Seth Starr

Here Seth Starr Seagirt Champion Drank of Odin's Drink With Duncan Druim Doineann#s Spear tree and shield bearer large soldier of Scotland i Many cups carried up and cunning words given ii When knave of Nicholaus iii by naming and claiming Stole Seagirt Barony's sea-sheep iv numerous. Returning to his ring-giver raging of trechary, Seagirt's double-sword v to vengeance spoke/ Then warrior's warrior William Baron Seagirt's soldier, Earl Brendan's son, vi Who frequently fought 'gainst foul fiends of Lions vii And won many wagins of weapons' war, With hale hall-troops and hammer's leavings On the salmon-ship viii sought the whale road ix The weighty wave-skimmer wearing wooden war-necklace Bearing the timber tables of terrible sword-servants. x To ground came the gold-friend grim cleaver of shields And from fierce fishers fair tribute claimed. xi Came then doomed Duncan determined to drive them, All the bold Barony from bright southern shores. Seagirt's spear-tree stepped onto the strand, Fierce filler of graves to face the Scot xii As wondrous world-candle wrapped white and grey Rose over rolling water, the raging warriors clashed xiii Three times thrust, and thrice engaged, Bright blood flew high and Duncan#s bone-house Came crashing down, cold spirit forever fled. xiv Now wept the peace-weavers, xv while warriors charged Fated they fell on that fearful beach Slaughtered by spears, slain in the strife. All during that day was death dealt by Seagirt Mangled fishmen hung, morbid and pale, From sharp skewers of savage eastern spears. xvi Riding to rescue came Raven's lady. Fair wager of war a warrior queen. xvii Swift struck-down was the sword-maid, Long-legged Lioness by the leavings of hammers,# Done in by double-blades, destroyed in her fury.

... xviii

Black bird of death, baleful raven came, Feasting on the fallen strewn on the field. And war-wreaked bodies the wolf#s meal made... xix