  do  Thuathaib  De  Donann.  "  Do  heir- 
inine "  ol  na  riogha  "  breithemnws  bar  ffiledh  fein 
daoibh,  ar  dia  ruccat  gubreth  foim  beittit  mairb  or 
Tiáalaibh  i  traittiu."  "  Beir  an  mbreith  a  Aimirgin  " 
ol  Don«.  "  Atb^mm  "  ol  Aimirgin  ;  "  leagar  an 
crioch  doibh  co  tocht  ar  eccin  orra  doridisi."     "  Cia 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    253 

175.  They  held  converse  with  Eriu  in  Usnech  of 
Midhe.  She  said  to  them,  "Warriors,"  said  she, 
"  welcome  to  you.  It  is  long  since  your  coming  is 
prophesied.  Yours  will  be  the  island  for  ever.  There 
is  not  a  better  island  in  the  world.  No  race  will  be 
more  perfect  than  your  race."  "  Good  is  that,"  said 
Aimirgin.  "  Not  to  her  do  we  give  thanks  for  it," 
said  Donn,  "but  to  our  gods  and  to  our  power." 
"It  is  naught  to  thee,"  said  Eriu,  "thou  shalt  have  no 
gain  of  the  island  nor  will  thy  children.  A  gift  to  me, 
O  sons  of  Mil  and  children  of  Breoghan,  that  my 
name  may  be  on  this  island !  "  "It  will  be  its  chief 
name  for  ever,"  said  Aimirgin,  "  namely  Eriu." 

176.  The  Gaedhil  went  to  Temair.  Now  Druim  Cain 
was  its  name  at  that  time  among  the  Tuatha  De 
Danann,  but  Liathdruim  was  its  name  among  the  Fir 
Bolg.  There  were  the  three  kings  before  them  in 
Liathdruim,  namely  Mac  Cuill,  Mac  Cecht,  and  Mac 
Greine.  The  sons  of  Mil  demanded  battle  or  kingship 
or  judgment  of  them. 

177.  They  adjudged  to  the  sons  of  Mil  that  they 
should  have  possession  of  the  island  to  the  end  of  nine 
days,  to  depart,  or  to  submit,  or  to  muster  battle. 
"  If  my  advice  were  carried  out,"  said  Donn  son  of 
Mil,  "it  is  a  battle  it  would  be."  The  sons  of  Mil 
did  not  grant  the  respite  they  sought  to  the  Tuatha 
De  Danann.  "  We  give,"  said  the  kings,  "  the  judg- 
ment of  your  own  poets  to  you,  for  if  they  give  a  false 
judgment  against  us  they  will  die  from  our  elements  (?) 
on  the  spot."  "  Give  the  judgment,  Aimirgin,"  said 
Donn.  "  I  speak  it,"  said  Aimirgin.  "  Let  the  land  be 
left  to  them  till  we  come  again  by  force."     "  Whither 


254      1)0   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

leth   notragham  ?  "    ol   Eher   Donw.      "  Tar   naoibh 
ttonwaibh  "  ol  Aimirgin  :   7  ro  raidh  infzso — 

Fir  toracta  tuinide  :  ^ 
tar  naoib  tonáaih 
mara  munglassa  ^  mbioghaidh  :  ^ 
manab  dib  cumachtí?  clanntar, 
crib  *  a,iv\ither  cat :  • 
73  concertaim  tuinidi 

tine  toracda :  ^ 
.     ma  rocharaid  damaid  c^rt,® 
mana  ch3.iaid  ni  damaid — 
ni  me  asbeir  fríbh.' 

178.  "  Dia  mba  mo  chomhairie  do  gnethi  "  ol  Donn 
mac  Miíedh,  "is  na  chath  no  biadh."  Ar  a  aoi  lotar 
meic  MHedh  tria.  chomhairie  7  coicc^rt  Aim^Vgin  a 
Liathdmim  do  Inber  Scene,  airm  hi  fárgaibhset  a 
longa  :  co  riachtatíir  tar  naoi  tonwaib.  "  Notarbene 
do  chumdichtaibh  "  ol  na  dmoithe,  "  na  targaitt  Ere 
CO  brath."     Lasodhain  focherds^t  na  draoithe  gaotha 

^  na  fir  fúarabazV  na  taoi-aireg,  .i.  na  cconmaidhe,  as  leó  o  cert 
an  tsealb. 

2  ceinmighidh  sibsi  tar  naoi  tonwaib  muinélglasa  no  mong-glassa 
mara. 

'  on  ceininiugha<iA. 

*  munab  cumachtacA  sibh  ar  erluadh  no  ar  urfoichill  catha  do 
cor  CO  crib  .i.  co  luath  ;  no  madh  sibsi  bus  cumachtach  ar  thoi- 
dheacht  orxa  doridhisi  biodh  urfoichill  chatha  co  luath  hbh,  7  breath- 
uighim-si  sealb  an  tiri  a  ffuarabazV  iet  ina  ccomnaidhe  dhaoibh. 

^  coigertMigAim  no  brethMzgAim  sealbh  an  tire  a  bfuarabair  iat 
na  ccomnwiiie  daoibh  tria.  erluadh  catha. 

•  madh  gradhach  sibh  ar  an  tir  a  bfuarabajr  Tuatha  T)e  Danann 
aontutgAidh  c^rt  doibh  impe. 

'  ni  meisi  ader  rib  gan  cert  do  z-ontaghadh  úaibh  ar  gradh  an 
tire  no  ar  a  fuath  dona  fearaip  fuarabhair  ina  covahnuidhe  7  ina 
seilbh  ar  bar  ccind. 

♦  cirbMS. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    255 

shall  we  go  ?  "  said  Eber  Donn.     "  Over  nine  waves," 
said  Aimirgin  ;  and  he  said  this — 

The  men  ye  have  found  are  of  possession  (?) : 

over  nine  green-necked  waves 

of  the  sea  advance  ye  : 

unless  by  you  power  be  (then)  planted,        ^ 

quickly  let  battle  be  prepared  (?). 

I  assign  the  possession 

of  the  land  ye  have  found  : 

if  ye  love  conceder  (this)  award, 

if  ye  love  not  concede  it  not — 

it  is  not  I  that  say  (this)  to  you. 

178.  "  If  it  were  my  counsel  that  were  done,"  said 
Donn  son  of  Mil,  "  battle  it  would  be."  Never- 
theless the  sons  of  Mil  went  by  the  advice  and 
judgment  of  Aimirgin  from  Liathdruim  to  Inbher 
Scene,  the  place  where  they  had  left  their  ships,  till 
they  passed  over  nine  waves.  "  Let  us  trust 
to  the  powers,"  said  the  druids,  "  that  they  may 
never   reach    Ireland."     With  that   the   druids   cast 


1  the  men  ye  have  found  in  their  taoi-aireg,  that  is  dwelling, 
theirs  by  right  is  the  possession. 

2  advance  ye  over  nine  green-necked  or  green-maned  waves  of 
the  sea. 

^  from  the  advancing. 

*  unless  ye  are  able  to  devise  or  prepare  to  give  battle  co  crib,  that 
is,  Swiftly  ;  or  if  it  be  you  that  shall  be  powerful  to  return  on  them 
again  let  the  preparation  of  battle  swiftly  be  yours  ;  and  I  assign 
to  you  the  possession  of  the  land  where  you  have  found  them  hving. 

5  I  adjudge  or  assign  to  you  possession  of  the  land  where  you 
have  found  them  hving  through  the  device  of  battle. 

•  if  ye  are  fond  of  the  land  where  ye  have  found  the  Tuatha  De 
Danann  concede  right  to  them  about  it. 

'  it  is  not  I  who  shall  say  to  you  not  to  concede  right  for  love  or 
for  hatred  of  the  land  to  the  men  you  have  found  dwelling  in  and 
possessing  it  before  you. 


256      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

draoidhec/j^a  ina  ndéoidh,  co  ttochradh  an  muirgnan 
iochtarach  ior  úachtar  an  mara,  ba  seadh  méd  na 
hainbhtine ;  conus  nice  an  gaeth  siar  isiw  occen 
comhtar  scithigh.  "  Gaoth  drwadh  sonw "  ol  Donw 
mac  Miledh.  "  Asseadh  on "  ol  Aimirgm,  "  manas 
fuil  OS  an  seolchranw ;  7  fiwtdu  dhun  an  bíil 
itiV."  Luidh  Eranwan,  osar  mac  Múedh,  isin  seol- 
cranw,  7  ro  ráidh  na  baoi  úasu.  Do  rochair  laissiw 
im  claraibh  na  luinge  asin  seolchranw,  co  ro  scaoilset 
a  bhoiU. 

179.  "  Meabhal  dar  noes  dana "  ol  Donw,  "  na 
taimett  an  ngaoith  ndmoideachta."  "  Ni  ba  meabal 
ón  "  ol  Aimirgin,  ag  eirghi  suas  ;  conébairt — 

Ailiu  iath  nErewd.^ 
Ermach  muir  mothuch,^ 
uiothach  sliabh  sreathach,^ 
sreíhach  coill  ciothoch,* 
ciothach  ab  essach,^ 
es-ssach  loch  liownmar,* 
liwdmar  tor  tiopm,^ 
tiopra  tuath  oenaigh  [sic],^ 
aenach  righ  Temm, 
Teamair  tor  tuatha,® 
tuatha  mac  Miled,^^ 

*  guidhidh  ieronn  na  hÉrenw  do  rochtain  duin. 

