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354 THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF |
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■ "No sin of theirs, but sin of mine, For I was worst of evil kings; Unrighteous, wrathful, hurling down To death or shame all weaker things.
" Draw rein, and turn the chariot round : My face against the foeman bend;
When I am seen and slain, mayhap The slaughter of my tribe will end."
They drew, and turned. Down came the foe, The king fell cloven on the sod;
The slaughter then was stayed, and so King Ailill won the peace of God. |
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LAMENT FOR KING IVOR
Place.—The southwest coast of Ireland. Time.—The middle of the ninth century. Author.—The hereditary bard of a Kerry clan. Cause of making.—To lament his King, slain in battle with Danish Vikings.
T
HOU golden sunshine in the peaceful day ! Thou livid lightning in the night of war ! Hearing the onrush of thy battle-car, Who could endure to meet thee in the fray ?
Who dared to see thine eyes aflame in fight,
Thou stormer through the whistling storm of darts ? Pourer of panic into heroes' hearts !
Our hope, our strength, our glory, our delight! |
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