Poems MacCarthy, Florence Denis

90
fate."
48. In the "Battle of Magh Leana" these mysterious beings are called
"the Women of the Valley" (p. 120).
49. For this line and for many valuable suggestions throughout the poem
I am indebted to the deep poetical insight and correct judgment of my
friend, Aubrey de Vere.
50. "Derg Dian Scothach saw this order, and he put his forefinger into
the string of the spear." "Fate of the Children of Tuireann," by
O'Curry, Atlantis, iv., p. 233. See also "Battle of Magh Rath," pp.
140, 141, 152.
51. Bregia was the ancient name of the plain watered by the Boyne.
52. According to the marginal note of the learned editor, the last four
lines appear to be a sort of epilogue, in which the poet extols the
victor.
THE VOYAGE OF ST. BRENDAN.
A.D. 545.
[We are informed that Brendan, hearing of the previous voyage of his
cousin, Barinthus, in the western ocean, and obtaining an account from
him of the happy isles he had landed on in the far west, determined,
under the strong desire of winning heathen souls to Christ, to undertake
a voyage of discovery himself. And aware that all along the western
coast of Ireland there were many traditions respecting the existence of
a western land, he proceeded to the islands of Arran, and there remained
for some time, holding communication with the venerable St. Enda, and
obtaining from him much information relating to his voyage. Having
prosecuted his inquiries with diligence, Brendan returned to his native
Kerry; and from a bay sheltered by the lofty mountain that is now known
by his name, he set sail for the Atlantic land; and, directing his
course towards the south-west, in order to meet the summer solstice, or
what we should call the tropic, after a long and rough voyage, his
little bark being well provisioned, he came to summer seas, where he was
carried along, without the aid of sail or oar, for many a long day.