I found in Innisfail the fair

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.

I travelled its fruitful provinces round, and in every one of the five I found, alike in church and in palace hall, abundant apparel, and food for all.

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.

I also found in Armagh, the splendid. meekness, wisdom, and prudence blended, fasting, as Christ hath recommended, and noble councillors untranscended.

I found in each great church moreo'er, whether on island or on shore, piety, learning, fond affection, holy welcome and kind protection.

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.

I found in Munster, unfettered by any, kings and queens and poets a many&mdash; poets well skilled in music and measure, prosperous doings, mirth and pleasure.

I found in Connaught the just, redundance of riches, milk in lavish abundance; hospitality, vigour, fame, in Cruachan's land of heroic name.

I found in the country of Conall the glorious, bravest heroes, ever victorious; fair complection men and warlike, Ireland's lights, the high, the star-like!

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.

I found in the noble district of Boyle [line illegible] Brehons, Erenachs, weapons bright, and horsemen bold and sudden in fight.

I found in Leinster the smooth and sleek, from Dublin to Slewmargy's peak, flourishing pastures, valour, health, long-living worthies, commerce, wealth.

I found besides, from Ara to Glea, in the broad rich country of Ossory, sweet fruits, good laws for all and each, great chess-players, men of truthful speech.

I found in Meath's fair principality, virtue, vigour, and hospitality, candour, joyfulness, bravery, purity, Ireland's bulwark and security.

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&mdash;I have written sooth.