UC-NRLF B 3 3M2 251 GIFT OF 'bvu^^ij; 0^ ^. foudut^. UNSEEN KINGS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. POEMS. Crown 8vo. <^s. LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO., 39 Paternoster Row London, New York and Bombay. UNSEEN KINGS BY EVA GORE-BOOTH r LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON NEW YORK AND BOMBAY 1904 All rights reserved \ <. ^ '/ am sent forth by Unseen Kings ^ CUCULAIN 2L«5^75 O: / UNSEEN KINGS PERSONS CUCULAIN. NiAMH, a Prophetess. EiNEEN, called THE SORROWFUL. The Druid Cathvah. A Stranger, one of the daughters of Cailitin. A Bard. And other men and women, the friends of CUCULAIN. I. B u Once, long ago, secluded and alone, A King dwelt in the mountains near the sky, And brooding darkness hung about his throne ; His people loved him as a memory. All day the castle doors were locked and barred, No man went forth and none might enter in ; Whilst round his throne the great hills kept their guard Serenely pure, above our dust and din. 3 He dwelt a wizard on enchanted ground — No human power could storm or desecrate The high inviolate walls that folded round A life beyond the dreams of Love or Hate. At dark, when doors are barred, and all safe souls Creep to the chimney nook, whilst the dim light Burns low and flickers in the glowing coals, The great King rode abroad into the night. And peasants brooding by the peat fires' flare In many a crazy hut, in dreamy mood. Unmoved by the wild P owers of the Air And the boughs crashing in the shaken wood — B 2 4 Fearless amid a storm of thunder peals. Started and crossed themselves, time out of mind, To hear the distant sound of chariot wheels. And horses galloping along the wind. Thus have I heard in thunder laden hours Moving amid the stormy heart of things. The footsteps of the soul's encrowned powers — The echoing chariot wheels of Unseen Kings. Interior of the dun where Cuculain has been hidden by his friends in their frantic efforts to save him from the evil enchantments of the children o/Cailitin. Cuculain is resting on a couch at the right. His armour^ which has been flung hastily aside^ is piled up against the wall. His great sword^ ' Cruaidheen^ has fallen to the ground at his feet. Niamh leayis over him^ chanting monotonously and crooning to her- self ; she waves her arms to and fro with dreamy and rhythmical gestures. Cathvah and EiNEEN are sitting on a long couch at the back^ holding themselves upright in the rigid and 6 UNSEEN KINGS painful attitude of those who have watched long and yet fear to sleep. They are surrounded by a shadowy group of men and women^ dimly dis- cerned in the flickering torchlight. Worn out with the long strain^ most of these have fallen asleep where they sit. Near them is a table covered with gold and silver vessels. The window is in the wall opposite Cuculain. NiAMH {chanting) The quiet stars have dazzled his fierce eyes. About his heart the snow lies cold and still, Deep in his soul the magic silence lies That burns away his passions and his will. Thus do my pale arms, waving to and fro, Unfold the hidden beauty like a scroll, UNSEEN KINGS 7 The silence of the stars and of the snow. And the deep silence of the fire-born soul. Like one who dreams beneath a Druid mound, In the still dun Cuculain's rest is deep, The silence of the stars is woven round His weary brow, and eyes half closed in sleep. His mighty sword lies idle on the ground, With his dull hands the sharp blade inter- cedes. The silence of the passionless is wound About his desperate hands eager for deeds ; The battle fires burn dim, the noisy rout Of jarring passions in his breast are still ; The silence of great love is wrapped about His restless heart — his ever striving will. 8 UNSEEN KINGS About his couch strange shadows come and And starlit silence dreams of love and fame. . . . Yet fairer is the silence of the snow, And the deep silence of the inmost flame. [Niamh's voice dies away into the pro- found stillness, Cuculain leans hack on his couch with half-shut eyes. Suddenly there is a tumult outside^ as of many horses galloping across the plain^ amid the confused shoutings the rhythmical clash of steel striking against steely and the occasional dull thud of the falling javelins, Cvcu lain half rises and leans forward to listen. UNSEEN KINGS 9 NIAMH Nay, 'tis but magic wrested from the stars And the wind's tumult ringing in our ears. CUCULAIN Niamh, I hear the thunder of the cars, I see the flashing of a thousand spears. Give me my sword, the battle trumpets pierce And rend the silence of the sacred vale. . . . The flash of confused armies and the fierce Shouts of the struggling hosts of Innis- fail. . . . Dost thou not hear the mad cries storm and ring Across the plain ? this is no time for rest ; Outside the fort great hosts are gathering, The armies of the fierce Queen of the West. lo UNSEEN KINGS NIAMH Nay, it is naught, the dreadful dreamy din Of ghostly swords, the unreal battle-cry And magic of the Clan of Cailitin, Making a battlefield of the blue sky. [CucuLAiN rises to his feet and begins to pace up and down impatiently » CUCULAIN Not so, oh Niamh, with thy spells and charms Thou dost the soldier's sharp-edged wisdom wrong, Shall not Cuculain know the clash of arms From the pale tumult of a hireling throng ? . . . UNSEEN KINGS n NIAMH Cuculain, thou art skilful with the sword ; A hero in the field, no man denies — Most strong and crafty at the council board. Wisest of men where none are very wise. [The tumult dies away. CUCULAIN Are they not wise, the heroes whose debate Is strong in counsel, heavy with great words ? . . . NIAMH They do not know the stars, nor their own fate. Nor yet the singing of the smallest birds. 