The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

The Death of Diarmad. 497
" I've waited for you, Diarmad, long ;
Your days of sweethearting are done.
In Mala Lia's fatal song
You die ere set of sun."
With headlong rush of avalanche.
His venomed spines in grim array,
He ran upon the hero staunch,
Who flinched not from the fray.
But Diarmad lightly stepped aside
And all the force was vainly spent ;
It ploughed the hillside deep and wide.
The rocks its fury rent.
Half stunned but rallying from the blow,
Fierce-wheeled the Boar and charged anew
Sidewise the shield received the foe.
The shock both backward threw
—
For many a yard. All daz°d the Boar,
Breathing destructive breath of hell.
Hideous with rage and foam and gore
That burned where'er it fell,
Flung all his horrent bulk again
On Diarmad well aware, v/hose shield
Not tempered by the hands of men,
Alone his arm could wield
Expert received and quick repelled
The huge projected mass ; it reeled
Sore-stricken, blinded, and half quelled,
From the enchanted shield.
The Beast amazed then turned and fled
Across the hill top wild and bare,
And hateful Mala Lia sped
The v/arrior to ensnare.
—
Her loathly mouth with taunt and curse
Waged wicked war. He gave no heed
But fast pursued the monster fierce
Whose hope was now in speed.
"Go home," she cried, " to Grainne go,
Place not your trust in shield and lance.
Let Fion kill you both. You know
Love songs and dalliance
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