2  an  muinttV  atá  ag  érciim  no  ag  marca-ighecht  ar  an  muir  morut- 
haigh  .i.  mor  toithaigh,  no  ar  an  adhbhal-muir. 

'  ar  seaiTnadh  7  ar  srea-thnughadh  ar  a  sleiptibh  7  ar  a  sruttiaibh. 

*  ar  a  coiHtibh  ar  a  mbit  ceatha  cnuais  7  toraidh. 

*  ar  a  haibhnxfc/t  7  ar  a  hessaibh. 

*  ar  a  lochaib  7  ara.  linntib  mora. 

'  ar  a  hiomat  tioprat,  no  ar  a  tulchaibh  tiopradacha. 

*  go  raibh  aonach,  no  aeibhneais,  no  marcaigheacht,  againn  ar  a 
tuaXhaibh. 

»  CO  raibh  ri  uainn  fein  i  Teamraig-A  7  co  mba  hi  bus  tuath  dar 
niomat  riogh  :  no  Teamair  da  ffoghnait  ioltuatha. 
^^  comba  ioUus  meic  Miledh  for  a  tuathaibh. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    257 

dniidic  winds  after  them,  so  that  the  bottom  gravel 
was  raised  to  the  top  of  the  sea,  so  great  was  the  storm  ; 
so  that  the  storm  took  them  westward  in  the  ocean 
till  they  were  weary.  "  A  druids'  wind  is  that,"  said 
Donn  son  of  Mil.  "  It  is  indeed,"  said  Aimirgin, 
"  unless  it  be  higher  than  the  mast ;  find  out  for  us 
if  it  be  so."  Erannan,  the  youngest  son  of  Mil,  went 
up  the  mast,  and  said  that  it  was  not  over  them. 
With  that  he  fell  on  the  planks  of  the  ship  from  the 
mast,  so  that  they  shattered  his  limbs. 

179.  A  shame  to  our  men  of  learning  is  it,"  said 
Donn,  "  not  to  suppress  the  druidic  wind."  "  No  shame 
it  shall  be,"  said  Aimirgin,  rising  up ;  and  he  said — 

I  invoke  the  land  of  Ireland. 
Much-coursed  be  the  fertile  sea, 
fertile  be  the  fruit-strewn  mountain, 
fruit -strewn  be  the  showery  wood, 
showery  be  the  river  of  waterfalls, 
of  waterfalls  be  the  lake  of  deep  pools, 
deep-pooled  be  the  hill-top  wall, 
a  well  of  tribes  be  the  assembly, 
an  assembly  of  kings  be  Temair, 
Temair  be  a  hill  of  the  tribes, 
the  tribes  of  the  sons  of  Mil, 

^  pray  ye  that  we  may  reach  the  land  of  Ireland. 
'  the  people  who  are  coursing  or  riding  on  the  greatly  productive, 
that  is,  great  fruitful  sea,  or  on  the  immense  sea. 

'  extending  and  spreading  on  her  mountains  and  on  her  streams. 

*  on  her  woods  where  are  showers  of  nuts  and  of  fruit. 
5  on  her  rivers  and  on  her  waterfalls. 

'  on  her  lakes  and  on  her  great  pools. 

'  on  her  multitude  of  wells,  or  on  her  mounds  containing  wells. 

*  that  we  may  have  an  assembly,  or  pleasure,  or  riding,  on  her 
territories. 

*  that  there  may  be  a  king  of  our  own  in  Temair,  and  that  it  may 
be  Temair  that  will  be  the  territory  of  our  multitude  of  kings  :  or 
Temair  which  many  races  serve. 

^0  that  the  sons  of  Mil  may  be  evident  over  her  territories. 

R 


258      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

Múedh  long,  libem, 
libern  ard,  Ere,^ 
Ere  ard,  diclass,^ 
dichetal  rogaeth : 
ro  gaes  ban  Breisi, 
Breisi,  ban  Buaigni ;  ^ 
74        be  adbal  Ére, 
Eremhón  ortus, 
ír,  EbíV  ailsius.* 
Ailiu  iath  nErenn. 

i8o.  Do  rala  finwfeth  doib  íor  an  ffairge  fochettoir. 
Atb^rt  Donw  "Dob^Vsa  fo  ghion  gai  7  cloidhemh 
an  fianlach  íilit  isin  ccrich  anossa,  acht  co  roiser  tir." 
Ro  artraigh  an  gaoth  doib  asahaithle,  co  Tosdelaigh 
friu  an  luing  i  mboi  Donn  ;  co  ro  hdiiáedh  ag  na  Du- 
mh3.ch.aibh.  Ceathrar  ar  íichitt  do  laithaibh  goile,  da 
mnaoi  decc,  7  ceithre  hamais  cons,  muintirib,  an  lion  ro 
baitheadh  im  Donn  isin  luing  siw.  Adnaicther  Donn 
iar  siw  ag  na  Dnmhd.chaihh  ;  cowadh  uadha  raiter  Teach 
nDuinw,  7  ata  a  dumha  feisin,  7  dumha  gach  ae  dia  ro 
hdiidheadh  á'siire^chaibh  a  muintíVe  imaille  ris,  isin 
maighíM  reimmitiu.  Dil,  tra,  ingen  '^Hedh,  Eremón 
rosadnaichtsi  ar  3.  dile  lais,  conerhairt  ag  tahairt  foid 
fuirre  "  As  fod  íor  Dil  so  "  ol  sé.  Atiat  na  toisigh  ro 
ha.iáedh  imaille  re  Donw  don  chur  sin ;  Bile  mac  Brighi, 
Airech  Februa,  Buas,  Breas,  7  Buaighne.     Ro  hadh- 

^  Ere  ard-long  7  Ubem  mac  Miledh  re  na  haitreba<íA. 

*  Ere  áigltis,  .i.  disolwí,  .i.  ata  in  doirci,  as  di  cantar  an  tairceta/ 
so. 

'  guidhit  mna  gaotha  Breisi  7  Buaighni  duin  rochtain  gus  an 
saormhnaoi  Ere  aidhbsígA. 

*  guidhidh  Eremhón  7  ailidh  ír  7  Eber  rochtain  Ér^nw  dúin  no 
do  léigematV  ír  7  Eber  Donn  in  eislis  no  i  iaillidhe. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    259 

of  Mil  of  the  ships,  the  barks, 

let  the  lofty  bark  be  Ireland, 

lofty  Ireland,  darkly  [sung], 

an  incantation  of  great  cunning  : 

the  great  cunning  of  the  wives  of  Bres, 

the  wives  of  Bres,  of  Buaigne  ; 

the  great  lady  Ireland, 

Eremon  hath  conquered  her, 

Ir,  Eber  have  invoked  for  her. 

I  invoke  the  land  of  Ireland. 

180.  A  tranquil  calm  came  to  them  on  the  sea 
immediately.  Said  Donn,  "  I  will  put  under  the  edge 
of  spears  and  swords  the  warriors  that  are  in  the  land 
now,  only  let  me  land."  The  wind  increased  on  them 
thereupon,  so  that  it  separated  from  them  the  ship  in 
which  was  Donn  ;  and  he  was  drowned  at  the  Dumh- 
acha.  Twenty-four  warriors  of  valour,  twelve  women, 
and  four  mercenaries,  with  their  folk,  are  the  tale  that 
were  drowned  with  Donn  in  that  ship.  After  that, 
Donn  was  buried  at  the  Dumhacha  ;  so  that  from  him 
"  Donn's  House  "  is  called,  and  there  is  his  own  grave- 
mound,  and  the  gravemound  of  everyone  who  was 
drowned  of  the  chieftains  of  his  people  with  him, 
in  the  aforesaid  place.  Now  Dil,  daughter  of  Mil, 
Eremon  buried  her  for  the  love  he  had  for  her,  so 
that  he  said  in  putting  a  sod  on  her,  "This  is  a  sod 
on  a  '  dear  one,'  "  said  he.  These  are  the  chief- 
tains that  were  drowned  with  Donn  at  that  time : 
Bile  son  of   Brighe,  Airech  Febra,  Buas,  Breas,  and 

1  Ireland  is  the  lofty  ship  and  bark  of  the  sons  of  Mil  to  dwell  in  it. 

2  Ireland  without  brightness,  that  is  without  light,  that  is  which 
is  in  darkness ;  it  is  for  her  this  incantation  is  sung. 

^  the  wise  women  of  Breis  and  of  Buaigne  pray  for  us  to  reach 
the  splendid  free  lady  Ireland. 

*  Eremon  prays,  and  Ir  and  Eber  ask  that  we  reach  Ireland  ;  or 
we  have  left  Ir  and  Eber  Donn  in  forgetfulness  and  neglect. 


26o      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁ1NE 

naicedh  ír  i  Scellic  lorrais  febh  remheb^rtmar,  Eranwan 
do  ecc  isiw  inbear  iar  ndul  d'imchisin  na  gaoithe,  7 
iar  combach  a  cnamh  im  na  claiiaibh.  Ocht  ttoisigh 
ineshachs.  d'a  mia.slaibh  go  siw. 