12 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN Stronger are they than fate, by their decrees Men live or die, host against host is hurled, And in their mighty hands they hold the keys Of raths and forts in the dim underworld. Yea, even the meanest soldier understands The runes of life when there are deeds to do. . . . NIAMH And strikes his own dreams dead with murderous hands. Discerning not the semblance from the true. . . . [y^ loud cry is heard from outside. A moment's silence^ and then the tumult begins again^ softly at first^ and then gradually louder. It grows darker. UNSEEN KINGS 13 CUCULAIN A winged shadow blackens the bright sky. . . NIAMH Ah, there are evil things abroad to-night. CUCULAIN I hear the men of Erin's battle-cry — Farewell — the hour has come for the last fight. [^ huge crow flies violently against the window. CUCULAIN What was that dashed itself against the pane .'^ NIAMH A carrion bird, most ominous of ill. 14 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN Nay, but a warning from one newly slain To fire the soul and rouse the sluggish will. NIAMH There was a cry, I heard no spoken word. . . . CUCULAIN The war cry of the Heroes of the North. NIAMH Cuculain, it was but a frightened bird. . . . CUCULAIN Alas, the very ravens call me forth. [Cuculain begins to arm himself- — CathvaHj Eineen, a Bard^ and one of the Druids crowd round him^ trying to hold him back. Niamh UNSEEN KINGS 15 takes her harp and plays a soft and magical air. The tumult gradually grows less. EINEEN Go not, it was a false and evil sign. . . . CUCULAIN Art thou a Druid, then, oh, fairest one ? EINEEN Oh, stay with us and drink the fierce red wine ; Dream not of battle in the peaceful dun. . . . CUCULAIN Surely the feast is for the victor spread. BARD Nay, let me sing to thee, oh, mighty lord. . . . 1 6 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN Songs are the tribute of the noble dead, Or garlands hung about the conqueror's sword. CATHVAH Oh, think of the great peace thou wouldst destroy. ... CUCULAIN In the last battle peace will come to all. BARD Here in the silence hast thou not found joy ? CUCULAIN Great joy is theirs who fight and fighting fall. . . . UNSEEN KINGS 17 NIAMH Nay, thou didst swear to rest in mine thy will, Nor leave the dun except at my desire. CUCULAIN Ah, Niamh, all my soul is with thee still. Yet these strange sounds have set my heart on fire. [The tumult dies away outside. NIAMH Hearest thou, oh, mighty one, how the thin cries Of magic battle fade away and cease ; The earth lies peaceful under peaceful skies, Now will 1 sing thee a white song of peace. See, drowned in glory the fierce sun has set. Deep in the blue there shines a single star. . . . I. c 1 8 UNSEEN KINGS Yea, I will sing to thee, thou shalt forget The pale deeds calling to thee from afar. [NiAMH begins to sing. As she sings QvcvhKi'ii seems to grow calmer^ and at last sinks down exhausted on a couch, NIAMH'S SONG The semblance of the world is woven fair Of Life's most dear desires and bravest shows, And all the battles of the world are there, The pride of hero kings, the hate of foes, The joy of moonlit waters, and the rare Light of the lily — scarlet of the rose ; And in and out and everywhere A pattern of pale loves in tumult goes. Wrought out with strands and strands of golden hair. UNSEEN KINGS 19 The semblance of the world is woven thin And wears away to dreams, yea, every one Of Maeve^s great hostings and the endless din Of struggling armies, battles lost and won In blood drenched hours by Conchobar or Finn Shall be as clouds that float across the sun. And fade as fade the songs of Amergin, The mighty deeds by pale Formorians done, And all the evil dreams of Cailitin. The semblance of the world is woven strong And bound about the soul with iron bands. And painted with strange shapes of right and wrong And restless deeds by many eager hands. Yea, all our souls are as a captive throng c 2 20 UNSEEN KINGS Of thoughts in words that no man under- stands Save those that labour patiently and long, Content to live alone in alien lands — And those who have found freedom in a song. The semblance of the world is woven fine, Yet with a sword shall no man pierce the vail ; But in the twilight, where great dreams divine Are drowned in silence and desires fail, As through green waves deep in the opal's shrine A red light burns, the soul of Innisfail Gleams through her streams and meadows crystalline. UNSEEN KINGS 21 The muffling web of life grows thin and pale — Clear on our souls at last her great stars shine. [During the last verse a sudden gust of wind shakes the dun. The door is flung violently open. On the threshold stands a wild-looking woman with dishevelled hair. She beckons to NiAMH. STRANGER Come hither, Niamh, for the time is short. NIAMH Who calls me thus out of the dark night } STRANGER Ah, Lady Niamh, leave the drowsy fort, Come forth with me into the clear starlight, 22 UNSEEN KINGS Feel the cool wind, see how the flashing dew Has woven a starlit crown for thy long hair. . . . NIAMH Nay, nay, we are but lonely souls and few, Compassed about with perils everywhere ; Ere I can trust thee, tell me who thou art. STRANGER One who has come from a far foreign land To take a message — one whose faithful heart Is knit by love unto the heart of Fand. Yea, I have journeyed here from the dark sea That circles all the world with hollow