Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Prince Alfrid's Itinerary through Ireland (Author: James Clarence Mangan)

p.38

12
  1. I found in Innisfail the fair,
    In Ireland while in exile there,
    Women of worth, both grave and gay men,
    Many clerics and many laymen.

    2. p.39

  2. I travelled its fruitful provinces round,
    And in every one of the five3 I found,
    Alike in church, and in palace hall,
    Abundant apparel and food for all.
  3. Gold and silver I found, and money,
    Plenty of wheat and plenty of honey;
    I found God's people rich in pity,
    Found many a feast and many a city.
  4. I also found in Armagh the splendid,
    Meekness, wisdom, and prudence blended,
    Fasting as Christ hath recommended,
    And noble councillors untranscended.
  5. I found in each great church, moreo'er,
    Whether on island or on shore,
    Piety, learning, fond affection,
    Holy welcome and kind protection.
  6. I found the good lay monks and brothers
    Ever beseeching help for others,
    And in their keeping the holy word
    Pure as it came from Jesus the Lord.
  7. I found in Munster unfettered of any,
    Kings, and queens, and poets a many—
    Poets well skilled in music and measure,
    Prosperous doings, mirth and pleasure.

    8. p.40

  8. I found in Connaught the just, redundance
    Of riches, milk in lavish abundance,
    Hospitality, vigour, fame,
    In Cruachan's4 land of heroic name.
  9. I found in the country of Connall5 the glorious,
    Bravest heroes, ever victorious;
    Fair-complexioned men and warlike,
    Ireland's lights, the high, the starlike!
  10. I found in Ulster, from hill to glen,
    Hardy warriors, resolute men;
    Beauty that bloomed when youth was gone,
    And strength transmitted from sire to son.
  11. I found in the noble district of Boyle,
    6
    Brehons, Erenachs7, weapons bright,
    And horsemen bold and sudden in fight.
  12. I found in Leinster the smooth and sleek,
    From Dublin to Slewmargy8's peak;
    Flourishing pastures, valour, health,
    Long-living worthies, commerce, wealth.
  13. I found, besides, from Ara to Glea,
    In the broad rich country of Ossorie,
    Sweet fruits, good laws for all and each,
    Great chess-players, men of truthful speech.

    14. p.41

  14. I found in Meath's fair principality,
    Virtue, vigour, and hospitality;
    Candour, joyfulness, bravery, purity,
    Ireland's bulwark and security.
  15. I found strict morals in age and youth,
    I found historians recording truth;
    The things I sing of in verse unsmooth,
    I found them all—I have written sooth.9