Nor the high gods who never lived, may fight

My enemy and hope; demons for fright

Jabber and scream about him in the night;

For he is strong and crafty as the seas

That sprang under the Seven Hazel Trees.

And I must needs endure and hate and weep,

Until the gods and demons drop asleep,

Hearing Aed touch the mournful strings of gold.’

‘Is he so dreadful?’

‘Be not over-bold,