Sloes upon the thorn-bush shine in blue abundance,
Oaks in redundance drop the royal mast.

Melodious are her clerics, melodious Erin's birds are,
Gentle her youths' words are, her seniors discreet;
Famed far her chieftains--goodlier are no men--
Very fair her women for espousal sweet.

'Tis within the West sweet Brendan is residing,
There Colum MacCriffan is indeed abiding now;
And 'tis unto the West ruddy Baithir is repairing
And Adamnan shall be faring to perform his vow.

Salute them courteously, salute them all and single,
After them Comgall, Eternity's true heir,
Then to the stately Monarch of fair Navan
Up from the haven my greeting greatly bear.

My blessing, fair youth, and my full benediction
Without one restriction be bearing to-day--
One half above Erin, one half seven times over,
And one half above Alba to hover for aye.

Carry to Erin that full load of blessing,
For sorrow distressing my heart's pulses fail,
If Death overtake me, the whole truth be spoken!
My heart it was broken by great love for the Gael.

"Gael, Gael," at that dear word's repeating,
Again with glad beating my heart takes my breast.