[20] Who had fallen in the battle of Craeb Tholcha, a.d. 1004.
[21] King of South Leinster.
[22] A famous mythical hero.
ERARD MAC COISSE ON THE DEATH OF KING MALACHY II.[23]
Alas for thy state, O Dun na Sciath![24]
Alas that thy lord is not alive!
The high-king of Meath of the polished walls,
His death has thrown us off our course.
Thou without games, without drinking of ale,
Thou shining abode of the twisted horns!
After Malachy of noble shape
Alas for thy state, O Dun na Sciath!
I upon the green of thy smooth knolls
Like Ronan's son after the Fiana,
Or like a hind after her fawn,
Alas for thy state, O Dun na Sciath!
I got three hundred speckled cups,
Three hundred steeds and bridles
In this famous fort of noble shape—
Alas for thy state, O Dun na Sciath!