181.  Isin  oidche  i  t3.nga.iar  meic  MUedh  in  En»n, 
tomaidm  locha  Luighdheach  fo  thir  in  lar-Muman. 
Dia  mbaoi  Lnghaidh  mac  lotha  ga  iothraccadh  isin 
loch,  7  Fial  inghen  Múedh  a  ben  occa  iotraccadh 
isin  abainw  teite  asiw  loch,  do  luidh  Lugaidh  gus 
an  dú  i  mbaoi  an  inghen,  ósé  nocht ;  7  o  ro 
sill  fair  sa.mhlaidh  atbail  do  náire  fochetoir,  7 
as  uaithe  ainmnight/^^r  an  abhanw  cons,  hinber.  Ba 
doimhenmnach  an  ti  iMgaidh  iar  nécc  na  hinghine, 
condebert — 

182.  a     Suidhem  sunw  os  an  tr«cht, 

ainfteach  uacht ;  ^ 
criot  form  dhed,  adba/  echt 
echt  dow  ruacht. 

b    Aisnem  duib  atbath  ben, 
brogwss  bladh ;  ^ 
Fial  a  haiwm,  fris  niad  nem  ^ 
OS  gnan  glan. 

c     Adhbal  ecc  ecc  dom  ruacht, 
cruaidh  romcluidh  ;  * 
nocht  ^  a  fir,  ro  shill  fair 
siu  ro  suidh.^ 

*  as  ainmin  ar  ffuacht  on  ainfthine. 

^  ar  a.  mbaoi  meadughadh  no  hisech  clú  ;   no  ag  a  mbaoi  a  clú  ag 
ceimniughaííA  ar  a  hdighaidh. 

'  ria  fferdacht  an  ghaisgh^aAaigh. 

*  do  thochail  no  do  claoi  mo  croidi  co  cruaidh.  •  denacht. 

*  on  giudLsecht,  no  on  ceimniugha<^A,  no  on  iomluadh. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     261 

Buaighne.  Ir  was  buried  in  Sceillic  of  lorras,  as  we 
have  said  above,  Erannan  died  in  the  creek  after  going 
to  contemplate  the  wind,  and  after  breaking  his  bones 
on  the  deck.  Eight  chieftains  were  their  losses  from 
among  their  nobles  up  till  then. 

181.  In  the  night  in  which  the  sons  of  Mil  came  to 
Ireland  [was]  the  burst  of  Loch  Luighdech  over  land 
in  West  Munster.  When  Lughaidh,  son  of  Ith,  was 
bathing  in  the  lake,  and  Fial,  daughter  of  Mil,  his  wife 
was  bathing  in  the  river  that  flows  out  of  the  lake, 
Lughaidh  went  to  the  place  where  was  the  woman,  he 
being  naked  ;  and  when  she  looked  on  him  thus  she 
died  of  shame  at  once,  and  from  her  is  named  the  river 
with  its  creek.  Downcast  was  Lughaidh  after  the 
woman's  death,  so  that  he  said — 

182.  a     Sit  we  here  dver  the  strand, 
stormy  the  cold  ; 
chattering  in  my  teeth, — a  great  tragedy 
is  the  tragedy  that  has  reached  me. 

b    I  tell  (?)  you  a  woman  has  died, 
whom  fame  magnifies  ; 
Fial  her  name,  from  a  warrior's  nakedness 
upon  the  clean  gravel. 

c     A  great  death  is  the  death  that  has  reached 
me, 
harshly  prostrated  me  ; 
the  nakedness  of  her  husband,  she  looked 
upon  him 
who  had  rested  here. 

^  rough  is  our  coldness  from  the  storm. 

2  on  whom  was  increase  of  improvement  of  fame  ;  or  whose  fame 
was  advancing  forward. 

'  before  the  manhood  of  the  warrior. 

*  dug  or  destroyed  my  heart  cruelly.  ^  vehemence. 

•  from  advancing,  or  from  proceeding,  or  from  traveUing. 


262      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

183.  Sé  mná  da  nuaislib  attesbada  for  muir  7  tír 
o   ro   tocomlaidhseai    a   hEspáin   go    sin.    Atiat    a 

75  nanmanwa  ;  Buan  bean  Bile,  Dil  bean  Duinw,  Scene 
dulsaine^  ben  Aimirgin  Gluinghil — atbaith-si  aca  for 
muir  ac  tocht  dóibh  co  hErinw ;  conepert  Aimirgin 
"  an  purt  ina  ngebhaim-ne,  biaidh  ainw  Sceine  fair." 
Ba  fior  son,  uair  as  úaithe  ainmnighth^ar  Inber  Sceine 
— Fial  ben  lAiighdech  meic  Ithe  ;  ben  ír,  7  ben  Muirth- 
eimne  mic  Breoghain,  an  dias  naile. 

184.  O  do  riachtator  meic  MUedh  hi  tir  is  na  hin- 
bearaibh  atrwbhramar,  7  iar  nadhnacol  na  foime  doesta 
uatha  dia  ndeaghdhaoinibh,  ro  ranw  Eremón  7  Eib^r 
Fionn  an  coblach  com.  nokeaichaibh  7  vnoghedhsiibh  ar 
dhó  etorra.  Seolais  Ereomhon  iersin  co  ttnchat  long 
ime  láimh  clé  íri  hÉrind,  co  rogaibh  in  Inber  Colptha. 
Atiat  na  toisigh  hsitar  ina  fhochair,  .i.  Eb^r  mac  ír, 
Aimhirgin  file,  Palap,  Muimne,  Luighne,  Laighne, 
Bregha,  Muirteimhne,  Fuad,  Cuailnge,  Colptha,  Gois- 
ten,  Setga,  Suirge,  7  Sobhairce.  Batar  caithmil^/ia 
an  tnar  deidhenach  sin.  Atiat  na  moghaidh  ha.tar  la 
hEremón ;  Aidhne,  Ai,  Asal,  Mide,  Cuibh,  Ceara,  Ser, 
Slan,  Lighen,  Dul,  Tregha,  Line. 

185.  Ag  tabaiVt  a  choisi  deisi  d' Aimirgin  i  tir  in 
Inber  Colptha  as  anw  ro  raidh  an  riothairecc — 

Amm  goeth  i  muir.* 
am  tonn  trethain.^ 
am  fuaim  mara.* 
am  dam  setir.^ 

^  ba  bancainti  i. 

2  as  gaoth  7  as  muir  me  ar  nirt,  no  as  gaoth  me  ar  an  muir  ier 
ccumang,  7  cumachta,  7  ar  luas,  7  glice. 

'  as  tonn  ar  anfadh  me  do  tra-otJiadh  ceach  aoin. 

*  as  íúaim  no  tormá»  no  fogar  mara  liom. 

*  as  dam  me  ar  laidireacht  no  ar  neart. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    263 

183.  Six  women  of  their  nobles  were  their  losses  on 
sea  and  land  from  their  setting  out  from  Spain  till 
then.  These  are  their  names  :  Buan,  wife  of  Bile ; 
Dil,  wife  of  Donn;  Scene  the  she-satirist,  wife  of  Aimirgin 
White-knee  (she  died  with  them  on  the  sea  while  they 
were  coming  to  Ireland  ;  so  that  Aimirgin  said,  "  The 
harbour  where  we  land,  the  name  of  Scene  will  be  on 
it."  That  was  true,  for  from  her  is  named  Inbher 
Scene).  Fial,  wife  of  Lughaidh  son  of  Ith;  the  wife 
of  Ir,  and  the  wife  of  Muirtheimne  son  of  Breoghan, 
were  the  other  two. 

184.  When  the  sons  of  Mil  reached  land  in  the  creek 
we  have  mentioned,  and  when  they  had  buried  the 
troop  of  their  nobles  who  had  died  of  them,  Eremon 
and  Eber  Finn  divided  the  fleet  with  their  chieftains 
and  servants  in  two  between  them.  Eremon  sailed 
after  that  with  thirty  ships,  keeping  Ireland  on  his 
left  hand,  and  he  landed  in  Inbher  Colptha.  These 
are  the  chieftains  that  were  with  him :  Eber  son  of 
Ir,  Aimhirgin  the  poet,  Palap,  Muimhne,  Luighne, 
Laighne,  Bregha,  Muitheimne,  Fuad,  Cuialnge,  Colptha, 
Goisten,  Setga,  Suirge,  and  Sobhairce.  The  three 
last  were  champions.  These  are  the  slaves  that  were 
with  Eremon :  Aidhne,  Ai,  Asal,  Mide,  Cuibh,  Cera, 
Ser,  Slan,  Lighen,  Dul,  Tregha,  Line. 

185.  In  putting  his  right  foot  on  shore  at  Inbher 
Colptha,  it  was  then  Aimirgin  said  the  rhapsody — 

I  am  wind  on  the  sea. 
I  am  a  wave  of  the  ocean. 
I  am  the  roar  of  the  sea. 
I  am  a  powerful  ox. 

^  she  was  a  female  satirist. 

2  I  am  a  wind  and  a  sea  for  strength,  or  I  am  a  wind  on  the  sea 
according  to  might,  and  power,  and  for  swiftness,  and  deftness. 
^  I  am  a  wave  in  storm  to  suppress  everyone. 
*  I  have  the  roar  or  sound  or  thunder  of  the  sea. 
'  I  am  an  ox  for  strength  and  power. 


264      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

am  seg  for  aill^ 

am  der  greine.^ 

am  cain  luba.^ 

am  tore  ar  gail.* 

am  eo  i  lindibh.*^ 

am  loch  i  maigh.® 

am  brigh  dana.' 

am  gai  la  fodb  feras  feachta.® 

am  dae  delbws  do  chiwd  cotnu.^ 

Coiche  notglen  ^^  clochar  slebe  ?  ^^ 
cia  du  i  luidh  ^^  fúinedh  greiniu  ?  ^^ 
cia  seacht  siecht  ^*  sith  gan  eccla  ?  ^^ 
76  cis  [sic]  non  dogar  eassa  uiscci  ?  ^* 

cia  ber  a  buar  o  tigh  Tea.thra  ?  ^' 

1  as  seabhac  úas  aill  me  ar  glice  7  aithe  7  nert. 

