[15]
All, as they were able, waited on the maid;
The gaudy cloth for her saddle down to the grass was spread;
The horses’ hoofs were hidden by the housing, heavy drooping.
Aha! In mood how gleeful was Ireland’s lord, once more a blessing hoping!
[16]
When now the time was fitting that he the maid should kiss,
All crowded thick about him, in haste to see their bliss.
The bosses of their bucklers were now heard loudly clashing,
Struck with blows together; each strove to shun the throngs, in uproar crashing.