Padraic Colum (1881–1972). Anthology of Irish Verse. 1922.
By Dr. George Sigerson58. Cuchullains Lament Over Fardiad
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Until Fardiad faced the beach;
One had been our student life,
One in strife of school our place,
One our gentle teacher’s grace
Loved o’er all and each.
Until Fardiad faced the beach;
One had been our wonted ways,
One the praise for feat of fields,
Scatach gave two victor-shields
Equal prize to each.
Till Fardiad faced the beach;
Dear that pillar of pure gold
Who fell cold beside the ford,
Hosts of heroes felt his sword
First in battle’s breach.
Till Fardiad faced the beach;
Lion fiery, fierce, and bright,
Wave whose might no thing withstands,
Sweeping with the shrieking sands
Horror o’er the beach.
Till Fardiad faced the beach;
Loved Fardiad, dear to me!
I shall dree his death for aye!
Yesterday a Mountain he—
But a shade to-day!