And on the great grey pike that broods in Castle Dargan Lake

Having in his long body a many a hook and ache;

Then curses he old Paddy Bruen of the Well of Bride

Because no hair is on his head and drowsiness inside.

Then Paddy’s neighbour, Peter Hart, and Michael Gill, his friend,

Because their wandering histories are never at an end.

And then old Shemus Cullinan, shepherd of the Green Lands

Because he holds two crutches between his crooked hands;

Then calls a curse from the dark North upon old Paddy Doe,

Who plans to lay his withering head upon a breast of snow,