T. W. Rolleston

The Dead At Clonmacnois

From the Irish of Angus O'Gillam

IN a quiet water'd land, a land of roses,
   Stands Saint Kieran's city fair;
And the warriors of Erin in their famous generations
   Slumber there.

There beneath the dewy hillside sleep the noblest
   Of the clan of Conn,
Each below his stone with name in branching Ogham
   And the sacred knot thereon.

There they laid to rest the seven Kings of Tara,
   There the sons of Cairbre sleep--
Battle-banners of the Gael that in Kieran's ...