2  as  comghlan  mé  fri  déir  re  grein  ar  gleordacht  7  ghloine  \sic\. 

3  as  caoin  coIms  mo  corp,  no  as  eolacA  an  luamhaire  me. 

*  as  tore  all/a  me  ar  ghoil,  no  as  tighema  me  ar  %zSs,zQ.edh. 

^  as  eigni  no  bradan  me  ar  luthmaire  i  linnti&A  eolais. 

'  as  loch  i  magh  me  ar  forleithni  ;  no  as  iomda  mo  dhraoid- 
hecht. 

'  as  neH;mhar  firinde  im  dhan  7  im  elacfAain  me,  no  as  dana 
nertmhar  ar  tulchazfeA  me. 

®  as  ga  me  le  fodhiubaciA  no  gerraíiA  ag  fuachtain  las  na  feraibh 
fo  cerdfaiiA  for  iecht  me. 

"  as  dea  7  as  dfaoidh  7  as  duine  me  dealbhws  deatach  do  teini 
draoidheacAia  do  hz&u^adh  caich  di  :  no  do  gni  dicetal  do  cean- 
daibh  cnoc  no  cnatar-barc. 

^"  cia  da  leanfom  no  cia  cowair  leanfom  ? 

^1  an  coimthionol  úd  ar  SMdbh  Mis,  no  na  hairigA  ata  iof  an 


^2  cia  ait  i  luidhfeam,  no  cia  diamfta  dual  ? 

^*  m.o\adh  do  íh\ú.neadh  greine  .i.  do  Erinw  ina  damsa. 

^*  cia  hionnsoigAe  ionwsaighfeam,  no  cinwMs  bhies  at  Secht  ace 
dul  7  ac  toidhecht  ? 

^5  i  fearonw  mhaith  co  siothamhatV,  gan  uannhan. 

^*  cia  an  tuiscci  as  gloine  7  as  gile  in  ait  a  hesa  7  a  huiscc^Aa ;  no 
cia  innisfes  aois  esca  daoibh  acht  meise  ? 

*'  cia  doheradh  a  buar  .i.  a  hiascc  ó  thig  na  mara  acht 
meisi  ? 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     265 

I  am  a  hawk  on  a  cliff. 

I  am  a  dewdrop  in  sunshine. 

I  am  .  .  . 

I  am  a  boar  for  valour. 

I  am  a  salmon  in  pools. 

I  am  a  lake  in  a  plain. 

I  am  the  strength  of  art. 

I  am  a  spear  with  spoils  that  wages  battle. 

I  am  a  man  that  shapes  fire  for  a  head. 

Who  clears  the  stone-place  of  the  mountain  ? 
What  the  place  in  which  the  setting  of  the  sun  lies  ? 
Who  has  sought  peace  without  fear  seven  times  ? 
Who  names  the  waterfalls  ?  [?] 
Who  brings  his  cattle  from  the  house  of  Tethra  ? 

^  I  am  a  hawk  over  a  cliff  for  expertness  and  quickness  and  power. 
2  I  am  as  bright  as  a  tear  in  the  sunshine  for  brilliancy  and 
brightness. 

^  fair  in  knowledge  is  my  body,  or  I  am  a  skilled  pilot. 

*  I  am  a  wild  boar  for  valour,  or  I  am  a  lord  for  prowess. 

^  I  am  a  trout  or  a  salmon  for  swiftness  in  the  pools  of  knowledge. 

•  I  am  a  lake  in  a  plain  for  expansiveness ;  or  excessive  is  my 
druidry. 

'  truth  is  powerful  in  my  poem  and  in  my  art,  or  I  am  bold  and 
powerful  on  hiUs. 

^  I  am  a  dart  for  cutting  down  or  hewing  in  fighting  with  the 
men  who  would  cast  me  as  they  fight. 

'  I  am  a  god  and  a  druid  and  a  mortal  who  forms  smoke  of  druidic 
fire  to  kill  everyone  with  it ;  or  who  makes  incantation  from  the 
tops  of  mountains  or  of  ships. 

^°  whom  shall  we  foUow,  or  what  way  shall  we  follow  ? 

^^  yonder  assembly  on  Sliabh  Mis,  of  the  chieftains  which  are 
over  the  host. 

^2  what  the  place  in  which  we  shall  he,  or  to  whom  would  it 
be  right  ? 

^3  praise  to  the  setting  of  the  sun,  that  is  Ireland  to  whom  is  her 
dance. 

^*  what  onset  shall  we  make,  or  how  shall  be  our  expedition  in 
going  and  returning  ? 

'*  in  a  good  land  peacefully,  without  fear. 

^*  what  is  the  water  clearest  and  brightest  in  the  place  of  its  fall 
and  of  its  waters  ;   or  who  will  tell  you  the  age  of  the  moon  but  I  ? 

^'  who  will  bring  its  cattle,  that  is  its  fish,  from  the  house  of  the 
sea  but  I  ? 


266      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

cia  buar  Tethrach  tibide  ?  ^ 
cia  doen,  cia  dia,- 
dealbws  faebra  andiond  ?  * 
indiond  ailes  cainte  :  * 
dichain  tothlacht,  dailes  fedha, 
fodhail  coblach,^  cachain  aille,® 
ailiside  sieas  coimes  cainte," 
cainte  gaeth. 

i86.  Cachain  iarom  do  toscal  esc  in  inberaibh — 

lascach  muir — 
mothach  tir — ^ 
tomaidm  neisc — ^ 
iascc  fo  thuiiin — 
rethaibh  en — ^^ 
fairrci  cruaidh — 
cassair  íionn— ^^^ 

^  cía  las  a  mbeith  iasgacA  na  mara  gairechtaíghe  acc  luthgaire  7 
acc  Í3iiltmghadh  ina  iriomsa.  ? 

2  cia  an  duine  no  an  dea  ? 

3  do  ghenadh  deailhadh  comfaebracA  riomsa,  cnoc  do  cnoc,  tonn 
fri  tuinw,  litir  fri  htir,  nnn  fri  rind  ;   ionn  .i.  rinn. 

*  as  cainti  me  eráiles  no  guidhes  no  arailleas  diceatal  do  denomh 
re  a  tothlughaííA  orm  do  lucht  na  ttonw. 

^  scaoilim  no  sreatnazgAim  na  fedha  7  na  foirfhedha  isin  caomais- 
dise,  ties  an  foideiliughadh  tughadh  iti  lucht  an  cdblaigh.  No 
aeMiidher  feadha  .i.  slega  don  delMgAadh  tnccadh  ar  an  cohXach. 

*  canaim  molta. 

'  iarroiva.  cainte  glic  oile  do  choimes  cantana  fom  7  rochtain  co 
hionadh  i  bhfuigheabh  é. 

*  CO  tti  idjsccach  an  mara  murtorta  móir  co  luath  do  com  tire 
chugainn. 

*  CO  tobruchtait  7  co  ttebrindit  na  heiscc  ata  fo  thuinn  do  com 
tire. 

1®  ina  niomat  bratan  7  ina  re  maighr«a<iA  ina  rioth  inar  lion- 
taibh. 

1*  cinnit  ar  eccinntaííA  da  gach  cenel  eiscc  7  do  bradanat&A  acc 
tocht  ina  ccethatM  geala  don  muir. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    267 

On  whom  do  the  cattle  of  Tethra  smile  ?  (?) 

What  person,  what  god, 

Forms  weapons  in  a  fort  ?  (?) 

In  a  fort  that  nourishes  satirists, 

Chants  a  petition,  divides  the  Ogham  letters, 

Separates  a  fleet,  has  sung  praises, 

a  wise  satirist. 

186.  He  sang  afterwards  to  increase  fish  in  the 
creeks — 

Fishful  sea — 

fertile  land — 
burst  of  fish — 
fish  under  wave — 
with  courses  of  birds — 
rough  sea — 
a  white  hail — 

^  to  whom  shall  the  fishing  of  the  smiling  sea  make  gladness  and 
welcome  but  with  me  ? 

2  what  person  or  what  god  ? 

^  that  would  make  shaping  as  keen-edged  as  I  would,  hill  to 
hill,  wave  to  wave,  letter  to  letter,  point  to  point ;  ionn  is  "  point." 

*  I  am  a  satirist  who  commands  or  prays  or  who  merits  that  the 
making  of  an  incantation  should  be  demanded  of  me  by  the  folk  of 
the  waves. 

^  I  spread  or  display  the  letters  and  the  extra  letters  in  this 
beautiful  composition,  through  the  separation  given  to  the  people 
of  the  fleet.  Or  the  woods,  that  is  the  spears,  will  be  divided  by 
the  separation  brought  upon  the  fleet. 

*  I  sing  praises. 

'  I  ask  another  clever  satirist  to  compare  song  with  me  and  to 
come  to  the  place  in  which  I  shall  find  him. 

*  that  the  fishes  of  the  great  fertile  sea  may  come  quickly  to 
land  to  us. 

»  that  the  fishes  that  are  under  the  wave  may  burst  and  spiing 
forth  on  to  the  land. 

^^  in  their  multitudes  of  salmon  or  in  the  time  of  salmon-shoals 
in  their  course  into  our  nets. 

*^ every  sort  of  fish  and  of  salmon  to  come  in  their 

white  showers  from  the  sea. 


