Ode to Dubh-Ghiolla, the Shield of Aodh - Dallán Forgaill

Bright as the speckled salmon of the wave! 

Dubh-Ghiolla! panic of the banded brave; 

With thee would I combine in deathless praise, 

Proud Aodh, whose arm of might thy burthen sways. 

Fenced with its thorny mail the holly stands — 

So round the prince the guardian shield expands: 

The bull's strong hide the needle's point defies — 

Thus vainly round him baffled ranks arise: 

That shield at once his panoply and blade. 

He scorns the spear, the falchion's feebler aid. 

As chafing storms too long in durance pent 

Sweep through the forest, finding sudden vent; 

Such is the voice of Aodh, when with his shield 

Compassed, he stands bright terror of the field.

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Dallán Forgaill [Eochaid mac Colla or Saint Dallán] (c. 560 – 640) Ireland

Translated by Henry Grattan Curran

Source: Irish minstrelsy, or, Bardic remains of Ireland; with English poetical translations, Vol II, James Hardiman, ed. Joseph Robins, 1831