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ROYAL    IRISH    ACADEMY 
TODD  LECTURE  SERIES 

.VOLUME   XVII. 
BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN 


EDITED  FROM  A  MANUSCRIPT  IN  THE  LIBRARY  OF  RENNES,  WITH 
TRANSLATION,  INTRODUCTION,  NOTES,  AND  INDICES. 


BY 

KUNO   MEYER 


DUBLIN 

HODGES,    FIGGIS,    &    CO.,    LTD, 

LONDON  :  WILLIAMS  &  NORGATE 

1911 


fi 


Printed  by  PONSONBY  &  GIBBS,  University  Press,  Dublin. 


1146527 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTION          ......  v 

BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN       .          .          .          .         .  1 

NOTES .         .  108 

GLOSSARY      .          .         .         .         .         .         .         ...  122 

INDEX  OF  PERSONAL  NAMES      .          .                   .          .                   .  128 

INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  TRIBES           ......  131 

CORRIGENDA  ......  135 


INTRODUCTION 

THE  following  Life  of  a  little-known  Irish  saint  of  the  seventh 
century  is  now  printed  and  translated  for  the  first  time  from  the 
only  manuscript  copy  in  which,  so  far  as  I  know,  it  has  come  down 
to  us.  This  copy  forms  part  of  the  Irish  MS.  in  the  possession  of 
the  Town  Library  of  Rennes,  in  Brittany,  which  has  been  so  fully 
described  by  G.  Dottin  in  the  Revue  Celtique,  vol.  xv.,  p.  79  ff.1 
It  is  a  vellum  quarto  written  in  a  fine  bold  hand  of  perhaps  the 
fourteenth  or  fifteenth  century,3  and  bound  up  with  two  other  Irish 
manuscripts  of  different  origin.3 

Our  Life  occupies  fifteen  folios  now  numbered  75-89.  The 
pages  are  divided  into  two  columns  of  thirty-eight  lines  each.  There 
are  no  marginal  notes  to  show  when  and  where  this  copy  was  made. 
The  Life  itself  ends  at  the  bottom  of  fo.  89&4  with  a  large  FINIT,  but 
the  scribe  has  added  the  following  entry  in  the  next  column : — 

1  This  MS.  was  first  noticed  by  Todd  in   the  Proceedings  of  the  Royal  Irish 
Academy,  Irish  MSS.  Series,  vol.  i.,  pp,  80  ff.     Of  our  Life  he  says:   '  I  am  not 
aware  of  the  existence  of  any  copy  of  this  Life  in  Ireland.     Colgan  does  not  appear 
to  have  had  it  in  his  possession.     He  makes  no  mention  of  it,  and  has  made  up  a 
short  Life,  compiled  hy  himself,  from  the  various  notices  of  St.  Colman  macLuachain, 
and  of  his  half-brother,  who  was  also  named  Colman.    Acta,  SS.  30  Mart.,  p.  792.' 

2  As  we  have  as  yet  no  investigations  into  the  history  of  Irish  palaeography,  it 
is  impossible  to  be  more  exact. 

3  Nothing  is  known  of  the  earlier  history  of  the  MS.  except  that  in  the  eighteenth 
century  it  belonged  to  the  Chevalier  de  Ilobien  (1698-1756),  whose  whole  collection 
of   books   and   MSS.  was  confiscated  after  the   emigration  of  his  son   during  the 
Eevolution. 

4  I  have  woiked  from  an  excellent  photograph  of  the  MS.  made  by  L.  Collet  of 
Rennes  for  the  late  Whitley  Stokes,  who  bequeathed  it  to  me,  together  with  his 
whole  collection  of  photographs  from  Irish  MSS.    It  was  only  after  I  had  put  down 
JBetha  Colmdin  as  the  subject  of  one  of  my  Todd  Lectures  that  I  learnt  from  the 
Rev.  Charles  Plummer  that  he,  too,  had  been  planning  an  edition.    He  generously 
gave  precedence  to  me,  and  allowed  me  to  compare  my  transcript  with  his,  and  to 
make  use  of  his  indexes  of  names  and  places.   For  all  his  kindness  I  desire  to  record 
my  thanks  here. 


vi  .INTRODUCTION 

Bobatar  tra  taissi  Golmdin  meic  Ltuachdin  ina  serin  eter  a 
muindttr  6  r6  Domnaill  meic  Murchada  meic  Airmedaig  meic  Conaill 
Guthbind  co  tainigc  Turges  7  Gaill  glassa  a  n\\Erinn.  Bofolged  tra 
doridissi  rfasna  geuutib  utt  o  re  an  Turges  sin  co  Qaith  Toirdelbaig 
meic  Buaidri  ui  Conchubair  for-Ertnn.  Murchad  immorro1  ui  (szc) 
MaelsecMainn,  iss  e  ba  ri  Midi  an  tan  tuargabod  a  talmain  an  serin7 
cetnB,.  Iss  e  immorro  ba  hairchindec/&  Lainde  ann  .i.  Gilla-Cm£ 
mac  Gilla  Patraic.  Iss  e  imworro  ba  sacart  Laindi  ann  .i.  Tuathal 
mac  Gilla-Cholaim.  Iss  6  immorro  ba  sser  ann  .i.  Gilla-Cm£  lia 
Mochaw  7  iss  e  dorigne  serin  im  na  taisib  cetna.  FINIT. 

'  Now  the  relics  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  were  in  their  shrine 
among  his  community  from  the  time  of  Domnall  (t763)  son  of 
Murchad  (1715)  [son  of  Diarmait  f  689]  son  of  Airmedach  son  of 
Conall  Guthbinn  [f  635]  until  Turges  [f  845]  and  the  Norse  (Gaill 
glassa)'6  came  into  Ireland.  However,  from  the  time  of  that  Turges 
to  the  reign  of  Tordelbach  [1121-1156]  son  of  Buaidri  ua 
Conchobair  over  Ireland  it4  was  hidden  again  from  those  gentiles. 
Now  Murchad  ua  Maelsechlainn  was  king  of  Meath  at  the  time 
when  the  same  shrine  was  lifted  out  of  the  earth.  He  who  was 
erenagh  of  Lann  then  was  Gillacrist  son  of  Gillapatrick.  He  who 
was  priest  of  Lann  then  was  Tuathal  son  of  Gillacoluim.  He  who 
was  goldsmith  then  was  Gillacrist  ua  Mochain,  and  he  it  is  who 
made  a  (new)  shrine  around  those  same  relics.' 

This  statement  is  confirmed  by  an  entry  in  the  Annals  of  Ulster, 
A.D.  1122,6  as  follows  : 

Serin  Cholmdm  mic  Luaclidin  d'foghbhdil  i  n-ailaidh  Lainne 
ferchubat  i  talmhain  dia  ceia.n  in  braith, 

'the  .shrine  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  was  found  in  the  burial- 
place  of  Lann,  a  man's  cubit6  in  the  earth,  on  Spy-Wednesday 
(March  22nd). 

1  -g.  MS.  2  scrtnw  ms.  3  This  designation  of  the  Norse  occurs 

also  in  in  Cog.  Gaedhel  re  Gallaibh,  p.  68,  1.  13 :  can  cath,  can  cliathaig  do  Gallaib 
glasa  7  do  gentib  gorma  gus  mara. 

4  i.e.  the  shrine.  5  Copied  by  the  Four  Masters. 

6  Wrongly  rendered    '  a  man's   grave   [deep]  '    by   Mac  Carthy,   who  quotes 
>ropriately,  but  misinterprets,  the  following  injunction  from  the  Book  of  Armagh, 
c :  cubitus  de  terra  super  corpus  fiat. 


INTRODUCTION  vii 

It  is  not  unlikely  that  this  discovery  was  the  immediate  cause  of 
the  composition  of  our  Life.  That  it  was  written  at  Lann1  is  clear 
from  the  repeated  use  of  words  like  sund  (§  26),  ifus  (§  74)  in 
referring  to  the  place,  as  well  as  from  the  detailed  knowledge  of  the 
topography  of  West  Meath  (e.g.  §§  17,  19) ;  and,  so  far  as  1  am  able 
to  judge,  the  language  of  the  prose  may  well  be  that  of  the  first  half  of 
the  twelfth  century.  As  appears  from  the  phrase  '  on  this  week-day 
in  the  present  year*  (§2),  the  biography  was  intended  to  be  read 
aloud  on  the  saint' :>  day  (June  17th). 

The  historian  of  early  Irish  Christianity  will  never  cease  to 
regret  that,  with  some  few  well-known  exceptions,  the  acts  of  the 
founders  of  Irish  monasteries  have  come  down  to  us  only  in 
compilations  made  long  after  the  period  in  which  they  flourished. 
It  was  not  until  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  centuries  that  the  majority 
of  the  Lives  of  Irish  saints  which  have  been  preserved  were 
written  down.  By  that  time  not  only  had  the  personality  of  the 
saint  become  almost  legendary,  but  the  whole  constitution  and 
character  of  the  Church  had  altered.  The  noble  and  daring  spirit  of 
inquiry  and  research  which  characterized  the  Golden  Age  of  Irish 
Christianity  had  largely  given  way  to  ignorance  and  credulity, 
while  the  decay  of  classical  and  biblical  learning  is  noticeable  on 
every  hand.  It  is  the  spirit  of  a  ruder  and  grosser  age  that  is 
reflected  in  the  religious  literature  of  Ireland  of  the  twelfth  and 
thirteenth  centuries,  as  one  may  see  who  compares  the  vision  of 
Tundale  with  that  of  Fursa,  or  the  religious  poetry  of  that  age  with 
that  of  an  earlier  one.  Legendary  fiction,  often  based  upon  pagan 
superstitions,  abounds,  so  that  in  reading  the  poorer  specimens  of 
Irish  hagiography  of  this  period  we  are  often  reminded  of  the  words 
applied  by  St.  Bernard  to  the  contemporary  Irish :  '  Christian! 
nomine,  re  pagani.' 

But  if  it  was  no  longer  in  the  power  of  the  writer  to  present  the 
reader  with  a  true  account  of  the  life  of  the  saint  and  his  times, 
neither  was  it  his  object  to  do  so.  He  wrote  entirely  in  the  interest 
of  the  monastery  which  claimed  the  saint  as  its  founder,  or  of  the 
church  whose  patron  he  was ;  he  endeavoured  to  exalt  and  glorify 

1  Called  more  fully  Lann  mac  Luachain  (cf.  p.  28,  1.  22),  or  perhaps  better 
Lann  meic  Luachain. 


viii  INTRODUCTION 

him  above  all  other  saints,  to  substantiate  his  claims  to  tithes  and 
tribute  over  as  wide  an  area  as  possible,  and  to  explain  the  virtues 
of  his  relics  which  the  church  possessed,  and  on  which  its  reputation 
rested. 

These  various  objects  were  best  attained  by  representing  the 
saint  as  a  thaumaturge  of  the  first  order  ;  and  thus  the  chief  task  of 
the  hagiographer,  after  having  given  some  account  of  the  origin  and 
parentage  of  the  saint,  consisted  in  heaping  miracle  upon  miracle. 
That  the  writers  themselves  set  this  object  definitely  before  them, 
many  passages  in  the  Lives  tend  to  show.  Thus  our  author  in 
entering  upon  his  task  reveals  his  purpose  as  a  biographer  as  follows 
(§  3)  :  «  Here  is  told  something  of  his  genealogy  according  to  the 
flesh,  and  of  his  wonders  and  miracles1  from  the  time  that  he  was 
born  until  he  went  to  heaven  ' ;  and  at  the  conclusion  (§  103)  he 
sums  up  his  work  by  presenting  the  reader  with  a  full  list  of  all  the 
miracles  narrated  by  him. 

All  this  has  lately  been  set  forth  so  fully  and  so  well  by  Charles 
Plummer  in  the  introduction  to  his  Vitae  Sanctorum  Hiberniae 
(Oxonii,  1910),  and,  in  its  more  general  aspects,  by  Delehaye  in  his 
Lfyendes  hagiographiqws,2  that  I  need  not  further  dwell  on  it 
here. 

Our  author  does  not  mention  the  sources  from  which  he  has 
drawn  the  material  for  his  narrative.  The  only  work  referred  to  is 
the  Felire  of  Oengus  (§  2),  which,  however,  he  misquotes.  Occa 
sionally  he  speaks  of  conflicting  accounts  regarding  certain  events 
(iar  foirinn  aili,  p.  56,  27,  iar  fairind,  p.  96,  21).  That  he  made 
use  of  older  records  is  clear  from  the  language,  which,  notwith 
standing  its  general  Middle-Irish  character,  occasionally  shows  Old- 
Irish  forms,  to  some  of  which  I  have  drawn  attention  in  the  notes. 
The  frequent  use  of  the  form  immurgu  in  various  spellings,3  as  well 
as  other  orthographical  peculiarities,4  may  be  due  to  such  earlier 

1  It  is  interesting  to  note  the  use  of  the  two  Latin  loan- words  for  '  miracle '  in 
this  passage  (also  on  p.  16,  1.  1),  the  earlier  fiurt  (from  virtus  =  apcr-f))  by  the  side  of 
the  later  mtrbail  (from  mirabile). 

2  Translated  into  English  by  Mrs.  V.  M.  Crawford  (Westminster  Library,  1909). 

3  imarco  p.  38,  19,  imargo  80,  25,  imwrgco  82,  5. 

4  e.g.  daul  (p.  42,  28),  which  occurs  also  frequently  in  the  ninth-century  text 


INTRODUCTION  ix 

documents.  The  poems  which  are  interspersed  are  mostly  late, 
but  the  first  (p.  10  ff.)  may  belong  to  the  Old-Irish  period.1  The 
curious  account  of  the  inauguration  of  the  King  of  Tara  (§  70) 
seems  also  to  be  taken  from  an  older  source,  as  it  contains 
the  Old-Irish  infinitive  do  buith  (p.  72,  19). 

There  are  few  references  to  Colman  mac  Luachain  in  Irish 
literature.  He  is  not  mentioned  by  Oengus  in  his  Calendar,  though 
our  biographer  tries  to  smuggle  him  in  (§  2).2  The  date  of  his 
festival  is  June  17th,  under  which  day  he  is  commemorated  both  by 
Gorman  and  in  the  Martyrology  of  Donegal  (p.  172).  His  name 
is  also  found  among  the  numerous  Colmans  in  the  list  of  homonyms 
of  Irish  saints  called  Comainmnigud  Noeb  nErenn  (e.g.,  Book  of 
Lecan,  fo.  56a=  p.  115,  c» "..  4). 

His  pedigree  seems  early  to  have  become  uncertain ;  for  we  find 
no  less  than  four  varying  accounts.  Two  of  them  are  given  below, 
§§  8  and  4.  They  agree  only  up  to  his  great-grandfather  Maine, 
who  is  made  either  a  son  of  King  Fergus  Cerrbel  (f  513)3  or  of 
Diarmait  Derg  (f  565  or  572),  wrongly  called  by  our  author  son  of 
Colman  M6r,  while  he  was  his  father.4  As  Colman  is  throughout 
connected  with  the  clann  Cholmdin  Moir,5  and  may  indeed  have 

just  published  by  Gwynn  and  Purton  (The  Monastery  of  Tallaght,  Proc.  E.I. A., 
xxix),  e.g.  §§  24,  51,  62  ;  cf.  also  for  coulee,  §  62. 

1  It  contains  the  reduplicated  future  gignither  (p.  10,  26)  by  the  side  of  the 
later  geinfe  (p.  14,  11),  and  dualaig  (p.  12,  14)  still  counts  as  three  syllables. 

2  The  reference  in  Felire  Oingmso,  under  March  30th,  cited  in  §  2,  is  to  Colman 
of  Linn  Uachaille.     Cf.  Gorman,  p.  64,  and  Mart.  Don.,  p.  90.     It  is  curious  that 
Stokes  should  have  fallen  into  the  same  error  as  the  author  of  the  Life.    He  prints 
6  Laind ;  but  he  should  have  followed  the  reading  of  R1,  which  here,  as  so  often,  is 
better  than  the  other  MSS.,  and  printed  6  Lind.     Thus  it  happens  that   in   his 
Index  of  Persons  Colman  Linde  Uachaille  is  omitted,  while  Colman  mac  Luachain 
is  entered  twice  (p.  409). 

3  So  do  Rawl.  B.  502,  p.  90/,  LL.  347*,  LB.  13<?.     LL.  347*  makes  Maine  a 
son  of  Conall  Cremthainne.     This  we  may  dismiss  as  altogether  improbable  ;  for  it 
•would  put  Column's  birth  in  the  beginning  of  the  sixth  century.     The  Martyrology 
of  Donegal  (p.  172)  stands  alone  in  claiming  Colman  as  a  descendant  of  Rudraige  : 
do  chlannaib  Rudraige  do  ,i.  do  sliocht  Maoilchroich  mic  Rudraige. 

4  This  mistake  was  no  doubt  occasioned  by  the  circumstance  that  Colman  Mdr 
died  several  years  before  his  father. 

5  In  §  4  he  is  called  *  the  only  patron  saint  of  the  race  of  Colman  Mdr.' 


x  INTRODUCTION 

been  named  after  this  famous  ancestor,  I  would  on  the  whole 
agree  with  our  biographer  in  considering  the  following  pedigree  as 
the  '  genealogia  vera '  (s.  4) : 


i/05 


Niall  N6igiallach  f4/05 
Conall  Cremthainiie 
Fergus  Cerrbel  t  513 
Diarmait  Derg  f  565  or  572 
Colman  Mor  t  555  or  558 

Maine  Suibne  1 600  or  604 

H  I 


Aed  Find  Leda1  Conall  Guthbinn  f  635 

Forannan  Luachan  Airmedach 

Maelumai  Colman  Diarmait  1 689 

Murchad  t715 
Domnall  t  763 

Colman  was  thus  born  towards  the  end  of  the  sixth  century, 
and  it  may  be  reasonably  assumed  that  he  died,  like  his  cousin, 
Diarmait,  King  of  Meath,  some  time  in  the  last  quarter  of  the 
seventh. 

If  we  were  to  credit  our  biographer,  Colman 's  life  must  have 
extended  over  four  centuries  at  least.  For  in  the  course  of  the 
narrative  he  is  brought  into  contact  on  the  one  hand  with 
Cruimthir  Cassan  (§  78),  a  contemporary  of  Patrick's,2  and  on  the 
other  with  King  Domnall  mac  Murchada,  who  died  in  763  (§  73  ff.). 
And  even  if  we  dismiss  these  and  other  statements  as  absurd,  it  is 
still  a  vain  endeavour  to  reconcile  the  chronology  of  the  Life  as  a 
whole,  and  many  of  the  events  and  incidents  narrated,  with  Irish 
history.  The  truth  is  that  the  account  given  of  the  life  of  our 

1  Called  Aed  Lond  in  LL.  347*,  Laeda  in  Rawl.  B.  502,  p.  90/.     A  confusion 
seems  to  have  arisen  between  him  and  his  brother  Aed  Find  ;  for  in  §  43  Foranndn 
is  made  the  son  of  Laeda  Find,  while  in  §§  45  and  69  he  is  rightly  called  the  son 
of  Aed  Find.     Throughout  the  narrative  the  sons  of  Forannkn  are   called  the 
brdthre    of   Colman's    grandfather,    i.e.,  the   descendants    of    his    grandfather's 
brother. 

2  See  Tripartite  Life,  ed.  Stokes,  p.  74,  28. 


INTRODUCTION  xi 

saint  is  vitiated  throughout  by  certain  tendencies  and  practices. 
It  will  be  well  to  consider  these  under  special  heads. 

I.  There  is  discernible  an  endeavour  to  claim  friendship  and 
alliance  with  the  most  celebrated  saints  of  ancient  Ireland,  not 
only  for  the  purpose  of  enhancing  the  importance  of  the  subject 
of  the  memoir,  and  shedding  additional  lustre  upon  him,  but 
also  in  order  to  reap  the  advantages  resulting  to  his  community 
from  a  connexion  with  other  important  foundations.  Thus 
Colman  is  made  to  study  with  Finnen  of  Clonard,  the  "  tutor 
of  the  saints  of  Ireland"  (§  79),  who  died  in  549,  and  with  Bishop 
Etche"n  (f  ca.  580),  who  is  also  said  to  have  baptized  him  and 
ordained  him1  together  with  Colman  Elo  (f611)  and  Colman 
Comraire.  He  is  made  the  friend  of  Colum  Cille  (|598),  and  is 
said  to  have  been  present  at  the  Convention  of  Drum  Get.  The 
account  of  his  intercourse  with  Mochuta  of  Eahen  (f  637),  whom 
he  acknowledges  as  his  only  '  earthly  head  '  cenn  talmanda  (§  85), 
may  rest  on  a  better  foundation ;  and  so  may  his  connexion  with 
Lommanof  Tech  Lommain,  who  died  ca.  6603  (§§  10,  42)  ;  but  the 
statements  that  Maed6c  of  Ferns  (f  626)  prostrated  himself  before 
him3  (§  72),  and  that  Samthann  (f  739)  and  Fidmuine  ua  Siianaig 
(f757)  were  his  friends  are  obviously  pious  frauds,  while  it  is 
highly  improbable  that  Fursa  (t  640)  visited  his  grave  three  years 
after  his  death.  Other  well-known  saints  with  whom  alliance  is 

1  According  to  the  notes  in  Pel.2,  p.  72,  Coluia  Cille  applied  to  bishop  Etchen 
to  be  made  a  bishop,  but  was  refused. 

2  Lomman's  pedigree  is  given  thus  in  Rawl.  B.  502,  p.  89/: 

Niall  N6igiallach  t  405 
i 

Conall  Gulban 

I 
Fergus 


Lathem  Fedliriiid 

Ceisper  Colum  Cille  t  598 

I 
Erannan 

Lomman  Locha  [Uair] 

3  The  union  made  between  Colman  and  Maedoc  is  mentioned  twice,  but  in  a 
different  context  (§§  42  and  72). 


xii  INTRODUCTION 

claimed  for  Colman  are  Mochua  of  Tech  Mochua1  (§  35),  bishop 
Conchraid  of  Cluain  Dam  (§  53),  Colman  Elo  (f  611),  and  Colman 
Comraire.  When  Colman  refuses  the  advances  of  Ciaran  of 
Clonmacnois  (§85),  we  may  conclude  that  his  own  communities 
and  those  of  Ciaran  were  at  feud  at  the  time  when  the  Life  was 
written  ;  and  a  similar  inference  may  be  drawn  from  the  statement 
that  Colman  cursed  Arnain  mac  Eogain,  Ultan  (probably  the  well- 
known  bishop  of  Ardbrackan),  and  Mac  Liac2  (§  59). 

II.  In  order  that  the  grants  of  land  and  service  made  at  various 
times  to  the  monastery,  or  the  exemption  from  dues  may  as  it  were 
receive  their  title-deeds,  our  author  claims  for  services  rendered  and 
miracles  performed  by  the  saint  the  patronage  of  as  many  kings  and 
queens  as  possible.  Thus  Colman  is  made  to  live  under  five  succes 
sive  kings  of  West  Meath,  from  Conall  Guthbinn  (f  635)  to  Domnall 
mac  Murchada  (|763).  The  latter  through  his  blessing  becomes 
monarch  of  Ireland,  for  which,  like  his  ancestor  Conall  Guthbinn, 
he  makes  the  saint  a  present  of  seventeen  steadings  (§  73),  while  he 
is  also  said  to  have  bestowed  Drong  Faechnig  upon  him  (§  79). 
Land  or  service  are  further  claimed  from  Tir  Colmdin  because 
Colman  was  born  there  (§  10)  ;  from  the  Ui  Manchain  and  Ui 
Mailumae,  the  descendants  of  his  paternal  uncle,  Anfossaid  (§  36) ; 
from  the  Ui  Lechet,  the  descendants  of  another  uncle  Lechet  (§  37) ; 
from  the  Meic  Airechtaig,  the  descendants  of  his  third  uncle, 
Cummine  (ib.)  ;  from  the  Ui  Dubain  Caille  and  the  Ui  Dubain 
Maige  (§  39),  who  were  in  Fid  Dorcha  before  he  came  to  Lann, 
and  are  therefore  called  the  fine  griain  or  '  family  of  the  soil '  of 
Lann,  which  is  exempt  from  dues  to  their  king  and  chiefs  (ib.) ; 
from  the  Clanna  Forannain,  the  descendants  (§  43)  of  his  grand- 
uncle  Aed  Find,  whose  chiefs  have  to  be  buried  at  Lann  (§45). 
From  the  tribe  of  Fartullagh  taxes  and  tithes  are  claimed,  as  set 
forth  in  a  poem  on  p.  51 ;  a  ewe-lamb  is  Colman's  due  from  every 
flock  of  all  Ireland  (§  51)  ;  a  cow  from  every  spoil,  and  a  horse  and 
dress  from  every  hosting  (§  60)  from  the  kings  of  West  Meath  ; 

1  See  his    Life  in    Plummer's    Vitae  II,  p.   184  ff.      He  is   wrongly   called 
mac  Nemainn  in  our  Life. 

2  Perhaps  identical  with  «  filius  Lyach,  cuius  monasterium  est  prope  fretum 
Ymleach,  mentioned  in  Plummer,  op.  cit.  //,  p.  58. 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

likewise  a  horse  and  dress  and  a  seat  by  their  side  from  the  kings  of 
Ui  Thigernain  (§,  62).  Because  one  of  his  pupils,  the  daughter  of 
a  chief  of  the  Ui  Thigernain,  is  buried  in  the  church  of  the  Qi  Muca, 
Colman  claims  it  *  from  ground  to  sky,'  and  demands  a  bushel  of 
every  kind  of  corn  from  it  at  Lent  (§  63).  From  the  tribe  of 
Offaly  a  scruple  from  every  adult  and  a  sheep  from  every  steading 
are  due  to  Colman,  besides  the  king's  horse  and  dress  every  third 
year  (§  87),  and  a  similar  tax  from  the  people  of  the  Bretach  (§  92). 

III.  The  tendency  to  rival  all  other  saints  of  Ireland  in  thau- 
maturgy  is  apparent  in  the  number  and  nature  of  the  miracles 
ascribed  to  Colman,  from  the  '  primum  miraculum '  of  his  painless 
birth  (§10)  to  the  end  (§108),  where  our  hagiographer  applauds  his 
own  performance  in  these  words  :  '  Now  it  is  evident  from  these  stories 
about  Colman  son  of  Luachan  that  God   thinks   no  cleric   more 
wonderful  than  him.'    Most  of  these  miracles  are  modelled  upon 
those  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  as  when  his  birth  is  cele 
brated  by  angels  (§  10),  or  when  he  crosses  a  lake  dryshod,  as  Moses 
did  the  Bed  Sea  (§  64) ;  or  upon  those  ascribed  to  the  three  greatest 
Irish  saints,  Patrick  f§§  55,  58),  Brigit  (§  58),  and  Colum  Cille 
(§  56). 

IV.  Confusion  of  persons  of  the  same  name.     This,  it  is  well 
known,1  is  one  of  the  most   common   sources  of  error  in  Irish 
historical  tradition,  while  it  plays  an  even  greater  part  in  romance. 
It  is  not  unlikely  that  some  of  the  stories  here  told  of  Colman  mac 
Luachain  are  taken  from  the  Lives  of  his  more  famous  namesakes, 
Colman  Elo  or  Golman  Comraire,  or  some  other  Colman.     In  §  44, 
in   giving  the  pedigree  of  King  Domnall  mac  Aeda,  our  author 
wrongly  introduces  Congal  Cennmagair  (705-710),  apparently  by 
a  confusion   of  his  father,  Fergus  Fanait,  with  Fergus  Cennfota. 
In  §  85  he  confuses  Mochua  of  Tech  Mochua  with  Mochua  mac 
Nemainn.* 

V.  It  is  a  frequent  practice  with  many  of  the  later  hagiographists 
to  carry  the  altered  conditions  of  their  own  time  into  a  narrative 
dealing  with  an  earlier  age  in  which  they  did  not  exist.     Among 
anachronisms  of  this  kind  the  following  are  the   most  common : 

1  See  e.g.  Plummer,  I.e.,  p.  xc.  2  Cf.  ib.,  p.  xxi.,  note  1. 


xiv  INTRODUCTION 

incidents  implying  the  stricter  observance  of  Sunday  on  the  model  of 
the  Jewish  Sabbath,  which  was  not  introduced  into  Ireland  before 
the  ninth  century  j1  instances  of  excessive  asceticism,  or  the  grosser 
forms  of  the  cult  of  relics,  both  unknown  during  the  early  period 
of  the  Irish  Church  ;  references  to  the  later-increased  number  of 
canonical  hours;  statements  implying  the  change  in  the  Irish 
Church  from  a  monastic  to  an  episcopal  constitution  ;2  lastly, 
emphasizing  the  connexion  with  Rome,3  more  particularly  by  inter 
polating  pilgrimages  to  Rome  and  visits  to  the  Pope,4  though,  as 
Plummer  has  pointed  out,  the  only  Popes  mentioned  in  the  Lives 
are  Celestine  and  Gregory  the  Great.  By  a  fortunate  chance  we  are 
in  a  position  to  see  this  Romanizing  tendency  at  work  in  the  case  of 
our  saint.  In  §  76  we  are  told  of  a  pilgrimage  to  Rome  made  by  the 
three  Colmans  after  the  deatb  of  Gregory  (f  604).  Now  in  the  well- 
known  Stowe  MS.,  D.  iv.  2,  fo.  55 a2,  there  is  a  different  account  of 
this  visit  to  Rome  in  what  may  be  an  extract  from  another  lost  Life 
of  our  saint.  Here  Gregory  is  said  to  have  been  alive  at  the  time, 
and  Colman  applies  to  him  for  ordination.  As,  however,  according 
to  tradition,  Colman  was  ordained  by  Bishop  Etchen,  the  Pope  is 
made  to  refuse'  the  request,  and  refers  Colman  to  the  bishop.  I  print 
the  piece  in  extenso  : — 

Espucc  Etchean  cecinit  dona  tri  Colmanaibh  an  tan  tanccatar 
o  Roim  dochum  esccoip  Etchean  do  thabairt  gradh  forthaibh,  ar  co 
Roim  dochotar  co  Grigoir  do  thabairt  gradh  forru,  conadh  ann  isbert 
Grighoir:  '  Ni  damh  rocedaighedh,  arse,  acht  don  dornsalach  '  .i. 
do  espucc  Etchen.  Conid  he  in  adhaigh  re  tiachtain  doibh 
rofoillsighedh  do  espucc  Etchean  hi  fis  i5  teacht  7  isbert  so : 

'  Inmhain  trlar  taed  ann         co  Cluain  Foda  fond, 
furighther  a  n-am,         m  fuilngther  a  nglond. 
Na  Calmain  cin  checht,         bidh  anbail  a  nert, 
gebaidh  mor  do  nirt,         doig  is  doib  rodlecht. 

1  See  R.  Priebsch  in  Otia  Merseiana  I,  p.  129,  S. 
•  See  Plummer,  I.e.,  p.  cxiii,  note  1. 

3  Ib.,  p.  cxxiii. 

4  It   would   be   interesting  to   establish  at  what  period  precisely  tbe  ancient 
designation  of  the  Pope  as  « abbot  of  Rome '  (abb  Roma)  fell  into  disuse. 


INTRODUCTION  xv 

Bidh  ennert  a  nert         oniu  co  ti  brath, 
tic  innem  na  tuath        do  chindedh  for  each. 
Temair  m  bi  a  xnbron         do  ghor  no  do  chlan, 
cidh  duiligh  in  dal,         madh  buidhigh  in  triar. 
In  tUlltach  mor  maith         is  caime  nan  bifh, 
gnuis  fora  teth  [sic] ,         narageib  dath1  n6  cith. 
Ge"baig2  ilar  ceall        ri  coiccrichaibh  ones, 
is  e"  in  romac  righ,         is  din  fri  gach  treass. 
In  Conallach  cas,         mairg  doregha  ris, 
is  e  in  i-eonaid  fos,        is  e"  in  fregraidh  fis 
Is  comror  c&t  run        a  chridhi  sech  each, 
a  arus  cin  fuath         is  cadhus  co  brath. 
Mo  dalta-sa  fein        do  claind  Cholmain  moir, 
mo  chean  dream  da  din,         is  6  cend  ar  sloigh. 
(fo.  55bl)  Is  retlu  co  rath,        is  [s]  orcha  ar  in  mbith, 
is  si  in  gribh  cin  brath         doiin  rath  'na  rith. 
Doching  for  each  n-aen        mac  Luacain  na  lenn, 
nir  techt  Eriu  oil        is  feile  na  is  fearr. 
Cidh  lethard  a  ngradh        bat  comuaisli  a  nim, 
nl  fuil  dibh  nach  fail3        hn  bladh  nach  urn  digh. 
Is  mochean  in  damh         anair  is  aniar, 
am  imdhaigh*  cin  bron,         bidh  inmhain  in  triar.' 

In.  m.  FINIT. 

'  Bishop  Etchen  sang  this  of  the  three  Colmans  when  they  came 
to  him  from  Rome  that  he  might  ordain  them.  For  they  had  gone 
to  Gregory  to  Rome  that  he  might  ordain  them.  So  then  Gregory 
said :  "  Not  to  me  has  it  been  permitted,"  said  he,  "  but  to  the 
Dirty-fist  "5  (viz.,  to  bishop  Etchen).  And  in  the  night  before  their 
arrival  their  coming  was  revealed  to  bishop  Etchen  in  a  vision,  and 
he  said  this  :  "  Beloved  the  three,  &c.6"  ' 

Owing  to  these  and  other  tendencies  and  practices,  as  well  as  for 

1  leg.  cath  2  leg.  gebaid  3  leg.  fial  4  leg.  imdhaidh 

5  A  nickname  for  bishop  Etchen.      In  the  prose  piece  called  BaiU  Jiricctne, 
which  is  modelled  upon  Baile  in  Scdil,  the  saints  of  Ireland  are  all  mentioned  by 
similar  nicknames. 

6  For  a  translation  of  this  poem  see  below,  p.  33. 


xvi  INTRODUCTION 

the  reasons  mentioned  above,  our  author  gives  us  but  little  trust 
worthy  information  about  the  life  and  work  of  Colman  mac  Luachain. 
All  we  can  gather  with  some  measure  of  probability  is  that  he  was 
born  towards  the  end  of  the  sixth  century,1  either  not  far  from 
Portloman  on  Loch  Owel  (§  10),  or  at  Less  in  Daire,  where  his 
father  had  settled  (§  8).  On  his  father's  side  he  came  from  the 
royal  race  of  Conall  Cremthainne2  (§  3),  while  his  mother  was 
descended  from  Echaid  Mugmedon  (§  5),  their  common  ancestor 
being  King  Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages.  His  three  brothers  became 
priests  like  himself  (§8),  and  his  'ftrarsisters  nuns  (§9).  At  one 
time  in  his  boyhood  he  seems  to  have  herded  cows  (§13).  When 
he  was  about  thirty  years  old3  (§  20)  he  went  to  study  with  Mochuta 
at  Lismore.  This  must  have  been  after  A.D.  630,  when  Mochuta 
abandoned  Eahen  for  Lismore.4  He  was  then  a  deacon  (§  26). 
Mochuta  appointed  him  dispenser  of  food  to  his  colony  of  lepers, 
whence  he  got  his  nickname  Ldmglan  '  the  Pure-handed'  (§  20). 
He  was  then  ordained,  and  founded  first  Cell  Bee6  (§  29),  and  then 
-Lann  his  chief  foundation,6  probably  before  the  year  636  (cf.  §  27). 
In  addition  he  is  said  to  have  founded  the  following  churches : — 
Cell  Uird  in  Fermoy  (§  26) ;  a  church  at  Le"na  in  Ui  Forannain 
(§  43) ;  another  near  Dun  L6ime  ind  Eich,  where  Colman's  Cave  is 
named  after  him  (§  45)  ;  others  at  Less  Dochuinn  (§  46),  and  at 
Uachtor  Comarthain  Ui  Thigernain  (§61).  He  died  on  the  17th 
July,  probably  some  time  in  the  third  or  last  quarter  of  the  seventh 
century,  and  was  buried  at  Lann. 


1  His  grandfather's  cousin  Conall  Guthbinn,  King  of  Meath,  died  in  635,  and 
his  own  cousin,  Diarmait,  in  689. 

3  In  a  poem  on  p.  48,  1.  20,  he  is  addressed  '  a  meic  Luachain  ...  do  chlaind 
ConaiJl  Chremthainne.' 

3  The  Life  states  (^  IB)  that  he  first  read  with  Bishop  Etchen  of  Clonfad,  who 
is  also  said  to  have  baptized  and  ordained  him  ($  29).  But  Etchen  died  about  580. 

4  It  is  possible  that  Colman  was  also  at  Rahen  with  Mochuta  (cf .  §  18).  But  §  19 
is  very  obscure,  and  the  chronology  of  §  26  is  quite  impossible. 

6  In  1 12  he  is  made  to  found  this  church  in  the  third  year  of  his  life,  a 
circumstance  forgotten  by  the  compiler  in  §  29. 

6  The  only  abbot  of  Lann  mentioned  in  the  Annals  is  Maelbrigte  mac  Fedacain, 
who  died  A.D.  929  (F.  M.). 


INTRODUCTION  xvii 

But  while  our  biographer  gives  us  so  little  trustworthy  informa 
tion  about  the  saint  himself,  he  has  still  compiled  a  work  of  abiding 
historical  interest  and  value.  For,  in  narrating  his  miracles,  he 
conveys  to  us  a  large  amount  of  indirect  historical  informa 
tion.  Indeed,  what  with  its  wealth  of  varied  and.  picturesque 
incidents  taken  from  the  life  and  customs  of  the  people,  its  many 
instances  of  religious  practices  and  information  on  ecclesiastical 
matters  generally,  its  topographical  details,1  and  its  folklore,  it 
will  always  count,  next  to  the  Tripartite  Life  and  the  biographies 
of  Colum  Cille,  as  the  richest  and  fullest  among  the  Lives  of  Irish 
saints  that  have  come  down  to  us. 

I  have  to  thank  my  friend  Professor  0.  J.  Bergin  for  kindly 
reading  a  proof  of  my  translation,  and  for  several  important 
corrections  and  suggestions. 

KUNO  MEYER 


1 1  draw  the  attention  of  topographers  to  the  large  number  of  place-names, 
especially  of  Weatmeath,  very  few  of  which  I  have  heen  ahle  to  identify  from 
Hogan's  Onomaslicon. 


TODD  LKCTURE    SERIES,  VOL.  XVII. 


EETHA  COLMAJN  MAIC  LtfACHAIN 


BETHA   COLMAIN   MAIC   LUACHAIN 

1.  '  Uiriliter  agite  7  confortetur  cor  uestrum  omnes  qui  speratis 
in  Domino.'  An  spiral  noem,  in  spirat  as  uasle  each  spiral,  in  spiral 
TO  in[s]orch«fp- in  eclais  ccchttirdac  petarlseici  7  nufiadnasi  6  rath 
ecrue  7  fatsine,  isse  an  spirat-sein  is  augtar  na  herlabra-sa  tria  gin  an 
51'igfatha  D0tt$dm*f'c  lasse,  dicens:  'Uiriliter  agile'  7  cet.  Isse  an 
~Dauid  sin  dorigne  .iii.  1.  salm  do  ruolad  I)e,  ar  ronordnost«r  Dia  co 
inba  ri  7  co  mba  faith,  ut  dicitur  :  '  Unxit  Samuel  Dauid  in  regera  7 
profelain'  7  cet.,  7  an  salm  ana  fuil  an  fersa-sin  .i.  'uiriliter  agile,'  is 
e  an  deehmad  salra  .xx.  a  lebar  ua  salm  he  7  isse  is  tosach  do:  'In  to 

10  Domine  speraui '  7  a  persoin  an  popuil  do  labair  se  andsin  7  ata  an 
fersa-sin  arna  rad  6  tri  hugdaraib.  An  ce7-augdar  dib  .i.  Maoisi  mac 
Ainrae,  oir  udubairt  Maoisi  hi  ac  guidi  clainde  Israel  ind-agaid1 
Madian  7  Amalech  .i  na  cinedach  dobi  i  n-agaid  claindi  Israel. 
Andara  haugdur  .i.  lesus  films  Nun,  oir  adubairt  lesus  mac  Nun  an 

15fersa  cetna  .i.  'uiriliter  agite'  ac  tu&echt  an  popuil  Israeldas  do 
cheiraniugud  srotha  lordanis  dochum  chathaigthi  i  n-agaid  na  cine 
dach  darab  coinainm  Cananei.  An  Ires  ugdar  .i.  Dauid  ri,  oir  adubairt 
Dffuzd  hi  .i.  '  uiriliter  agite'  7  cet.,  i.  ac  guidi  a  muiudtiri  im  chalma* 
do  denam  i  n-agaid  na  Felistinech,  7  is  imchubaid  a  rad  co  spirat, 

20  amail  adubairt  Dia  fein  rena  nasmaib  cathugad  do  denum  i  n-agaid 
na  [njdrochspirat,  7  ata  an  rad-sin  comchoitchenn  dona  feraib  7  dona 
mnaib,  oir  atat  nioran  dona  da3inib  sanntaiges  cathugud  do  denum  7 
riasiu  thindscnait  a  cathwywrf  tuitit  and.  Ocus  atat  drong  ele  tind- 
senas  cathugud  7  riasiu  crichnaigit  he  treicit  a  cathugud.  7  ata  drong 

25  ele  dom  cathugud  neimger  can  arm  7  is  ar  an  adbar-sin  adubairt  an 
salm  '  uiriliter.' 


1  agaig  MS.  a  chalTwa  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LTJACHAN 

1.  Viriliter  agite,  et  confortetur  cor  vestrum,  omnes  qui  speratis  in 
Domino.1  The  Holy  Spirit,  the  Spirit  that  is  nobler  than  any  spirit/ 
the  Spirit  that  has  illumined  the  churches  both  of  the  Old. and  New 
Testament  with  the  grace  of  wisdom  and  prophecy,  that  is  the  Spirit 
which  is  the  author  of  this  utterance  through  the  mouth  of  the  royal 
prophet  David  son  of  Jesse,  dicens :  Viriliter  agite,  &c.  This  is  that 
David  who  made  one  hundred  and  fifty  psalms  in  praise  of  God;  for 
God  had  ordained  that  he  should  be  both  king  and  prophet,  ut  dicitur: 
Unxit  Samuel  David  in  regem  et  prophetamf  &c.  And  the  psalm  in 
which  that  occurs,  viz.  Viriliter  agite,  is  the  thirtieth  psalm  in  the 
book  of  psalms,  the  beginning  of  which  is  In  te  Domine,  speravi.  And 
in  it  he  spoke  in  the  person  of  the  people.  And  that  verse  has  been 
uttered  by  three  authors.  The  first  author  of  them  was  Moses, 
son  of  Amra  ;  for  Moses  said  it  as  he  was  praying  the  Children  of 
Israel  (to  fight)  against  the  Midianites  and  Amalek,4  viz.,  the  tribes 
that  were  opposed  to  the  Children  of  Israel.  The  second  author  was 
Joshua,  son  of  Nun ;  for  he  spoke  the  same  verse,  viz.  Viriliter  agite, 
as  he  was  leading  the  people  of  Israel  to  pass  the  river  Jordan  to  fight 
Against  the  tribes  called  Canaanites.5  The  third  author  was  King 
David ;  for  David  spoke  it,  viz.,  Viriliter  agite,  &c.,  as  he  was  praying 
his  people  to  act  bravely  against  the  Philistines.  And  it  is  fitting  that 
the  saying  should  be  referred  to  the  (Holy)  Spirit,6  as  God  Himself 
told  the  saints  to  fight  against  the  evil  spirits.  And  that  saying 
applies  both  to  men  and  women  ;  for  there  are  many  people  eager  to 
fight,  and  before  they  begin  to  fight  they  succumb.7  And  there 
are  other  people  who  begin  to  fight,  and  before  they  finish  they  leave 
off.  And  there  are  other  people  who  fight  feebly,  without  weapons ; 
and  it  is  for  this  reason  the  psalm  says  *  Viriliter.' 

1  Ps.  xxx.  25.  2  Cf.  Trip.  Life,  p.  2,  6. 

'•''  A  reference  to  1  Reg.  xvi.  13  and  to  Num.  xxxi.  3. 
4  Deut.  xxxi.  6.  5  Josh.  i.  18. 

''  Literally,  '  to  say  it  to  the  Spirit.' 
"  Literally,  '  they  fall  in  it.' 
B2 


4  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

2.  Sochaidi  tra  do  noemaib  7  do  firenaib  hi  petarlaic  7  hi  nu- 
fiadnaisi  rocathaigsit  co  ferdse  7  co  sonairt  ar  Dia,  amail  rocathnig  co 
ferda  7  co  sonairt  an  senoir  uassal  diata  lith  7  forathmet  ind-ecmaing 
na  ree-sea,  id  est,  Colmanus  films  Luachaini.  Is  ann  immurgu  cele- 
5  brait  na  Cristaidi  lith  7  forathmet  indi  Colmain  maw  Luachain  in 
cindecim  c&lne  ifril1  arpi  laitlu'  miss  grene,  isin  laithi-sea  indnfu  araoi 
lathe  sechtmaine  isin  bliadain  frecnairc-si.  Caland  iuil  didiu  .i.  in 
adhaig  iar  fe[i]l  cross  7  is  de  isberar  'an  dos  oir  uas  crichat^'  7  'an 
grlan  an  uastuath«^'  isin  Pelire.  No  comad  aidchi  samna  .i.  Cronan 

10  7  comad  he  an  mac  ele  Luachain  an  Cronan  hlsin.  Atat  immurgu 
a  taisi  hi  fos  colleic  isna  talmandaib  co  n-onoir  7  co  (fo.  7551) 
n-ermitin  7  cid  mor  indm  a  hanoir,  bid  moo  illo  brathse,  intan  doait- 
nebatt  amaii  grein  in-neim  i  n-6entaid  naom  7  noemog  an  domain,  i 
n-6entaid  uasalathar  7  fatha,  i  n-6entaid  apstal  7  martiri,  i  n-oentaid 

is  deacht[a]  7  daBnachta  mai-'c  De,  is  6ent?4  is  uitislem  cech  n-6entaid  .i. 
i  n-6entaid  na  nsemtrinoiti  uasle  ulechuinachtaig[e]  .i.  Atha?>  7 
7  Spirat  Noem.     Ailmitt  trocaire  na  trmoiti  ul6  7  rl. 


3.  Indista'r   andso   ni  dia  genel««y   collaidi  7  dia  fertaib  7  dia 
mirbuilib  o  rogener  co  ndechatW  dochum  neime. 

20  Colman  di^*w  m.  Luachain  m.  Ledee  m.  Maine  m.  Fergusse  m. 
Conaill  CremtAatnni  m.  Neill  Noigiallaig  m.  Eclidach  Mugmedoin  m. 
Muredaig  Tirig  m.  FiachacA  Srobthme  m.  Cairpri  Lifechair  m.  Cormaic 
Ulfatai  m.  Airt  Oenfir  m.  Cuind  Chetchathaig  7  genelach  eoitchenn 
claindi  Cuind  Cetc[h]athaig  6  sin  amach  co  JiAdam. 


25  4.  Sic  geneloia  uera,  id  est,  Colman  m.  Luachain  m.  Leda  m. 
Maine  m.  D[i]armata  Deirg  m.  Colmain  Moir  Mide  .i.  na  rig  7 
mac  sin  Dlarmata  m.  Cerbaill  m.  Conaill  Chremthamne  m.  Ne[i]ll 
Noigiallaig  7  is  e  so  oenerlam  rogein  do  chlaind  Colmain  6  sin  ille, 
amail  is  follus  sin  6  epscop  Etchen  post  ina  laid  7  dlignidh2-som 


1  iul-  MS.  3  dlidhidh  M8. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     5 

2.  Now,  many  of  the  saints  and  of  the  righteous  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  have  fought  manfully  and  stoutly  for  God,  as  did  the 
noble  senior  whose  feast  and  commemoration  is  at  the  period  of  this 
season,  viz.,  Colmanus  filius  Luachaini.     It  is  on  the"fifteenth  of  the 
calends  of  July,1  according  to  the  day  of  the  solar  month,  on  this  day 
of  the  week  in  the  present  year,  that  the  Christians  celebrate  the 
feast  and  commemoration  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan.     The  calends  of 
July,  viz.,  on  the  night  after  the  feast  of  the  Cross,  whence  in  the 
Felire2  he  is  called  *  the  bush  of  gold  over  borders,'  and  '  the  splendjid  sun 
over  tribes.'     Or  it  may  be  Halloween,  viz.  Cronan,  and  that.  Cronan 
may  be  another  son  of  Luachan.3     His  relics,  however,  are  still  here 
upon  earth  with  honour  and  veneration  ;  and  though  his  honour  is 
great  to-day,  it  will  be  greater  on  the  day  of  Judgment  when  his  soul 
will  shine  like  the  sun  in  heaven  in  the  unity  of  the  saints  and  holy 
virgins  of  the  world,  in  the  unity  of  patriarchs  and  prophets,  in  the 
unity  of  apostles  and  martyrs,  in  the  unity  of  the  Godhead  and  Manhood 
of  the  Son  of  God,  in  the  unity  which  is  nobler  than  any  unity,  the 
unity  of  the  noble,  almighty,  Holy  Trinity,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost.     We  all  beseech  the  mercy  of  the  Trinity,  &c. 

3.  Here  is  told  something  of  his  genealogy  according  to  the  flesh 
and  of  his  wonders  and  miracles  from  the  time  that  he  was  born  until 
he  went  to  Heaven.     Colman,  then,  was  son  of  Luachan,  son  of  Leda, 
son  of  Maine,  son  of  Fergus,  son  of  Conall  Cremthainne,  son  of  Niall 
of  the  Nine  Hostages,  son  of  Echaid  Mugmedon,  son  of  Muredach 
Tirech,  son  of  Fiachu    Srobthine,    son  of  Cairbre  Lifechar,   son  of 
Oormac  Longbeard,  son  of  Art  the  Solitary,  son  of  Conn  of  the  Hundred 
Battles,  and  thenceforward  the  common  pedigree  of  the  race  of  Conn 
of  the  Hundred  Battles  up  to  Adam. 

4.  Sic  genedlogia  vera,  i.e.  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  son  of  Leda,  son 
of  Maine,  son  of  Diarmait  the  Red,  son  of  Colman  the  Great  of  Mcath 
(viz.  of  the  Kings),  who  was  a  son  of  Diarmait  son  of  Cerball,  son  of 
Conall  Cremthainne,  son  of  Niull  of  the  Nine  Hostages.     And  he  is 


1  i.e.  the  17th  June. 

2  i.e.  the  Felire  of  Oengus.     See  Stokes'  edition  under  June  17th.     However, 
the  reference  there  is  not  to  Colman,  hut  to  Moling  Ltiachra. 

3  The  Felire  'Oengusso  mentions  both  Colman  and  Cronan  under  November  1st, 
but  in  the  notes  the  former  is  said  to  be  either  the  son  of  Dimma  or  of  Findchad; 
and  the  latter  a  descendant  of  Conn  from  Tuuim  Grene. 


6  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LftACHAIN 

screpul  caithrig  do  chlaind  Colmain  7  ech  each  rig,  in  secht  \>\\sdain 
sin  uli. 

Colman  didiu  colomu  mainech  ic  fulang  na  firm^wti,  am  ail 
isbert  Colum  Cille  ic  fulaing  tedmand  isin  saBgal  amail  lob  irisech. 
5  No  daw0  is  imord  feda  fil  and  .i.  Colman  quasi  comlan,  ar  ni  fil 
erb<?rn  (fo.  75  b  2)  de  nach  mathwsa  ann-som  eter  corp  7  anmain. 
No  dano  Colmanus  quasi  columna  manus  .i.  uirtutum,  no  manus  ad 
columnia,  id  est  uirtus  demicans  contra  columnia,  id  est,  oprobria 
scelerura. 

10  5.  ISse  immurgu  slonnad  a  mathar,  id  est,  Lasaair  ingen  Caich 
Rolach  m.  Brocan  m.  Dainil  m.  Daire  m.  Guill  (diatat  Hi  Grutll  Corca 
Raidhi)  m.  Coluim  m.  Elella  m.  Baain  m.  Raidi  (diatat  Corco  Ilaide) 
m.  Dathi  m.  Fiachrach  m.  Maine  m.  Briain1  m.  Echdach  Mugmedoin. 


6.  Lasar  didiu,  ideo  autem  Lasar  dicibatur  .i.  ar  lasamna  a  henig, 
15  no  ar  na  lasra  noema  rogenetar  uade,  uel  propter  pulcritudinem  faciei 
suae,  uel  propter  placitum  imponentis  ambo  nominati  sunt,  no  ar  aille 
a  haigt[h]i,  no  do  re[i]r  tole  Dia2  fein. 


7.  Epscop  Etchen  dawo,  isse  dorigne  curu  a  mathar  fria  athair 
iccon  croiss  5  T[h]ig  Lommain  slar  7  is  andsin  dodechaid  rath  fatsine 
20  for  epscop  Etchen,  co  n-epert  an  rann-sa  ic  taircetul  indi  Colmain  : 

1  Genfid  ua|_i]t-siu,  a  Lasair  Ian,      mac  dia  tibrat  laeich  luathchain, 
tuir  claindi  Colman  cen  chrad     Colman  Laindi  mac  Liiachain.' 


8.  Battar  dawo  tri  brathir  ic  Luachan  .i.  Anfosaid  mac  Led  a  .i. 

anfisid  na  dia[d]achtse  lie,  n5  is  ar  a  utmaille,  7  Lechit  mac  Leda  .i. 

25  amail  lie  im  gaindi  a  chet  no  a  thol,  no  is  cet  each  tosach,  ut  dicitur 

1  leg.  Briuin.  2legr  Do. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     7 

the  only  patron  saint  who  has  hitherto  sprung  from  the  race  of 
Colman,  as  is  evident  from  the  song  of  Bishop  Etchen  hereafter.1 
And  he  is  entitled  to  a  scruple  every  seventh  year  from  every  adult  of 
the  descendants  of  Colman,  and  to  a  horse  from  every  king. 

Colman,  however,  a  precious  column2  upholding  the  firmament,  as 
Colum  Cille  said,3  enduring  plagues  in  this  life  like  faithful  Job. 
Or,  again,  there  is  a  letter-change  in  his  name,  viz.,  Colman  quasi 
comlan  (perfect),  for  there  is  no  lack  of  any  goodness  in  him  both 
in  body  and  soul.  Or  again,  Colmanus  quasi  columna  manus,  id 
est,  virtutum,  or  manus  ad  calumnias,  id  est,  virtus  demicans  contra 
calumnias,  id  est.  opprobria  scelerum. 

5.  This  now  is  the  pedigree  of  his  mother,  namely,  Lassar  daughter 
of  Caech  Rolach,  son  of  Broccan,  son  of  Daniel,  son  of  Daire,  son  of 
Goll  (from  whom  are  the  Hui  Guill  of  Corco  Raide),  son  of  Colum, 
son  of  Ailill,  son  of  Baan,  son  of  Raide  (from  whom  are  the  Corco 
Raide),  son  of  Dathi,  son  of  Fiachra,  son  of  Maine,  son  of  Brion,*  son 
of  Echaid  Mugmed6n. 

6.  Lassar  now,  idea  autem  Lassar*  dicebatur,  viz.  for  the  brilliancy 
of  her  liberality,  or  for  the  holy  flames  that  sprang  from  her,  vel 
propter  pulchritudinem  faciei  suae,  vel  propter  placitum  imponentis  ambo 
nominati  sunt,  or  for  the  beauty  of  her  face,  or  according  to  the  will 
of  God  Himself. 

7.  Bishop  Etchen,6  however,  betrothed  her  mother  to  her  father  at 
the  cross  to  the  west  of  Tech  Lommain  ;  and  it  is  there  the  grace  of 
prophecy  came  ever  Bishop  Etchen,  so  that  he   spoke  this  quatrain, 
prophesying  Colman  : 

'  There  will  be  born  of  thee,  0  perfect  Lassar,  a  son  to  whom  laymen 
will  pay  ready  tribute,  the  pillar  of  the  Children  of  Colman  without 
hurt — Colman  of  Lann,  son  of  Luachan.' 

8.  Now  Luachan  had  three  brothers,  viz.,  Anfossaid  son  of  Leda, 
viz.  he  was  ignorant  (anfisid]  of  godliness,  or  he  was  so  called  for 
his  unsteadiness,7  and  Lechit  son  of  Leda,  viz.,  his  cet  or  his  will  was 


1  See  below,  §  11. 

-  Here  follow  various  etymological  interpretations  of  the  name  Colman. 

3  See  below,  §  51.  4  The  original  has  Brian.     See  Eriu  iv,  p.  68. 

5  fassar  means  '  flame.' 

fi  He  died,  according  to  the  Annals  of  Ulster,  either  in  578  or  584. 

7  an-fosfsaid  means  'unstable.' 


8  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

cetfer;  Lec[h]et  didiu  .i.  les  tosach,  ar  isse  ba  sinem  dib;  7  Cumseine 
mac  Leda  .i.  com-mainib  aici  wobith  dogres. 

Gabsatt  daw>  ferann  fo  leth  (fo.   7601)  co  firindech  na  fir-sin. 
Gabais   cetus'  Anfosaid   Cluain    Gamnae    7    is   uaid    rogenetar   Hui 

6  Maenachan  7  Hui  Moelumse  .i.  luchtt  Chluana  sin  lat  iinmallo, 
ncht  is  la  Hui  Msenachan  in  chell  cenae  7  leth  na  cluanae  leis. 
Gab<m  dawo  Lec[h]et  Rath  Lechet  hi  Cnanarus.  G&bau  Cumaine 
didiu  senraith  Chuannae  .i.  Raith  Chuanna  M6r  immurgu  la  Cuanua1 
fein  rocumdaig^d  hi  sin.  Gabais  Luachan  Less  an  Daire  hi  cind2 

10  Atha  Daire  7  arrubairt3  bith  in  du-sin  7  a  setig  immalle  friss, 
7  rotuisim-sein  secht  n-ingena  do-sum  .i.  Brogel  7  BuidnecA  7 
Mongdub  7  Luache  7  Luachet  7  Lessar  7  Trede  .i.  a  sindser  hisein. 
llotusmid  dawo  .iiii.  maic  do,  id  est,  Cronan  7  Ernain  7  Midna  .i. 
medicina  doctus  est,  ar  ba  liaigh4  cuirp  7  anma  he.  Robatsed  tra  in 

is  eland-sin  6  sacartaib  crabdechaib  .i.  sacairt  ule  lat  na  m«/c-sin,  uel 
quasi  medius  in  ordine  nascendi  inter  filios  alios.  7  dorada  fa  laim 
epscoip  hi  ciund  mis  7  ruct[h]a  hi  ciund6  secht  mbliadfofl  co 
hanmc[h]airdib  7  rolegsat  hi6  salma  7  a  n-imna  7  an-ord  n-ecalsa 
ule  leou.  Rocoimeta  tra  co  trebar  7  co  genmnaid  5  sin  immach  co 

20  cend  cethri.  mblladna  dec  cen  nach  n-ellned  cuirp  nd  anma  7 
roaidbairset  fein  i  n-6giu  don  Cliomdid  6  sein  imach. 


9.  Dochuadar  tra  larsin  fo  hErind  hi  tirib  cianaib  7  rogabsatt 
cellae  7  reclesse  indtib.  Gabaiss  cetus  Cronan  7  Ernain  oeurecles  hi 
Sleib  Bladma  ho  Rus  Findglaisiu  slar  7  ni  corbat  coin  ni  do  wo  coin 

2§  ni  indti  7  celd  ibrach  alaind  hi.  Gab<m  imtnurgu  Midna  hi  Raith  Moir 
Maigi  desc«Vt  hi  Ciarraigi7  Luachrse.  G&baw  immurgu  Treide  7  Brogel 
7  Buidnech  hi  Gill  Cluana  Gamna.  Trede  immurgu  .i.  ona  trednaib 
menci  asberar  di.  Brogel  didiu  .i.  breo  taitnemach  no  brii  geal  aici. 
Buidnech  didiu  .i.  buaid  enich  fuirri,  no  bdid  la  each  nech  hi,  no  arna 

so  buidhnib  imdse  trosscit  aici  asbert[h]i  di  an  t-ainm-sea.     Gab«««  didiu 


1  chuanna  MS.        2  cliind  MS.         3asrubairt  MS.        4  liaidh  MS.        5  chiuud  MS. 
6  leg.  a       '  ciarraidi  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     9 

like  a  flagstone  (lia)  for  hardness.  Or  cet  means  every  beginning, 
ut  dicitur  l  cet-fer ' ;  Lechet  then,  viz.,  a  profitable  beginning,  for  lie 
was  the  eldest  of  them.  And  Cummaine  son  of  Leda,  viz.  he  always 
had  treasures  (mdine)  in  his  possession. 

