|
wife of Lug mac Cein of the redspears, it is there her body was hidden: over her was a great hill built up. where the noble woman was laid, in that spot yonder:– the name of that hill is Cnogba. of its names be perfect Cnogba, yet its more proper style is Cnocc Bui down from Bua daughter of Ruadri. Mider was the woman's darling: a darling of her own was the prince, the man from great and noble Sid Midir. was the darling of perfect Oengus; Oengus, son of the loved Dagda, was not the maiden's darling. southward to Ceru Cermna on the blazing hurrying Samain to play with his fellow-warriors. he came upon her after they had gone, he carries off with him Englec from her home thence to the Sid of the men of Femen. of the pursuit of his darling, he went in search of her (I say sooth) to the famous hill whence she was borne off. blood-red nuts of the wood: he casts the food from him on the ground; he makes lamentation around the hillock. this is the equal-valid counter-tale: we have found that hence from that 'nut-wailing' Cnogba is named. the memory of the lay, and whichever [of these tales] ye shall prefer from it is named the region of surpassing worth. of that hill, which Dubthach possesses: it was made, though great the exploit, by Bressal Bodibad. in every place in Ireland, except for seven cows and a bull that increased strength for every farmer in his time. in the likeness of Nimrod's tower, so that from it he might pass to heaven, –that is the cause why it was undertaken. that hill–all on one day: the wight exacted from them hostages for the work of that day. she would not let the sun run his course; there should be no night but bright day till the work reached completion. strongly she makes her druid spell: the sun was motionless above her head; she checked him on one spot. from the hill unto his sister: the host made of it a marvel: he found her at Ferta Cuile. though it was a violation of his sister: on this wise the hill here is called Ferta Cuile. (it is likely that it was night), the hill was not brought to the top, the men of Erin depart homeward. without addition to its height: it shall not grow greater from this time onward till the Doom of destruction and judgment. who tells this tale–no deceptive speech: a choice story–spread it abroad, men and women! lips, make mention of it among excellences! Source: Edward Gwynn, Metrical Dindshenchas vols 1 - 7 published 1925 © Shee-Eire: |
|