tides, Where faint immortal fires wander free. UNSEEN KINGS 23 And in her twilight kingdom Fand abides. Oh, Niamh, I have words for thee alone, My feet are sore with travel, drenched with dew. Last night my pillow was a Druid stone. The bitter wind has chilled me through and through ; I crossed at midnight the deep waves of fear — Far out beyond the gates of death and birth. And dreaming not that I should find thee here, I wandered over all the hills of earth ; Still as I went strange shadows crossed my path Of birds that never sang in sunlit skies. White faced Danaans from each haunted rath 24 UNSEEN KINGS Looked out and mocked me with most evil cries. For where the semblance of the world wears thin The wind had rent the curtains of the night ; And many evil shapes were peering in, And gray winds rocked the waves of gray twilight. Oh, I have greatly dared — and wandered far — And trusted in strange dreams and faery fires ; For well I know thy star is as my star And thy desire the soul of my desires. CUCULAIN Thou cam'st from the dim land of the great Queen, Surely thou art with wind and fire shod, UNSEEN KINGS 25 Since MannanSn shook out his cloak of green And many waters flow where men once trod. . . . STRANGER Nay, is it strange that love should find a way To conquer the cold magic of sharp seas. Dividing but the green land from the gray, And those whose love is as the love of these ? [She leans against the wall as if exhausted. NiAMH brings her a goblet of wine, STRANGER Nay, it is geis to me to drink or eat Or rest until the great Queen's will is done. NIAMH Speak, then, thy message, surely thy tired feet And faithful heart a long repose have won. 26 UNSEEN KINGS STRANGER Nay, it is geis to speak by walls confined. Outside, with all the free stars overhead. And long wet grasses waving in the wind. The words of the Queen's message must be said. NIAMH I will go forth with thee into the night. \_S/ie takes the Stranger's hand, STRANGER Dost thou not fear } NIAMH Nay, then, why should I fear ? My soul is luminous with a strange light As of deep waters cool and green and clear Or sunlight in a green hung forest glade. UNSEEN KINGS 27 How could I fear and hold thee by the hand ? Shall not all evil things shrink back afraid From Niamh and the messenger of Fand ? [They go out together, EINEEN Alas, alas, alas, I am afraid. CATHVAH Why dost thou fear, thou chicken-hearted one ? EINEEN My heart is like a haunted forest glade. Bereft of green, forgotten of the sun — Or some dark wintry sea most desolate. Where waves, like silent wolves, pass raven- ing by. 2 8 UNSEEN KINGS The air is heavy with an evil fate That drowns in darkness all the starlit sky. CATHVAH Ohj foolish soul, what art thou trembling for ? EINEEN I fear each moment of the hours that pass, I fear the clash of arms, the din of war, I fear the stars, and the dew laden grass — Yea, my whole soul is broken down with fear. . . . BARD See with strange light her deep eyes flash and burn. . . . UNSEEN KINGS 29 EINEEN The end of all our joy and pride is near ' Right well I know that she shall not return ; Though Love has wrapped her soul in a bright dress Of woven dreams, yet shall she surely bear The burden of pity and of loneliness, And learn the secret of the world's despair. Alas, alas, for Niamh, whose sad eyes Like magic crystals in their depths enshrine The sorrows and the wisdom of the wise. And a great love and many dreams divine. Her hour has come — amid the shadowy throng Of haunted souls, no beauty shines like hers. Yet her deep voice is sad as the wind's song At evening, passing through the midst of firs. 30 UNSEEN KINGS Alas, alas, for her fierce soul and free Amid the thunder of the battle cars. Alas, for the pale glory of the sea — Alas, for the fierce splendours of the stars. Alas, alas, alas ! [The tumult grows louder and suddenly ceases. The long howl of a wolf is heard in the distance, Cuculain stirs uneasily. The door opens and the Stranger comes in. She stands for a moment hesitating on the thresh- old. She has taken on herself the outward form of Niamh. Eineen gazes at her intently with a vague presentiment. Cuculain goes to meet her with outstretched hands. Cath- VAH, who has been alarmed by Eineen's words^ sinks back on the UNSEEN KINGS 31 couch with a sigh of relief and soon falls into a deep and enchanted slumber. STRANGER I thought that some one called me by my name. CUCULAIN Ah, thou art pale, dear Niamh, and thy hair Is rent and streaming like a wind-blown flame — And yet I never saw thee look more fair. STRANGER Nay, it is naught, the wind and the cold dew Have tossed my hair, and made my fore- head pale. . . . 32 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN Deep in thine eyes thy great soul flashes blue Like starlight shining through a cloudy veil, Yea, thou art fairer than all women born, And I will never leave thy side again. STRANGER Nay, say not so, for love is soon outworn. I would not hold thee captive by a chain Of foolish promises and idle words. . . . CUCULAIN In Tir-nan-ogue, where Angus is the king, Men say love is enough. . . . STRANGER Like the white birds Of Angus, love is ever on the wing. . . . UNSEEN KINGS 33 CUCULAIN Yet Angus is the Lord of mighty deeds, And Love the soul of every noble dream. STRANGER Nay, love is but the wind that shakes the reeds Bending and rustling round a shallow stream. CUCULAIN Once, long ago, thou wert not thus unkind ; Yea, with dear love thy soul to mine was knit. . . . STRANGER Thy soul is a reed shaken in the wind. And as for love, I have