Post by Blackbird on Feb 2, 2005 10:11:06 GMT -1
Here is a version that I wrote some time ago, based on the ancient Irish poem of the same name:
The Hosts of Faery
Now step not near the hollow hill
On nights of mist and shrouded moon
You may hear hooves and harness bells
But look not on the Faery Host.
White shields they carry in their hands
With emblems wrought of silver pale
And two-edged swords that shine blue light
While pure and strong sound battle horns.
In battle lines drawn orderly
They ride aside their chieftain fair
They march to fight amid blue spears
Their milk white horses shod with gold.
They scatter foes like blades of grass
Their lands they ravage, waste and burn
They march to combat – glorious sight!
A swift, avenging, ruthless host.
And strong they are and full of grace
Each one the child of kings and queens
And on the head of one and all
A golden flowing mane of hair.
With smooth and comely face and limb
With bright and piercing blue starred eye
With teeth as crystal, white and strong
With lips as red as drops of blood.
And good are they at slaying men
And sweet are they at ale-house song
And masters are they of the harp
Well skilled are they with knight and pawn.
Now step not near the hollow hill
On nights of mist and shrouded moon
You may hear hooves and harness bells
But look not on the Faery Host.
Adapted from the Old Irish translation by Kuno Meyer
© Blackbird Hollins 2004
The Hosts of Faery
Now step not near the hollow hill
On nights of mist and shrouded moon
You may hear hooves and harness bells
But look not on the Faery Host.
White shields they carry in their hands
With emblems wrought of silver pale
And two-edged swords that shine blue light
While pure and strong sound battle horns.
In battle lines drawn orderly
They ride aside their chieftain fair
They march to fight amid blue spears
Their milk white horses shod with gold.
They scatter foes like blades of grass
Their lands they ravage, waste and burn
They march to combat – glorious sight!
A swift, avenging, ruthless host.
And strong they are and full of grace
Each one the child of kings and queens
And on the head of one and all
A golden flowing mane of hair.
With smooth and comely face and limb
With bright and piercing blue starred eye
With teeth as crystal, white and strong
With lips as red as drops of blood.
And good are they at slaying men
And sweet are they at ale-house song
And masters are they of the harp
Well skilled are they with knight and pawn.
Now step not near the hollow hill
On nights of mist and shrouded moon
You may hear hooves and harness bells
But look not on the Faery Host.
Adapted from the Old Irish translation by Kuno Meyer
© Blackbird Hollins 2004