Now  those  men  rightfully  took  up  land  apart.  First,  Anfossaid 
took  Clongowny,  and  from  him  sprang  the  Hui  Maenachan  and  the 
Hui  Maelumae,  that  113  to  say,  they  are  altogether  the  people  of 
Clongowny,  but  the  church  and  half  the  meadow  land  belong  to 
the  Hui  Maenachan  in  particular.  Next,  Lechet  took  Raith  Lechet 
in  Cnamros.  Cummaine,  however,  took  the  old  Raith  Chuanna,  i.e. 
R-aith  Chuanna  M6r,  which  had  been  built  by  Cuanna  himself. 
Luachan  took  Less  in  Daire  at  the  head  of  Ath  Daire,  and  he  dwelt 
there,  and  his  wife  with  him.  She  bore  him  seven  daughters,  viz., 
Brogel  and  Buiduech  and  Mongdub  and  Luache  and  Luachet  and 
Lessar  and  Trede,  who  was  the  eldest.  There  were  born  to  him 
also  four  sons,  viz.,  Cronan  and  Ernan  and  Midna,  i.e.  medicind  doctus 
est  •  for  he  was  a  physician  of  the  body  and  of  the  soul ;  veil  quasi 
medius  in  or  dine  nascendi  inter  filios  alias.1  Those  children  were 
baptised  by  pious  priests;  and  those  sons  were  all  priests.  And 
at  the  end  of  a  month  they  were  confirmed ;  and  at  the  end  of  seven 
years  they  were  taken  to  spiritual  directors,  and  with  them  they 
read  their  psalms  and  hymns  and  all  the  order  of  the  Church.  They 
were  preserved  in  prudence  and  chastity  to  the  end  of  fourteen 
years,  without  any  sullying  of  body  and  soul,  and  thenceforward 
they  offered  themselves  in  virginity3  to  the  Lord. 

9.  Thereupon  they  went  throughout  Ireland  into  distant  lands 
and  took  churches  and  cells  in  them.  First,  Cronan  and  Ernan 
took  a  single  cell  in  Slieve  Bloom  to  the  west  of  Ross  Finnglaisse, 
and  wolves  or  birds  do  not  pollute  it ;  and  it  is  a  beautiful  church 
made  of  yew.  Midna,  however,  set  up  in  Rathmore  of  the  Southern 
Plain  in  Kerry.  Trede  and  Brogel  and  Buidnech  set  up  in  the 
church  of  Clongowny.  Trede,  however,  is  so  called  from  her  frequent 
fastings  (tredan}.  Brogel,  i.e.  {  a  brilliant  flame  '  (breo  taitnemach], 
or  she  had  a  white  belly  (bru  gel}.  Buidnech,  however,  i.e.,  hers 
was  the  palm  of  liberality  (bbaid  enig\  or  everyone  was  fond  of  her ; 
or  this  name  was  given  to  her  on  account  of  the  numerous  multi 
tudes  (luidne}  that  fasted  with  her.  Mongdub  set  up  in  Craeb  TJllanri . 

1  This  sentence  is  out  of  place  in  the  original. 

2  Or,  if  we  read  a  n-6gi,  '  offered  their  virginity.' 


10  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Mongdub  i  cCraeb  Ullann  .i.  dub  a  folt,  no  dubach  hi  cen  mangad 
gaire,  acht  a  menma  a  nDla  dogres.  Luache  immurgu  7  Luachet  hi 
Gill  Luache  hi  crich  La3ichsi.  Luache  didiu  .i.  solus  hi,  ar  dicitur 
loch  .i.  solus  7  loch  dorcha.  Luachet  .i.  set  solus  na  firindi.  Lesar 
simmurgu  .i.  ar  is  les  cuirp  7  anmma3,  no  leges,  7  hita  cell  ale  di  i 
nDelbna  Ethra3  imMidhi  fein  .i.  Lessar  iminwgu  hi  cill  i  crich  Hua1 
Ceindsealaig.  Lochet  didiu  .i.  la  bl[o]edmadmand  crand  .i.  bid  dorcha 
in  c[h]onair  la  blaedaig  na  crann  ic  maidm. 


10.  O  doralse  immurgu  Colman  mac  Luachan  i  mbroinn  a  ma'thar, 

10  ni  rabse  cess  na  galar  na  guin  na  tregat  na  tort[h]romad  na  amnerti 
fuirri  frisin  re-sin  amail  is  bes  do  mnaib  torchaib.  Primuni  miraculum 
.i.  a  brith  cen  guin,  cen  tregaitt,  cen  idain.  Ind  aidchi  immurgu 
rucad  Colman  mac  Luachain  i  tir  Colman  (fo.  76  b  1)  o  T[h~]igh  Loman 
fot[h]iiaid,  doruacht  epscop  Etchen  in  aidchi-sin  co  Tech  Lomain. 

15  llosfuc  immurgu  Lomman  larnabarach  dochum  batsti  co  hepseop 
Etc[h]en  7  robatsed  hi  Tir  na  Copan  .i.  eopan  usci  tucad  tar  cend  an 
\naic  7  tucad  Tir  inn  a  Copan  do  epscop  Etchen  illog  a  batsi  7  tucad 
Tir  Colmain  do  Cholman  mac  Luachain  ar  a  brith  ann.  Rofastad  da.no 
epscop  Etc[h]en  in  aidchi-sin  hi  Tig  Lommain  7  o  tliainicc  iarmergi  7 

20  6  atrachtatar  na  cleirig  di  .i.  Lomman  7  epscop  Etchen,  rochualadar 
nu  ceola  adamra  imda  immon  cill  c&cha  lethe  7  ni  clos  accu  reme  nf 
bad  amra  nsch  bad  binniu,  id  est,  angil  nime  ic  faoilti  fri  Colman  mac 
Luachain,  amail  doronsat  angil  neme  ceolu  imda  adamra  immon 
mBethil  cecha  lethe  aidchi  gene  Crist.  Dotet  tra  fochetoir  rath  fatsine 

25  for  epscop  Etchen,  co  n-epairt  in  laid-so  sis  : 


11.  '  Amra  gein  gignitA^r, 

Colman  caidh  cumachtach, 

comairci  clann  Neill : 
bid  nla2  nertaib  noemc[h]lerech, 
30  bid  caindel  ard  adanta, 

bet  rlglaig  dia  reir. 


hui  MS.  -  niad  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUAOHAN     11 

She  had  black  hair ;  or  she  was  melancholy  (dutach)  without  the 
deceit  (mangad)  of  laughter,  but  her  mind  fixed  on  God  always. 
Luache  and  Luachet  in  Cell  Luache  in  the  land  of  Leix.  Luache, 
now,  viz.  she  was  bright ;  for  loch  means  *  bright '  as  well  as  '  dark/ 
Luachet,  viz.  bright  road  (set)  of  righteousness.  Lessar,  however, 
viz.  for  it  is  profit  (less)  or  cure  (leges)  of  body  and  soul.  And  she 
has  another  church  in  Delbna  Ethnae  (Delvin)  in  Meath  itself. 
Lessar  however  (lies  buried)  in  a  church  in  the  land  of  the  Hui 
Ceinselaig.  Loehet,  now,  i.e.  with  the  loud  bursting  forth  of  trees, 
viz.  the  road  is  dark  with  the  din  of  the  trees  as  they  burst  forth. 

10.  From  the  time  that  Colman  son  of  Luachan  was  in  his  mother's 
womb  there  was  neither  weariness  nor  sickness  nor  wound  nor  ache  nor 
heaviness  nor  weakness  upon  her  during  that  time,  as  is  customary 
with  pregnant  women.  Primum  miraculum,  viz.,  that  he  was  born 
without  wound,  without  ache,  without  a  pang.  On  the  night, 
however,  when  Colman  son  of  Luachan  was  born  in  the  land  of 
Colman  northward  of  Tech  Lommain,  that  night  bishop  Etchen  came 
to  Tech  Lommain.  Then  on  the  morrow  Lomman  took  him  to  bishop 
Etchen  to  be  baptised  ;  and  he  was  baptised  in  Tir  na  Cupan,viz.  a  cup 
(copdn)  of  water  was  put  over  the  head  of  the  boy  ;  and  in  payment  of 
his  baptism,  Tir  na  Copan  was  given  to  bishop  Etchen,  and  Tir 
Colmain  was  given  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan  for  his  having  been 
born  on  it.  That  night  bishop  Etchen  stayed  in  Tech  Lommain  ;  and 
when  matins  had  come  and  the  clerics  rose  up  for  it — that  is  to  say, 
Lomman  and  bishop  Etchen — they  heard  many  marvellous  kinds  of 
music  around  the  church  on  every  side  ;  and  nothing  more  marvellous 
and  more  melodious  had  ever  been  heard  by  them  before — viz.,  angels 
of  Heaven  making  welcome  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  as  on  the 
night  of  the  birth  of  Christ  angels  made  many  marvellous  kinds  of 
music  around  Bethlehem  on  every  side.  Then  forthwith  the  grace  of 
prophecy  came  upon  bishop  Etchen,  so  that  he  spoke  the  following 
lay: 

'  A  wonderful  birth  will  be  born, 

Colman  holy  and  mighty, 

safeguard  of  the  children  of  Niall. 

He  will  be  a  champion  with  the  strength  of  holy  clerics, 

he  will  be  a  lofty  kindled  candle, 

kings  will  be  obedient  to  him. 


12  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtlACHAIN 

'Bid  crabdech,  bid  caeinsuarech, 
bid  cendais,  bid  conderclech, 

bid  credal  caid  caid, 
bid  lia  logmar  lainderda, 
5  Ian  do  grad  na  trmoiti 

eier  feoil  is  cnaim. 

'  Bid  uasal,  bid  inisel, 
bid  coicc1  indraic  ilmartra, 

bid  mor  as  each  mud, 

10  bid  claideb  tromm  tendtidi, 

bid  sclath  diten  dltbogla 
fri  diabul  ndser  ndub. 

'  Nocha  bia  cair  collaidbi 

d'ocht  n-airc[h]ib  na  ndualacA 
15  (fo.  76  b  2)         hi  tegdais  a  c[h]uirp  : 

bid  h6  in  t-ennac  senmeninnach 
eter  corp  is  noemanmain 
cen  nach  n-adbar  n-uilc. 

'  Bid  maith  la  each  cotaigi 
Colman  ar  a  c[h]rabdigi, 

bid  sai  hi  fathaib  fis : 
malartbaid  na  morri'gu, 
millfid  tuatha  is  tigernu 

dia  ndernat  olc  fris. 

25  *  Dobera  each  manchame 

a  chlain[n]e  is  a  choraperta 

do  re[i]r  dligid2  do  : 
is  lemm  legbas  lebranu 
caeha  screptra  scelmoire 

re  taeb  saitrach  so, 


1  bid  coicc  .i.  do  c[h]lamraid  Machutta  co  cenn  secht  mblia^««  ic  roinu  doib 
-  dlidid  MS 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    18 

'  He  will  be  pious,  he  will  be  benignant,  k»*»ftcfl  *t  - 

he  will  be  gentle,  he  will  be  merciful, 
he  will  be  faithful,  holy,  holy. 
He  will  be  a  precious,  shining  stone, 
full  of  the  love  of  the  Trinity, 
both  flesh  and  bone. 

;  He  will  be  lofty,  he  will  be  lowly, 
he  will  be  a  faithful  cook1  of  many  martyrdoms, 
he  will  be  great  beyond  all  measure. 
He  will  be  a  heavy,  fiery  sword, 
he  will  be  an  indestructible  shield  of  shelter 
against  the  base  black  Devil. 

'  There  will  be  no  carnal  blemish 
of  the  eight  chief  sins 
in  the  house  of  his  body.   - 
He  will  be  the  innocent  single-minded  one, 
both  in  body  and  in  holy  soul, 
without  any  substance  of  evil. 

'  All  who  keep  the  covenant  will  deem  him  good,. 
Colman,  for  his  piety, 
a  master  in  the  cause  of  knowledge. 
He  will  confound  the  great  kings, 
he  will  destroy  tribes  and  lords, 
if  they  do  evil  to  him. 

*  Every  one  will  serve 
his  clan  and  his  race 
according  to  right. 
With  me  he  will  read  books 
of  every  storied  scripture 
together  with  the  psalter. 


1  he  will  be  a  cook,  viz.,  distributing  food  to  Mochuta's  lepers  to  the  end  of 
seven  years.     (Gloss.) 


14  BETH  A  COLMAIN  MAIC  L#ACHAIN 

'  Gebazd  so  secht  primrelgi1 
fo  riaglaib  dia  Romanchaib 

co  i)  a  fagbat  pein  : 
cethraeha  ar  cet  comlana 

5  ar  secht  [in]bliadnaib  buanad[b~|lib 

bid  a  remes  n'glaechda, 
ni  ba  saegal  sneid. 

*  Ticfa  fein2  ar  prlmFiada 
hi  richt  lobair  landeroil 
10  dia  thoroma  sein  : 

ni  geinfe  asa  hathLs]ilti 
etir  orbaib  Elgin  si, 
ni  bera  bru  banscaile 

nech  bus  amra  gein.'     Amra  gein. 

15  12.  Ba  mote  tra  grad  7  sere  an  meic  la  muintir  a  mathar  7  a  athar 
an  taircetul-so  dorigne  in  t-epscop  uasal  do.  Roailed  larum  an  mac 
co  crabdhech  7  co  ini'sel  7  nocluintis  sailm  7  clascetul  7  guth  cluicc 
cacha  tratha  7  cocetal  aifrind  each  domnaig  each  airm  i  mbid-som,  co 
ticdis  na  daine  dia  larfaigid:  'cuich  in  senadh  tana[i]c  sund  iroir?' 

20  (fo.  77  a  1)  6  notegtis  immurgu  isin  tech  i  mbid-som,  andar  leo  batir 
lube  boladmarse  noscaeiltea  isin  tech  ule  7  ni  bith  ni  and  acht  esim  7  a 
choimetaidi  fodesin.  Ocus  orba  slana  tra  .iii.  bliadna  de-sim,  gabais 
inad  fo  leth,  id  est,  Cell  Bee  o  Lis  in  Daire  sairtuaid  .i.  a  c[h]ell- 
som  a  cein  roba  bee  he,  conid  aire  isberar  Cell  Becc  fria  7  dognlt[h]ea 


1  Secht  primreilgi  .i.  a  tri  dibh  a  n-Uidh  [sic']  Foranan  .i.  Les  Dochuind  7  Lene 
7  Carrac  Leme  in  Eich  7  Ceall  Uird  i  Mumain  7  Cell  Bheacc  7  Uachtar  Comart[h]a 
a  nllibh  Tigernain  7  Lainn  m<?tc  Luachain,  no  comad  iat  secht  cealla  asberad  .i. 
cella  a  triar  [sic]  brathar  7  a  secht  sethar,  ar  is  eisimh  i  cend  sin  immaleith  eter 
maccu  7  ingenu. 

-  Ticfa  fein  7  cetera  .i.  Crist  fein  tana[i]c  i  richt  claeimh  .i.  a  Croiss  Claman, 
conidh  air  asberar  Cross  Claman  fria  ho  lioin  ille. 

These  glosses  as  well  as  $12  to  the  end  of  the  page  are  written  in  a  different 
and  interior  hand. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    15 

1  He  will  take  up  seven  chief  cemeteries1 
under  rules  of  the  Romans, 
so  that  they2  shall  not  find  torture. 
Full  one  hundred  and  forty-seven 
of  vast  lasting  years 
will  be  his  royal  heroic  course, 
'twill  be  no  slight  life-time. 

*  Our  chief  Lord  Himself  will  come3 
in  the  shape  of  a  full-wretched  leper 
to  attend  on  him. 
There  will  not  be  born  after  him 
among  the  heirs  of  Ireland's  isle — 
no  woman's  womb  will  bring  forth — 
a  more  famous  birth.' 

12.  From  this  prophecy  which  the  noble  bishop  made  of  him  the 
love  and  affection  for  the  boy  with  the  people  of  his  mother  and 
father  were  all  the  greater.  Then  the  boy  was  brought  up  piously 
and  humbly ;  and  wherever  he  used  to  be  they  would  hear  psalms 
and  choral  song,  and  the  sound  of  a  bell  at  every  canonical  hour,  and 
the  singing  of  mass  every  Sunday,  so  that  people  would  come  to  ask  : 
*  What  was  the  assembly  that  came  here  last  night  ?  '  But  when 
they  came  into  the  house  where  he  was  it  seemed  to  them  that 
fragrant  herbs  had  been  scattered  all  over  the  house,  and  yet  there 
was  nothing  save  himself  and  those  who  were  watching  him.  And 
when  he  had  completed  three  years  he  set  up  at  a  place  by  himself, 
viz.,  Cell  Bee  (Kilbeg),  north-east  of  Less  in  Daire,  even  his  own 
church  so  long  as  he  was  little,  whence  it  is  called  Little  Church 
(Cell  Bee).  And  many  wonders  and  miracles  were  performed  iu  it 


1  Seven  chief  cemeteries,  viz.,  three  of  them  in  Hui  Forannain,  viz.,  Less  Do- 
chuind  and  Lene  and  Carrac  Leime-ind-Eich  ;  Cell  Uird  in  Munster ;  Cell  Bee 
and  Uachtar  Comartha  in  Hui  Thigernain ;  and  Lann  Meic  Luachain.  Or  this 
may  be  the  seven  churches  alluded  to,  viz.,  the  churches  of  his  three  brothers  and 
of  his  seven  sisters,  for  he  is  the  head  of  them  all,  both  sons  and  daughters.  (Gloss.) 

-  i.e.  those  buried  there. 

3  Viz.,  Christ  Himself  came  in  the  shape  of  a  leper,  namelv,  at  Cross  Clauian, 
so  that  for  that  reason  it  has  been  culled  Cros  Claman  ever  since.  (Gloss.) 


16  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

fertae  imdse  7  mirbaile  fair-som  indti  7  ni  theged  ettV  hi  comatreib 
na.ch  hi  cumasce  doeine  n-imdse  nd  dsescarsluaig  nd  mac  mallachta 
archeanae. 

13.  Feachtas  dawo  dochuaid  Colmanla  tain  mbo  conicci  an  niBros- 
Snaig  6  C[h]ill  Bice  siartuaid  7  otconnairc  scath  an  duine  isin  usci 

dochuaid  som  sis  ind  7  is  amlaid  tarfas  do  he  amail  clieo  solusta  7 
tancatar  chuici-som  anmanna  amlahraa  in  usci,  co  fersat  .iii.  gi'aifne 
ina  fiadnaisi  ic  faoilti  fris,  amail  bid  ed  asbertais  :  '  Mochen  duit,  a 
C[h]olman,  a  t[h]igerna  ind  usci-sa  7  in  tire,  is  duit  fogenam-ne  co 
10  brath  J.  lloboi  tra  Colman  fo  usci  laa  7  adaig  7  tainic  tirim  as  amail 
roboi  Pol  apstal  fo  usci.  Robatar  dawo  na  tustidi  in  eret-sin  oc  tur 
an  nm«c  7  batar  torsig  co  frith  ina  chodlud  isin  usci.  6  rosiacht  tra 
in  mathair  cliuici  ciis  coe  foeilti  ina  fiadnaisi  7  isbert  so  : 

14.  '  Mo  mac,  inniain  he         ind  inbaid  atcm, 
15  mo  re-sea  ar  do  re,         dar  th'esi  ni  bm. 

'  Hop  tosci  m'ec  fein         oldas  hec  mo  laeig, 
rombia  cert  is  cain         triana  nert  in  nseim. 

1  Bendacht  De  ar  in  sruth         nar  brethnaig  do  has, 
rotla  silh'wr^  suas         dot  innium,  dot  fas. 

20  '  Nlrleg  Dia  tonn  bais         dar  do  bel  it  broind, 

atlochar  dom  Rig,         rotgab  Crist  fo  choiin. 

(fo.  77  a  2)  'An  mac  [baid]  roboi        noi  misaib  im  ain 
y  mor  n-uar         isin  mBrosna^  bain.1 


*  Rotarrgired2  duit         bat  cobair  do  c[h]ach 
25  co  mbla  tuath  nacA  tre[ijth         fot  sceith  ar  do  scath. 

1  An  lind  for  thuil  tu         seek  each  liiid  bid  lat, 
teet  lemm  athaig  biuc3         m'athair  is  mo  mac.'     Mo  mac. 


i    ; 


.i.  lam  airgit  indiu  apud  nouos  Scotos.        -  .i.  epscop  Etchen.        3  buic  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    17 

for  him.     And  he  would  never  go  into  the  habitation  or  society  of 
many  people  or  the  vulgar,  or  of  sons  of  malediction. 

13.  Once  upon  a  time   Colman 'went  with  a  drove  of  cows  as 
far  as  the  Brosna  north-west  from  Cell  Bee.     And  when  he  saw  the 
shadow  of  a  man  in  the  water,  he  went  down  into  it.    And  it  seemed 
to  him  like  shining  mist ;  and  the  dumb  creatures  of  the  water  came 
to  him  and  performed  three  races  before  him  in  welcoming  him,  as 
though  they  said  :   '  "Welcome  to  thee,  Colman,  lord  of  this  water  and 
of  the  land !  we  shall  serve  thee  till  Doom.'     Then  Colman  was  a 
day  and  a  night  under  water,  and  came  dry  out  of  it,  as  the  apostle 
Paul  was  under  water.1     During  that  time  the  parents  were  seeking 
the  boy,  and  were  full  of  anxiety  until  he  was  found  asleep  in  the 
water.     Now  when  his  mother  came  to  him  she  wept  tears  of  joy  in 
his  presence  and  said  this  : 

14.  '.My  son,  beloved  is  he  when  I  see  him  : 

my  life-time  for  thine,  after  thee  I  shall  not  live. 

May  my  own  death  come  sooner  than  the  death  of  my  darling, 

I  shall  have  rights  and  tribute  through  the  power  of  the 

holy  one. 
God's  blessing  upon  the  river  that  has  not  determined  thy 

death, 

it  has  cast  thee  up  ...  that  thou  mayst  prosper  and  grow. 
God  did  not  permit  a  wave  of  death  to  go  across  thy  lip  into 

thy  body : 
I  give  thanks  to  my  King — Christ  has  taken  thee  under 

protection. 

The  fond  boy  who  was  nine  months  in  my  womb 
has  endured  many  hours  in  the  bright  Brosna.2 
It  has  been  prophesied  of  thee  thou  shalt  be  a  help  to  all, 
so  that  a  tribe  that  is  not  weak  shall  be  under  thy  shield  in 

thy  protection. 
The  pool  under  which  thou  hast  slept  (?),  beyond  every  pool 

it  shall  be  thine  ; 
come  with  me  a  short  while,  my  father  and  my  son  ! ' 

1  A  reminiscence  of  2  Cor.  xi.  25. 

2  Lam  airgit  ((  Hand  of  silver ')  to-day  apud  novos  Scottos 

TOUD    LECTURE    SERIES,    VOL.    XVII.  G 


18  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Tfiinic  iarum  Colman  asin  usci  inuis  dochum  a  t[h]ustide  7  gabais 
co  Cild  Bice  iar  sodain.  llomorad  ainm.  De  7  Colmain  triit-sin. 

15.  Araile  seel  forathtttitilar  sund.     Gabais  didi^(,  bronngalar  tra 
athair  a  mathar    Colmain    .i.    Caoch    Rolach  7  asbert   fria    ingin : 

5 .'  Tabair  in  mac  chucum  .i.  Colman  7  tabair  a  lam  for  mo  broind.' 
Tucad  amlaid-sin  7  ba  sliin  foclietoir.  7  romorad  ainm  De  7  Colmain 
triasin  firt-sein. 

16.  Arale  dawo  seel  iomihmmtar  simd  .i.  asbert  Ca3ch  llolach  fria 
ingin  :   '  Tabair  an  mac  chucum  .i.  Colman,  co  tarta  a  hanfiil  fom  rose, 

10  ar  ni  leir  dam  111.'  Tucad  chuici  an  mac  .i.  Colman  7  tuc  a  anal  fo 
rose  7  ba  slan  focctoir  7  romorad  ainm  De  7  Colmain  triasin  firt-sin. 

17.  Araile  seel  dawo  forathmentar  sund  .i.  Mongdub  ingen  Luachain 
gabffts  a  Cr^eib  Ullan  7  ba  hi  ba  coicc  indti  ie  Colman  7  noticed  each 
donmaig  coLaind  do  etsecbt  fri  hoifrinn  7  celebrad  abrathar.    7  noticed 

15  each  laoi  co  Icth  conaire  innuas  do  denum  a  leginn  7  noteced  Colman 
suas  coreegi  sein  do  denum  accechta-di  7  rocumsat  adrad  and,  conid 
de  asbert  Adrad  ingene  Luachain  i  Craebiuch  Laindi  fris  sen. 

18;  Kucad  immurgu  larsin  hi  cind  secht  [m]blia<7wa  co  ha[n]mcha- 
rait  crabdig,  id  est,  co  hepscop  Etchen  7  ro  (fo.  77  H)  leg  na  salma  7 

20  na  himnu  7  in  ord  n-ecalsa  ule  ace.  Tictis  tra  angil  co  menic  do 
acallaim  Colmain  coricci  in  rigles  i  mbi'd.  7  roa[i]rig  a  oitti  rath  mor 
fair-som  sech  na  daltuda  archena.  7  rogab  format  na  daltada  ale 
fris-sium,  7  roa[i]rig  a  oitti  esiden  7  isbert  an  t-oitti  fris-sium  :  '  A 
meic  maith,  imt[h]ig  eolus  ale  do  denum  do  legind  fechtsa  7  ber 

25  bennacht.'  Lauid  iarum  Colman  dochum  Mochuta  co  Bathen  do 
denam  a  leginn  >ais. 

19.  Araile  seel  for&ihmentar  sund  .i.  roedprad  do  Cholman  mac 
Luachain  in  redes  ar  ciil  na  hibraighi1  ar  son  na  hibrfl^ye  fein  rucad 
uad  tna  fornert  .i.  ota  in  ibraig  conici  in  croiss  7  in  srait  fil  frisin 
30  crois  indnis  7  Erechtach  .i.  erchindech  Lainne  7  Ua  hAengusa 
erchinnech  Cilli  Uird  icca  criohad  7  sech[t]  traigid  fichet  inti  do 
muindtir  Lainne  i  n-erc[h]omair  in  meic  ecalsa  norachad  dia  oilithre 
conicci  sarugud  do  Mochuta  7  do  Cholman  7  do  noemaib  na  himirci  .i. 

1  hibraidhi  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    19 

Then  Colman  came  up  out  of  the  water  towards  his  parents  and 
thereupon  went  to  Cell  Bee.  Thereby  God's  name  and  Colman's 
were  magnified. 

15.  Another1  story  is  recorded  here.    An  abdominal  disease  seized 
his  mother's  father,  even  Caech  Kolach,  and  he  said  to  his  daughter  : 
*  Bring  the  boy  Colman  to  me  and  put  his  hand  over  my  belly.'     It 
was  so  put,  and  forthwith  he  was   cured.     And  God's  name  and 
Colman's  were  magnified  by  that  miracle. 

16.  Again,  another  story  is  recorded  here.     Caech  Rolach  said  to 
his  daughter  :  '  Bring  the  boy  Colman  to  me  that  he  may  breathe  upon 
my  eye,  for  I  can  see  nothing  clearly.'    The  boy  Colman  was  brought 
to  him  and  breathed  upon  his  eye ;  and  it  became  sound  forthwith, 
and  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  by  that  miracle. 

17.  Again,  another  story  is  recorded  here.     Mongdub,  Luachan's 
daughter,  set  up  in  Craeb  Ullan  and  she  was  cook  there  with  Colman. 
And  she  would  come  every  Sunday  to  Lann  to  hear  her  brother  say 
mass  and  celebrate.     And  every  day  she  would  come  half  the  way 
from  above  to  do  her  reading;  and  Colman  would  come  up  so  far  to 
give  her  a  lesson,  and  there  they  worshipped.     Hence  that  spot  is 
called  Adrad  Ingine  Luachain  (The  Worship  of  Luachan's  Daughter) 
in  Croebech  Lainne. 

18.  Thereupon  at  the  end  of  seven  years  he  was  taken  to  a  pious 
confessor,  even  to  bishop  Etchen,  and  with  him  he  read  the  psalms 
and  the  hymns  and  the  whole  order  of  the  Church.      Then  angels 
would  often  come  as  far  as  the  cell  in  which  he  was  to  converse 
with  Colman.     And  his  tutor  noticed  great  grace  upon  him  beyond 
the  other  pupils.     And  envy  seized  the  other  pupils  against  him  ; 
and  his  tutor  noticed  that,  and  said  to  him :   '  My  good  son,  depart 
now  in   another  direction  to  do  thy  reading,  and  take  a  blessing.' 
So  Colman  went  to  Mochuta  to  Rahen  to  read  with  him. 

19.  Another  story  is  recorded  here.  The  cell  behind  the  yew-wood 
was  given  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan  in  lieu  of  the  yew-wood  itself 
which  had  been  taken  from  him  by  force  (viz.  from  the  yew-wood  as  far 
as  the  cross  and  the  road  which  is  below  the  cross  :  and  Erechtach,  the 
erenagh  of  Lann,  and  Ua  hOengusa,  the  erenagh  of  Cell  Uird,  measured 
it  out,  and  there  are  twenty- seven  feet  in  it),  to  the  monks  of  Lann 
in  expectation  of  the  son  of  the  Church  that  would  go  on  his  pilgrimage 

1  Literally,  '  a  certain.' 
C2 


20  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

morfesar  ar  secht  fichtib  ar  secht  cetaib  mina  comailter  amlaid  sin ; 
Ua  Ferehair  7  Ua  Aedacain  7  TJa  Dercain  7  na  cele  De  uile  ina 
rathaiges-sin  co  brath  7  muindter  Liss  Moir  uile.  Mochuta  cecinit 
.1.  ar  a  laim  do  gabail  do  Blathmac  o  Rathen : 


1  Cethri  fichit  se  fir  dec        lin  clainne  Blathmeic,  m  brecc, 
ocus  coic  cett  dec  fa  do         romarb  Mochuta  i  n-aenlo. 


Rola  in  doman  bac  ar  bac        da  mac  dec  fil  ic  Blathmac, 
da  mac  de[a]c  la  each  mac,         is  annsu  a  rim  fria  rathmac. 


Kola  athir[r]uch  athbac         d'ec  meic  each  hui  do  Blathmac, 
10  is  tualaing  in  Ri  dusrat        na  rab  tathmet  o  Blathmac.'1 


20.  0  tainicc  \mmurgu  do-som  co  haes  secht  [mjbliadwa  dec,  luid 
dochum  Mochuta  Lis  Moir  hi  crich  Muman  for  deoradecht  asa  athardse 
fein.  Nech  tra  ar  timchill  each  aidchi  noroinned  do  clamrad 
Mochuta  7  ba  gnath  drong  dib  co  fodord  7  fo  bron  raindi.  Dogni 

15  Colman  dawo  rainn  aidchi  d5ib  amail  each.  Ba  sathig  Aano  lat  uile  7 
batar  buidhig  cen  fodord  ind  aidchi-sin.  larfaigit  larum  larnabarach  in 
chlamrad  do  Mochutae  :  '  Maith  ale,  ci'a  roroind  ar  proind  dunn  irrair  ? ' 
*  Colman  mac  Luachain,'  ar  an  clerech.  *  Denad  each  aidchi  dun 
raind  an  Colman  cetna,'  ar  lat-som.  *  Ar  ni  frith  sinne  uile  commbui- 

20  dech  riam  cosirair.'  l  Maith  aile,  a  Cholmain,'  ar  Mochuta,  '  dena 
sut ! '  '  Ac,'  ar  Colman.  *  Atagar  anti  nach  ba  buidech  do  gait  neime 
form.'  '  Geibim-si  form,'  ar  Mochutae,  *  nem  duit  fein  aire  7  dot 
manchaib  sund  co  brath  7  corab  hi  a  n-elit[h]re  Less  Mor  7  an  dan 
cetna  doib  sund.  7  ni  bia  sonus  far  in  raind,  mani  taircther  d5ib-som 

1  .i.  Glasan  tia  Sfianaig  robenad  forru  .i.  Glaaan  Mochuta  hesein  ar  tus. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    21 

until  the  outrage  to  Mochuta  and  to  Colman  and  to  the  saints  of  the 
wandering,  viz.  seven  hundred  seven  score  seven.1  Unless  it  be  thus 
fulfilled,  TJa  Ferchair  and  TJa  Aedacain  and  TJa  Dercain  and  all  the 
Culdees  to  guarantee  it  till  Doom,  as  well  as  all  the  monks  of  Lismore. 
Mochuta  cecinit,  as  he  was  heing  expelled  by  Blathmac  out  of 
Kathen  :— 

'  Ninety- six  men, 

the  number  of  Blathmac's  offspring,  no  falsehood, 

and  twice  fifteen  hundred 

Mochuta  killed  in  one  day. 

The  world  has  been  cast  into  confusion 
by  the  twelve  sons  that  Blathmac  had, 
twelve  sons  with  each  son — 
to  count  them  is  hard  for  a  son  of  grace. 

Again  the  world  has  been  cast  into  confusion 
by  the  death  of  a  son  of  every  grandson  of  Blathmac1  s, 
the  King  who  gave  them  is  capable  (of  bringing  it  about) 
that  no  memory  of  Blathmac  may  be  left.'3 

20.  When  he  had  arrived  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years,  he  went 
into  exile  from  his  native  land  to  Mochuta  of  Lismore  m  the  territory 
of  Munster.  Now  every  night  some  one  in  turn  used  to  distribute 
food  to  Mochuta's  lepers ;  and  it  was  usual  for  some  of  these  to 
grumble  and  to  grieve  at  the  distribution.  Then  Colman  makes  the 
nightly  distribution  to  them  like  everybody  else.  Now  that  night 
they  were  all  satiated,  and  were  satisfied  without  grumbling.  So  on 
the  morrow  the  lepers  ask  of  Mochuta :  '  Well,  now,  who  distributed 
our  meal  to  us  last  night  ?  '  *  Colman  son  of  Luachan,'  said  the  cleric. 
4  Let  that  same  Colman  distribute  to  us  every  night,'  said  they,  '  for 
till  last  night  we  have  never  all  of  us  been  equally  satisfied.'  '  Well, 
now,  Colman,'  said  Mochuta,  *  do  that ! '  *  No,'  said  Colman,  *  I  fear 
that  he  who  may  not  be  satisfied  will  deprive  me  of  heaven.'  '  I 
take  it  upon  myself,'  said  Mochuta,  'that  thou  shalt  have  heaven 
for  it,  and  thy  monks  here  till  Doom,  and  that  Lismore  may  count 

1  This  sentence  seems  defective  in  the  original. 

3  Viz.  The  glassdn  (the  name  of  a  bell)  of  the  Hui  Suanaig  was  struck  against 
them,  viz.  it  was  the  glassdn  of  Mochuta  at  first  (gloss). 


22  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LIJACHAIN 

hi  no  mane  leictA<?r.'  Naiscid  Colman  for  Mochuta  sin  uile  do  7 
nighid  a  lama  larum  7  dogni  rainn  doib.  7  inde1  dicitur  Colman 
Lamglan  de-s«n  6  sin  himach.  Roindid  tra  Colman  doib  co  cend 
secht  mbll&dna  7  legaid  an  scriptwr  cechtarda  ann  in  n-eret-soin. 


5  21.  (fo.  78  a  1)  Fecht  and  dawo  gebid  treblait  mor  Colman  mac 
Luachain  fri  .xxx.  laithe  7  bat«r  bronaig  de  sein  an  manaig  7  tictis 
dia  thoroma  each  laithe  cosin  Ibraig  Colmain  meic  Luachain  .i.  recles 
Colman  hi  Lis  Mor  hesein  7  laid  Mochuta  fein  leo  araile  lathe  ann 
dia  fis  7  is  a  forbae  .xxx.  laithe  esein  7  ba  slan  esim  larnabarach 
1  o  fochetoir,  conid  and  asbert  Mochutta  na  runda? : 

22.  *  Colman  Lamglan,         lor  a  gile, 

lam  fri  caire,2         grad  De  neime. 

Sere  na  manach,         mlan  don  chlamraidy 

cen  [n]ach  n-erbaid  ina  anmain. 
is  Anim  lommnan  d'  fis  is  d'  ecnar 

cend  cen  ocla,         tend  dom  frecra. 

Banchoic  balla         mo  bid  blasta, 

fer  fial  fosta,         gruud  glan  gasta. 

Lam  an  Choimded  uastu  atchim, 
?o  leis  mo  laindia3  chess  chinn.4 

Comrainn  coitchenn         fiad  na  huile 

ar  grad  iiime         dan  an  duine.5 

Dia  de5in  trecis         soidnge  ar  dodaing, 

ris  ni  scaraim         cein  beo  i  ccoluinn.'     C. 

2&  23.  Tt  riraid  larum  Oolman  mac  Luachain  7  linaid  rath  he  o  mullach 
co  lar.  6  roslacht-som  immurgo  ses  .xxx.  timairgid  celebrad  de  Mochuta 
7  iabert  in  olerech  na  deonebad  uad  he  cein  beth  hi  coluind  acht  co 
hinad  eonii'acus  i  n-oentir  fris  fein  im-Mumain  armedon  7  isbert 
Col  man  na  ticfed  a  haentir  cein  co  mbad  cet  lais-[s]ium.  Derbait 

30  larum  malle  a  n-oentaid  andsin. 


unde  MS.        -  .i.  dubalc[h]i     3  kind  dia,  with  punctum  delens  over  the  first  d. 
4  .i.  galar         5  .i.  Colmain 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    23 

as  their  exile,  and  that  they  shall  have  the  same  office  here.  And 
there  will  be  no  luck  upon  the  distribution  unless  it  be  offered  to 
them  or  unless  it  be  left  (to  them)/  Colman  binds  all  that  upon 
Mochuta  for  himself,  and  so  he  washes  his  hands  and  makes  the 
distribution  to  them.  Et  inde  dicitur  Colman  the  Pure -handed  from 
that  out.  Then  to  the  end  of  seven  years  Colman  distributes  to 
them,  and  during  that  time  he  reads  both  Scriptures  there. 

21.  Once  now  a  great    sickness  befals  Colman  son  of  Luachan  for 
thirty  days ;   and  the  monks  were  sorrowful  thereat ;   and  to  attend 
on  him  they  would  come  every  day  to  the  Ibrach  of  Colman  son  of 
Luachan,  viz.  Column's  cell  in  Lismore.     On  a  certain  day  Mochuta 
himself  went  with  them  to  visit  him  ;  and  it  was  then  the  end  of 
thirty  days,  and  forthwith  on  the  morrow  he  was  cured.     So  then 
Mochuta  spoke  the  quatrains  : — 

22.  '  Pure-handed  Colman,  great  hi's  whiteness, 

hand  against  sins,  love  of  God  of  Heaven. 

Darling  of  the  monks,  desire  of  the  lepers, 

without  any  bane  in  his  soul. 

Soul  full  of  knowledge  and  wisdom, 

head  without  obstinacy,  strong  to  serve1  me. 

Pure  strong-limbed  cook  of  my  tasty  ft  od, 

hospitable,  steadfast  man,  bright,  generous  cheek. 

The  Lord's  hand  I  beseech  over  them, 

with  him 

A  common  division  in  the  presence  of  all 
for  the  love  of  Heaven — that  is  the  gift  of  the  man. 
Of  his  own  will  he  has  forsaken  comfort  for  trouble, 
from  him  I  depart  not  while  I  am  in  the  body.' 

23.  So  Colman  son  of  Luachan  escapes  (death)  and  grace  fills  him 
from  top   to  bottom.     However,  when  he  had  reached  the  age  of 
thirty  years  he  bids  farewell  to  Mochuta.     And  the  cleric  said  he 
would  not  give  him  leave  to  go  from  him  so  long  as  he  was  in  the 
body  save  to  a  place  near  by  in  the  same  district  with  himself  in  the 
middle  of  Munster.     And  Colman  said  he  would  not  go  out  of  the 
land  unless  he   had  leave  from  him.     So  then  they   confirm   their 
union  together. 

1  Literally,  '  answer.' 


24  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

24.  Foididh  larum  Mochuta  e-sim  co  Dungal  mac  Mselfothbil  .i. 
ri'  Fer  Maigi  7  ba  cara  sein  do  Mochuta  7  dia  chlamraid  co  n-almsanaib 
mencib  biid  7  etaig  doib  7  dob^r  Mochuta  coicait  manach  dia  muindtir 
fein  leis  co  Dungal.  0  rosiachtatar  tra  hi  ciana  o  Lis  Mor  siar, 
6  atcondaircatar  buidin  moir  cuca  'na  n-agid  7  fer  marb  acu  for  fuat 
7  slat  fein  ic  golgaire  moir.  Comraicit  larum  Colman  7  an  buiden1  ut 
imalle  7  mrfaigid2  Colman  dib  :  '  Cuich  an  marb-sa  fil  occaib  ? J 
'  Dungal  mac  Maeilfothbil,'  ar  siat-som.  '  Is  cuici-sein  ronfoided-ne3,' 
ol  Colman  mac  Luachain,  '  7  is  mellad  dun  a  hec  co  facbad  tir  occund 

10  7  legid  for  lar  he  bice  conasfacamar.'  Doronad  amlaid.  *  Diamad  beo 
tra  Dungal,'  ol  an  buiden,  '  fogebt[h]a-sa  sin  uile  7  cid  duit-siu,  a 
noemC[_h]olmain,  n&ch  cuinche  for  an  Comdid  a  thathbeogud  ?  ar 
doni  Dia  fort  ni  na.ch  lugda  innas  sin  7  fogenum-ne  duit  co  brath 
7  fogena-som  fein  7  a  c[h]lann  co  brath  [duit].'  Conid  and  isbert 

is  Colman  in  da  rann-sa : 


25.    'A  Dungail  oicc  feramail,         it  mac  flatha  fir, 

olc  don  lueht-sa*  am  lenamain         do  breith-si  as  do  t[h]ir. 
A  marban  ut  [t]ra  ale,         ^rig,  tasce  ille, 
bT-siu  beo  mar  taam-ne,         tiagam  sist  malle.' 

20  La  sodain  tra  fochetoir  atracht  Dungal  7  atfet  a  uile  fisse  tall  doib. 
Komorad  tra  gl5ir  7  anoir  Colmain  meic  Luachain  triasin  firt-sin  fon 
Mumain  uile.  Dobert  larum  Dungal  do  Cholman  in  coicnit  bo  dia 
fognam  7  a  roga  baile  'na  t[h]uaith  7  a  manchine  co  brath. 


26.  Dogmther  larum    la   Colman   mac  Luachain   Cell  Uird  isin 

35  baile-sin  (fo.  78  b  1)  .i.  hi  Feraib  Maigi  7  is  aire  isberar  Cell  Fird  fria, 

ar  is  inti  tosech  tuarcgabad  an  t-ord  tuc  Molaisi  leis  o  Roim,  ar  roforaith 

e-sium  ma  gabail  ind  uird-sin  acht  co  trtrsed.     lloboi  \mmurgu  annsin 

Colman  co  fertaib  imda  7  mirbuilib  cor  ba  slan  .xl.  blia^wa  de  eter 

Mumain  7  sund  ria  ndulado  siar  .i.  secht  [mjblia^wa  decdlb  side  sund 

30  7  a  secht  ilLis  Mor  7  osin  imach  i  Cill  Uird  7  ic  troscad  fo  Mumain 

1  buidin  MS.  2  iarfaidid  MS.  3  ronfoididne  MS.     Corrected  into 

ronfoidsidne  by  a  later  hand.  4  .i.  clamrad 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    25 

24.  Then  Mochuta  sends  him  to  Dungal,  son  of  Maelfothbil,  King 
of  Fermoy,   who  was  a  friend  to  Mochuta  and  to  his  lepers  with 
frequent  alms  of  food  and  garment  to  them.     And  Mochuta  sends 
fifty  monks  of  his  own  people  with  him  to  Dungal.     Now   when 
they  had  gone  far  west  of  Lismore  they  saw  a  great  band  coming 
towards  them,  and  with  them  a  dead  man  upon  a  bier,  and  they  them 
selves  making  great  lament.     Then  Colman  and  that  band  meet,  and 
Colman  asks  of  them  :  '  "Who  is  that  dead  man  with  you  ? '    '  Dungal, 
son  of  Maelfothbil,'  say  they.     '  Tis  to  him  we  have  been  sent,'  says 
Colman  son  of  Luachan,  '  and  his  death  is  a  disappointment  to  us,  as 
he  was  to  let  us  have  land.     And  set  him  down  for  a  little  while 
that  we  may  see  him.'    So  it  was  done.    '  Now  if  Dungal  were  alive,' 
said  the  company,  '  thou  wouldst  have  got  all  that.     And  what  ails 
thee,  0  holy  Colman,  that  thou  dost  not  ask  the  Lord  to  resuscitate 
him?    For  God  does  a  greater  miracle  for  thee  than  that.     And  we 
shall  serve  thee  till  Doom,  and  he  himself  and  his  offspring  will  serve 
thee  till  Doom.'     So  'then  Colman  spoke  these  two  quatrains : 

25.  «  Dungal  young  and  manly,  thou  art  a  son  of  the  true  prince, 

it  is  ill  for  these  folk1  that  follow  me  to  carry  thee  out  of 
thy  land. 

0  corpse  yonder,  arise,  come  hither! 

be  thou  alive  as  we  are,  let  us  walk  together  awhile! ' 
Then  at  that  Dungal  arose  forthwith  and  related  to  them  all  his 
visions  beyond.  Now  through  that  miracle  the  glory  and  honour  of 
Colman  son  of  Luachan  was  magnified  throughout  all  Munster.  Then 
Dungal  gave  to  Colman  one  hundred  and  fifty  cows  to  serve  him, 
and  his  choice  of  a  place  in  the  land  of  his  tribe  and  service  to  his 
monastery  till  Doom. 

26.  So  at  that  place  Cell  Uird  is  built  by  Colman  son  of  Luachan, 
viz.  in  Fermoy,     And  it  is  called  Cell  Uird  because  in  it  the  order 
which  Molaise  had  brought  with  him  from  Rome  was  first  set  up, 
for  he  had  urged  him  to  adopt  that  order  in  case  he  should  return. 
Now  Colman  was  there  with  many  wonders  and  miracles  until  he 
had  completed  forty  years  both  in  Munster  and  here  before  he  went 
westward,  viz.   seventeen   years  here,    and   seven  in  Lismore,  and 


Viz.  the  lepers  (gloss). 


26  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

7  for  Cnuc  Brenaind.    Ba  deochain  tra  in  eret-sin  Colman  inac  Luachain 
.i.  grad  manaig  immurgu  rogab  ar  tus  7  asein  na  grada  ecalsa). 


27.  Araile  seel  dawo  foraihrnentar  .i.  in  bliadain  ria  n-ec  Mochuta 
tainic  chuici  Motura  .i.  mac  rig  Corca  Bascind  .i.  xxx.  ammus  lais  do 

5  fognwm  don  Choimdid1  ic  Lis  Mor.  Rotesct[h]a  a  foilt  7  robt'wta 
come  ina  cendaib  la  Mochutu  7  baUr  bliadain  laiss.  Tainic  angel2 
dochum  Mochuta  i  cind  bliadna  7  isbert  fris  :  *  Nl  duit-siu  tra  ro 
cetaigid  na  manaig  ut,  acht  inad  is  mo  irriefittfr  a  less.'  '  Cait  dawo 
e-sein?'  ar  Mochutu.  *  Munfaid  Dia  doib  he,'  ar  an  t-angel2  7 

10  tabair-siu  clocc  doib  cin  tengaid  and  7  ait  illerae3  acu  he,  is  and  bias 
a  n-esergi  7  a4  fognam  co  brath'.  Ciid  tra  Mochutu  7  atfet  doib-soin 
in  scel-sin  7  ciit  siwm  fein  co  serb  7  doberar  clocc  doib  cen  tengaid 
and  7  troscit  rempu  aidchi  cacha  cille  7  batar  secht  bliadna  timc[h]ill 
Erend  on  mud-sin  7  nT  labair  a  cloc  frisin  re-sin.  Hi  cind  secht 

15  [m]bliarfw«  iarum  iar  ngabail  Laindi,  is  ann  rolabair  accu  a  clocc  ic 
tiachtain  dochum  Lainne  ic  Adrad  Motura.  Tecait  iarum  co  Colman 
7  slaiwdid  in  fid  lais  (fo.  78#2)  7  doniat  tochar  rnor  5  Laind  co  Tech 
Laisrend  tar  Moiri  Lainne  7  nascit  for  Colman  nem  doib  fein  sund  7 
dia  cinel  co  brath,  conid  lat-sin  filet  isin  ulaid  fata  ar  cul  eclaise 

20  Colmain  meic  Luachain  7  conid  desin  ata  Bern  an  Moturu  ic  Laind  7 
bernan  Mochutu  he  iar  fir  7  mind  cotaig  isin  bale  he  7  icaid  galra  7 
tedmand  imda  for  daeinib  7  cethraib  .i.  dmnech  ass  7  a  beim  impu  fo 
tri. 


28.  Araile  seel  iorafhrnentar  sund  .i.  secht  meic  Mennan  meic 
25  Maenan  meic  Feradaig  meic  Cais  o  fuilit  Dal  Cais  7  do  muindtir 
Motura  doib.  Tfmcatar  na  meic-sin  dfa  luain  casca  moire  do  faigde 
co  banairchinnig  Lainne  7  isbert  si  ni  bai  biad  no  lind  erlam  aici. 
Ergit-sim  immach  7  siatt  dimdaig.  Isbertatar  fria-si :  '  Rob  dimdach 
each  dam  dit  fadechtsa.'  '  Diit  is  dia,  a  chlerchiu,'  ar  sisi,  *  tabraid 

1  choimded  MS.  2  angil  MS.  3  Between  1  and  ?  an  a  seems  to  be 

inserted  above  the  line.  4  i  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN          27 

thenceforward  in  Cell  Uird,  and  fasting  throughout  Munster  and 
upon  Cnoc  Brenaind.  During  that  time  Colman  son  of  Luachan  was 
a  deacon,  viz.  he  first  took  the  order  of  a  monk,  and  after  that  the 
orders  of  the  Church. 

27.  Again,  another  story  is  recorded.     A  year  before  Mochuta' s 
death  Motura,  son  of  the  King  of  Corco  Baiscinn,  came  to  him  with 
thirty  household- warriors  to  serve  the  Lord  at  Lismore.     Their  hair 
was  cut  and  tonsures  were  shorn  on  their  heads  by  Mochuta,  and  they 
remained  one  year  with  him.     At  the  end  of  the  year  an  angel  came 
to  Mochuta  and  said  to  him  :  *  Those  monks  have  not  been  permitted 
to  thee,  but  to  a  place  where  they  are  needed  more.'       '  Where  is 
that? '  asked  Mochuta.     '  God  will  show  it  to  them,'  said  the  angel ; 
'  and  do  thou  give  them  a  tongue-less  bell,  and  wherever  it  will  speak, 
there  their  resurrection  shall  be  and  their  service  till  Doom.'     Then 
Mochuta  weeps  and  tells  them  those  tidings ;  and  they  weep  them 
selves  bitterly.     And  they  are  given  a  tongue- less  bell,  and  they  fast 
one  night  at  every  church  to  which  they  come.     And  in  that  wise 
they  wandered  round  Ireland  for  seven  years,  and  during  all  that  time 
their  bell  never  spoke.     Then  at  the  end  of  seven  years  when  they 
had  reached  Lann,  their  bell  spoke  at  the  spot  called  *  "Worship  of 
Motura'  as  they  were  coming  to  Lann.     So  they  come  to  Colman, 
cut  down  the  wood,   and  make  the  great  causeway  from  Lann  to 
Tech  Laisrenn  across  the  bog  of  Lann.  And  they  bind  it  upon  Colman 
that  they  themselves  and  their  race  are  to  go  to  Heaven  from  here 
till  Doom.     And  it  is  they  who  are  in  the  long  tomb  at  the  back  of 
the  church  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan.     And  hence  is  the  gapped  bell 
of  Motura  at  Lann,  and  it  is  really  the  gapped  bell  of  Mochuta.     It 
is  a  relic  of  covenant1  in  the  place,  and  it  cures  many  diseases  and 
plagues  on  men  and  cattle,  viz.  by  their  washing  from  it,  and  by  its 
being  struck  three  times  around  them. 

28.  Another  story  is  recorded  here.     There  were  among  Motura's 
people  seven  sons  of  Mennan  son  of  Moenau,  son  of  Feradach,  son  of 
Cass,  from  whom  are  the  Dal  Caiss.     Now  one  Easter  Monday  those 
sons  came  to  beg  of  the  wife  of  the  erenagh  of  Lann,  and  she  said  that 
she  had   neither  food  nor  drink  ready.     They  go  out  dissatisfied, 
saying  to  her :  '  Henceforth  may  every  company  be  dissatisfied  with 

1  i.e.  on  -which  covenants  were  sworn. 


28  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

ecc  isin  escuine  ar  Dia  rib.'  '  Doberam,'  ar  siat-som,  *  .i.  dia  tuct[h]ar 
proind  morfesir  i  comainm  in  laithi-sa  dun  dogres  cacha  bliadna  do 
lind  7  do  bind.'  *  DobertAar  on,'  ar  sisi.  Conid  osin  ille  dlegar  do 
banairchinnig  Lainne  fe[i~]l  mac  Mennan  do  denum  each  luain  case  .i. 
6  proind  secht  do  lind  7  do  bi'ud  do  c[h]lerchib  Laindi  7  loim  ar  son 
lenna  ann,  mina  raib  lind  fein. 


29.  Tainic1  reime  larum  i  crich  Midlie  do  thoroma  a  charutt  7  a 
aitte  .i.  epscop  Etchen  7  o  rosiacht  immurgu  co  Cill  Big  7  fegaoidh 
inadh  cille  ar  bru  tsrotha  ar  gaire  eiscc  7  usci  and  .i.  i  eind  Atha  Daire. 

10  Claoiditt  larum  na  (fo.  79  a  1)  manaoigh2  mur  mor  timc[h]ell  na 
cille-sin  7  bat  saothraoigh  7  bat  scittha*^  latt  asa  aithle.  Tainic 
aingel  and  ai[d]ci  sin  go  Colman  7  asbert  frie  :  l  Cid  mor  do  tsaothar, 
a  C[h]olmain,  ni  sund  bett  do  manaoig  nacA  do  eiseirge  fein/  Ciis 
iarum  Colman  co  serbh  7  asbeart :  *  Cia  pudhur  fil  sund  etir  ?' 

15  Asbert  Uictuir  aingel3  dosum :  '  Oen  caw  cett  sund  doc[h]um  nime  7 
oen  caw  cett  immurgu  doc[hjum  n-ifrinn  asin  bale  notbert[h]ar-su 
imaracA.7  Nascid  Colman  sin  for  Uictuir  angel  7  atbert  Uictuir : 
'  Ticf  e  oiss  cucutt  imarach,  a  C[h]olmain,  do  imchur  do  lebhor  7  berat 
eolus  remut  a  Fidh  Dorcha  siar  imarach  7  cumfat*  reilicc  duit  annsin 

20  7  slaidfett  a  cranda.'  Doronadh  trath  amhlaidh-sin  larnamarach, 
conid  mr  slaide  na  reilgi  asbert  an  t-angel :  '  Itta  sund,  a  chleirigh, 
inad  lainde  do  maccaib  Luachain.'  *  Bid  he-sin  a  ainm  co  brath,'  ar 
Colman,  *  .i.  Lann  mac  Luachain.'  Conid  and  asbert  an  t-angel  inn  so 
dia  comdidnad  a  thorse  Colmain  meic  Luachain : 


25        30.            '  Colman  Lainde  flatha  fine, 

noco  plantar  fora  n-iatur         ur  a  c[h]ille. 

Mor  a  saothur  riana  manchaib, 

muindter  nime  bit  'ca  chart[h]ain. 


Here  begins  the  same  inferior  hand  as  in  §  12  above.      2  na  na  manaoigh  MS. 
3  aingil  MS.  4  qumfat  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    29 

thee ! '     ' ,0  clerics,'  said  she,  '  for  God's  sake  give 

me  death  rather  than  this  curse!'1  *  We  will  give  it,'  said  they, 
'  if  on  every  Easter  Monday  each  year  a  meal  of  drink  and  food  for 
seven  people  he  given  to  us  always.'  *  It  shall  he  given/  said  she. 
So  that  thenceforward  on  every  Easter  Monday  the  wife  of  the 
erenagh  of  Lann  has  to  prepare  the  '  feast  of  the  sons  of  Mennan,' 
even  a  meal  of  drink  and  food  for  seven  for  the  clerics  of  Lann,  and 
milk  instead  of  ale,  if  there  he  no  ale. 

29.  Then  he  proceeded  into  the  territory  of  Meath  to  visit  his 
friend  and  tutor  bishop  Etchen.  And  when  he  had  reached  Cell  Bee 
he  sees  the  site  for  a  ehurch  upon  the  brink  of  the  river,  for  the 
convenience  of  fish  and  water  there,  viz.  at  the  head  of  Daire's  Ford. 
So  the  monks  make*  a  large  wall  around  that  church,  and  they  were 
weary  and  tired  after  it.  That  night  an  angel  came  to  Colman  and 
said  to  him :  '  Though  thy  toil  is  great,  Colman,  'tis  not  here  thy 
monks  shall  be,  nor  thy  own  resurrection.'  Then  Colman  wept  bitterly 
and  said :  *  What  harm  is  there  here  at  all  ? '  Said  the  angel  Victor 
to  him :  '  Here  one  single  person  only  goes  to  Heaven  without  per 
mission,  but  from  the  place  whither  thou  wilt  be  taken  to-morrow 
one  person  without  permission  goes  to  Hell.'  Colman  binds  that 
upon  the  angel  Victor,  who  said :  '  To-morrow  deer  will  come  to  thee 
to  carry  thy  books,  and  will  guide  thee  westward  to  Fid  Dorcha,  and 
they  will  make  a  cemetery  for  thee  there  and  cut  down  the  trees  of 
the  wood.'  Thus  it  was  done  on  the  morrow,  and  when  the  cemetery 
had  been  made3  the  angel  said  :  c  There,  cleric,  is  the  site  of  a  house 
(?0n/i)  for  the  sons  of  Luachan.'  '  That  shall  be  its  name  till  Doom, 
said  Colman,  '  even  Lann  of  the  Children  of  Luachan.'  So  then 
the  angel  said  as  follows,  to  comfort  Colman  son  of  Luachan  in  his 
sadness : 

30.    '  Colman  of  Lann  of  the  chief  of  a  tribe, — 

they  shall  not  be  tormented  upon  whom  the  soil  of  his  church 
closes. 

Great  his  toil  before  his  monks, 
the  household  of  Heaven  love  him. 


1  The  original  is  obscure,  but  this  seems  to  be  the  meaning. 

2  Literally,  '  dig.'  3  Literally,  '  cut  down.' 


80  BETH  A  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

~Ni  fil  aige         'na  c[h]orp  c[h]omgeal 
nar  lin  idle         griidh  in  Choimded.1 

Oen  caw  cetta     nmith2  da  muiimtir, 
dochum  pene,         nf  ris  tnilltir. 

5  An  drecht  eisium         nach  coir  creidim, 

nad  roich  cretair         'na  corp  eid/r. 

Buidne  d'  an  glib         ar  a  rogradh 

bit  ic  amran         caithche  im  Colman.'    Colman  Lainne. 

31.  Slaidit  Tar  urn  na  manaoig   in   fid   archena.     Luid    immurgu 
10  Colman  co  epscop  Etc[h]en  co  tisad  chuice  do  cose[c]rad  a  relge  lais. 

Tainic  aralaid  epscop  Etchen  7  asbert  fri  (fo.  79  a  2)  Colman  uasalgrad 
saccairt  do  eritin  laiLsJ-stwm  isin  c[h]argus  ar  cind  7  foemaid  Colman 
uadh.  Lotar  tra  andsen  cuci-sum  da  Colman  ele  .i.  Colman  Eala  7 
Colman  Comraire,  co  tiastis  i  n-oenfecht  do  eritin  grad  co  epscop 
15  Etchen.  Rofoillsighed  dawo  do  epscop  Etchen  a  mbith  for  conair  cuce 
.i.  ceol  angel accla  atclos  do  an  laithi-sin,  conid  [d]e  asbert  epscop 
Ettchen  : 

32.  '  Do  Christ  atlochar-sa,         atciu  slogh  n-angel 

cucum  dom  t[h]oramha,         is  amra  an  c[h]aingen. 

20  Nomaidlet  ilceola         na  flat[h]a  nime, 

rolethsat  arc[h]angel         tar  firu  bile. 

Biaid  relec  d'  arc[h]anglib         im  c[h]luain  co  clothur,3 
do  din  ma  degmainc[h]e,         do  Christ  atlochur.' 

33.  I  n-oenfect  rosechat  Tarum  na  tri  Colmain  co  Cluain  Fota  7 
25  feraidh4  epscop  Etchen  failti  moir  friu.     Donit^r  Tarum  .iii.  dabcha 

fottraic[th]i  daib  a  n-oenfect  ar  na  dig$ed  neck  dib  i  n-athinlatt  araile, 
id  est  .i.  dabach  ibair  co  circlaib  ibair  7  dabach  darach  co  circlaib 
sailech  7  dabach  darach  co  circlaib  ibair.  Ergit  tra  na  tri  Colmain  a 
n-oenfect  chucu.5  Teid  Colman  Ela isin  dabaig  ibair  co  circlaib  ibair. 
30  Teit  immurgu  Colman  mac  Luachain  isin  dabaig  darach  co  circlaib 
ibair.  Teit  immurgu  Colman  Comraire  isin  dabaig  darach  co  circlaib 
sailech.  Is  and  asbert  epscop  Etchen  :  '  Is  amlaid  sin  tra  bett  far 
grada  i  talmain,  a  c[h]olamhna  inmaine,  id  est :  bid  epscop  co  n-onoir 

1  coimdid  MS.  ~  maiitA  (?)  inserted  between  cetta  and  da  muinntir. 

3  clothaib  MS.  4  feraoidh  MS.  5  ttuis  inserted  by  a  later  hand  after  chucu. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    81 

There  is  not  a  limb  in  his  all-white  body 
which  love  of  the  Lord  has  not  filled  completely. 

One  only  without  permission — good  for  his  monks ! 

shall  go  to  the  torment  of  Hell — no  addition  will  be  made. 

