58. Cuchullain’s Lament Over Fardiad

PLAY was each, pleasure each,

Until Fardiad faced the beach;

One had been our student life,

One in strife of school our place,

One our gentle teacher’s grace

Loved o’er all and each.

Play was each, pleasure each,

Until Fardiad faced the beach;

One had been our wonted ways,

One the praise for feat of fields,

Scatach gave two victor-shields

Equal prize to each.

Play was each, pleasure each,

Till Fardiad faced the beach;

Dear that pillar of pure gold

Who fell cold beside the ford,

Hosts of heroes felt his sword

First in battle’s breach.

Play was each, pleasure each,

Till Fardiad faced the beach;

Lion fiery, fierce, and bright,

Wave whose might no thing withstands,

Sweeping with the shrieking sands

Horror o’er the beach.

Play was each, pleasure each,

Till Fardiad faced the beach;

Loved Fardiad, dear to me!

I shall dree his death for aye!

Yesterday a Mountain he—

But a shade to-day!