small joy of it. I. D 34 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN Hast thou forgotten, then, the great hall hung With woven dreams, and all the sweet words said In the dim sea-girt country of the young ? STRANGER I loved a hero once ; now he is dead — His rusty sword lies idle on the ground. . . . CUCULAIN Alas, oh, Niamh, what strange words are these ? STRANGER Ah, would that men had heaped his burial mound In a far country, under alien trees. UNSEEN KINGS ^^ CUCULAIN Mine hour has come, the storm of sorrow drives My thoughts like dead leaves torn from wintry boughs. . . . STRANGER Thus doth the wind of love lay waste the lives Of heroes. . . . CUCULAIN Nay, what but love can rouse The soul to action, doth not the same wind Stir all the clear depths of the passive sea Into a storm of deeds ? . . . STRANGER Fierce waves and blind. Tossing most idly, a vain mutiny D 2 36 UNSEEN KINGS Of barren passions, weak as the pale horde Of thine own thoughts wind driven through the skies Like red dead leaves, thoughts that were once a sword Clear flashing through the storm of battle- cries. CUCULAIN Like magic graven on a Druid stone, Thy words are strange and hard to under- stand. . . . STRANGER Ah, who could love a miserable drone Living at ease in a sore stricken land ? CUCULAIN Do thou but free me from my promise, then — UNSEEN KINGS 37 STRANGER So counselled Fand. . . . CUCULAIN And thou, what sayest thou ? STRANGER Thou wert a hero, first of the world's men. Now is the garland withered on thy brow, The fire of Life that flared once in thy heart Has faded to a thin and shuddering flame. Thy spirit wanders in a place apart, The world forgets thee — no man speaks thy name — Now is thy sharp sword rusted at the edge. About thy heart the snow lies cold and still, 38 UNSEEN KINGS Alas, the pale winds blowing through the sedge Bend all the souls of men unto their will. . . . [She buries her face in her hands like one in great grief. Cuculain, rise and go forth as of old To battle, dost thou fear to face the foe ? CUCULAIN Oh, Niamh, I had thought that for the gold Of the world thou wouldst not thus have bid me go To certain death, and after this 'tis hard To trust a woman. . . . STRANGER Rather call down shame UNSEEN KINGS 39 On thine own weakness. As for me, I guard The glory and the honour of thy name From slander. . . . CUCULAIN Niamh, since thou bidst me face The men of Erin, life is no more dear To me, nor do I fear death or disgrace. Surely the end of all my time is near. Yea, I will go to meet the hosts of Maeve And all this rising tide of hate that flows To overwhelm me, wave on bitter wave ; — Fierce with the vengeance of a thousand foes. Salt with the treacherous tears of one false friend. EINEEN Alas, thou goest to failure and defeat. 40 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN This is the fate of all men at the end. And the end comes when life is no more sweet. [The Stranger goes to the door^ opens it, and stands on the threshold pointing out into the night. Sudden lights flash out in the distance and strange cries are heard, Cuculain ?noves towards the door, Eineen tries to hold him back, EINEEN For such a cause, wilt thou, then, quench the flame Of many famous years, and tear the scroll Of thy great deeds, and cast away thy fame, UNSEEN KINGS 41 And break in twain the sword that was thy soul ? [She sinks down on a couch by the table and buries her face in her hands — the magic harp of Aedh is heard outside^ and the sound of a voice singing, SONG The Hosts of Eire sweep like a long wave Across the stricken land that knows no rest, Since Maeve the Yellow haired, the high Queen Maeve Led forth her armies out of the far West. Wrapped in the cloudy mantle of her pride She towers o'er the throng of warrior lords. Like the pale moon that rules the struggling tide. Her white face shines above a storm of swords. 42 UNSEEN KINGS Have ye no heroes who shall save the land. No hosts to stem the flowing tide of war ? Where is the Red Branch champion strong to stand Against the women of the western shore ? Alas, Cuculain, wilt thou not, then, dare To face the sword of Fergus and defy Fleeas the Queen and Maeve of the Bright Hair ; For such a cause will thou not dare to die ? For such a cause . . . not dare to die ? . . . [T/ie song dies away in elfish laughter and broken cries. The distant roar of the sea Jills the air with sound, EINEEN Cuculain, 'tis but one voice bids thee go. UNSEEN KINGS 43 CUCULAIN Canst thou not hear, then, all the shadowy cries That waver like pale torches to and fro Across the darkness of storm-smitten skies, The souls of heroes passing in swift flight, They call in thunder from their brazen cars, Fire shod and crowned they flash across the night. And their lost dreams are flaming in the stars. STRANGER [stUl Standing by the open door) Here in the dun the torches smoulder dim. Outside the starlight lies on Druid stones. The music of the world is calling him. The sighing wind, the long waves' mono- tones. ... 