'That  is  the  portion  whose  faith  is  not  right, 
who  do  not  attain  to  holiness  in  their  body  at  all. 

Hosts  of  angels  for  great  love  of  him 
are  for  ever  chanting  around  Colnian.' 

31.  Then  the  monks  cut  down  the  rest  of  the  wood.     Colman 
however  went  to  bishop  Etchen   that   he   might    come  to   him   to 
consecrate  his  cemetery.     So  bishop  Etchen  came  and  told  Colman 
that  he  was  to  receive  the  noble  order  of  priesthood  by  him  in  the 
following  Lent,  and  Colman  accepts  it  from  him.    Then  there  came  to 
him  two  other  Colmans,  even  Colman  Elo  and  Colman  Comraire,  that 
they  might  go  to  receive  orders  from  bishop  Etchen  at  the  same  time. 
It  had  been  revealed  to  bishop  Etchen  that  they  were  on  the  road 
towards  him,  for  on  that  day  he  had  heard  angelic  music.     So  then 
bishop  Etchen  said : 

32.  'To  Christ  I  give  thanks.     I  see  a  host  of  angels 

coming  to  attend  on  me, — 'tis  a  marvellous  thing. 

Manifold  melodies  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  reach  me, 
archangels  have  spread  over  blessed  men. 

There  shall  be  a  cemetery  for  archangels  in   my   famous 

meadow 
to  preserve  my  good  service — to  Christ  I  give  thanks.' 

33.  Then  the  three  Colmans  reach  Clonfad  at  the  same  time  and 
bishop  Etchen  welcomes  them.    Then  three  vats  for  bathing  are  made 
for  them  altogether  lest  any  of  them  should  go  into  water  used  by 
another ;  namely,  a  vat  of  yew  with  hoops  of  yew,  and  a  vat  of  oak 
with  hoops  of  willow,  and  a  vat  of  oak  with  hoops  of  yew.     Then  at 
the  same  time  the  three  Colmans  go  to  the  vats.     Colman  Elo  goes 
into  the  vat  of  yew  with  hoops  of  yew.    Next,  Colman  son  of  Luachan 
goes  into  the  vat  of  oak  with  hoops  of  yew.    Lastly,  Colman  Comraire 
goes  into  the  vat  of  oak  with  hoops  of  willow.     Then  said  bishop 
Etchen :   <  Like  that  shall  be  your  orders  on  earth,  ye  beloved  pillars  : 


82  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LlUCHAIN 

epscuip  inntl  fil  isin  dabaig  ibair  co  circlaib  ibair  ;  bid  sacart  immurgu 
co  n-onoir  espuic  inti  fil  isin  dabaig  darach  co  circlaib  ibair;  bid 
deochain  immurgu  co  cadhus  sacairt  inti  fil  isin  dabaig  darach  co 
circlaib  sailech.'  larnabarach  tra  rofurmethe  grada  forru-sum1  fan 
6  mas-sin  7  rofastait  and  oidchi2  sin  i  Cluain  Fota,  conid  de  asbert 
epscop  Etc[hjen  in  duchand-sa  dia  formolad  na  Colman  : 


34.        *  Inmuin  triar  taet  and         co  Cluain  Fota  fond,3 
da  f  uirgtfor  dar  amm         nl  f  ulawgtha  glond. 

(fo.  79M)  Na*  Colma[i]n  can  cacht,         is  anfail  a  nert, 
10  gabsat  cennacht  moir,         ar  is  doib  rodlecht. 

Bid  oennert  a  nert        ondiu  co  ti  brath, 
tic  indem  na  tuath         da  cinniud  for  each. 

Temair  ni  bfa  i  mbron         do  gar  na  do  c[h]ian, 
cid  duilig  a  dal,         mat  buidhigh  an  triar. 

15  An  tUl[t Jach  mor  maith         is  ailliu  for  bith 

is  gnuis  hi  fil  rath,         mstraeth  cath  na  cith. 

Gabais  ilar  cell        im  chocricha  cnes, 

is  he  an  romac  rig,         is  dion  ar  each  tress. 

An  ConailletfA  cass,         mairgc  dotuchre  friss, 
20  iss  e  in  frecraid  fis,         is  ecnaid  each  fis.6 

As  comrar  cet  run         a  c[h]ridhi  sech  each, 
a  arus  cen  fuath        bidh  cadus  co  brath. 

Mo  daltan-sa  fein         do  Chluain  Colmain  Moir, 
mocfhjin  drem  dan  din,        "ba  he  cenn  ar  sloigh. 

25  As  relta  co  rath         onid  sorcha  in  bith, 

inmain  brig  cen  brath,         rusli'n  rath  'na  rith. 


1  forrumsum  MS.  2  aoici  MS.  3  fand  MS. 

4  Here  the  original  hand  begins  again  and  continues  to  the  end. 

5  .i.  Colman  Comraire  7  de  C[h]onaille  Murt[h]emne  esin. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN 

he  that  is  in  the  vat  of  yew  with  hoops  of  yew  sha1!  be  a  bishop  with 
the  honours  of  a  bishop  ;  he  that  is  in  the  vat  of  oak  with  hoops  of 
yew  shall  he  a  priest  with  the  honours  of  a  bishop ;  he  that  is  in  the 
vat  of  oak  with  hoops  of  willow  shall  be  a  deacon  with  the  dignity  of 
a  priest.'  Then  on  the  morrow  orders  were  conferred  upon  them  in 
that  wise.  And  that  night  they  remain  in  Clonfad.  Thence  bishop 
Etchen  spoke  this  poem  in  praise  of  the  Colmans. 

34.    '  Beloved  the  three  who  come  hither  to  Clonfad  of  glebes, — 
if  there  is  delay  beyond  the  proper  time  the  work  cannot 

be  done.1 

The  Colmans  without  stint,  their  strength  is  vast, 
they  have  assumed  great  power,  for  to  them  it  is  due. 
Their  strength  will  be  union  from  this  day  till  Doom, 
from  their  excelling  all  others  comes  prosperity  of  the  tribes. 

Tara  shall  not  be  in  grief  in  near  or  distant  time, 

though  hard  be  its  fate,  if  the  three  are  satisfied. 

The  great  good  Ulsterman  who  is  fairest  in  the  world, 

his  is  a  face  in  which  grace  dwells  ;  nor  battle  nor  distress 

shall  subdue  him. 

He  has  taken  many  churches  about  the  neighbouring  land ; 
he  is  the  great  son  of  a  king,  a  protection  against  every 

strife. 

The  curly  one  from  Conaille,  woe  to  him  who  opposes  him ! 
he  is  the  learned  counsellor,2  he  is  skilled  in  every  knowledge.3 
He  is  a  shrine4  of  a  hundred  mysteries,  his  heart  is  beyond  all,  • 
his  abode  without  dread  shall  be  honoured  till  Doom. 
My  own  dear  foster-son  from  Cluain  Colmain  Moir, 
happy  those  to  whom  lie  is  a  protection,  he  is  the  head  of 

our  host. 
He  is  a  star  with  grace  whence  the  world  is  bright, 

beloved  strength  without  guile,  grace  has  rilled  him  in  his 
course. 


1  Literally,  'endured.'  2  Literally,  'answerer.' 

.  3  viz.  Colman  Comraire,  who  is  of  the  Conaille  of  Murthemne  (Gloss). 
4  Irish  comrar  :  a  play  upon  his  byname  Comraire. 

TODD    LECTURE    SKRIES,    VOL.    XVII.  D 


34  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Cid  lethard  a  ngrad1         bat  eomuaisle  ar  neim, 
ni  fil  dib  nach  fial         im  biad  is  im  digb. 

Rocbind  for  each  aen         mac  Luachain  na  lenn, 
ni  techt  Eriu  oil         is  feliu  na  is  fearr. 

5  As  mochean  an  dam         inn  air  is  amar, 

im  imdaidh2  cen  bron,        is  inmain  in  triar.'     Inmain. 

35.  DorSnsat  Tarum  a  n-aentaid  ann-sin  .i.  natri  Colmain  7  epscop 
Ete[h]en  7  Mochua  mac  Nemaind  in-nem  7  a  talmain  7  lotar  mrsin  dia 
cellaib  dilsib  7  a  n-oenfecbt  rogabsat  na  trl  Colmain  gradha  7  Mochua. 
10  Conid  aenc[h]ell  osin  ille  Land  7  Cluain  Fota  7  Tech  Mocbua  .i.3 
mrthar  cille  Lann  7  medon  cille  Cluain  Fotta  7  aerthar  cille  Tech 
Mochua.  Tancatar  tra  ruanaig  imda  co  Colman  mac  Luachain  7 
slechtsat  do  7  aidbret  manchine  a  clann  7  a  cinel  co  brath  do. 


36.  [A]raile  seel  forathmentar  sund.     Luid  Colman  (fo.  79^2) 
15  mac  Luachain  do  chungi[d]  fagh[d]i  feraind  co  hAnfosaid  mac  Leda 

7  ni  tard  do  acht  gaire  uime.  '  Bid  sothecA  fonamait  7  gaire  fer 
t'inaid  co  brath,'  ar  Colman,  '  7  is  dam-sa  fogenus  t'  ferann  7  do 
chomarba  co  brath.'  Ocus  atbert  Colman  beus  maidm  for  each  ina 
bia  uech  uaithe  co  brath,  mina  raib  cac[h]  duine  for  barr  a  cluaisi 
20  deisi  .i.  hi  cinaid  an  fonamait  dorone  im  Colman,  is  uime  rofacaib 
Colman  doib  so.  7  is  uaid  so  rogenetar  Hi  Manchao  7  Hui  Maelumas 
7  lucht  na  Cluana  sin  latt  malle. 

37.  Rochuin[d]igh  dawofagh[d]e  for  Lechet7is  uada-so  rogenetar 
Hui  Leccett  ic  Lainn  7  isbert  st^e :   '  Ni  fuil  dom  ferann  acht  inat 

25  oentighi.'  '  Ni  bia  acat  co  brath  acht  oentech  oniu4  himach,7  ar 
Colman,  '  7  bidh  dam-sa  foghena  do  thir  7  do  chomarba.'  Rochuin- 
£d]igh  didm  fagh[d]i  for  Chumine  mac  Ledha  7  is  uaid-sin  rogenetar 
Meic  Airechtaigh  .i.  airchindig5  Lainde  lad-sein  7  is  ed  isbert  sein : 
*  Mo  thir  uile  duit,  a  mec  inmain,  ar  ni  fil  comarba  acam  fein.'  *  Biaid 

1  grad;i  MS.         -  imdaigh  MS.         3  7  MS.         4  oniud  MS.         5  ahmci«de  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    35 

Though  their  ranks  are  unequal,  they  shall  be  equally  high 

in  Heaven, 
there  is  not  one  of  them  that  is  not  generous  as  to  food  and 

drink. 

The  son  of  Luachan  of  the  cloaks  has  excelled  everyone, 
great  Erin  possesses  none  who  is  more  generous  or  better. 

Welcome  the  company  from  west  and  from  east 

in  my  chamber  without  sorrow — beloved  are  the  three  ! ' 

35.  So  then  they  made  their  union  in  Heaven  and  on  earth,  even 
the  three  Colmans  and  bishop  Etchen  and  Mochua  son  of  Nemann,  and 
thereupon  they  went  to  their  own  churches.     And  the  three  Colmans 
had  taken  orders  at  the  same  time  as  Mochua.     So  that  thenceforth 
Lann  and  Clonfad  and  Tech  Mochua  are  one  church,  that  is,  Lann  is 
the  west  of  the  church,  and  the  centre  of  the  church  is  Clonfad  and 
the  east  of  the  church  is  Tech  Mochua.     Then  many  monks  carne  to 
Colman  son  of  Luachan  and  prostrated  themselves  before  him;  and 
they  offer  him  the  service  of  their  clans  and  kindred  till  Doom. 

36.  Another  story  is  recorded  here.    Colman  son  of  Luachan  went 
to  beg  land  of  Aufossaid  son  of  Leda,  who  gave  him  nothing,  but 
laughed  at   him.     '  Thy    successors   till    Doom  shall   be   vessels  of 
mockeiy  and  laughter,'  said  Colman,  '  and  thy  land  and  heritage  shall 
serve  me  till  Doom.'     And  Colman  said  further  that  every  host  in 
which  any  of  his  descendants  should  be  would  be  defeated  till  Doom,1 
unless  every  man  were  on  the  top  of  his  right  ear,2  even  in  punish 
ment  for  the  mockery  he  had  made  of  Column,  'tis  therefore  Colrnan 
left  this  to  them.     And  from  him3  the  Hui  Manchain  and  the  Hui 
Maelumae  are  descended,  and  they  are  all  of  them  folk  of  Cluain. 

37.  Again  he  begged  of  Lechet  (from  whom  the  Hui  Lechet  at  Lann 
are  descended)  who  said :   *  Thou  shalt  have  naught  of  my  land  save 
the  site  of  one  house.'     *  From  this  day  onwards  till  Doom  thou  shalt 
not  possess  more  than  one  house,'  said  Colman,   '  and  thy  land  and 
heritage  shall  serve  me.'  Then  he  begged  of  Cummine  son  of  Leda  (from 
whom  the  Sons  of  Airechtach  are  descended,  who  are  the  erenaghs 
of  Lann)  who  said:   '  My  whole  land  is  thine,  my  beloved  son,  for  I 

1  This  should  be  the  meaning.    Head  perhaps  maidmfor  cack  cath  i  mbtact,  &c., 
and  of.  p.  44.  1.  13.  2  The  meaning  of  this  idiom  is  unknown  to  me. 

3  i.e.  from  Anfosusid. 

D2 


36  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

comforba  acat-sa  di^'w,'  ar  Colman, . '  7  is  e  bus  comforba  dam-sa  co 
brath.'  Roraidhsit  vmmurgu  na  manaigh  :  '  Is  cuanna  7  is  brigach  an 
lanamain  .i.  Cumaine  mac  Leda  7  Bri'gh  ingen  Chomgaill  ingen  rig 
Delbna  Moire.  Dia  mbeith  mac  accu,  toich  do  ciamad  Chuanna  lie.' 
5  *  Is  amlaid  bias,'  ar  Colman.  Conrancatar  {arum  an  lanamain  an 
aidche-sin  7  ro  compred  larum  mac  de  7  rucad  an  mac  a  cind  noi  mis 
7  rucad  dia  baisW  co  Colman  mac  Luachain.  7  doratad  Ciianda  fair  7 
rogab  etui  baidhi  an  cleirech  uime  7  atbert :  '  Tabair  an  mac  inn-ucht 
mo  chochaill  buic  collec,  dom-  (fo.  8001)  -anicc  etal  baidhi  imme.' 
10  Tucad  amlaid  7  rogab  an  mac  bee  Ian  a  lam  do  cfhjochull  an  c[h]lerig, 
conid  unn  isbert  Colman  :  '  Is  ferr  an  fer  bec-sa  oldaiti  na  fir  tuc  era 
form-sa  immo  feranti.'  Conid  ann  atbert : 


38.      '  Fearr  fer  andat  fir,         ait  learn  111  dia  feil, 
do  Christ  beirim  buidhi         an  duine  nongeib. 

15  Nomgeb  is  notgeab,         bi'aid  ar  fine  fot, 

inmain  aighe  siitt,         indiu  is  aigi  occ. 

Bendacbt  for  an  mbroind         rocomper  for  lar, 
mo  bennacht  ort  fein         not1  nfa  an  cein  mar. 

Biaid  cendacht  mo  c[h]ell         is  mo  t[h]ire  teinn 
2o  im  deg<wW  cot  c[h]laind         cen  mebat/,  cin  meing. 


Anfossaid  dur  dian         ocus  Lec[h]et  lonn 
bet  got  fognam  sund,         bid  erlom  do  glond. 

Nocha  faigbe  bas         gurbat  senoir  crfn, 
raga  ar  nem  iar  tain,         bidh  he  sin  do  dil. 

25  Cen  dith  ar  do  c[h]laind         an  cein  beo-sa  ar  neim, 

bid  leo  an  c[h]ell  cein  mair,         ferr  fear  andat  fir.'     Ferr. 

FennachtM*  tra  Colman  mac  Luachain  Cuanna  fon  cuma-sin.  '  Is 
fo  si'd  tra  scairt[h]i,>  ar  na  manaig  re  Colman.  *  Bid  cend  sida  dogres 
in  gen-se  7  fer  a  inftid  dia  eis,'  ar  Colman. 

30        39.  Da  aicme  \m.murgu  robatar  hi  Fidh  Dorcha  ar  cind  Colmain 
maic   Luachain,   id   est   Hi   Dubdtn   Caille    7    Hui   Dubam   Maige. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN          37 

have  no  heir  myself.'  *  Thou  shalt  have  an  heir,'  said  Colman,  *  and 
he  shall  be  heir  to  me  till  Doom.'  However,  the  monks  said  :  'Hand 
some  (cuanna}  and  strong  (brigacK)  is  the  couple,  even  Cumaine  son  of 
Leda  and  Brig  daughter  of  Corngall,  King  of  Delbna  M6r.  If  they  had 
a  son,  it  were  meet  that  he  should  be  named  Cuanna.'  *  Thus  it  shall 
be,'  said  Colman.  Then  that  night  the  couple  became  one  and  a  son 
was  conceived,  and  at  the  end  of  nine  months  he  was  born  and  taken 
to  Colman  son  of  Luachan  to  be  baptized.  And  he  was  named  Cuanna, 
and  a  fit  of  fondness  seized  the  cleric  for  the  boy,  and  he  said  :  '  Just 
put  the  boy  into  the  bosom  of  my  soft  cowl,  a  fit  of  fondness  for  him 
has  seized  me.'  He  was  put  there,  and  the  little  boy  took  hold  of 
the  cleric's  cowl  with  both  his  hands,  and  then  Colman  said :  '  This 
little  man  is  better  than  the  men  who  refused  to  give  land  to  me.' 
So  then  he  said  : 

38.  '  Better  the  man  than  the  men,  I  am  glad  at  the  reason  for  it, 

to  Christ  I  give  thanks  for  the  man  who  takes  hold  of  us. 

He  holds  ine  and  I  shall  hold  him,  he  will  be  the  foundation 

of  our  family, 

then  will  he  be  a  beloved  chief,  this  day  it  is  a  young  stranger.1 
A  blessing  on  the  womb  that  conceived  him  on  earth, 
my  blessing  on  thee  thyself  shall  follow  thee  for  a  great  while. 
The  headship  of  my  churches  and  of  my  broad  land 
shall  be  with  thy  offspring  after  me,  without  deceit  or  fraud. 
Dour  violent  Anfossaid  and  fierce  Lechet 
shall  serve  tKee  here,  thy  work  shall  be  in  readiness. 

Thou  shalt  not  die  till  thou  art  a  withered  old  man, 
then  thou  shult  go  to  Heaven,  that  will  be  thy  fate. 

Without  destruction  on  thy  offspring  so  long  as  I  shall  be  in 

Heaven, 
theirs  shall  be  the  church  for  a  great  while — better  the  man 

than  the  men.' 

So  in  that  wise  Colman  son  of  Luachan  blessed  Cuanna.  *  'Tis  in 
peace  now  you  part,'  said  the  monks  to  Colman.  '  This  child  shall 
ever  be  a  prince  of  peace,  and  his  successor  after  him/  saith  Colman. 

39.  There  were  two  tribes  in  Fid  Dorcha  before  Colman  son  of 
Luachan  came  there,  viz.  the  Hui  Dubain  of  the  Wood  and  the  Hui 

1  A  play  on  the  words  dige  ('  pillar,  chief  ')  and  6iyi  ('  guest'). 


38  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Tancatar  malle  dochum  Colmain  7  doronsat  a  mancliine  do  eter  has  7 
bethaid  7  a  ferann  ar  bithdflsi  co  brath,  conid  siatt  is  fine  Griein  ac 
Laind  osin  alle.  7  dobert  an  ri  do-som  a  saere  doib  co  brath  uaith  fein 
7  6  each  rig  'na  diaid  co  brath.  ar  cis  rig  7  flatha.  Is  siatt-so  baileda 
5  Hu  (fo.  80tf2)  n  Duban  .i.  Lessna  Fingaile  cona  dib  lessaib  beca  7  Less 
Duban  ar  cul  Less  Gruccam  7  Less  Droignein  5  Liss  Gruccaw  ille  7 
Rua  Mor  Corracan  7  Cluain  Dam  7  Tulach  Lin  tall  o  C[h]ill  Gac«  (?) 
ille  anuass  7  Teach  Conan  .i.  Conan  mac  Fiachraidh  meic  Duban  meic 
Ailella  6  filet  cenel  Ailella  i  Feraib  Tulaig  7  Raith  Criti  7  Uaith 

10  Inraith  7  Raithm  an  \Jsci  7  llaith  an  Midg  7  Crseb  Ullan  7  Raith 
Spclan  cona  nmine  dercan  7  GortTn  Grogm  7  Tir  na  Leici  allanuas  de  7 
Tech  meic  Conba  7  Raith  CairecA  7  Less  na  Con  allanair  de  7  Cluain 
Mocil  7  Loch  Corr  7  Tir  Baethan  7  Tulach  Ruad  7  a  ndilsi  uile  do 
Cholman  mac  Luachain  7  don  Choimdid1  co  brath  5  rig  7  6  c[h]iss  na 

is  flatha  7  na  tuaithe  arc[h]eanae. 

40.  [Ajraile   seel    fordthmentar   sund    .i.    certt   amra3    roboi    do 
muindtir  Tigi  Conan  hie  Laind  .i.  Annlaraid  a  ainm-sew,  co  ndernae 
srian  co  n-or  7  co  n-airget  do  rig  Hua2  Failgi  7  berid  buddess  di'a  reic. 
Is  ann  imarco3  dcralae  mac  Coisemnaig  ac  a  crochad  ar  a  c[h]ind  7  ba 

20  hingnad  la  hAnmaraid  e-sein.  Isb^r^  immuryu  Annlaraid  frisan  rig  : 
'  Brathair  dara-sa  sutt  7  na  cro3ht^ar  he  1'  '  Doragha  duit-siu  da 
bai  dec  dia  chind  an  tsrein  na  an  ciinidb,'  ar  an  ri.  '  Is  e  mo  rogas 
an  cimid,'  ar  an  cerd.  Tecuid  malle  indeass  .i.  an  cerd  7  Mac 
Coisemnaig.  Dob^tV  Mac  Coisemnaig  log  a  srein  don-c[h]erd  Tarna 

25  chuingid  do  fair  .i.  Rath  Spelain  cona  muine  dergan  do  ar  son  an  da 
bo  dec  utt  tarcas  d5  do  chind  a  srein,  uair  ba  fei  r  leis  ana  marbad 
fein  a  tabairt  do  Annlaraid.  Dobeir  immurgu  (fo.  80il)  Annlaraid 
do  Di'a  7 -do  C[h]olman  co  brath. 

41.  [Ajraile    seel    forafhrnentar    sund    .i.    Anniarraid    cerd    do 
30  muinntir  Tigi  Conan.     Tarb  roboi  aici  7  nocha.  ferr  leis  beith  ar  buaib 

na  ar  graigib4  Ma3lsechlainn,  conid  de  sin  atberthea  Grogm  friss. 
Araile  laa  immurgu  tanicc  Grogin  5  -purl  Indsi  na  Cairrgi  dia  thigh,  co 
tarla  for  sechran  hi  ngurt  m^'c  do  C[h]oisemnach  he.  Tanicc 


choinxled  AIS.  2  liui  MS.  3  sic  MS.  4  graidib  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     39 

Dubain  of  the  Plain.  They  both  together  came  to  Colman  and  granted 
him  service  both  in  death  and  life,  and  their  land  to  be  his  own  for 
ever.  And  from  that  time  onward  they  have  been  the  family  of 
Griun  in  Lann.  And  the  king  granted  him  their  freedom  till  Doom 
from  himself  and  from  every  king  after  him  till  Doom,  as  regards  tax 
to  king  and  chief.  These  are  the  places  of  the  Hui  Dubain,  viz. 
Less  na  Fingaile  with  its  two  small  lisses,  and  Less  Duban  behind 
Less  Grucain,  and  Less  Droignein  from  Less  Grucain  hither  ward,  and 
Rua  Mor  Corracan,  and  Cluain  Dam,  and  Tulach  Lin  down  from  Cell 
Choca(?)  hitherward,  and  Tech  Conan,  viz.  Conan  son  of  Fiachra,  son 
of  Duban,  son  of  Ailill,  from  whom  are  the  kindred  of  Ailill  in 
Fartullagh,  and  Raith  Criti,  and  Kaith  Inraith,  and  Rathin  in  Uisce, 
and  Raith  in  Midg,  and  Craeb  Ullan,  and  Raith  Spelan  with  its  oak- 
bushes,  and  Gortin  Grogin,  and  Tir  na  Leice  above  it,  and  Tech  meic 
Conba,  and  Raith  Cairech,  and  Less  na  Con  to  the  east  of  it,  and  Cluain 
Maeil,  and  Loch  Corr,  and  Tir  Baethan.  and  Tulach  Ruad,  and  all 
these  to  be  the  property  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  and  of  the  Lord 
till  Doom,  (free)  from  king  and  from  tax  of  chief  and  of  tribe. 

40.  Another  story  is  recorded  here.  There  was  at  Lann  a  famous 
goldsmith  of  the  community  of  Tech  Conan  ;  Anniaraid  was  his  name. 
He  had  made  a  bridle  with  gold  and  with  silver  for  the  king  of  Otfaly, 
and  carries  it  southward  to  sell  it.  There,  however,  on  his  arrival, 
it  chanced  that  Mac  Coisemnaig  was  being  hanged,  which  seemed  a 
strange  thing  to  Anniaraid.  However,  Anniaraid  said  to  the  king : 
'  That  yonder  is  a  brother  of  mine  ;  let  him  not  be  hanged !'  '  Thou 
shalt  have  twelve  cows  for  the  bridle,  or  the  criminal,'  said  the  king. 
'  My  choice  is  the  criminal,'  said  the  goldsmith.  Together  they  come 
from  the  south,  even  the  goldsmith  and  Mac  Coisemnaig.  After  having 
been  asked  for  it,  Mac  Coisemnaig  gives  the  price  of  his  bridle  to  the 
goldsmith,  viz.,  Rath  Spelan,  with  its  brake  of  acorns,  for  the  twelve 
cows  which  had  been  offered  to  him  for  his  bridle ;  for  he  preferred 
giving  it  to  Anniaraid  to  being  killed  himself.  Anniaraid,  however,, 
gives  it  to  God  and  to  Colman  till  Doom, 

41.  Another  story  is  recorded  here  about  Anniaraid,  the  goldsmith 
of  the  monastery  of  Tech  Conan.  He  had  a  bull  who  liked  as  well 
to  cover  the  mares  (graig^)  of  Maelsechlainn  as  cows,  whence  he  was 
called  Grogin.  Now  on  a  certain  day  as  Grogin  was  coming  frorr 
Port  Innsi  na  Cairrge  homewards,  he  went  astray  in  the  field  of 


40  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 


Mae  Coisemnaig  do  c[h]uartugud  a  gart  7  fiiair  Grogm 
indtib  7  ruacuid  he,  co  rominaig1  a  chalpthre.2  Indisid  Anniaraid 
esein  do  Maelsechlainn.  Is  si  imargo  breth  rucc  Ma?lsechlainn,  an 
ferand  ar  m-inaig  a  chalptha3  do  t[h]abairfc  do  Anniarraid  na  ic 
5  Grogin.  Conid  de  isberar  Gortln  Grogln  fris  osin  alle.  Doratt 
immurgu  Anniarraid  esirfe  do  Dia  7  do  Cholman  co  brath.  TTr  na 
Leici  immwpilt  rf  Midhi  doratt  do  Cholman  esiden  ar  na  dcmnre  roboi 
uc  a  tihaigi  do  indarba  csti,  uair  romillsitt  mor  istlr.  Tech  Conan 
imnurgn  .i.  tecli  n-abad  Colmain  meic  Luachain  esiden  7  nl  dlig4  norh 
10  ni  de  acht  comarba  Colman.  Uair  ata  ordu  Colraain  isin  vtiaid  a 
ndorus  an  tigi  n-abad  7  biid  timt[h]irecht  angel  ann  each  aidchi 
luoin.  Hath  Cridi  immurgu  on  mud  c[h]etnae  7  Achad  an  Pubaill  5n 
mud  c[h]ettna,  uair  pupa//  Colmain  roboi  ann  7  it  sseire  sin  uile  d 
c[h]is  rig  7  flatha  7  tuaithe  archense. 


15  42.  Doronad  tra  tempall  iarum  dermftr  la  Colman  mac  Luachain 
ac  Laind  7  tinoled  tinchur  fleidhi  moire  lais  dia  bennachad  a  t[h]em- 
puil  d  epscopaib  uaislib.  Dorouud  iarum  in  flcad  (fo.  80^2)  7  tinolta 
cuici  nonm  imdae  da  gach  leth  7  tuct[h]a  trl  epscuip  cuici  fri 
bennachad  an  tempuil  .i.  epscop  Couch  raid  7  epscop  Etchen  7  Colman 

20  Ealoe  an.tres  epscop.  Doruachtt  dawo  an  aidchi-sin  Fursa)  crabdech  co 
Laind  7  rotoimled  Tarum  an  fled  fon  cunioe-sin  7  dorotisat  uile  derbad 
a  n-acntad  larnabarach  fri  FUI-PSB  7  robennachsat  ule  an  tempw/  7  i\n 
roilecc  archcana,  conid  annsin  asbert  Colman  mac  Luachain:  c  Mo 
manaig  ar  do  chomairgi,  a  Fvrsre  !  '  ar  Colman.  '  Gebim,'  ar  Fursa?, 
'  '  dia  torsett  chucam  am  relecc.'  '  Rososett  on,'  ar  Colman,  (  ar  bltiid 
relecc  acat-sa  im  reloice-sea  arrnedon  sund  ac  Laind.'  '  Biid  da«o,' 
ar  Fursa),  *  7  bid  uilithri  dot  manchaib-siu  indti  amail  each  releic 
acurn-sa.'  'Mo  manaig  ar  do  chomairci  d\no,  a  epscuip  Etchen!' 
ar  Colman  mac  Luachain.  '  Gebim-si  iatt,'  ar  epscop  Etchen,  'dia 

3°  torsett  chucum.'  '  Rososet  sow,'  ar  Colman,  '  ar  blaid  relecc  a  fus 
acatt.'  'Bid  dawo,'  ar  epscop  EtchC-n,  bid  ailithri  dot  manchaib-siu 
indti  amail  bis  a  Cluain  Fotta.'  '  Mo  manaig  dawo  ar  bar  comairci-si, 
a  C[h]olmain  Eala  7  a  C[h]olmain  Comraire ! '  ar  Colman 


mac 


roruinaid  MS.  2  calptae  MS.  3  calpta  MS.  *  dlid  MS 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    41 

Mac  Coisemnuig.  However,  Mac  Coisemnaig  came  to  make  the 
round  of  his  fields,  and  found  Grogin  in  them,  and  chases  him  so  that 
he  broke  his  legs.  Anniaraid  reports  this  to  Maelsechlainn.  Now 
this  was  the  judgment  which  Maelsechlainn  gave,  that  the  land  on 
which  the  bull  had  broken  his  legs  should  be  given  to  Anniaraid  in 
payment  for  Grogin.  Whence  from  that  time  forth  it  has  been  called 
the  Little  Field  of  Grogin.  Anniaraid,  however,  gave  it  to  God  and 
to  Colman  till  Doom.  As  regards  the  Ti'r  na  Leice,  the  King  of 
Heath  gave  it  to  Colman  for  driving  out  the  demons  who  had  been 
visiting  it,  for  they  had  destroyed  much  in  the  land.  Tech  Conan, 
however,  is  the  abbot's  house  of  Colman  mac  Luachain,  and  no  one  is 
entitled  to  anything  from  it  except  Colman's  coarb.  For  Colman's 
thumb  is  in  the  tomb  in  front  of  the  abbot's  house,  and  on  every 
Sunday  night  there  is  a  service  of  angels  there.  In  the  same  way, 
however,  Kath  Cridiand  Achad  an  Phubaill,  for  Colman's  tent  (pulall] 
was  there,  and  they  are  all  exempt  from  tax  of  king  and  chief  and 
tribe  as  well. 

42.  Then  a  great  church  was  built  at  Lann  by  Colman  son  of 
Luaehan,  and  the,  makings  of  a  great  feast  were  collected  by  him 
to  have  his  church  blessed  by  noble  bishops.  So  the  feast  was  made, 
and  many  holy  men  were  gathered  to  it  to  bless  the  church,  even 
bishop  Conchraid  and  bishop  Etchen,  and  Colman  Elo  was  the  third 
bishop.  On  that  night  Fursa  the  Pious  also  came  to  Lann,  and  so  in 
that  wise  the  feast  was  consumed ;  and  on  the  morrow  they  all 
confirmed  their  union  with  Fursa,  and  they  all  blessed  the  church 
and  the  cemetery  ;is  well.  Then  Colman  son  of  Luaehan  said  :  '  My 
monks  under  thy  safeguard,  Fursa  ! '  says  Colman.  '  I  accept  it,'  says 
Fursa,  '  if  they  will  come  to  me  in  my  cemetery.'  '  They  shall  so  come,' 
said  Colman,  *  for  them  shalt  have  a  cemetery  in  the  midst  of  my  own 
cemetery  here  at  Lann.'  '  So  let  it  be,'  said  Fursa,  '  and  it  shall 
count  as  a  pilgrimage  to  thy  monks  who  are  buried  there  like  any 
cemetery  of  mine.'  'My  monks  under  thy  protection  also,  bishop 
Etchen  ! '  says  Colman  son  of  Luaehan.  *  I  accept  them,'  says  bishop 
Etchen,  'if  they  will  come  to  me.'  'They  sh  all  come,'  says  Colman, 
1  for  thou  shalt  have  a  cemetery  here.'  •'  So  let  it  be,'  says  bishop 
Etchen  ;  '  it  shall  count  as  a  pilgrimage  to  thy  monks  buried  there 
as  though  it  were  Clonfad.'  '  My  monks  under  your  safeguard  also, 
Colman  Elo  and  Colman  Comraire  !'  says  Colman  son  of  Luaehan.  *  We 


42  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHilN 

Luachain.  '  Gabmait-ne  on,*  ar  siat-san,  *  dia  torset  cucaind  imain.' 
'  Rowsoset  son,'  ar  Colman,  '  ar  bidh  lib-siu  trian  mo  relgi-si.' 
Rorandsat  Tarum  an  releic  i  tri  fon  cuma-sin  .i.  an  trian  imon  ulaid 
Furs#  la  Fursae  fein  7  an  trian  iman  ulaid  epscuip  Etchen  la  epscop 

6  Etchen  fein.  Osin  amach  immurgu  lasna  tri  Colmanu  cona  naemaib 
aentad  7  cataig  archeanaB  .i.  Lopaman  7  Samthann  7  na  tri  disertaig 
7  Ua  Suanaig  7  Mochuta  7  Maedocc  7  naeim  Erenn  do  neoch  roboi  a 
nDruimm  Ceatse,  (fo.  81«1)  conid  cell  chottaig  tra  amlaid-sin  do 
manchaib  Colmain  meic  Luachain  a  c[h]ell  fein  7  nem  doib  indti. 

10  Bennachais  larum  Fursa3  an  cill  larnabarach  ule  archense. 


43.  Tancatar   dawo    chuici-sira    brathair1    a    senathar    .i.    clanna 

Forandan  meic  Laeda  Find  meic  Mane  7  aidbrait  a  manchine  co  brath 

do  7   doberatt  bale  dia  ferann  diles  do  ina  screpw£  soscelse  .i.  Lena 

esi[d]ein.     7  donltA^r  cell  ann  la  Colman  mac  Luachain  7  noerbered 

15  bith  co  menic  innti-sen  eter  a  manchu  tair. 


44.  Araile  fecht  da/to  luid  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Lena  a  nllib 
Forannfm  dt>  thoroma  a  manach  7  a  c[h]ille  7  is  annsin  doralae  ri 
Erenn  i  nDun  Leime  ind  Eich  7  delg  co  n-acais  ina  chois,  co  nderna 
tart  ar  feith  inti.  7  isse  an  ri  hi'sin  .i.  Domnall  mac  Aeda.  meic 

20  Ainmirech  meic  Congail  Chindmagair  meic  Setna  meic  Fergusa 
meic  Conaill  Gulban  meic  Neill  NoigTallaig.  Boi  sein  didiu  a 
n-amlabrae  bliadain  isin  dun-sin  7  ui  chungaidis  lege  hErenn  ni  do. 
Otcuas  do  immurgu  Colman  mac  Luachain  do  bith  ana  c[h]ill  fein  ic 
Lena,  tiagar  on  rig  for  a  chend  7  atfaet  an  ri  riss :  *  Do  \>veth  fein 

25  duit  7  slanaig  mo  choss,  ar  is  tuail[n]ge  tu  7  doni  Dia  fort  ni  is 
dolge  andas  sin.'  'Dogni  larum  Colman  ernaigt[li]i  fria  chois  7 
isbert :  *  Tabair  do  chois  for  an  cloich-sea  7  is  cett  don  delg  fil  it 
chois-siu  daul  indti.'  Dor5nad  tra  amlaid-sin  7  ba  slan  focnet5ir 
an  clioss. 

45.  Se  rig  tra  di'b-so  rogab  Temrdr?"^  di'aid  a  ndfaid  cen  nech  do  sll 
Cholmain  Moir  7  Diarmata  meic  Cerbaill  hi  Tvmraiff  ind  oirett-sin  .i. 

1  brathUm-  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    43 

accept  it,'  say  they,  '  if  only  they  will  come  to  us.'  *  They  shall  come,' 
says  Colman,  '  for  one-third  of  my  own  cemetery  shall  be  your*  '  So 
in  that  wise  they  divided  the  cemetery  in  three,  viz.,  the  third  around 
Fursa's  tomb  to  belong  to  Fursa  himself,  and  the  third  around  bishop 
Etchen's  tomb  to  belong  to  bishop  Etchen  himself.  The  rest  of  it, 
however,  to  belong  to  the  three  Colmans  with  the  other  holy  men 
who  had  made  union  and  covenant  with  them,  even  Lomman  and 
Samthann  and  the  three  Hermits  and  Ua  Suanaig  and  Mochuta  and 
Maedoc  and  all  the  holy  men  of  Ireland  who  had  been  at  Drumcet, 
so  that  thus  the  church  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  is  a  church  of 
covenant  to  his  monks,  and  Heaven  (is  assured)  to  them  in  it.  Then 
on  the  morrow  Fursa  also  blessed  the  whole  church. 

43.  Then  also  came  to  him,  the  brothers  of  his  grandfather,  viz. 
the  children  of  Forannan  son  of  Leda  Find  son  of  Maine,  and  they 
offer  their  services  to  him  till  Doom,  and  they  give  him  a  steading  of 
their  own  land  as  a  gospel-tax,  even  Lena.     And  a  church  is  built 
there  by  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  and  he  often  used  to  spend  some 
time  in  it  among  his  monks  in  the  east. 

44.  Again,  at  a  certain  time  when  Colman  son  of  Luachan  went  to 
Lena  in  Hui  Forannain  to  look  after  his  monks  and  his  church,  then 
the  king  of  Ireland  chanced  to  be  at  Dun  Leirae  ind  Eich,  with  a 
festering  thorn  in  his  foot,  so  that  ....  a  sinew  in  it.     And  that 
king   was   Domnall   son   of    Aed,  .  son    of   Ainmire,    son    of    Congal 
Cennmagair,  son  of  Setna,  son  of  Fergus,  son  of  Conal  Gulban,  son  of 
Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages.     Then  for  a  year  he  was  in  that  fort 
suffering  from  speechlessness,1  nor  could  the  physicians  of   Ireland 
help  him.     Now  when  he  heard  that  Colman  son  of  Luachan  was  in 
his  own  church  at  Lena,  the  king  sends  for  him,  and  says  to  him  : 
'  Thine  own  award  to  thee  !  and  heal  my  foot,  for  thou  art  able  to  do 
so,  and  God  performs  a  more  difficult  miracle  than  that  for  thee.'     So 
Colman  prays  over  the  foot,  and  he  says :   *  Put  thy  foot  upon  this 
stone,  and  the  thorn  which  is  in  thy  foot  has  permission  to  go  into 
it.'     Thus  then  it  was  done,  and  forthwith  the  foot  was  healed. 

45.  Now  six  kings  of  this  race  had  held  Tara  one  after  another 
without  any  one  of  the  race  of  Colman  Mor  and  Diarmait  son  of 


1  So  in  the  original.     But  a  n-amlabrnc  should  evidently  be  amended  into 
illobrai,  'in  sickness.' 


44  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Ainrnere  mac  Setna  7  a  da  mac  .i.  Aed  7  a  da  mac  sein  .i.  Maelcaba  7 
Domnall  (fo.  8 la  2)  da  mac  Maeilchaba.  Is  annsin  dorat  Domnall 
Dun  Leime  ind  Eich  do  Cholman  7  doni  Colman  cill  andsin  7  relec  7 
nobid  indti  co  menic  7  roboi  tri  cargais  ann-Uaim  Cholmain  isin 

5  carraicc  ar  ciil  an  duine  7  a  agaid  for  Boinn  immach  7  na  secht  mbale 
dec  batar  'ca  foguwm  ac  Domnall  7  ic  each  rig  ele  reime  7  da  seabac 
selga  batar  aci ;  7  a  saoire  co  brath  do  brathrib  a  senathar  .i.  clanna 
Forannan  7  Aedae  Find  7  Mane  7  Colman  mac  Luachain  mac  Leda 
meic  Maine  eisium  7  asbert  Colman  immurgu :  *  Cid  be  ri  ti  tar  an 

10  saoire-se  co  brath,  a  cett  oiret-sin  dia  crich  7  dia  ferann  fein  do 
ea&baid  fair.1  7  isbert  Colman  beus :  *  A  chett  comlin-sin  immurgu  do 
esbatd  6  rig  Temrach  antan  chuinighfes  ciss  no  bes  form-sum  7  maidm 
fair  an  cath  ule  i  mbiad  nech  dib-so,  mad  ar  eicin  berar  latt  Idmach.'  Is 
and  asbert  Colman  :  *  Cid  be  ergabus  en  dib  sutt,  a  brith  co  rig  Temrack 

15  7  tabrad  aein  secht  mbae  are,  mane  fagba  ar  log  bus  lugha  7  lecid  ass 
he  de  mullach  a  chind  7  nl  gebtAar  ris  co  cend  secht  mblla^n«  7  m 
benfaidhter  de  an  cend-sin  co  brath  7  biaid  aidchi  n-armaigh.'  7  dorat 
sseire  co  brath  dia  rauindtir  et^r  na  cella  afus  cona  muindtir  7  na  cella 
a  nlJib  Forannan  co  lucht  a  fognama  tair  .i.  secht  mbale  dec  7  na  tri 

20  cella  fil  indtib  do  Cholman.  7  dlegar  osin  ille  hi  (sic)  flaithe  Ua 
Forannan  7  a  fir  bale  co  Laind  dia  n-adlacad.  7  sfat  osin  amach  isna 
cellaib  tair  7  maoir  o  Laind  isna  cellaib  tair  .i.  Hui  Braonan  7  Hui 
Maolbethnrf  do  muindtir  Laindi  iad-sein  immalle  .i.  do  goibnib  Laindi 
lad  o  T[h]ulaig  Louan.  Is  leo  (fo.  8U1)  so  tra  trian  ettaig  na  marb 

25  tair  7  trian  rachaill  tair  ar  chomet  dligid  ecalsa  doib. 


46.  [A]  raile  seel  dawo  f orzfamentar  sund  .i.  laithiu  boi  Colman  ana 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    45 

Cerball  having  been  in  Tara  during  that  time,  viz.  Ainmire  son  of 
Setna  and  his  two  sons,  even  Aed  and  his  two  sons,  viz.  Maelcaba 
and  Domnall,  and  the  two  sons  of  Maelcaba.  Then  Domnall  gave 
Dun  Leime  ind  Eich  to  Colman  (and  Colman  builds  a  church  there 
and  a  cemetery,  and  he  used  often  to  be  there,  and  he  spent  three 
lents  in  Column's  Cave  on  the  rock  behind  the  fortress,  his  face 
towards  the  Boyne)  and  the  seventeen  steadings  which  had  served 
Domnall  and  every  other  king  before  him,  and  two  hunting-hawks 
that  he  had ;  and  their  freedom  till  Doom  from  the  brothers  of  his 
grandfather,  viz.  the  Children  of  Forannan  and  of  Aed  Find  and  Maine 
(and  Colman  himself  was  a  son  of  Luachan,  son  of  Leda,  son  of  Maine), 
and  Colman  said :  *  Whichever  king  transgress  this  freedom  till 
Doom,  lie  shall  lose  one  hundred  times  as  much  of  his  own  territory 
and  of  his  land.'  And  Colman  said  further:  *  The  King  of  Tara  shall 
lose  one  hundred  times  as  much  when  he  shall  ask  tax  or  custom  from 
them;  and  every  battle  in  which  any  of  them  may  be  shall  be 
broken  upon  him,  if  they1  are  carried  off  by  force.'  Then  Colman 
said :  '  Whoever  seizes  one  of  those,  he  shall  be  taken2  to  the  King 
of  Tara,  who  shall  give  seven  cows  for  him  unless  he  obtain  him 
for  a  less  price,  and  he  lets  (him)  out  from  the  top  of  his  head,a 
and  he  shall  not  be  opposed  to  the  end  of  seven  years  and  that 
head  shall  not  be  struck  off  him  till  Doom,  and  he  shall  be  a 
night  of  slaughter.'  And  he  gave  freedom  till  Doom  to  his  people, 
both  to  the  churches  here  with  their  people  and  to  the  churches  in 
Hui  Forannan  with  their  folk  of  service  in  the  east,  viz.  seventeen 
steadings,  and  (he  gave)  the  three  churches  that  are  in  them  to 
Colman.  And  ever  since  that  time  the  chiefs  of  the  Hui  Forannan 
and  the  men  of  their  steadings  are  bound  to  be  buried  at  Lann.  And 
thenceforth  they  are  in  the  churches  in  the  east,  and  stewards  from 
Lann  in  the  churches  of  the  east,  viz.  the  Hui  Braenan  and  the  Hui 
Maelbethad  of  the  people  of  Lann,  i.e.  they  are  of  the  smiths  of  Lann 
from  Tulach  Lonain.  For  guarding  the  privileges  of  the  church 
they  are  entitled  to  one  third  of  the  clothes  of  the  dead  in  the  east, 
and  to  one  third  of  the  winding-sheet. 

46.  Again,  another  story  is  recorded  here.     One  day  on  a  summer 

1  i.e.  any  of  Colman' s  /arnica  who  are  compelled  to  go  on  a  hosting  for  the  king. 

2  Or,  perhaps,  '  it  shall  be  referred.'  3  The  meaning  of  this  and  of  the 
whole  end  of  the  sentence  is  obscure  to  me. 


46  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

c[h]ill  ac  Leiss  Dochuinn  matan  tsamraid  trath  terti  elusset  tra  bse 
an  bale  dochum  na  Ia3g  7  na  iaoig  'na  rith  chucu-som  7  5tchonnairc 
Colman  sin,  saidhidh-sium  a  raacbachaill  isin  cloich  eturra  7  smacht- 
ais  form  7  feimditt  na  laoigh  imdecht  asan  niaigin-sin  7  feimditt  na 

5  bai  imt[h]echt  chuca-som  don  leth  aile.  Tastait  iarum  imraalle  fon 
cuma-sin  co  hetrad  7  coneracht  each.  7  aid  a  hinatt  isin  cloich  beus  7 
is  aim  ata  an  chloch  hisin  etir  Chuillind  Moir  7  Chuillind  ]Jicc  hi 
medhon.  7  romorad  dawo  ainm  De  7  Cholrnain  triasin  tirt-sin.  Conid 
de  sin  asbm*  an  bachall  bis  eter  na  bu  7  na  Ia3gu  ria  osin  ille  7 

10  macbachali  a  ainra  riasin  firt-sin,  ar  bith  na  laim1  na  macaBim.  Is 
si-sin  mind  dlegar  do  bith  a  nUib  Forannan  isna  cellaib. 


47.  [A]  raile  fecht  dawo  tanicc  chuici  rf  Per  Tulach  .i.  Onchu  mac 
Saran  7  slechtais  do  7  cuinchis  ascaid  for  Colman  mac  Luachain,  id 
est,  comad  he  Colman  tidlaiced  sacarbaic  do  ia  techt  dochum  na 
15  todochaide  7  faoniaid  Colman  do-som  sin  .i.  na  bad  marb  he  co  mbeith- 
som  fria  hudaclit  a  bais.  7  isbert  Onchu  :  *  Cid  duit,  a  c[h]leirig,  cen 
claind  do  chuinchid  dam-sa  co  fognat  duit  fein  co  brath?'  Conid 
ann  isbert  Colman : 


Biaid  mac  amra  acat-sa,         a  Onchu  cen  gaindi, 

bid  dalta,  bid  degmanach         he2  do  Cholraan  lamglan  Lainde.' 


48.  [A]raile  fecht  luid  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Dun  na  Caircci 
hi  Midi.  Is  (fo.  81^2)  ann  dorala3  Onchu  mac  Saran  marb 
sechtmain  reime  a  n-Indsi  na  Caircci.  Lauid  Colman  chuici  7 
isbert  fris  :  '  Rogellsam-ne  em  ale  na  raght[h]a-sa  bass  comad  mesiu 
25  doberad  sacarbaic  duit.'  7  doirtid  Colman  tri  tonna  asan  findfaidech  'na 
chenn.  ''  Is  cet  duit  ergi  a  suan  bais  a  n-aois  bar  .xxx.,  ar  at  senoir 
cetus  anoisin,'  conid  andsin  doronsat  an  imaeallaim-so  sis  : 


49.  [C.]'  [A]  Onchu,  toc<3^  do  chend         eter  ocaib  na  hErenn, 

fatta3  do  suan,  na  bi  a3  sprue,          sechtmain  lonilaii  fo 

t'  asnbrut,' 

1  n;i  liiim  na  laim  MS.  -  to  be  omitted.  3  =  i. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    47 

morning  at  the  hour  of  tierce  when  Colraan  was  in  his  church  at  Less 
i)ochuinn,  the  cows  of  the  steadings  escaped  towards  the  calves,  and 
che  calves  were  running  towards  them  ;  and  when  Colman  saw  that, 
lie  plants  his  staff  on  a  stone  between  them  and  rebuked  them  ;  and 
the  calves  cannot  move  out  of  that  place,  nor  can  the  cows  go  towards 
them  from  the  other  side.  In  that  way  then  they  remain  until  mid 
day,  when  all  arose.  And  its  site  is  still  on  the  stone.  And  that 
stone  is  midway  between  Cuillenn  M6r  and  Cuillenn  Bee.  And  again 
God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  through  that  miracle.  Hence 
from  that  time  onwards  it  is  called  the  staff  that  is  between  the  cows 
and  the  calves,  and  '  staff  of  the  boys '  had  been  its  name  before  that 
miracle,  for  being  in  the  hand  of  the  boys.  It  is  a  relic  which 
should  be  in  Hui  Forannan  in  the  churches. 

47.  At  a  certain  time  the  King  of  Fartullagh  came  to  him,  even 
Onchu  son  of  Saran,  and  prostrated  himself  before  him  and  asked  a 
boon  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  viz.  that  Colman  might  give  him  the 
Host  before  he  went  towards  futurity,  and  Colman  grants  him  that, 
viz.  that  he  should  not  die  without  his  being  present  at  his  death. 
And  Onchu  said :   '  0  cleric,  why  dost  thou  not  ask  for  children  for 
me  that  they  may  serve  thee  till  Doom  ?'     Then  Colman  said  : 

*  Thou  shalt  have  a  famous  son,  0  Onchu  without  stint ;  he  will 
be  a  fosterling,  he  will  be  good  monk  to  pure-handed  Colman  of 
Lann.' 

48.  At  a  certain  time  Colman  son  of  Luachan  went  to  Dun  na 
Cairrge  in  Meath.     Then  Onchu  son  of  Saran  had  died  a  week  before 
in  Inis  na  Cairrge.     Colman  went  to  him  and  said  to  him  :  '  Surely 
we  had  pledged  that  thou  shouldst  not  die  until  I  had  given  thee  the 
Host.'     And  Colman  pours  three  waves  out  of  the  Findfaidech1  upon 
his  head.     *  Thou  art  at  liberty  to  arise  out  of  the  sleep  of  death  as 
thou  wast  at  the  age  of  thirty  years ;  for  now  thou  art  an  old  man/ 
So  then  they  made  the  following  colloquy  : 

49;  C.  '  Onchu,  lift  thy  head  among  the  warriors  of  Erin ;  long 
has  been  thy  sleep,  be  not  dejected !  a  full  week  hast  thou  been  under 
thy  one  cloak/2 


1  The  name  of  a  bell.     See  §  61. 

-  i.e.  the  shroud.     Cf .    rogab   Eochaid  denleni     iar    mbeith  illeind  loborde, 
RC.  xiii,  p.  391. 


48  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

[0.]   '  Tasci  cucam,  geb  mo  laira,  a  nieic  lainnerda 

Luachain, 
currottimnor,1    gimn    cen   acht,  mor   don   ingnad 

at  conn  arc.' 
5  [C.]  '  Abair   rim    an    ret-sa   ar   tus,  tacair   lat   ni  dot 

imt[h]us, 

nan  exit  menman  roba         no  an  scarad  cuirp  is  anma  ?' 
[0.]  'Ruccad  m'  anaim  uaim  i  cein  seek  ifernn2  n-uath- 

mar  n-acbe[i]l 
10  dochum  richid3  an  Kfg  rain  fil  cin  die[h]lith,  cen 

digbail. 

Airm  a  fil  slfinti  ocus  aid         ocus  failti  can  imsnim, 
ceol  can  chumsanad,*  cen  chol,          bctha  cen  bass,  cen 

baego/. 

15  Aoiti  cen  sentaid5  do  gress,          solsi,  sutbaine,  sobes, 

frecnarcus  Rig  secbt  neirae         aongen  Maire  ingene.' 

[C.]  'Cid  dotuc  anall  for  cul  ?       indis  dun  ni  dot  imt[h]us, 
mesa6  in  tir-si  na  an  tir  tall,         a  meic  Saran,  a  sser- 

chlann.' 
20  [0.]   *  A  meic  Luachain,  lathar  ngle,         do  chlaind  Conaill 

Chremthainne, 

issed  romlec-se  dom  t[h]aig     dot  anoir  's  ind  Airmedaig.' 
[C.]  *  Airmedach  Subne  mar  ta          meic  Colmain  meic  Diar- 

mata, 

25  dosrat  an  Coimdiu,  caoin  clu,       co  fil  fon  loch,  a  Onchu. 

i 

Cid  dobere  dam  am  reir,        a  Onchii  cruthglan  comfeil, 
an  ba   manc[h]ine  min    mhas,  in  ba  feith,   no  in 

f  erannas  ? ' 

(fo.  82«1)  [0.]  '  Mo  manchine  is  duit  rodett         eter  bethaid  ocus  ecc, 
30  screpul  f6ss  is  cuairt  is  c,ain          duit,  a  C[h]olmain 

meic  Luachain.' 

[C.]  *  Ca  mett  na  canae  coeme         eter  seotu  is  ardmceine, 
abbair  rind,  fath  cen  on,          cona  rab  ar  imreson.' 

1  cwrrotinuior  duit  MS.  -  iferaim  MS.  3  rigtig  MS. 

4  cumsad  MS.  5  sentaig  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    49 

0.  'Come  to  me,  take  my  hand,  thou  brilliant  son  of  Luaehan, 
that  I  may  confide  to  thee,  a  deed  without  stint,  much  of  the  marvels 
that  I  have  seen/ 

C.  '  First  tell  me  this — say  something  of  thy  adventures — was  it 
exit  of  mind,  or  severance  of  body  and  soul?' 

0.  *  My  soul  was  taken  from  me  afar  past  dreadful  terrible  hell 
towards  the  heaven  of  the  glorious  King  who  is  without  concealment, 
without  decay. 

'Where  there  is  health  and  peace  and  joy  without  grief,  music 
without  cessation,  without  sin,  life  without  death,  without  peril. 

'Youth  without  age  ever,  radiant  light,  immortality,  virtuousness, 
the  presence  of  the  King  of  the  seven  heavens,  the  one  Son  of  the 
maiden  Mary.' 

C.  '  What  has  brought  thee  back  hither  ?  tell  us  something  of 
thy  adventures !  worse  is  this  land  than  the  land  beyond,  0  son  of 
Saran,  0  thou  of  noble  race.' 

0.  *  Son  of  Luaehan,  of  brilliant  disposition,  of  the  race  of  Conali 
Cremthainne,  this  is  why  I  have  been  allowed  to  return  to  my  house  : 
in  honour  of  thee  and  of  Airmedach.' 

C.  'Airmedach,  Suibne  likewise,  the  sons  of  Colman  son  of 
Diarmait,  the  Lord — fair  fame — has  put  them  under  the  lake,  0  Onchu ! 

'What  wilt  thou  give  me  in  obedience  to  me,  pure-shaped, 
generous  Onchu  ?  Shall  it  be  gentle  fail-  service  ?  lihall  it  be  bog  or 
land?' 

0.  '  To  thee  my  service  has  been  granted  both  in  life  and  death, 
tax  besides  and  toll  and  tribute  to  thee,  0  Colman  son  of  Luaehan  ! 7 

C.  '  What  is  the  amount  of  the  fair  tribute,  both  of  wealth  and 
noble  treasures?  tell  us — cause  without  blemish — lest  it  become  a 
matter  of  strife.' 

TODD    LECTURE  SERIES,    VOL.    XVII.  E 


50  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

[0.]  *  Secht  mbargen  each  duine  dair,         screpol  cech  eich, 

cech  oclsDig, 
cet   ech    eech   dalta   min   modh,  muinci,    srian   is 

erc[h]omal. 
5  Tiucme  (?)  cacA  tene[d]  tailc  trC-[i]n     i  n-acus,1  a  n-etw- 

chein, 

dinit  cacha  mna  maithe         manetarset  anflaithe. 
Dechniflfl  ftala  cech  Gen      bias  cen  faitches,  cen  domaoin, 
lenn  cech  rfgiaig,  monar  ngle,       blae  1m  cecha  caillige-.' 

10  Caor  iaraind3  cech  gabann,  gairm  grinn,     c[e]in  bes  atreb 

hi  [n]Erinu, 
heck  cech  slFasta  duit  re  taeb         em  in  (?)  secht  bliadna 


Duit-siu,  a  C[h]olmain,  an  cech  tan        bse,  muca,  eich, 
15  oigitr  (?), 

daim  is  cairig  immalle,         capaill,  cairr  ocus  ere. 
Do  riar  duit,  a  c[h]leirig  caid,         a  degmic  lamglain 

Luachain, 
.co  risat  do  re[i]r  riagla         do  Laind  cecha  aenbliadna.' 

20  [C.]  *  Bendacht  duine,  bendacht  De,         robet  ort  ule  'malle, 

fort  chlaind,  fort  c[h]iniud  cen  cess         nac/justarla  an- 

faitchess, 
bennacht  fort  c[h]eill  is  fort  c[h]lu,      bennacht  fort  fein, 

a  Onchu.'    A. 
[0.]  '  Bennachfet-sa*  in  indsi,  a  fir,        a  C[h]olmain  caid,  a 

c[h]lerig, 

ar  ni  cian  6  tir  in  treb         co  rab  taiiisi  a  atreb.' 
[C.]  '  Sonus  lomma  is  lenna  lir,         buaid  comairle  im  cech 

caingin, 
30  buaid  coraperta,  clii  co  mbail,         buaid  creiche  adiu, 

buaid  sluagaid. 
Tri  Ian  ma  chluic  d*  usci  liar5         do  ch^r  esti  a  n-agaid 

sluag, 
innreth  t'innse6  tairis  sin         m  dronfat  Gaill  is  Gaedil.' 

.  -caillideMs.  aleg.  iaira.  4  leg.  Bennach-sa. 

5  fuai  MS.  6  ennse  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    51 

0.  *  Seven  loaves  from  every  serf,  a  scruple  for  each  horse,  for 
each  young  calf,  a  hundred  horses  from  each  fosterling — a  gentle 
condition — a  necklace,  bridle  and  spancel. 

*  .  .  .  .  from  every  stout  strong  hearth  both  near  and  afar ;  a 
suckling  from  every  gentle-woman  unless  false  chiefs  intervene. 

'  Tithes  from  the  profit  of  each  one  that  shall  be  without  anxiety, 
without  poverty ;  a  cloak  from  every  royal  warrior, — a  brilliant  act — 
a  linen  shirt  from  every  old  woman. 

1  A  lump  of  iron  from  every  smith,  a  pleasant  call,  so  long  as 
there  shall  be  a  dwelling  in  Erin ;  a  horse  for  every  thigh  to  thee 
besides  at  the  end  (?)  of  seven  fair-blossoming  years. 

'To  thee,  Colman,  at  every  time  cows,  swine,  steeds,  oxen  and 
sheep  together,  horses,  carts  and  [their]  load. 

4  Thy  own  will  to  thee,  holy  cleric,  pure-handed  excellent  son  of 
Luachan,  that  they  may  come  according  to  rule  to  Lann  every  single 
year.' 

C.  '  The  blessing  of  man,  the  blessing  of  God,  may  they  be  upon 
thee  altogether,  upon  thy  children,  upon  thy  race  without  sorrow, 
may  calamity  never  come  to  them,  a  blessing  upon  thy  sense  and 
thy  fame,  a  blessing  upon  thyself,  0  Onchu.' 


