The Chariot of Cuchullin

Anonymous

From the Ancient Irish by William Hamilton Drummond

From “The Breach of the Plain of Muirhevney”

THE CAR, light-moving, I behold,

Adorned with gems and studs of gold;

Ruled by the hand of skilful guide,

Swiftly—and swiftly—see it glide!

*****

Comes thundering on, unmatched in speed,

The gallant gray, high-bounding steed;

His four firm hoofs, at every bound,

Scarce seem to touch the solid ground,

Outflashing from their flinty frame

Flash upon flash of ruddy flame.

The other steed, of equal pace,

Well shaped to conquer in the race;

Of slender limb, firm-knit, and strong,

His small, light head he lifts on high,

Impetuous as he scours along;

Red lightning glances from his eye;

Flung on his curved neck and chest,

Toss his crisped manes like warrior’s crest;

Of the wild chafer’s dark-brown hues,

The color that his flanks imbues.