Note 11 — Chapter XXXII
Reading edition
One of his pieces, quoted by the "Four Masters," shows he was a true poet. It is on the death of the king, Aedh Finnliath, who died in 877, and runs thus:—
"Long is the wintry night, With fierce gusts of wind, Under pressing grief we have to encounter it, Since the red-speared king of the noble house lives no longer.
It is awful to observe The waves from the bottom heaving, To these may be compared All those who with us lament him."
See O'Curry's "Manners and Customs," vol. ii. p. 96, and "Four Masters" sub anno.