School: Clochar na Trócaire, Maghcromtha (roll number 10047)

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1. Comhagall idir an mBás agus an tOthar (continued)

   

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   Dialogue between Death and the Patient.

   Written originally in Irish in the 14th century, and

   Translated into English by Michael Collins 1816.

   
   P. 1

   What slender form is that, what palefac'd spright,
   Approaching like a thief thro' shades of night.
   In whose right hand an axe doth wave on high,
   And in whose left an hourglass I descry.

   
   D. 2

   I'm Death now startle at the dreadful name,
   Thy days are finish'd and aspiring fame.
   In lofty pomp, thou wilt be soon convey'd
   To yan churchyard where all thy friends are laid.

   
   P. 3

   Ah! Death whose grasp is never satisfied,
   What brought thee to this place where I reside.
   Thou greedy flesh devouring hungry elf,
   Thy Budget still is larger than thy Pelf.

   
   4

   Thy daily slaughters fill the world with woe,
   Restrain thy axe, and stop thy murd'ring blow.
   Till I enquire about thy ruthless race,
   Thy Country, Lineage, name and native place.

   
   5.

   Where is thy mansion, art thou not inclined
   To spare one individual of mankind
   Would you not for some great reward comply,
   Or mighty bribe, a while to pass me by.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. genre
      1. poetry
         1. folk poetry (~9,504)

   Languages

   Irish

   English

   Collector

   Mairghread Ní Chróinín

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Rusheen, Co. Cork