Ireland, Historic and Picturesque by Charles Johnston
page 77 of 254 (30%)
page 77 of 254 (30%)
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brought against them the power of cowardly flames, setting fire to the
hall, and slaying the sons of Usnac as they hurried forth from under the burning roof. One of the sons of Fergus shamefully betrayed them, bought by the gold and promises of Concobar, but the other bravely fell, fighting back to back with one of the sons of Usnac, when they fell overpowered by the warriors of Concobar. Thus was the doom of Deirdré consummated, her lover treacherously done to death, and she herself condemned to bear the hated caress of Concobar, thinking ever of those other lips, in the days of her joy among the northern hills. This is the lament of Deirdré for Usnac's sons: The lions of the hill are gone, And I am left alone, alone; Dig the grave both wide and deep, For I am sick and fain would sleep! The falcons of the wood are flown, And I am left alone, alone; Dig the grave both deep and wide, And let us slumber side by side. Lay their spears and bucklers bright By the warriors' sides aright; Many a day the three before me On their linked bucklers bore me. Dig the grave both wide and deep, Sick I am and fain would sleep. |
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