I have found a marvel, my friend -
no reverence have I found from people
to whom it were fitting to wait upon me;
it is a cold new marvel.

That I am empty - see whether this be not
a thing to mark, while base folk, unworthy of regard,
are here receiving riches from Spain
in honour of the sweet green plain of Bregha.

Vulgar wives of churl and clown
are yonder in golden raiment,
while I lack wealth -
I deem it unjust.

Against the low-born families of Lughaidh´s land,
which have caused a spark of envy to kindle
within me, O son of Fitheal from Enna´s land,
show unto me the sunlight of thy earnest care.

O stately tree of the city of Tuam,
think in sooth that it is unbecoming for me
not to be in company with noble blood;
lift me up with good will.

In the west I have left the end of my success,
since I have spent my first fortune;
if thou art well-minded towards me, O Flaithri,
it will be to me a pledge of a second fortune.

Thy father would have held it no small wonder that
my possessions grow not - complete is the ruin -
while a serf´s son finds his riches growing,
O thou branch from which has grown rich fruit!

King Arthur, the prop of the world,
was mighty upon earth;
every man was bound to pay court to him,
he ruled the plain of this world.

Arthur never took food nor drink without some
new marvel - strange was the addition -
until his death, when he had attained sovranty,
he the topmost branch of yonder land.

Had I been there while he lived,
that world-king of blazing triumphs,
I had not - I say it sincerely - let him go
fasting to bed a single night.

At the Round Table, in Arthur´s presence,
I should have told him on behalf of my order
how I am sorrowful because I am in evil plight,
while coarse churls have gold at their disposal

He would take his meal when he heard how
the children of robbers are full of merriment,
and how great is my misery among the blood
of the Gaels - the honour due to a guest is not mine.

In the court of Louvain of the purple slopes
I am lodged with others here in the east:
my state is hard for one like me,
I think it a shame to my fathers.

The rod of Tuam hath an old love
for the house from which I come;
if he still keeps the love
he ought to hold out his hand to me.

When Flaithri son of Fitheal the comely
was a master-poet
there would have been kindness in his heart -
that shield that protected Magh Maoin.

Guiding star of the patrons of Uisneach,
Archbishop of Connacht, noble figure,
sage whom every true poet has praised,
heart of the schools in the western land.

Salmon of the Boyle, salmon of Cong,
branch of the orchard of Te´s fortress,
golden moon whereon no eclipse has spread,
exalter of the humble.

Godly elder never envious,
crowned prince who wins devotion,
sweet stream gushing from the hillside,
saintly faith that will not divide its purpose.

Descendant of Conn of the Hundred Fights
of Cnoc Maisdean, son of Onora, lasting honour,
fresh stalk from warm moist Banbha,
desire of my heart, welcome that is never cold.

Magennis of the joyous nature,
constant welcome I was wont to get from him,
his love was always ready to be bestowed,
that was no cold welcome.

Conn, son of O Ruaire of the red spear points,
heir to Connacht, skin like the foam; his two
comrades on a foray were an ancient
slender stream and a cold dwelling.

I transgress the teaching of the Apostles
by my practice of constant evils.
I fear Peter may drive me from his society -
may he not be cold towards me.