268      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

cedaibh  iach — 
lethan  mil — ^ 
portac[h]  laid — 
tomaidm  neisc^ 

187.  Dála  Émhir  Fhinw  meic  MHedh,  ro  airis  thes 
CO  ttnochat  long  iwmaille  fn's,  co  ttangator  iertain  i 
sochraide  na  ccath  ro  íigedh  etorra  7  Tuatha  De 
Donanw.  Atiet  na  toisigh  bator  la  hEimer  ;  Lughaidh 
mac  lotha,  Er,  Orba,  Feron,  Fergna,  ceitn  meic  Eibir, 
Cuala,  Bladh,  Ebleo,  Nar,  En,  Un,  Eatan,  Caicher, 
Mantan,  Fulman.  Róbtar  C3.ithm\ledh3.  an  seiser  deidh- 
enach  sin,  .i.  En  7  Un,  7cra.  Atíat  na  moghaidh  batar 
lais ;  Adhar,  Aighe,  Deisi,  Deala,  Cliú,  Morba,  Fea, 
Liffe,  Femhen,  Feara,  Medha,  7  Olba. 
yy  188.  O  do  riachtator  ira  meic  Miledh  co  haoín 
ionadh,  ni  ro  hanadh  leó  go  rangatar  co  Sliabh  Mis  ; 
7  ro  fighedh  cath  Slebe  Mis  etorra  7  Túatha  Dé  Donanw, 
co  raeimidh  ria  macaib  MUedh,  7  ro  ma.Tbadh  sochaidhe 
do  Thuaith  T)é  Donann  isin  chath  siw.  As  an«  do 
rochair  Fás  bean  Uin  meic  Uicce,  diatta  Glenn  Fáise. 
Do  rochair  Scota  ben  Múedh  isin  nglionw  cetna  ;  as 
uaithe  fert  Scota  eitir  Sliab  Mis  7  muir.  Lotar  mic 
Múedh  asendadh  co  TaiUtin,  7  ro  feradh  cath  oile 
etorra  an  dú  sin  7  Tuatha  De  Danann.  Ba  diochra 
dwr-chroidheach  ro  feradh  eisidhe,  doigh  robat^r  o 
matain  co  fesgwr  occ  an  iomthúarccain,  ag  cnamh- 
gerradh,  7  ag  coimchionhadh  aroile  ;  co  ttorchratar 
tri  ríogha  7  téora  ríoghna  Evenn  ann — Mac  Cecht  la 
hEreamhón,  Mac  Cuill  la  hEimher  bFion»,  Mac  Greiniu 

^  as  lethan  a  mil  mora  no  a  letóga. 

'  as  laoidh  so  ataim  do    dhenomh   ag   port  ar  daigh  eiscc  do 
tobnichtaííA  uaidh,  7  co  mbeith  na  pMtrt  iasceaireachta. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     269 

with  hundreds  of  salmon — 
broad  whale — 
a  port  song — 
a  burst  of  fish. 

187.  As  for  Eber  Finn  son  of  Mil,  he  stayed  in  the 
south  with  thirty  ships  with  him,  till  they  came  after- 
wards in  the  hosts  of  the  battles  that  were  fought 
between  them  and  the  Tuatha  De  Danann.  These  are 
the  chieftains  that  were  with  Eber — Lughaidh  son 
of  Ith,  Er,  Orba,  Feronn,  Fergna,  the  four  sons  of 
Eber,  Cuala,  Blad,  Ebleo,  Nar,  En,  Un,  Etan,  Caicher, 
Mantan,  Fulman.  The  six  last.  En,  Un,  &c.,  were 
champions.  These  are  the  slaves  that  were  with  him : 
Adhar,  Aighne,  Deisi,  Deala,  CHu,  Morba,  Fea,  Liffe, 
Femen,  Feara,  Medha,  and  Olba. 

188.  When  the  sons  of  Mil  reached  one  place  they 
made  no  delay  till  they  reached  Sliabh  Mis  ;  and  the 
battle  of  Sliabh  Mis  was  fought  between  them  and  the 
Tuatha  De  Danann,  so  that  the  victory  was  with  the 
sons  of  Mil,  and  numbers  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann 
were  killed  in  that  battle.  It  is  there  that  Fas,  wife 
of  Un  son  of  Uicce,  fell,  from  whom  is  named  Glenn 
Faise.  Scota,  wife  of  Mil,  fell  in  the  same  valley; 
from  her  is  named  "  Scota's  grave,"  between  Sliabh 
Mis  and  the  sea.  The  sons  of  Mil  went  afterwards  to 
Tailltin,  and  another  battle  was  fought  between  them 
and  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  there.  Vehemently  and 
hard-heartedly  was  it  fought,  for  they  were  from 
morning  till  evening  contending,  bone-hewing,  and 
mutilating  one  another  ;  till  the  three  kings  and  the 
three  queens  of  Ireland  fell  there — Mac  Cecht,  by 
Eremhon,  Mac  Cuill  by  Eber  Finn,  Mac  Greine  by 

^  wide  are  its  great  whales  or  its  flat  fish. 

'  this  is  a  song  I  am  making  at  a  port  that  fish  may  burst  from 
it,  and  that  it  may  be  a  port  for  fishing. 


270      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

la  hAimirgin,  hEre  la  Suirghe,  Banba  la  Caicher,  7  Fodla 
la  hEattan.  Bat«r  iatt  sin  echta  an  airech  7  a  fflath. 
Ro  sraoineadh  iarttain  íor  Tuatha  T)e  Danann  co  muir, 
7  ro  bas  co  foda  illeanmhain  an  madhma  ra  macoib 
Múedh  com.  sloightft.  Do  rochratar  eccin  da  thoisech 
aireghdha  do  muin/zV  mac  WiXedh  ag  slaidhe  an 
madhma,  .i.  Fúad  i  Sleib  Fúaid,  7  Cuailnge  hi  Sleibh 
Cuailnge,  i  maille  re  fianlaich  ele  cenmothát  do  chom- 
tuitim  do  dhibhleithí6/í.  O  ro  diobait  7  o  ro 
diothlaithngAitt  Tuatha  Dé  Danann  is  na  C3.thaibh 
ro  cuirit  etarra,  ro  gabhsat  meic  Miledh  úaithes  Érenw. 
189.  Ásaidh  iaromh  iomchosnamh  eitir  macaib 
MHedh  iomon  righe,  .i.  eitir  Ereamhon  7  Eimher,  co 
raccadh  Aimirgin  chuca  do  chora  etorra,  Condérhert 
orba  an  tsinnsir,  Duinw,  don  tsosar,  d'Éreamhon,  7 
a  orba-somh  d'Éimh^r  dia  éis ;  7  nochar  gab  EimiV 
innsin,  gan  Ere  do  roinw.  Ro  chomhairleig  Ereamon 
a  dénamh  sa.vnh\aidh.  Ro  idLnáadh  Ere  in  do  eatorra 
ieromh,  an  leth  thúaidh  d'Éreamhon  o  Sruibh  Brain 
CO  Bóinw,  an  leth  thes  la  hEhir  ó  Boinw  co  Tuinn 
Cliodna.  Batar  coig  toisigh  ar  roinw  gach  ae  diob. 
La  hEremhón  céttus,  Aimirgin,  Sedga,  Goisten,  Suirghe, 
7  Sobhairce.  Isin  mh\iadha.m  sin  áa.na  ro  clasadh  na 
ratha  so  la  hEremhon  cona.  mhmntir  ;  .i.  Ráith  Beoth- 
3.igh  OS  Eoir  in  Argat  Ros  ;  Raith  Oinn  i  crich  Chúa- 
lann  le  hEremhón :  Tochar  Inbir  Moir  hi  ccrich  ua 
nEnechglais  Chualanw  la  hAimirgin  :  cumhdach  Duine 
Nair  hi  Sleihh  Modhoim  la  Goist^w :  cumhaach  Duine 
Delginnsi  hi  crich  Cualanw  la  Sedga :  cumhdach  a 
dhuine  la  Sobairche  hi  Murbulg  Dal  Riada  :  cumdach 
7S  Dhúin  Edair  la  Suirghe.  Atiett  na  ratha  ro  cumdacht 
la  hEimtV  7  na  toisigh  batar  lais.  Eattan,  Un,  Mantan, 
Fulman,  7  Caicher  a  coig  toisigh.     Ro  clasaiA  raith 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     271 

Aimirgin,  Eriu  by  Suirghe,  Banba  by  Caicher,  and 
Fodla  by  Etan.  Those  were  the  deaths  of  their  chiefs 
and  princes.  After  that  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  were 
routed  to  the  sea,  and  the  sons  of  Mil  and  their  host  were 
a  long  time  following  the  rout.  There  fell,  however, 
two  noble  chiefs  of  the  people  of  the  sons  of  Mil  in 
inflicting  the  rout,  namely,  Fuad  in  Sliabh  Fuad,  and 
Cuailnge  in  Sliabh  Cuailnge,  together  with  other 
warriors  besides,  who  fell  together  on  both  sides. 
When  the  Tuatha  De  Danann  were  crushed  and  ex- 
pelled in  the  battles  that  were  fought  between  them, 
the  sons  of  Mil  took  the  lordship  of  Ireland. 

