A Celtic Psaltery Part 9

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

(From the Early Irish)

Four Sages stood to chant a stave Above the proud Earth Conqueror's grave; And all their words were words of candour Above the urn of Alexander.

The first began: "But yesterday, When all in state the Great King lay, Myriads around him made their moan, To-day he lieth all alone!"

"But yesterday," the second sang, "O'er Earth his charger's hoof outrang; To-day its outraged soil instead Is riding heavy o'er his head!"

"But yesterday," the third went on, "All Earth was swayed by Philip's son: To-day, to shroud his calcined bones, Seven feet thereof is all he owns!"

"But yesterday, so liberal he, Silver and gold he scattered free; To-day," the last outsighed his thought, "His wealth abounds but he is naught!"

Thus sentence gave these Sages four, Above the buried Emperor; It was no foolish women's prate That held them thus in high debate.

THE KINGS WHO CAME TO CHRIST

(From the Early Irish)

Three Kings came to the Babe's abode, With faces that like bright moons glowed, From out the learned Eastern world, Where o'er wide plains slow streams are curled.

The three sought out the lovely Child, On whom, white-blossomed Bethel smiled, Three, o'er all knowledge granted sway, Three Seers of the Vision they.

The Promise of the Great All-wise Was present to their prescient eyes, A Vision beckoning from afar, The Christ Child cradled on a star;

A lofty star of lucent ray, It swam before them through the day, And when earth's hues were lost in night, It still led on with loving light.

And still the lucky Royal Three Went following it full readily; And still across the firmament An arch of blessed might it went.

So rus.h.i.+ng radiant, round and soft, Past every star that paced aloft, Right joyously it stayed for them At last o'er blessed Bethlehem.

O, then each Monarch of the Three With wors.h.i.+p fell upon his knee, And gave, while G.o.d he loud extolled, His frankincense and myrrh and gold.

They recognised the Babe's bright face And Mary in her Virgin grace.

'Twas thus the Star's Epiphany Showed Christ their King to the Kings three.

QUATRAINS

HOSPITALITY

Whether my house is dark or bright, I close it not on any wight, Lest Thou, hereafter, King of Stars, Against me close Thy Heavenly bars.

If from a guest who shares thy board Thy dearest dainty thou shalt h.o.a.rd, 'Tis not that guest, O never doubt it, But Mary's Son shall do without it.

THE BLACKBIRD

Ah, Blackbird, that at last art blest Because thy nest is on the bough, No Hermit of the clinking bell, How soft and well thy notes fall now.

MOLING SANG THIS

With the old when I consort Jest and sport they straight lay by; When with frolic youth I am flung, Maddest of the young am I.

THE CHURCH BELL IN THE NIGHT

Sweet little bell, sweet little bell, Struck long and well upon the wind, I'd rather tryst with thee to-night Than any maiden light of mind.

THE CRUCIFIXION

At the first bird's early crying, They began Thy Crucifying, O Thou of face as woeful wan, As the far-flown winter swan.

Sore the suffering and the shame Put upon Thy Sacred Frame; Ah! but sorer the heartache For Thy stricken Mother's sake.

THE PILGRIM AT ROME

Unto Rome wouldst thou attain, Great the toil is, small the gain, If the King thou seekest therein Travel not, with thee, from Erin.