Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu (Author: Vernam Hull)

section 5

Cathbad thereafter put his hand on the stomach of the woman so that the infant resounded under his hand.

‘True [it is],’ he said, ‘that a girl is there, and her name will be Derdriu, and concerning her there will be evil.’

Afterwards the girl was born, and Cathbad said:

    Cathbad

    1. O Derdriu, you will destroy much
      If you are comely-faced [and] fair of fame.
      The Ulstermen will suffer during your lifetime,
      O demure daughter of Feidlimid.

      2. p.62

    2. Even afterwards jealousy will be
      Ablaze on your account, O woman.
      In your time it is—hear this—
      [That will be] the exile of the three sons of Uisliu.
    3. In your time it is that a violent deed
      Will be performed then in Emain.
      Even afterwards will be repented the destruction
      [Done] under the protection of the very mighty Mac Roig.
    4. O woman with destiny, it is on account of you
      [That will be] the exile of Fergus from the Ulstermen
      And a deed for which weepings should lament,
      The slaughter of Fiachna mac Conchobuir.
    5. O woman with destiny, it is for your crime
      [That will be] the slaying of Gerrce mac Illadain
      And a deed, the penalty of which is not less,
      The killing of Eogan mac Durthacht.
    6. You will perform a horrible, fierce deed
      For anger against the king of the noble Ulstermen.
      Your little grave will be everywhere.
      It will be a famous tale, O Derdriu.