44 UNSEEN KINGS CUCULAIN This dying flame that flickers in the gloom And stirs the waving shadows on the wall Casts but a dim light in a narrow room, Outside the fierce stars shine — strange voices call. EiNEEN (in a broken voice) Alas, thou hearest but the voice of hate, When all our voices call thee with dear cries From the parched lips of love made desolate By magic woven of evil dreams and lies. CUCULAIN Nay, nay, I am sent forth by unseen kings. Whither they guide me, I will go, their dreams UNSEEN KINGS 45 Glide through the darkness crowded with great wings, Fierce on each crowned brow the starlight gleams ; And sudden spears flash silver into sight From the dim shadows of the haunted glen, Whilst hopelessl)^ across the gulf of night The pale winds call unto the souls of men, — Yea, all the wave-washed caverns of the mind Ring with the rhythm of the brazen cars. The souls of heroes crying in the wind. . . . The dreams of heroes flaming in the stars. ... [The Stranger si/enl/y gives Cuculain his sword and passes out of the dun ; he arms himself hastily and follows her. The white fog begins to flow in 46 UNSEEN KINGS at the open door. Eineen takes NiAMH*s harp and sings. SONG For such a cause did not Deirdre die, And many faithful lovers of old days, Who had found treason under the blue sky. They died of grief, and the songs give them praise. . . . For such a cause. . . . For such a cause the passionate child of Maeve, When the world's sorrow pierced her golden shield, But yesterday was borne unto her grave, Dying of pity on the battlefield. . . . For such a cause. . . . UNSEEN KINGS' 47 For such a cause, the treachery of one Deemed true, the faithful-hearted weep in vain, A sound of keening fills the heroes' dun And mourners weep above the newly slain. . . . For such a cause. . . . [NiAMH drifts into the room on a wave of the white fog. Her figure seems at first sight to he part of the thin and vaporous cloud that surrounds her. The door is shut violently by a gust of enchanted wind and the mist gra- dually disappears. Niamh seems bewildered^ like one dazed with many visions. NIAMH Eineen the sorrowful ! 48 UNSEEN KINGS EINEEN What dost thou here. Thou false and faithless one ? NIAMH My heart is sore For thee, Eineen. Lo, where the waves of fear Break in white foam on the world's weary- shore. Deep in the magic mirror of the night Red gleam the waters of the haunted lake — I have seen sorrow in the sad starlight. My soul is torn with pity for the sake Of death that quenches every flaming brand, And chokes the song on the poor lips of clay, And wrests the sword out of the hero's hand, UNSEEN KINGS 49 And from the dreamer takes his dream away. Dark flow the mournful waters, I have seen The blue Lake of the Sword run red with blood, And, in the starlight flashing, Cruaidheen Sink through the darkness of the bitter flood. The shrouded mourner weeps beside the ford. And thick clouds gather over Innisfail, Vain is the lightning of Cuculain*s sword And all his thunder deeds of no avail ; Yea, through my dreams wails a dim battle cry From unknown armies camped in a far plain. The stranger's banner flaunts against the sky Above the graves of warriors long since slain. Oh, Roseen Dubh, most dear and desolate. Dark flower drooping o'er a hero's grave, Storm shaken by the evil winds of Fate I. E 50 UNSEEN KINGS And the long rush and road of Cleena's wave — Bow down thy splendid head, thou stricken Rose, For one by one thy bright leaves fall from thee. And leave thy heart bare to each wind that blows And all the sorrows of the moaning sea. Thy dreams are dead, the crimson petals fall, In vain, oh, Mother Eire, shalt thou weep. Not any battle cry or trumpet call Shall pierce the shadow of Cuculain's sleep — My grief is as thy grief, and thy great need Lies heavy on my soul, thou Mournful One. . . . UNSEEN KINGS 51 EINEEN Alas, oh NIamh, was not this thy deed ? Didst thou not drive him forth from the safe dun With many bitter words ? Yea, for thy sake He scorned the world and cast his life aside. Alas, for such a cause his heart could break, Fallen are the coloured towers of his pride. [NiAMH gazes at Eineen in amazement, NIAMH Nay, nay, he was sent forth by unseen kings. Of them I know not, nor of their desires ; Yet is the darkness crowded with great wings. High on the mountains burn the faery fires. The semblance of the world is folded round Thy soul, Eineen ; yea, many evil dreams E 2 52 UNSEEN KINGS Have cast gray shadows on the holy ground Where in thy heart the Druid twilight gleams. . . . Thine eyes are blinded by a magic spell — Ah, who shall set the tranced spirit free ? Who shall deliver the wave-haunted shell From the loud clamour of the mighty sea ? Dream thou thy dream, the hour of Love and Hate Is thine — the flashing hour of the sword — I go to seek among the dreams of Fate The bitter hour that waits beside the ford. . . . [NiAMu goes out. KiNEE^N follows her across the room and stands on the threshold looking after her. The fog flows in at the open door and gradu- ally fills the dun with heavy fumes. UNSEEN KINGS 53 EINEEN Ah, there are dreams and darkness everywhere, And a white fog that hides the starlit skies, The mournful waves of Eire fill the air With a long level monotone of sighs. . . . Alas . . . alas . . . alas ! . . . 54 FROM EAST TO WEST Great ships glided into the port, Surely the ships of the gods laden with dreams ; And men said, ' It is well. They have brought their dreams to us as of old. And now new tales shall be told.' But the gods stood on the decks aghast — They saw the earth an iron fort. The air a silver citadel. The sky a fortress built of solid gold. Then Prani said, ' Here is no place for our dreams.' So they flung the great sails over the mast. And sailed out slowly across the seas FROM EAST TO WEST S5 Till they came to a twilight land in the west, Where old unquiet mysteries And pale discrowned spirits dwell, And the world's will is laid to rest ; Where the wind sings a song with a golden lilt And the air flows by in silver streams. There in wide wastes of the world they built An ivory castle for their dreams. 