Classic Poem

Home came he, Conal Kearnach,
Thro' all the world he'd carried
His blood-red shield, the Quick-Hand,
And his three-edged sword.

The heroes of the Red Branch
Were hearing his adventures:
" Now, Conal, tell the emprise
The strangest thou hast known!"

" Once drew I near a City,
Far, far toward the sunrise,
And men were doing judgment
On three outside the gate.

They nailed the three on cross-trees,
And raised them to the heaven;
I gazed long at the midmost:
He had a just man's face.

In wrath I drew my sword-blade,
And drove in to the cross-foot;
I turned and faced the rabble,
And yet I struck no stroke!

A blood-drop from the midmost
Fell where my heart was beating,
And in my breast the anger
Died out, I know not why!"