Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ... THE TRAGEDY OF THE HOUSE OF THE RED BRANCH. 'ITHIN his guest-hall did the King arise, And asked with eager and soul-searching Where Fergus was. "In Barach's house," they said, --"The jovial festive-board before them spread, --He sits with Barach at the revelling!" Then, filled with secret joy, the crafty King Asked the feast's servitors how much for food And wine and mead the Red Branch House was good. And they replied, " If free from war's stern care, The Seven Battalions of the land were there eyes Feasting, twelve moons their revelling might see, And still of food and drink no dearth could be." "Then ope for Usna's sons its portals wide, And spread the board; for broken is their pride, Their valor a sear leaf before the gust, Their bright hopes ashes, and their love but dust, And let them taste the revel while they can, For sure their life is but a little span!" When to the Red Branch House now they had come, ' Bright was the board and gay the banquet-room; For all that one could think or wish was there Of wine and amber mead and costly fare. And the King's servitors the dainties plied, Till all the weary guests were gratified, Save blue-eyed Deirdre and the valiant Three, Who tasted nought, but sat there mournfully, Brooding and still, aweary of the path From Barach's house to Eman's hall of wrath. At last, said Naisi: "If Death tracks our way, He'll strike the same, or be we sad or gay!" And the fond twain, for lightening their distress And dread suspense, 'gan playing at the chess. Within his guest-hall spoke the King: "No word Of the false rovers of the sea I've heard, Nor yet of her, my utter bane and woe! Now who unto the Red Branch House will go, And tell me if her beauty lives? For. ne'er, If yet it blooms, did beauty shine so...