56 GRASS OF PARNASSUS (called by the country people star of bethlehem) Ye who in old days dared to wander far Beside the haunted springs of Hippocrene, And ye Wise Men who followed your Star, Look down on our pale land of gray and green, And see by these white tokens in the grass Here too the footsteps of the gods have been. Yea, though the black smoke of the world can mar The Vision sleeping in its magic glass, Star smitten still the hearts of wanderers are — The moon sits throned in her silver car — And in her shadow floating, dimly seen. The pale dreams smile upon us as they pass. 57 A HERMIT'S LAMENT FOR MAEVE Now is the High-Queen vanquished, she has cast her sword aside, And the stones are gray on Knocknarea, That build up the cairn of her pride. And Maeve lies cold in her lonely grave on the haunted mountain side. Stately of earth-encrusted gold the High- King's dun is built, Yet fairer by far is the gold of a star. Or a song with a golden lilt. Or the dream-gold of the dead Queen's hair and her dagger's carven hilt. 58 A HERMIT'S LAMENT My sorrow grows and darkens as the bitter years increase, I could have been brave to fight for Maeve, Now I pray that all war may cease — Now do I mourn for a Queen long dead and passed through the gates of Peace. I fear the folk that pass my door to market or to mass, Dearer to me are the waves of the sea Than the faces of those that pass ; Better I love the silver mob of daisies that toss in the grass. I hate the sight of swords that flash in the noonday sun, I shrink with fear from the battle-cheer FOR MAEVE 59 And the clatter of deeds that are done — My soul grows gray in the silence like the quiet soul of a nun. The Hood of Darkness on my brow is folded down and pressed ; I care no more for peace or war, But 1 pray for a little rest, Where the golden soul of silence rises out of the West. 6o TO MAEVE Not for thee, oh Maeve, is the song of the wandering harper sung, For men have put lies on thy lips, and treason, and shrieking fear. Because thou wert brave, they say thou wert bitter and false of tongue, They mock at thy weakness now — who once fled from thy flaming spear. Now thou art cold on the mountains — buried and silent and blind — Dumb as the hills and the stars, blind as the waves of the sea. TO MAEVE 6 1 A clatter of treacherous tongues goes railing along the wind And many an evil word is spoken in hatred of thee. Was it Fergus whose envious breath first cast o'er thy shining name A poison of venomous words in the midst of the mourning host, Till thy glory shone before them a wicked and perilous flame, And thy beauty seemed but a snare, thy valour an empty boast ? They have buried thy golden deeds under the cairn on the hill. And no one shall sing of thy hero soul in the days to come ; 62 TO MEAVE For the sky is blue with silence, and the stars are very still, The sea lies dreaming about thee, even the mountains are dumb. 63 THE HARPER'S SONG OF SEASONS The wind that blows among the apple-trees Is as a harp of sorrow hi the spring, Piercing the sunshine of sweet melodies With the sharp crying of a silver string — Yet there are white blooms on the apple- trees. The wind that blows among the apple-trees Makes musical the brazen summer hours, And gladdens the loud hosting of the bees With sweet scents torn from many honeyed flowers, Where the fruit reddens on the apple-trees. 64 THE HARPER'S SONG The wind that blows among the apple-trees Dies into silence on the wintry air, And breathes but iron sleep for the world's ease, When the leaves fall and every bough is bare. And sunshine fails among the apple-trees. The wind that blows among the apple-trees Haunts the cold caverns of my frozen mind With dreams and sorrows and sweet memories. What are they but the crying of the wind. . . . The wind that blows among the apple-trees. The wind that blows among the apple-trees Of my desire, breaks through the world's control, OF SEASONS 65 And shakes with many secret melodies The silver harp-string twisted round my soul, . . . Where the stars shine above the apple-trees. I. 66 LAMENT OF THE DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND In women, too, dwells the Spirit of Battle. — SOPHOCLES. Now is the day of the daughters of Eirinn passed and gone, Forgotten are their great deeds, and their fame has faded away ; Alas, for one glorious hour, one ray of the sun that shone On the gold cathbarr of Maeve, and the might of her battle array. As we sit forlorn at the spindle the hours drag slowly on, Hour after hour for ever and ever, cold and discoloured and gray. DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND 67 Alas, for the deeds of the dead forgotten and out of mind, Lavarcam the Wise, and Fand, and the Faery-woman Feithleen ; Alas, for the sword of Fleeas, red flaming along the wind. And Skiah from the Isle of Mists the dark and terrible Queen. Alas, alas, for Bride of the Songs grown feeble and old and blind. Who weeps in the darkness in vain, for the change that her soul has seen. We are the daughters of crowned Queens, the children of the sword. Our mothers went forth to the battle strong-armed and eager to dare, F 2 68 LAMENT OF THE Their souls were fierce with freedom, they loved, and they called no man lord. Freely the winds of Eirinn could tangle their loose-flowing hair. We who sit by the fireside spinning gain peace for our soul's reward. And the sword slips out of the grasp of hands grown white and feeble and fair. Alas, for the camp, and the great watch-fires, and the battle-song. And the