Page:Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry - Meyer.djvu/25

 THE ISLES OF THE HAPPY

Once when Bran, son of Feval, was with his warriors in his royal fort, they suddenly saw a woman in strange raiment upon the floor of the house. No one knew whence she had come or how she had entered, for the ramparts were closed. Then she sang these quatrains to Bran while all the host were listening.

I bring a branch of Evin's apple-tree, In shape alike to those you know: Twigs of white silver are upon it, Buds of crystal with blossoms.

There is a distant isle, Around which sea-horses glisten: A fair course against the white-swelling surge— Four pedestals uphold it.

A delight of the eyes, a glorious range Is the plain on which the hosts hold games: Coracle contends against chariot In Silver-white Plain to the south.

Pedestals of white bronze underneath Glittering through ages of beauty: Fairest land throughout the world, On which the many blossoms drop.

An ancient tree there is in bloom, On which birds call to the Hours: In harmony of song they all are wont To chant together every Hour.

Colours of every shade glisten Throughout the gentle-voiced plains: Joy is known, ranked around music, In Silver-cloud Plain to the south.