Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
The Metrical Dindshenchas (Author: [unknown])
poem 18
Maistiu I
- There was grief on the company of women
here in the great plain at their fatal encounter,
for the loss of Maistiu, goodly bride,
who came on a heedless venture.
- 5] The son of Eochu Toebfota in the east
bore off the noble charming radiant lady
from Crich Comul sun of valour
from Oengus' hospitable seat.
- According as Gris looked on the bright lady
10] she perverted her mind month by month;
she deprived of modesty and of might
the goodly wife of Daire, by her wizardry.
- Daire steadfast and strong hurled
with his unerring battle-spear
15] a cast that brought the waters of Snuad over her,
over the fiery daughter of Richis.
- The death of Maistiu came without glorious effort
by Gris daughter of Richis;
the death of Gris, skilled in bloody arts,
20] came by the spear of Daire Derg fresh of face.
- Alas! that the company of the women are gone;
sad their death and their fatal encounter;
it brought mourning silently on the encamped host
when grief fell on the company of women.
p.137
- 25] The gentle Maer was daughter to Oengus;
she was Conall's pleasant twin;
the loss of his sisters, with their following, brought about
the end of his life in mortal woe.
- Here Oengus brought the form of a cross
30] to Maistiu of lovely radiance;
the maiden fashioned it thus as a mutual secret,
a potent secret of evil power.
- It was a pleasant wood, obscure, full of nuts,
the wild spot rich in mast and draughts of mead;
35] after the loss of its gracious princes
their folk were found in sorrow.
p.139