line of glittering cars that thundered over the plain. And the grapple hand to hand in the midst of the maddened throng. The swift delight of the sword, the joy that is fiercer than pain — DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND 69 Here in the sunny grianan the days are weary and long, Weary are we of the sunshine and the cry of the wind and the rain. 70 THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT When the world was young and foolish and fair, And gold was as nothing to golden hair, Two mortals met in a forest glade, A King fell in love with a Beggarmaid. Dried by the wind and drenched with the dew, Her dress was a wonderful washed-out blue, Her shadowy face was pallid and thin. But gold was the frame that it glimmered in. THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT 71 Her little bare feet were as hard as stone, But her hands were the hands of a queen on a throne. Her hair was loose and her garments were torn, But her heart was gay as a summer morn. When the sunlight glittered through serried trees And the bracken rustled about her knees. In the thick wood far away from the town She gathered great heaps of the fir-cones brown ; She carried them down to the city square And sold them for bread to the people there, 72 THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT Whilst the idle folk in the market place Gave alms for the joy of her lovely face. When the world was young and golden and green . The Beggarmaid loved and became a Queen. With never a sigh for the forest shades Nor a tear for its dim-lit colonnades, She went forth to live amongst men and reign Throned in vanity over the vain ; In flowing garments of velvet and vair, With a crown of gold on her golden hair, She sat on an ivory throne all day Till the world grew weary and old and gray. THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT 73 She sat on her ivory throne and sighed, ' The palace is narrow, the world is wide.' On golden dishes the feast was spread, But she longed for a wayside crust of bread ; Her robe was of velvet through and through. But she sighed for a gown of the washed-out blue. Her heart was sore when she thought of the King, * This life that he praised is a bitter thing, ' Alas ! ' she said, ' and I would I were free, For love is but dust and ashes to me.' She tore off her robe of velvet and vair. And she took the crown from her golden hair ; 74 THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT Then she put on her gown of washed-out blue, And she laughed aloud as she used to do. She went to the King in her rags arrayed, ' Ah, the Queen is dead,' said the Beggar- maid. And away she fled in the night alone, Her little bare feet were as hard as stone ; Her shadowy face was shrunken and pale. But her eyes were as bright as a fairy-tale ; Her dress was faded and ravelled and torn, But her heart was gay as a summer morn. THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT 75 Through the long soaking grass she hurried down, She paused when she came to the sleeping town. ' Good people,' she said, ' sleep on, take your rest. But you shall not be blest as I am blest. ' Behold, I am free, that was once a Queen, I will seek my hut in the forest green — ' The walls of the city are narrow and strong, Bringing great peace to the cowardly throng ; ' When the battle raged in the plain outside And many a patriot fought and died, 76 THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT ' The walls of the city the foe withstood. Better I love the green walls of the wood ; * The gates of the city are carven fair, All gateless stands the blue arch of the air ; * The castle ramparts are stately and high, No fort defends the free dome of the sky ; * The King's hall is guarded by bolt and bar — Behold, I am free as the wild things are. * Alas, for all souls bound fast with a chain To the wheel of fortune — the wheel of pain — ' At the heart of the city the goddess stands Turning and turning with bloodstained hands. THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT 77 * My soul grows weary, my senses reel At the giddy round of the whirling wheel. ' The people rejoice that the wheel flies fast. But all men are ground in the dust at last. ' The voice of the forest is low and sweet, I will tread the dead leaves under my feet ; ' Where great boughs shiver and sway in the breeze. The bracken shall rustle about my knees. ' Though I eat my bread with labour and tears. Sounds of the forest shall ring in my ears. ' Though I grow old and weary and wise, Sights of the forest shall gladden my eyes. 78 THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT * I have little delight in human words, My heart goes out to the song of the birds ; * I care not at all for sceptre or crown — But I love the smell of the fir-cones brown ! * The world grows old and its sorrows increase, But the forest's soul is the soul of peace.' Her feet were frozen and drenched with the dew, And her dress was soaking through and through. But she laughed aloud in her youth and mirth, Her eyes were bright with the joy of the earth. Then away she wandered over the plain — For the Queen was a Beggarmaid again. 