189.  After  that  there  arises  a  contention  between 
the  sons  of  Mil  about  the  kingship,  that  is  between 
Eremon  and  Eber,  so  that  Aimirgin  was  brought  to 
them  to  make  peace  between  them.  So  he  said  that 
the  inheritance  of  the  eldest,  of  Donn,  should  go 
to  the  youngest,  to  Eremon,  and  his  inheritance  to 
Eber  after  him  ;  Eber  did  not  accept  that,  but  in- 
sisted on  dividing  Ireland.  Eremon  agreed  to  do  so. 
Ireland  was  divided  in  two  between  them  after  that, 
the  northern  half  to  Eremon,  from  Srubh  Brain  to 
the  Boyne,  the  southern  half  to  Emer,  from  the  Boyne 
to  Tonn  Chlidna.  There  were  five  chieftains  in  the 
division  of  each  of  them.  With  Eremon  first,  Aimir- 
gin, Sedga,  Goisten,  Suirghe,  and  Sobhairce.  Now 
in  that  year  these  forts  were  dug  by  Eremon  with 
his  people:  Rath  Beothaigh,  above  the  Nore  in 
Argat  Ros  ;  Rath  Oinn,  in  the  territory  of  Cuala,  by 
Eremon  ;  the  Causeway  of  Inbher  Mor,  in  the  territory 
of  Ui  Enechglais,  by  Aimirgin;  the  building  of  Dun 
Náir,  in  Sliabh  Modhoirn,  by  Goisten  ;  the  building  of 
Dun  Delginnse,  in  the  territory  of  Cuala,  by  Sedga  ; 
the  building  of  his  fort  by  Sobairce  in  Morbolg  of  Dal 
Riada  ;  the  building  of  Dun  Edair  by  Suirghe.  These 
are  the  forts  built  by  Eber  and  these  the  chieftains 
that  were  with  him :  Etan,  Un,  Mantan,  Fulman,  and 


272      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

Vannhain  i  Laignibh  la  hEimher ;  Raith  Arda  Suird 
la  hEattan  mac  nUicce  ;  aimháach  Cairrge  Bldnaighe 
la  Mantan :  cumdach  chairrge  Fethaidhe  la  hUn  mac 
nUicce  ;  cnmáach  Duin  Airdinwe  la  Caichear  ;  cumh- 
dach  Ratha  Rioghbaird  i  Muirescc  la  Fulmán. 

190.  Cowadh  d'foraithmet  araiU  dona  neithibh  rem- 
raiti,  atrwbrad  inwso — 

a      Tascor  ^  mac  Mihdh  tar  muir 
otha  an  Easpain  net/jarglain,^ 
ro  gabsat,  ni  gniomiadh  gó, 
íiochmagh  ^  ^xenn  ind  oen  ló. 

b     As  é  lion  lotar  tar  ler, 

CO  niomat  maoini  7  muinter, 
íri  slantadba  Dia  áus  rat,* 
CO  cuicc  sárbarca  sescca^. 

c      Ro  gabsat  an  inbher  nán 
dianapur  an  balla  bán  ; 
ba  fochann  soeth,  sith  cen  meth, 
d'imchisiw  an  laoich  Luighd^c/t.^ 

d     As  de  atá  o  sin  alle 

inber  íialbuidneach  Fele ; 
ón  lo  atbath  imBanba  bain 
Fial  ingen  WXedh  Easp^'m. 

e      A  ccionw  tn  la,  lathar  ngle,® 
do  ratsatar  Tuatha  Dé 
cath  Slebe  Mis,  miad  nat  meth, 
do  macoib  moraib  WAedh. 

^  coblacA  TasccMr,  .i.  do  muir,  dám  .i.  do  thír. 

'  aeierglan  no  artArachghlan.  '  íéronnmagh. 

*  as  é  Dia  tuc  a  taiselba<íA  dúin. 

'  ba  hadbar  galair  disi,  an  soifeithemh  do  roinwe  ar  L,ugaidh  7 
é  gan  édach. 

*  as  glan  an  teolus  so,  na  as  glan  an  solatar. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     273 

Caicher  were  his  five  chieftains.  Rath  Uamhan,  in 
Leinster,  was  dug  by  Eber  ;  Rath  Arda  Suird  by  Etan, 
son  of  Uicce ;  the  building  of  Carrig  Blaraighe  by 
Mantan ;  the  building  of  Carrig  Fethaidhe  by  Un  son  of 
Uicce  ;  the  building  of  Dun  Airdinne  by  Caicher  ;  the 
building  of  Rath  Rioghbard,  in  Muiresc,  by  Fulman. 

190.  So  that  for  the  commemoration  of  certain  of 
the  aforesaid  matters  this  was  said — 

a     The  expedition  of  the  sons  of  Mil  over  sea 
from  Spain  of  clear  ships, 
they  took,  it  is  no  deed  of  falsehood, 
the  battle-plain  of  Ireland  in  one  day. 

b     This  is  the  tale  that  went  on  sea, 

with  multitude  of  wealth  and  of  people, 
to  a  brave  show  God  brought  them, 
with  sixty-five  choice  vessels. 

c      They  landed  at  the  noble  creek 
which  is  called  the  white  rampart ; 
it  was  a  cause  of  sickness,  an  attempt  without 

failure, 
from  the  sight  of  the  warrior  Lughaidh, 

d     From  thence  it  is  from  that  out 

the  creek  of  Fial  of  generous  bands  ; 
from  the  day  she  died  in  white  Banba — 
Fial,  daughter  of  Mil  of  Spain. 

e      At  the  end  of  three  days,  briUiant  preparation, 
the  Tuatha  De  fought 

the  battle  of  Sliabh  Mis,  glory  that  was  not  failure, 
against  the  great  sons  of  Mil. 

^  fleet.     Tascor  is  [an  expedition]  by  sea ;  dam  by  land. 
^  of  clear  air  or  clear  ships.  '  land-plain. 

*  it  is  God  who  revealed  it  to  us. 

5  it  was  a  cause  of  sickness  to  her,  looking  upon  Lughaidh,  and  he 
without  raiment. 

•  clear  is  this  knowledge ;  or,  clear  is  the  provision. 

S 


274      I>0   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

f      Rainis  reimib,  rad  cen  ail, 
an  cath  for  Bhanba  barrgkí«, 
dia  lidipad  Fás  feghda  roinw,^ 
la  hingin  imgil  Foroinw.* 

^g         g      Ria  cciwd  bliadan  (st'c),  ba  blad  buan, 
eittV  toraib  na  ttromslúagh, 
an  da  se  rann,  ruathor  ngnnw, 
rannsat  ierom  Érind.^ 

h     For  san  leth  tuaidh,  tairm  cen  bron, 
gabtar  á'a,vdúaith  Eremhón  ; 
otha  Sruib  Brain  brectait  roinw,* 
tar  cech  mbuidin  co  Booinw. 

i      As  iatt  aiigear  comtha  smacht 
atramair  fna  chomaiteacht ; 
Aimhirgin,  Setga  co  se, 
Goisten,  Sobairce,  Suirghe. 

j       Eimir  mac  MUedh  med  rath 
gabais  an  leth  deiscertach, 
ó  Boinw  buain,  roeghda  an  roinn. 
CO  Tuinw  ingeine  Genoinw. 

k     As  iatt  coigear,  cetaibh  gal, 
aireach  roda  giallsatar ; 
Eattan,  is  Un  íri  reacht  reabh, 
Mantan,  Fulman,  is  Caicher. 

1       Is  in  mbliadhd^n-si  do  ra 
ro  clasadh  na  rioghratha, 
la  macaibh  MUedh,  miadh  ngeall, 
ier  noghroinw  Insi  hEr^nn. 

1  sunhail  úghtear  no  fechtar  hi  rannaiph  '  Scota. 

'  as  áloinn  eccsamAat/  an  roinn  do  ronsat. 

*  A  syllable  wanting. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    275 

f      They  won,  a  saying  without  reproach, 
the  battle  against  fair-headed  Banbha, 
where  died  Fas,  woven  in  verse, 
with  the  very  fair  daughter  of  Pharaoh. 

g     Before  the  end  of  a  year,  it  was  lasting  fame, 
among  the  chieftains  of  the  heavy  hosts, 
into  twice  six  divisions,  a  pleasant  course, 
they  afterwards  divided  Ireland. 

h     Over  the  north  side,  a  progress  without  sorrow, 
Eremon  was  taken  as  high  prince  ; 
from  Srubh  Brain,  which  verses  adorn, 
over  every  tribe  to  Boyne. 

i      These  are  the  five  guardians  of  control 
whom  he  accepted  to  accompany  him ; 
Aimirgin,  Setga  also, 
Goisten,  Sobairce,  Suirge. 

j      Eber,  son  of  Mil  grace-abounding, 
takes  the  southern  half, 
from  the  eternal  Boyne,  choice  the  share, 
to  the  wave  of  the  daughter  of  Genann. 

k     These  are  the  five,  with  hundreds  of  exploits, 
the  chiefs  who  were  subordinate  to  him  ; 
Etan,  and  Un  of  joyous  rule, 
Mantan,  Fulman,  and  Caicher. 

1      In  this  same  year 

the  royal  forts  were  dug, 

by  the  sons  of  Mil,  honour  of  pledges, 

after  the  full  division  of  Ireland's  island. 

»  as  it  is  wrought  or  seen  in  verses.  *  Scota. 

'  beautiful  and  various  is  the  division  they  made. 


276      DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

m    Raith  Oinw,  Raith  Beothaigh  abhws, 
d'Ereamhón  in  Argatniss ; 
i  Sleibh  Mis  iar  sr edXhaibh  sen, 
cúmdach  Duin  Nair  la  Goist^w. 

n     Suirghe  sreathach,  semadh  goil, 
ro  chuimdaigh  dún  nard  nEdoir  ; 
7  cumhdach,  comul  ngle, 
a  dhuine  la  Sobhairce. 

o      Clas  la  tiEiner  eica  goil 

Raith  Uamain  i  Laighenmhoigh  ; 
Raith  Arda  Suird,  saidbre  de, 
clas  la  hEattan  mhac  nUicce. 

p     Raith  Chairrge  Fetha  imne, 
rognith  la  hUn  mhac  nUicce  ; 
is  la  Mantan,  monor  ngle, 
aimháach  chairrge  BldiTaighe. 

q     Raith  Rioghbaird  san  Muiriscc  maith, 
ro  chMmháaigh  Fulman  fiordhaith  ; 
Caicher  cathach,  comal  ngrinw, 
roghab  Dún  nlnwe  íar  nErinw. 

r      As  íad  sin  an  gniomiadh  gal, 
na  liogvadh  rel  ranadhbhal ; 
ba  romodh  ^  iar  ngleo,  gan  on  ; 
leo  gach  toiadh,  ceach  tasgor. 

191.  As  do  imthesLchtaibh  Gaeideal  o  do  scuchsat 
on  Scithia  co  rogaibhset  Ere,  7  do  roinw  Ereanw  ettorra 
cona.  tt6isea.chaibh,  atrubairt  an  iUi  Roighne  Rosccaiach 
mac  Ughoine  Moir  ri  Mál  mac  Ugoine  a  brathoir ; 
dia   ro   iarfacht   Mai    "  Can    do    tuirtect   i   ro-fhios 

1  fer. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    277 

m    Rath  Oinn,  Rath  Beothaigh  here, 
by  Eremon  in  Argatros  ; 
in  Sliabh  Mis,  after  series  of  omens  (?), 
the  building  of  Dun  Nair  by  Gosten. 

n     Suirghe  wide-extended,  who  displayed  valour, 
built  the  high  Dun  Edar  ; 
and  the  founding,  a  glorious  achievement, 
of  his  fort  by  Sobhairce. 

o      By  Emer  of  bright  valour,  was  dug 
Rath  Uaman  in  the  plain  of  Leinster  ; 
Rath  Arda  Suird,  it  enriched  him, 
was  dug  by  Etan,  son  of  Uicce. 

p     Rath  Carraig  Fetha  thus, 

was  made  by  Un,  son  of  Uicce  ; 
and  by  Mantan,  a  glorious  deed, 
the  founding  of  Carraig  Blaraighe. 

q     Rath  Rioghbhaird  in  good  Muiresc, 
very  keen  Fulman  built  it ; 
Caicher  of  battles,  a  pleasant  fulfilment, 
took  Dum  Inne  in  the  west  of  Ireland. 

r      These  are  their  deeds  of  valour, 

of  the  clear,  glorious,  great  royal  host ; 

it  was  a  great  achievement,  after  battle,  without 

stain ; 
theirs  was  every  profit,  every  expedition. 

191.  Of  the  adventures  of  the  Gaedhil,  from  the 
time  when  they  went  from  Scythia  till  they  took 
Ireland,  and  of  the  division  of  Ireland  between  them, 
with  their  chieftains,  the  poet  Roighne  Roscadach, 
son  of  Ughoine  Mor,  said  to  Mai  son  of  Ughoine, 
his  brother,  when  Mai  questioned  him :    "  Sing  thy 

^  man. 


278      DO   GHABHÁIL   RfGHE   EASPÁINE 

na  hEirenw  ama  a  Roighne,"  frisgair  Roighne  dhó, 
cowebhairt — 

80  A  mec  áin  Ughoini,^ 

cosaich  do  rus  Erenn,^ 
in  gahail  adam  ruaidh  ?  ^ 
re  rerdator  Scithia, 
saichset  sluaighri  Senair  ;  * 
siechtator  Eigipt, 
indiobath  Cingcris, 
conort  OUarbii,^ 
bebais  muir  Robuir. 
Rersat  re  ruidles, 
la  Pharo  fechta  ;  ^ 
fonais  Niul  Scota, 
conp^rt  ar  naithre. 
Amm  gabsat  Gaeidil,^ 
rethis  Scot  comainm, 
cain  ingen  Forainn.® 
Rertadar  mbruighe,^ 
maidit  CO  Scithia, ^^ 

^  a  fir  mtc  Ugoine. 

*  cionwMs  ionnsuighes  do  roifios  in  gabalazM  na  hErenn,  no  cred 
atbeir. 

'  ro  faoidh  no  do  chuaidh  toram  an  aimsir  in  ro  reinmigAset  don 
Scithia  ;  no  asam  eolach  in  gach  reimniughaíí/i  do  ronsat. 

*  do  batar  isiw  Scithia  co  ro  lonaighset  .i.  co  ro  cornhnwigAset 
inwti ;  no  do  reimnigAset  asiw  Scithia  corangator  ri  sluaghmAar 
Senair. 

*  rangator  Eccipt  an  tan  do  hadhbalbathadh  Pharo  Cingcris 
cona.  morshlMazgA  i  Muir  Ruaidh. 

*  do  reimnighedar  co  roidilios  isin  aimsir  ambatar  la  Pharo  for 

a  ttUTMS. 

'  do  hemaidhmeíí  Scota  ingen  Pharo  fri  Nel,  7  ro  coimpr^dh 
Goedheal  ar  sinnser,  or  gabsat  Gaoiii/  annniniughadh. 

*  ranaig  ainm  oile  iat,  do  réir  na  neolach,  a  ingin  alainn  Pharo  ; 
.1.  Scuit  do  ghairm  diobh. 

*  do  reimntgAset  a  ferond  Egipti. 

^"  ro  briset  rempa  co  Scithia  7  ro  cinnset,  no  ro  ionfhás,  coccaíiA 
siordai^Ae  íri  cloinn  Noenbail. 


TAKING    OF    THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    279 

description    in    the   great    knowledge  of   Ireland,    O 
Roighne,"  Roighne  answered  him  and  said — 

O  noble  son  of  Ugoine, 

how  does  one  arrive  at  knowledge  of  Ireland, 

the  conquest  of  its  company  (?)  ? 

Before  they  overflowed  Scythia, 

they  reached  the  host-king  of  Shinar  ; 

they  approached  'Egypt, 

where  Cingcris  Was  extinguished, 

so  that  a  great  troop  was  destroyed, 

who  died  in  the  Red  Sea. 

They  flowed  through  a  space  very  faithful, 

with  Pharaoh  fought ; 

Niul  contracts  with  Scota, 

the  conception  of  our  fathers. 

they  took  the  name  "  Gaedhil," 

the  name  "  Scots  "  spreads, 

the  fair  daughter  of  Pharaoh. 

They  overspread  lands, 

burst  into  Scythia, 

*  O  true  son  of  Ugoine. 

2  how  seeks  for  full  knowledge  of  the  conquests  of  Ireland,  or 
what  says. 

^  the  time  in  which  they  advanced  to  Scythia  has  lapsed  or  passed 
over  me  ;   or  I  have  knowledge  in  every  advance  they  made. 

*  they  were  in  Scythia  so  that  they  dwelt,  that  is,  abode  in  it ; 
or  they  advanced  out  of  Scythia  till  they  reached  the  populous 
king  of  Shinar. 

*  they  reached  Egypt  when  Pharaoh  Cingcris  was  overwhelmed 
with  his  great  host  in  the  Red  Sea. 

*  they  advanced  very  faithfully  in  the  time  when  they  were  with 
Pharaoh  on  their  journey. 

'  Scota,  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  was  betrothed  to  Nel,  and  conceived 
Gaodhal  our  ancestor,  from  whom  the  Gaidhil  took  their  name. 

*  another  name  came  to  them,  according  to  the  learned,  from 
the  beautiful  daughter  of  Pharaoh  ;  that  is  they  were  called  Scots. 

*  they  advanced  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 

^"  they  broke  forward  to  Scythia,  and  determined,  or  there  grew 
up,  prolonged  war  against  the  children  of  Noenbal. 


28o       DO   GHABHÁIL   RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

cinnset  cian  coccadh — 
clanna  Niuil  is  Noenbail. 
Ba  tor  og  Golam,^ 
gonais  mac  Neman, 
elais  CO  hEgipt,2 
a  mbaoi  Nectenebus. 
Ba  Forann  failid, 
fri  Galamh,  gabais 
clemnas  Nectenebus, 
bai  Scota  ac  Scoitcenw  :  * 
caomclais  ainm  uaidib. 
Brogsat  sech  Afiraic  ;  • 
fofer  fon  ciochlattwr,^ 
Feinius  feg  Fa.Tsaid,^ 
fo  don  sert  sior  aiwm.' 
Siechtator  Espain 
a  ccoimpert  ilith,^ 
Donn,  Aivech,  AimiVgin, 
Eb^y,  Ir,  Aon  Cholpta, 
Ereamon,  Eranwán, 
ocht  maca  Golaim. 
Gabsais  miad  Miledh,^ 

^  baoi  an  cogadh  sin  etorra  co  haimsir  Golaim,  co  ro  gonadh 
Reffloir  mac  Nemain  lais. 

2  luidh  asin  Scithia  co  hEccipt,  airm  i  mbai  Pharo  Nectenebus. 

^  do  naidhmeá  cleamnas  etorra  ;  úair  baoi  Scota,  ingen  Pharo 
Nectenebus,  ag  Golam,  baoi  ar  sliocht  Scota  ingen  Paro  Cingcris, 
7  do  claochlaidhset  an  tainm  Sciteccdha  baoi  orro  ó  cein  ar  an  ainm 
as  Scuit. 

*  do  cheimnigAset  tar  an  A&raic. 

^  ba  maith  an  f er  for  a  mbatar  lorg,  no  ior  a  mbatir  toichleanmain. 

