King Sweeney's Valediction
(from the Irish)
Suibhne, or Sweeney, King of Dal Araidhe in Ireland, treacherously kills one of St. Ronan's acolytes during the battle of Moira in An 637. As a result of St. Ronan's curse. Sweeney goes out of his mind and spends the rest of his life wandering throughout Ireland. stark naked and living in the trees. In his turn, he is treacherously injured and, as he lies dying in the arms of St. Moling, he makes this lay:
Sweeter far to me once Than the tranquil conversations of my kindred, The chuckling of the turtle-dove Swooping over the pool.
Sweeter far to me once Than the sound of the prayer-bell beside me, The melody of the blackbird on the cliff, The stag belling in the tempest.
Sweeter far to me once Than the voice of a beautiful woman beside me, The cry of the grouse on the mountain Heard after rising.
Sweeter far to me once The howl of the wolf-pack Than the voice of the cleric within Lowing and bleating.
Though you relished your pot-houses And your sumptuous ale-feasts, I preferred a draught of clear water Drunk from the palm out of a well.
Though sweet to you in your church there The calm discoursing of your students, Sweeter to me the pleasant pan Sung by the hounds of Glen Bolcan.
Though you relished the salt meat and the fresh Eaten in your assembly-houses, I preferred a fistful of fresh cress Eaten somewhere carelessly. The cruel herd's spear has wounded me Travelling clean through my body.
A pity, 0 Christ who gives every judgment, That I was not killed at Moira.
Though good every bed in truth I made around Ireland I'd prefer a bed over the lake In the open Mourne Mountains.
Though good every bed in truth I made around Ireland I'd prefer the bed in the wood That I made in Glen Bolcan.
I give thanks after that For partaking, 0 Christ, of your body.. Truly repenting on earth For every evil deed I have done.
VALENTIN IREMONOLK
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