Ode To Aodh, Son Of Duach Poem by Dallan Forgaill

Bounteous and mighty Aotlh ! whose potent shield
Glares like a fatal star upon the field—
Fierce as the stooping hawk, or following hound,
Resistless as the ocean-billow's bound—
Thy shield I sing—the warrior's best relief—
Avenger of the fall of sept and chief;
Brighter than foam that shrouds the bursting wave,
That glorious shield that heroes, monarchs crave,
Renown'd o'er all that warlike arm may wield
Amid the failing ranks ! dread speckled shield ;
That guardian shield where Duach's son up-rears,
Awe-struck, the daring heart no longer dares.
Oh, would the prince our bardic spell requite
With that proud shield—dread portent of the fight;
Aodh's glorious name through Erin's plains should ring,
While Dallan's hand could wake the trembling string.