Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
The Metrical Dindshenchas (Author: [unknown])
poem/story 19
BENN FOIBNE
- Well I know, in pleasure and prosperity, the peak of Foibne son of Taircheltar, and the cause whence comes its name and its lore, a title undisputed.
- Foibne, fierce of feature, was a champion who would harry a host: he was a spencer and a cup-bearer, serving noble Eochaid alt-lethan.
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- He wrought a deed sudden and fell: he hatched in his heart an evil purpose: he was no weakling, when in Temair eastward he slew Illand son of Erclam.
- Henchman to the king of Temair eastward was Illand, Erclam's famous son: Erclam son of keen blue-clad Dothre was chief of hospitality in Sliab Moduirn.
- He went his way, the breadth of strong Brega: they followed, one and all, in pursuit: on every peak he found a watch set: unavailing was his active flight.
- Fergna, wielder of a broad and weighty blade, leader of the ranks, proud in prowess, followed, not faltering through any fatigue, and won his spoil in front of all.
- Ruthlessly he seized his vantage at vast Bend Foibne: and the wretched spencer fell by the hand of bloodthirsty barbarous Fergna.
- His name remains, without sorrow for a warrior, on much-renowned Benn Foibne, from the deed I have published in my tale; though I boast of it, 'tis great knowledge.
- O Jesu, that allayest every storm, let not dishonour nor disgrace reach me: O strong and noble Ruler of the rainclouds, bestow on me charm and knowledge!
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