Page:Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry - Meyer.djvu/117

 ALEXANDER THE GREAT

Four men stood by the grave of a man, The grave of Alexander the Proud; They sang words without falsehood Over the prince from fair Greece.

Said the first man of them: 'Yesterday there were around the king The men of the world—a sad gathering! Though to-day he is alone.'

'Yesterday the king of the brown world Rode upon the heavy earth: Though to-day it is the earth That rides upon his neck.'

'Yesterday,' said the third wise author, 'Philip's son owned the whole world: To-day he has nought Save seven feet of earth.'

'Alexander the liberal and great Was wont to bestow silver and gold: To-day,' said the fourth man, 'The gold is here, and it is nought.'

Thus truly spoke the wise men Around the grave of the high-king: It was not foolish women's talk What those four sang.