History & Politics
The Joyful Returning
Translated by George Sigerson (1907) · From Bards of the Gael and Gall (1907)
Health to the Chief! the Chief! the Chief!
Health to the Chief returning —
Over the wave,
Back to the Brave,
Home to the House of Mourning!
Cormac and Conn, and Diarmad Donn,
Up and away with sleeping!
Night has ended,
Dawn descended,
Up, to your lances leaping!
This is the time for testing men, —
This is the time for trial —
Silken store
Gold go leor,
Beer, too, and banquets royal —
Horns of the wine, and cups that shine,
Brim for the men who need 'em,
Money and mirth, —
For Joy of Earth!
Hither again comes Freedom!
Bells a-tolling, drums a-rolling,
Trumpets tell the story!
Damsels dancing,
Bonfires glancing, —
Bright is the path of Glory!
Health to the Exile, banished long —
Health to our Chief returning
With weal for woe!
Friend for foe!
And joyful Hope for mourning!
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Irish Gaelic, later). “The Joyful Returning.” Translated by George Sigerson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-irish-gaelic/97/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Irish Gaelic, later). “The Joyful Returning.” Translated by George Sigerson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-irish-gaelic/97/.
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