•  FeinÍMS  amnas  no  ger  aga  raibe  an  fios  iorusta, ;  no  firsuithe, 
.1.  in  aigne,  .i.  i  leabhraibh. 

'  as  maith  an  sutan-ainm  do  sernadh  no  do  STesithnuigheadh  orra 
Ó  Fhenius  ;   .i.  Feini  do  ghaiirm  dhiob. 

8  as  sen  uaire. 

"  ro  ghabh  Golam  an  tainm  miadach  no  onorach  as  Wledh  fair 
isin  Easpátw  :  no  toghabhsat  meic  maithe  Miledh  onoir  7  maoin 
Idhiledh  an  athair  cuca. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN     281 

determined  long  combat — 

the  children  of  Nel  and  Noenbal. 

Golamh  was  a  young  lord, 

who  slew  the  son  of  Neman, 

escaped  to  Egypt, 

where  was  Nectanebus. 

Pharaoh  was  welcoming, 

to  Golamh,  gave 

a  marriage  Nectanebus, 

Scota  was  at  the  Scots'  head  : 

a  name  was  changed  from  them. 

they  advance  past  Africa, 

good  was  the  man  under  whom  they 

trembled ;  (?) 
Fenius  Farsaidh,  the  keen, 
well  he  spread  for  us  a  lasting  name. 
They  approached  Spain, 
where  was  bom  a  numerous  progeny, 
Donn,  Airech,  Aimirgin, 
Eber,  Ir,  Colptha  himself, 
Eremon,  Erannan, 
the  eight  sons  of  Golamh. 
Mil's  renown  came  upon  them, 

*  that  war  was  between  them  to  the  time  of  Golamh,  so  that 
Reffloir,  son  of  Neman,  was  killed  by  him. 

2  he  went  from  Scythia  to  Egypt,  where  was  Pharaoh  Nectanebus. 

^  a  marriage  was  covenanted  between  them;  for  Golamh,  who 
was  of  the  race  of  Scota,  daughter  of  Pharaoh  Cingcris,  had  Scota, 
daughter  of  Pharaoh  Nectanebus ;  and  they  changed  the  name 
"  Scythians,"  which  was  theirs  for  a  while,  to  the  name  "  Scots." 

*  they  proceeded  over  Africa. 

*  good  was  the  man  on  whose  track  they  were,  or  whom  they 
were  following. 

*  Fenius  the  harsh  or  keen,  who  had  assured  knowledge ;  or  a 
true  sage,  that  is  the  mind,  that  is  in  books. 

'  good  is  the  lasting  name  that  was  loosed  or  spread  abroad  on 
them  from  Feinius  ;  that  is,  they  were  called  Feni. 

*  It  is  an  omen  of  time. 

*  Golamh  took  the  famous  or  honourable  name  Mil  on  him  in 
Spain  ;  or  the  good  sons  of  Mil  took  the  honour  and  wealth  of  Mil 
their  father  to  themselves. 


282      DO    GHABHÁIL    RÍGHE    EASPÁINE 

8l  maic  Múedh  mainich  ; 

a  caema  cinset,^ 
fodailsiut  scaífu,^ 
fir  a  Fel  fillsett.^ 
Fodailsiut  Erinn  * 
an  da  se,  selb  saeghlann, 
Sasae  fir  fenechais  ^ 
fnsned  feg  focmarc  ^ 
mesa  maein,  a  maic !  ' 

192.  íar  roinn  na  naireach  do  Ereamhon  7  do 
Eimher,  batar  días  d'áes  dána  oireaghdha  occu  di  [sic] 
riachtator  ina  ccoimthecht  anoir ;  .i.  file  7  crwitire. 
Cir  mac  Cis  an  file,  Cionwfhionw  an  cruitire.  Rolasat 
cranwcor  íona.  áus  cia  dhiobh  no  beith  la  gach  ae 
uaidhibh  ;  cowdorala  tria  choir  ccranwchuir  an  cruitire 
bud  dheas  d'Eimher,  go  ros  lil  desidhe  teidbinwiuss 
ciuil  7  caomchoirchííí/í  isin  leath  tes.  Do  rala  an  file 
d'Eremhón,  co  ronglean  do  suidhe  sos  dána  7  air- 
cheatail  budh  thuaidh  do  gr^s.  As  dia  foraithmet  do 
laidheadh — 

a     Dá  mhac  MHedh  miadh  nordain, 
gabsat  Érinw  is  Albain  ; 
leo  do  ruachator  alle, 
file  caomh  is  cruitire. 

1  a  eolcha  do  cinwsiut  no  do  geinsiot. 

•  do  scaoileatar  i  longaib,  na  a  longa. 

3  as  fior  CO  rostiúrsat  no  co  ro  fillset  na  fir  so  co  hinb^r  Fele. 

•  ro  rannsat  Ere  i  seilb  da  fear  ndecc  do  toiseacha»6A  no  do 
iighemaibh  no  do  scaoilset  an  da  toiseach  deccsa  im  Erinn. 

5  ionwsaigh  an  so-fios  so  iar  ffirinwe  an  fheneachais. 

•  fioraisneidh  so  co  luath  don  ti  fiafrocus  dhiot  é  ;  no  fregraim 
co  luath  an  fiarfaigAe  no  an  cert. 

'  tabatV  mes  somhajoinech  a  meic  ar  an  aoi  ain  .i.  ar  an  eolu^ 

80. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM    OF    SPAIN    283 

the  sons  of  Mil  wealthy  ; 

their  scholars  resolved, 

divided  ships, 

the  men  returned  from  (the  burial  of)  Fial. 

they  divided  Ireland, 

in  twice  six,  an  inheritance  of  chieftains, 

seek  the  truth  of  every  law, 

relate  sharply  the  enquiry, 

...  0  Son ! 

192.  After  Eremon  and  Emer  had  divided  the  chief- 
tains, they  had  two  distinguished  artists,  who  had 
come  in  their  company  from  the  east,  namely,  a 
poet  and  a  harper.  Cir,  son  of  Cis,  was  the  poet, 
Cennfhinn  the  harper.  They  cast  a  lot  on  them  to 
know  which  of  them  should  be  with  each  of  them  ; 
so  that,  through  the  decision  of  the  lot,  the  harper 
went  southward  to  Eber,  so  that  thence  melody 
of  music  and  harmony  followed  in  the  southern 
half.  The  poet  went  to  Eremon,  so  that  knowledge 
of  poetry  and  song  followed  him  in  the  north  ever 
after.    To  commemorate  this  was  it  said — 

a    The  two  sons  of  Mil,  famous  in  dignity, 
took  Ireland  and  Britain  ; 
with  them  there  followed  hither 
a  gentle  poet  and  a  harper. 

^  it  is  their  sages  who  resolved  or  who  begot. 

*  they  scattered  in  ships  of  their  ships. 

'  it  is  true  that  these  men  steered  or  returned  to  the  creek  of  Fial. 

*  they  divided  Ireland  into  possession  of  twelve  men  of  chiefs 
or  lords. 

5  ask  this  good  knowledge  according  to  the  truth  of  the  law. 

*  tell  truly  this  swiftly  to  the  person  who  asks  it  of  thee  ;  or  I 
answer  quickly  the  question  of  the  inquiry. 

'  give  rich  esteem,  O  son,  to  the  noble  instruction ;  that  is,  to 
his  knowledge. 


284      DO    GHABHÁIL    RÍGHE   EASPÁINE 

b    Cir  mac  Cis  an  file  fiond, 
ainm  don  chruitire  Ciwdfiwd  ; 
la  macaib  Miledh^  miadh  ngle, 
seaphnais  emit  an  cruitire. 

c     Na  flaithe  con  iolar  ndreanw, 
gabsat  righe  na  hEreanw  ; 
gniseat  co  gle,  mer  an  glor, 
Eimher  7  Ereamhon. 

d    Do  chuirset  cranwchor  co  han 
iman  aes  ndana  ndíomhár  ; 
CO  ttarla  don  fhior  an  deas, 
an  cruitire  coir  coimhdheas. 

e     Teidbinwes  ciúil  caoine  dremw 
indes  indesc^rt  Eirenw ; 
as  2im\aidh  bias  co  brath  mbil 
ag  siol  aireaghdha  Eimhir. 

f     Do  ralu  don  fior  atuaidh, 

an  tollamh  gus  an  oUbhúaidh  ; 
as  nos  baga  tuath  dosnacht, 
sos  dana  7  oUamnacht. 


TAKING    OF   THE    KINGDOM   OF    SPAIN    285 

b    Cir,  son  of  Cis,  the  bright  poet, 
the  name  of  the  harper  Cendfind  ; 
with  the  sons  of  Mil,  of  bright  fame, 
the  harper  sounded  his  harp. 

c     The  princes,  with  many  battles, 
took  the  kingdom  of  Ireland  ; 
they  did  it  with  brightness,  merry  the  sound, 
Eber  and  Eremon. 

d    They  cast  a  lot  swiftly 
about  the  great  men  of  art ; 
so  that  there  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  Southerner 
the  harper,  just  and  fair. 

e     Melody  of  music  more  beautiful  than  (any)  company 
is  from  the  southward  in  the  south  of  Ireland  ; 
it  is  thus  it  will  be  to  the  fortunate  Judgment 
with  the  famous  seed  of  Eber. 

f     There  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  Northerner 
the  man  of  learning  with  great  excellence  ; 
hence  the  folk  who  brought  him  boast 
knowledge  (?)  of  poetry  and  learning. 


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