0.  *  Bless  thou  the  hill,  0  man,  0  holy  Colman,  0  cleric  ;  for  the 
dwelling  is  not  far  from  thy  land,  so  that  its  abode  may  be  stable. 

C.  'Luck  of  milk  and  of  plenteous  ale,  triumph  of  counsel  in 
every  affair,  triumph  of  conception — fame  with  prosperity, — triumph 
of  raid  hence,  triumph  of  hosting. 

*  Three  fills  of  my  bell  of  cold  water  to  be  cast  out  of  it  against 
hosts — neither  Norseman  nor  Gael  will  invade  thy  hill  against  that.' 

E2 


52  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

[0.]  *  Dechmad  na  hindsi  cen  ail         's-  a  almsa  bid  is  etaig, 
re  toeb  each  ciuid  feb  is  coir         berar  duit  co  Lainn 

lanmoir.' 

[C.]  '  Cein  bethir  indti  dom  re[i]r         i  n-acus,xa  n-et<?rcein, 
5  ni  bia  terca  bid  nach  du         at  alew  ard,  a  Onchii.'     A. 

Claim  Onc[h]on  cubaid  conilau        ocusmacneMselodran, 
(fo.  82#2)  ni  bera  demon  dib  neck         cen  corop3  6g  no  aithrigech, 
mo  ehrabud  tenn  as   each   du          do  snadad  lemui,   a 

Onchu.'     A. 

10  50.  Bendachais  larum  Colmaii  an  feraun  in  Dunena  Carrge  iniuich 
larsin.  Is  annsin  rocuinnicbsit3  lucht  na  Cairgci  topur  firusci  do 
facbail  acu.  Saidid  larum  Colman  a  bachaill  isin  lena  na  Carrcci 
7  boccrtiW  imrnacuuirt  hi  7  isbert :  *  Is  cet  don  inat-sa  topur  anira3 
co  brath  and.'  Briichtais  focnetoir  sruaim  usci  annsin,  conid  Tipra 

15  Colmain  a  ainm  osin  ille  7  icaid  gallr*  7  tedmann  imda  fri  troscud  aici. 
An  carragc-sa  tra,  port  rig  Fer  Tulach  hi  dogrus  co  tanic  ingen  nieic 
Corichubair  .i.  ben  Conch ubair  hui  Ma3lsec)ilainn,  co  rue  an  ri  ar  eicin 
hi  7  an  rigan  6  rig  Fer  Tulach  .i.  Cuc[h]aille  niac  Dublaide  esidein, 
co  rosaraiged  uimpi  .i.  a  athrigad  no  a  dilsiugad  do  rigain  Midi  .i.  isi- 

20  sin  cetben  dib  rue  hi  7  each  ar  a  slicht-sin  osin  alle  7  ni  diles  hi  o  rig 
Fer  Tulach  7  d%/d  Colman  a  dechmtfd-sin  on  mud  c[h]etna  cid  cia 
bes  inti,  uair  is  e  robennach  hi.  7  is  la  Colman  mac  Luachain  dechmad 
an  duine  amuig4  a  Pwrt  na  hindsi,  uair  is  e  doratt  ti  dia  bachaill  'nu 

•     timt[h]ill   ac   a   bennacha^   7    sonus   lommae    7    lenda    7    cech   bid 

25  arc[hjenae  sund  dogres  7  buaid  comperta  7  buaid  creach  7  buaid 
sluagaid  odiu  co  brath  7  dechmad  trethan  7  uaran  fon  mud 
c[h]etnje,  uair^is  e  robennach  latt  ule  7  is  la  Mominocc  dechmad  indsi 
Loclia  Maigi  Uath,  uair  is  e  robendach  hi  7  is  la  Hii  Tegtechan  bith 
for  in  cle[i]th  dala  7  an  t-escra  ana  laim  7  is  la  Hib  Domnwan 

so  culc[h]omet  rig  Fer  Tulach  .i.  lucht  in  bale  iart[h]araig  iatt. 


51.  (fo.  82Z»1)  [A]raile  laithiu  tra  b6i  Colman  isin  Carraig-sin  co 
tancatar  rigraid  an  tire  chuici  do  etsechtt  fria  hoifrenn  7   celebrad 

1  i  facus  MS.  2leg.  oor'p.  3 rocuiwnnichsit  MS.  4amuidjns. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN  08 

0.  •  The  tithes  of  the  hill  without  reproach,  and  its  alms  of  food 
and  raiment,  besides  every  chattel  as  is  just,  which  is  brought  to  thee 
to  full-great  Lann.' 

C.  '  So  long  as  people  in  it  are  obedient  to  me  both  near  and  afar, 
there  shall  not  be  scarcity  of  food  anywhere  in  thy  noble  hill  island, 
0  Onchu. 

1  The  righteous  perfect  Children  of  Onchu  and  the  descendants  of 
Maelodran,  the  Devil  shall  not  carry  off  one  of  them  while  they  are 
perfect  or  repentant.  My  severe  piety  over  every  spot  for  a  protection 
with  me,  0  Onchu.' 

50.  So  then  Colman  blessed  the  land  of  Dun  na  Cairrge.  There 
upon  the  people  of  Carrie  asked  him  to  leave  a  well  of  fresh  water 
with  them.  So  Colman  plants  his  staff  in  the  meadow  of  Carrie  and 
twirls  it  about,  and  he  said  :  *  This  spot  is  permitted  to  have  in  it  a 
famous  well  till  Doom.'  Forthwith  a  stream  of  water  sprang  forth 
there,  so  that  henceforth  its  name  has  been  Col  man's  Well,  and  it 
heals  many  diseases  and  pestilences  if  one  fast  near  it.  This  rock 
was  ever  a  place  of  the  kings  of  Fartullagh  until  the  daughter  of 
Conchubar's  son  came,  viz.,  the  wife  of  Conchubar  ua  Maelsechlainn, 
whom  the  king  carried  off  by  force,  as  well  as  the  queen  of  the  king 
of  Fartullagh,  viz.,  CuChaile  son  of  Dublaide,  so  that  it  was  out 
raged,  that  is  to  say,  its  king  was  dethroned  and  the  place  forfeited 
to  the  queen  of  Meath  ;  for  she  is  the  first  woman  that  took  it,  and 
all  the  rest  following  her  thence  onward,  and  it  is  not  subject  to  the 
king  of  Fartullagh.  And  Colman  is  entitled  to  tithes  from  it  in  the 
same  way  whoever  be  in  it,  for  'tis  he  who  blessed  it.  And  Colman 
is  entitled  to  the  tithes  of  the  fortress  outside  Port  na  hlnse,  for  'tis 
he  who  traced  a  circle  with  his  staff  around  it  as  he  was  blessing 
it.  And  there  is  luck  of  milk  and  ale  and  every  other  food  there 
ever,  and  triumph  of  conception  and  triumph  of  raid  and  triumph  of 
hosting  henceforward  till  Doom.  And  tithes  of  sea  and  of  wells 
in  the  same  way,  for  'tis  he  blessed  them  all.  And  Mominoc  is 
entitled  to  tithes  from  Inis  Locha  Maige  Uath,  for  he  has  blessed 
it,  and  it  belongs  to  the  [chief  of  the]  Hui  Tegtechan  to  be  upon  the 
hurdle  of  assembly,  with  the  cup  in  their  hand,  and  to  the  Hui 
Domrian  to  guard  the  King  of  Fartullagh,  viz.,  they  are  folk  of  the 
western  steading. 

51.  Now  on  a  certain  day  Colman  was  in  Carrie  when  the  kings 
of  the  country  came  to  him  to  hear  him  saying  mass  and  celebrate. 


54  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

acgi-sium.  Tecatt  ule  timc[h]ell  relgi  lar  n-afrinn  co  cualattar  egem 
ac  na  curchaib  'na  fiadnaisi.  La  sodhain  tra  fegaitt  uli  7  atchiatt  na 
conn  cucu  'na  rith.  'ACholmain,  ar  do  chumachta?,'  ar  an  rigun, 
*  tesaircc  dam-sa  mo  churcha  7  rotbia-su  uanmolt  *  dib  cccha  bliadna.' 
5  Smachtais  iaruni  Oolman  forna  faolchonu  7  tastaitt  isin  magin-sin. 
Romorad  dawo  a  ainm  De  7  Colmain  triasin  ftrt-sm,  conid  ann  asbert 
an  rigan  fri  Colman :  *  Geb  arait  dam-sa  fechtsa  im  na  curcha  dia 
comgi  ar  na  conu  alltae.'  Is  de  sin  asbert  Colman :  '  Geb-siu  an  rand- 
sa  impu  matan  7  fescar  7  mstomlett  na  conu  alltoe  latt2  co  bruth.3 

10  *  "  Mo  c[h]aoirig         robet  ar  seilb  an  oenfir! 

for  seilb  Colmain  meic  Luachain         curbat  ua[g]sla"[i]n  mo 

chaoirig." ' 

Cach  nech  tra  gebus  sin  ima  c[h]urchu,  m  millfett  co[i]n  allta 
latt,  conid  de  sin  dlighes  Colman  uanmolt  cech  albvS  a  nEirinn  ar  a 

15  comett  ar  conaib  allta. 

52.  [A]raile  fecht  didiu  dognied  mordal  Droma3  Ceta  la  rigaib 
Eirenn  im  C[h]olum  Cille.  Ranicc  larum  each4  inti  as  each 
aird.  Is  latt  immurgu  triar  dedenach5  ranic  lar  each  inti,  na  tii 
Colmain  mora  Midhi  7  ba  dorcha  in  adaig6  antan  rosiachtadur  7  ni 

20  raibi  adbar  tened  no  boithe  acu  de  sin.  Ruccad  larum  a  fis-sin  co 
Colum  Cille  7  roferad  faoilti  friu  fiadha  7  rolaad  gairm  escaire  for 
naomaib  hErenn,  id  est,  crann  do  each  tenid7  7  slat  7  sop  cacha  boithe 
dona  tr\  Colmana  morse  Midhi.  Tucad  larum  doib-siMm  sin  fon  curna- 
sin.  Rofiarfaigsit8  didiu  naoim  hErenn  larnabarach  do  C[h]olum 

25  Cille:  '  Cindus  clem^  lat-som  (fo.  82i2)  na  tri  Colmana  dia  rowfagde 
dew  hir[e]ir?'  Conid  ann  isbert  Colum  Cille  :  '  Cid  mor  sunn  a[n]diu 
oirecht  naom  hErenn,  gellaim-si  fia[d]  Dia  nach  lugha  oirecht  na  tri 
Colman  utt  for  neim  oldas  an  t-oirecht-sa  7  gellaim  fia[d]  an  Trinoit, 
dia  tsethsad  neam  anuas  for  clar  an  talman,  co  tocebdais  na  tri  Colmain 

30  ut  co  ndernannaib  he  suas  doridhisiu  ina  sosad  aicenta.'  Becc  tra  do 
sein  la  each  naom  a  n<?rt  fein  a  naemaib  hErenn  ar  mett  na  testa-sin 
tuc  Colum  Cille  forru-som.  R-ochuinichset  larum  naoim  hErenn 
cotach  for  na  tri  Colmdnu  7  faomait-siz^m  an  cottach-sin  do  denum 

1  uaonmolt  MS.  2iaatt  MS.  3  brach  MS.  4  naomh  added  in 

margin  by  a  later  hand.  5  degenach  M?.  G  agctid  MS.  "  tened  MS. 

8  rofiarfaidsit  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    55 

After  mass  they  all  make  the  round  of  the  cemetery  when  they  heard 
a  cry  near  the  sheep  close  by  them.  At  that  all  look  and  see  wolves 
running  towards  them.  '  0  Colman,  by  thy  power,'  says  the  queen, 
*  save  my  sheep  for  me,  and  thou  shalthave  a  ewe-lamb  of  them  every 
year.*  Then  Colman  rebuked  the  wolves,  and  they  stand  still  in  that 
spot.  So  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  through  that 
miracle.  And  the  queen  said  to  Colman  :  '  Sing  a  prayer  to  me  now 
for  the  protection  of  the  sheep  against  wolves.'  Then  Colman  said  : 
'  Sing  this  quatrain  around  them  morning  and  night,  and  the  wolves 
shall  not  devour  them  till  Doom. 

'  "  My  sheep,  may  they  be  in  the  possession  of  the  one  man !  in  the 
possession  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  so  that  my  sheep  may  be  whole 
and  sound."  ' 

Now  whoever  will  sing  that  around  his  sheep,  wolves  will  not 
destroy  them ;  wherefore  Colman  is  entitled  to  a  ewe-lamb  of  every 
flock  in  Ireland  for  preserving  them  from  wolves. 

52.  Then  on  a  certain  occasion  the  great  gathering  of  Druim  Cet 
was  held  by  the  Kings  of  Ireland  around  Colum  Cille.  Then  every 
one  came  to  it  from  every  direction.  However,  the  last  three  who 
reached  it  after  everyone  else  were  the  three  great  Colmans  of  Meath, 
and  dark  was  the  night  when  they  arrived.  And  hence  there  was  no 
material  for  fire  or  for  a  hut  for  them.  Then  that  news  was  brought 
to  Colum  Cille,  and  a  welcome  was  sent  to  them  from  him,  and  a  call 
was  made  on  the  holy  men  of  Ireland,  even  (to  supply)  a  log  from 
each  fire  and  a  rod  and  a  wisp  from  each  hut  for  the  three  great 
Colmans  of  Meath.  In  that  wise  then  those  things  were  brought  to 
them.  Then  on  the  morrow  the  saints  of  Ireland  asked  of  Colum 
Cille  :  '  What  manner  of  leri<_  are  the  three  Colmans  for  whom  thou 
hast  solicited  us  last  night  ?  '  Then  said  Colum  Cille  :  '  Though  this 
is  a  great  gathering  of  Ireland's  saints  here  to-day,  I  declare  before 
God  that  the  gathering  of  those  three  Colmans  in  heaven  will  not.  be 
less  than  this  gathering;  and  I  declare  before  the  Trinity,  if  the 
heavens  were  to  fall  down  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth,  that  those 
three  Colmans  would  raise  them  up  again  with  their  hands  to  their 
natural  station.'  Then  every  one  of  the  saints  of  Ireland  thought  little 
of  his  own  strength  in  comparison  with  that  testimony  which  Colum 
Cille  had  given  of  them.  Hence  the  saints  of  Ireland  besought  the 
three  Colmans  for  a  covenant ;  and  they  consented  to  make  that 


56  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

friii  7  &<m\ther  an  cotach  larsin  hi  fiadnaisi  Coluim  Chille,  co  fil  dsin 
alle  cotach  a  manacli-som  fri  naoraaib  hEirenn  .i.  do  neoch  dib  tarraid 
an  mordail  Droraa  Ceta  cettus. 

53.  [I]n  fecht  immurgu  tainic  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Laincl, 
6  is  ann  roboi  Conchraid  epscop  hi  Tfr  an  Disirt  ara  chind.     Otchiiala 

larum  guth  cluicc  Colmain  meic  Luachain  tanicc  chuici  7  isbert  fris : 
1  Mochean  duit,  a  Cholmain,  is  duif  fogena  an  fid-sa  co  brath  .i.  Fid 
Dorchae  7  fogenam-ne  co  brath.  Doronad  tra  amlaid-sin  7  robai 
Conchraid  larsin  ac  Colman  mar  each  ndeisc?j»al  acci.  A  rale  fecht 
10  and  faomaid  umaloitt  do  denum  do  Cholman  7  da  manchaib  archena 
.i.  bith  ac  a  manchaib  7  aci  buddein  ac  a  ndamaib  7  roboi  re  Fotta  acu 
.i.  hi  Cluain  Dam  7  is  de-sin  aderar  Cluain  Dam  osin  alle  ria. 

54.  Araile  fecht  ann  immurgii  gatffr  dam  dib  6  Chonchraid.     Luitth 
Conchraid  ina  lurgc  7  a  chlocc  ina  laim  7  cech  huair  not[h]eged  dia 

15  lurgc  nobenad  a  chlogc  aigci  7  doronsatar  amlaid-sin  co  rangcatar 
Caill  Cellan  hi  Feraib  Tulach  7  is  ann  sin  robattur  (fo.  8301)  na 
merligh  ac  fennad  a  doim  ar  a  chind  7  cuincbis  Conchraid  forru  he 
7  doberatt  na  merlig  d5  he  7  atbert  an  clerech  f  riss  :  '  Is  cett  duit 
ergi.'  Ro  erig  an  dam  focetoir.  Otconncatar  na  meirlig  sin  fobrait 

20  slechtain  do.  '  Ac,'  ar  Conchraid,  '  slechtaid  dom  aitin  .i.  do 
C[h]olman.'  Slechtaid  larsin  do  Cholman  7  doberatt  a  manchine  do 
co  brath.  Isbert  Colman  fri  Conchraid :  l  Geb  inatt  ale  hi  fecht  sa.' 
*  Cuin[d]ig  dano  inat  tighi  dam-sa  for  Conall,  co  ndernar  cill  ann  7 
fogenam-ne  duit  ann  co  brath.'  Doronad  amlaid-sin  7  doratt  Conall 

25  inatt  tighi  do  Cholman  mac  Luachain,  conid  de  isberar  Tech  Colmain 
i  n-uachtur  Fer  Tulach.  Bennachatt  malle  an  cill-sin  7  saoratt  ar 
ciss  flatha  hi.  7  faccbaidh  Colman  Conchraidh  inti  fria  laim,  conid  la 
Colman  hi  osin  alle.  7  iar  foirinn  ai/i  dawo  comad  la  Colmdn  notisad 
hille  Conchraid  7  nach  ar  a  chind  roboi  hi  (sic)  abus  ettr  he  7  comad  iar 

30  ndul  adm  nogabad  Tir  an  Disirt.    7  isbert  Colmdn  :  '  Ni  cett  lind  do 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     57 

covenant  with  them.  And  thereupon  in  the  presence  of  Colum  Cille 
the  covenant  is  m;ide,  so  that  thenceforward  there  is  a  covenant  of 
their  monks  witli  the  saints  of  Ireland,  viz.  with  all  those  who  had 
come  to  the  great  gathering  of  J)ruim  Get. 

53.  However  when  Colman  son  of  Luachan  came  to  Lann,  bishop 
Conchraid  was  there  in  Tir  an  Disirt  before  him.     Then  when  lie 
heard  the  sound  of  Colman's  bell  he  came  towards  him1  and  said  to 
him  :   *  Welcome  to  thee,  Colman  !     This  wood  shall  serve  thee  till 
Doom,  even  Fid  Dorcha,  and  we  shall  serve  thee  till  Doom.'     Thus 
then  it  was  done,  and  thereupon  Conchraid  stayed  with  Colman  like 
any  other  disciple.     On  a  certain  occasion  he  agrees  to  do  homage  to 
Colman  and  his  monks,  viz.  his  monks  and  he  himself  to  be  with2  their 
oxen.     And  he  was  a  long  time  with  them  in  Cluain  Dam,  and  hence 
it  has  been  called  Cluain  Dam  (Meadow  of  Oxen)  ever  since. 

54.  Now  on   one   occasion    one    of    those    oxen  is   stolen  from 
Conchraid.     He  went  upon  its  track  with  his  bell  in  his  hand,  and  each 
time  he  went  off  its  track  his  bell  sounded,3  and  so  they  continued 
until  they  reached  Caill  Cellan  in  Fartullagh.     And  there  he  came 
upon  the  thieves  skinning  his  ox.     And  Conchraid  demanded  it  of 
them  and  the  thieves  gave  it  to  him.     And  the  cleric  said  to  it :  *  It 
is  permitted  to  thee  to  rise.'     Forthwith  the  ox  rose  up.     When  the 
thieves  saw  that  they  are  going  to  prostrate  themselves  before  him. 
1  No,'  said  Conchraid,  *  prostrate  yourselves  before  my  beloved  "tutor, 
even  Colman.'     To  Colman  then  they  prostrate  themselves  and  give 
their  services  till  Doom.     Said  Colman  to  Conchraid  :  '  Now  choose 
another  place  ! '     '  Then  ask  the  site  of  a  house  for  me  of  Conall  so 
that  I  may  build  a  church  there,  and  we  shall  serve  thee  in  it  till 
Doom.'     Thus  it  was  ^one,  and  Conall  gave  the  site  of  a  house  to 
Colman  son  of  Luachan,  whence  Colman's  House  in  Upper  Fartullagh 
is  so  named.  That  church  they  bless  together ;  and  they  free  it  from  the 
chieftain's  tax.  And  Colman  leaves  Conchraid  in  it  as  his  substitute,  so 
that  it  has  belonged  to  Colman  from  that  time  onward.     According  to 
others  Conchraid  came  thither  with  Colman  and  was  not  already  there 
before  him ;  and  it  was  after  going  thence  that  he  set  up  in  Tir  in 
Disirt.     And  Colman  said :    '  "We  do  not  permit  thee   to  be  there, 

1  Or,  perhaps,  '  towards  it.'  2  i.e.  to  take  charge  of. 

3  Literal!)',   '  used  to  strike.' 


58  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

beith  ann-sin,  a  Chonchraid,'  conid  ann  sin  rochuinidh  inatt  forConall 
7  atberatt  arale  in  clogc  roboi  hi  laim  Conchraidh  arlurgc  a  daim,  isse 
fil  a  Cluain  Mescan  hi  nlllltaib.  7  issed  dogairt/for  de  beus  clocc  na 
damraide  Cholmain. 

5  55.  Fecht  dawo  tanice  rechtaire  Conaill  meic  Suibne  co  Luachaii 
do  chuinchi[d]  biatta  fair  7  ni  raba  ac  Luachan  acht  aonchrlathar 
grain  eorna  7  atbert :  'Ni  fil  acaindi  a  cuinc[h]id  fair.'  Issed 
immurgu  roraid  an  rechtaire  co  cuirfidiss  Tatt  ule  hi  muir  no  a  ten, 
mane  fagbadis  .iii.  cet  bargen  cruthnechta  cona  tarsann  imme  7  lomma. 

10  7  isbert  Colman  :  '  Is  cett  duit  an  talam  dot  slucud '  7  rosluic  an 
talam  fochetoir  an  reclitaire  ac  dol  dia  chosaitt  dochum  a  t[hligerna 
co  filett  ic  pralugud1  'na  cenn  osin  alle  7  gabaid  ar  teched* 
otchonnairc  sin  7  gabaid  an  slog  ule  7  asbert :  '  Mairg  (fo.  83»2)  do 
thoimelado  biadh,  a  Cholmain,  7  ni  sinne  thomelas.'  7  bahatach  n-uilc 

15  ac  each  dia  chele  dib  fria  re  fotta  iarsin,  conid '  aided  Chonmind3  [d]ot 
brith,'  amail  rosluicc  talam  La3gaire  ar  amre[i]r  Pattraicc. 


56.  Isbert  irnmurgu  a  mathair  fri  Colman :  '  A  meic  maith,  con- 
gain  leind,  ar  ataam  a  ndocumal  mor.'  Luid  Colman  don  muilenn  7  a 
bolgc  fair,  amail  rogab  Colum  Cille  an  blog4  fair  don  c[h]loich  fil  isiu 

20  pronntighi  n-I  .i.  MaBlblutha  a  ainm-sein  7  sonus  for  each  mbi'ud  hiss 
fuirre.  B6i  dawo  arbar  Conaill  fon  muilenn  ar  a  chiund  7  cruthnecht 
eside.5  Asbert  Colman  a  scor  reme,  ar  roboi  sodethbir  ad  7  m  derna 
an  rechtaire  fair.  '  Tabafr-siu  ind  larum,'  ar  an  cleirech,  '  7  doberam- 
ne  don  leth  ale  7  rondfiW  Dia  dfum.'  Doronsat  amlaid-sin  7  dorat 

25  Colman  a  la[i]mh  ind-agaid  an  rnuilmd  7  soais  reime  ar  tuathbel,  conid 
Muilenn  Cerr  5sin  alle  he  co  brath.  7  cloemchoidh  Dia  na  harbandac, 
conid  cruthnecht  la  Colman  7  eorna  lasin  rechtaire.  llomorad  dawo 
ainm  De  7  Colmain  triusin  firt 


57.  Antan  dawo  dorlacht  Colman  on  ath  gusan  rauilenu  buddes 


pdugud  MS.       ~  tetlied  MS.        3  ag  omd  MS.       *  leg.  bolg.      5  iside  no  e(side)  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  bON  OF  LUACHAN    59 

Conchraid,'  so  that  it  was  then  lie  a^ked  a  site  of  Conall.  And  some 
say  that  the  bell  which  was  in  Conchraid's  hand  as  he  tracked  his  ox 
is  that  which  is  in  Cluain  Mescan  in  Ulster.  And  it  is  still  called  the 
bell  of  Colman's  oxen. 

55.  Again,   upon  a  certain  time   the    steward  of  Conall  son  of 
Suibne  came  to  Luachan  to  demand  victuals  of  him.     And  Luachan 
had  but  one  sieve  of  barley-seed ;  and  he  said:  'We  have  not  got  what 
you  demand  of  him.'     liut  the  steward  said  that  they  would  all  be  put 
into  the  sea  or  fire  unless  they  found  three  hundred  wheaten  cakes 
with  their  condiment  of  butter  and  milk.     And  Colman  said  :  *  It  is 
permitted  to  thee  to  be  swallowed  up  by  the  earth  ! '    And  forthwith 
the  earth  swallowed  the  steward  as  he  went  towards  his  lord  to  stir 
him  up  against  Colman,  so  that  ever  since  hounds1  have  been  .  .  .  ing 
on  his  head.     And  when  he  saw  that  he  began  to  flee,2  and  [dread] 
seized  all  the  people  ;  and  they  said :   '  Woe  to  him  who  shall  consume 
thy  food,  Colman  ;  and  'tis  not  we  who  shall  consume  it.'     And  for  a 
long  time  afterwards  it  was  a  form  of  cursing3  one  another  among 
them,  viz.  'May  the  death  of  Cu  Mend  carry  thee  off! '  as  the  earth 
swallowed  Loegaire  when  he  was  disobedient  to  Patrick. 

56.  However,  his  mother  said  to  Colman  :   '  My  good  son,  help  us, 
for  we  are  in  a  great  plight.'     Colman  went  to  the  mill  with  his  sack 
upon  him,  as  Coluni  Cille  took  the  sack  upon  him  to  the  stone  which 
is  in  the  refectory  at  lona*  (Maelblatha  is  its  name,  and  there  is  luck 
upon  every  food  that  is  upon  it).     Now  on  his  arrival  there  was 
Conall's  corn  under  the  mill  and  it  was  wheat.     Colman  ordered  it  to 
cease,  for  he  was  in  great  haste  (?) ;  but  the  steward  would  not  do  it  at 
his  bidding.     '  Then  put  it  in,'  said  the  cleric,  '  and  we  will  put  (ours 
in)  on  this  side,  and  God  will  divide  for  us.'     They  did  thus,  and 
Colman  put  his  hand  against  the  mill  and  turned  it  lefthandwise,  so 
that  thenceforward  it  has  been   Mullingar   (Wry  Mill).     And   God 
exchanged  the  corn  so  that  Colman  had  wheat  and  the  steward  barley. 
So  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  through  the  miracle. 

57.  Now  when  Colman  came  from  the  ford  to  the  mill  southward 


1  Or  perhaps  '  wolves.' 

2  Here  the  original  is  evidently  defective.    It  is  not  clear  to  whom  '  he '  refers. 

3  Literally,  '  a  prayer  of  evil.' 

4  See  Liber  Hymnorum2,  i.,  p.  62 ;  but  the  stone  is  there  called  Blathnat. 


60  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUAGHAIN 

doruacht  cuigci  Crist  fein  a  richtt  claim  do  fromad  a  t[h]r5eaire  7 
cuinc[h]is  mam  ar  Dia  fair.  '  Bee  ar  Dia '  ar  Colman,  '  an  coibes 
sin '  7  dobir  do  mam  raor  assin  teig.  '  Mam  ele  dam  ar  Dia!'  ar  an 
clam.  Dobir-siwra  do  7  dognftt  tra  fon  cuma-sin  a  g[c]ein  robi  a  bee 
5  isan  bulge  7  dobir  Colman  bendacht  la  arbar  don  lobar.  Tic  Colman 
fiada  larsin.  Congraid  an  clam  eisim  for  ciilu  7  dobir  in  arbar  uile 
do  7  a  bendaclit  lais,  amail  tanigc  Crist  co  Martan  dia  faghfdje  ima 
brat  7  dorat  Martan  do  a  leth  7  a  leth  ele  imme  fein  7  dia  cuinched1 
uile  dosbera[d]  Martnn  do. 


10  58.  Luid-sittin  reme  dia  thig  7  lecis  a  bolgc  ar  lar.  *  A  meic 
inmain/  ol  a  mathair,  'is  becc  an  bolgc-sa  7  is  mor  an  forcongra 
7  is  doilig  ri  do  biathadxde.'  '  Dena-sa  in  (fo.  83M)  fuine  immain,' 
ar  esium,  '  7  dobera  J)fa  ni  isin  bolgc,'  amail  atbert  Brigitt  fri  mnaoi 
an  dru^ajd  7  ni  raibi  aici-siu  aoht  mard]  torad  co  leth  innamd  7  dobered 

15  Brigitt  leth  toraid  cecka  huare  asin  chnlud  corbo  Ian  nle  an  ruse 
imme.  Is  amlaid  sin  tucc  Dia  sonus  for  beccan  bid.  Rofonta  ianim 
.iii.  cet  bairgen  assin  bulge  7  ba  Ian  beus.  « Caidhi  an  t-annlonn 
buddechtsa  ? '  ol  a  mathair.  '  Ar  ni  fil  lem-sa  acht  bleghan  aonbo.'2 
'Dobera  Dia  bal3  fair-sin,'  ar  esium,  '7  maisttr-siu  he  nama.' 

20  Dorocad  amlaid  7  tainicc  anloww  tri  cet  bargen  de.  '  Caidhi  dano 
bfeclitsa,'  ol  an  mathair,  *  loimm  dingmala  rig  leu-sein?'  Benna- 
chais  Tarum  an  mblatlirt?^  7  ticc  eisti  grutli  mor  la  cech  mbairgein. 
Bendachais  dawo  an  medg  larum  7  doni  ceo  lorama  de.  4  Caidhi  dano 
buddechtsa  eacli  fora  mbert^ar  an  biad-sa  don  rig?  ar  ni  fil  acaindi 

25  he  cettus.'  Cocualadar  larum  an  n-oss  allaid  a  Tnlaig  ind  Oiss. 
'Roba  chett  down  oss  don i  so,'  ol  Colraan,  *  cid  he  nonbera.'  Tigc 
tra  an  oss  cona  elet  7  laighitt  ina  fladnaisi  7  doberar  fen  form  larum 
7  an  biad  fair  co  Dun  Bri  anal[l]a,  amail  tancatar  na  da  anmanna 
allrtiW  do  imarchur  cuirp  Patraic  dia  chill  antan  roba  raarb  he. 

30  Amail  atconncatar  na  sluaigh*  anni  sin,  beratt  fis  co  Conall  7 
isberatt :  '  Xa  hallta  arna  beratt  do  choin-siu  na  do  eich  hitatt  ac 


1  cuincid  M-  •  aonl.oi  MS.  3  ^l  Ms. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    61 

Christ  Himself  came  to  him  in  the  shape  of  a  leper  to  test  his 
mercifulness,  and  asked  a  handful  of  him  for  God's  sake.  *  That 
much  were  little  for  God's  sake,'  saidColman;  and  he  gives  him  a 
large  handful  out  of  the  sack.  '  Another  handful  to  me  for  God's 
sake  1'  says  the  leper.  He  gives  it  him,  and  thus  they  continue  while 
there  was  anything  in  the  sack,  and  Colman  bestows  a  blessing  with 
the  meal  upon  the  leper.  Thereupon  Colman  went  from  him.  The 
leper  calls  him  back,  and  gives  him  all  the  meal  and  his  blessing  with 
him,  as  Christ  came  to  Martin  to  ask  him  for  his  mantle,  and  Martin 
gave  Him  half  of  it,  and  the  other  half  about  himself,  and  had  He 
asked  for  the  whole,  Martin  Mould  have  given  it  to  Him. 

58.  He  went  onward  to  his  house  and  set  the  sack  upon  the  floor. 
'  My  dear  son,'  says  his  mother,  *  that  sack  is  small  and  the  behest  is 
great;  and  it  is  hard  to  feed  a  king  therefrom.'  'Only  begin  to  bake,' 
says  he,  *  and  God  will  put  something  into  the  sack' ;  as  Brigit  said 
to  the  druid's  wife1  when  she  had  but  the  making  of  one  churning 
and  a  half,  and  Brigit  brought  half  the  making  of  her  churning 
every  time  out  of  the  store-house  until  the  whole  hamper  was  full 
of  butter.  Thus  did  God  bless  a  little  food.  Then  three-hundred 
cakes  were  baked  from  the  sack,  and  it  was  still  full.  '  Where  is  the 
condiment  now  ?'  says  his  mother,  '  for  I  have  nought  but  the 
milking  of  one  cow.'  '  God  will  increase  it,'  says  he,  *  and  do  thou 
only  churn  it.'  So  it  was  done;  and  there  came  condiment  for  three 
hundred  cakes  out  of  it.  '  "Where  now,'  says  the  mother,  '  is  a  drink 
worthy  of  a  king  with  those  things  ?  '  So  he  blessed  the  buttermilk, 
and  out  of  it  came  a  mass  of  curds  for  every  cake.  He  likewise 
blessed  the  whey  and  it  becomes  milk.  '  Where  now  is  a  horse 
upon  which  this  food  may  be  carried  to  the  king?  for  we  have 
not  got  one.'  Then  they  heard  a  stag  in  Tulach  ind  Oiss.  '  It  is 
permitted  to  the  stag  which  makes  this  noise,'  says  Colman, 
1  to  carry  it.'  So  the  stag  came  with  its  hind,  and  they  lie 
down  before  them,  and  then  a  cart  is  put  upon  them  and  the  food 
upon  that,  (and  it  is  carried)  to  Dun  Bri,  as  the  two  wild  animals 
came  to  convey  Patrick's  body  to  the  church  when  he  had  died.2 
When  the  hosts  saw  that,  they  report  it  to  Conall,  saying  :  '  The  wild 


1  See  Stokes,  '  Lives  of  Saints  from  the  Book  ot  Lismore,'  p.  187. 
-  See  ibid.,  p.  167. 


62  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

fognum  do  Cholman  din  ndeoin  fein.'  Gabais  larum  Conall  7 
fdbiw'4  daul  for  teched.1  Lenaitt2  iarum  an  dias  don  c[h]olc«^ 
7  lenaid  an  colcaid  do  lar  7  siabartar  a  baill  imme  7  tuitid  in  dim  dia 
lethlmlgc,  amail  rotuit  Clrenraith  Temrach  ar  amre[i]r  Patraicc  inti. 
Ar  is  a  n-aimsir  Leegaire  meic  Neill  rotuit  an  rfdth  7  a  n-aimsir 
Patra[i]gc  7  ni  hi  breth  na  glaisne  do  mill  hi. 


59.  (fo.  83i2)  Doruacht  mruin  Colman  chuici  7  isbert :  '  Biad 
lem-sa  duit  sunn,  a  Chonaill.'  'Misi  dobera  biathad  duit-siu'  ol 
Conall,  *  fechtsa  co  brath  7  ni  tusa  dobera  dam-sa  na  fer  t'  inaid.' 

10  Slechtais  iarum  Conall  do  Cholman  7  atbert  f ris :  '  Do  riar  fein  duit, 
a  Cholmain,  7  cabair  me  dondichumang-sa.'  *  Abair  fein,'  ol  Colman, 
1  an  riar  hi  sin/  (  A  ndun-sa  tra  duit '  ar  Conall,  *  cona  nmilenn  7  an 
sruth-so  tliiss,'  conad  i  Muilenn  Dee  7  a  carad  eisc  laiss.  Rofoillsiged 
tra  do  Amain  mac  Eogain  sein  7  do  Ulltan  7  do  Mac  Liacc  7  doratsat 

15  ceo  mor  atuaid  7  anair  do  c[h]leith  an  tire  fair.  Atbert  Colman  mac 
Luachain  Iarum :  *  Arnan  7  Ulltan  7  Mac  Liagc  dob^r  dam-sa  an  ceo- 
sa  ar  ulc  rium  7  bid  doib-sium  a  olc.  Bid  moin  7  mothar  a  fer- 
anna-soins  co  brath  7  bid  fass  a  cella  7  bid  latt  a  sinnaich  a  sacairt 
assin  amach  7  bid  iatt  a  clerig  a  coin  allta  7  bid4  fir  lama  dergi  ina 

20  suidedaib  apad  7  bid  do  c[h]ellaib  elib  greim  a  manach  co  brath.  Ni 
reil  dam-sa  radarc  abfechtsa,'  ar  Colman,  '  acht  da  bale  nama  .i. 
Bordgal  7  Lemchaill.'  *  Bit  sein  acat-sa,'  ar  Conall,  '  7  tog  fein  .x.  uii. 
bale  leo  sein  isin  tuaith-siu  a  filim-si  7  sir  hi J  .i.  i  nUib  Tigernain. 
Is  andsin  rochuinig  Conall  for  Cholman  mac  Luachain  inad  duine  do 

25  bendachad  do-som  lar  mbrt'M  a  duine  uad,  co  n-ebert  Colman  :  '  Tet 
lim  Iarum  7  bendach/arf  dun  bus  ferr  duit-siu.'  Tiagatt  malle  ro 
Ruba  Conaill  ar  ulc  fria  hArnan  7  fri  hUlltan  beus  .i.  cumad  echrais 
con  7  gilla  an  duine  a  cell-som  co  brath. 


60.  Dobir  tra  Colman  mac  Luachain  ti  da  bachaill  timchell  an 
30  ruba-sein  7  facbatrf  Colman  buaid  creiche  an[n]  7  buaid  sluaigtrf  7 

MS.         2  i.e.  lenaid  3  f u;mnwan«asom  MS.  *  leg.  bit,  as  in  1.  19. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    63 

animal's  which  neither  thy  hounds  nor  thy  horses  can  overtake  are 
serving  Colman  of  their  own  will.'  Then  [fear]1  seized  Conall,  and 
he  attempted  to  flee.  Then  the  point  of  the  sword  cleaves  to  the 
quilt,  and  the  quilt  cleaves  to  the  floor,  and  his  limhs  become  distorted, 
and  the  fortress  falls  ....  .2  as  the  Sloping  Fort  of  Tara  fell  when 
Patrick  met  with  disobedience  in  it.  For  it  is  in  the  time  of 
Loegaire  son  of  Niall  that  the  fort  fell,  and  in  the  time  of  Patrick, 
and  it  was  not  the  judgment  of  the  woad  that  destroyed  it.3 

59.  Then  Colman  came  to  him  and  said :  *  Here  I  have  food  for 
thee,  Conall.'  *  'Tis  I  that  will  give  food  to  thee  till  Doom,'  said 
Conall,  'and  neither  thou  nor  thy  successor  shall  give  it  to  me.7 
Then  Conall  prostrated  himself  to  Colman  and  said  to  him :  '  Thy 
own  will  to  thee,  Colman,  and  help  me  out  of  this  strait !'  '  Say 
thyself,'  said  Colman,  'what  it  is  to  be.'  'This  fort  to  thee,'  said 
Conull,  '  with  its  mill  and  the  river  below.'  So  that  is  Muilenn 
Dee  and  its  fish- weir  with  it.  Then  that  was  made  known 
to  Arnan  son  of  Eogan  and  to  Ultan  and  to  Mac  Liag;  and  they 
caused  a  great  mist  from  the  north  and  east  to  hide  the  land  from  him. 
Then  Colman  son  of  Luachan  said  :  '  Arnan  and  Ultan  and  Mac  Liag 
cause  this  mist  to  spite  me  ;  but  its  evil  will  fall  upon  them.  Their 
lands  will  be  bog  and  wilderness  till  Doom  and  their  churches  will  be 
waste ;  and  henceforth  foxes  shall  be  their  priests,  and  their  clerics 
shall  he  wolves,  and  red-handed  men  shall  be  in  their  abbots'  seats, 
and  sway  over  their  monks  shall  belong  to  other  churches  till  Doom. 
My  sight  is  not  clear  now,'  said  Colman ;  '  (I  see)  but  two  places, 
Bordgal  and  Lemchaill.'  '  They  shall  be  thine,'  said  Conall,  '  and 
choose  thyself  seventeen  steadings  with  them  in  this  tribe  in  which 
I  am,  and  search  it,'4  viz.,  in  Hui  Thigernain.  '  'Tis  then  Conall  asked 
of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  to  bless  the  site  of  a  fortress  for  him  after 
his  fortress  had  been  taken  from  him ;  and  Colman  said :  *  Come  with 
me  then  and  I  will  bless  a  better  fortress  for  thee.'  Together  they 
go  V>  Kuba  Conaill  to  spite  Arnan  and  Ultan,  so  that  their  church  might 
be  a  passage  for  the  hounds  and  attendants  of  the  fortress  for  ever. 

60.  Then  Colman  son  of  Luachan  makes  a  circle  with  his  staff 
around  that  brake,  and  leaves  as  a  blessing  on  it  triumph  of  raid  and 

1  A  word  like  uamun  is  omitted.  "  dia  lethbulgc  is  obscure  to  me. 

3  See  O'Grady,  Silva  Gadelica  ii.,  p.  288,  and  Dindsenchas,  1,  §  35  (Rev.  Celt, 
xii.,  p.  288).  *  Probably  corrupt. 


64  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

buaid  comairle  ann  co  brath.  Asbert  immurgu  Conall  (fo.  84«1)  fri 
Colman  mac  Luachain  :  *  Is  maith  sin,  a  c[h]leirig,  7  bo  cecha  gabala 
duit-si  dib-sin  7  ech  7  erriud  cecha  sluaigtdh1  7  declimad  cech  bid 
dogres  sund  lais  duit.'  '  Sonus  bid  dawo  anu-som,'  ar  Colman. 
5  61.  Teitt  larum  slar  a  ntlib  Tigernain  co  hTJachtur  Comart[h]a  7 
doni  cill  annsein  7  fold  an  oidchi-sin  7  doni  uffrind  indti  Tarnabarach 
7  ui  rabi  clogc  aicci  fri  beim  eitsechta  a  affrinn,  conid  andsin  rotelged 
do-soui  do  neim  an  findfaidech  Colmain  meic  Luachain,  co  fil  ait  a 
beoil  isin  c[h]loich  foss  ann.  Kobenad  larum  an  cloc-sin  acu.  An 
10  t-usce  immurgu  tuccad  do-sotn  asan  sruth,  rodoirt  Colman  he  asin 
clugc  ar  lar  na  cille  himmuich,  conid  tiprae  firusci  osin  hille  hi.  7 
romorad  ainm  De  7  Colmain  triasan  firt-sin  7  is  saer  an  chelP-sin  ar 
ciss  rig  osin  alle. 


62.  Togaid3  larmu  Tlr  Fraech  7  Tir  Mor  7  Bale   U  Dungalan  7 

15  U  Lotracban  7  Bale  U  Fothatan  7  Duma  Bolgc  7  Bale  U  Dlnian  7  Less 

na  Findaw  7  Indsi  Conchada  cona  Cnuc  Domnallan  7  rathanna  ele  cona 

secht  dec  leo-som.     Dobert  Conall  d5-som  a  saire  do  brathturib  a 

senathar  co  brath  re  ta3b-sin  amail  doratt  Domuall  mac  Aeda  meic 

Ainmirech  reme    so.     Luid  iarum  Colman  co  Cill  Bic  co  foilti  moir 

20  7  biad  lais  iterum  7  ni  dlegar  do  Uib  Gusan  no  d'Oib  Tigernan  biathad 

rig  Midi  'sin  croind-si  acht  a  Kuba  Conaill  nama  7   ni  dlegar  beus 

coindmed  do  denum  asin  c[h]roind-si  forru  acht  i  ngnesttf  a  Kuba 

Conaill  immach  7  isat  lia  a  mbaile  sa3ra  oldatt  a  mbaledhae  daara  7  ni 

dlegar  a  mairt  gemre[i]d  no  a  mbiad  corgais  do  c[h]aithem  a  n-inad  ele 

25  acht  a  Kuba  Conaill  7  dligid  U  Gusan  cain  a  deorad  7  lethc[h]ain 

urrad  6  rig  Midhi.     Dligid  immurgu  comarba  Colmain ^(fo.  8402)  each 

7  erriud  cech  rig  gebus  rigi  U  Tigernan4  dogres  7  bith  for  a  lethlaini. 

A  meth  no  a  trucha,  muna  tarda  do. 


63.  [AJraile  dawo  fecht  tanicc  Ethgen  mac  Tigernan  meic  Aeda 

30  Slaugi   meic   Diarmata    meic    Cerbaill   meic   Fergusa   meic    Conaill 

Gremthainne  meic  Neill  Noiiriallaio;  cbuici  7  dobert  a  manchine  do  co 

1  si'  edh  MS.  -  cill  MS.  3  togcaid  MS.  i  7  add.  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN.    65 

of  hosting  and  of  counsel  till  Doom.  Conall,  however,  said  to  Colman : 
'  That  is  good,  cleric ;  and  thou  shalt  have  a  cow  from  every  capture, 
and  a  horse  and  a  dress  from  every  hosting,  and  with  it  tithes  of 
every  food  here  always.'  '  Luck  of  food  here  also ! '  saith  Colman. 

61.  Then  he  goes  westward  into  the  land  of  Ui  Thigernain  to 
Uachtor  Comartha,  and  there  builds  a  church,  and  sleeps  that  night, 
and  on  the  morrow  celebrates  mass  in  it.     And  he  had  no  bell  with 
him  to  sound  (the  summons  for)  hearing  his  mass,  so  that  then  the 
Finnfaidech  of   Colman  mac  Luachain  was  sent  down  to  him  from 
heaven,  and  the  mark  of  its  rim  is  still  there  in  the  stone.     So  the 
bell  was  struck  by  them.     The  water,  however,  which  was  brought  to 
him  out  of  the  river  Colman  spilt  from  the  bell  upon  the  ground  of 
the  church  without,  so  that  thenceforth  it  has  been  a  spring  of  fresh 
water.     And  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  by  that  miracle. 
And  that  church  has  been  exempt  from  the  king's  taxes  from  that 
time  till  now. 

62.  Then  he  chooses  Tir  Fraich  and  Tir  M6r  and  Baile  Ua  Dun- 
galen  and  Ua  Lothrachan  and  Baile  Ua  Fothatan  and  Duma  Bolg  and 
Baile  Ua  Diman  and  Less  na  Findan  and  Inis  Conchada  with  Cnoc 
Domnallan,   and   other  raths  up  to  seventeen  with  them.     Conall 
granted  him  their  freedom  from  the  brothers  of  his  grandfather  till 
Doom,  as  Domnall  son  of  Aed,  son  of  Ainmire  had  done  before.    Then 
Colman  went  to  Cell  Bee,  where  he  had  again  great  welcome  and  food. 
And  neither  the  Ui  Gusan  nor  the  Ui  Thigernan  are  obliged  to  provision 
the  King  of  Meath  in  Cro-inis,  but  only  in  Ruba  Conaill ;  nor  yet 
should  troops  be  billeted  upon  them  in  Cro-inis,  except  what  .  .  . 
out  from  Ruba  Conaill.     And  their  free  steadings  are  more  numerous 
than  their  unfree  steadings.     And  their  winter-beef  or  their  lenten 
food  should  not  be  consumed  in  any  other  place  than  Ruba  Conaill. 
And  the  chief  of  the  Ui  Gusan  is  entitled  to  the  tax  of  the  strangers 
in  the  tribe,  and  half  the  tax  of  tribesmen  from  the  King  of  Meath. 
The  coarb  of  Colman,  however,  is  entitled  to  a  horse  and  dress  from 
every  king  who  takes  the  kingship  of  Ui  Thigernain  always,  and  to  a 
seat  by  his  side.     Unless  he  give  that  to  him  he  shall  decay  or  die 
early. 

63.  Now  at  a  certain  time  Ethgen  son  of  Tigernan,  son  of  Aed 
Slane,  son  of  Diurmait,  son  of  Cerball,  son  of  Fergus,  son  of  Conall 
Cremthainne,  son  of  Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages,  came  to  him  and 

TODD   LECTUKK   SEUIES,   VOL.    XVII.  F 


66  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN. 

brath  7  a  ingen  chuici  do  leigiud  lais  .i.  Ronat  in  gen  Wngcin.  7  isi  fil 
hi  cill  U  Muca  tis  7  la  Colman  hi  sein  o  griun  co  nem  7  a  cendaiAl 
degree  7  miach  cech  arba  eisti  isin  cargus  enw'ff  cecha  bliadna.  7  tlobert 
immurgu  Colmdn  do-sem  bale  cech  meic  dia  maccaib  ar  manchine  co 
5  brath.  7  isbert  Colman  :  '  Anti  di'b  so  impobas  oram-sae,  ni  biu  uaid 
nech  a  rigi  a  tudithe  co  brath  7  iifrind  is  gardius  soegail  do.'  Isbert 
Colmdn  beus :  '  If  I  raib  uaid  acht  cairem1  7  cirmaire  no  nech  bed 
fiu  lad.' 


64.  [A]raile  fecht  dawo  luid  rechtaire  Ua  nAirmedaig2  .i.  Maelodrain 
10  mac  Faillein  esiein  7  slechtais  do  Cholman  mac  Luachain  7  dobered 
almsana  imda  bid  7  etaig  do  7  ba  hole  la  Conall  sin  7  ro  cumrig 
Mselodrac  triitt-sin.  0  rochuala  immurgu  Colman  mac  Luachain  sin. 
luid  tri  nru  dec  dia  chuinchid.  7  o  ranicc  Port  na  hlndsi,  asbert 
Conall  na<?A  bertha  ethar  chuigci  etir  iniach  7  isbert  Colman :  '  Comtren 
is  an  Coimdiu  for  us0»'  7  for  talmain  7  mad  tol  lais  ar  mbadud-ne  is  cet 
linne  a  c[h]et  -som.  7  bennachais  Colman  an  loch  7  buaili*  reme  he 
cona  bachaill  7  andarleo  ba  ceo  solusta  he  7  lotar  cosaib  tirma  inund 
.i.  amail  dochuaid  Maoisi  mac  Amrae  tria  Muir  Ruaid  7  a  p[h]opul 
ana  diaid. 


20  65.  0  atciias  immurgu  do  Chonall  annisin,  asbert  fria  muindtir : 
(  Cid  be  uaib  erges  na  Colman  athrigf rti'^t/^r  asa  feranii  7  ni  faigbe 
(fo.  84M)  aninatt-sin  co  brath.'  6  rosiacht  Colman  immurgu  astech, 
roerig  Flann  mac  Onchon  meic  Saran  .iii.  fir  dec  ale,  acht  nama  dalta 
Flaind,  ni  erracht  side  rempu  ettr.  Conid  and  asbert  Colman  meth 

25  for  dalta  Ua  Flaind.  mane  bett  fo  screpul  6ir  do-aide  each  dalta  ar 
chena.  7  ispert  immurgu  Colman  na  ronda-sa  sis : 


'  Fland  mac  Onchon        dam-sa  is  cara, 
bias  an  buga        as  ni  raga. 

cam-em  MS.  -  nahairmedaig  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    67 

granted  him  service  till  Doom ;  and  he  brought  his  daughter  to  read 
with  him,  even  Ronat  daughter  of  Ethgen.  It  is  she  who  lies  buried 
in  the  church  of  Ui  Muca  below,  and  it  belongs  to  Colman  from 
ground  to  sky,  and  his  is  the  headship  always.  And  every  year  a 
bushel  of  every  kind  of  corn  from  it  at  lent  in  the  spring.  And  in 
consideration  of  [this]  service  Colman  gave  him  a  steading  for  every 
one  of  his  sons  till  Doom.  And  Colman  said :  '  Any  one  of  them  who 
shall  turn  on  me,  he  shall  have  no  issue  to  be  kings  of  his  tribe  till 
Doom,  and  hell  and  shortness  of  life  to  him ! '  Colman  said  further  : 

*  May  none  spring  from  him  but  shoe-makers  and  comb-makers,  or 
people  of  that  kind ! ' 

64.  At  a  certain  time  again  the  steward  of  the  Ui  Airmedaig, 
Haelodran  son  of  Faillen,  went  and  prostrated  himself  to  Colman  son 
of  Luachan ;  and  he  would  bring  him  many  alms  of  food  and  dress. 
And  Conall  was  angry  thereat  and  put  Maelodran  in  fetters  for  it. 
However,  when  Colraan  heard  that,  he  went  with  thirteen  men  to  seek 
him.     And  when  he  had  come  to  Port  na  hlnse,  Conall  said  that  no 
boat  should  be  brought  out  to  him.    And  Colman  said :  *  The  Lord 
is  equally  powerful  upon  water  and  land,  and  if  He  wills  that  we  be 
drowned,  His  will  is  our  will.*    And  Colman  blessed  the  lake  and 
struck  it  before  him  with  his  staff.     And  it  seemed  to  them  that  it 
was  shining  mist,  and  they  went  across  with  dry  feet  as  Moses  the  son 
of  Amram  went  through  the  Red  Sea  with  his  people  behind  him. 

65.  However,  when  Conall  was  told  this  he  said  to  his  people : 

*  Whoever  of  you  rises  before  Colman  will  be  expelled1  out  of  the 
land,  nor  shall  he  get  that  place*  till  Doom.7     But  when  Colman 
came  into  the  house  Flann  son  of  Onchu,  son  of  Saran,  rose  up  with 
thirteen  other  men,  all  except  only  Flann' s  foster-son  who  did  not 
rise  up  before  them3  at  all.     Then  Colman  pronounced  [sentence  of] 
decay  upon  the  foster-sons  of  Flann' s  descendants,  unless  every  foster- 
son  would  pay  him  his  scruple  of   gold.     And  Colman  spoke  the 
following  quatrains : 

•  Flann  son  of  Onchu  is  my  friend, 
the  flavour  of  the  hyacinth  shall  never  go  out  of  him. 


Literally  <  unkinged,  dethroned.'  M.e.  the  kingship. 

3  before  Colman  and  his  company. 
F2 


68  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN. 

Lann  na  ferann        nach  farm  fuidhell, 
na  caw  Conall         air  ni  cuirenn. 

An  1m  d'  feraib         atracht  remonn 
bett  hi  ferann         ua[d]  iar  Conall. 

Tri  fir  deac        trial[l]ais  tromsnim, 

grain  ce[i]tt  chomla[i]n         fair  fan  com  1  in. 

Buaid  na  fagla         ort  tria  chaiti, 
ni  bia  ruici1        no  egc  aigci. 

M  taet  raindi        breth  mo  raind-si, 
10  ecc  fom  c[_h]oim-si         duit,  a  Flainn-si.'     Fland. 


66.  Bendachflts  he  amlaid-sin  7  isbert :  *  Fer  lept[h]a  rig  uait  co 
brath  ondfu  immach.'  Rochuinig  larum  Colman  mac  Luaehain 
Mselodran  a  geimel  do  7  feimdhidh  6  Chonall,  Isbert  immurgu 
Colmaii :  *  An  bale  i  mbeo-sa  im  larmergi  indnocht,  is  ann  bias 

15  Mselodran.'  'Nf  ba  briathar  c[h]leirig  sein,'  ar  Conall.  Bruid 
iarum  Maelodran  a  slabradha  an  aidchi-sin  7  eldid  co  Laind.  Tanicc 
immurgu  Conall  larnabdrach  'na  dfaid  co  Laind  7  atpert :  *  Tabair 
dam  mo  chimid,  a  Cholmdin!'  t  Ragaid  duit  aire  cetus,'  ar  Colman, 
'rfgi  hErend  duit  fein  7  dot  chiniud  co  brath.1  *  Ni  glic  sin,'  ar 

20  Conall.  '  Cia  ele  gebus  rigi  hErenn  acht  mo  chined-si  ? '  '  Ragaid 
nem  duit  fein/  ar  Colmdn,  *  7  nem  d'  fir  t'inaid  co  brath/  *  Ac,'  ar 
Conall,  *  saeilim  nem  cena.'  '  Tabair  dam-sa  7  d'  fir  mo  chineoil  nem,' 
ar  an  cimid,  '  7  is  ceatt  (fo.  84^2)  learn  mo  marbad.'  '  Mad  ferr  lat 
elud  ass  sldn,'  ar  Colmdn,  *  ragha  7  ni  chumgabat  renna  ni  duit/ 

25  Ac,'  ar  Maelodran.  '  Tabair  do  c[h~]enn  fom  choim,'  ar  Colmdn. 
tuc-som  amlaid  7  rofaillsigit  do  iarum  uile  fochraici  nemi  7 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    69 

*  Lann  of  the  lands,  no  feeble  remnant, 
what  Conall  utters  does  not  disturb  it. 

The  number  of  men  who  rose  up  before  us 

shall  reign1  of  his  descendants2  in  the  land  after  Conall. 

Thirteen  men  who  dared  heavy  trouble, — 

the  terror  of  a  full  hundred  upon  him  with  that  number.8 

Triumph  of  the  spoil  upon  thee  through  .  .  . 
neither  shame  nor  death  shall  be  his. 

The  judgment  of  my  verse  does  not  come  against  us, 
thou  shalt  die  under  my  cloak,  0  Flann.' 

66.  Thus  he  blessed  him  and  said  :  «  A  king's  bed-fellow*  shall 
spring  from  thee  from  to-day  till  Doom.'  Then  Colman  demanded 
Maelodran  to  be  released  for  him,  but  did  not  obtain  it  from  Conall. 
However,  Colman  said :  '  Wherever  I  shall  be  at  nocturns  to-night, 
there  Maelodran  will  be.'  '  That  is  not  the  word  of  a  cleric,'  sai 
Conall.  That  night  Maelodran  breaks  his  chains  and  escapes  to 
Lann.  However,  on  the  morrow  Conall  came  after  him  to  Lann  and 
said :  '  Give  me  my  prisoner,  Colman ! '  '  Thou  shalt  have  instead  of 
him  the  Kingship  of  Ireland  for  thyself  and  for  thy  offspring^  till 
Doom,'  said  Colman.  '  That  is  not  sensible,'  said  Conall.  *  Who 
else  shall  hold  the  Kingship  of  Ireland  but  my  offspring  ?  '  '  Thou 
shalt  have  heaven  for  thyself,'  said  Colman,  '  and  heaven  to  thy 
successors  till  Doom.'  *  No,'  said  Conall,  'I  am  looking  forward  to 
heaven  as  it  is.'  '  Grant  heaven  to  me  and  to  each  representative  of 
my  descendants,'5  said  the  prisoner,  '  and  I  submit  to  being  killed.' 
'  If  thou  prefer  to  escape  safe,'  said  Colman,  'thou  shalt  go,  and 
spears  will  not  be  able  to  do  aught  to  thee.'  'No,'  said  Maelodran.' 
'  Put  thy  head  under  my  cloak ! '  said  Colman.  And  he  put  it  there, 

1  Literally,  '  be.'  a  Literally,  '  from  him.' 

3  i.e.  Flann  and  the  thirteen  shall  strike  terror  into  the  enemy  as  if  they  were 
a  hundred. 

*  To  share  the  same  hed  with  the  king  was  a  great  honour.  So  Stevenson 
makes  a  servant  say  in  Catriona:  'I  think  Prestongrange  is  gane  gyte.  He'll 
have  James  More  in  bed  with  him  next.' 

3  Literally,  *  to  the  man  of  my  race.' 


70  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN. 

atconnairc  Colman  mac  Luachain  ar  a  chind  tall  ic  faoilti  fris,  conid 
de  ispert  Maelodran : 

67.    '  Atclilu-sa '  ar  an  cuimrechtaig,         '  gmm  is  amrai  lib, 
in  Colman  fil  acaib-si         ar  mo  chind-sa  ar  nim. 

Mocholmocc  an  t-ordnit[h]i         co  n-imatt  a  raith, 
mmt[h]a  a  decbmad  d'  iudisin         neck  cloni  do  maith. 

As  uasal  a  c[b]umacbta,         forragart  mor  salm 
fri  bindarba  plag^-tedmaun,         iri  tatbbeoud  marb. 

A  chrabud3,  a  umaloitt         cia  radim  nach  sel, 
is  Ian  d'  orttan,  amra  sin,         6  t[b]alam  co  nem. 


Dia  taethstid  iiem  for  an  lar         co  na  dlrp  (?)  a  run, 
nfemCliolinan         'na  sosad  for  cul. 


Diama[d]  lem  uile  an  bitb  ce         cona  rigi  inniu, 
nosrirftnd  ar  imcliisin         ina  flatba  atc[h]i'u.'     A. 

15  68.  Romarbad  Tarum  Ma3lodran  a  ndorus  relgci  Colman  meic 
Luacbain,  conid  be  cetna  marb  roadnacbt  ac  Laind.  Rofergcaidbi 
\mmurgu  Colman  hi  cinaid  a  saraight[h]i  7  dorat  a  agaid  suass  cecb 
di'recb  fri  muindtir  neime  7  atpert  far  cein  moir  co  toirsi  7  co  n-allus 
de  :  '  Diamad  cbett  la  mac  na  hingeine,  is  cet  lem-sa  in  inis  ut  asa 

20  tancais  dom  sarugud  do  dol  for.  locb  co  brath.  A  eicb  immurgu  7  a 
t^arpait  buada,  is  cett  doibsiw  talam  dia  slucud  cecb  airm  hi  filett.'  7 
doronad  amlaid-sin  foc[b]etoir. 

69.  Luid  \mmurgu  Conall  larnabarach  do  marbad  Colmain  meic 
Luacbain  a  cinaid  a  muindtiri.  Rofoillsiged  tra  sin  do  Cbolman  7 
25  atf  ett  f  ria  muindtir3  :  4  Saer-sa  '  ar  latt-sin,  *  sinne  fair,  ar  at  tuailgne 
tii  sin  do  denam.'  Senaid  larum  Colmdn  an  ser  7  tigc  c^o. 
(fo.  8501)  Senaid  larum  Colman  an  ser  7  tigc  ceo*  ann  larsin 
do  nim  7  doluid  an  ri  for  merugud  o  Loch  Aindind  co  Tech  Natfraeicb  i 
mBreghapb].  Andarleis  is  do  Laind  tanigc  7  andarl^o  dano  ba  h6 

1  plad  MS.  2  cradbwrf  MS.  3  mnindter  MS.  4  Repeated  in  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    71 

and  then  all  the  rewards  of  heaven  were  revealed  to  him,  and  he  saw 
Colraan  son  of  Luachan  awaiting  him  yonder  and  bidding  him  welcome. 
Hence  Maelodran  said : 

67.  •  I  see,'  said  the  fettered  one — '  a  thing  most  wonderful  to 
you — this  Colman,  who  is  (here)  with  you,  awaiting  me  in  Heaven. 

Mocholmoc1  the  dignified  with  all  his  bounty, 
I  cannot  tell  a  tithe  of  all  the  good  he  does. 

Noble  is  his  power,  he  has  prescribed  many  psalms 

for  ousting  plagues  of  pestilences,  for  resuscitating  the  dead. 

His  piety,  his  humility,  though  I  speak  of  it  at  all  times — 
all  that  is  between  earth  and  heaven  is  full  of  dignity — marvellous 
that! 

If  heaven  should  fall  upon  earth  so  that  not  .  .  .  its  mystery, 
holy  Colman  would  lift  it  back  into  its  station. 

If  this  whole  world  were  mine  with  its  kingship  this  day, 
I  should  barter  it  for  beholding  the  Kingdom  I  see.' 

68.  Then  Maelodran  was  killed  in  front  of  the  cemetery  of  Colman 
son  of  Luachan,  so  that  he  is  the  first  dead  person  buried  at  Lann. 
Colman,  however,  grew  angry  on  account  of  having  been  outraged,  and 
he  lifted  his  face  straight  towards  the  heavenly  host,  and  after  a 
long  time  he  said  sadly  and  perspiring  :  '  If  the  Son  of  the  Maiden 
were  to  allow  it,  yonder  island  out  of  which  thou  hast  come  to  out 
rage  me  has  leave  to  sink  down  into  the  lake  till  Doom.     Its  horses, 
however,  and  its  victorious  chariots — the  earth  has  leave  to  swallow 
them  up  wherever  they  are.'     And  thus  it  happened  forthwith. 

69.  On  the  morrow,  however,  Conall  went  in  order  to  slay  Colman 
son  of  Luachan  in  revenge  for  his  people.     Now  that  was  revealed  to 
Colman,  and  he  tells  it  to  his  people.    *  Save  us  from  him,'  said  they, 
*  for  thou  art  able  to  do  that.'     So  Colman   blessed  the  air ;  and 
thereupon  a  mist  came  from  heaven,  and  the  king  went  wandering 
astray  from  Loch  Ennell  Lo  Tech  Nadfraich  in  Bregia.2    It  seemed  to 
him  that  he  had  come  to  Lann,  and  it  further  seemed  to  them3  that 

1  A  pet  form  of  the  name  Colmkn.        2  See  the  Annals  of  Ulster,  A.D.  634. 
4  i.e.  to  him  and  his  companions. 


72  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN. 

Loch  Aindind  an  Boann  i  mBregha[ib].  Tfmgattwr  immurgu  meic  Aeda 
Slane  an  aidehi-sin  cugci  .i.  Blathmac  7  Diarinait  7  Ceraach  Sotal  a 
thri  meic-sein.  Bias  immurgu  dib-sein  rogab  rigi  Temrach  .i. 
Blathmac/7  DIarraaitt  7  rogabsat  tech  air  7  rOmarbsat  ar  a  niuindtiri 

5  isin  tich  7  eluid  fein  im-murbatf/*  na  Bonne  7  a  ndaba/^  tucad  he  7 
b61  dabchaeie  'na  bel-si  aniias  7  rosraoined  Tatt  amach  larsin,  co  fiiair 
MselumsD  mac  Forannfiin  raeic  Aeda  Find  meic  Mane,  id  est,  manach 
Colmain  meic  Luachain  h6  7  mac  bruthar  a  seanathar  7  marb<m  he 
ac  Lis  Dochuind  a  cinaidh1  saraigt[h]i  Colmuin  imon  cimidh  .i. 

10  Mselodran,  conid  ann  asbert  Conall :  '  Cach  ri  gebus  Temrat^  am 
diaidh-si  dom  dlgrt«7-si  fort  .i.  rop  tu  elegaD  rig  Temra)  co  brath.2' 


70.  Tainigc  larum  Maeluma  co  Colman  7  tasgc  an  Bceoil  less,  feib 
doronad  uile  an  sgt'?.  Asbert  immurgu  Colman  fris-sim :  '  Buaid 
n-echta  7  aithesa  for  for  th'inaid  7  cen  a  marbad  ind  7  ni  muirfidtor 

15  nech  ele  uait  a  ndigail  Conaill  co  brfith  7  gurab  e  fer  t'inaidh  goires 
gairm  rig  Temrach  co  briith  .i.  a  menmse  fri  hErinn  6sin  amacli  7 
menmse  hErenn  friss,  acht  go  rogairt/^r  gairm  rig  de  (.i.  rigi  7 
airechus hErenn  duit,  an'.'  l  Uod^-gc  (?)  ort-sa,'  ol  an  ri  .i.  ac  tabairt 
urchair  do,  '  an  tugcais'Conall  Gutlibind  let?  '  Ocus  is  amlaid  dlegar 

20  sin :  an  ri  do  buth3  a  mbim  Cart[h]i  na  nGiall  tuass  7  an  fer  do  Hib 
Forannan  ar  &n  lie  si's  7  echlasgc  ana  laim  gan  imiadad  amail  conicfa 
(fo.  85#2)  ar  an  orchur,  acht  na  digc  din  lie  immach).  '  A  meath  no 
a  trucha  an  riggoinfes  nech  uait,  mane  tartta  a  each  7  a  erred  do  ind. 
Do  c[h]et  comlin-sa  do  esbaid  6  rig  Temrach  an  tan  cuinicfiss  ciss  no 

25  b^s  fort-sa  7  maidm  fair  in  cath  ule  a  mbi'a  nech  uait,  mad  arO  gin 
notb^ra  Ids.' 


1  cbinaidh  MS.      '-  brach  MS.       3  The  scribe  lias  inserted  an  i  between  b  and 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    78 

Loch  Ennell  was  the  Boyne  in  Bregia.  However,  that  night  the  sons 
of  Aed  Slane  came  to  him,  even  Blathmac  and  Diarmait  and  Cernach 
Sotal,  his  three  sons.  Two  of  them,  however,  had  seized  the  kingship 
of  Tara,  namely  Blathraac  and  Diarmait.  And  they  stormed  the  house 
in  which  he  was  and  wrought  a  slaughter  of  his  people  in  the  house. 
He  himself  escapes  to  the  shore  of  the  Boyne.  He  was  put  into  a  vatT 
and  the  mouth  of  another  vat  was  put  ori  the  top  of  it,  and  thereupon 
they  were  dragged  out  so  that  Maelumae  son  of  Forannan,  son  of  Aed 
Find,  son  of  Maine,  a  tenant1  of  Colman's  son  of  Luachan  and  the  son 
of  his  grandfather's  brother  found  him  and  killed  him  at  Liss  Dochuinn 
in  revenge  for  the  outrage  upon  Colman  regarding  the  prisoner 
Maelodran.  It  is  then  Conall  said  :  '  May  every  king  who  holds  Tara 
after  me  avenge  me  upon  thee,  i.e.  mayest  thou  be  one  of  the  two 
spears  (?)  of  the  King  of  Tara  till  Doom  ! ' 

70.  Then  Maelumae  came  to  Colman  with  the  report  of  the  story 
us  it  had  all  happened.  Colman,  however,  said  to  him  :  '  Triumph 
of  deeds  of  war  and  of  victory  upon  thy  successor  without  his  bein<; 
killed  in  them,2  nor  shall  any  of  thy  descendants  ever  be  slain  in 
revenge  for  Conall,  and  it  shall  be  a  successor  of  thine  who  proclaims 
the  King  of  Tara  till  Doom,  so  that  his  mind  shall  henceforth  be 
upon  Ireland  and  Ireland's  mind  upon  him,  if  only  the  king  be  pro 
claimed  by  him '  (viz.3  *  The  kingship  and  headship  of  Ireland  to 
thee,  0  king  !''...  upon  thee,'  saith  the  King  as  he  makes  a  cast 
at  him,  '  hast  thou  brought  Conall  Guthbinn  with  thee  ?  '  And  thus 
it  should  be  done,  the  king  to  be  at  the  foot  of  the  Pillar-stone  of  the 
Hostages  above,  and  the  man  of  the  Hui  Forannan  upon  the  flag-stone 
below,  an  open  hdrsewhip  in  his  hand  so  as  to  save  himself  as  best  he 
can  from  the  cast,  provided  that  he  do  not  step  forth  from  the  flag 
stone).  '  The  king  who  shall  slay  a  descendant  of  thine  shall  decay 
or  die  an  early  death,  unless  his  steed  and  his  dress  be  given  to  him 
for  it.  A  hundred  times  as  many  men  as  thou  hast  the  king  of  Tarsi 
shall  lose  when  he  shall  demand  tax  or  custom  from  thee,  and  he  shall 
be  routed  in  every  battle  in  which  one  of  thy  descendants  may  be  if 
he  carries  him  forcibly  with  him.' 


1  '  a  monk.'  2  Or,  perhaps,  «  for  them.' 

3  What  now  follows  is  a  description  of  the  ceremony  of  inaugurating  the  king 
of  Ireland. 


74  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

71.  [A]raile  fecht  dawo  luid  Colman  mac  Luachain  do  imt[h]echt 
Toiden  Moling  Luachair  7  ro  imt[h]ig  hi  7  luid  reme  as  sein  co  Ferna 
Mor  Moidogc.     Antan  iarum  Tosi&cht  an  proindtech,  is  ann  roboi  an 
fert[h]igis  marb  isin  proindtig  ar  a  ciund  .i.  Crob  Criad  a  ainm-sein. 

5  Rochunicsett  dano  desgipuil  Colmdin  meic  Luachain  assa[i]gc1  doib  7 
isbertatar:  'Ataclerech  uasal  'sa  proindtigh,'  ar  lat-sora,  7  den  tar 
assaigc  fair.'  Indistir  tra  sin  do  M6i[d]6gc  7  isb*r  M6i[d~]6gc  tria  ocla 
raoir:  '  Masa  clerech  anti  fil  ann,  duscid  fein  do  an  fert[h]igis  7 
dogena  a  asaicc.'  Roslachtt  an  fis-sin  co  Colradn  mac  Lfiacliain  7  ba 

10  n£r  laiss  ammus  amlaid  fair  7  isbert :  *  Ma  tol  le  Mac  na  hlngine 
mo  saera[d]-sa  don  ammus-sa  donicfa.'  Is  annsin  dano  boi  an  mac 
begc  i  sprouc  ina  fiadnaisi  an  c[h]uirp  7  larfaigis7  Colman  de :  '  Cia 
dochairt  fil  fort-sae,  a  maic  bice?'  *A  domna  fil  ocam,'  ar  esium, 
'  .i.  mo  athair  marb  am  fiadnaisi.'  '  Is  cett  tra  do-som  ergi  diar 

15  n-6ssaigc-ne  7  is  cuma  dawo  cid  Dochartach  t'ainm-si  fein  co  brath.' 

72.  Atfett  iarum  [a]ni-sin  do  Moi[d]6gc    7  tigc  fein  cona   ule 
mancha$  la[is]  co  n-ecla  fair  7  co  foilti  moir  dochum  Colmain  meic 
Luachain  7  slechtaitt  a  cindu  do  a  cinaid  a  saraigt[h]i  .i.  a  imdergt[h]a. 
7  ciid  M6i[d]6gc  7  a  manaig  malle  ind-sein  7  doniatt  a  n-sentaid  7  a 

20  cata.ch  aneim  7  a  talmain  .i.  (fo.  85il)  Colmdn  7  Moi[d]6gc.  7  asbert3 
M6i[d]ogc  larnabarach :  <  Maith  aile,  a  C[h]olmain  meic  Luachain, 
antf  tucc  Dia  duit  seManne  tsett  lat  fein,  ni  beram-ne  t'athiw*  ort.' 
DonltA^r  tra  amlaid-sin  7  dob^r  Colman  do  hi  fus  in  dan  cena  cetna, 
conid  latt  sin  Hui  Dochartaig  ic  Laind  .i.  Hi  Cruib  Criad  latt  ic 

25  Moi[d]ogc  .i.  a  slonnud  tess  .i.  tri  randa  dorigne  don  lind  .i.  bunad 
7  tanaisi  7  larlind  7  caw  ni  dib-sin  dia  comiadus  7  tri  randa  dou  aran 
leo-sin  .i.  cruthnecht  7  eornae  7  corcse  7  ce»  ni  dib-sin  dia  comadus, 
conid  aire-sin  isbert  Colman  fri  Dochartach  an  dii  rann-sin  sis : 

'  Fer  tri  fune,  f er  tri  sco,         ifernn  dubach  dorchae  do, 
is  buidecA  Hi  na  n-uile        do  c[h]a0A  cona  [ajonfuine. 

As  amlaid  roclechtus-sa        roind  coitchenn  am  t[h]igh, 
biad  inann  cech  aanduine        dena  dunn,  a  fir.'     Fer. 


1  kssegc  MS.  with  vel  a  above  e.         *  iarfaidia  MS.  3  dobert  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN          75 

71.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion,  ColmaiT  son  of  Luachan  went  to 
perambul  ate  the  Toidiu  of  Moling  of  Luachair.  And  he  did  perambulate 
it,  and  thence  proceeded  to  Great  Ferns  of  Maedoc.  Now  when  he  came 
to  the  refectory  he  found  on  his  arrival  the  steward  dead  in  the  refectory. 
Crob  Criad  was  his  name.  Then  the  disciples  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan 
asked  for  a  foot-washing  and  said :  '  There  is  a  noble  cleric  in  the 
refectory ;  let  his  feet  be  washed !  '*  Now  that  is  told  to  Maedoc,  who 
said  in  great  wrath :  '  If  he  who  is  here  is  a  cleric,  do  ye  yourselves  resus 
citate  the  steward  for  him,  and  he  shall  wash  his  feet.'  The  news  of 
that  reached  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  who  was  ashamed  that  lie  should 
be  attacked  like  this,  and  he  said  :  '  If  it  please  the  Son  of  the  Virgin 
to  save  me  from  this  attack,  he  shall  come  to  us.'  Now  a  little  boy  was  in 
grief  by  the  side  of  the  corpse,  and  Colman  asked  him  :  '  What  trouble 
(dochairt)  is  on  thee,  little  boy? '  '  I  have  good  cause  for  it,'  said  he, 
1  for  my  father  is  dead  here  before  me.'  '  He  has  leave  to  rise  to  wash 
our  feet ;  and  I  care  not  if  thine  own  name  henceforth  be  Dochartach.' 

72.  Now  Maedoc  is  told  of  that,  and  he  comes  himself  with  all 
his  monks  in  fear  and  great  joy  towards  Colman  son  of  Luachan, 
and  they  prostrate  themselves  before  him  so  that  their  heads  touch 
the  ground,  an  account  of  the  outrage  done  to  him,  viz.  that  he 
should  have  been  made  to  blush.  Ajid  Maedoc  and  his  monks  with 
him  weep  for  it,  and  they  make  their  union  and  their  covenant  in 
heaven  and  on  earth,  even  Colman  and  Maedoc.  And  on  the  morrow 
Maedoc  said:  *  "Well  now,  Colman  son 'of  Luachan,  he  whom  God 
has  given  to  thee  rather  than  to  us  shall  go  with  thee  ;  we  shall  not 
deprive  thee  of  thy  triumph.'  Thus  then  it  is  done ;  and  Colman 
gives  him  the  same  office  here,  so  that  these  are  the  Ui  Dochartaig 
at  Lann,  vix.  they  are  the  descendants  of  Crob  Criad  with  Maedoc, 
viz,  that  is  their  surname  in  the  south.  He  made  three  divisions  of  the 
drink,  viz.  a  first,  a  second,  and  an  after-drink,  without  any  of  them 
being  fit  for  them,  and  three  divisions  of  the  bread,  viz.  wheat  and 
barley  and  oats,  though  none  of  them  was  fit  for  them.  It  is 
therefore  Colman  spoke  these  two  quatrains  to  Dochartach : — 

'  Man  of  three  bakings,  man  of  three  brewings,  gloomy  dark  hell  to 
him :  the  King  of  the  universe  is  grateful  to  each  one  with  his  one 
baking.' 

'  'Tis  thus  I  have  practised  a  common  division  in  my  house  :  the 
same  food  for  every  one  make  thou  for  us,  my  man.' 


76  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtlACHAIN 

73.  [Ajraile  fechtt  dano  rofiarfa^r  Murchad  raac  Airmedaig1  meic 
Conaill  Guthbind  dia  anmcharaitt  .i.  do  chrumthir2  Casaw  Domnaig 
Moir :  '  Cia  rdott  beres  n'gi  Temrach  7  hErenn  6  cblaind  Colmain 
Moir  meic  Di'armatta  indosin,  a  e[h]lerig  ? '  ar  se.  '  Cid  on,  a  mate/ 

5  ar  an  cruimtAtr  ce'faa,  '  nach  fetw-sa.'  '  Nat  fetur-sa  immurgu,'  ar 
Murchad  .i.  an  gein  bes  ullidu  escaine  Colmain  meic  Luachain  hi 
lenmaw  elainni  Conaill  Guthbind  ni  biatthi  rfgi  Temrach.'  *  An  fil  a 
tuict[h]i  dunne  cobair  desin,^  a  c[h]leirig  ? '  ar  Murchad.  '  Ata  co 
demin,'  ar  CruimtAtr  Casan,  '.i.  dia  nderna  sib  sid  fri  Colmdn  mac 

10  Luachain.'  *  Caidhi  an  sid  hi-sin  ? '  ar  Murchad.  *  A  liar  fein  do 
Cholman,'  ar  CruimtA»r,  Tanicc  iarum  Murchad  co  Colmdn  7 
slechtaidh  do  7  trosgci[d]  lais  teora  laithe  7  .iii.  aidchi  7  bennachaidh A 
Colman  he  7  a  mac  .i.  Domnall  mac  Murchada  meic  Diarmata  meic 
Airmedaigh  meic  C[h]onaill  Guthbind  meic  Suibne  meic  Colmain 

15  Moir  meic  Diarmatta  Deirg  meic  Fergusa  Cerbeoil  meic  Cremtfottt* 
meic  Neill  Noigiallaig.  7  conid  triasin  mbennachtain-sin  Colmdin 
rogab  Domnall  rigi  Temrach.  (fo.  85i2)  7  dobert  seiw  \mmurgu  do 
Cholman  fulled  criichi  7  feroinn  7  seeire  co  brath4  diamuindtir  et/rna 
cell[a]  hi  fus  cona  muindtir  7  a  cella  a  nUib  Forannan  cona  rnuinfltir 

20  .i.  secht  [m]bale  .x.  7  na  tii  cella  fil  indtib  a  sseire  co  brath  do 
Cholman. 


74.  ISsiatt  so  bailedha  tugc  Domnall  ifus  do  Cholman  .i.  Ros 
Dullemi  7  Ard  Cain  7  Kat[h]in  na  Brechmaigi  7  Les  an  Pobw'Z  7 
Eaith  Drogcan  7  Dun  Senchacla  7  Ard  Nessan  7  Les  Conm  7  Eaithm 

25  na  Gabann  cona  Ard  Mucada  leis  7  Less  Glindi  7  Raith  Donnchrtrfa 
7  Ard  Mor  7  Lethc[h]luain  7  Ross  Omna  7  Less  na  hTJama  ic  Cluain 
Gilli  Finain  7  Less  na  Moga  cona  Tulaig  an  Oiss  7  Kathm  in  Pupu[i]ll 
ria  andi'u  7  Bale  Asidta  7  a  saeiri  sin  co  brath  .i.  secht  mbale  .x.  sin, 
amail  tugc  Conall  Guthbind  secht  inbale  .x.  do-som.  Ferann  immurgu 

30  brathar  a  athar-som  .i.  Ratli  Leacett  7  Cluain  Gamna  7  Senraith  Leis 
an  Daire,  Conall  Guthbind  fein  tugc  iatt-sein  do  Cholman. 


75.  [A]raile  fechtt  dawo  tanicc  Colmdn  mac  Luachain  7  Maeltule 
1  ardmedhaig  MS.          2  crumtir  MS.  3  bennachaigh  MS.          4  hrach  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    77 

73.  On  a  certain  occasion   Murchad   son  of   Airmedach,   son  of 
Conall  Guthbinn,  asked  his  soulfriend  Cassan  the  priest  of  Domnach 
Mor :   '  What  is  it  that  deprives  the  offspring  of  Colon  an  the  Great 
son  of  Diarmait  of  the  Kingship  of"  Tara  and  of  Ireland,  0  cleric  ?  ' 
saith  he.     *  How  is  it,  0  son,*  said  the  same  priest,   '  that  thou  dost 
not  know  it  ? '  *  However,  I  do  not  know  it,'  said  Murchad.  '  So  long 
as  the  curse  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  clings  to  the  race  of  Conall 
Guthbinn,  they  shall  not  be  in  the  Kingship  of  Tara.'     '  Is  there 
a  help  in  store  for  us  out  of  this,  0  cleric  ?  '  said  Murchad.     '  There 
is  indeed,'  said  Cassan  the  priest,   '  if  thou  make  peace  with  Colman 
son  of  Luachan.'    '  What  would  that  peace  be  ?  '  said  Murchad.     '  To 
do  Colman' s  will,'  said  the  priest.     So  Murchad  came  to  Colman  and 
prostrates  himself  before  him,  and  at  his  behest  fasts  three  days  and 
three  nights.     And  Colman  blesses  him  and  his  son,  even  Domnall 
son  of  Murchad,  son  of  Diarmait,  son  of  Airmedach,  son  of  Conall 
Guthbinn,  son  of  Suibne,  son  of  Colman  the  Great,  son  of  Diarmait 
the  Bed,  son  of  Fergus  Wry-mouth,  son  of  Crimthann,  son  of  Niall 
of  the  Nine  Hostages.     And    through   that  blessing   of   Colman' s 
Domnall  obtained  the  Kingship  of  Tara.     And  he  gave  to  Colman 
increase  of  territory  and  land  and  freedom  till  Doom  to  his  monks, 
both  for  the  churches  here  with  their  monks  and  for  his  churches  in 
Ui  Forannain  with  their  monks,  i.e.  seventeen  steadings  and  the  three 
churches  that  are  in  them  to  be  ever  free  for  Colman. 

74.  These  are  the  steadings  which  Domnall  gave  to  Colman  here, 
viz.  Ros  Dullenn  and  Ard  Cain  and  Raithin  na  Brechmaige  and  Les 
an  Phobuil  and  Baith  Drocan  and  Dun  Senchada  and  Ard  Nessan  and 
Les  Conin  and  Raithin  na  Gabann  with  Ard  Mucada  and  Les  Glinne 
and  Raith  Donnchada  and  Ard  Mor  and  Lethchluain  and  Ros  Omna 
and  Les  na  Huama  at  Cluain  Gilla  Finain  and  Les  na  Moga  with 
Tulach  an  Oiss  and  Raithin  an  Phupaill  is  its  name  to-day  and  Baile 
Asidta — and  these  to  be  free  till  Doom.  Seventeen  steadings  they 
are,  just  as  Conall  Guthbinn  gave  him  seventeen  steadings.  However, 
the  land  of  his  father's  brother,  viz.  Raith  Lechet  and  Cluain  Gamna 
and  Senraith  Lis  an  Daire,  these  Conall  Guthbinn  himself  gave  to 
Colman. 

75.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion  Colman  son  of  Luachan  and 


78  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

7  Ua  Suanaig  o  C[h]luain  Iraird.  Gabaid  adaig  forra  ic  llaith  Co- 
semnaig  7  ni  roleigcitt  indti  co  mattain.  Tfdnigc  immurgu  ben 
Cosemnaig  cucu  iarnabarach  7  messair  lomma  aici,  conid  de  iabert : 
'  Ni  raga  tar  mesair  co  brath  loim  fir  na  ratha-sa.'  Asberatt  na 
5  cleirig  an  laeid-sea.  Ua  Suanaig  dixit  .i.  Fidmuine  a  ainm  batside  : 

*  Fagcbaim  '  ar  Fidmuine  find,         '  miscid  do  re[i]r  Big  na  rinn 
for  Coisemnach,  comal  nglan,         cona  secht  brathnj#  .  ,  .* 

Maeltuile  dixit  an  rand-so  tiss : 
'  Ni  ro-atrebatt  an  rath        a  chomarbai2  co  ti  brath, 

10  artrop  [*itf]  na  sruithe  sean,  a  Christ  caid,  rocomoltar.' 

[Colman  dixit :] 

'  Mo  mallacht-sa  co  ti  brath  for  Cosemnach  cona  rath, 

for  a  ehla«>Mf,  clu  adcanar,  ce[i]n  bes  neam  ocu%  talam.' 

La  Colmdn  osin  alle  fognam  an  bale-sin,  ar  is  fass  6  c[h]on  arb<n7> 
is  fein  hi  mawa  tarttatt  a  re[i]r  do  Cholman  do  ^hriich  7  manchine  co 
brath. 

76.  (fo.  8601)  [A]raile  fecht  da/w  lottar  na  tri  Colmain  Midhi  do 
indsaigi[d]  Romae  Letha.     Dolottar  tra  sluag  diairme  leo  ar  febus  na 
cuidechtae.     0  rangcatar  tra  co  Sllab  nElpa  atcess  doib  annsin  mur 
20  na  Romse.     Conid  ann  isb*rt[atar]  an  duchann-so  sis  : 

Colmdn  Ela  :  *  Atlaigmitt  do  Rig  na  rend       isi  sutt  Rom,  an  rochell, 

doronsam  rogha  cennaig         mad  indiu  inarnerwaig.' 
Colman  Comraire  :  '  Is  becc  saethar  donti  tigc,       f ogeb  trocaire  treimit, 
is  cennsa  do  Christ  cin  chrad         nem  do  t[h]abairt  ar 
25  beccan.' 

Mac  Luachain :  *  Fogebatt  cendsa  'ga  tigh         lucht  larthair  an  dom 
ain  dil, 

dia  n-arberat  bith  cen  ceilgc,         cen  braitt,  cen  gaitt, 

cen  gnathfe[i]rgc. 

30  Colman  Ela :  '  Gen  fingail,  cen  dimus  dron,         cen  craes,  cen  saint, 

cen  etrad, 

cen  torsi,  cen  tsnim,  cen  moitt,         acht  tairisim   'sin 

Trinoitt.' 

1  brathw.  MB.  -  comarbaib  MS 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    79 

Maeltuile  and  Ua  Suanaig  came  from  Clonard.  Night  overtakes 
them  at  Raith  Cosemnaig  and  they  are  not  let  in  till  morning.  Then 
on  the  morrow  Cosemnach's  wife  came  to  them  with  a  jug  of  milk, 
whence  is  tlie  saying  'The  draught  of  milk  of  the  owner  of  this 
fortress  shall  never  exceed  the  measure  of  a  jug.'  The  clerics  utter 
the  following  lay.  Ua  Suanaig  said  (Fidmuine  was  his  baptismal 
name) : 

'By  the  will  of  the  King  of  stars,'  said  blessed  Fidmuine,  '  Heave 
hatred  upon  Coiseinnach — a  bright  union — with  his  seven  brothers.' 

Maeltuile  spoke  this  quatrain  below : 

'•  May  his  successors  never  dwell  in  this  fortress  till  Doom  !  .   .  . 
0  holy  Christ,  may  it  be  fulfilled  ! ' 

[Colman  said :] 

'  My  curse  till  Doom  upon  Coiseinnach  with  his  fortress,  upon  his 
offspring — a  report  that  goes  forth  in  song1 — so  long  as  heaven  and 
earth  exist.' 

Henceforth  the  service  of  that  steading  belongs  to  Colman,  for  it 
is  empty  of  its  own  inheritors  unless  they  do  Column's  will  in  serving 
his  monastery. 

76.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion  the  three  Colman s  of  Meath  set 
out  to  go  to  Rome  of  Latium.  Then  an  innumerable  host  came  with 
them  on  account  of  the  excellence  of  the  company.  Now  when  thev 
had  come  to  the  Alps  the  wall  of  Rome  appeared  to  them  there.  So 
then  they  spoke  the  following  poem  :  — 

Colman  Elo :  '  We  give  thanks  to  the  King  of  stars ;  yonder  is 
Rome,  the  great  church ;  we  have  made  a  choice  bargain,  if  it  is 
to-day  .  .  .' 

Colman  Comraire  :  *  Small  is  the  toil  to  him  who  comes,  he  obtains 
mercy  through  it;  'tis  mercy  in  Christ  without  torture  to  grant 
Heaven  for  a  small  matter.' 

Mac  Luachain  :  '  The  people  of  the  west  of  the  loved  world  shall 
obtain  mercy  in  His  house,  if  they  spend  their  lives  without  guile, 
without  spoil,  without  theft,  without  constant  wrath/ 

Colman  Elo :  '  Without  parricide,  without  harsh  overbearing,  with 
out  gluttony,  without  greed,  without  lust,  without  sadness,  without 
trouble,  without  desire,  but  firmly  rooted  in  the  Trinity.' 

1  Literally,  •  that  is  sung  again.' 


80  BETHA  COLMA1N  MAIC  LUACHAlN 

Colman  Ela  :   '  Moitti  fochraic  cech  duine       ar  an  talmain  donnbuide, 
is  ferrdi  a  hanoir  cen  ail         trosgctoZ  for  lecaib  Peattair.' 

MaeLuachain  :   *  Ni  rag-sa  o  Roim  as  nach  mud         co  ndernar  trichait 

trosgcud, 

5  ar  nem  dam  f  ein,  fath  cen  cneit,         is  do  each  aen  biass 

im  religc.' 

Colman  Ela :  *  Uir  Pettair  is  Poil  lar  sin         ocus  uir  lept[h]a  Grigair, 
berthair  sin  co  deimin  lind        ina  herib  co  hEirind.' 

.Mac  Luachain  :   '  Doruach[t]amar  slan  ille       cen  tedm,  cen  egc  acn- 
10  duine, 

moc[h]en  fechtsa  in  t-egc  cen  on,     .    is  do  Christ  a 

altugud.'  At. 

77.  Doronsatt  iarum  fon  cummae-sin  7  dor5nsatt  co  fuaratar  cadus 
mor  7  anoir  ic  Roim  na  tri  Colmain  7  dorattad  andsin  forru  an  teist 

15  moir  tugc  Colum  Cille  fechtt  n-aill  for  na  tri  Colmanu  isin  mordail 
Droma  Ceata.  7  robatar  .xl.  14a  7  aidchi  na  tri  Colmain  'sin  Ruaim 
lar  sin  7  rotinolsatt  leo  uir  lept[h]a  Petatr  7  uir  leptLh]a  cech  apstctil 
ele  7  cech  ardnasim  fii  isin  Roim  dochum  hErend.  Tancatar  Iarum 
dochum  hErenn  doridhisi  co  port  Duiblin[n]e.  larnabdrach  irnmurgu 

20  luid  Colman  Ela  7  Colman  Comraire  co  Lathrach  mBriuin.  Luid 
immurgu  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Glais  Naeiden  do  chobligi1  for 
lepthaid2  Mobi  Clarenaig.  0  rosiachtt  \mmurgu  Colman  mac  Luachain 
hi  pronntech  Mobi,  luid  chuigci  in  (fo.  86a2)  fert[h]igis,  id  est 
Cromm  Deroil,  7  ferais  fasilti  friss*  7  isbert  ann  so  siss.  Ni  tucsatt 

25  imargo  na  manaig  aichue  for  Colman  mac  Luachain  7  tug-soni,  ut 
dixit : 

78 :  *  Hochin  gustanig  na  tech         an  t-6gc  uasal  ailithrech, 
Colman  Lainne,  glan  a  li,         cenn  cunga  Colww  Cille. 

IB  anbail  a  nert  ar  neim,         is  cleirech  'gatdtt  cleirig, 
so  bid  caid,  bid  comdid4  caidchi      an  c[h]eall  a  mbia  senaidche. 

Iss  e  sea  an  ires  Colman  coir     do  chlainn  Colmain  Midhi  moir, 
cuincsett  a  n-aenta  armt[h]a       naoim  hfirenn  a  nDruimm 

Ceatae. 

1  coblidhi  MS.  -  leppa  MS.  a  frtus  MS.  *  leg.  comtig. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    81 

Colman  Comraire :  '  The  greater  is  the  reward  of  everyone  upon 
the  dun  yellow  earth  ;  his  blameless  honour  is  all  the  better  for  fasting 
upon  the  flag-stones  of  Peter's  tomb.' 

Moc  Luachain :  *  I  shall  not  depart  from  Rome  on  any  condition 
until  I  perform  thirty  fasts,  that  I  may  obtain  Heaven  for  myself 
—cause  without  a  groan— and  for  everyone  who  shall  be  in  my 
cemetery. ' 

Colman  Elo  :  '  After  that  the  soil  of  Peter's  and  Paul's  tombs  and 
the  soil  of  Gregory's  grave  shall  be  carried  by  us  verily  in  loads  to 
Ireland/ 

Mac  Luachain  :  '  We  have  come  hither  safely  without  pestilence, 
without  the  death  of  a  single  man;  welcome  now  death  without 
blemish,  to  Christ  our  thanks  for  it  are  due.' 

77.  In  that  wise  then  they  acted  so  that  the  three  Colin ans  found 
great  respect  and  honour  at  Rome.  And  there  the  great  testimony 
was  pronounced  of  them  which  Colum  Cille  had  pronounced  on  a 
certain  occasion  of  the  three  Colman s  at  the  great  gathering  of 
Drum  Cet.1  And  thereupon  the  three  Colmans  were  forty  days  and 
nights  in  Rome.  And  they  collected  the  soil  of  Peter's  tomb  and  of 
the  tomb  of  every  other  apostle  and  of  every  great  saint  that  is  in 
Rome,  and  took  it  with  them  to  Ireland.  So  they  came  back  to 
Ireland  to  the  port  of  Dublin.  On  the  morrow,  however,  Colman 
Elo  and  Colman  Comraire  went  to  Lathrach  Briuin. .  Colman  son  of 
Luachan,  however,  went  to  Glasnevin  to  sleep  upon  the  tomb  of  Mobi 
the  Board-faced.  Now  when  Colman  son  of  Luachan  had  come  into 
Mobi's  refectory,  the  steward  came  to  him,  even  Crom  Deroil  and  bade 
him  welcome  and  spoke  as  follows.  (However,  the  monks  did  not 
recognize  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  but  he  did,  ut  dixit:} 

78.  *  Hail  to  him  into  whose  house  he  has  come,  the  noble  young 
pilgrim,  Colman  of  Lann  of  pure  splendour,  the  head  of  Colum 
Cille's  yoke.' 

His  strength  is  vast  in  Heaven,  a  cleric  he  is  with  whom  are 
clerics ;  the  church  in  which  he  will  be  a  single  night  will  be  holy, 
will  be  frequented  ever. 

He  is  one  of  the  three  just  Colmans  «f  the  race  of  great  Colman 
of  Meath  ;  all  the  saints  of  Ireland  at  Drum  Cet  besought  their  union. 

1  See  above,  §  52. 

TODD    LECTURE    SERIES,    VOL,.    XVII.  G 


82  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtlACHAIN 

Faifid  a  lepaid  Mobi,         gebaid  patir  lind  fo  thri, 

i  nGlais  Naeiden,  nertad  nglic,         mochin  donti  gustainigc.' 

Mo.  c. 
79.  Laigid  iarum  Colman  mac  Luachain  an1  aidchi-sin  for  lepaid 

5  Mobi  Clarenig2.  Bennach^m  imwrgco  Colman  mac  Luachain  an  cill 
uile  Tarnabarach  7  facgbfles  buaidh  n-erlabra  don  fert[h]igis  7  cen 
daim  fa  dimda  uad  co  brath3.  Tigc  iarum  Colman  mac  Luachain 
assein  co  Lathrach  Briuin  dochum  na  Colman  [n-]ele  7  luidsitt  as  sein 
dochum  Finden,  ar  ba  haitti  doib-sim  e-seiw,  co  cenn  tri  mbll&dan 

10  iccori  croiss  5n  tempw/  fotuaid.  Lottar  dawo  asein  co  Miliuc  7  luid 
assein  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Droind  Fseichnigh  7  foillsighUw*  do 
timthirecht  n-angel  inti.  Cuncid-sim  Droind  Iarum  cusan  rig  .i. 
Domnall  man  Murchada  ba  ri  annsein  7  dobert  do  hi  saeire  co  brath 
Droind  cona  ferann  7  bennachais  Colman  hi  7  fagcbtm  Bsetan  Breat- 

15  naeh  fria  laim  indti  .i.  Uidrin  e-sein  7  deochain  ar  gi-adaib  7  sacart 
ar  uaisle  7  ar  clu  7  iss  e  an  sechtmad  descipal  lauid  leisim  co  Roim 
Letha  he  .i.  Uidrin  mac  Arama«7  meic  Dubain  meic  Fiachrach  meic 
Oilella,  6  filett  Cenel  Oilella  hi  Feraib  Tulach  7  iss  6  an  sechtmad  ele 
dochiiaid  lesini  hi  Roim  he  beus  7  is  e  fil  hi  Cill  Uidrin  hi  cind  Ruis 

20  Omna  tair  isin  machaire,  conid  and  isbert  Colman  ann  so  : 

80.    '  Baettan  Breatan,  bel  co  mbr^^Aaib,         rop  se"n  sochair, 
bid  im  c[h]ill-si  cona  ruthin         Her  lochaib. 

Dronn  ard  Faichnig         cona  ferann  sona  saidbir 
(fo.  86il)  la  mac  Luachain  rombia  inbaid         bess  Ian  d'aingclib. 

25  j)fa  (Jfa  didin  ar  chreich  n-echtrann,         ar  bass  duine, 

rob  din  ar  millti  each  daire         impi  uile. 

Biaid  uaini  iudti  deochain  dermar         cen  sug  n-aisgci, 
mo  riagloir  caid,  is  tenn  tugcsi,         mo  c[h]enn  battsi.' 

Ba3tan. 

so  81.  Anaid  tra  Colman  a  nDroinw  fri  .xl.  aidchi  7  bennachatW  h{  7 
tigc  a  sein  co  Daire  Aidnew  ar  teith^rf  congaire  an  dsesscwrsluaigh*  7 
doni  secht  n-aifrinn  ann  fa  bun  oaendarach,  conid  Dair  Cdmain  a 
ainm  osin  hille  beus.  Lottar  tra  chugci-sium  faolchoin  an  daire  7 
ligsitt  a  chuarana  7  siatt  co  n-erblaib  abbelaib  accu  6  mud  na  con 

1  an  iJi  M*  '*  clarene  MS.  3  brioh  MB.  4  sliiaith  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    83 

He  will  sleep  on  Mobi's  tomb ;  he  will  recite  a  prayer  for  us 
three  times  in  Glasnevin — a  skilful  strengthening — ,  hail  to  him  to 
whom  he  has  come  ! ' 

79.  That  night,  then,  Colman  son  of  Luachan  lies  upon  the  tomb 
of  Mobi  the  Board-faced.     On  the  morrow,  however,  Colman  blessed 
the  whole  church  and  left  the  palm  of  speeeh  to  the  steward,  and  that 
no  company  should  ever  part  from  him  dissatisfied.    Then  Colman  son 
of  Luachan  goes  thence  to  Lathrach  Briuin  to  the  other  Colmans,  and 
from  there  they  went  to  Finnen,  for  he  was  their  tutor  (and  stayed 
with  him)  to  the  end  of  three  years  at  the  cross  to  the  north  of  the 
church.     Again  they  went  from  there  to  Miliuc.     And  Colman  son  of 
Luachan  went  thence  to  Drong  Faechnig,  where  a  service  of  angels  is 
revealed  to  him.     Then  he  asks  Drong  from  the  king.     Domnall  son 
of  Murchad  was  king  there,  and  he  gave  him  Drong  with  its  land  in 
freedom  till  Doom.  And  Colman  blessed  it  and  left  Baetan  the  Briton 
as  his  substitute  in  it.  That  was  TJidrin,  a  deacon  in  rank  and  a  priest 
for  dignity  and  reputation.     And  he  was  one  of  the  seven  disciples 
who  went  with  him  to  Rome,  viz.  Uidrin  son  of  Aramail,  son  of  Duban, 
son  of  Fiachra,  son  of  Ailill,  from  whom  the  race  of  Ailill  in  Fartullagh 
are  descended.     And  he  was  one  of  the  seven  who  had  gone  with  him 
to  Rome,  and  he  lies  buried  in  Cell  TTidrin  at  the  head  of  Ross  Omna 
eastward  in  the  plain.     So  then  Colman  said  as  follows : — 

80.  *  Baetan  of  the  Britons,  a  mouth  that  utters  judgments,  may  it 
be  luck  of   profit!  he   shall   be   in  my  church   with   its   brilliance 
between  lakes. 

'  High  Drong  Faechnig  with  its  prosperous,  rich  land — with 
Luachan's  son  a  time  will  be  when  it  shall  be  full  of  angels. 

'  May  God  protect  it  from  raid  of  foreigners,  from  the  death  of 
man  I  may  each  oakwood  around  it  be  a  shelter  against  destruction  ! 

*  In  it  there  will  be  from  me  a  noble  deacon  without  a  particle 
of  blame,  my  holy  censor, — a  solid  understanding — my  head  of 
baptism.' 

81.  Now  Colman  stays  forty  nights  in  Drong  and  blesses  it  and 
comes  thence  to  Daire  Aidnen  fleeing  from  the  shouts  of  the  rabble, 
and  he  performs  seven  masses  there  under  the  trunk  of  a  single  oak, 
so  that  its  name  has  been  Colman's  Oak  ever  since.    Then  the  wolves 
of  the  oak-wood  went  towards  him  and  licked  his  shoes,  wagging  their 
tails  after  the  manner  of  faithful  dogs  (i.e.  of  domestic  dogs)  and  lay 

G2 


84  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 


tairisi  .1.  na  con  tighi  7  no-laightis  ana  fiadnaisi.  7  isbert  friu:  '  Bid 
sund  dogres  7  in  lla  dobertAar  mo  ainm-si  a  n-etarguidhi  cugcaib,  is 
cett  d[u]ib  can  dergad  for  nech  in  laithi-sin.' 

82.  Luid-sim  iarum  .i.  Colman  mac  Luachain  co  Tech  Colmain  .i.  co 
5  Conchraid  7  arrub^rt  bith  ann  fri  .xl.  aidchi  an  c[h]argais  fo'glere 
lesaigt[h]i  bid  7  cormae,  conid  frisin  re-sin  dlegaitt  comarba  Colmain 
bith  ac  Tig  Colmain  .i.  bredHan  aniss  7  anuass  d6  7  coirim  inti  in  erett- 
sin.  Luaidh  Colman  as  sin  co  Laind  meic  Luachain  7  here  morsesir  lais 
do  uir  Romae  7  na  n-apstal  arc[h]ena.  Doni  tra  Lassar  a  mathair-sim  an 

10  aidchi  sin  araile  gaitt  iriBech  do  imdugud  'mon  tech  in  C[h]oimded  .i. 
Ian  a  bulchre  do  ur  Romae  do  br«YA  dochum  a  bratharfinwe  .i.  Ua  nGuill 
7  hu  Dimma  .i.  ,co  Tech  Lomman.  Rofoillsiged1  sin  fochettoir  do 
Cholman  7  isbert :  '  Ni  ge'^tar  nem  fort  ind-sin,  a  c[h]aille^,  ar  is  ar 
maith  dusgni,  acht  ni  ba  tarba  an  uir-sin  d6ib,  acht  sunn  nama.' 

15  '  Tabair  nem  doib  sunn,'  ar  isi.  {  Ac,'  ar  Colman,  *  ar  ni  maith  lim-sa 
a  manaig  do  beim  ar  Lomman,  acht  mar  bitt  ba3  m6else  odhra3  i 
mbuaile  .i.  hi  tiachtain  hille  cettus  7  nem  doib-sin  sunn.'  Kochi 
iarum  Lasar  (fo.  86i2)  caoi  ser\)  co  nderaib  fala3  7  roscaeiled  iar  sin 
uir  Roma  7  uir  na  da  apstal  dec  in  cech  aird  i  religc  Lainniu,  coiiid 
20  adnacal  a  n-uir  R.oma 2  da  each  aan  adnaictA^r  inti  osin  hille. 


83.  [A]raile  sgcel  dawo  forathmentar  sunn  .i.  caemc[h]lod  bachall 
doronsatt  ic  Roim  Colman  Eala  7  Colman  mac  Luachain  7  doratt 
Colman  Eala  dethfir  eturra  .i.  etiud  do  cochall  gimangurm  im  a 
bachaill  fein  .i.  co  mbeith  a  rath  fein  a  coimettecht  a  bachla,  co  fil 
25  brat  osin  hille  irnpi.  '  Is  doilig  in  t-er[r]ed  sin  do  iarraid  dogres  di,' 
ar  Colman  mac  Luachain.  *  Cid  doilig,'  ar  Colman  Ela,  '  dober-sa 
16g  aire  .i.  nem  donti  dogena  secht  mbroit  di  am«z7  caithfes  iatt,'  7 
inde3  dicitur  bachlach  cochlach  di-si. 


84.  [A]raile  fe<?Att  dano  robatar  a  manaigh  ac  buain  cruth[nechta] 

so  ic  Croiss  na  Trwma  ro  airig-sim  bron  forro  .i.  an  laa  rogniatt  aenach 

Taillten.     Dorone-sim  immurgu  ernaigthi  co  tangcatar  angil  cwgci-sim 

fo  c[h]ettoir  do  neim  .i.  iccon  cloich  impoid  itir  croiss  5  Adrad  Motwru 

JiofoilH  MS.  2romiuaMS.  z  unde  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    85 

down  before  him.  And  he  said  to  them:  'Be  ye  here  ever,  and  on  the 
day  when  my  name  is  brought  to  you  for  intercession,  that  day  you 
are  permitted  not  to  kill  anyone.' 

82.  Then  Colman  son  of  Luachan  went  to  Tech  Colmain  to 
Conchraid  and  there  spent  the  forty  nights  of  Lent  with  carefully 
chosen  food  and  ale  (whence  the  successors  of  Colman  should  be  at 
Tech  Colmain  at  that  period) ;  having  there  a  roll  of  bread  buttered 
below  as  well  as  on  the  top,  and  ale  all  that  time.  Thence  Colman 
went  to  Lann  Mic  Luachain  with  the  load  of  seven  men  of  the  soil 
of  Rome  and  of  the  tombs  of  the  apostles.  Now  that  night  Lassar, 
his  mother,  commits  a  pious  theft  to  magnify  .  .  .  around  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  viz.  she  takes  the  full  of  her  bag  of  the  soil  of  Rome  to 
the  kindred  of  her  brothers,  even  to  the  Ui  Guill  and  TJi  Dimma  to 
Tech  Lommain.  That  was  at  once  revealed  to  Colman,  and  he  said  : 
'  Thou  shalt  not  be  deprived  of  Heaven  for  this,  woman,  for  thou  dost 
it  with  good  intention ;  but  that  soil  will  be  no  use  to  them,  but  here 
only.'  <  Grant  Heaven  to  them  here ! '  said  she.  '  No,'  said  Colman  ; 
*  for  I  do  not  like  to  deprive  Lomman  of  his  monks,  except  as  hornless 
dun  cattle  in  a  fold  are  wont  to  be,  viz.  let  them  come  hither  first 
and  Heaven  to  them  here.'  Then  Lassar  weeps  bitterly  with  tears  of 
blood,  and  the  soil  of  Rome  and  of  the  twelve  apostles  was  thereupon 
scattered  in  every  direction  in  the  cemetery  of  Lann,  so  that  it  is  a 
burial  in  the  soil  of  Rome  for  each  one  who  has  been  buried  there  from 
that  onward. 

83.  Again,   a  certain  story  is  recorded  here.     Colman  Elo  and 
Colman  son  of  Luachan  made  an  exchange  of  staffs  at  Rome,  and 
Colman  Elo  made  a  distinction  between  them,  viz.,  a  covering  of  a 
hood  with  dark-blue  lashes  around  his  own  staff,  so  that  his  own. 
grace  might  accompany  his  staff.     Hence  a  cloak  has  been  around  it 
«ver  since.     '  It  is  troublesome  to  seek  that  dress  for  it  always,'  said 
Colman  son  of  Luachan.     '  Though  it  be  troublesome,'  said  Colman 
Elo,  '  I  shall  give  a  reward  for  it— even  Heaven  to  him  who  shall 
make  seven  cloaks  for  it  as  they  shall  be  needed.'    Whence  it  is  called 

'  the  hooded  staff.' 

84.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion  when  his  monks  were  reaping 
wheat  at  Cross  na  Truma,  he  noticed  that  they  were  sad,  for  it  was 
the  day  on  which  the  fair  of  Teltown  is  being  held.     Then  he  prayed 
so  that  forthwith  angels  came  to  him  from  Heaven.     At  the  turning- 


86  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

suass  .i.  is  ann  rob6i  Colman.  7  rognisitt  .in.  grafne  oenaich  d6,  conid 
de  sin  ata  aenach  Laindi  osin  alle.  7  forfagcaib  Colman  mac  Luachain 
cid  be  brisfor  ann  da  ria  'na  bethaid  fo  Loch  Annind  co  ticfa  slan  ass 
foch£tt6ir. 


5  85.  [Ajraile  iechtt  dano  luid  Ciaran  Cluana  co  Colman  mac  Lua 
chain  do  chuncid  aenta  7  cennachta  fair.  7  rofaillsiged  sin  do-sum  7 
nirbo  cett  lais.  Doratt  Colman  i\\\murgu  saithe  demna  hi  richt  foiche 
doib  ic  Crois  na  Trwmma  co  foreimetar  imt[h]echt  secAa  sin  acht  a 
n-aigt[h]i  fri  lar.  '  Is  clerech'  ar  latt,  '  anti  gus  'tegcum.  Iss  6  dob^'r 

10  dunn  so.  Tiagwr  uann  cugci  7  cuinter  cabair  dunn  fair.'  Doronad  ainlaid 
7  dochuir  na  focha  fo  talmain.  Is  de  sin  ata  Cross  na  Tminma  fuirri. 
Rom6rad  dawo  (fo.  &7a1}  ainmD6  7  Colmain  triasin  fzrt-sin.  Targcaid 
tra  Ciaran  sentaid  do  Cholman  7  obbaid1  Colman  hi  7  is  bert :  *  Nocha 
bia2  cenn  talmanda  acam-sa  acht  Mochutta  nama  (.i.  a  oittiu  esiein)  n6 

15  acara  muindtir  am  diaidh.' 


86.  [A]raile  fechtt  dawo  tucc  Cinaeth  mac  Oengusa  rf  Hua  Foilgi 
sere  do  mnaei  rig  Temrach  7  tanigc  ?na  comddil  co  Guirtin  Tire 
Bandala  hi  Fid  Dorcha  7  hi3  druth  namd  immalle  friss.  Luidh  si  7  a 
liinailt  namaa  I6e.  Doratt  larum  na  fir  coraitt  ett^r  na  da  ech. 

20  Doratt  Cinseth  a  ech  for  grcts  Colmain  meic  Luachain  7  doratt  a  druth 
for  greis  Oengusa  meic  an  Ogc.  Tangatar  larum  na  merlig  7  rucsat 
each  an  druad  7  andar  l^oa  ba  taman  ferna  each  Cina3th[a].  Eomorad 
dawo  ainm  D6  7  Colmain  trit  an  fYrt-sin.  Ro  hindisid  tra  do  rig 
Midhi  a  ben  do  dul  hi  comdail  rig  Ua  Foilgci  co  Goirtm  Tire  Bandala 

25  hi  Fid  Dorcha.  Tanigc  immuryu  ri  Midhi  ina  diaid  lar  sin  dia  marbad 
corigci  an  goirtin-ein  j  rogab  each  lam  a  ee"le  dia  muindtir  a  timchell 
an  goirtin  7  atconnairc  Cinaeth  mac  Conchubair  sein  7  ba  gabad  mor 
laiss  7  isbert  Cinaeth  :  '  Ar  comairci  Colmain  meic  Luachain  dunn  riasin 
ngabad-ea  7  dia  n-ainci  sinn  air  bemaeitt  fo  ehis  do  co  brath.'  Konaisced4 

30  sin  for  Cinae[th]  7  roerig  Cinaetli  foc[h]ettoir  7  ros6ad  h^  7  a  druth 
hirricht  da  dam  allaid.  RosSed  immurgu  an  rigin  7  a  hinilt  a  richt 


obdeid  MS.  2  biad  MS.  3  =  a.  4  ronaiscid  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    87 

stone  between  (sic)  the  cross  from  Adrad  "Motura  above,  that  is 
where  Colman  was.  And  the  angels  ran  three  races  for  him,  so  that 
thenceforward  it  has  been  called  the  Fair  of  Lann.  And  Colman  son 
of  Luachan  left  that  whoever  has  a  limb  broken  there,  if  he  go  alive 
under  Loch  Anninn  he  will  at  once  come  out  safe  and  sound. 

85.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion  Ciaran  of  Clonmacnois  went  to 
Colman  son  of  Luachan  to  ask  union  and  headship1  of  him.    And  that 
was  revealed  to  him  and  he  did  not  wish  it.     However,  Colman  sent 
a  swarm  of  demons  in  the  shape  of  wasps  at  Cross  na  Truma,  so  that 
they  could  not  pass  it  except  with  their  faces  on  the  ground.     l  It  is 
a  cleric  to  whom  we  go.     'Tis  he  who  does  this  to  us.    Let  one  of  us 
£0  to  him  and  ask  him  to  help  us.'     Thus  it  was  done  and  he  sends 
the  wasps  under  ground.    Hence  Cross  na  Truma  is  so  called.     Again 
God's  name  and  Colman's    were    magnified    through   that  miracle. 
Then  Ciaran  offers  union  to  Colman,   who  refuses  it  and  said  :    '  I 
shall  acknowledge  no  earthly  head  save  Mochuta  only  (viz.  he  was  his 
foster-father),  nor  shall  my  people  after  me.' 

86.  Again  at  a  certain  time  Cinaed  son  of  Oengus,  King  of  Offaly, 
fell  in  love  with  the  wife  of  the  King  of  Tara  and  came  to  meet  her 
to  Goirtin  of  Ti'r  Bandala  in  Fid  Dorcha,  and  no  one  but  his  jester 
with  him.       She  came  accompanied  only  by  her  handmaid.       Then 
the  men  coupled  the  two  horses.      Cinaed  put  his  horse  under  the 
protection  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  while  the  jester  put  his  under 
the   protection   of   Qengus   mac   in     Oc.     Then   came    thieves    and 
took  the  horse  of  the  jester,2  while  Cinaed's  horse  seemed  to  them 
the  trunk  of  an  alder.     The  name  of  God  and  of  Colman  were  again 
magnified  by  that  miracle.     Now  the  King  of  Meath  was  told  that 
his  wife  had  gone  to  a  tryst  with  the  King1  e    Offaly  to  Goirtin  of 
Ti'r  Bandala  in  Fid  Dorcha.      Thereupon  then  the  King  of  Meath 
came  after  her  to  that  field  in  order  to  kill  her.     Arid  his  people 
seized  each  other  bv  the  hand  round  about  the  field.     And  Cinaed 
son  of  Oengus  saw  that  and  thought  it  a  great  danger  and  said  :   *  We 
put  ourselves  in  the  safeguard  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  against  this 
danger,  and  if  he  save  us  we  shall  be  under  tribute  to  him  till  Doom.' 


1  i.e.  that  Colman  should  acknowledge  him  as  his  head. 

2  In  the  original  there  is  here  the  common  confusion  between  the  words  tlr*t> 
'jester'  and  drui  '  druid.' 


88  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtlACHAIN 

da  n-ag  allaid  7  tangcatar  iar  sin  slan  amach  6na  s!6gaib  7  mr- 
eumaingsit  coin  na  renna  ni  doib  7  rom6rad  ainm  De  7  Colmain  trit 
an  fzH-sin. 


87.  Tainigc  immurgu  Cinaeth  Tar  sin  co  Laind  7  a  each  lais  do 
6  Cholman  mac  Luachain  7  dognlatt  caratrad  annsein  7  fagbaeW  Colman 
buaidh  each  acu  7  buaid  lasch  7  buaidh  cleirech  7  cruth  a  mban 
im  c[b]seime  for  feraib  Oa  Foilgci  co  (fo.  8702)  brath  7  cruth  a  rig 
uastu  7  grain  rig  coigcid  for  fer  a  inaitt  dogres  7  na  bad  begc  la 
hingin  rig  liErenn  feis  lais  7  cosgcwr  remi  dogres  mad  for  eoch 

10  gerr  bes  allo  chathae.  Rociwd  immurgn  cuairt  do-soin  uaid  fein  .i. 
6  Chinae[th]  7  5  c[h]ach  ina  diaid  co  brath  .i.  screbull  cecha  cathrig 
'na  f  h]fr  7  cura  each  fir  bale  7  a  heach  7  a  errad  an  rig  fein  in 
cac.  ..  bliadain  co  brath  7  rofagaib  Colman  troscud  umpi  seo  mani 
tartha  chena  hi  .i.  a  meath  no  a  thrucha  an  rig  nach  tibrae  hi,  ut 

15  dicitur  : 


88.    Searc  tugc  ben  rig  Taillten  trell         do  rig  fta  Failgci  fortenn, 
d'fir  iuaitt  rocaein  Rossa        do  Chinseth  mac  Aengossa. 

Tigc  an  Cinaoth-sin  andess         risin  cettsercus  comdes, 

se  's  a  druth,  ba  dind  dirmma,         d'agcallaim  na  hairdiigna. 

20          La  is  adaig1  doib  sund  mar  aen         an  ri  's  a  rigan  roc[h]a3m, 
ic  basis  doib  ann,  ic  buaphud         fo  inc[h]lid  i  n-inuathud.2 

Ergidh  ri  Midhi  na  modh         a  ndiaidh  a  mna  co  solom, 
cor  fadsattar,  comoll  ndil,         'mon  rig  ocus  'mon  rigain. 

Nassgcaitt  a  comairci  cair         ar  Colman  Lainne  linmair 
25          ac  facsin  cetherdne  an  rig         'mon  gort  i  ndernnsat  mignim. 

Dorigne  Colman  calma         ferta  imda  adamra, 

docuir  an  ri[gj  's  a  drai  [njdil         a  richtt  da  dam  ogc  allaid. 

1  aguid  MS.  2  inuathad  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    89 

That  was  bound  upon  Cinaed,  who  forthwith  arose,  and  he  and  his 
jester  were  turned  into  the  shape  of  two  stags.  The  queen,  however, 
and  her  handmaid  were  turned  into  the  shape  of  two  fawns.  And 
thereupon  they  escaped  safely  from  the  hosts,  and  neither  hounds 
nor  spears  could  do  aught  to  them.  And  God's  name  and  Colman's 
were  magnified  by  that  miracle. 

87.  Cinaed  afterwards  came  to  Lann  bringing  his  horse  with  him 
for  Colman  son  of  Luachan.     And  there  they  made  a  covenant,  and 
Colman  leaves  to  the  men  of  Offaly  till  Doom  triumph  of  horses  and 
of  warriors  and  of  clerics,  and  beauty  of  their  women  together  with 
handsomeness   of   their  men,  and  beauty  of  their  kings  exceeding 
theirs,  and  that  every  successor  of  his  should  be  dreaded  like  the 
king  of  a  province,  and  the  daughter  of  the  King  of  Ireland  should 
not  deem  it  a  small  thing  to  sleep  with  him,  and  that  defeat  should 
always  precede  him  if  he  rode  upon  a  gelding  on  the  day  of  battle. 
However,  a  tribute  was  fixed  for  him1  from  Cinaed   and  each  one 
after  him  till  Doom,  viz.,  a  scruple  for  every  adult  in  his  land  and  a 
sheep  from  every  owner  of  a  steading,  and  the  horse  and  dress  of  the 
king  himself  every  third  year  till  Doom.     And  Colman  ordained  that 
this  tribute  should  be  fasted  for  unless  it  were  given  without  that,  viz., 
that  the  king  who  did  not  give  it  should  decay  or  die  early,  ut  dicitur  : 

88.  The  wife  of  Teltown's  king  upon  a  time  bestowed  her  love 
upon  the  stalwart  King  of  Offaly,   the    stately  successor  of   Ross, 
Cinaed  son  of  Oengus. 

That  Cinaed  comes  from  the  south  to  his  fair  love,  he  and  his 
jester — 'twas  a  noble  cavalcade — to  hold  converse  with  the  high-queen. 

A  day  and  a  night  they  spent  together,  the  king  and  the  beautiful 
queen :  there  stealthily  and  all  alone  they  gave  themselves  up  to  lust 
and  .  .  . 

The  King  of  Meath  of  ...  sets  out  swiftly  after  his  wife  until 
they  surrounded  the  king  and  the  queen. 

When  they  behold  the  troops  of  the  king  around  the  field  in 
which  they  had  misbehaved,  they  bind  their  safeguard  upon  Colman 
of  populous  Lann. 

Colman  the  bold  performed  a  great  marvellous  miracle :  he  put 
the  king  and  his  beloved  jester  in  the  shape  of  two  young  stags. 

1  i.e.  for  Colman. 


90  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Dorigne  ferta  aile,         nirb  aille  da  mirbaile, 

an  rigan  's  a  cumal  cain         a  richt  da  n-agaid  allaid. 

An  da  each  tuscat  leo  andes         an  ri  's  a  rigdruth  rigdes 
rolasett  f&sech  ri  sliab         ar  anord,  ara  ri-aniiad. 

5          Kolasett  each  an  dru[i]th  duind          for  greie  in  a3sa  imthruimm, 
rolasett  each  an  rig  rain         for  fir  comairci  ColmaiD. 

Rugcsat  eachtraind  each  an  dru[i]th         don  c[h]omairci  uilc 

indluith, 
rofagcsat  each  rig  Berba         i  richt  tamain  tromferna. 

1°          Terno  do  c[h]omairci  an  naeim         each  rig  Lifi  lethanchae[i]m, 
hathle  an  eich  rugscatnamaitt,     d'oendreim  doib  is  d'aenc[h]araid. 

(fo.  87^1)  Anci[d]  Colman  latt  uile         ettr  ech  ocus  duine 
on  trab  doboi  ga  celgad         can  agh  no  can  iradergcad. 

An  t-ech  roainciss  feine         ar  naimdib  tenda  in  tsleibe,1 
15          tair  dom  druimm,  a  Cholmain  cain,         ar  in  ech  is  fiu  cnmail. 

Dofagcaib  Colman  cubaid         da  rab  ar  eoch  ngiurr  glunmir 
na  gebt[h]a  tresa  dangni         ri  rig  fial  tla  finnFailgci. 

Dofagcaib  doib  co  hatta[i]n         cruth  a  mban  for  a  maccaib, 
grain  rig  coicid  ar  cur  air         ar  rig  Ua  Falgi  fortreain. 

20          Rogell  Cinaeth  each  ni  ndes,         rogell  cain,  rogell  cairdes, 
rogellad  do-som  lar  fir         n&ch  biad  can  erred  airdrig. 

Bobennach-som  ule  an  tir         it^r  mna  is  maccu  mo  liw 

i  ce[i]n  noleitis  cb  mbaidh         do  re[i]r  Colmain  meic  Luachain. 

Fuaratar  gabad  igair2         minbad  Colman  dia  n-anacal 
26          i  comrad  im  dail  serci3         i  comdail  a  cettserci.     Sere. 

89.  [AJraile  sgcel  torathmentar  sun<L     Ri  Temrach  .i.  Domnall 
mac  Donnchada  meic  Murchada  tugc  ingin4  rig  Ua  Pailgci  7  rogell 

1  tsleibi  MS.  2leg-  i  ngarf  3scerci  MS.  4ingen  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN          91 

He  performed  another  miracle,  —  none  of  his  miracles  -was  finer  — 
he  changed  the  queen  and  her  fair  bondmaid  into  the  shape  of  two 
fawns. 

The  two  horses  which  they  had  brought  with  them  from  the 
south,  the  king  and  his  right  clever  royal  jester,  they  let  them  both 
loose  up  the  mountain  in  disorder,  in  their  wild  career. 

They  put  the  horse  of  the  dusky  jester  under  the  protection  of  the 
j1  they  put  the  horse  of  the  noble  king  in  the 


true  safeguard2  of  Colman. 

Through  the  evil,  insecure  safeguard,  foreigners  seized  the. 
jester's  horse  ;  they  left  the  horse  of  Barrow's  king,  thinking  it  was 
the  trunk  of  a  heavy  alder-tree. 

Through  the  safeguard  of  the  saint  the  horse  of  the  king  of  the 
broad  and  fair  Liffey  escaped  ;  the  enemies  took  the  track  of  the 
(other)  horse  :  they  were  of  one  company  and  of  one  yoke. 

Colman  saves  them  all,  both  horse  and  man,  from  the  .  .  .  which 
was  ensnaring  them,  without  strife  or  without  disgrace. 

"The  horse  which  thou  thyself  hast  saved  from  stout  foes  of 
the  mountain,  come,  gentle  Colman,  behind  my  back,  upon  the 
horse  which  is  worth  the  price  of  a  bondmaid." 

Righteous  Colman  left  it  that  if  he  were  upon  a  muzzled  gelding, 
no  hard  combats  should  be  won  against  the  generous  king  of  fair 
Offaly. 

He  left  it  to  them  .  .  .  that  the  beauty  of  their  women  should  be 
upon  their  sons,  that  the  terror  of  a  king  of  the  province  after  a 
slaughter  should  be  upon  the  King  of  mighty  Offaly. 

Cinaed  promised  everything  that  was  proper  :  he  promised 
tribute  ;  he  promised  friendship  ;  to  him  it  was  truly  promised  that 
he  should  not  be  without  the  dress  of  a  high  -king. 

He  blessed  the  whole  land,  both  women  and  sons  in  their  numbers, 
so  long  as  they  should  be  obedient  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan. 

They  would  have  found  danger  shortly,  if  Colman  had  not  come 
to  their  rescue,  as  they  were  talking  together  of  love  at  the  meeting 
of  their  first  love. 

89.  A  certain  story  is  recorded  here.  The  King  of  Tara,  even  Domnall 
son  of  Donnchad.  son  of  Murchad,  married  the  daughter  of  the  King  of 

1  i.e.  the  pagan  gods.  2  Literally,  "  in  the  truth  of  the  safeguard." 


BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtlACHAIN 

tochra  mor  dl  .i.  .mi.  fichit  bo  .i.  da  fichit1  dib  fochettoir  7  da  fiol.it 
ar  cairdi  co  belltaine  ar  cind,  Rochuinigh  wrum  an  ben  a  tochra 
i  n-age  a  gellta  7  ni  frith  dl  acht  ferann  ar  son  a  bo.  Rogab  si'  an 
ferann  diamad  a  comfogcus  dia  hanmcharaitt  nobeith  .i.  do  Cholman 
5  mac  Luachain,  conid  ann  sin  tugad_dl  Grille  na  hlngine  6  r[h]ind 
Atha  an  Daire  co  hulaid  espuic  Aeda  hi  Feraib  Tulach.  Dobeir 
tra  an  ben  he  ule  do  Chblman  co  brath.  Dobeir  immurgu  Colman 
manach  dia  muindtir  ind  .i.  Uidrin  mac  Aramail,  conid  de  ata 
Cell  Udn'n  hi  Caeille  na  hlngine  7  Less  na  Con  tiiass  ann  7  Cell  Uidrin 
10  ti'ss. 

90.  [AJraile    fechtt    and    rugc    led    Ruoin    ri    Laigen    sesrig 
Mocholmogc  .i.  6  C[h]luain  Iraird  ar  egcin  7  trosgcis  Mocholmogc 
impu  fair  7  fodlaidh  lar  sin  baill  an  maic  mallachta  fo  n^maib  hErenn 
acht  a  c[h]umal  fir  nama.     Asbert2   immurgu  an  ri  :   '  Ci'a  da  tngc 

5  Moc[h]olfw6C  mo  (fo.  S7b2)  c[h]omol-sa  ?'  ar  se,  ac  fonamat  imrae. 
0  rochuala  tra  Mocholwoc  sin  isbert  sein:  'Tiagam-ne  co  Colman  mac 
Luachain  co  Laind  co  rodingbadmn  an  ball  utt.7  Doronad  tra  amlaid 
sin  7  dogmatt  oentaid  ic  Laind  Mocholwoc  7  Colman  mac  Luachain 
7  clod  da  clogc  .i.  Pindfaidech  cvchtar  de  diaraile.  Asbert  immurgu 
20  Colman  :  <  An  ball  fil  am  c[h]omair-si,  iss  e  t*isech  rosia  taisselba^ 
chugut-sa,  ar  iss  e  dedenach  roarmed.' 

91.  Tainigc  larum  Aed  Roin  for  creich  im  Midhi  co  Carnn  Fiach- 
ach.     Tanigc  immurgu  ri   Midhi  .i.  Conall   Guthbind    mattan  moch 
iarnabarach  co  Colman  7  atfett  do   an  sgcel-sin  7  ba  begc  sliiaig  do 

25  Choiiall  7_ba  sochaidi  do  Aed  Roin.  Asbert  immurgu  Colman  fri 
Conall:  'Erg-siu  cuca  7  beir  mo  bachaill-sea  lat  do  mergci  remat  7 
dober-sa  taidbsi  hi  catlr  fort  7  doragha  duit  ceo  dar  a  rosgcaib  n6 
a  llama  do  gabd^,'  ar  Colman.  <  Is  ferr  lind,'  ar  Conall,  '  a  llama  do 
gabdz/.'  Iss  ann  sin  do  cengail  each  fer  do  muindtir  Conaill  loman 
dfa  brut  do  gimanaib  bruit  na  bachla  co  rabi  cochall  fa  cenn  dib  7 
inde3  dicitur  '  bachall  cochlach^  ria-si  .i.  do  naidm  a  comairci  fuirri 
7  for  Colman  mac  Luachain.  Ocus  iss  e  an  lin  amus  doib-sim  an  lin 
lomaw  fil  for  brot  na  bachla  cochlaige.4  Doronad  tra  amlaid  sin  7 


2  is  (end  of  line)  asbert  MS 
unde  MS.  4cochlai(H  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN     93 

Offaly  and  promised  her  a  great  bride-price,  viz.,  four  score  cows, 
two  score  at  once,  and  two  score  not  later  than  the  next  May-day. 
So  at  the  time  for  which  it  had  been  promised,  the  woman  demanded 
her  bride-price  ;  and  nothing  was  found  for  her  but  land  instead  of 
her  cows.  She  agreed  to  take  the  land  if  it  were  near  her  soul-friend, 
even  Colman  son  of  Luachan.  So  then  Caille  na  hlngine  was  given 
to  her  from  the  head  of  Ath  in  Daire  to  the  tomb  of  bishop  Aed  in 
Fartullagh.  Then  the  woman  gives  it  all  to  Colman  for  ever.  Colman, 
however,  puts  a  monk  of  his  community  into  it,  even  CTidrin,  son  of 
Aramail.  Hence  are  Cell  Uidrin  in  Caille  na  hlngine  and  Less  na 
Con  above  there  and  Cell  Uidrin  below. 

90.  At  a  certain  time  Aed  Roin,  King  of  Leinster,  forcibly  seized 
a  plough-team  of  Mocholmoc's  from  Clonard ;  and  Mocholmoc  fasted 
against  him  for  it,  and  then  distributed  the  limbs  of  that  son  of  a  curse 
among  the  saints  of  Ireland,   all  accept  only  his  membrum  virile. 
However,  the  king  said,  mocking  him :    '  To  whom  has  Mocholmoc 
given  my  membrum  virile?'  said  he.     Now,  when  Mocholmoc  heard 
that,  he  said  :  '  Let  us  go  to  Lann  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  that  he 
may  keep  that  limb  from  us.'  Thus  it  was  done ;  and  at  Lann  Mocholmoc 
and  Colman  son  of  Luachan  make  a  union  and  an  exchange  of  their 
two  bells,  which  were  both  called  Findfaidech.     However,  Colman 
said :   '  The  limb  which  is  in  my  charge  will  come  first  to  be  exhibited 
to  thee,  for  it  was  the  last  to  be  numbered.' 

91.  Then  upon  a  raid  into  Meath  Aed  Roin  came  as  far  as  Cam 
Fiachach.      Early   on  the  morrow,  however,  Conall   Guthbinn,  the 
King  of  Meath,  came  to  Colman  and  told  him  that  news.  And  Conall 
had  but  a  small  host  and  Aed  Roin  had  a  multitude.     Then  Colman 
said  to  Conall :  '  Do  thou  march  against  them  and  carry  my  staff 
with  thee  in  front  as  a  battle-standard,  and  I  shall  make  it  appear 
as  if  thou  hast  three  battalions ;    and  either  a  mist  shall  come  over 
their    eyes   or  their  hands   shall   be   held   for   thee,'    said    Colman. 
*  I  prefer,'  said  Conall,  '  that  their  hands  be  held.'    Then  every  man 
of  ConalPs  people  tied  a  string  of  his  cloak  to  the  lashes  of  the  cloak 
of  the  staff,  so  that  it  was  a  hood  over  head  (whence  it  is  called  *  hooded 
staff'),  in  order  to  pledge  their  safeguard  upon  it  and  upon  Colman 
son  of  Luachan.    And  the  number  of  their  mercenaries  was  the  number 
of  the  lashes  which  are  upon  the  cloak  of  the  hooded  staff.     Thus, 
then,  it  was  done  ;  and  at  Faithche  Mecnan  Aed  Dub  was  slain  and 


94  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

romarbad  Aed  Dub  7  ar  a  muindtiri  ic  Faithehi1  mete  Mecnan  7 
rugcsat  meic  tire  a  ball  ferda  co  dorus  an  tempuill  co  Colman  7  isbert 
Colman  ria  :  *  B0r  co  Finnen  no  co  Mocholmogc  7  co  nsemaib  hErenn 
h£  dia  taisbenad.'  Romorad  dawo  ainra  D6  7  Colmain  trit  an  firt  sin. 

5  92.  Tugc  immurgu  Moc[h]obwoc  larsin  do  Cholman  mac  Luachain 
rig!6ss  a  Cluain  Iraird.  Tainigc  tra  larsin  Conall  co  Colman  mac 
Luachain  dia  reir  7  robaist  ra6rcuairt  na  Bretcha  d6  6  sin  alle,  ar  is 
latt  roboi  ana  farrad  ann  a  fi'an  a  saert[h]a  ar  each  cath  na  (fo.  8801) 
Bretcha  co  brath  .i.  screball  each  cathrigh  7  cura  cech  firbale  7  ech 
10  each  tosich  an  each  sechtmad  bliadain  co  brath. 

93.  [A]raile  fecht  dano  robatar  noairi  for  muir  7  murthaidhi  an 
mara  aca  togairm  7  siat-som  ar  saebchoire.  0  roaitcheatar  ainin 
Colmain  meic  Luachain  ternatar  slan  i  tir  7  is  amlaid  sin  each  sen 
guidhfes  Colman  fri  tendta  dogeba  cobair  imsldn  6  Dia. 

15  94.  [A]raile  fechtt  dawo  luid  fer  a  cath  7  tograim  fair  7  feimdid- 
sim  imt[h]echt  fri  sciss.  0  dorat-som  \mmurgu  sele  Colmain  meic 
Luachain  ima  c[h]osaib2  feimditt  eich  7  daeine  ni  d6,  conid  ann  isbert 
Colman : 

'  Sele  Colmain  meic  Luachain         mo  c[h]nama  cen  meth, 
20      romsnaidi  a  comarci         corigci  ar  each  leth. 

Doriachtt  cnigci  naemCholman         ina  chruth  glan  gle, 
na  traight[h]igh  notograimtis         n6diuscartiss  de. 

Colman  mac  Luachain  im  leth         re  ndul  ar  creich  cridhi  cruaidh, 
da  tegmad  dam  dul  ar  leth         co  na  b^ra  nech  mo  buaidh.' 

25  Rom6rad  dawo  ainm  D£  7  Colmain  trit  sin  7  gach  duine  gebw«  so  7 
fo  ngebUar  nocha  cuiriither  h6  7  ticfa  slan  dia  t[h]igh  7  dlig«W  Colman 
screpall  de. 

95.  [AJraile  fechtt  dano  luid  fer  for  slu&iged  i  ndiaid  cadch  7  nf 
rucc  form.     Doralatar  immurgu  a  namaitt  do  7  each  aen  dib  te"ged  dia 

1  faithti  MS. 

2  7  M»  inserted  by  a  later  hand  before/eiwrfiM. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    95 

his  people  slaughtered.  And  wolves  carried  his  membrum  virile  to 
the  porch  of  the  church  of  Colman,  who  said  to  them :  *  Carry 
it  to  be  exhibited  to  Finnen  or  to  Mocholmoc  and  to  the  saints  of 
Ireland.'  Again,  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  by  that 
miracle. 

92.  Now,  Mocholmoc  gave  a  cell  in  Clonard  to  Colman   son  of 
Luachan.     Thereupon,    Conall  came  in  obedience  to  Colman  son  of 
Luachan,  and  offered  him  the  great  tribute  of  the  people  of  Bretach 
henceforward  (for  it  is  they  who  were  in  his  company  as  his  pro 
tecting  fian  in  every  battle  of  the  Bretach  till  doom),  viz.,  a  scruple 
from  each  adult  and  a  sheep  from  each  steading,  and  a  horse  from 
each  captain  in  every  seventh  year  till  doom. 

93.  Again,  once  upon  a  time  boatmen  were  upon  the  sea,  and 
mariners  of  the  sea  were  calling  to  them,  and  they  in  a  whirlpool.1 
When  they  had  called  upon  Colman  son   of  Luachan,  they  escaped 
safe  to  land.       And  in  the  same  way  will  everyone  who  shall  pray 
to  Colman  in  difficulties  get  complete  help  from  God. 

94.  Again,  once  upon  a  time  a  man  went  out  of  battle,  and  was 
pursued  and  could  not  walk  from  weariness.     But  when  he  had  put 
spittle  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  about  his  legs,  neither  horses  nor 
men  could  do  aught  to  him.     Whence  it  is  said  :2 

'  The  spittle  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  about  my  bones  without 
decay ;  may  its  protection  save  me  on  all  sides ! 

1  To  him  came  holy  Colman  in  his  pure  bright  shape ;  the  foot- 
soldiers  who  were  in  pursuit  were  driven  off  thereby. 

1  May  Colman  son  of  Luachan  be  by  my  side  before  my  going  on  a 
harsh-hearted  raid !  if  it  should  happen  to  me  to  go  aside,3  may  no  one 
carry  off  my  glory !  ' 

Again  God's  name  and  Colman's  were  magnified  thereby ;  and 
everyone  who  shall  sing  this  as  well  as  he  on  behalf  of  whom  it  is 
sung  shall  not  be  overthrown  and  shall  come  safe  to  his  house ;  and 
he  owes  Colman  a  scruple  for  it. 

95.  Again,  on  a  certain  occasion  a  man  went  a-hosting  after  the 
rest  and  could  not  overtake  them.  However,  his  enemies  came  upon 
him ;  and  each  one  who  came  to  seize  him  or  to  slay  him,  when  he  had 

1  Or,  maelstrom.  2  The  Irish  has  *  whence  Colman  said.' 

3  i.e.  to  be  separated  from  the  army. 


96  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

gm'm  n6  dia  marbad  6  roataig-sim  Colman  mac  Luachain  riu  andar 
I6o  ba  banscal  h6  7  naeidhi  for  a  muin.  Romorad  ainrn  D6  7  Colmain 
triasin  f«rt-sin. 

96.  Tainigc  tra  faindi  do  Cholman  mac  Luachain  7  orba  cindti 
5  forba  a  bethad  do  tangcatar  cugci  a  male  eclaise  7  a  manaig  7  rochisit 

caoi  eerb  ina  fiadnaisi  7  rochuincsett  fair  cetugud  doib  fuaslucud  an 
talman  for  a  taisib  n  sera  a  7  a  mbith  i  serin  cumdachta  eturru  amail 
each  ardnaem  7  each  n-ardapstal  (fo.  8802)  arc[h]ena  fo  Erinn. 
Kodeonaig  tra  Colman  sin  coma[d]  comdldnad1  torsi  doib-sium  7 
10  comad  chadus  ar  each  nguasacht  acside  7  nemaicsidi  h£. 

97.  An  tan  \mmurgu  rocomlain[i]g  sim  .in.  bliarfwa  i  talmainy  is  ann- 
sin  dorala  Fursa  crsibdech  for  cuairt  sechnon  Erenn  o  c[h]ill  co  cill. 
0  doriacht  immurgu  co  hAth  an  Daire,  is  annsin  roben  aistr*  Lainne 
a  clogc.     '  Dimmbuaid  n-aist^rechta  for  fer  t'inaid  ! '  ar  Fursa.     *  Ni 

ib  lamam-ne  ni  is  mesa  do  rad  frit.'     Rosuid  Fursa  larum  ic  Croiss  Fursa 
ic  descin  uada  an  muilind  cirr  sair.     IB  ann  isbert  in  rann : 

i  Da  chomurtha  suaichinti         ac  Lainn  sech  each  ruaim  rachaill : 
muilenn  cerr  fri  combletharf         ocus  brat  im  a  bachaill.' 

Tainigc  cucu  fochetoir  gegaire  coitchenn  bo  Laindi  7  feraid  foilti  friu 
20  7  dobir  fiss  don  chill  gusan  airc[h]indech  .i.  co  Guana  muc  Cumaine. 

98.  lar  fairind  tra  dawo  comad  h6  t6sech  n6adhrad. Fursa  .i.  maer 
na  bachla  cochlaige2  7  ni  faeilti  dorone  friss  nach  fria  muindtir,  conid 
de  sin  rofagaib  Fursa  do-som  ifernn   7   do  fir  a  inaitt  7  dimbuaid 
n-erlabra  7  athaisgc  7  sodethbriugud  co   brath,  ar  is  sodethbiiugud 

25  doroine  fri  Fursa  7  ni  fiss  tugc  don  chill  amail  tugc  an  t-ugaire, 
Tiagaitt  immurgu  muinnter  Laindi  eter  sacart3  7  airc[h]indech  ar  cend 
Fursa  7  dob^»ran  sacart  secht  n-[an]ala  De  for  a  muin4  7.  facbaid 
Fursa  d6  nem  7  ana  7  saegflZ  7  secht  mbriathra  atberad  do  chomall. 
Dobeir  larum  an  t-airchindech  secht  n-anala  De  for  a  muin  corigci  an  lie 

30  i  ndorus  a  tighi  aparf.  Tainige  larum  an  banairc[h]indech  7  messar 
lenna  7  messar  lomma  le  corigci  an  lie.  Facbaid  Fursa  sonuss  lomma 
7  lenna  co  brath  sund  7  ni  b*rt[h]ar  doblad  tariss  so  cid  mor  dog^na. 

1  coindignad  MS.  -  cochlaidhi  MS.  3  sacaird  MS. 

4  rhuin,  the  dot  and  the  n-stroke  added  later. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    97 

called  upon  Colman  son  of  Luachan  against  them,  thought  that  lie  was 
a  woman  with  a  babe  upon  her  back.  God's  name  and  Column's  were 
magnified  through  that  miracle. 

96.  Now  weakness  came  to  Colman  son  of  Luachan,  and  when  the 
end  of  his  life  was  appointed  for  him,  his  clerics  and  his  monks  came 
to  him  and  wept  bitterly  in  his  presence,  and  begged  him  to  allow  them 
to  open  the  earth  on  his  holy  relics,  that  they  might  be  kept  among 
them  in  an  adorned  shrine  like  (the  relics  of)  every  other  great  saint 
and  chief  apostle  throughout  Ireland.     Then  Colman  granted  that, 
so  that  it  might  be  a  comfort  of  grief  to  them,  and  that  his  relics 
might  be  a  halidom  against  every  visible  and  invisible  danger. 

97.  However,  when  he  had  rested1  three  years  in  the  earth,  then 
Furs,a  the  Devout  happened  to  go  upon  a  round  throughout  Ireland 
from  church  to  church.     Now  when  he  came  to  Ath  in  Daire,  the 
bellringer  of  Lann  was  striking  its  bell.     *  Disgrace  of  bell-ringing 
upon  thy  successor  ! '  said  Fursa.      *  We  dare  not  say  anything  worse 
to  thee.'     Then  Fursa  sat  down  at  Cross  Fursa,  looking  at  the  wry 
mill  (Mullingar)  eastward.     'Tis  then  he  spoke  the  quatrain  : 

*  Two  conspicuous  tokens  has  Lann  beyond  every  shrouded 
cemetery  :  a  wry  mill  for  grinding,  and  a  cloak  around  its  staff.' 

Forthwith  there  came  to  them  the  common  cowherd  of  Lann, 
and  bids  them  welcome,  and  carries  the  news  (of  their  arrival)  to 
the  erenagh  Cuanu  son  of  Cummaine. 

98.  Now   according  to  some  the  first  to  address  Fursa  was  the 
steward  of  the  cowled  staff ;  and  he  did  not  bid  him  or  his  people 
welcome,  so  that  therefore  Fursa  left  hell  to  him  and  to  his  successor, 
and  disgrace  of  speech  and  response  and  hustling,  till  Doom,  for  he  had 
hustled  Fursa ;  nor  had  he  taken  the  news  to  the  church  as  the  cowherd 
had  done.    However,  the  community  of  Lann,  both  priest  and  erenagh, 
go  out  to  meet  Fursa ;  and  the  erenagh  brings  seven  '  breaths  of  God  '2 
upon  his  back,  and  Fursa  leaves  him  heaven,  and  wealth,  and  long  life, 
and  that  seven  words  which  he  might  say  be  fulfilled.  Then  the  erenagh 
brings  the  seven  '  breaths  of  God '  upon  his  back  as  far  as  the  flagstone 
in  front  of  the  abbot's  house.      Then  his  wife  came  with  a  measure  of 
ale  and  a  measure  of  milk  as  far  as  the  flagstone.      Fursa  leaves  luck 
of  milk  and  of  ale  till  Doom  here,  and  no  ill  repute  is  carried  bevond  it, 

1  Literally  'fulfilled.'        -  Obscure  tome.        3  viz.  the  flagstone. 

TODI>    LECTVRE    SERIES.    VOL.    XVII.  H 


98  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Facbaid  Fursa  don  airchindech  neam  7  ana  7  ssegal  7  na  bertAar  a  erbnri 
bid  acht  co  ro  (fo.  88  Jl)  gabad  pa^r  fri  Lie  Fursa  fri  Fursa  7  comad 
br^A  each  ires  briathar  atberad  7  c&ch  nf  forbt[h]i  nochuincfed  fo 
secht  .i.  secbt  troisgcid  ic  ulaid  Fursa  ar  an  Coimdid1  a  n-anmum 
5  Fursa  co  tibred  Bia  d6.  RofrithailwJ  tra  co  maitb  an  aidhchi-sin 
Fursa,  conid  ann  asbert  Fursa : 

99.  '  Is  cett  lem2  don  aegaire         cia  nobeth  sund  co  sona, 

cia  fogaba  morc[h]ennsa         lassin  Duilem  lar  ndola. 

Is  de  taett  ar  tarcud-ne         co  Laind  na  Colmdn  credal, 
ait  hi  fagbaim  ermitin        is  m6  mas  imar  dlegar. 

Tainigc  maith  an  tsamaid-sa       dom  toisgc  cucu  buddechtsa, 
bi'aid  do  re[i]r  mo  chrabuid-sea,         for  a  cet-sain  mo  c[h]et- 

sa.'     Is  c. 

Bendachaio   tra  Fursa   an   cill   larnabarach.      Tegcaitt  immurgu  na 
ismanaig  co   Fursa  7   aitchitt  an  Comdid3    ris  comad   h6    noberad  a 
talmain  taissi  Colmain  meic  Luachain.  7  domttar  amlaid  uile.    '  Indis 
fechtsa  duinn,  a  Fursa ! '  ar  na  manaig  uile  : 

Do  macne  mm  muindterach         ar  t'uib  t'larmuib  tendmaidrne, 
do  rig  is  do  rigrada,         do  gmmrada  gerrma[i~|t-ne. 
20          A  congala  coscaraig         ar  tseb  t'iardaigi  tarsem, 

rongradis  rotoradsimar,         rotbaidsimar  rotbaidfem.' 
Bidgaid  iarum  an  ri  as  asa  c[h]odlud  7  ba  mebwr  lais  an  laid  7 
mebraigid5  an  rigan  uada-som  hi  7  an  sluag  arc[h]ena  uaithe-sim. 

100.  Ba  he  so  tra  clerech  ba  ferr  enech  a  nErinn.     Follus  on  «in, 
25  ar  tainigc-sim  cidiarna  etsecht  do  forail  a  t[h]ighi  oiged  for  Airechtach 

mac  Muiredaig  7  dorigne  anlaid-so  cuigi  7  fri  sen'.ir  isin  c[h]ill  isbert 
Colman  hi. 

«  Fir  tiinna  cein  bett  abus         denatt  idna,  iss  ed  a  Hess, 
creitett  athair  conigc6  nem,         ar  iss  e  focren  cacA  ceas." 

30  (fo.  88^2) 

Crommatt  cind  f  on  eclais  n-uiU     mad  ail  doib  rath  spira[i]tt  glain. 
adrat  do  Christ  credlach  cross         erett  bett  aboss  'ga  tigh. 

»  coimded  MS.          '  lem  cett  MS.  with  marks  of  transposition.         3  comded  MS. 
*  tairsi  MS.  corrected  fron  tairifli.  6  mebraidhidh  MS.  6  corigc  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN    99 

however  much  there  will  be.  To  the  erenagh  Fursa  leaves  heaven  and 
wealth  and  long  life,  and  that  his  food  should  never  be  reproached, 
provided  he  would  recite  a  prayer  to  Fursa  at  Fursa's  flagstone,  and 
that  one  of  every  three  words  he  might  say  should  have  the  authority 
of  a  judgment,  and  that  God  should  grant  him  every  perfection 
which  he  might  ask  for  seven  times,  viz.  (by  performing)  seven 
fastings  upon  God  in  Fursa's  name  at  Fursa's  tomb.  Now  Fursa 
was  waited  upon  well  that  night ;  so  then  he  said  : 

99.  *  I  permit  the  cowherd  to  live  here  happily,  to  obtain  great 
mercy  with  the  Creator  after  death. 

Hence  our  offering  comes  to  Lann  of  the  pious  Colmans,  where 
I  find  reverence  greater  than  is  due. 

Good  has  come  to  this  congregation  from  my  journey  to  them 
at  this  time ;  they  will  be  obedient  to  my  rule  of  devotion ;  my  own 
permission  is  added  to  theirs.' 

Then  on  the  morrow  Fursa  blessed  the  church.  However,  the 
monks  come  to  Fursa  and  beseech  him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  that  He 
might  take  the  remains  of  Colman  son  of  Luachan  out  of  the  earth. 
And  thus  it  is  all  done.  '  Now  tell  us,  Fursa,'  said  all  the  monks  :l 

'  Thy  gentle  courteous  sons,'  &c. 

Then  the  king  starts  out  of  his  sleep  and  remembered  the  song, 
and  the  queen  learnt  it  from  him  and  remembered  it,  and  the  rest  of 
the  people  from  her. 

100.  Now  he  was  the  most  generous  cleric  in  Ireland.      That 
is  evident,  for  even  after  his  death  he  came  to  commend  his  guest 
house  to  Airechtach  son  of  Muiredach,  and  made  the  following  song 
for  him ;  and  to  an  old  man  in  the  church  Colman  said  it. 

*  Let  the  men  of  the  commandments  practise  purity  while  they 
are  here  below — that  is  profitable  for  them.  Let  them  believe  in  the 
Father  who  rules  Heaven,  for  'tis  He  who  rewards  every  affliction. 

'  Let  them  bow  their  heads  under  the  gr^at  Church,  if  they  wish 
for  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  let  them  worship  holy  Christ  of  the 
crosses  while  they  are  here  below  in  their  house 


1  What  now  follows  is  quite  obscure,  nor  can  I  make  any  satisfactory  sense 
of  the  poem.  Something  has  evidently  heen  omitted.  The  transcriber  has 
probably  run  two  different  stories  together. 


100  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

Tennatt  corp  fri  crabud1  nglan         do  re[i]r  samad  sochla  sean, 
co  risatt  ti'r  n-angel  find,         is  ferr  lim  a  ndul  for  nera. 

jSTempm  ar  bith  c[h]e  an  domali  dub,      bid  oirb  oman  Do  do  neim, 
ferr  cert  an  genii sa  glain         ria  techt  an  terus-sa,  a  fir.     Fir. 

5          Coir  are  re  digail  De,         mairgc  romidhair  bid  fa  t[h]nuth. 
na  ris  ifernn  [n-]uathrnar  n-ard,         inula  gol  gargc  ar  a  bru. 

Brisiud  ar  sin,  iss  6  a  fir,         deich  timna  De  do  neim  nar, 
gnim  co  n-iris,  nertad  n-6g,         techtad  na  trog  is  na  tren.4 

Timna  ele,  uaisle  grad,         dlegar  do  c[h]ach  cid  dusgm, 
10          aoine,  ornaigt[h]i  co  fath,         timgoire  trath  conotli. 

Tabairt  bid  do  bochtaib  De,         tlath  do  nochtaib,  begc  is  go, 
bith  con  orad  acge  a  elf,         meraid  sin  co  nomad  no. 

Afrenn  is  celebrad  gle,         m  fedalrad  fand  co  li, 

dlegar  ria  tocht  do  chorp  Crist        t^rmud  gen  tristt  co  ba  thri. 

15          Abair  dam  fri  hAirechtach,         dena  maith  ar  bochtaib  De, 
ar  is  aigci  ata  each  maith         iccon  ftaith,  ic  mac  mo  De. 

M6r  an  crech         tech  n-aeiged2  Crist  arna  meth, 

mad  ainm  tigi  Crist  na  cloth,         is  inann  is  Crist  cen  tecA. 

Na  ceil  dam-sa  in  firindi !         da  cele-sae  tarast^r, 
?o          na  tabrad  a  druim  fria  Rig,      na  ria  an  tir  atagastar. 

Tech  n-aiged  na  mbocht  fo  bail      ria  tocht  a  ngnuis  De  do  neim, 
ni  ferr  gres  ar  crabud3  glan         dia  rab  lat  dogres,  a  fir.'     Fir. 

101.  [Ajraile  seel  foTtiftimentar  sund  .i.  Becrachan,6  manach  do 

manchaib  Colmain  he  7  iss  e  an  sechtmad6  fer  luid  leis  do  Eoim  beus 

25  7  iss  e  fil  hi  Gill  Becrachan  fri  laim  Colmain  meic  Luachain  f  is  saer 

hi  ar  chiss  rig  7  flatha  (fo.  89al).     Tugcsat  \mmurgu  muindter  Laindi 

1  cradbttd  MS.  ~  aeided  MS.  3  cradbwrf  MS. 

4tren«  MS.  5brecrachan  MS.  6  un.  MS. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHA^         101 

1  Let  their  bodies  embrace  pure  devotion  in  accordance  with  famous 
ancient  councils,  that  they  may  reach  the  land  of  blessed  angels — 
I  would  prefer  their  going  to  Heaven. 

1  The.black  world  is  nothing  on  this  earth — have  ye  the  fear  of 
God  from  Heaven  !  better  is  the  law  of  pure  chastity  before  going  on 
this  journey,  my  man. 

'  It  is  right  to  beware  of  God's  vengeance;  woe  to  him  who  has 
resolved  to  be  under  wrath  !  Do  not  go  to  horrible  deep  Hell,  many 
are  the  fierce  wails  in  its  lap. 

*  Next  (beware)  of  breaking — that  is  the  truth  of  it — the  Ten 
Commandments  of  God   from   holy    Heaven ;    deeds    with   faith, — 
perfect  strength — the  possession  of  the  wretched  and  the  strong. 

'Another  commandment  of  the  highest  rank,  which  behoves  every 
one  whatever  else  he  do:  fasting,  praying  with  reason,  supplication 
at  each  Hour  .  ,  . 

'  Giving  food  to  God's  poor,  a  garment  to  the  naked — it  is  never 
false  ;  his  being  without  cold  in  the  body,  that  will  endure  nine  times 
nine. 

1  It  behoves  to  offer  Sacrifice  and  glorious  Mass,  no  feeble  con 
stancy  with  splendour,  before  going  to  receive  Christ's  body,  a  ... 
without  a  curse  three  times. 

'  Say  to  Airechtach  on  my  behalf  that  he  do  good  to  God's  poor,  for 
he  possesses  every  good  from  the  Prince,  from  the  Son  of  my  God. 

'  Great  is  the  harm  that  Christ's  guest-house  should  be  neglected ; 
if  it  is  called  Christ's  house  of  fame,  it  is  as  though  Christ  were 
houseless. 

1  Conceal  not  truth,  1  beseech  thee!  if  thou  do,  ...  Let  him 
not  turn  his  back  upon  his  King,  let  him  not  buy  the  land  which  he 
has  dreaded.1 

*  May  the  guest-house  of  the  poor  prosper  before  (his)  going  into  the 
presence  of   God  from  Heaven — there  is  no  better  practice  in  pure 
devotion,  if  that  be  ever  with  thee,  0  man  ! ' 

101.  A  certain  story  is  recorded  here.  Becrachan  was  one  of 
Column's  monks  ;  and  he  was  another  of  the  seven  men  that  went  with 
him  to  Rome  ;  and  he  it  is  who  is  buried  in  Cell  Hecrachan  under  the 
protection  of  Column  son  of  Luachan.  And  that  church  is  free  from  the 
tax  of  king  and  chief.  However,  the  monks  of  Lann  gave  it  to 

1  i.e.  Hell. 


102  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LUACHAIN 

d'tl  Scoil  hi  for  a  man  chine  co  brath.  Ni  dlegar  dano  do  Feraib  Tulach 
cethemn  timchill  rig  Midhi  forru  acht  a  gille  each  an  tan  bias  isin 
Croindsi  ar  son  na  cethernne  timchill  7  m  dlegar  dib  dol  a  cath  illo 
catha  acht  imon  .rig  7  deoraid  7  amais. 

I  102.  [Ajraile  seel  dawo  foT&thmentar  sund.  Fecht  ann  fsemait  na 
tii  Colmain  m5ra  Midhi  trian  sloig  do  dingmail  do  rig  Temrach  acht 
co  mbeth  diare[i]r  .i.  da  cath  do  denum  do  feraib  Midi  dib  7  tri  catha 
do  feraib  hErenn  dib  7  an  tres  cath  dib-sin  .i.  do  na  tri  Colmdwat'0 
Midhi,  conid  ann  isbert  in  rand  : 

10        '  Cach  olc  do  muir  is  do  t[h]ir         tigc  fri  Temraig  tothachi  min, 
comlann  ris  ac  Rig  neime         na  tri  Colmain  caenMidi.' 

103.  Follus  tra  asna  scelaib-so  Colmain  meic  Luachain  nach  fil 
clerech  is  amru  ac  Dia  oldas-[s]om.  Ar  cia  clerech  ele  9  nErinn 
ro-imthig  an  loch  cen  eathar  acht  eisium? 

15  Cia  clerech  dano  ar  rosslnigc  talam  a  n-senfecht  an  uile  diarmidhi 
et^r  daeine  7  echu  7  r-onu  feib  rosluict[h]ea  da  breithir-sim  a  ssnar? 

Cia  clerech  dano  rotathbeoaig  tri  marbu  fo  c[h]osmailes  Crist  acht 
eisium  fein  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  is  cell  chottaig  dia  manchaib  fein  acht  a  c[h]eall- 
20  som  nama  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  dia  ndernnsatt  na  hallta  umaloitt  dia  ndeoin  fein 
acht  do-som  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  da  fil  muilenn  cerr  do  c[h]urnachta  a  mirbuile 
acht  eissium  ? 

25  Cia  clerech  dawo  gus'tangadar  muindter  ifrinn  fo  forcongra  hi  richt 
foiche  acht  cuicci-sim  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  cus'tangadar  muindter  neime  fo  forcongra 
co  ndernnsat  grafne  n-6enaigh  (fo.  89a2)  do  ana  fiadlmaissi  co 
himmlan  ? 

30  Cia  clerech  cus'tainigc  Crist  fein  hi  richt  claim  ic  Crois  daman 
acht  chuigci-sim  uama  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  dorigne  cruthnechtt  don  eorna  achfc  eisium  a 
aenar  nama  ? 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN         103 

Ua  Scoil  in  consideration  for  his  service  to  the  monastery  till 
Doom.  The  King  of  Meath  is  not  entitled  to  demand  a  troop  from 
Fartullagh  to  accompany  him  on  his  round,  except  a  lad  for 
Ids  horses,  when  he  is  in  Cro-inis  for  the  purpose  of  (collecting) 
the  troop  to  accompany  him ;  and  they  are  not  obliged  to  join  a 
battalion  on  a  day  of  battle,  except  with  the  king,  and  strangers  and 
mercenaries. 

102.  Again,  another  story  is  recorded  here.  Once  upon  a  time  the 
•three  great  Colmans  of  Meath  agree  to  ward  off  one  third  of  the  host 
from  the  King  of  Tara,  provided  that  he  were  obedient  to  them,  viz. 
that  two  battalions  should  be  formed  by  the  men  of  Meath,  and  three 
battalions  by  the  men  of  Ireland,  and  one  of  the  three  battalions  by 
them,  viz.  by  the  three  Colmans  of  Meath,  whence  is  the  quatrain : 

4  Every  evil  on  sea  or  on  land  that  comes  against  Tara  of  fair 
possessions,  by  the  grace  of  the  King  of  Heaven,  the  three  Colmans 
of  fair  Meath  are  able  to  cope  with  it.' 

103.  Now  it  is  evident  from  these  stories  about  Colman  son  of 
Luachan  that  God  thinks  no  cleric  more  wonderful  than  him.  For 
what  other  cleric  in  Ireland  has  gone  on  a  lake  without  a  boat  but 
he? 

Again,  what  cleric  is  there  for  whom  the  earth  swallowed  at  once 
all  those  countless  numbers,  both  men  and  horses  and  hounds,  as  they 
were  swallowed  at  his  word  alone? 

Again,  what  cleric  resuscitated  three  dead  people  in  imitation  of 
Christ  save  he  ? 

Again,  what  cleric  is  there  whose  church  is  a  church  of  covenant 
for  his  own  monks  except  his  ? 

Again,  what  cleric  is  there  to  whom  the  wild  animals  rendered 
obeisance  of  their  own  free  will  except  to  him  ? 

Again,  what  other  cleric  is  there  for  whom  by  his  miraculous 
power  a  mill  was  turned  awry  but  he  ? 

Again,  what  cleric  is  there  to  whom  the  people  of  Hell  came  at 
his  bidding  in  the  shape  of  wasps  but  he  ? 

What  cleric  again  is  there  to  whom  the  people  of  Heaven  came 
at  his  bidding,  and  in  his  presence  ran  races  perfectly  as  at  a  fair  ? 

What  cleric  again  is  there  to  whom  Christ  came  in  the  shape  of  a 
leper  at  Cross  Claman  except  he  only  ? 

Wh.'t  cleric  again  made  wheat  out  of  barley  but  he  only  ? 


104  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtkCHAIN 

Cla  clerech  dorigne  ceo  lomma  do  englais  raidg  acht  eiseam  a  aenar 
beus? 

Cia  clerech  daw>  robaid  indsi  cona  dseinib  fo  loch  acht  eisim  ana 
aenar  beoss  ? 

5  Cia  clerech  dawo  dorigne  ferta  7  mirbaili  riana  geinemain  acht  e-sim 
a  senar  ? 

Cia   clerech   gusa   tangadar  angil  a  n-aidchi  a  gene  co   ceolaib 
.ersgaigthecha1  acht  cuci-sim? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  dia  ndernad  taire[h]etal  ratha  De  ria  feis  a  mathar 
10  f ria  athair  acht  do-som  ? 

Cia  clerech  dawo  rochotail  fon  sruth  5n  tiath  coraile  cen  fliuchad 
a  ettaig  acht  e-sim  ? 

104.  Hue  usque  signa  fiant  7  c.  .i,  nf  coimsidh  nech  dechmad  an 
neich  dorigne-sim  do  aisneis  acht  mane  tisad  a  aingel  comaidechta  n6 

16  spiratt  a  anma  fein  ana  churp  doridhisi  dia  falsiugud.  Ar  issi-so 
teisd  dobir  CruimtA<9r  Cassan  Domnaig  M5ir  7  Maeltuile  mac  Nochuire  7 
Colum  Ciile  ac  a  molad  .i.  cia  dofaetsad  nem  for  talmain  dogena  Dia 
are-sim  a  athnuadugud  doridisi  'sa  sonairti  c6tna.  Ar  ba  fer  glan 
idbartach  toltanach  e-sium  don  Choimdid2  na  ndula  &mail  Abel  mac 

20  Adaim ;  primfdid  fri  tairc[h]etal  todochaidi  amail  Issahfas  macNamais ; 
cend  irsi  7  creitim  larthair  an  betha  &mail  Abram  mac  Tan*a;  prim- 
toisiuch  togaidi  an  popuil  iraesaig  tria  muir  na  baisti  7  na  der[g]- 
martra  zmail  Moisi  mac  Amrae  tre  Muir  Jtuaid ;  salmc[h]etlaid  cennais 
duthrachtach  fri  c&ntam  tsalm  amail  Dauid  mac  tasse;  (fo.  89^1)  fer 

25  fulaing  fochaidhi  7  treablaitti  ar  an  Coimdid3  na  ndula  sunail  lop  tochai- 
dech ;  istu[d]loc  toghaidhi  do  ecna  D6  7  dia  aircheto/  snn.aU  Pol  apstal ; 
comarba  oigi  7  genais  na  eclaisi  tianuortigh[th]i  amail  Eoin  mbrun[n]- 
dalta ;  primliaig*  cuirp  7  anmae  each  iraesaig  amail  Lucass  suibisce/taid^. 

105.  Ba  hi-so  riago/  a  chrabuid6  .i.  tri  renna  dognid  don  aidchi 
3-3  7  cethri  huaire  cacha  raindi.     Dognid-som  immurgu6  Irl  c^t  slechtain 

isan  c[h]etna  raind  7  no7  canad  na  tri  .1.  isin  rainn  tanaisti.  No7  hetar- 
scarad  dawo  a  m^nmain  ona  talmandaib  cusna  nemdaib  i  teoir  isin 
tres  raind.  Dognidimmw/ytt  .1111.  celebart[h]a  each  Idi  7  no7  chanad  .1. 
salm  iier  cech  celebrad  7  no  baisted  7  no  pritchad  7  no7  chanad 
55  ernaigt[h]i  imda  ele  archena. 

1  deragaidtecAa  MS.         3  choimded  MS.  3  coimded  MS.          4  primliaid  MS. 

5  cradbwirf  MS.  6  .g.  MS.  7  na  MS 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUAOHAN    105 

What  cleric  made  cream  out  of  whey-water  but  again  he  alone  ? 

What  cleric  swamped  an  island  with  its  inhabitants  under  a  lake 
but  again  he  alone  ? 

What  cleric  again  performed  wonders  and  miracles  before  his  birth 
but  he  alone  ? 

What  cleric  is  there  to  whom  angels  came  on  the  eve  of  his  birth 
with  exquisite  music  except  to  him  ? 

Again  what  cleric  is  there  of  whom  a  prophecy  of  the  grace  of 
God  was  made  before  his  mother  slept  with  his  father,  except  of  him? 

Again  what  cleric  slept  under  a  river  from  one  hour  to  the  same 
hour  next  day  without  wetting  his  garment  but  he  ? 

104.  Hue  usque  signa  fiant,  &c.  No  one  can  relate  a  tithe  of 
what  he  did  unless  his  guardian-angel  should  come  or  the  spirit  of 
his  own  soul  should  come  back  again  into  his  body  to  make  it  known. 
For  this  is  the  testimony  which  Cassan  the  Priest  of  Domnach  Mor 
and  Maeltuile  son  of  Nochuire  and  Colum  Cille  bore  as  they  were 
praising  him  :  if  the  heavens  should  fall  upon  the  earth,  God  would 
for  his  sake  renew  them  again  in  their  same  strength.  For  he  was  a 
man  pure,  sacrificing,  acceptable  to  the  Lord  of  Creation  like  Abel 
son  of  Adam ;  a  chief  prophet  to  foretell  the  future  like  Isaiah  son  of 
Amoz ;  the  head  of  the  faith  and  belief  of  the  western  world  like 
Abraham  son  of  Terah ;  the  chosen  leader  of  the  faithful  people 
through  the  sea  of  baptism  and  of  red  martyrdom  like  Moses  son  of 
Amram  through  the  Red  Sea ;  a  gentle  devout  psalmist  to  sing  his 
psalms  like  David  son  of  Jesse ;  a  man  suffering  afflictions  and 
tribulations  for  the  sake  of  the  Lord  of  Creation  like  Job  the  afflicted  ; 
a  choice  treasury  of  the  wisdom  of  God  and  of  His  love  like  Paul 
the  Apostle ;  a  virginal  and  chaste  coarb  of  the  persecuted  Church 
like  John  the  bosom-fosterling ;  a  foremost  physician  of  the  body 
and  soul  of  every  faithful  one  like  Luke  the  evangelist. 

105.  This  was  his  devotional  rule  :  he  used  to  make  three  divisions 
of  the  night,  four  hours  in  each  division.  In  the  first  division  he 
would  perform  three  hundred  genuflections,  and  in  the  second  he 
would  recite  the  psalms.  Again,  in  the  third  division  he  would 
remove  his  mind  in  meditation  from  earthly  things,  dwelling  on 
heavenly  things.  Every  day,  however,  he  would  celebrate  mass  and 
recite  fifty  psalms  between  each  celebration,  and  he  would  baptize 
and  preach  and  recite  many  other  prayers  besides. 


106  BETHA  COLMAIN  MAIC  LtJACHAIN 

106.  0  thainigc  immurgu  cusna  dedenchu2  do-som,  ar  ni  raba 
full  na  feoix  fair,  ar  roforbanastar  a  betliaid  triasna  haeintib  cianastib 
7  triasna  frith  airib  aidchidib,  iss  ed  sin  immurgu  indisitt  na  senchusa 
naema  nach  do  galar  sainruthach  etir  atbath,  acht  aingil  an  Choimded 
tancatar  dia  t[h]ogairm  i  forba  a  bethad,  dicentes  :  '  0  bone  Colmane, 
festina  ad  nos  '  .i.  ar  cia  b6-siu  isna  talmandaib  atchiam-ne  tu  ama«7 
catharda2  diless  hi  neim.  Conid  amlaid  sin  immurgu  roforbanastor  a 
bethaid  etir  na  himacallma  anglecda  7  na  cumsanta  diada.  Iss  ed 
immurgu  indisitt  na  scribenda  diada  conid  e-sim  fein  bus  brethem  for 
10  a  manchflii  7  for  a  raanchesaib  illo  bratha  7  ni  bert[h]ar  nech  dib 
uada  a  n-ifrinn  acht  aen  do  chett  7  cid  he  sin  bid  dru[th]  no  dibergach 
no  mac  mallachta. 


-  degenr.hu  MS.  3  catwrarda  MB. 


FINIT. 


THE  LIFE  OF  COLMAN  SON  OF  LUACHAN         107 

106.  Now  when  his  end  was  approaching— for  there  was  neither 
blood  nor  flesh  on  him,  for  he  had  consumed  his  life  in  long  fasts 
and  nightly  watches — the  holy  ancient  writings  relate  that  lie  did  not 
die  of  a  special  disease  at  all,  hut  angels  of  the  Lord  came  to  summon 
him  at  the  end  of  his  life,  saying :  0  bone  Colmane^festina  ad  nos  !  that 
is  to  say,  *  for  though  thou  art  on  earth,  we  behold*  thee  as  a  rightful 
citizen  in  heaven.'  'Tis  thus  then  he  ended  his  life,  among  angelic 
conversations  and  divine  repose.  This,  however,  is  what  the  divine 
writings  say :  that  on  the  day  of  Judgment  he  will  be  a  judge  over 
his  monks  and  nuns,  and  none  of  them  shall  be  carried  into  hell 
except  one  out  of  a  hundred,  and  even  so  he  shall  be  a  jester1  or  a 
marauder  or  a  son  of  malediction. 

1  Perhaps  leg.  drui  '  wizard.' 


FIN1T. 


(     108     ) 


NOTES 

P.  2,  1.  2.  An  spirat  noem  &c.  See  the  same  sentence  in  the  Life  of  Adamn-m 
edited  by  R.  I.  Best  in  Anecdota  from  Irish  MSS.  ii,  p.  10. 

ib.  1.  3.  nufiadmssc.  This  is  the  0.  Ir.  form,  which  in  Mid.  Ir.  becomes 
nuafiadnaisse. 

ib.  1.  6.  ar  ronordncstar  &c.,  literally : '  for  God  ordained  him  (0.  Ir.  ranordnestar] 
so  that  he  was  king  and  prophet.'  As  to  Mid.  Ir.  ron-  for  0.  Ir.  ran-,  see 
Strachan,  Erin,  i,  157. 

ib.  1.  8.  anafuil.  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  ifil. 

ib.  an  fersa  sin.  fersa  is  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  fers.  As  appears  from  the  use  of 
hi  in  11.  12  and  18,  the  word  was  feminine,  probably  on  the  analogy  of  rann  f. 

ib.  1.  10.  a  persoin  =  i  pertain.  Cf.  AVb.  14^26:  is  i  persin  Crist  dagniu-sa 
sin. 

ib.  aid  an  fersa  sin  arna  rdd,  literally,  '  that  verse  is  after  being  spoken.' 

ib.  1.  19.  a  rdd  co  spirat.  On  second  thoughts  I  would  now  translate  'that  it 
should  be  said  of  the  spirit,'  and  not  of  the  body. 

ib.  1.  21.  aid  an  rdd  sin  comchoitchenn  &c.  The  meaning  is  that  'viriliter,' 
which  might  seem  to  apply  to  men  only,  also  applies  to  women. 

ib.  1.  22.  atdt  mordn  dona  dtcinib.  The  use  of  the  plural  verb  M'ith  a  collective 
noun  is  common,  but  not  obligatory. 

ib.  1.  23.  riasiu  thinscnait.  Here  and  in  1.  24  riasiu  is  followed  by  the  indicative, 
while  in  0.  Ir.  it  demands  the  subjunctive  with  ro.  See  Thurn.  §  883. 

P.  4,  1.  2.  rocathaigsit.  Here  and  elsewhere  the  scribe  no  longer  distinguishes 
between  the  conjunct  ending  -set,  and  the  absolute  -sit,  which  has  taken  its  place. 

ib.  1.  3.  diatd  Uth  &c.     The  same  phrase  occurs  in  Anecdota  ii,  p.  11. 

ib.  1.  4.  Luachaini.  Notice  the  graphic  expression  of  lenited  n  in  Irish 
Latinity,  as  in  Furannaini,  AU.  550. 

ib.  1.  12.  cid  mor  indiu  a  anoir  &c.  This  sentence  again  is  also  found  in  the 
Life  of  Adamnan,  Anecd.  ii,  p.  19. 

ib.  1.  15.  oentu  is  uaislem  cech  n-6entaid.  Here  the  superl.  uaislem  has  taken 
the  place  of  the  coinpar.  uaislin.  The  superl.  is  used  correctly  in  p.  S,  1.1  (sinem). 

ib.  1.  19.  rogener  =  royenair.     Cf.  giner,foruer,  CZ.  viii,  308,  12. 

ib.  1.  20.  After  m.  Maine  the  scribe  has  omitted  in.  Diarmata  Deirg.    Cf.  1.  26. 

ib.  1.  25.  geneloia,  Irish  Latin  for  genealogia. 

ib.  1.  26.  m.  Colmdin  M6ir  Mide.  He  was  a  son,  not  the  father,  of 
Diarmait  Derg,  though  he  died  ten  years  before  him. 


NOTES  109 

ib.  1.  29.  According  to  LL  350«  bishop  Etchen  (or  EtcMan)  was  a  son  of 
Maine  eccs  mac  Fergusa  Laebdeirg.  His  church  was  in  Cluain  Fota  Baetain  Aba, 
i.e.  Clonfad  in  bar.  Farbill.  Ib.  35303.  Tech  Dochua  maic  Nemain  is  mentioned 
as  his  church.  He  died  about  580. 

P.  6,  1.  1.  screpulcaithrcch.  A  tax  of  a  scruple  on  adults  (caithrech,  from  caither 
'  the  hair  of  puberty  ')  is  mentioned  again  on  p.  94,  1.  9. 

ib.  1.3.  It  is  curious  that  among  all  these  etymological  speculations  the  true 
origin  of  the  name  Colmdn  (a  diminutive  pet  form  of  Columb,  borrowed  from  Lat. 
colitmba)  should  not  be  mentioned. 

ib.  1.  4.  lob  Irisech.  Another  standing  epithet  for  Job  isfocfcaidech,  as  below, 
p.  104, 1.  26,  and  Anecd.  ii,  p.  10. 

ib.  1.  10.  The  feminine  name  Lassar  should  not  be  taken  as  indicating  any 
reference  to  sun-  or  fire-worship,  as  Plummer  ( Vitae  Sanct.  Hib.,  p.  cxxxvi)  supposes, 
but  rather  in  the  metaphorical  sense  of  '  flame  of  hospitality,  liberality.'  breo  is 
also  used  in  proper  names  in  that  sense. 

ib.  1.  1 1.  H(u)i  Gnill.     They  are  mentioned  as  Lassar's  brdtharfine  in  §  82.  . 

P.  8,  1.  4.  Hiii  Mdenachdiii.  They  are  mentioned  in  Eawl.  B.  502,  p.  121£, 
122/,  and  125«.  Hui  Mdilumai,  ib.  p.  122/. 

ib.  1.  13.  .1111.  muic,  i.e.  the  three  mentioned  and  Colman. 

ib.  Midna.  The  older  form  is  Midgna  (mac  Midgnai  LL  31 5a,  35lrf,  mac 
Midgnu  ib.)  =  W.  Myddno,  where  -gno  represents  Gaul.  *-gnovos.  Cf.  Ir. 
Beogna  =  W.  Beuno,  Clothgna  =  W.  Clydno,  Fergna  (Virgnous,  Adamn.) 
=  "W.  Gwrno.  The  g  has  been  lost  before  n  as  in  domnas  for  dowgnas. 

ib.  1.  17.  i  ciunn.  This  old  dative  occurs  also  on  pp.  58,  1.  19;  74,  1.  4. 
As  the  list  on  pp.  127  and  128  in  O'Malley's  Language  of  the  Annals  of  Ulster 
shows,  it  was  replaced  by  cinn  in  the  eleventh  century. 

ib.  1.  21.  roaidbairset  fein  i  n-6giu.  Here  roaidbairset  is  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir. 
adropartar,  and  fein  is  the  Mid.  Ir.  form  of  0.  Ir.  fessine,  feissin,  or  feisne* 
For  i  n-6giu  read  a  n-6gi  and  translate  as  in  note  2  on  p.  9.  Cf.  ro  idpair  an 
ingen  a  oigi  do  Dia,  Lism.  L.  4176. 

ib.  1.  22.  hi  tirib  cianaib,  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  i  tire  ciana. 

ib.  1.  23.  reclence.  This  word,  the  origin  of  which  is  still  obscure,  has  often  been 
translated  by  '  abbey  church.'  But  the  true  meaning  seems  to  be  '  enclosure,  close, 
cell.'  In  the  preface  to  the  hymn  '  Altus  Prosator '  (Book  of  Hymns)  and  in  the 
Life  of  St.  Martin  (RC.  ii,  p.  322)  it  renders  <  cellula.'  A  (circular?)  redes  of  27 
feet  in  dimension  is  mentioned  below  in  §  19.  In  Trip.,  p.  473,  1.  31,  it  clearly 
means  the  close  of  a  church.  The  word  seems  a  masculine  u-stem.  It  is  referred 
to  by  e  sein  on  p.  22, 1.  8.  See  the  Glossary. 

ib.  1.  24.  ni  corbat  coin  ni  do  &c.  More  literally  '  wolves  do  not  defile  anything 
of  it,  nor  birds  anything  in  it.' 

P.  10,  1.  17.  Tir  inna  Copun.  Notice  the  0.  Ir.  form  of  the  gen.  pi.  of  the 
article.  The  word  copdn  is  more  likely  to  be  the  rnasc.  form  of  the  fern,  copoc  '  a 
burr,  burdock'  than  the  word  meaning  'cup.' 


110  NOTES 

1.  22.  m  bad  amra.     Here,  as  on  p.  14,  1.  14,  amra  stands  for  amru. 

ib.  1.  26.  The  metrical  system  of  this  poem  is  2  x  73  +  51,  except  in  the  first 
half  of  the  first  stanza,  where  it  is  2  x  63,  and  in  the  second  half  of  the  last  two 
stanzas,  where  it  is  3  x  7:i. 

ih.  gignither.  This  is  sg.  3  rel.  of  the  0.  Ir.  reduplicated  future  of  gainithir, 
while  on  p.  6,  1.  21  and  p.  14,  1.  11  we  have  the  Mid.  Ir. /-future  genfid. 

ib.  1.  29.  ma,  used  as  a  monosyllable  like  Ua  p.  12,  1.  4. 

P.  12,  1.  8.  coic,  not  necessarily  ;  cook.'  In  Plummer's  Titae  Sanct.  Rib.  ii, 
p.  382,  it  is  used  equivalent  with  cettarius.  There  is  a  poem,  by  Maelisu  ua  Brolchain 
(t  A.D.  1086)  on  the  eight  chief  sins,  beginning :  Ocht  n-cerich  na  ndualach,  in  the 
Book  of  Lismore,  fo.  62bl  and  in  H.  3.  18.  Notice  that  dudlaig  (*du-dlaig)  is 
tere  still  used  as  a  trisyllable. 

ib.  1.  19.  cotaigi.  Bergin  suggests  that  cotaige  may  be  formed  from  cotach  as 
f.ennaige  from  cennach. 

ib.  1.  22.  «ft,  the  Mid.  Ir.  form  of  0.  Ir.  su'i  (+su-vida). 

ib.  1.  30.  saltrach.  This  word,  like  so  many  other  nouns  ending  in  -air  in  the 
nom.,  has  passed  in  Mid.  Ir.  into  the  guttural  declension.  See  Strachan. 
Contributions  to  the  History  of  Middle  Irish  Declcnsiw,  p.  32. 

ib.  so  'he,  the  afore-mentioned,'  as  on  p.  14,  1.  1. 

F.  14,  1.  2.  dia  E6mdnchaib  'for  his  Romans'?  But  dia  might  be  miswritten 
ior  di  or  de.  Cf .  the  Mid.  Ir.  forms  fria  for  fri,  trio,  for  tri,  which  are  modelled 
upon  ria. 

ib.  1.  4.  comldna.  The  plural  must  be  taken  with  the  whole  phrase  eethracha 
ar  cet.  Cf.  caeca  for  cet  comldna  t  Lism.  L.  4113. 

ib.  1.  11.  athilti  (sic  leg.)  stands  by  metathesis  for  ath-aithli.     See  Glossary. 

ib.  1.  16.  an  tairchetal  so.  I  was  first  inclined  to  alter  this  into  on  tairchetul  no, 
But  Bergin  points  out  to  me  that  we  have  here  an  early  example  of  a  common 
Mod.  Ir.  idiom,  as  e.g.  ni  trumide  an  loch  an  laeha. 

ib.  1.  19.  ir6ir,  spelt  irrair  on  p.  20,  1.  17. 

ib.  1.  20.  6  notegtis,  more  literally,  «  when  they  would  come.' 

ib.  batir.     Notice  the  0.  Ir.  form  for  the  later  batar. 

ib.  1.  22.  fodesin,  one  of  the  0.  Ir.  forms  (fadeissin)  of  the  3.  sg.  m. 

ib.  1,  22.  6rba  sldna.  Notice  the  sing,  of  the  copula  with  a  piur.  subject.  So 
in  ba  sdthig  tat,  p.  20,  1.  16. 

sldna  as  often  =  lana.     Cf.  p.  24,  1.  28. 

ib.  1.  24.  a  cein  robat  0.  Ir.  din  (cene)  romba. 

P.  16,  1.  1.  fair-som.  Her.e  we  have  the  Mid.  Ir.  confusion  of  the  prep,  for 
with  air.  In  0.  Ir.  it  would  be  airi  som. 

ib.  1.  4.  conicci,  as  on  p.  18, 1.  29  and  1.  33  for  0.  Ir.  corricci,  which  we  have  on 
p.  18, 1.  16  (coregci)  and  1.  21. 

ib.  6.  tarfds.     The  mark  of  length  belongs  rightly  to  the  first  a. 

ib.  1.  10.  Rob6i  tra  Colmdnfo  usci,  &c.  So  Mac  Da  Cherdda  slept  under  water. 
See  Eriu  v,  p.  21. 


NOTES  111 

ib.  1.  14.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  lethrannaigecht  mor  (51  -f  o1).  See  my 
Metrical  Primer,  §  20. 

ib.  1.  15.    ni  btu.     The  consuetudinal  present  with  the  negative  is  used  in  a 
future  sense.     Cf.   nocha  biu-sa  im  bethaid  de,   Fel.2  p.   54.      Compare  also 
Vendryes  Sur  ^absence  cFadverbe  temporel  avec  la  negation,  EC.  28,  p.  10. 
ib.  1.  16.  tosci,  compar.  of  tdisech,  0.  Ir.  tdisigiu. 
ib.  1.  18.  ar  in  sruth.     Here  ar  has  taken  the  place  of  0.  Ir.for. 
ib.  1.  23.     As  to  the  later  name  (apud  novos   Scottos)  « Ldm  airgit '  for  the 
Brosna  see  the  Index  of  Places  s.v. 

ib.  1.  25.  ar  do  scdth.  We  have  to  distinguish  two  different  phrases,  (1)  for 
sc&th  and  (2)  for  scdth.  Both  have  become  ar  scdth  in  Mid.  Irish.  Here  we  have 
to  do  with  the  latter.  Cf .  bft  for  scaith  (leg.  scdth,  rhyming  with  each)  do  sceith, 
LL  148*18. 

ib.  1.  26.  for  thuil  tii,  perhaps  corrupt  forforfuil  tu. 
P.  18,  1.  1.  tustide,  the  Mid.  Ir.  form  of  0.  Ir.  tustid. 
ib.  1.  2.  Jtomorad  ainrn  De  &c.     A  common  phrase  in  the  Lives  of  Saints. 
See  e.g.  Fel.*  p.  46,  5  ;  Trip.  10,  22. 

ib.  1.  5.  tabair  a  lam,  either  for  tabair  a  Idim  or  for  0.  Ir.  tabarr  a  lam  '  let  his 
hand  be  put.'     Cf.  tabar  a  rfar  d6,  Trip.  472,  8. 
•   1,  8.  arale  dano  seel.     Notice  the  position  of  the  particle. 

1.  9.  tabair  an  mac.  Here  again  tabair  may  stand  for  an  0.  Ir.  tabarr  (imperat. 
pass.). 

1.  10.  fo  rose  =  fo  a  rose. 
1.  15.  arnias,  perhaps  «  from  the  south.' 

1.  17.  asbert.  This  should  probably  be  emended  into  asberthar.  But  cf.  conid 
de  sin  asb^tr  an  bachall,  p.  46,  1.  9. 

1.  25.  lauid.     This  spelling  recurs  on  p.  82,  1.  16. 
1.  27.  roedprad,  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  adroprad. 

ib.  1.  28.  ar  son  na  hlbraige  fiin.  The  Ibrach  was  Colman's  cell  (reclis)  at 
Kahen.  See  §  21. 

ib.  1.  30.  ant's,  perhaps  *  to  the  south  of.' 

ib.  1.  31.  do  muintir  Lainne  &c.  After  the  parenthesis  .i.  6td—  inti  the  thread 
of  the  sentence  is  again  taken  up  ;  it  would  be  clearer  if  .i.  were  inserted  before 
do  tn.  Lainne,  which  evidently  refers  back  to  do  Ckolmdn  in  1.  27. 

ib.  1.  33.  do  noemaib  na  himirce,  i.e.  those  who  accompanied  Mochuta  on  his 
expulsion  from  Rahen.  As  to  the  expulsion  of  Mochuta  see  Fe"l.2  pp.  95  and  97, 
and  cf.  the  Brussels  MS.  5100  : 

Mochuda  cona  chlamraid 
d'ionnarba  a  Rath  am  roghlain. 

P.  20,  1.  2.   Ua  Ferchair,  i.e.  the  chief  of  the  Ui  Ferchair. 
ib.  1.  3.  muinter  Lias  JSfoir.     At  Lismore  Mochuta  finally  settled  and  died. 
ib.  1.  4.  Blathmoc.     As  the  rhymes  with  rathmac  1.  8  and  athbac  1.  9  show,  the 
first  syllable  is  short,  so  that  blath  seems  to  stand  for  blad  '  renown.'     So  in  the 


112  NOTES 

Martyrology  of  Gorman,  Dec.  11,  Blaithmec  rhymes  with  taithtnet  At  the  same 
time  Walafrid  Strubo  in  his  poem  on  the  martyrs  of  lona  renders  this  name  by 
'  Florigenus.' 

ib.  1.  5.  In  the  first  stanza  the  metre  of  the  first  couplet  is  debide  guilbnech, 
that  of  the  second  ordinary  debide.  The  second  stanza  is  composed  in  debide  imrind  ; 
the  last  stanza  is  again  a  mixture  of  debide  guilbnech  and  ordinary  debide. 

As  the  use  of  dec  and  ua  as  monosyllables  shows,  the  poem  cannot  be  earlier 
than  the  second  half  of  the  tenth  century. 

ib.  1.  21.  anti  nach  ba,  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  inti  nod  bo. 

ib.  do  gait  neime  form.     Here/orm  has  taken  the  place  of  0.  Ir.  atrium. 

ib.  1.  23.  corab  hi  a  n-elithre.     Of.  bid  ailithri  dot  manchaib-siu  indti  40,  27. 

ib.  n.  .i.  fflasdn  ua  Suanaig,  more  likely  ui  Suanaig  i.e.  of  Fidmuine. 

P.  22.  1.  6.  an  manaig.    Here  for  once  the  0.  Ir.  nom.  pi.  masc.  of  the  article 


ib.  1.  11.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  rannaigecht  bee  bee  (42  +  43).  See  my 
Metr.  Primer,  no.  19. 

ib.  1.  12.  grdd  De,  i.e.  '  beloved  of  God.' 

ib.  1.  15.  lommndn,  by  dissimilation  from  lom-ldn. 

ib.  1.  19.  uastu,  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  osib  (Wb.). 

ib.  1.  20.     This  line  is  hopelessly  corrupt. 

ib.  1.  21.  fiad  na  huile.    fiad  (W.  gwydd)  governs  the  dat.  in  0.  Ir. 

ib.  1.  24.  cein  beo,  literally,  « while  I  may  be,'  as  cein  beth  in  1.  27  '  while  he 
might  be.' 

ib.  1.  26.  timairgid  (=  timgairid)  celebrad  '  asks  leave  '  rather  than  '  bids 
farewell.' 

F.  24,  1.  13.  luffda,  bud  spelling  for  lugu  or  lug*. 

ib.  1.  1 6.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  cro  eummaise  eler  chasbairdni  ocus 
lethrannraigecht  (73  +  5l).  See  Metr.  Primer,  no.  62.  In  the  first  verse  of  the 
second  stanza  tra  ale,  if  correct,  takes  the  place  of  a  trisyllable. 

ib.  1.18.  tasce  =  tasci,  p.  48,  1.  1.  This  seems  originally  the  third  sg.  of  the 
pies,  s-subj.  of  do-scuchim. 

ib.  1.  19.  tdam-ne,  trisyllabic. 

ib.  1.  26.  an  t-ord  tuc  Molaisi  leis  6  Roim.  Plummer  ( Vitae  Sanct.  Hib. 
p.  xlvi  n.  3)  conjectures  that  this  refers  to  the  adoption  of  the  Roman  Easter  of 
which  Molaisse  of  Leighlin  was  a  well-known  partisan.1  It  is,  however, questionable, 
as  Plummer  himself  suggests  (vol.  ii,  p.  381,  s.v.  celebrare),  whether  by  ord  is  riot 
simply  meant  the  or  do  celebrandi,  such  as  e.g.  Ailbe  is  said  to  have  sent  for  to  Rome 
(ut  novum  ordinem  celebrandi  a  Roma  deducerent). 

ib.  ar  roforaith  e-sium  should  have  been  translated  'for  he  helped  him.' 

1  But  Plummer's  translation  of  acht  co  torsed  (for  which  he  reads  toracht] 
by  '  as  soon  as  ever  it  arrived '  cannot  be  upheld. 


NOTES  113 

P.  26,  1.  10.  ilkrce  probably  miswritten  for  illabera,  the  e-future  of  labraim, 
the  1.  pers  of  which  occurs  in  Harl.  5280,  fo.  52b  (nochar  laber).  cipe  laibcrus 
Aisl.  M.  117,  40.  In  0.  Ir.  labrur  formed  an /-future. 

ib.  1.  17.   slaindid,  miswritten  for  slaidit. 

ib.  1.  25.  in.  Feradaig.  No  Feradach  is  mentioned  among  the  twelve  sons  of 
Cass  enumerated  in  Rawl.  B.  502,  152«  and  152*  =  LL  322. 

P.  28,  1.  6.  mina  raib  lind  fein.  An  early  example  of  the  use  of  fein  in  the 
sense  of '  even  '  so  common  in  the  modern  language. 

1.  8.  fegaoidh.  This  curious  spelling  recurs  in  claoiditt  1.  10,  manaoigh  ib., 
saothraoigh  1.  11  &c. 

ib.  1.  15.  oen  each  che[i~\t  (sic  leg.)  sund  dochum  nime  &c.  should  have  been 
rendered  '  Here  one  out  of  every  hundred  goes  to  Heaven  and  one  out  of  every 
hundred  to  Hell.'  Cf-  oen  do  c[h]et  esti  i  n-iftm,  Fel.  Oing.2  p.  204. 

ib.  1.  25.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  rannaigecht  bee  bee,  as  above  p.  22,  1.  10. 
In  the  second  half  of  the  first  stanza  we  have  the  expansion  known  as  corrdn 
(three  verses  instead  of  two).  See  Thurneysen,  Ir.  Verslehren,  p.  132. 

P.  30,  1.  1.  nijil  dige,  transl.  '  there  is  not  a  joint.' 

ib.  1.  3.  oen  each  cetta,  transl.  «  one  out  of  each  hundred.'  The  gen.  sg.  ceta 
instead  of  ceit  is  used  no  doubt  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  metre  which  requires 
a  disyllabic  at  the  end  of  each  verse. 

ib.  1.  13.  The  three  Colmdin  moir  Midi  are  also  mentioned  together  in  the 
notes  on  Fel.  6ing.z  p.  137,  where  for  '  Colman  of  the  coffer '  read  '  Colman  of 
Comraire'  *  (Conry  in  bar.  Eathconrath,  West  Meath). 

ib.  1.  18.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  de  freslige  ar  dechnaid  (63  +  52)  ;  see  Metr. 
Primer,  no.  63. 

ib.  1.  21.  arcangel,  miswritten  for  archanyil. 

ib.  1.  29.  The  ttuis  which  a  later  hand  has  inserted  is  meant  either  for  tuisech 
or  i  ttus  and  refers  to  teit  Colman  ('  as  the  first,  or  irst,  Colman  goes '). 

P.  32,  1.  7.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  lethiannaigecht  mor  (5l  +  51),  as  above,, 
p.  16,1.  14. 

ib.  1.  8.  The  copy  in  D.  4.  2,  fo.  55a2  reads:  furighth^r  a  n-am.  ni  fuilngthor 
a  nglond. 

ib.  1.  12.  cinniudfor  each.     Here  again  for  has  taken  the  place  of  0.  Ir.  air. 

ib.  1.  15.  an  tUltach,  i.e.  Colman  Elo. 

ib.  is  dilliufor  bith.  D  has  :  is  caime  nan  bith,  '  who  is  more  beloved  than  the 
world.' 

ib.  1.  17.  D  has:  gebaig  (recte  gebaid]  ilar  ceall  '  he  will  take  many  churches.' 

ib.  1.  19.  mairg  doregha  ris  D. 

ib.  1.  21.  Translate  perhaps  «  His  heart  is  a  shrine  of  a  hundred  mysteries- 
beyond  all  others.' 

1  In  his  edition  of  the  Annals  of  Ulster,  A.D.  1122,  note  1,  and  again  in  the 
Index,  p.  83,  MacCarthy  has  confused  Colman  Comraire  with  our  Colman. 

TODD  LECTURE    SERIES,  VOL.  XVII.  I 


114  NOTES 

ib.  1.  23.  Here  the  reading  of  D  do  claind  Cholmain  mbir  is  preferable. 

ib.  1.  25.  Here  D  has  preserved  the  0.  Ir.  form  retain,  ib.  1.  24.  dan  =  0.  Ir. 
diand. 

ib.  dnid  sorcha  in  bith.  Cf.  Ml.  51<?2 :  air  cech  ceneliu  ciuil  h6nid  techtae 
molad  Dae. 

ib.  1.  26.  D.  reads  is  si  in  grlbh  tin  brath  '  he  is  the  griffin  without  guile.' 

P.  34, 1.  4.  The  reading  of  D  nir  techt  is  preferable. 

ib.  1.  11.  The  three  churches  are  here  enumerated  according  to  their  geo 
graphical  situation. 

ib.  1.  21.  uaid.  This  earlier  form  (also  in  1.  27)  alternates  with  the  later  uada 
(1.  23). 

ib.  1.  24.  ni  fuil  dom  ferann,  literally,  'there  is  not  of  my  land  (ferunn),'  or 
perhaps  '  I  have  no  land.' 

P.  36,1.  11.  oldditi.  This  older  form  (oldds  pp.  54,  1.  28;  102,  1.  13)  alter 
nates  with  the  later  andds  (p.  42, 1.  26),  andd  (p.  36,  1.  13). 

ib.  no,  fir  tuc  era.  As  to  the  construction  of  the  sing,  verb  in  a  relative  clause 
referring  to  a  plural  noun  which  is  the  subject  of  the  clause,  see  the  rule  formu 
lated  by  Atkinson  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Royal  Irish  Academy,  3  ser.,  vol.  i. 
p.  430. 

ib.  1.  13.  The  metre  of  the  poem  is  again  lethrannaigecht  m6r.  In  the  second 
couplet  of  the  first  stanza  there  is  elision  between  the  two  verses  (buidi  an}. 
See  Metr.  Primer,  §  24. 

ib.  1.  17.  Here  Idr  is  used  like  W.  llawr  for  the  earth. 

P.  38,  1.  3.  Rua  is  perhaps  miswritten  for  Rnba, 

ib.  Caca  =  Coca  ? 

ib.  1.  8.  mac  Fiachraidh.  He  is  called  Fiachra  mac  Ailella  in  §  79,  where  mac 
is  used  for  ua,  as  often. 

ib.  1.  26.  and  —  and  a. 

P.  40,  1.  8.  romilsitt.     See  note  on  p.  4,  1.  2. 

ib.  1.  11.  an  tigi  n-abad.  The  transported  n  of  the  norn.  and  ace.  sg.  here 
follows  the  gen.  sg. 

ib.  each  aidchi.     Perhaps  rather  cacha  aidehi.     The  MS.  has  ca. 

ib.  1.  21.  rotoimled  for  0.  Ir.  dornimled. 

ib.  1.  32.  amail  bis  a  Cluain  Fotta,  literally  '  as  it  is  wont  to  be  in  Clonfad.' 

P.  42,  1.  1.  imdin  =  amain  ;  spelt  immditt,  p.  60,  12. 

ib.  1.  2.  ronsoset.  The  MS.  has  roset  with  so  inserted  between  ro  and  set.  The 
stroke  was  probably  meant  not  for  w,  but  as  a  suspension  stroke,  so  that  we  should 
read  rososet. 

ib.  1.  7.  Ua  Siianaip,  i.e.  Fidmuine,  'the  anchorite  of  Rahen,'  as  the  Mar- 
tyrology  of  Donegal,  p.  130,  calls  him. 

ib.  1.  11.  brdthair  a  senathar,  i.e.  the  descendants  of  his  grandfather's  (Leda's) 
brother.  Cf.  p.  44, 1.7;  p.  64,  1.  17.  They  are  called  his  brdtharjine  in  §,  p.  84, 
1.  11. 


NOTES  115 

ib.  1.  13.  ina  screputt  soscelae,  i.e.  as  a  tax  for  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  Of. 
na  hlmlecha  a  (=  i)  screbull  a  toduscthe,  Arch,  iii,  p.  226. 

ib.  1.  25.  mo  chots,  recte  mo  choiss. 

ib.  doni  Liafort.    Here  again  for  has  taken  the  place  of  0.  Ir.  air. 

ib.  1.  28.  daul.    With  this  spelling  compare  lauid,  p.  46, 1.  93. 

ib.  1.  30.  se  rig  tra  dib-so,  i.e.  six  kings  of  the  race  of  Niall  of  the  Nine 
Hostages. 

P.  44,  1.  1.  The  six  kings  mentioned  are  Ainmire  mac  Setnai  (566-569  or  576), 
Aed  mac  Ainmirech  (592-598),  Maelcoba  mac  Aeda  (612-615),  Domnall  mac  Aeda 
(628-642),  Cellach  (643-658),  and  ConallC6el  (643-654),  so  that  instead  of  the  first 
a  dd  mac  in  1.  1  we.  should  read  a  mac,  and  in  1.  2,  before  da  mac  we  should  insert 
ecus. 

ib.  1.  8.  Aedae,  miswritten  for  Ledae. 

ib.  1.  20.  dlegar  for  0.  Ir.  dlegair*  hiflaithe  =  aflaithe. 

P.  46,  1.  1.  matan  tsamraid.     Here  Is  is  written  as  often  in  later  MSS.  for  s. 

ib.  1.  9.  asbeir.     Of.  the  note  on  p.  18,  1.  17. 

ib.  1.  10.  'na  Idim  na  macdeim,  the  sing.  Idim  as  in  German,  '  in  der  Hand  der 
Enaben.' 

ib.  1.  19.  The  metre  of  this  quatrain  is  different  in  the  two  couplets.  "We  should 
probably  emend  a  Onchu  cen  nach  gaindi.  The  metre  would  then  be  Ae  freslige 
(73  +  72)  throughout.  See  Metr.  Primer,  no.  41. 

ib.  p.  26.  a  n-aois  bar  trichat.  Here,  as  Bergin  ingeniously  suggests,  bar  is 
probably  miscopied  for  *.  ar  =  bliadna  ar,  that  the  meaning  would  be  '  at  the 
age  of  thirty-one  years. ' 

ib.  1.  28.     The  metre  of  this  poem  is  ordinary  debide. 

P.  48,  1.  1.  tasci.     See  note  on  p.  24,  1.  18. 

ib.  1.  6.  Notice  the  alliteration  between  rim  (0.  Ir.frim)  and  ret. 

ib.  1.  7.  nan,  contracted  for  no  an  (0.  Ir.  in). 

ib.  1.  10.  richid  rhymes  with  dichlith.  In  his  edition  of  the  Felire  Stokes 
wrongly  prints  riched  throughout. 

ib.  1.  32.  abbair  &c.     This  verse  is  defective.     Read  perhaps  frinni  for  rind. 

P.  60,  1.  25.  indsi.  As  the  reference  is  to  Inis  na  Cairrce,  .inis  should  have 
been  rendered  '  island  '  both  here  and  in  the  following  stanzas. 

1.  34.  dr6nfat.  This  contracted  enclitic  form  is  also  found  occasionally  in  prose, 
e.g.  huair  nach  dronaim,  Cain  Ad.  §  6. 

P.  62, 1.  13.  mat-sa.  The  lenited  d  of  inad  has  become  unlenited  before  .v, 
as  it  has  before  I  in  inat  tigi,  p.  56,  22.  Hence  a  form  inat  arose  by  the  side  of 
inad.  Similarly  we  find  imat  by  the  side  of  imad  (0.  Ir.  imbed). 

ib.  1.  21.  dechtnad.    As  the  word  is  fern.,  I  ought  to  have  printed  dechmatd. 

ib.  1.  27.  MominoCy  perhaps  identical  with  Momenoc  Glinne  Faidli  i  nUib 
Grarrchon,  who,  the  notes  to|  Ffil.  'Oing.a  p.  54  eay,  is  the  same  as  'Enan  filius 
Gemmain  i  rRus  M6r  i  nUib  Dega  i  nUib  Cenns"elaig. 

ib.  1.  29.  ana  Idim  should  have  been  rendered  '  in  his  hand.' 

12 


116  NOTES 

P.  54,  1.  10.  This  quatrain  is  composed  in  rannaigecht  chetharchubaid  garit 
recomarcach.  See  Metr.  Primer,  no.  3  (£).  Notice  the  rhyme  between  Luachdii. 
and  iiag'ldin. 

ih.  1.  16.     The  convention  of  Drum  Get  was  held  A.D.  575. 

ib.  1.  28.  oldds.     See  note  on  p.  36,  1.  11. 

P.  58,  1.  12.  m  sinne  thomelas.     See  note  on  p.  36,  1.  11. 

ib.  1.  17.  As  blog  is  here  miswritten  for  bolg,  so  in  Fel.  Oing.,  March  30,  boty 
is  confused  by  several  MSS.  with  blog. 

P.  60,  1.  14.  innamd.  This  may  be  only  asciibal  error  for  namd,  which  occurs 
1.  19. 

ib.  1.  15.  culud.  Perhaps  miswritten  for  culior  culid,  dat.  of  cule  '  storehouse.* 
Similarly  in  Anecd.  i,  8  asin  chuilich  is  probably  miswritten  for  asin  chuilid. 
cule  is  fern,  as  the  verse  a  ben  na  cuile,  nd  ceis  !  Laud  615,  p.  87  shows. 

1.  23.  doni  ceo  lomma  de.  doni  is  here  used  impersonally  as  so  often,  e.g.,  Trip. 
10,  21  :  doronai  cdic  oibli  dib,  where  Stokes  renders  'he  made'  instead  of  'there 
were  made.' 

P.  62,  1.  13.  conad  i  Muilinn  Dee.  As  muilenn  is  masc.  one  would  hare 
expected  conad  e. 

ib.  1.  14.  Arndn  mac  Eogain,  probably  the  same  as  Erndn  6  Thig  Ultain, 
mentioned  in  Mart.  Taml. 

ib.  Ultan,  probably  the  well-known  bishop  of  Ardbracken. 

ib.  Mac  JLiac,  possibly  either  the  bishop  of  Liathdruim  of  that  name  or  Mac 
Liac  of  Daire  ;  both  mentioned  in  the  Martyrology  of  Gorman. 

ib.  1.  22.  Bordgal.  This  interesting  place-name  is  not  in  Hogan's  Onomasticon. 
It  is  evidently  the  Gaulish  Burdigala,  and  may  have  been  originally  the  name  of 
a  settlement  of  monks  from  Gaul.  Bordgal  occurs  also  as  the  name  of  a  parish  in 
county  Kilkenny.  See  Carrigan,  Hist,  and  Antiq.  of  the  Diocese  of  Ossory  ii, 
p.  58. 

P.  64.  1.  8.  in  Findfdidech.  This  is  the  name  of  bells  of  several  saints,  e.g.  of 
Colman's  of  Clonard  (below,  p.  92,  1.  19)  and  of  Patrick's  (Trip.  p.  267  n.  3). 

ib.  1.  17.  do  brathturib  (sic  MS.),  read  do  brdthraib  and  translate  '  from  the 
kindred  of  his  grandfather's  brothers.'  On  p.  84,  1.  11,  the  expression  used  is 
brdtharfine. 

ib.  1.  18.  rdthanna,  a  late  plural  of  faith,  as  rathanna  from  raith  'a  raft/ 
See  CCath.  Index. 

ib.  cona  secht  dec,  perhaps  miswritten  for  co  a  s.  d. 

ib.  1.  23.  isat.     Cf.  isat  lana  do  boide  7  do  thr6caire,  Pass,  and  Horn.  1.  5870. 

ib.  1.  28.  a  meth  no  a  thrucha.  This  phrase  recurs  on  p.  72, 1.  21,  and  on  p.  88, 
1.  14. 

ib.  1.  29.  Tigerndn  mac  Aeda  Sldngi.  Laud  610,  fo.  7832,  after  enumerating 
seven  sons  of  Aed  Slane,  says :  dicunt  autem  alii  octauum  fuisse  .i.  Tigernan,  a 
quo  Hui  Tigernain  Hide. 

P.  66,  1.  3.  cargus  erraig.     The  Lenten  Fast  is  so  called  to  distinguish  it  from 


NOTES  117 

mm-chorgus  and  gem-chorgus.    Cf.  the  quatrain  in  Fel.2  p.  42,  text  and  translation 
of  which  should  be  emended  as  follows  : — 

Cargus  Eli  isin  gemrad,         1km  fri  each  seri  is  coir  ann, 
corgus  Isu  i  n-erraoh  adhal,        corgus  Moysi  is  tsamrad  tall. 

'  Elijah's  Lent  in  the  winter,  abstinence  from  every  food  is  proper  then  ;  Jesu's 
Lent  in  glorious  springtime,  Moses'  Lent  in  summer  of  yore.' 

ib.  1.  6.  ifrind,  better  i/ern,  as  in  p.  74,  1.  29, 

ib.  1.  27.  This  poem  is  composed  in  the  metre  called  rannaigecht  bee  bee 
(4*  +  4>). 

P.  68,  1.  1.  fuidhell,  perhaps  leg.fuigell  'sentence,  judgment.' 

ib.  1.  8.  ruicci  no  egc.  I  am  not  sure  that  the  reading  ec  '  death '  is  right. 
After  all  Flann  had  to  die  some  day.  It  is  true,  in  Fel.,2  p.  74  nicon  toga  bds  is 
glossed  by  i/ern,  which  may  be  the  meaning  of  ec  here.  But  there  is  a  word  ec 
(with  short  e)  which  occurs  e.g.  in  Fel.,2  p.  4,  1.  16  (=  LL  1490) :  cen  on  is  cen  ec, 
where  Stokes  renders  *  sin.'  As  it  there  goes  together  with  on  '  blemish,  fault,'  so 
it  does  here  with  ruicce  '  shame.' 

ib.  1.  11.  fer  leptha  rig.  Cf.  « qui  (Tigernacus)  pro  venusti  vultus  specie  et 
Dei  gratia  in  eo  rutilante  in  tantum  dilectus  est,  ut  (rex  Britannorum)  eum  in  lecto 
suo  dormirepermitteret,'  Plummer,  Vitae  Sanct.  Hib.  ii.  263,  §  3.  Other  instances 
of  the  custom  are  cited  ib.  i,  p.  civ,  note  6. 

ib.  1.  15.  an  bale  i  mbeo-sa,  more  literally,  '  wherever  I  may  be.' 

P.  70,  1.  2.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  cro  cummaisc  eter  chassbairdni  ~  leth- 
rannaigecht  (7s  +  5l).  But  in  the  last  three  stanzas  T  occurs  instead  of  73. 

ib.  i*  amrai,  probably  «=  0.  Ir.  as  amru. 

ib.  1.  5.  imatt.     See  the  note  on  p.  52,  1.  13. 

ib.  1.  14.  nosrirfind.  In  the  verb  renim  in  Mid.  Ir.  the  reduplicated  future  has 
been  contaminated  with  the  /-future.  See  Strachan's  note  on  rirfes  (SR.  1073), 
Verbal  System,  p.  18.  So  also  nitrirjithe,  Anecd.  i.  5,  2. 

ib.  1.  17.  i  cinaid  '  on  account  of.' 

ib.  1.  18.  cech  dfrech,  Mid  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  cech  diriuch. 

ib.  1.  asa  tdncais,  a  Mid.  Ir.  contamination  of  the  0.  Ir.  reduplicated  preterite 
with  the  s-preterite. 

P.  72, 1.  3.  air,  instead  of  0.  Ir./air. 

ib.  .1.  10.  elegce.  My  rendering  'one  of  the  two  spears'  is  grammatically 
possible,  but  I  do  not  consider  it  certain. 

ib.  1.  13.  muirfidter.     As  to/for  bf  see  Thurn.  Handb.  §  135. 

ib.  1.  17.  uodergc,  if  correctly  expanded,  is  quite  unintelligible  to  me.  Perhaps 
it  is  miswritten  for  ttodesta. 

ib.  1.  19  do  buth.  Here  the  original  MS.  from  which  this  passage  is  taken 
evidently  had  the  0.  Ir.  form  do  buith. 

ib.  1.  25.  notbera  =  nodbera. 

P.  74,  1.  1.  do  imthecht  Toiden  Moling.  As  to  Moling's  water-course  (toidiu, 
from  to-ved-  '  to  lead  ')  at  Mullins  and  the  pilgrimages  made  to  it,  see  Plummer, 
Vit.  Sanct.  Hib.  Ixxxii. 


118  NOTES 

ib.  1.  4.  Crob  Criad,  a  nickname  meaning  '  Hand  of  Clay.' 

ib.  1.  29.  The  metre  of  tbe  first  line  is  rannaigecht  dialtach  (71  +  71),  that 
of  the  second,  debide  ;  that  of  the  second  quatrain  is  cro  cummaisc  tier  chasbairdne 
7  leth-rannaigeckt  (73  +  51). 

P.  76,  1. 1 3.  The  pedigree  here  given  of  Doornail  mac  Murchada,  King  of  Ireland, 
tallies  with  that  given  in  Bawl.  B  512,  p.  143rf  and  in  the  Annals. 

Niall  Noigfallach  f405 
Conall  Cremthainne 
Fergus  Cerrbel  t513 
Diarmait  Derg  f565  or  572 
Colman  M6r  f556  or  558 
Suibne  t600  or  604 
Conall  Guthbinn  f635 
Ainnedach 
Diarmait  f689 
Murchad  t715 
Domnall  t763 

ib.  1.  32.  Maeltuk,  i.e.  Maeltule  mac  Nochaire  of  Disert  Maele  Tuile,  mentioned 
in  Gorman's  Martyrology,  July  30th. 

P.  78,  1.  6.  Jit  na  rinn  =  JW  na  renn,  1.  21.  In  Fel.  Oing.2  p.  224  Christ  is 
so  called  (Ri  na  renn,  mac  Muire). 

ib.  1.  21.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  debide,  except  in  the  first  half  of  the  third 
stanza. 

P.  80,  1.  5.  is  do  each  den  has  to  be  read  's  do  each  aen. 

ib.  1.  21.  for  lepaid  (sic  leg.)  Mob*.  Mobi  is  a  pet  form  of  the  name  Berchan. 
See  Fel.  Oing.1  p.  224,  1. 

ib.  1.  24.  Cromm  Derail,  a  nickname  meaning  '  the  puny  Crooked  one.' 

ib.  1.  27.  The  metre  is  again  debide,  except  in  the  first  half  of  the  third  and 
fourth  stanzas. 

ib.  1.  28.  cenn  cunga  Coluim  Chilk,  translate  'the  head  of  C.  C.'s  yoke.'  Cf. 
dam  reisc  fo  chinn  ehuinge  Crist,  Archiv.  iii,  p.  306,  §  7. 

ib.  1.  32.  armthd  =  iarmothd.     See  Glossary. 

P.  82,  1.  9.  Finden,  i.e.  Finnian  of  Clonard. 

ib.  1.  14.  Bdetdn  Bretnach  or  Uidrin  mac  Aramaill  This  may  be  Udrin  of 
Druim  Dresa  mentioned  in  Gorman's  Martyrology,  Feb.  18th.  The  epithet 
Bretnach  does  not  necessarily  imply  that  he  was  a  Briton. 

ib.  1.  21.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  Snedbairdne.    See  Metr.  Primer,  no.  34. 

P.  84,  1.  7.  00mm  =  coirm  spelt  with  svarabhakti. 


NOTES  119 

ib.  1.  10.  do  imdugud  &c.  is  obscure  to  me. 

ib.  1.  16.  mar  bit  b<e  moelee  &c.,  evidently  a  proverbial  saying  the  meaning  of 
which  here  I  cannot  explain. 

ib.  1.  30.  rogniatt  =  dogniatt,  as  rognisitt  p.  86,  1  =  dogniset. 

ib.  1.  32.  iccon  cloich  impoid.  As  to  the  use  made  of  such  turning-stones, 
see  Plummer's  Vitae  Sanct.  Hib.  I,  p.  clvii. 

P.  86,  1.  1.  Something  has  evidently  been  omitted  after  suass. 

ib.  1.  14.  oittiu,  translate  '  tutor'  rather  than  'foster-father.' 

ib.  1.  17.  rig  Temrach.     In  the  poem  (p.  89,  1. 16)  he  is  called  king  of  Teltown. 

ib.  1.  21.  'Oengus  mac  ind  'Oc,  a  well-known  pagan  deity.  Rhys,  Celtic 
Heathendom,  p.  145,  translates  the  name  «  Oengus  son  of  the  (two)  Young  Ones,' 
taking  ind  as  the  dual  article. 

ib.  27.  Cinccthmac  Conchubair.  Whether  mac  C.  is  miswritten  for  mac  Oengusa 
(cf.  1.  16  and  p.  88,  1.  17)  or  whether  mac  is  here  used  for  ua,  as  often,  I  cannot 
decide,  as  the  name  of  this  king  does  not  occur  in  the  Annals  or  Genealogies. 

P.  88,  1.  2.  trit  an  firt  sin.  Here  and  p.  94,  4,  the  form  trit  an  is  due  to 
analogy  of  trit  '  through  it.'  Cf.  trit  sin,  p.  94,  25.  On  p.  96,  1.  3  we  have 
triasinfirt  sin. 

ib.  1.  16.  This  poem  is  composed  in  debide.  In  the  last  stanza  the  second  verse 
contains  8  instead  of  7  syllables. 

ib.  1.  26.  ferta  imda  adamra  should  have  been  rendered  '  many  marvellous 
miracles.' 

ib.  1.  27.  drdi,  leg.  drtith  as  in  ).  19  and  p.  90,  1.  3,  5  &c. 

P.  90,  1.  1.  dorigne.  Thurneysen,  Handb.  §  677,  prints  dorignius  &c.  with  a 
long  ».  But  rhyme  in  0.  Ir.  poetry  shows  that  we  have  to  do  with  short  t.  Thu& 
we  have  the  rhymes  rofigli  :  dorigni  SR.  1080 ;  dorinne  :  Conglinne,  Fel.2  208  ; 
dorignis  :  ignis,  Fel.  Epil.  502,  tibri  :  doringni,  LL.  44(21,  doinroighne  :  coimdhe, 
CZ.  8,  221,  &c.  In  the  fourteenth  century  I  find  dorine  rhyming  with  line. 

ib.  ferta'aile  should  have  been  rendered  'other  miracles.' 

ib.  1.  8.  ri  Berba,  a  frequent  bardic  epithet  of  the  kings  of  Offaly,  through 
whose  territory  the  Barrow  flows. 

1.  9.  ri  Lifi,  another  epithet  for  the  kings  of  Offaly,  though  the  Liffey  merely 
skirts  their  territory.  But  Life  may  here  be  used  for  Mag  Lifi  as  often. 

1.  12.  on  tsrdb.     For  this  emendation  see  the  Glossary. 

1.  13.  feme.  This  form  instead  of  the  usual  fein  seems  only  to  occur  in  poetry, 
e.g.  ni  dlig  feine  eneclann,  Arch,  iii,  p.  223.  atteoch  tusa  feine,  a  Ri  greine 
gairge!  23  N.10,  p.  92.  nech  da  fiadachad  feine,  Fen.  p.  17  n.  6.  ratfia-su 
feine,  LL  297*45. 

1.  17.  co  haltain,  literally  'till  time  again,'  (at h-tain]  seems  to  mean  'for 
ever.' 

ib.  1.20.  do-som.  The  vowel  of  do,  as  of  other  monosyllables  ending  in  a  vowel, 
remains  short  in  inlaut.  Hence  it  is  sometimes  written  dossom.  See  Thurn. 
Handb.  §  42£.  Compare  me  and  messe,  tu  and  tusa  &c.  So  also  ise,  seisen,  eisen, 
as  rhymes  show,  e.g.  O'Gr.  Cat.  p.  488  ;  sisi  :  disi,  Fel.  clxix. 


120  NOTES 

ib.  1.  24.  fiiaratar.  In  Irish,  as  in  Greek,  Latin  and  German,  the  apodosis  of 
a  conditional  sentence  of  irreality  may  for  emphasis  be  put  in  tl>e  indicative. 

ib.  1.  26.  Domnall  in.  Donnchada  HI.  Mwchada.  This  should  be  Domnall  mac 
Murchada. 

P.  92,  1.  1.  tochra,  the  verb-noun  of  do-crenim,  as  fochra  (made  inio  fochrica 
by  contamination  with  creicc]  is  oifocrenim.  See  Zupitza,  CZ.  i,  p.  467. 

ib.  1.  3.  i  n-dge  a  gellta.     Cf.  i  cinn  an  aighe,  Aisl.  Tund.  i,  2. 

ib.  1.  7.  robaist,  evidently  miswritten,  but  I  can  offer  no  plausible  emendation. 
The  sense  should  probably  be  as  I  have  translated. 

ib.  1.  12.  Mocholmoc,  a  pet  form  of  the  name  Colman. 

ib.  1.  27.  doraga  dtnt  ceo  dar  a  roscaib,  &c.  CI.  doragha  duit  'Eire  d'ficbail  no 
do  lam  do  thabairt  i  laim  Finn,  SG.  i,  p.  132,  33. 

P.  94,  1.  3.  rta,  probably  miswritten  for  riti,  which  is  translated. 

ib.  1.  19.  The  first  two  stanzas  of  this  poem  are  composed  in  cr<'>  ctimmaisc  etir 
shasbairdni  ~  lethrannaigecht  (73  +  51),  though  the  first  verse  ends  in  a  disyllable ; 
the  last  stanea  is  in  rannaigecht  dialtach  (71  +  71). 

P.  96,  1.  11.  rocomlaing,  miswritten  for  rocomldnaig . 

ib.  1.  14.  Dimbuaid,  &c,  Cf.  '  Aimiris  ar  fir  th'  inaid  ! '  ar  Colum  Cille.  Fel.2 
p.  198. 

ib.  1,  17.     The  metre  of  this  quatrain  is  uefreslige  (73  +  72). 

ib.  1.  25.  ugaire,  the  0.  Ir.  form  for  later  cegaire  1.  19,  p.  98,  7.  See  Thnrn. 
Handb.,  p.  122. 

ib.  1.  30.  Read  a[n~\  tight  apad  which  is  translated. 

ib.  1.  32.  Instead  of  nl  bert\h~]ar  read  nl  bentar  and  for  the  idiom  compare  ni 
ben  ecndaeh  '  he  does  not  blaspheme ' ;  nd  benaid  amiris  for  Dia  imm  imtnut  a 
mirboll  Lism.  49al. 

P.  98,  1.  7.  This  'poem  is  composed  in  uefreslige. 

ib.  1.  8.  dola,  a  euphemism  for  '  death.' 

ib,  1.  18.  The  metre  of  the  first  stanza  of  this  poem  is  cassbairdne  (7a  +  73). 
The  second  stanza  is  in  defreslige,  but  the  corrupt  tarsem  yields  no  rhyme.  The 
purport  of  the  poem  is  a  curse  pronounced  by  Fursa,  or  more  likely  by  Colman, 
against  some  king  who  had  offended  him. 

ib.  1.  21.  rongradis,  corruptly  for  roncrddis  ( thou  hast  tormented  us.' 

ib.  1.  25.  Airechtath  mac  Muiredaig,  evidently  the  erenagh  of  Lann  mentioned 
above  in  §§  19  and  37. 

ib.  1.  28.  The  metre  of  this  poem  is  rannaigecht  dialtach. 

ib.  1.  31.  cromtnat  cind.  The  form  of  the  nom.  pi.  has  taken  the  place  of  the 
ace.  cinnu  as  in  baill,  p.  92,  13. 

ib.  1.  32.  *ga  tigh,  perhaps  leg.  'ga  thigh  *  in  his  (Christ's)  house.' 
P.  100,  1.  3.  oirb,  a  Mid.  Ir.  form  for  0.  Ir.foirib. 

ib.  1.  8.  gnitn  co  n-iris.  Cf.  iris  co  tignim,  the  first  precept  of  the  Abgitir 
Crabuid  ascribed  to  Colman  mocu  Beognae.  See  CZ.  iii,  p.  447. 

ib.  1.  10.  conotli,  probably  for  conn  tU.    Cf.  co  trocha  thlt,  LL  133a6.    The 


NOTES  121 

meaning  of  tli,  though  it  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  chevilles  (see  e.g.  the  Index 
to  SR),  has  not  been  made  out.  O'Clery  glosses  it  by  tlacht.  In  Fianaigecht, 
p.  40,  2  I  have  ventured  to  render  it  by  '  comfort.' 

ib.  1.  11.  tlath,  probably  miswritten  for  tlacht,  which  is  translated. 

ib.  1.  12.  orad,  is,  I  think,  written  for  uarad  to  show  the  rhyme  with  nomad. 
So  Oingus  uses  sdbis  (su-abais)  to  rhyme  with  Phardnis,  Epil.  502.  The  meaning 
is  :  'his  (the  poor  man's)  being  (by  your  charity)  without  cold  in  his  body.' 

ib.  1.  14.  termud,  perhaps  miswritten  for  termun  'protection.'  Cf.  nfrbu 
thermun,  LL.  194a59. 

ib.  1.  25.  fri  Idim  Colmdin.  Cf.  da  fil  red  Idim?  'who  is  your  surety?' 
Anecd.  ii.  10.  an  airiogh  robhuifri  Idimh  righ  Saxan  '  who  was  the  deputy  of  the 
King  of  England  ? '  Hugh  Roe  50. 

P.  102,  1.  1.  ff  'U  Scoil,  i.e,  to  the  chief  of  the  Ui  Scoil.  Plummer,  Vilae 
Sanct.  Sib.,  p.  cxv,  n.  10,  has  strangely  misinterpreted  this  paragraph  by  reading 
du  scoil  and  translating  '  as  a  school. ' 

ib.  1.  10.  This  quatrain  is  composed  in  a  mixture  of  rannaigecht  dialtach  and 
debide. 

P.  104,  1.  3.  ana  denar,  Mid.  Ir.  for  0.  Ir.  a  oenur. 

ib.  1.  13.  Sue  tisque  signafiant.  Cf.  biatna  ferta  conicci  so  indiu,  Trip.  60, 
21 ;  256,  7. 

ib.  1.  18.  ar  baferglan  &c.  Cf .  fer  e  cu  lan[ed]partaib  toghaidhi  don  Choimdid 
amail  Aibel  mac  n'Adaim,  Lism.  L.  4494. 

ib.  1.  28.  suibisceltaide.     Cf.  the  mod.  spelling  suibhsgeal. 


(     122 


GLOSSARY. 

The  numbers  refer  to  the  pages  and  liueb. 


abbel  (=  ad-belj  flattering.     82,  34. 
acais  venom,  rancour.     42,  18.     rotgab 

acais  m6r,  CZ.  in.  227,  2. 
accecht  m.  a  lesson,     gen.  accechta  18, 

16. 
ad-berim  (aidbrim)  /  offer,    pres.  ind 

pi.  3  aidbret  34,  13.     aidbrait  42,  12. 

perf.  roaidbairset  8,  21. 
ad-oanim  I  sing  again.    clu  adcanar  78, 

12. 
aes  imthromm  m.  lit.  importunate  folk, 

a  name  for  the  pagan  deities  or  fairies. 

90,  5. 

age  m.  a  joint.     30,1.    period.    92,3. 
aidbrim,  see  ad-berim. 
ain  womb.     16,  22. 
aisc  f.  blame,  reproach,     gen.  aisce  82, 

27. 

aistire  m.  a  bell-ringer.     96,  13. 
aistirecht  f .  bell-ringing.     96,  14. 
albin  a  small  flock  of  sheep.     54,   14. 

ailbin,  Laws  in,  90,  9. 
am-nerte  f.  weakness.     10,  10.     aimh- 

nerte  cuirp,  EC.  25,  388. 
amran  a  zinging,  chanting.     30.  8. 
ana  m.  wealth.     96,  28.     98,  1.     ace. 

pi.  inna  anu,  Ml.  57a3. 
an-faitches    m.    negligence.      50,    21. 

ar  imbed  na  n-anfaithches,  RC.  20,  55. 
an-flsid  ignorant.     6,  24. 
anoisin,  see  indosin. 
an-ord  m.  disorder.     90,  4.     ni  hanord 

LL.  196*3.  17«14. 
an-riad  an  evil  course,  a  wild  career. 

90,  4.     fri  anriad,  SR.  878. 
arait  (  =  ordit)  f.  a  prayer.     54,  7. 
armtha  80,  32  =  iarmitha,  iarmotha 

afterwards,  betides,    cid  iarmilha  deud 

gl.   etiam  in  posterum,   Ml.    58016. 

lethmiach  iarmotha,  Laws  v,  82,  24. 

See  Laws  Gloss,  and  add :    iarmobi 

triur  rv,  378,  12. 


ath-bac  m.  (Germ,  widerhaken)  a  barbed 

hook ;  a  second  or  renewed  shackle  or 

hindrance.    20,  9.    gen.  eco  aitbbaicc, 

Rl.  B.  502,  115*33. 
ath-inlatt  water  for  washing  which  has 

been  used.     30,  26. 
athilte  -  ath-aithle  :  asa  athilti  after 

him.    14,11.    See  Contribb.  s.v.  ath- 

aitble. 
ath-le  (-le,  verb,  noun  of  lenim)  a  track. 

90,  11. 
attach  n.  a  prayer,   a.  n-uilc  a  curse  58, 

12.  gen.  tresi  du  attaig,  LB.  260a47. 

dat.  otte  diar  n-attug  im  chobair  doib, 

Anecd.  i,  41.    diadeg-attoch,RC.  20r 

136. 

attan  (=  ath-than)  f.  lit.   time  ogam, 
future,     ace.  sg.  co  hattain  90,   17. 

Cf .  ath-matain  morrow. 

bac  m.  a  shackle,  hindrance,  bac  ar  bac, 

20,  7. 

bal  increase,     ace.  bal  60,  19. 
ban-airchinnech  f.  a  female  erenagh. 

96,  30. 
batside      baptismal.       ainm    b.      78r 

5. 

bidgaim  /  start  (intr.).     98,  22. 
bil  blessed,    ace.  pi.  bile  30,  21. 
blae  a  shirt,     b.  lin  50,  9. 
bloedach  f.  din.     10,  8. 
blded-maidm  n.    a  loud  bursting  forth. 

10,  7. 

boccaixn  I  twirl.     52,13. 
brathar-fine    f.     a    brother's    family. 

84,  11. 
brathre    a     brother's     kindred.        64, 

17. 
bronn-galar  n.  a  disease  of  the  abdomen. 

18,  3. 
buaphud?  88,21.     Cf.  Contribb.  s.v. 

buafad 


GLOSSARY 


123 


bnga  n.  hyacinth,  gag.  bias  an  buga 
66,  28.  See  Contribb.  s.v.  and  add : 
bugha  .i.  luibh  ghorm  ghlas,  BB. 
261  m.s.  guirme  a  suil  fri  mbugha 
ban-,  Ferra.  68a. 

bulchre  a  bay?     84,  11. 

cain-suarech  benignant.     12,  1. 
cairem  m.   a  shoemaker,  currier.   66,  7. 

See  Contribb.  and  Laws  Glossary. 
cair  a  fault,  blemish,  sin.  12,  13.     ace. 

pi.  caire  .i.  dubalcni  22,  12. 
cairde  n.  respite,  ar  c.  92,  2. 
caite  f .  ?    68,  7.   is  maith  a  chlann  can 

chaiti  (where  Stokes  renders  'ques 
tion'),  EC.  xxiv  182,  1.    ar  Midir 

co  mdr-chaite,  LL.  212a53. 
caithrech  m.  an  adult.  6,  1.     88,   11. 

94,  9. 

oarait,  see  cdrait. 
casal  f .  a  chasuble,     gen.  sg.  na  caisle, 

Trip.  58,  22. 
ceimniugud  (with  gen.)  a  passing  (over, 

through}.     2,  16. 
cele  De  a  Culdee.     20,  2. 
cell  chottaig  f .  a  church  of  covenant.  102, 

19, 

eel  lomma  cream.     104,  1. 
cerr  wry.    muilenn  cerr  102,  23. 
cess   weariness,  affliction.    10,   10.    98, 

29. 
cethern  f.  a  band  of  foot- soldiers,    gen. 

cetherdne  88,  25.  102,  3.  c.  thimchill 

a  body-guard.    102,  2.  3. 
cianasta  106,  2,  leg.     cian-aesta  long, 

lasting  ? 

einedach  a  tribe.  2,  16. 
cirmaire  m.  a  comb-maker.  66,  7.     See 

Contribb.   and  add :  Triads   117.   co 

n-arm  caembuide  cirmaire,  Ir.  T.  iii. 

104,  27. 
clam-rad  f.  a  company  of  lepers,     dat. 

clamra[i]d  20,  13.     clamraid  22,  13. 

24,  2. 

cliath  dala  a  hurdle  of  meeting?  52,  29. 
cloch  imp6id  f.  a  turning -stone.  84,  32. 
clothar/amu.  30,  22. 


cochlach  cowled,   hooded.    92,  31.  33. 

96,  22. 

comblethad  a  grinding.  96,  18. 
com-buidech  equally  satisfied.  20,  19. 
com-choitchenn  common.    2,  21 
comforba  36,  1  =  com-orba. 
cosirair  till  last  night.    20,  20. 
con-gaire  a  shouting,  crying.    82,  31. 
copan  a  cup.     c.  usci.     10,  16. 
cdrait  f.  a  yoke.   86,  19.     carait  9,  10. 

glas  i  caraid  eter  gach  ndis  dib,  Anecd. 

ii,  78. 
cotaige  one  who  keeps  a  covenant.  12,  19.' 

See  note  on  the  passage. 
crabdige  f.  piety,  devotion.    12,  20. 
credlacb.  holy.     Crist  c.  98,  32. 
cu  tige  f.  a  domestic  dog.  84,  1. 
culad?    storehouse,     dat.     culud     60, 

15. 
carnal  fir  membrum    virile.      90,    14. 

comol,  ih.   15. 
cummaim   1  shape,   make,      rocumsat 

adrad  18,  16. 
cura  f .  a  sheep.     88,  12.  94,  9. 

dednaim  /  consent,  give.,  leave,   fat.  pret. 

sg.  3  de6nabad  22,  27. 
deoradecht  f .  exile.     20,  12. 
dethfir  difference,  distinction.    84,  23. 
di-chumang  a  difficulty,  strait.    62,  8. 
diit?26,  29. 
dinit1  f .  a  lamb.  50,  7.  dimin.  dinetan, 

Trip.  142,  14. 

dinnech  a  washing.     26,  22. 
do-acraim  I  charge,  tell,    imper.  sg,  2. 

tacairlat!  48,  5. 
do-aircim  I  offer,  prepare,     pass.  pres. 

subj.  -taircther  20,   24.  pret.  tarcas 

38,  26.    v.n.  tarcud.     98,  9. 
do-aitnim  I  shine,     fut.  pi.   3  doait- 

nebat  4,  12. 

do-blad  ill  repute.    96,  32. 
docomal  a  difficulty.     58,  15. 
do-imgairim    /  ask.      timairgid    (sic) 

celebrad  (de)  asks  leave  (of).    22.  26. 

v.  n.  timgaire  100,  10. 
dola  a  going  ;  metaph.  death.     98,  8. 


1  Originally  the  oblique  case  of  dinu.     See  Windisch,  Worterb.  s.v. 


124 


GLOSSARY 


do-main  f .  poverty.     50,  8. 
drecht  m.  a  portion.     30,  5. 
dnchaxm  a  song.     ace.  duchann  32,6. 
78,  19. 

echrais  a  passage.    62,  27.     See  Cath 

Cath.  Index. 
ecmaing  a  period.     4,  3.  i  nd-ecmaing 

na  ree  si,  Anecd.  ii,  p.  11.    i  n-ecmong 

na  ree  sea,  Lism.  L.  4630. 
egc,  see  note  on  p.  68,  3. 
elet  f .  a  hind.     dat.  elet  60,  27. 
Elg-inisf.  Ireland.     14,  12. 
englas  midg  f .  whey-water,  dsg.  englais 

104,  1.     n.  pi.  englasa  inar  lilacbaib, 

Hib.  Min.  66,  14. 
edlus  m.  direction.     18,  24.     guidance 

28,  19. 

erbaid  bane.     22,  14. 
er-bern  a  gap,  lack.    6,  6. 
er-chomal  a  spancel.     60,  4.     gen.  sg. 

oc  snim  irchomail  fo  Grip,  YBL.  130«. 

n.  pL  urchomla  credumse  fon  echaib, 

Ir.  T.  ii2,  191,  59. 

er-labra  f.  a  saying,  utterance.     2,  4. 
erlam  m.  patron.     4,  28. 
escaire  a  summons,    gairm  e.     54,  21. 

Laws  Gloss, 
esce.'  eisci  .i.  gdasacht  bais,  H.  3.  18, 

605rf.     .a  esce  cenrig,  Br.  D.  D.  102. 

esce  do  thabairt  do  Hiiib  Caissein  iin 

Donnchad,  ATI.  1019.  esce  do  thabairt 

do  macaib  mic  Aeda,  ib.  1115. 
escra  m.   a  cup,    scoop,     an   t-e.      52, 

29. 
escuine  a  curse.     28,  1.  escaine  76,  6. 

ar  escuni,  LL.  360 m. 
c tar -guide  f.    intercession,     i    n-etar- 

guidi  84,  2. 

etal  baide  a  fit  of  fondness.     36,  8.  9. 
etiud  a  dress,  clothing.     84,  23. 
etrad  (*etar-trath)  cf.  afternoon.    46,  6. 

See  Aisl.  M.     Index  s.  v. 
exit  48,  7. 

faigde  (fo-guide)  f.  a  begging.     26,  26. 

34,  15.  23,  27.  34,  23.  27.   60,  7. 
fedalrad  n.  constancy.     100,  13. 


feith  f.  a  marsh.    48,27.     O'Dav.  514. 

Laws,     co  feith  nEchaille,  Rawl.  B. 

502,  12 la.     gen.  sg.     ind  usci  no  na 

feithi,  Conn.  s.v.  droehet. 
fersa  f.  a  verse.     2,  8.  11,  15. 
fian  f.  a  roving  warrior- band.     92,  8. 
fid  m.  a  letter  of  the  alphabet.     6,  5. 
flnd-faidech  sweet-sounding,  the  name  of 

a  bell.     64,  8.  90,  19. 
fine  griain  f .  family  of  the  soil.     38,  2. 
flr-usce  n.  fresh-water.     52,11. 
fo-guidim  I  solicit,     -fagde  54,  25. 
fo-crenim  I  reward,     focren  98,  29. 
foich  a  wasp.     Thes.  ii.  43.     gen.  pi. 

foiche    86,    7.    102,    26.      ace.    pi. 

focha  ib.  11. 
for-ath-moiniur  I  commemorate,  record. 

pass.  prea.  sg.    forathmentar  18,  3. 

8,  12  &c.     v.n.  forathmet  4,  3.  5. 
for-banaim  J  end.    roforbanastar  106, 

2.  7. 

for-congra  a  bidding.     102,  25.  27. 
fo-riuth  I  help.    perf.  sg.  3.    ro  foraith 

24,  36. 

frecnarcns  m.  presence.    48,  16. 
frecraid  m.  answerer,  counsellor.  32,  20. 
fuat  m.    a  bier.    dat.  fuat  24,  5.     for 

ffiat,  Trip.  220,  22.     Lism.  L.  3546. 

pi.  dor6nsat  fuaid,  Cog.  210,  33. 
foiled  addition,  increase.     76,  18. 

gainde  f.  hardness,  harshness.     6,  25. 
gainiur  lam  born.    perf.  rogein  4,  28. 

rogener  =  rogenair  4,  19.     rogenetar 

6,   15.  8,  4.  34,  21.  23,  27.  34,  21. 

fut.  gignither  10,  26.     genfid  6,  21. 

-geinfe  14,  11. 

gaire  f.  nearness,  convenience.     28,  9. 
gasta  generous.  22,  18. 
genmnaid  chaste.  8,  19. 
genelach  n.  a  pedigree.  4,  23. 
gerr  :  ech  gerr  a  gelding.    88,  9.  90, 16. 

a  lair  gerr!  Ir.  i,  iii,  69,  10.     gerr  f. 

'Ath  Leime  na  girre,  F.M.  1489. 
gerraim  /  shorten .     gerrmait-  n  e  9  8 ,  1 9 . 
giman   a  small  lash,  patch.     91,    30. 

giomb  a  lock  of  hair;  a  faak,  O'R. 

giman-gorm  84,  23. 


GLOSSARY 


125 


glaisen1  f.  woad.    Lism.  L.  Index,   gen. 

glaisne    62,     3.    dat.    ism    glaisin, 

binds.    1,    §    35.    lomrad   glassen- 

guirt  na  rigna,  Laud  610,  97al. 
glassan  the  name  of  a  bell,  p.  20,  n.  1. 
glomar  a  muzzle,     gen.  ar  eoch  ngiurr 

glumuir,  90,  15.     6  fiurglomair,  Hib. 

Min.     70,    21.     Ugadart    mO     gilla 

glomar,  Aisl.  M.  80,  9.  126,  27. 
golgaire  f.  lamentation,  wailing.   24,  6. 

g.  in  luin  23  N  10,  91. 
greis  protection.  86,  20.  21.  90,  5. 
gres  practice,    g.  ar  crabud  glan  100,  22. 
grian  soil.     gen.  fine  griein  the  family 

of  the  soil,  glebal  family  38,  2.     Cf. 

is  leo  grian  aa  cille,  El.  502,  118430. 

fintiu  griain,  Laws  iv,  172,  3.   dorat 

fond  7  grian  d6ib,  CZ.  8,  308.     dat. 

6  griun  co  nem  66,  2. 
gruth  curds.  60,  22.    gilithir  g.,  Liana. 

L.  4075. 

ibracb  made  of  yew.   celli.  8,  25.   f.  the 

name  of  Colman' s  cell.  18,  28.  29.  22,  7. 
idbartacb.  offering  up  a  sacrifice.  104,19. 
imain  =  amain  only.  42,  1.  iminain 

60,  12. 

imdugud?  84,  10. 
imm-ord  m.  a  re-arrangement,  change. 

i.  feda  6. 
im-solm  intr.  /  turn.    fut.  sg.  3  rel. 

impobas  66,  5. 
in-chlid  a  concealing,     fo   i.   stealthily 

88,  21. 
indem  wealth,  prosperity.    32,  12.     dat. 

dot  innium  16,  19. 
ih-dluith  unsafe,  insecure.  90,  7. 
indosin  now.  76,  4.     anoisin  46,  27. 
iu-isel  lowly,  humble.  12,  7.     14,  17. 
innama  only.     60,  14. 
in-sorchaigim  /  illumine.  2,  3. 
in-uatbad  n.  singleness,     i  n-inuathud 

88,  21. 

irisech  faithful,     gait  i.  84,  10. 
irdir  last  night.  14,  19.     irrair  20,  17. 
istud-loc  tn.  a  treasure-house.  104,  26. 

See  Ir.  T.  iii,  p.  280. 


lainnerda  shining,  brilliant.    48,   1.    a 

loinderda  (Mary) !  'Eriu  i,  122. 
lann  f .  a  house,     gen.  lainne  28,  22. 
lar  earth.  36,  17.    iter  nem  7  lar,  Fel.3, 

p.  6. 

lasamna  f.  brilliancy.  6,  15. 
le*na  a  meadow.  52,  12. 
letb-bolc  m.  ?   tuitid  in  dun  dia  leth- 

bulgc  62,  3. 
loch  .i.  solus  10,  4. 
loch  .i.  dorcha  10,  4. 
lomlan  quite  full.  46,    29.      lommnan 

22,  15. 
luatb.-cb.ain  f.  ready  tribute.  6,  21. 

mac-bachall  f.  staff  of  boys.    46,  3.  10. 
mainech  precious.     6,  3. 
maistrim  I  churn.     60,19. 
malartaim  1  confound,     malartbaid  12, 

22. 
mam  m.  or  n.   a  handful.    60,  2.   3. 

mam  don  gran,  Lism.  L.  4323. 
manchine  f.  service  rendered  to  a  monas 
tery.     78,  14. 

mangad  deceit,    m.-gaire  10,  1. 
martir  m.  a  martyr,    gpl.  martiri  4,  14. 
mathius  m.  goodness.     6,  6. 
mebraigim  I  remember.     98,  22. 
mergge  a  battle-standard.     91,  26. 
messar  f.  a  measure.     96,  31.     messair 

78,  3.     ace.  mesair  78,  4.     da  mesair 

deac,  Fel.2  202. 
mind  eotaig    n.    a     relic   on    which 

covenants  are  sworn.     26,  21. 
miscid  hatred.     78,  6. 
mod  m.    manner.      6  mud    after    the 

manner  82,  34.     as  nacb  mud  on  any 

condition  80,  3. 
molt*  desire.     78,  31. 
mothar  a  wilderness.     62,  17. 
muince  m.  torque,  necklace.     50,  3. 
muinterach  kindly,  kind.     98,  18. 
mnrthaide  m.  a  seaman,  mariner.  94, 11. 

nem-ger  not  sharp  or  keen.     2,  25. 
noaire  m.  a  boatman.     94,  11. 


The  nom.  glassin  also  occurs,  gurmu  na  gasa  ylassin  (:  dil),  LL,  33446. 


126 


GLOSSARY 


nu-fiadnisse  n.  the  New  Testament 
2,  3.  4,  1. 

oela  f .  obstinacy.    22/16. 
een-menmnach  single-minded.     12,  16. 
digit-  ?  50,  15. 
oirb  upon  you.     100,  3. 
6vi&  from  which  is.     32,25.     Ml.  51«2. 
ordnim  I  ordain,     perf.  sg.   S.roord- 
nestar  2,  6. 

petarlaic  f.  the  Old  Testament.     2,  3. 

4,  1. 
port  m.  a  place.     52,16.    gen.  dochom 

poirt,  LU.  121a2.     Wi. 
pr«dugad  ?  58,  10. 
pudur  m.  harm.     28,24. 
pupall  a  tent.     40,  13.     ace.  pi.  pupli, 

LU.  70447. 

rachall  a  shroud,  gen.  trian  rachaill 
44,  25.  rfiam  rachaiU  96,  17. 

rathaiges  m.  guarantor  ship.  20,  3. 

rath-mac  m.  a  son  of  grace.  20,  8. 

rede's  m.  an  enclosure,  close,  cell.  8,  23. 
18,  27.  22,  7.  rigless  18,  21.  94,  6. 
Trip.  470,  30,  31.  asa  recles  extra 
cettulam,  RC.  ii,  392.  dub-r.  nigra 
cellula,  Preface  to  Altus  Prosator. 
Colum  ina  duibhregles,  FM.  A.D.  592. 
gen.  reclesa,  CZ.  iii,  45.  do  denam 
do  reclessa,  Lism.  L.  2681.  do  chum- 
tach  reclesa,  ib.  2585.  dat.  dia 
recleus,  El.  B.  512,  33i.  ace.  pi. 
reclesae  8,  23. 

relecc  f.  a  cemetery.  40,  26,  30.  roilece 
40,  23.  dat.  religc  80,  6.  84,  19. 
ace.  releic  40,  27.  42,  3.  gen.  relgi 
42,  2.  54,  1. 

riagldir  m.  censor.  82,  28. 

rlg-des  very  clever.     90,  3. 

rig-laech  m.  a  royal  warrior,  gen. 
riglaig  50,  ».  npl.  riglaig  10,  31. 
ra"nic  m6r  r6t  in  rfglach  (a  woman), 
LL.  197058  ciarbu  riglach  Ifath, 
Trip.  210,  20. 

riglaechda  royally  heroic.  14,  6. 

ro-chell  f.  a  great  church.  78,  20. 

ruacaim  I  chase.  40,  2. 


ruba  (v.n.  of  ro-benim)   n.    a    brake, 

clearing  62,  30. 
ruse  a  hamper.  60,  16. 
ruthen  f.  brilliance,    dat.  ruthin  82, 

22. 

sacarbaic  the  Host.  46,  14.  25.    Wi. 

aacarfaic,  SG.  ii,  459,  23. 
saeb-choire  a  maelstrom,  whirlpool.  94, 

12.  BB.  45U32.     Wi. 
saidbir  wealth,    cona  s.,  82,  23. 
scel-mdr  great-storied.  12,  29. 
scd  a  brewing,    brew.    74,  29.     sco   .i. 

linn,  O'Dav.   1489.     Hence  sceaire 

m.  a  brewer.     Corra.  9  s.v.  cerbsire; 

Lism.  Lives,  Index.     O'Dav.  39. 
sebac  aelga  m.  a  hunting  hawk.  44,  6. 
sele  (W.  haliw)  n.  spittle.  94,  16.  19. 

E.G.  9,  16.    ib.  12,  328  §  16.     saile 

Wi. 

sen  old.     superl.  sinem  8,  1. 
sen-raith  f .  an  old  fort.    8,  8. 
sesreeh  f.  a  plough-team,  ace.  sg.  sesrig 

92,  11. 

silliud  T  16,  19. 
slaide  a  cutting  down.  28,  21. 
sneid  minute,  small,  slight,  insignificant. 

14,7. 

so-dethbir  urgency,  hurry.    58,  20. 
sodethbriugud  hurry,  hustling.   96,  24. 
soidnge  f.  comfort.  22,  23. 
sop  m.  a  wisp.  54.  22.     Wi. 
sproo  (=  bron,  with  protbetic  s)  dejection. 

dat.  i  sprue  46,  29. 
srab  m.  an  attack,  force,  violence  ?  dat. 

on  tsrab  90,  12.    rosni  in  sr&b  sen- 

grennach,  LL.  211*14.     fri  srabh  (.i. 

forlan)  ndomain  bad  fethmech,  'Eriu 

iii,  p.  96  (sic  MS.  A1),     ace.  pi.  bniiB 

srabu  sil  Cuind,  El.  B.  602,  llfc. 
srait  street,  road.  18,  29. 
suaichinte  conspicuous.    96,  17. 
sug  juice  •   a  particle,    cen  a.   n-aiace 

80. 

tarsann  condiment.     58,  7.     ace,  pi. 

torsnu,  Aisl.  M.  99,  7. 
tart?  42,  19. 


GLOSSARY. 


127 


t&Bcicome  I  24,  18.  48,  1.  pi.  2  taiscid-si 

Lism.  L.  4418  =  teccaid-si  B. 
tathmet  n.  memory.    20,  10.    taithmet 

Wi. 
tempall  a   church.    40,    15.    22.     94, 

22. 

tenure.     58,  6. 

tenga  f.  the  tongue  of  a  bell.   26,  10.  12- 
tenn,aim  /  strain,  tighten.     100,  1.     oc 

tennad  a  e"taig,  RC.  13,  102,  §   131. 

tendmaid-ne  98,  18. 
tenta   a  difficulty,  strait.      fri  tendta, 

94,    14.    tenta  catha,    Fianaig.    60, 

17. 
tedir  f.  meditation.      104,    32.     Arch. 

iii,  306.    RC.  15,  259.    LL.  80445. 
termud  100,  14.     See  note, 
terns  m.    a  journey.      100,  4.      turas, 

Wi. 
ti    a    circle.      62,    29.      dorat    ti    dia 

bachaill  atarra,  Lism.  L.  4109. 
timchell  ar  timchill  in  turn.     20,  13. 

Cf.   do   choirnet  gach   lai   timcheall, 

Lism.  L.  2848  ;   iar  n-urd  timchill, 

ib.  4163. 
timnaim   I  commend,    assign,    confide. 

pres.  subj.  sg.  1  co  rotiranor  48,  3. 
tiachur    m.     implement*,     ingredients. 

t.  fleide    40,    16.      a    thincur   eter 

choilcthe   7    brothracha,    LTJ.   5648. 

tinchor,  "Wi. 

tiucme  ?  t.  each  tened  50,  5. 
tlath  100,  11  miswritten  for  tlacht? 
til  delight1  comfort  ?    100,  10.    Patraic, 

ni  triamain  a  tli,  LL.  16447.    batailc 

tli  do  laechaib  35422. 


tochra  (v.n.  of  do-crenim)n.  bride-price. 

92,  1.  2. 
tochraim  (fri)  I  oppose,  fight  (against). 

dotuchre  32,  W. 
'todochaide/tttortfy.     46,  15. 
tortrommad  m.   heaviness,    drowsiness. 

10,  10.     Wi. 
tothacht  possession,  validity.     102,  10. 

BB.  19414.   iar  ddthucht,  Misc.  Arch. 

Soc.  132.  SG.  138,  44.  totbocht,  Wi. 
traigthech  m.  a  foot- soldier.     94,  22. 
trebar  prudent,  wise.     8,  19. 
treblait1  sickness.     22,    5.      trebhlaid 

m6r,  TFr.  8,  3. 
tregat  f.  ache.     10,   10.     ace.  tregait 

ib.  12. 

treith  weak.     16,  25.     LL.  157a37. 
trell    a    while.      88,    16.      trell    eile, 

LB.  273437. 

triath  sea.     gen.  trethan  52,  26.    Wi. 
trindit  f.  Trinity.     4,  16.  17.  12,  5. 
tri  through,     trit  an  firtsin  88,  2.  9,  44. 

treimit  78,  22. 
trist  a  curse.     100,  14. 
tuathbel,  ar  t.  lefthandwise.     58,  23. 
tmlimlsleep.     16,26. 
tuir  a  pillar;  chief.     6,  22. 
tusecht  f.  a  leading.     2,  15. 

uan-molt  m.  a  ewe-lamb.     54,  4.  14. 
uaran  a  well.     52,  26. 
uas  above,    tiastu  22,  19.  88,  8. 
ugaire  m.  a  herdsman.    96,  25  =  aegaire 

bo  96,  19. 
ullide  great,    long.       an    g[c]ein    bes 

ullidu  76,  6. 


1  Both  syllables  are  short. 


(    128     ) 


INDEX  OF  PERSONAL  NAMES 


The  numbers  refer  to  the  paragraphs. 


Abel  mac  'Adaira,  104. 

'Abram  mac  Tarra  Abraham  son  of  Terah, 

104. 

'Adam,  3,  104. 
'Aed  Find,  see  Leda. 
Aed  mac  Ainmirech,  44,  45,  62. 
'Aed    Koin    or    'Aed     Dub,    King    of 

Leinster  (Offaly)  t604.  90,  91. 
'Aed  Sl'ane  (Slange)  f598-604.  63,  69. 
Ailill  (Elell)  mac  Baain,  5. 
Ailill  a  quo  Cinel.Ailella  39,  79. 
Ainmire  mac  Congail  Cendmagair,  44- 

Ainmere  mac  Setna,  45. 
Airechtach  (Erechtach)  mac  Muiredaig, 

erenagh  of  Lann,  19,  37,  100. 
Airmedach  mac  Colmdin,  49. 
Airmedach       (Caech)       mac       Conaill 

Guthbind,  73. 

Araas  Amoz  (father  of  Isaiah);  104. 
Amrae  Amram  (father  of  Moses),    1, 

104. 

Anfossaid  mac  Leda,  8,  36,  38. 
Anniaraid,  a  smith,  40,  41. 
Aramail  mac  Dubain,  79. 
Arnan  mac  Eogain,  59. 
Art  'Oenfer  mac  Cuinn   Che'tchathaig, 

3. 


Baan  mac  Raidi,  5. 

Baetan  Bretnach  (=  Uidrin?),  79. 

Becrachan,  a  monk  of,  101. 

Blathmacc  mac  Aeda  Slaine,  joint  king 

of  Ireland,  t665  or  668.  19,  69. 
Brig  ingen  Comgaill,  wife  of  Cummine, 

37. 

Bright  St.  Bridget,  58. 
Brion  mac  Echdach  Mugmedoin,  5. 


Brocan  mac  Dainel,  5. 
Brogel  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Buidnech  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9. 

Caech  Rolach  mac  Brocain,  5,  15,  16. 
Cairpre  Lifechair  mac  Cormaic  Ulfatai, 

3. 

Cass',  ancestor  of  Dal  Caiss,  28. 
Cassan  cruimthir,  of  Domnach  M6r,  73, 

104. 

Cerball  mac  Fergusa,  63. 
Cernach    Sotal  mac   Diarmata   (Riiaid) 

t664  or  667.  69. 
Ciaran  of  Clonmacnois  f549.  C.  Cluana, 

85. 
Cinaeth  mac  Oengusa,  King  of  Offaly 

(wrongly    called     mac     Conchobuir, 

p.  86,  27),  86,  87,  88. 
Coisemnach,   41,  75,  see  Mac  Coisem- 

naig. 

Colman  of  Clonard,  see  Mocholmoc. 
Colman  Comraire,  31,  33,  42,  76,  77. 
Colman  Ela,  31,  33,  42,  76,  77,  83.  f611. 
Colman  mac  Luachain,  passim. 
Colmain,  na  trf,  i.e.,  the  three  preceding 

saints,  76,  77. 
Colman  Mor  mac  Diarmato  Deirg,  f555 

or  558  or  563.  45,  49. 
Colum  Cille,  f597.  52,  56,  77,  78,  104. 
Colum  mac  Ailello,  5. 
Comgall,  king  of  Delbna  Mor,  37. 
Conall  Cremthainne  mac  Neill  Ndigiall- 

aig,  3,  49,  63. 
Conall  Gulban  mac  Neill  Noigiallaig, 

44. 
Conall  Guthbind   mac  Suibni,  king  of 

Meath,  f635.  54,  55,  58,  59,  62,  65, 

66,  70,  91,  92. 


INDEX  OF  PERSONAL  NAMES 


129 


Conan  mac  Fiachra,  39. 
Conchraid  epscop,  42,  53,  54,  82. 
Conchubar  ua  Mailsechlainn,  50. 
Conchubar     ancestor    of     Cinaeth    ot 

Offaly,  86. 

Congal  Cendmagair  mac  Setnai,  44. 
Conn  Cetchathach,  3. 
Cormac  Ulfata  mac  Airt  'Oinfir,  3. 
Cremthann  =  Conail  Cremthainne,  q.v. 
Crist  Christ,  10,  14,  32,  38,  57,  76. 
Crob  Criad,  steward  of  Ferns,  71. 
Cromm  Der6il,  steward  of  Glasnevin, 

77. 

Cronan  mac  Luachain,  2,  8,  9. 
Cruimther  Cassan,  see  Cassan. 
Cfianu  (Cuanna)  macCummaine,erenagh 

of  Lann,  8,  37,  38,  97. 
CuChaille  mac  Dublaide,  chief  of  Far- 

tullagh,  50. 
CQ  Mend,  55. 
Cummaine  (Cummine)  mac  Leda,  8,  37. 

Dainel  mac  Dairi,  5. 

Daire  mac  Guill,  5. 

Dathi  mac  Fiachrach,  5. 

Duid  mac  lasse  David  son  of  Jesse, 

104. 
Diarmait  mac  Aeda  Sl&ne  f665  or  668. 

69. 

Diavmait  (Dian)  mac  Airmedaig  f689. 
Diarmait  (Derg)  mac  Cerbaill,  king  of 

Ireland,  544(5)-565  or  572.  63. 
Disertaig,  na  tri,  42. 
Dochartach,  71,  72. 
Domnall  mac  Aeda,    king  of  Ireland, 

f642.  44,  45,  62. 
Domnall   mac  Donnchada,    meic  Mur- 

chada,  king  of   Ireland,  =  Domnall 

m.  Murcbada,  743-763.  73,  74,  79, 

89,  Introd. 

Duban  mac  Ailella,  39,  79. 
Dublaide,  father  of  Cti  Chaille,  50. 
Dungal     mac    Mailefothbil,     king    of 

Fermoy,  24,  25. 

Eochaid  Muigmeddn,  3. 
Eogan,  father  of  Arnan,  59. 

TODD   LECTURE   SERIES,    VOL     XVII. 


Eoin   brunndalta   John  the  Evangelist, 

104. 

Erechtach,  see  Airechtach. 
Ernan  mac  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Etchen  epscop,  1 578  or  584.  4,  7,  10 

18,29,  31,  33,35/42. 
Ethgen  mac  Tigernain,  63. 

Faillen,  father  of  Maelodran,  64. 

Feradach.  mac  Caiss,  28. 

Fergus  Cerbel    (Cerball)    mac   Conaill 

Chremthainne,  3,  63. 
Fergus  mac  Conaill  Guiban,  44. 
Fiacha  Srobthine  mac  Cairpri  Lifechair, 

3. 
Fiachra  mac   Dubain,   39  ;  cabled  mac 

Ailella,  79. 

Fiachra  mac  Maini,  5. 
Fidmuine,    baptismal     name     of    'Ua 

Suanaig,  q.v.,  75. 
Find  mac  Maine,  69. 
Finden  of  Clonard,  t  549.  79,  91. 
Flann  mac  Onchon,  65. 
Forannan  mac  Leda  Find,  43. 
Forannan  mac  Find,  69. 
Fursa  craibdech    f  648  or  661.  42,  97, 

98. 

Gilla  Coluim,  Introd. 

Gilla   Crist  ua  Mochain,  a  craftsman, 

Introd. 
Gilla  Crist  mac  Gillai  Patraic,  erenagh 

of  Lann,  Introd. 
Gilla  Patraic,  Introd. 
Goll  mac  Coluim,  5. 
Grigair  Gregory,  76. 
Grogin,  name  of  a  bull,  41. 

lasse  Je&se,  father  of  David,  1. 
lesus  mac  Nun   Joshua  son  of  Nun,  1. 
lob  Job,  4,  104. 

Issahias  mac  Namais  Isaiah  son  ofAmoz 
104. 


Ldegaire    mac  Neill   Ndigiallaig,    55, 
58. 


130 


INDEX  OF  PERSONAL  NAMES 


Lasaar  ingen  Caleb  Rolach,    5,    6,    7, 

82. 

Lechet  mac  Leda,  8,  37,  38. 
Leda  (Find)  mac  Maini,  3,  43,  45  (sic 

leg.  for  Aed). 

Lessar  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Lomman,  10,  42. 
Liiachan  mac  Ledae,  3,  45. 
Luache  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Luachet  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Lucas  Luke,  104. 

Mac  Coisemnaig,  40,  75. 

Mac  Conchubuir,  Introd. 

Mac  Liac,  59. 

M*ed6c,  42,  71,  72. 

Mfcelcaba  mac  Aeda  f614.  45. 

Maelfotbbil,  24. 

Maelodran,  49. 

Maelodran  mac  Faillein,  steward  of  Ui 

Airmedaig,  64,  66,  68,  69. 
Maelsechlainn,  41,  see'Ui  Maelseclilainn. 
Maeltule  mac  Nochuire,  76,  104. 
Maelumae  mac  Forannain,  69,  70. 
Maenan  mac  Feradaig,  28. 
Maine  mac  Briuin,  5. 
Maine    mac    Diarmato   Deirg,    3   (mac 

Fergusa,  perperam),  45. 
Maire  the  Virgin  Mary,  49. 
Martan  St.  M<trtin,  57. 
Mennan  mac  Maenan,  28. 
Mid[gjna  mac  Luachain,  8,  9. 
Mobi  Clarenech  f545,  77,  78,  79. 
Mochan,  see  'Ui  Mochain. 
Mocholmoc   =  Colman   mac    Luachain 

67. 
Mocbolm6c  =  Colman  of  Clonard,  f654 . 

90,  91,  92. 

Mochua  mac  Nemainn,  35. 
Mochutu(Mocbuta,  Mochutta,  Machutta) 

of  Rahen  and  Lismore,  f637.  18,  19, 

20,  21,  22,  23,.24,  27,  42,  85. 
M6id6c,  see  Ma*ed6c. 
M6ise  (Maoisi)  mac  Amrae  Moses  son  of 

Amram,  1,  64,  104. 
Moling  Luachra  f697.  71. 
Mominoc,  50. 
Mongdub  ingen  Luachain,  8,  9,  17. 


Motura,    son    of    the    king    of    Corco 

Bascind,  27,  28. 

Muiredacb,  father  of  Airechtach,  100. 
Murchad  mac  Diarmata,  73. 
Murcbad    ua    Mailsecblainn,    king    of 

Meath,  fH53,  Introd. 
Muredacb       Tirech       mac      Fiachach 
^Srobtbine,  3. 

Nemann,  father  of  Mochua,  35. 

Niall  Noigiallacb  mac  Ecbdacb  Muig- 

medoin,  f405.  3,  11,  44,  63. 
Ndchuire,  father  of  Maeltuile,  104. 

'Oengus,    father    of    Cinaed,    86,    87, 

88. 

'Oengus  mac  ind  'Oc,  86. 
Oncbu  mac  Sarain,  chief  of  Fartullagh, 

47,  48,  65. 


Patraic,  55,  58. 
Petar  St.  Peter,  76,  77. 
Pol  apstal   the    apostle   Paul,    13,    76, 
104. 


Raide  mac  Dathi,  5. 
Ronat  ingen  Etligein,  63. 
Ross  Failge,  ancestor  of 'Ui  Failgi. 
Ruaidri     'Ua      Conchobair,     king      of 
Connacht,  }.1118,  Introd. 

Samtbann,  t739.  42. 
Samuel,  1. 

Saran,  father  of  Oncbu,  47,  48,  65. 
Setna  mac  Ferguso,  44. 
Suibne  mac  Colmain  (Moir),    f600    or 
604.  49. 


Tarra     Terah,     father     of    Abmham, 

104. 
Tigernin    mac   Aeda    Slane     (Slangi), 

63. 
Toirdelbacb    mac    1.6adrach,   king    of 

Connaugbt  and  Ireland,  1 1156,  Introd 
Trede  ingen  Luachain,  8. 


INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  TRIBES 


131 


Tuathal    mac   Gilla  Coluim,  priest  of 

Lann,  Introd. 
Turges,  chief  of  the  Gaill  glaiss,  t&45, 

Introd. 

Ua  hAedacain,  19. 

'Un  hAengusa,    erenagh    of  Cell  Uird, 

19. 

'Ua  Conch ubuir,  see  Ruaidri. 
Ua  Dercain,  19. 


'UaFerchair,  19. 

Ua  Mailsechlainn,  see  Conchobar  and 

Murchad. 

'Ua  Mochain,  see  Gilla  Crist. 
'Ua  Scoil,  101. 
'Ua  Suanaig,  t757.  42,  75. 
Uictuir  aingel  the  angel  Victor,  29. 
Uidrin  mac  Aramail,  of  Cell  Uidrin,  79. 

89. 
Ultan,  59. 


INDEX  OP  PLACES  AND  TRIBES 

The  numbers  refer  to  the  paragraphs. 


Achad  in  Pubaill,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  41. 
Adrad  Ingine  Luachain,   in   Croebech 

Lainne,     halfway     between     Croeb 

Ullann  and  Lann,  17. 
Adrad  Motura,  near  Lann,  27,  84. 
Amalech  Amakk,  1. 
Ard  Cain,  74. 
Ard  M<5r  Ardmore,  bar.  Moyashel,   co. 

Westmeath,  74. 
Ard  Muccada,  74. 
Ard  Nessan,  74. 
Ath   (in)  Dairc,  in  Fartullagh,  on  the 

Brosnach,  8,  29,  89,  97. 

Bale  Asidta,  74. 

Bale  Ua  nDimman,  'in  'Ui  Thigernain, 

62. 
Bale  Ua  Fothatan,  in  'Ui  Thigernain, 

62. 
Bale  Ua  nDiingalan,  in  'Ui  Thigernain, 

62. 
Bale  Ua  Lothrachan,  in 'Ui  Thigernain, 

62. 

Berba  f.  the  Barrow,     ri  Berba,  88. 
Bethel  f.  Bethlehem,  ace.  Bethil,  10. 
Boann  f.  the  Boyne,  45,  69. 
Bordgal  f.  in  'Ui  Thigernain,  59,  gen. 

Borddgaile,  LL.  374*,  16. 

Brechmag  n.,  the  plain  of  Bregia,  co. 
Meath,  74. 


Brega  Bregia,  dat.  i  mBrega[ib],  69. 
Bretach  f.,  near  Clonard,  gen.  na  Bret- 

cha,  92. 
Bretain  Britons,    gen.  Baetin  Bretan, 

80. 
Brosnach  f.,  the  river  Brosna,  13,  14. 

Caill  Cellan,  in  Fartullagh,  54. 

Caille  na  hlngine,  near  'Ath  in  Daire, 

89. 

Cananei  Canaanites.  1. 
Garrac  Leime  ind  Eich,  in  'Ui  Foran- 

nain,  p.  14,  n.  1,  50,  51. 
Cam  Fiachach  Cam,  par.  Conry,  bar. 

Rathconrath,  W.  M^eath,  91. 
Cell  Becc  in  'Ui  Thigernain,  N.E.  of 

Less   in  Daire,  12,   13,   14,  29,  62, 

p.  14,  n.  1. 

Cell  Becrachan,  at  Lann,  101. 
Cell  Chaca  (?)  in  Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Cell  Chluana  Gamna,  9. 
Cell  Luache,  in  Leix,  9. 
Cell  'Ua  Muca,  63. 
Cell  Uidrin,  79,  89. 
Cell  Uird,  in  Fermoy,  p.  14,  n.  1.  19, 

26. 

Cenel  Ailella,  in  Fartullagh,  39,  79. 
Ciarraige  Luachra  Kerry,  9. 
Claenr&th  Temrach,  58. 
Clann  Onchon,  49. 


182 


INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  TRIBES 


Clanna  Forandain  meic  Lseda  Find,  43, 
45. 

1.  CUiain  =  Cluain  Fota. 

2.  Cluain,  85,  =  Cluain  Meic  Nois. 

3.  Cldain,  36,  =  Cluain  Colmain  Moir. 
Cluain  Colmain  M6ir,  34. 

Cluain  Dam,  in  Ui  Dubain,  39,  53. 
Cluain  Fota   Clonfad,    in    Farbill,    W. 

Meath,  33,  34,  35,  42. 
Cldain  Gamnae,  prob.  Clo<>gawny,  bar. 

Moyashel    and    Magheradernon,  W. 

Meath,  8,  9,  74. 
(Main  Gilli  Fin&n,  Clongil,  bar.  Mor- 

gallion,  Meath,  74. 
Cluain  Iraird  Clonard,  75,  90,  92. 
Cluain  Mrfeil,  in  Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Cluain  Mescdn,  in  Ulster,  54. 
Cnamross,  dat  Cnairarus,  8. 
Cnoc  Brfinaind  Brandon  Hill,    Kerry, 

26. 

Cnoc  Domnallain,in'UiThigernain,  62. 
Coirthe  na  nGiall1,  at  Tara,  70. 
Comraire,    Conry,    bar.     Rathconrath, 

W.  Meath,  31. 

Conaille  Murthemne,  co.  Louth. 
Conaillech,   a  native  of  Conaille  Mur 
themne,  34. 

Corca  Raidhi  Corkaree,  W.  Meath,  5. 
Corco  Bascinn,  co.  Clare,  27. 
Crdeb  Ullan(n)    in    Ui   Dubain,    near 

Lann,  9,  17,  39. 
Croebech  Lainde,  at  Lann,  17. 
Cro-inis    f.    Growinish    or    Cormorant 

Island  in  Loch  Ennell,  dat.  lain  Chro- 

insi,  62,  101. 
Grose  Ciamau,  near  Lann,  p.  14,  n.  2. 

102. 

Cross  Fursai,  at  Lann,  97. 
Cross  na  Trumraa,  near  Lann,  84,  85. 

in  cross  6  Thig  Lorn  main  siar,  7. 
Cuillend  Bee,  near  Less  Dochuinn,  46. 
Cuillend  M6r,  near  Less  Dochuinn,  46. 

Daire  Aidnen,  81. 
Dair  Colmdin,  81. 


Dal  Cftiss,  in  Thomond,  28. 

Delbna  Ethrae  Delvin,  bar.  Garrycastle, 

Meath,  9. 

Delbna  Mdr  Delvin,  W.  Meath,  37. 
Domnach  Mor,  73. 
Dronn  f.,  Dronn   Ard  Faichnig,  Drong 

Faichnig,  79. 
Druim     Ceta,     in     Roe     Park,     near 

Newtown-Limavaddy,  Co.  Derry,  42, 

52,  77,  78. 

Duiblinn,  see  Port  Duiblinne. 
Duma  Bolgc,  in  'Ui  Thigernain,  62. 
Dun  Bri,  68, 

Dun  Leime  ind  Eich,  44,  45. 
Dun  na  Cairgge,  in  Meath,  48,  50. 
Dun  Senchada,  74. 

Elg-inisf.  Ireland,  11. 
'Eriu  f.  Ireland,  27,  34,  49,  70,  76,  77, 
78,  96,  97,  ri  'Erenn,  44,  52. 

Faithche  meic  Mecnan,  on  Loch  Sewdy, 

bar.  Rathconrath,  W.  Meath,  91. 
Ferna      M6r      Ma"edoc      Ferns,      Co. 

Wexford,  71. 
Felistinech  Philistine,  1. 
Fid  Dorcha  (the  Ui  Dubain,  near  Lann, 

were  in),  29,  39,  53,  86. 
Fir  Maige  Fermoy,  24. 
Fir  Xulach  Fartulluyh,  W.  Meath,  47, 

50,  54,  101. 

Gaedil  Gaels,  49. 

Gaill  Norsemen,  49. 

Glass  Naeiden  Glasnevin,  near  Dublin, 

77,  78. 

Gortin  Grogin,  in  Ui  Dubain,  39,  41. 
Guirtfn  Tire  Bandala,2  in  Fid  Dorcha, 

86. 

'I  f.  lona,  65. 
Ibrach  f.,  at  Lann,  19. 
Ibrach    Colmain    meic    Luachain,    at 
Rahen,  19,  21. 


1  Cf.  Duma  na  nGiall  in  Tara,  Dinds.  1,  §  12. 

2  There  are    two   Gorteens  in   W.   Meath,   one    in    Clonlonan,   the    other  in 
Fartullagh  barony. 


INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  TRIBES 


138 


Inis  Conchada,  in  'Ui  Thigernaiu,  62. 
Inis  Locha  Maige  Uath,  50. 
Inis  na  Cairrce,  4-1,  48. 
lordanes  the  Jordan,  1. 
Israel  Israel,  1. 

Laeichis  f.  Leix,  gen.  crich  Lseichsi,  9. 

Laigin  Leinster,  ri  Laigen,  90. 

Lam  airgit,  a  name  for  the  Brosnach,1 

14. 
Land  =  Land  meic  Luachain,  17,  19,27, 

28,  35,  40,  42,  35,  53,  66,  68,  72. 
Land  meie  Luachain  Lynn,  bar.  Delvin, 

W.  Meath,  p.  14,  n.  1.  29,  87. 
Lathrach    Briuin    Laragh   Brien,    Co. 

Kildare,  77,  79. 

Leim  ind  Eich,  in  Ui  Forannain,  44,  45. 
Lemchaill,    in    Ui  Thigernain,    Meath, 

59. 
Lena  (Le'ne),  in  Ui  Forrain,  p.  14,  n.  1, 

43,  44. 

Less  an  Pobuil,  74. 
Less  Conin,  74. 
Less  Dochuind,  in  'Ui  Forannain,  p.  14, 

n.  1,  46,  69. 

Less  Draignein,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Less  Duban,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Less  Glinne,  74. 

Less  Gruccain,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Less  in  Daire,  near  'Ath  in  Daire,  SW. 

of  Cell  Bee,  12. 
Less  Mor  Lismore,  Co.  Waterford,   19, 

21,  24,  26,  27. 
Less  na  Con,  in  Ui  Dubain,  near  Cell 

Uidrin,    perhaps    Liosnugon,    Upper 

Kells,  Meath,  39,  89. 
Less  na  Findan,  in  Ui  Thigernain,  62. 
Less  na  Fingaile,  in  Ui  Duban,  39. 
Less  na  Moga  =    Raithin  in  Pupuill, 

near  Tulach  ind  Oiss,  74. 
Less  na  h  Uama,  at  Cluain  Gilli  Finain, 

74. 

Leth  Cluain,  74. 
Letha  Latium,  76,  79. 


Lia  Fursa,  ace.  sg.  fri  Lie  F.,  98. 

Life  the  Li/ey,  gen.  ri  Lin,  89. 

Loch  Anninn  Lough  Ennell,  W.  Mealh, 

69,  84. 

Loch  Corr,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Loch    Maige     Uath,    probably     Bally 

Loughloe,  Clonlonan,  W.  Meatb,  50. 

Macne  Mailodrain,  49. 
Madian,  Midianite,  1. 
Maelblatha,  name  of  a  stone  in  lona, 

56. 

Mag  Descirt,  co.  Kerry,  9. 
Mag  Uath,  50. 

Meic  Airechtaig,  erenaghs  of  Lann,  37. 
Meic  Menndn,  28. 
Mide   Meath,  9,   29,   48,   86,  91,  102; 

gen.  riMidi,  41,  62,  91,  101. 
Miliuc,  79. 
Mdin  Lainne,  27. 
Muilenn  Cerr  Mullingar,  W.  Meath,  56, 

97. 

Muilenn  Dee,  59. 
Muir  Ruad  the  Red  Sea,  64,  104. 
Mumu  f.  Munster,  20,  23,  25,  26. 
Murbach  na  B6inne,  69. 


Port  Duiblinne  Dublin,  77. 
Port  Indsi  ha  Cairrge,  41,  50  ;  =  Port  na 
hlndse,  64. 


Rdith  Cairech,  in'Ui  Dubain,  39. 

Raith  Cosemnaig,  75. 

Raith  Criti  (Cridi)  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39, 

41. 
Rdith    Chuanna   M6r    Rathcoon,    bar. 

Morgallion,  co.  Meath,  8. 
Raith  Donnchada,  74. 
Raith  Drogcan,  74. 
Raith  in  Midg,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Raith  Inraith,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39 
Raith  Lechet,  in  Cnimross,  74. 


1  But  according  to  Sir  Henry  Piers,  quoted  in  James  Woods'  Annals  of 
Westmeath,  p.  76,  the  Brosna  is  called  the  <  Golden  Hand,'  while  the  '  Silver 
Hand  '  is  a  name  for  a  stream  issuing  from  the  northern  end  of  Loch  Owel. 


134 


INDEX  OF  PLACES  AND  TRIBES 


Raith  M6r  Maige  Deisceirt,  in  Ciarraige 

Luachra,  9. 

Raith  Spelan,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39,  40. 
Raithen     Rahen,      bar.     Ballycowan, 

King's  Co.,  dat.  ace.  Rathen,  18. 
Raithin  in  PupailL=  Less  ha  Moga,  74. 
Raithin  in  Usci,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Raithin  na  Brechmaige,  74. 
Raithin  na  Gabann,  74. 
Rom  f .  Rome,  26,  76,  77  ;  R6m  Letha, 
76,  79  ;  gen.  R6mae,  82 ;  dat.  is  in 

Ruaim,  77;  ic  R6im,  83;  do  Roim, 

101. 

Romanach  a  Roman,  11. 
Ross,  gen.  Rossa,  88. 
Ross  Dullerin,  74. 
Ross    Findglaisse,    in   Slieve    Bloom, 

Rosenallis,  Queen's  Co.,  9. 
Ross  Omna,  74,  79. 
Ruba  Conaill,  in  'Ui  Thigernain,  Rath- 

connell  (Rowe  Connell,  Racunnell), 

2  miles  east  of  Mullingar,  W.  Meath, 

59,  62. 
Ru[b]a  M6r  Corracan,  in 'Ui  Dubain, 

39. 

Senraith.  Chuanna,  8. 

Senraith  Leis  in  Daire,    see    Less    in 

Daire,  74. 

Sliab  Bladma  Slieve  Bloom,  9. 
Sliab  Elpa  the  Alps,  76. 

Tailltiu    Telltown,    88  ;    gen.     aenach 

Taillten,  84. 
Tech  Colmain,  in    Upper  Fartullagh, 

54,  82. 

Tech  Conain,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39,  40,  41. 
Tech  Laisrenn,  nearLann,  27. 
Tech  Lommaiu,  in  Tir  Colmain,  Port- 

loman  on  Lough  Owel,  7,  10,  82. 
Tech  Meic  Conba,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Tech  Mochua  Timahoe,  Queen's  Co.,  35. 
Tech  Nadfraich,  in  Bregia,  69. 
Temair  f.    Tara,  34,  45,   69,  73 ;  gen. 

Temrae,  69;   ri  Temrach,  70,  86,  89, 

102;  ace.  Temraig,  192. 
Tipra  Colmain,  at  Dun  na  Cairrce,  50. 
Tir  Baethain,  in  'UiDubain,  39. 


Tir  Bandala,  86. 

Tir  Colmain,  along  the  western  shore  of 

Loch  Owel,  bar.  Corkaree,  co.  West 

Meath,  10. 

Tir  Fraech,  in  'Ui  Thigernain,  62. 
Tir  in  Disirt,  near  Lann,  53,  54. 
Tir  M6r,  hi'Ui   Thigernain,  62. 
Tir  na  Copan,  in  Tir  Colmain,  10. 
Tir  na  Leici,  in'Ui  Dubain,  39,  41. 
Toidiu  Moling  Luachair,  71. 
Tulach  ind  Oiss,  58,  74. 
Tulach  Lin,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 
Tulach  Lon&n,  45. 
Tulach  Ruad,  in  'Ui  Dubain,  39. 

Uachtar  Comartha,  in  'Ui  Thigernain, 

p.  14,  n.  1,  61. 
'Uachtar  Fer  Tulach,  Upper  Fartullagh, 

54. 
'Uam  Colmain,  Caiman's  Cave,  at  Dun 

Leime  ind  Eich,  45. 
'Ui  Airmedaig,  64. 
'Ui  Braendin,  45. 

'Ui  Chennselaig,  in  South  Leineter,  9 
'Ui  Chruib  Chriad,  72. 
'Ui  Dimma,  82. 
'Ui  Dochartaig,  at  Land,  72. 
'Ui  Domnain,  in  Fartullagh,  50. 
'Ui  Dubain  Caille,  in  Fid  Dorcha,  39. 
'Ui  Dubain  Maige,  ir  Fid  Dorcha,  39. 
'Ui  Failgi  Offaly,  40,  86,  87,  88,  89. 
'Ui  Flaind,  65. 

'Ui  Forannain,  p.  14,  n.  1.  46,  70,  73. 
'Ui  Fuill,  in  Corco  Raidi,  5,  82. 
'Ui  Gussain,  62. 
'Ui  Lechett,  near  Lann,  37. 
'Ui  Mailbethad,  45. 
'Ui  Mailumae,  8,  36. 
'Ui  Maenachain,  8. 
'Ui  Manchain  (lucht  na  Cluana),  36. 
'Ui  Muca,  63. 
'Ui  Sfianaig,  19,  n.  1. 
'Ui  Thegthecha'n,  in  Fartullagh,  50. 
'Ui    Thigernain,    bar.    Corkaree,     W. 

Meath,  p.  14,  n.  1,  59,  61,  62. 
Ulaid  Epscop  Aeda,  near  'Ath  in  Daire, 

99. 

Ulaid  Fursa,  at  Land,  98. 
Ultach  an  Ulster  man,  34. 


(  135  ) 

CORRIGENDA 

TEXT 

p.  4,  1,  14,  read  '  martlri ' 

p.  8,  1.  10,  for  Daire  read  Daire 

p.  8,  1.  26,  fcr  descirt,  read  Descirt 

p.  10,  1.   10,  for  tort[h]romad  read  tortromad 

p.  11,  1.   19,  read  '  Copan  ' 

p.   14,  1.  11,  for  hath[s]ilti  read  hathilti 

p.  18,  1.  28,  for  laibraige  read  hlbraige 

p.  20,  1.  10,  emend  '  6  Blathmac  na  rab  tathmet ' 

p.  28,  11.  15  and  16,  for  can  read  each 

p.  30,  1.  3,  for  can  read  each 

p.  35,  n.  3,  read  '  Anfosaid  ' 

p.  38,  1.  2,  for  Griein  read  griein 

p.  40,  1.   11,  for  each  read  cacha 

p.  42,  1.  21,  for  Gulban  read  Gulban 

p.  46,  1.  25,  for  findfaidech  read  findfaidech 

p.  48,  1.  3,  for  curottimnor  read  curotimnor 

p.  50,  1.  7,  read  '  rnane  tarset  '  and  translate  '  unless  false 

chieftains  come  ' 

p.  52,  1.  21,  for  dechmad  read  dechmatd 
p.  64,  1.  22,  for  c[h]roind-si  read  C[h]roindsi 
p.  72,  1.  25,  for  are  gin  read  ar  egin 
p.  76,  1.  6,  for  gein  read  g[c]ein 
p.  80,  1.  22,  for  lepthaid  read  lepaid 
p.  80,  1.  28,  for  Colum  read  Coluim 
p.  94,  1.  25,  for  trit  read  trit 
p.  96,  1.  27,  for  dobeiran  read  dobeir  an 


TRANSLATION 

p.  3,  1.  14,  for  Amra  read  Amram 
p.  7,  1.  23,  for  her  (bis)  read  his 
p.  7,  note  3,  for  51  read  52 
p.  21,  1.  3,  for  Aedacain  read  hAedacain 
p.  23,  1.  31,  for  bids  farewell  to  read  asks  leave  of 
p.  25,  1.  32,  for  urged  read  helped 

p.  29, 1.  IS,  for  without  permission  read  out  of  every  hundred 
p.  31,  1.  1,  for  limb  read  joint 

p.  31,  1.  3,  for  only  without  permission  read  out  of  every 
hundred 


136 


CORRIGENDA. 


p.  37,  note  1,  for  dige  read  aige 

p.  39,  1.  3,  for  family  of  Grian  read  global  family 

p.  43,  1.  13,  for  brothers  of  his  grandfather  read  descendants 

of  his  grandfather's  brothers 
p.  43,  1.  24,  for  Conal  read  Conall 
p.  51,  11.  21  and  27,  for  hill  read  island 
p.  53,    .  5,  omit  hill 

p.  61,    .33,  after  Dun  Bri  insert  hitherward 
p.  53,    .  11,  after  Cairrge  insert  without 
p.  53,    .21,  for  CuChaile  read  CuChaille 
p.  89,    .  33  before  safeguard  insert  proper 
p.  91,  after  obedient  insert  with  love 


NOTES 

p.  108,  1.  11,  dele  the  note,  and  for  '  a  persoin  '  compare  :  in 

tan  labratar  ind  filid  a  persin  inna  ndea,  Sg.  162a3 
p.   Ill,  1.  30,  for  '  Rahen  '  read  '  Lismore  ' 


GLOSSARY 
p.  122,  col.  I,  for  *  ad-berim '  read  '  ad-opraim ' 

ADDITIONAL    CORRIGENDA 

INTRODUCTION 

p.  ix.,  1.  5,  for  19  read  20 

?'&.,  n.  1,  dualaig  should  be  dualaig.    See  corrigenda  on 

Notes  p.   110,  11 
p.  xvi.,  1.  8.     According  to  the  text  (§  5)  his  mother  was 

descended  from  Niall's  brother  Brian.   P.  W. 


TEXT 

4,  1.  15,  for  maic  read  me?'c  (sio  passim) 

ib.,  for  is  oentu  read  is[in]    oentu 
4,  1.  22,  for  Srobthine  read  Srobtine 
4,  1.  26,  om.  m.  D[I]armata  Deirer.     P.  W. 
6,  1.  1,  for  secht  read  sechtmad 


CORRIGENDA.  137 

P.  6,  1.  6,  for  de  nach  mathwsa  read  nach  rnathtwsa  or  de 

nach  mathiws.     P.  W. 
p.  8,  11.  13,  23,  for  Ernain  read  Ernan  and  cf.  p.  62,  16,  27, 

or  else  Ern(a)m     P.  W. 
p.  8,  1.  18,  for  an-ord  read  a  n-ord     P.  W. 
p.  14,  1.  2,  for  Romanchaib  read  romanchaib  (?) 
p.  14,  1.  20,  for  batir  read  batis  (?) 
p.  16,  1.  26,  for  for  read  for 
p.  18,  1.  13,  for  Ullan  read  Ullan[n] 
p.  18,  1.  33,  for  conieci  sarugud  read  cuicci.      Sarugud 

P.W. 

p.  20,  1.  13,  for  clamrad  read  chlamraid     P.  W. 
p.  22,  1.  27,  for  deonebad  read  deonebad 
p.  24,  1.  27,  for  torsed  read  torgbad      P.  W. 
p.  28,  1.  20,  for  trath  read  tra 
p.  28,  1.  25,  for  fine  read  fin[n]e 
p.  30,  1.  21,  for  firu  bile  read  Firu  Bile     P.W. 
p.  32,  1.  24,  for  ba  read  bid 
p.  34,  1.  19,  for  cac[h]  read  cac   P.W. 
p.  36,  1.  26,  for  mair  read  mair 
p.  38,  1.  6,  for  Less  Gruccam  read  Liss  Gruccain 
p.  38,  1.  7,  for  Caca  read  Chachdn  (?)     P.W. 
p.  38,  1.  9,  for  Tulaig  read  Tulach.     P.  W. 
p.  38,  1.  26,  for  i  areas  read  tarcas 
p.  40,  1.  27,  for  bid  read  bid 
p.  40,  1.  31,  for  Bid  .  .  .  bid  read  Bid  ...  bid 
p.  42,  1.  22,  for  chungaidis  read  chumgaidis    P.  W. 
p.  44,  1.  5,  "for  carraic  read  c[h]arraic 
p.  44,  1.  8,  for  -]  Aedae  Find  -\  Mane  read  meic  AedaB  Find 

'meic  Mane  (as  at  p.  72,  1.  7)    P.  W. 
p.  46,  1.  1,  for  Leiss  read  Liss  (or  Liuss) 
p.  46,  1.  9,  for  asbeir  read  asberr 
p.  48,  1.  7,  for  roba  read  roba 
p.  50,  1.  27,  for  co  rab  read'  corab 
p.  56,  11.  29-30,  for  roboi  .  .  .  Disirt  read  roboi  hi  Tir  an 

Disirt  etir  -]  comad  iar  ndul  adiu  nogabad  ifus    P.  W. 
p.  68,  1.  7,  for  cuinc[h]id  fair  read  cuinc[h]i  forn  (?) 
p.  58,  1.  14,  for  thoimela  read  thoimelod 
p.  62,  1.  19,  for  bid  fir  read  biait  (or  beit)  fir 
p.  62,  1.  22,  for  Bit  read  Bit  (or  Biait  or  Beit) 
p.  62,  1.  26,  for  ro  read  co    P.  W. 
p.  64,  1.  22,  for  i  ngnesto  read  ingriesta    P.  W. 
p.  68,  1.  26,  for  tuc-som  read  •]  tuc-som    P.  W. 
p.  70,  1.  20,  for  tancais  read  tancos 
p.  76,  1.  19,  for  a  cella  read  [n]a  cella    P.  W. 


138 


CORRIGENDA. 


p.  82, 
p.  86, 
p.  92, 
P-  94, 
p.  94, 
p.  94, 
p.  98, 
p.  98, 
p.  100 
p.  100: 


1.  22,  for  bid  read  bid  (ipv.}  or  biaid  (fut.) 
20,  for  grcis  read  greis 
.  30,  for  fa  cenn  dib  read  fa  cendaib  (?) 
,  3,  for  Ber  read  Berid 

.  9,  for  firbale  read  fir  bale  (c/.  p.  88,  12) 
,  11,  for  murthaid.i  read  murthaidi 

28,  for  timna  read  t'imna 
,  32,  for  tig  read  thaig 
1.  5,  for  t[h]nuth  read  t[h]nu 
1.  7,  for  nar  read  nel 


TKANSLATION 

p.  3,  1.  23,  for  the  saints' read  His  saints 

p.  5,  1.   11,  for  another  read  the  other 

p.  5,  1.   13,  for  his  soul  the  text  has  they 

p.  5,  1.  25,  for  Srobthine  read  Srobtine 

p.  5,  1.  30,  om.  son  of  Diarmait  the  Red   P.  W. 

p.  7,  1.   10,  for  demicans  read  dimicans     P.  W. 

p.  7,  n.  3,  for  §  51  read  §  52     P.  W. 

p.  9,  1.  1,  for  lia  read  lee 

p.  9,  1.  22,  for  the  order  read  their  order     P.  W. 

p.   11,  1.  6,  for  it  read  she     P.  W. 

p.   11,  1.  7,  for  Ethnae  read  Ethrae    P.  W. 

p.  13,  11.  25-6,  for  serve  read  give  to  him  the  service  of 

p.  15,  1.  2,  for  of  the  Romans  read  for  his  great  monks  (?) 

p.  15,  1.  18,  for  they  would  hear  read  would  be  heard  (?) 

p.   15,  1.  24,  for  watching  read  taking  care  of  P.  W. 

p.   17,  1.   16,  for  for  read  depends  on     P.  W. 

p.  17,  1.  32,  dele  (?) 

p.  17,  1.  34,  for  come  read  let  him  come 

p.  19,  1.  5,  for  his  mother's  read  Colman's  mother's    P.  W. 

p.   19,  1.   15,  /or  Ullan  read  Ullann 

p.  19,  1.   18,  for  come  read  go 

p.  19,  11.  29-30,  for  depart  .  .  .  blessing.'  read  depart  in 
another  direction  to  do  thy  reading  henceforth,  and 
farewell.'  P.  W. 

p.   19,  11.  31-33,  for  yew-wood  read  Ibrach 

p.  19,  1.  37,  for  in  expectation  etc.  read  for  any  young  cleric 
that  would  go  on  his  pilgrimage  to  it.  It  is  an  outrage 
to  Mochuta  and  to  Colman  and  to  the  saints  of  the 
wandering,  seven  hundred  and  seven  score  and  seven 
in  number,  if  the  covenant  be  not  thus  fulfilled  ;  Ua 
Ferchair  and  Ua  hAedacain  and  Ua  Dercain  and  all 


CORRIGENDA.  139 

the   Culdees,   and  all  the   monks  of  Lismore  are  a 

guarantee  for  it  till  Doom.     P.  W. 
p.  21,  1.  33,  for  may  count  as  their  exile  read  may  be  their 

place  of  pilgrimage     P.  W. 
p.  21,  n.   1,  dele. 
p.  23,  1.  34,  go,  lit.  come 
p.  23,  1.  35,  for  land  read  land  where  Mochuta  would  be 

(aen-)    P.  W. 
p.  25,  1.  15,  for  a  greater  miracle  .  .  than  read  as  great 

a  miracle  .  .  as 

p.  25,  1.  26,  dele  one  hundred  and 
p.  25,  1.  32,  for  he  had  urged  .  .  .  return,  read  he  (C.) 

helped  him  (M.)  by  adopting  that  order  provided  only 

that  M,  should  introduce  it.     P.  W. 
p.  27,  1.   11,  for  are  read  shall  be 
p.  27,  1.  22,  for  the  great  read  a  great 
p.  27,  1.  28,  for  cures  read  heals 

p.   29,  1.  30,  for  chief  of  a  tribe  read  blessed  Kingdom 
p.  31,  1.   12,  for  by  read  from 
p.  31,  1.  22,  for  blessed  men  read  Farbill     P.  W. 
p.  31,  1.  28,  for  altogether  read  at  the  same  time 
p.  33,  1.  28,  for  is- read  shall  be 
p.  35,  1.  6,  for  possesses  read  has  possessed 
p.  35,  1.  14,  for  west  read  back  (?) 
p.  35,  1.   1.6,  for  east  read  front  (?) 
p.  35,  1.  24,  for  every  man  read  human  excreta  (delete 

n.  2)     P.  W. 

p.  35,  1.  27,  for  Cluain  read  that  Cluain 
p.  35,  1.  32,  for  heritage  read  thy  heir 
p.  37,  1.   13,  for  land  read  their  land 
p.  37,  1.  30,  for  a  great  while  read  hail       (?) 
p.  39,  1.  6,  for  places  read  steadings  (so  63,  25) 
p.  39,  1.   10,  for  Choca  read  Chachan     P.  W. 
p.  39,  1.   14,  for  above  read  south  of  (?) 
p.  39.  1.  18,  for  of  tribe  read  of  the  rest  of  the  tribe  (so 

41,   17) 
p.  45,  1.   16,  for  every  battle  .  .  .  upon  him  read  he  shall 

be  routed  together  with  the  whole  battalion  in  which 

there  shall  be  one  of  them  (i.e.  the  Ui  Forannain) 

P.W. 

p.  47,  1.  2,  for  steadings  read  steading 
p.  51,  1.  12,  for  steeds  read  steeds  ... 
p.  53,  1.  2,  for  which  is  read  let  them  be 
p.  53,  11.  17-25,  for  This  rock  etc.  read   This  Carriek  was 

ever  the  residence  of  the  Kings  of  Fartullagh  until 


140  CORRIGENDA. 


the  time  of  the  daughter  of  the  son  of  Conchubar, 
viz.  the  wife  of  Conchubar  Ua  Maelsechlainn,  when 
the  King  (of  Meath)  wrested  it  from  Cii  Chaille,  son 
of  Dublaide,  King  of  Fartullagh,  and  it  was  outraged 
by  depriving  it  of  its  king  and  giving  it  to  the  queen 
of  Meath.  She  was  the  first  of  the  queens  of  Meatli 
that  took  it,  and  every  one  after  her  has  since  held 
it,  and  it  is  their  own  special  property,  free  from 
the  King  of  Fartullagh.  P.  W. 

p.  55,  1.  7,  for  to  me  ...  sheep  read  for  me  now  around 
the  sheep  to  protect  them. 

p.  55,  1.  22,  for  that  news  read  news  of  that 

p.  57,  1.  33,  for  thither  read  hither     P.  W. 

p.  57,  ib.,  for  there  before  him  .  .  .  Disirt  read  in  Tir  in 
Disirt  before  him  at  all,  and  it  was  after  Conchraid 
had  gone  hence  that  Colman  settled  here  P.W. 

p.  59,  1.  8,  for  him  read  us  (?) 

p.  59,  1.  12,  for  stir  .  .  .  Colman  read  accuse  him  (cf. 
Gwynn,  Eriu  xi.  159) 

p.  59,  1.  13,  hounds  (or  perhaps  'wolves'  n.  1):  coin 
is  not  in  the  printed  text 

p.  59,  1.  15,  for  they  read  he 

p.  59,  1.  25,  for  ordered  it  to  cease  read  asked  that  it 
should  be  stopped 

p.  61,  1.  6,  for  the  meal  read  his  corn 

p.  61,  ib.,  for  went  read  comes 

p.  61,  11.  8-9,  for  with  him  read  \\ith  it  (?) 

p.  61,  1.  27,  for  milk  read  cream  (sic  Glossary) 

p.  65, 1.  26,  for  what  .  .   .  read  he  should  be  driven     P.  W. 

p.  69,  1.  5,  for  Thirteen  men  who  read  With  twelve  men  he 

p.  71,  1.  22,  for  thou  hast  read  men  have 

p.  71,  1.  30,  for  went  read  came 

p.  73,  1.  1,  for  Loch  Ennell  was  the  Boyne  in  Bregia  read 
the  Boyne  in  Bregia  was  Loch  Ennell     P.W. 

p.  73,  1.  10,  for  Liss  read  Less 

p.  73,  1.  19,  for  it  shall  read  may  it 

p.  77,  1.  3,  after  that  add  now 

p.  77,  1.  10,  for  thou  read  ye 

p.  77,  1.  21,  for  his  read  the     P.W. 

p.  77,  1.  30,  for  is  its  name  to-day  read  on  the  hither  side 
of  it  P.W. 

p.  77,  1.  33,  for  brother  read  brothers     P.W. 

p.  85,  1.  33,  as  they  shall  be  needed,  lit.  as  it  shall  wear 
them  out 

p.  87,  1.   1,  for  above  read  southward  (?) 


CORRIGENDA.  141 

p.  87,  1.  11,  for  go  read  come 

p.  87,  1.  34,  after  us  add  from  it 

p.  91,  1.  13,  for  king  of  the  read  king  of 

p.  93,  1.  11,  for  above  .  .   .  below  read  to  the  south  .  .  . 

to  the  north  (?) 
p.  93,  1.  33  for  it  was  a  hood  over  head  read  there  was  a 

hood  about  their  heads  (?) 
p.  93,  1.  37,  read  Faithche  Meic  Mecnan 
p.  95, 1.  1 1,  for  each  steading  read  every  owner  of  a  steading 

(cf.  p.  89,  18) 

p.  95,  1.  14,  for  mariners  read  the  pirates 
p.  95,  1.  31,  for  overthrown  read  wearied 
p.  97, 1.  36,  for  no  ill  repute  .  .  .  there  will  be  read  perhaps 

thy  fame  shall  not  be  carried   (ni  berihar  do  blad) 

beyond  this,  however  much  thou  shalt  do. 
p.  99,  1.  28,  for  the  men  of  the  commandments  read  thy 


p.   101,  1.   1,  for  let  their  bodies  embrace  read  let  them 

force  the  body  to 
p.  103,  1.  4,  delete  the  comma,  and  for  for  the  purpose  of 

(collecting)  read  instead  of     P.W. 
p.   105,  1.  17,  for  would  read  will 
p.  105,  1.  18,  for  their  read  the 
p.   105,  1.  36,  after  mass  add  four  times 


NOTES 

p.   108;  1.  5,  for  ranordnestar  read  ranordan. 

p.  109,  1.  24,  for  19  read  21.     P.W. 

p.   110,  1.  5,  for  gaenithir  read  gainithir      P.W. 

p.   110,  1.  11,  du-dlaig  has  always  been  trisyllabic.      See 

firiu  viii.  166 

p.  110,  1.  30,  for  come  read  go 
p.  110,  1.  39,  condici  is  found  in  O.  Ir,  j    see  Pedersen  II 

677,  18 
p.  110,  1.  41,  In  Mid.  and  Early  Mod.  Ir.  the  second  a  of 

tdrfds  is  regularly  long 

p.   Ill,  1.   14,  for  (  =  fo-a-ro)  thuil  tit  is  right 
p.  Ill,  1.  15,  tustide  is  O.  and  Mid.  Ir.  gen.  pi. 
p.   Ill,  1.  26,  After  this  add  note  on  p.   18,  1.   18:    co 

hanmcharait  crdbdig,  an  example  of  anmchara  as  fern.  ; 

see  O'Bahilly,  Desiderius,  p.  249. 
p.  Ill,  1.  31,  for  '  south  '  read  '  north  ' 
p.  114,  delete  last  sentence.     P.W, 


142  CORRIGENDA. 

p.   115,  1.  23,  read  so  that 

p.  116,  1.  6.    This  is  not  a  parallel  to  na  fir  tuc  era.    The 

construction    is   regular    at    all   periods ;     cf.    m   snl 

dudrigni     Ml.   124^3 
p.  116, 1.  24,  Hogan  has  four  examples  of  the  gen.  Bordgaile, 

Onomasticon  p.  119b 
p.   117,  1.   31,  tdncas  (sic  leg,)  —  uentum  est  is  Mid.  Ir. 

for  O.  Ir.  ttoht  (Bawl.  B  502,  70*25).     The  Mid.  Ir. 

2  sg.  act.    (O.  Ir.  tdnac)  is  tdnacais 
p.   117,  1.  33,  for  3  read  4 
p.  117,  1.  41,  for  25  read  26,  and  after  nodbera  add  O.  Ir. 

namhera 

p.  120,  1.  8.    This  should  follow  1.  12 
p.   121,  1.  5.    The  usual  meaning  of   orad  is  '  gilding.' 

Translate  :    '  that  one's  body  should  not  be  adorned 

with  gold  ' 
Add  :    co  ndmad  n-6  means  '  to  the  ninth  generation.' 

The  latest  discussion  of  the  phrase  is  by  Thurneysen, 

C6ic  Conara  Fugill  p.    81,  where  au  in  the  earlier 

co  nomad  n-au  is  explained  as  the  older  form  of  the 

preposition  6. 
p.   121,  1.  8,  for  termun  read  termund 

After  1.  22  add  :    ib.  1.  26,  airchetal  means  however  not 

'  love  '  but  '  poetry.'  Read  [f]oircetal  'teaching'  (?) 
p.  121,  1.  23,  for  suibhsgeal  read  suibhisgeal.  P.  W. 

The  initials  P.  W.  in  the  above  denote  corrections 
made  by  the  Rev.  Paul  Walsh  in  two  articles  in  ZCP  viii., 
one  *  The  Topography  of  Betha  Colmain,'  pp.  568-582, 
the  other  a  review  of  the  book,  pp.  590-593.  I  have  not 
included  his  valuable  notes  on  the  place-names. 

There  remain  many  doubtful  passages,  especially  in 
the  verse.  The  mark  of  length  over  vowels  is  in  many 
cases  omitted  or  misplaced,  e.g.  read  Ulltan,  esein, 
esidein,  etc. 

O.  J.  B. 


BINDING  SECT.JUN  13  196? 


BX       Meyer,  Kuno,  1858-1919, 

4700      ed. 

C67M4  ^Betha  Cc^lmain   Male 

Luach'ain;    life    of 
Colman,    son    of   Luachan, 

Hodges,    Figgis 
and   Co.       (1911) 


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