Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

200 Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race“ ‘Back to Sanchan!—Father, hasten, ere the hour of power bepast,Ask not how obtain'd but listen to the lost lay found at last!’‘Yea, these words have tramp of heroes in them; and themarching rhymeRolls the voices of the eras down the echoing steeps of Time.’“Not till all was thrice related, thrice recital full essay'd,Sad and shamefaced, worn and faded, Murgen sought thefaithful maid.‘Ah, so haggard; ah, so altered; thou in life and love so strong!’‘Dearly purchased,’ Murgen falter'd, ‘life and love I've sold forsong!’“ ‘Woe is me, the losing bargain! what can song the dead avail?’‘Fame immortal,’ murmur'd Murgen, ‘long as lay delights theGael.’‘Fame, alas! the price thou chargest not repays one virgin tear.’‘Yet the proud revenge I've purchased for my sire, I deem notdear.’“ ‘So,again to Gort the splendid, when the drinking boards werespread,Sanchan, as of old attended, came and sat at table-head.‘Bear the cup to Sanchan Torpest: twin gold goblets, Bard, arethine,If with voice and string thou harpest, Tain-Bo-Cuailgne, linefor line.’“ ‘Yea, with voice and string I'll chant it. Murgen to his father'skneeSet the harp: no prelude wanted, Sanchan struck the masterkey,And, as bursts the brimful river all at once from caves of Cong,Forth at once, and once for ever, leap'd the torrent of the song.