79 THE WATERS OF LIFE ' Nor deemed I that thy decrees were of such force, that a mortal could over-ride the unwritten and unfailing laws of Heaven. For that life is not of to-day or yesterday but from all time. . . .' — Antigone to the King. Forth from her lofty spirit the wild deed Rushed like a torrent from the mountain height Unswerving to its end, a rapture freed By the swift tumult of its giddy flight From the long narrow channel down the hill, Fierce with the stored-up force of streams that rise In the deep waters of a Rebel Will, The hidden waters of the Brave and Wise, 8o THE WATERS OF LIFE That move the earth's heart with strange secret powers Stirring the idle slumbers of the wheat. They soak the bitter roots of the wild flowers — The buried springs that keep the whole world sweet. 8i THE WISE HERMIT A HERMIT dwells alone by the lost stream Of living waters long since sunk and dried, Where the brown lark once bathed her broken wing, He mourns the silent voices of the tide. Once, like night birds drawn by a lighthouse flame, From jungle cave and lair and secret den, The fierce-eyed dreamers of the forest came To seek the stream lost now to gods and men. The thirsty tiger left her bloodstained cave. And of the waters of the well drank deep ; I. G 82 THE WISE HERMIT Wolves slew no more, among wild deer grown brave The lion and the lamb lay down to sleep. Now do all wild things follow their wild prey, Death out of death and war from war has grown ; And the pale hermit, weeping night and day. Mourns by the dead stream broken and alone. Once, long ago, clear water from the well Gleamed in the hollow of his outstretched hand. His soul shrank back afraid, the great drops fell. Lost in devouring waves of the gray sand. THE WISE HERMIT 83 Now here he dwells in a long, patient dream, For he has fashioned a great golden cup Ready to plunge into the living stream. And gather all her flowing sweetness up. Faithful he waits beside the buried spring Until the fountain of clear water flows ; Then to the world his golden cup he'll bring. And we shall know what the wise hermit knows. G 2 84 A MOMENT'S INSIGHT Beyond the smoke there burns a veiled fire, Behind the horizon sails a ship of dreams, Yet in the night of deeds and dull desire The earth that blinds our eyes our Mother seems. Lo, now the smoke rolls her thick cloud away, And white sails gleam on the horizon line ; Fierce Pity whispers in the ears of clay. And broken gods still know themselves divine. 85 NOTES 1. Cuculain (pronounced Cuhoolin) was the great hero of the Ultonians, the champion of the famous fellowship of the Red Branch. 2. Niamh was a wise woman who, in the old myths, stood for the Spiritual Beauty. It was at her call that Oisin wandered away to Tir-nan-ogue, the Country of the Young, the mystical eden of Celtic mythology. 3. Cailitin was a wizard who, together with his six sons and six daughters, was employed by Maeve in her wars against the Red Branch. 4. The Morrigan (a war goddess) was wont to take on herself the form of a gray crow. 5. Conchobar, chief of the Red Branch. Finn, leader of the Fenians. Amergin was a Druid poet of the Milesians. 6. Fand, a goddess who once loved Cuculain. She was wife of Mannanan, the sea-god, who ulti- mately shook out his green cloak of many waters between her and her lover. Geis was the sacred 86 NOTES obligation to avoid certain sights or actions, laid on special individuals, and which was as binding as the ' taboo ' practised among some savage tribes. 7. Angus was primarily the God of Love. 8. Maeve was the great hero-queen of Connaught, who led many military expeditions against the Ultonians. 9. Fergus was a Red Branch warrior who had gone over to Maeve's camp on account of the treacherous assassination of the sons of Usna. 10. Deirdre was the beautiful daughter of an Ultonian harp-player, loved by King Conchobar. Through her fatal love for Naisi, one of the children of Usna, was wrought out the destruction of the Red Branch. For the king's jealousy led him at last to the treacherous murder of the sons of Usna, a deed that caused much bloodshed and the breaking up of the Red Branch fellowship. 11. The Durd-abla (the Wind among the Apple- trees) was the magical harp of the ancient gods of Ireland. It had three strings — the iron string of sleep, the bronze string of laughter, and the silver string, the sound of which made all men weep. These three strings also evoked the three seasons into which the year was then divided. 12. By a law passed at the Council of Drumceat, NOTES 87 590, the women of Ireland were exempted from military service. Over 100 years later the law had to be renewed as it had become inoperative. — Douglas Hyde, Literary History of Ireland. 13. 'Grianan'is the old name for the women's apartment in a hero's dun. Lavarcam was a Druidess famed for her wisdom. She was King Conchobar's chief counsellor and messenger. Feithleen was a prophetess, and Fleeas, Queen of the Granaradians, a warrior-queen who fought beside Maeve in many battles. Skiah (or Scathach) was another warrior- queen, who kept a famous school of arms where Cuculain got his training. Bride (or Brihid), men- tioned in some very ancient legends, was the Goddess of Song. CONTENTS i^ UNS UNSEEN KINGS FROM EAST TO WEST .... GRASS OF PARNASSUS .... A hermit's lament FOR MAEVE TO MAEVE THE harper's SONG OF SEASONS LAMENT OF THE DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND THE queen's FLIGHT .... THE WATERS OF LIFE .... THE WISE HERMIT A moment's insight .... PAGE I 54 56 57 60 63 66 70 79 81 84 I. H NOTE ' The QueerHs Flight^ ' The Harper's Song of Seasons^ ^ A Hermtfs Lament for Maeve^^ appeared in ' Long- man^ s Magazine,'' and ' To Maeve,' ' Grass of Parnas- sus^ and the ''Lament of the Daughters of Lreland,'' in the ' Irish Homestead^ PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., NEW-STREET SQUARE LONDON u> -Jf>- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY