p. 19CEAN DUV DEELISH

p. 19

Cean duv deelish, beside the sea I stand and stretch my hands to thee Across the world. The riderless horses race to shore With thundering hoofs and shuddering, hoar, Blown manes uncurled.

Cean duv deelish, I cry to thee Beyond the world, beneath the sea, Thou being dead. Where hast thou hidden from the beat Of crushing hoofs and tearing feet Thy dear black head?

Cean duv deelish, ’tis hard to pray With breaking heart from day to day, And no reply; When the passionate challenge of sky is cast In the teeth of the sea and an angry blast Goes by.

p. 20God bless the woman, whoever she be, From the tossing waves will recover thee And lashing wind. Who will take thee out of the wind and storm, Dry thy wet face on her bosom warm And lips so kind?

p. 20

I not to know. It is hard to pray, But I shall for this woman from day to day,  “Comfort my dead, The sport of the winds and the play of the sea.” I loved thee too well for this thing to be, O dear black head!

p. 21BANAGHER RHUE

p. 21

Banagher Rhue of Donegal, (Holy Mary, how slow the dawn!) This is the hour of your loss or gain: Is go d-tigheadh do, mhûirnín slan! [21]

Banagher Rhue, but the hour was ill (O Mary Mother, how high the price!) When you swore you’d game with Death himself; Aye, and win with the devil’s dice.

Banagher Rhue, you must play with Death, (Mary, watch with him till the light!) Through the dark hours, for the words you said, All this strange and noisy night.

Banagher Rhue, you are pale and cold; (How the demons laugh through the air!) The anguish beads on your frowning brow; Mary set on your lips a prayer!

p. 22Banagher Rhue, you have won the toss: (Mother, pray for his soul’s release!) Shuffle and deal ere the black cock crows, That your spirit may find its peace.

p. 22

Banagher Rhue, you have played a king; (How strange a light on your fingers fall!) A voice, “I was cold, and he sheltered me . . . ” The trick is gained, but your chance is small.

Banagher 

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