The Green Helmet and Other Poems Part 5

LAEGAIRE

But twelve months upon the clock.

CONALL

A twelvemonth from the first time.

LAEGAIRE

And the jug full up to the brim: For we had been put from our drinking by the very thought of him.

CONALL

We stood as we're standing now.

LAEGAIRE

The horns were as empty.

CONALL

When He ran up out of the sea with his head on his shoulders again.

CUCHULAIN

Why, this is a tale worth telling.

CONALL

And he called for his debt and his right, And said that the land was disgraced because of us two from that night If we did not pay him his debt.

LAEGAIRE

What is there to be said When a man with a right to get it has come to ask for your head?

CONALL

If you had been sitting there you had been silent like us.

LAEGAIRE

He said that in twelve months more he would come again to this house And ask his debt again. Twelve months are up to-day.

CONALL

He would have followed after if we had run away.

LAEGAIRE

Will he tell every mother's son that we have broken our word?

CUCHULAIN

Whether he does or does not we'll drive him out with the sword, And take his life in the bargain if he but dare to scoff.

CONALL

How can you fight with a head that laughs when you've whipped it off?

LAEGAIRE

Or a man that can pick it up and carry it out in his hand?

CONALL

He is coming now, there's a splash and a rumble along the strand As when he came last.

CUCHULAIN

Come, and put all your backs to the door.

[_A tall, red-headed, red-cloaked man stands upon the threshold against the misty green of the sea; the ground, higher without than within the house, makes him seem taller even than he is. He leans upon a great two-handed sword_]

LAEGAIRE

It is too late to shut it, for there he stands once more And laughs like the sea.

CUCHULAIN

Old herring--You whip off heads! Why, then Whip off your own, for it seems you can clap it on again.

Or else go down in the sea, go down in the sea, I say, Find that old juggler Manannan and whip his head away; Or the Red Man of the Boyne, for they are of your own sort, Or if the waves have vexed you and you would find a sport Of a more Irish fas.h.i.+on, go fight without a rest A caterwauling phantom among the winds of the west.

But what are you waiting for? into the water, I say!

If there's no sword can harm you, I've an older trick to play, An old five-fingered trick to tumble you out of the place; I am Sualtim's son Cuchulain--what, do you laugh in my face?

RED MAN

So you too think me in earnest in wagering poll for poll!

A drinking joke and a gibe and a juggler's feat, that is all, To make the time go quickly--for I am the drinker's friend, The kindest of all Shape-Changers from here to the world's end, The best of all tipsy companions. And now I bring you a gift: I will lay it there on the ground for the best of you all to lift,

[_He lays his Helmet on the ground_]

And wear upon his own head, and choose for yourselves the best.

O! Laegaire and Conall are brave, but they were afraid of my jest.

Well, maybe I jest too grimly when the ale is in the cup.

There, I'm forgiven now--

[_Then in a more solemn voice as he goes out_]

Let the bravest take it up.