Ode To Dubh-Ghiolla, The Shield Of Aodh Poem by Dallan Forgaill

Bright as the speckled salmon of the wave!
Dubh-Ghiola ! panic of the branded brave;
With thee would I combine, in deathless praise,
Proud Aodh, whose arm of might thy burden sways.
Fenced with its thorny mail the holly stands—
So, round the prince the guardian shield expands :
The bull's strong hide the needle's point defies—
Thus vainly round him baffled ranks arise:
That shield at once his panoply and blade,
He scorns the spear, the falchion's feebler aid.
As chafing storms, too long in durance pent,
Sweep through the forest, finding sudden vent;
Such is the voice of Aodh when, with his shield,
Compassed he stands, bright terror of the field!