Page:Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry - Meyer.djvu/73

 SONG OF THE SEA A great tempest rages on the Plain of Ler, bold
 * across its high borders

Wind has arisen, fierce winter has slain us; it has
 * come across the sea,

It has pierced us like a spear.

When the wind sets from the east, the spirit of the
 * wave is roused,

It desires to rush past us westward to the land
 * where sets the sun,

To the wild and broad green sea.

When the wind sets from the north, it urges the
 * dark fierce waves

Towards the southern world, surging in strife
 * against the wide sky,

Listening to the witching song.

When the wind sets from the west across the salt
 * sea of swift currents,

It desires to go past us eastward towards the Sun-Tree, Into the broad long-distant sea.

When the wind sets from the south across the land
 * of Saxons of mighty shields,

The wave strikes the Isle of Scit, it surges up to
 * the summit of Caladnet,

And pounds the grey-green mouth of the Shannon.

The ocean is in flood, the sea is full, delightful is
 * the home of ships,

The wind whirls the sand around the estuary, Swiftly the rudder cleaves the broad sea.