Produced by Geetu Melwani, Brian Foley, Christine D. and
the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
https://www.pgdp.net
[Transcriber's note: Linenotes and Footnotes moved as close as
possible to their applicable entry to facilitate readability.]
ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY
TODD LECTURE SERIES
VOLUME XIII.
KUNO MEYER, PH.D.
THE TRIADS OF IRELAND
[Illustration]
DUBLIN
HODGES, FIGGIS, & CO., LTD.
LONDON: WILLIAMS & NORGATE
1906
_Printed by_ PONSONBY & GIBBS, _Dublin University Press_
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE, v-xv
TEXT AND TRANSLATION, 1-35
GLOSSES AND NOTES, 36-43
INDEX LOCORUM, 45-46
INDEX NOMINUM, 46
GLOSSARY, 47-54
PREFACE
The collection of Irish Triads, which is here edited and translated for
the first time, has come down to us in the following nine manuscripts,
dating from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century:--
=L=, _i.e._ the Yellow Book of Lecan, a vellum of the end of
the fourteenth century, pp. 414_b_--418_a_, a complete copy.
=B=, _i.e._ the Book of Ballymote, a vellum of the end of
the fourteenth century, pp. 65_b_-66_b_ (ends imperfectly).
=M=, _i.e._ the Book of Hui Maine, a vellum of the
fourteenth century, fo. 190_a_[1]-fo. 191_a_[2]. A complete
copy beginning: 'Ceand Erenn Ardmacha,' and ending: 'tri
hurgairt bidh a caitheam diescaidheadh (_sic_) a chaitheam
iarna coir a caitheam gan altughudh.' Then follow proverbial
sayings from the 'colloquy of Cormac and Cairpre,' such as:
'Dedhe ara ndligh gach maith domelar ithe [et] altugud. Anas
deach gacha fleidhe a cainaltughudh [et] a mochdingbail.
Caidhe deach samtha. Ni _hansa_. Gal gan forran. Deasgaidh
codulta frislige,' &c., ending: 'deasgaidh aineolais
imreasain. Ni d'agallaim Cormaic [et] Cairpre coruici sin.'
=Lec=, _i.e._ the Book of Lecan, a vellum of the fifteenth
century. The leaves on which the Triads are found are now
bound up with the codex H. 2. 17 belonging to Trinity
College. It is a complete copy beginning on p. 183_b_:
'Ceand _erenn_ Ardmacha,' and ending on p. 184_b_:
'ceitheora aipgitri baisi baig connailbi gell imreasain.'[1]
=N=, _i.e._ 23. N. 10, a paper MS. written in the year
1575,[2] pp. 98-101. A complete copy, the gap between pp.
100 and 106 being made up by pp. 7_a_-10_b_ of the vellum
portion of the manuscript.
[1] By an oversight I have referred to this MS. sometimes by Lec and
sometimes by H. In some cases both Lec and H will be found quoted in the
variants. The same MS. is always meant.
[2] As appears from the following colophon on p. 101: 'Oraoit uaim ar do
lebor a hOedh in c_ed_luan iar n-aurtach Johannes. Baile Tibhaird ar bla
maige mo mendad scribne hi farrad Se(a)ain hi Maoilconari. Mese
(Dubthach) do scrib in ball soin da derpiris [et] rlae. Anno domini 1575.
Guroiuh maith ag_a_t.
=H=[Prime], _i.e._ H. 1. 15, pp. 946-957. This is a paper
manuscript written by Tadhg Tiorthach O Neachtain in 1745.
It is a complete copy, with copious glosses in Modern Irish,
the more important of which are printed below on pp. 36-43.
At the end O Neachtain has added the following:--'Tri
subhailce diadha: creidhemh, dothchus agus gradh. Tri a
n-aon: athair, mac, spiorad naomh, da raibh gloir, mola[dh]
[et] umhlacht tre bith sior tug re don bhochtan bocht so.
Aniu an 15 do bhealltuine 1745. Tadhg O Nechtuin mac Seain a
n-aois ceithre bliadhna deag et tri fithchit roscriob na
trithibh [.s]uas.'
These manuscripts have, on the whole, an identical text, though they all
occasionally omit a triad or two; and the order of the single triads
varies in all of them. They have all been used in constructing a
critical text, the most important variants being given in the
foot-notes. The order followed is in the main that of the Yellow Book of
Lecan.
There are at least three other manuscripts containing copies of the
Triads. One of them I discovered in the Stowe collection after the text
had been printed off. It is a paper quarto now marked 23. N. 27,
containing on fo. 1_a_-7_b_ a copy of the Triads, followed on fo.
7_b_-19_a_ by a glossed copy of the _Tecosca Cormaic_. It was written in
1714 by Domnall (or Daniel) O Duind mac Eimuinn. Its readings agree
closely with those of N. In Sec. 237, it alone, of all manuscripts, gives
an intelligible reading of a corrupt passage. For _cia fochertar
im-muir, cia berthair hi tech fo glass dodeime a tiprait oca mbi_, it
reads: _cia focearta im-muir, cia beirthear hi tech fo glass no do
theine, dogeibther occan tiprait_, 'though it be thrown into the sea,
though it be put into a house under lock, or into fire, it will be found
at the well.' In Sec. 121 for _cerdai_ it reads _cerd_; in Sec. 139 it has
_rotioc_ and _rotocht_; in Sec. 143 for _gruss_ its reading is _gris_; in
Sec.153 it has _aibeuloit_ for _eplet_; in Sec. 217 _tar a n-eisi_ for _dia
n-eisi_; in Sec. 218 _lomradh_(twice) for _lobra_ and _indlighidh_ for _i
n-indligud_; in Sec. 219 it has the correct reading _eiric_, and for
_dithechte_ it reads _ditheacht_; in Sec. 220 it reads _fri aroile_ for
_fria ceile_; in Sec. 223 after _ile_ it adds _imchiana_; in Sec. 224 it
reads _gris brond .i. galar_; in Sec. 229 for _meraichne_ it has
_mearaigheacht_; in Sec. 235 it has _mhamus_ for _mam_; in Sec. 236 _Maig
Hi_ for _Maig Lii_; and for _co ndeirgenai in dam de_ it reads _co nderna
in dam fria_.
Another copy, written in 1836 by Peter O'Longan, formerly in the
possession of the Earls of Crawford, now belongs to the Rylands Library,
Manchester, where it was found by Professor Strachan, who kindly copied
a page or two for me. It is evidently a very corrupt copy which I have
not thought worth the trouble of collating.
Lastly, there is in the Advocates' Library a copy in a vellum manuscript
marked Kilbride III. It begins on fo. 9_b_^2 as follows:--'Treching
breath annso. Ceann Eirind Ardmacha.' I hope to collate it before long,
and give some account of it in the next number of this series.
In all these manuscripts the Triads either follow upon, or precede, or
are incorporated in the collections of maxims and proverbial sayings
known as _Tecosca Cormaic_, _Auraicept Morainn_, and _Senbriathra
Fithil_, the whole forming a body of early Irish gnomic literature which
deserves editing in its entirety. It is clear, however, that the Triads
do not originally belong to any of these texts. They had a separate
origin, and form a collection by themselves. This is also shown by the
fact that the Book of Leinster, the oldest manuscript containing the
_Tecosca Cormaic_ (pp. 343_a_-345_b_), the _Senbriathra Fithail_ (pp.
345_b_-346_a_), and the _Briathra Moraind_ (pp. 346_a_-_b_), does not
include them.
It is but a small portion of the large number of triads scattered
throughout early Irish literature that has been brought together in our
collection under the title of _Trecheng breth Fene_, i.e., literally 'a
triadic arrangement of the sayings of Irishmen.' I first drew attention
to the existence of Irish triads in a note on Irish proverbs in my
addition of the _Battle of Ventry_, p. 85, where a few will be found
quoted. A complete collection of them would fill a small volume,
especially if it were to include those still current among the people of
Ireland, both among Gaelic and English speakers. I must content myself
here with giving a few specimens taken at random from my own
collections:--
Three kinds of martyrdom that are counted as a cross to man,
_i.e._ white martyrdom, green martyrdom, and red
martyrdom.--The Cambray Homily (_Thesaurus Palaeohibernicus_,
II., p. 246).
Three enemies of the soul: the world, the devil, and an
impious teacher.--Colman maccu Beognae's Alphabet of Piety
(_Zeitschrift fuer celtische Philologie_, III., p. 452).
Three things whereby the devil shows himself in man: by his
face, by his gait, by his speech.--_Ib._, p. 453.
Three profitable labours in the day: praying, working,
reading.--Regula Choluimb Cille (_Zeitschr._, III., p. 29).
Three laymen of Ireland who became monks: Beccan son of
Cula, Mochu son of Lonan, and Enda of Arann.--Notes on the
Felire of Oengus (Henry Bradshaw Society, vol. xxix., p.
112).
Three chief artisans of Ireland: Tassach with Patrick,
Conlaed with Brigit, and Daig with Ciaran.--_Ib._, p. 186.
Three poets of the world: Homer of the Greeks, Vergil of the
Latins, Ruman of the Gaels.--Book of Leinster, p. 354_b_.
The three worst counsels that have been acted on in Ireland
through the advice of saints: the cutting short of Ciaran's
life, the banishment of Colum Cille, the expulsion of
Mochuta from Rathen.--Notes on the Felire of Oengus, p. 204,
and Tripartite Life, p. 557.[3]
[3] Where for 'wrong stories' read 'wrong counsels' (_sanasa saeba_).
This triad is thus versified in the Brussels MS. 5100:--
Teora saoba sanasa Leithe Cuind roc[h]aras-[s]a:
Mochuda cona clamhra[i]d d'ionnarba a Rathain roghlain,
cur Coluim Cille tar sal, timdibhe saeghail Ciarain.
Three things there are for which the Son of living God is
not grateful: haughty piety, harsh reproof, reviling a
person if it is not certain.[4]
[4] LB., p. 225 marg. inf., and Brussels MS. 5100, fo. 86_a_:
Fuil tri ni (a tri Br.) dona (danach Br.) buidech mac De bi:
crabud uallach, coisced (coiccsed Br.) serb, ecnach duine mad inderb.
Three things there are for which the King of the sun is
grateful: union of brethren, upright conversation, serving
at the altar of God.[5]
[5] Edinburgh MS. xl, p. 28, and Brussels MS. 5100, fo. 86_a_:
Fuil treide dianab buidech ri greine:
oenta brathar, comrad (fodail Ed.) cert, altoir De do thimthirecht.
Woe to the three folk in horrid hell of great blasts: folk
who practise poetry, folk who violate their orders,
mercenaries.[6]
[6] LB., p. 236, marg. inf.:
Mairg na tri lucht a n-iffirn uathmar anside:
oes dogni dan, oes choilles grad, oes amsaine.
Three things there are which do not behove the poor of
living God: ingratitude for his life whatever it be,
grumbling, and flattery.[7]
[7] LB., p. 238, marg. inf.:
Fuil tri ni na dlegair do bocht De bi:
dimmda da bethaid cipe, cesacht ocus aibele.
The following modern triads I owe to a communication from Dr. P.W.
Joyce, who heard them in his youth among the people of Limerick:--
Three things to be distrusted: a cow's horn, a dog's tooth,
and a horse's hoof.
Three disagreeable things at home: a scolding wife, a
squalling child, and a smoky chimney.
The three finest sights in the world: a field of ripe wheat,
a ship in full sail, and the wife of a Mac Donnell with
child.[8]
[8] This triad comes from the Glynns of Antrim, the Mac Donnells'
district.
In our collection an arrangement of the Triads in certain groups,
according to their contents, is discernible. Thus, the first
sixty-one--of which, however, the opening thirty-one are no Triads at
all--are all topographical; and among the rest, those dealing with legal
matters stand out clearly (Secs. 149-172).
When the collection was made we have no means of ascertaining, except
from internal evidence, such as the age of the language, and a few
allusions to events, the date of which we can approximately fix.
The language of the Triads may be described as late Old-Irish. Their
verbal system indeed is on the whole that of the Continental glosses,[9]
and would forbid us to put them later than the year 900. On the other
hand, the following peculiarities in declension, in which all the
manuscripts agree, make it impossible for us to put them much earlier
than the second half of the ninth century.
[9] I may mention particularly the relative forms _teite_ 167, _bite_
127, _ata_ 75, 76, 224, &c., _berta_ (O. Ir. _berte_) 109, 110, _fichte_
(145), _coillte_ (166), _teite_ (167), _aragellat_ (sic leg. with N)
171; the deponent _neimthigedar_ 116, &c.; _ato_, 'I am' (104), and the
use of the perfective _ad-_ in _conaittig_ 77, 78.
The genitive singular of _i-_ and _u-_stems no longer shows the ending
_-o_, which has been replaced throughout by _-a_.[10] Now, in the Annals
of Ulster, which are a sure guide in these matters and allow us to
follow the development of the language from century to century, this
genitive in _-o_ is found for the last time in A.D. 816 (_ratho,
Ailello_). Thence onward the ending _-a_ is always found.
[10] _ratha_ 56, _foglada_ 92, _flatha_ 151, 248, 253; _dara_ 4, 34;
_Ela_ 31, 35, 44 (cf. _Lainne Ela_, AU. 816); _atha_ 50, _betha_ 82, 83,
249.
The place-name _Lusca_, 'Lusk,' is originally an _n-_stem making its
genitive _Luscan_. This is the regular form in the Annals of Ulster till
the year 880, from which date onward it is always _Lusca_ (A.D. 916,
928, &c.). In our text (Sec. 46) all the manuscripts read _Lusca_.
In slender _io-_stems the dative singular in Old-Irish ends in _-iu_. I
find this form in the Annals of Ulster for the last time in A.D. 816
(_Gertidiu_). Thence onward it is always _-i_, as in our text (_hi
Cuailgni_ 43, _d'uisci_ 64).
The nasal stem _leimm_ makes its nom. plur. _leimmen_ in Old-Irish. In Sec.
32 we find instead (_tair-_)_leme_. So also _foimrimm_ makes its nom.
plural _foimrimme_ in Sec. 163.
The word _dorus_ is neuter in Old-Irish, making its nom. acc. plural
either _dorus_ or _doirsea_. In our text (Secs. 173, 174) the word is
masculine, and makes its nom. plural _doruis_.
_Druimm_ is an _i-_stem in Old-Irish, but in the later language passes
into an _n-_stem. In Sec. 51 we find the nom. pl. _drommanna_.
The neuter _grad_ in Sec. 166 makes its nom. plur. _gruda_ for O. Ir.
_grad_.[11]
[11] The infinitive _bith_ for O. Ir. _buith_ (91), the dative _cinn_
for O. Ir. _ciunn_ (98, 135), the nom. pl. _sligthi_ for O. Ir. _sligid_
(which I have restored in Sec. 49), the confusion between _do_ and _di_
(e.g. 83), and other details are probably due to the Middle-and
Modern-Irish transcribers.
On linguistic grounds, then, I should say that our collection was made
some time during the second half of the ninth century. That it cannot be
dated earlier is also apparent from another consideration. Professor
Zimmer has taught us to search in every ancient Irish text for
indications of its having been composed either before or after the
Viking period. I find no words from the Norse language in the Triads,
or, if there are any, they have escaped me; but there are two distinct
references to the Viking age. In Sec. 232, a Viking in his hauberk (_Gall
ina luirig_) is mentioned as one of three that are hardest to talk to;
and, in Sec. 44, Bangor in Co. Down is called unlucky or unfortunate, no
doubt, as the gloss says, because of the repeated plunderings and
destruction of its monastery by the Norse during the early part of the
ninth century (A.D. 823, 824).
In endeavouring to trace the origin of the Triad as a form of literary
composition among the Irish, one must remember that it is but one of
several similar enumerative sayings common in Irish literature. Thus the
collection here printed contains three duads (124. 133. 134), seven
tetrads (223. 230. 234. 244. 248. 251. 252), and one heptad (235). A
whole Irish law-book is composed in the form of heptads;[12] while
triads, tetrads, &c., occur in every part of the Laws.[13] Such
schematic arrangements were of course a great aid to memory.
[12] See _Ancient Laws of Ireland_, vol, v., pp. 118-373.
[13] Thus in the first volume of the Laws we find duads on p. 228, 15;
294, 27; triads on p. 50, 9. 27; 230, 4; 264, 20; 288, 28; tetrads 40,
21; 54, 7; 64, 1; 240, 24; 256, 4, &c.; 272, 25; 274, 3, &c.; pentads
30, 21; 50, 32; 90, 29; 102, 6; hexads 68, 11; 248, 7: a heptad 134, 9;
an ennead 16, 20.
If the Triad stood alone, the idea that it owes its origin to the effect
of the doctrine of the Trinity upon the Celtic imagination might
reasonably be entertained. The fact that this doctrine has led to many
peculiar phenomena in Irish folklore, literature, and art has frequently
been pointed out. Nor would I deny that the sacred character of the
number three, together with the greater facility of composition, may
have contributed to the popularity of the Triad, which is certainly the
most common among the various numerical sayings as well as the only one
that has survived to the present day.
However that may be, I believe that the model upon which the Irish
triads, tetrads, pentads, &c., were formed is to be sought in those
enumerative sayings--_Zahlensprueche_, as the German technical term
is--of Hebrew poetry to be found in several books of the Old Testament.
I am indebted to my friend the Rev. Carl Grueneisen for the following
list of such sayings, which I quote in the Vulgate version.
DUADS AND TRIADS.
Ecclus. 23: 21, Duo genera abundant in peccatis, et tertium
adducit iram et perditionem, &c.
_Ib._ 26: 25, In duobus contristatum est cor meum, et in
tertio iracundia mihi advenit: 26 vir bellator deficiens per
inopiam, et vir sensatus contemptus, 27 et qui transgreditur
a iustitia ad peccatum, Deus paravit eum ad romphaeam.
_Ib._ 26: 28, Duae species difficiles et periculosae mihi
apparuerunt: difficile exuitur negotians a neglegentia, et
non iustificabitur caupo a peccatis labiorum.
TRIADS AND TETRADS.
Proverb. 30: 15, Tria sunt insaturabilia, et quartum quod
nunquam dicit: sufficit. 16 Inferuns, et os vulvae, et terra
quae non satiatur aqua; ignis vero nunquam dicit: sufficit.
_Ib._ 30: 18, Tria sunt difficilia mihi, et quartum penitus
ignoro: 19 viam aquilae in caelo, viam colubri super petram,
viam navis in medio mari, et viam viri in adolescentia.
_Ib._ 30: 21, Per tria movetur terra, et quartum non potest
sustinere: 22 per servum cum regnaverit: per stultum cum
saturatus fuerit cibo, 23 per odiosam mulierem cum in
matrimonio fuerit assumpta, et per ancillam cum fuerit heres
dominae suae.
_Ib._ 30: 29, Tria sunt quae bene gradiuntur, et quartum
quod incedit feliciter: 30 leo fortissimus bestiarum, ad
nullius pavebit occursum, 31 gallus succinctus lumbos, et
aries, nec est rex qui resistat ei.
Ecclus. 26: 5, A tribus timuit cor meum, et in quarto facies
mea metuit: 6 delaturam civitatis, et collectionem populi, 7
calumniam mendacem, super montem, omnia gravia, 8 dolor
cordis et luctus mulier zelotypa.
A TETRAD.
Proverb. 30, 24: Quattuor sunt minima terrae, et ipsa sunt
sapientiora sapientibus: 25 formicae, populus infirmus qui
praeparat in messe cibum sibi, 26 lepusculus, plebs invalida
qui collocat in petra cubile suum.
A HEXAD AND HEPTAD.
Proverb. 6. 16 Sex sunt quae odit Dominus, et septimum
detestatur anima eius: 17 oculos sublimes, linguam mendacem,
manus effundentes innoxium sanguinem, 18 cor machinans
cogitationes pessimas, pedes veloces ad currendum in malum,
19 proferentem mendacia testem fallacem, et eum qui seminat
intra fratres discordias.
AN ENNEAD.
Ecclus. 25, 9: Novem insuspicabilia cordis magnificavi, et
decimum dicam in lingua hominibus, &c.
The question arises whether these biblical sayings were the direct
source from which the Irish imitations are derived, or whether the Irish
became acquainted with the numerical Proverb through the medium of Greek
and Latin literature. As the Irish clerics ever since the days of St.
Patrick were diligent students of the Bible, there would be nothing
strange in the former assumption. But there exists at least one early
document which renders the latter equally possible. Under the title of
_Proverbia Grecorum_ we possess a collection of sayings translated by
some Irish scholar in Ireland from the Greek into Latin before the
seventh century.[14] Among them we find three triads,[15] two
pentads,[16] three heptads,[17] and two octads.[18]
[14] This is the opinion of S. Hellmann, their latest editor. See his
_Sedulius Scottus_, p. 135, in Traube's _Quellen und Untersuchungen zur
lateinischen Philologie des Mittelalters_, vol. i.: Muenchen, 1906.
[15] A. 39, 41. B. 5.
[16] A. 52.
[17] A. 54. B. 3, 7.
[18] B. 1, 2.
As examples I select the following two triads:--
Tres bacheriosi(?) sunt: terribilis bellator armatus
promptusque ad praelium, leo de spelunca quando praedam
devorat, aper ferus de silva quando furore in aliquem
irruit.
Tres sunt imperfecti qui numquam ad perfectionem vitae
disciplinae pervenire possunt; tunc enim a vitiis recedunt,
quando mala facere non possunt. Antiquus nauta qui multis
annis seductis onmibus emere et vendere poterat; senex
auriga qui in curribus et in equis Deo derelicto vana cura
atque conversatione meditatur atque utitur; vetula ancilla
quae dominae suae subdole in omnibus rebus quae cottidiano
ministerio perficiuntur male retribuit.
Triads occur sporadically in the literature of most other nations, and
have occasionally been collected. But I am not aware that this kind of
composition has ever attained the same popularity elsewhere as in Wales
and Ireland, where the manufacture of triads seems at times almost to
have become a sport.
The wittiest triads are undoubtedly those in which the third item
contains an anticlimax. Two perfect examples of this kind were composed
by Heine when he tells the foreigner visiting Germany that he need but
know three words of the language: _Brot_, _Kuss_, _Ehre_; and in his
often quoted witticism: _Der Franzose liebt die Freiheit wie seine
Braut, der Englaender wie seine Frau, der Deutsche wie seine alte
Grossmutter._
K.M.
THE TRIADS OF IRELAND
TRECHENG BRETH FENI INSO SIS[1]
1. Cenn Herenn Ardmacha.
[Note 1: _om._ BMHNLec]
2. Ordan Herenn Cluain Maic Nois.
3. Ana Herenn Cluain Iraird.
4. Cride Herenn Cell Dara.
5. Sruithe Herenn Bendchor.
6. Coemna Herenn Lusca.
7. Ainius Herenn Cenannus.
8. Di [.s]uil Herenn Tamlachta [et] Findglais.
[Note 8: da suil L Finnglaisi N Findglais Lec]
9. Tech commairce Herenn Tech Cairnig for sligid Assail.
[Note 9: _om._ L]
10. Idna Herenn Inis Cathaig.
11. Recles Herenn Glenn Da Locha.
12. Feinechas Herenn Cluain Huama.
13. Tech Foichle Herenn Fernae.
14. Litanacht Herenn Less Mor.
15. Senchas Herenn Imblech Ibair.
16. Berla Feine Herenn Corcach.
17. Legend Herenn Ross Ailithre.
[Note 17: Ailaicre B Elichre M]
18. Teite Herenn Tir Da Glas.
[Note 18: tede N teide BM]
19. Anmchairde Herenn Cluain Ferta Brenainn.
[Note 19: ancairde BLec Brenainde N]
20. Escaine Herenn Lothra.
[Note 20: hescoemna L]
21. Brethemnas Herenn Slaine.
22. Duire chrabaid Herenn Fobur Feichin.
[Note 22: dire BM Feichin _om._ BM Fabair Feithin N]
23. Aibne Herenn Ard mBreccain.
24. Diuite Herenn Ross Commain.
[Note 24: diuidus BM diuitecht L]
25. Failte Herenn Raith mBoth no Druimm Lethan.
26. De[.s]erc Herenn Dun Da Lethglas.
[Note 26: desearc L deeirc B deirc M]
THE TRIADS OF IRELAND
1. The Head of Ireland--Armagh.
2. The Dignity of Ireland--Clonmacnois.
3. The Wealth of Ireland--Clonard.
4. The Heart of Ireland--Kildare.
5. The Seniority of Ireland--Bangor.
6. The Comfort[19] of Ireland--Lusk.
[19] Or, perhaps, 'good cheer.'
7. The Sport of Ireland--Kells.
8. The Two Eyes of Ireland--Tallaght and Finglas.
9. The Sanctuary of Ireland--the House of Cairnech upon the Road of
Asal.[20]
[20] A road running from Tara westward into Westmeath.
10. The Purity of Ireland--Scattery Island.
11. The Abbey-church of Ireland--Glendalough.
12. The Jurisprudence of Ireland--Cloyne.
13. The House of Wages[21] of Ireland--Ferns.
[21] Or 'hire.'
14. The Singing the Litany of Ireland--Lismore.
15. The Lore of Ireland--Emly.
16. The Legal Speech of Ireland--Cork.
17. The Learning of Ireland--Roscarbery.
18. The Wantonness of Ireland--Terryglas.
19. The Spiritual Guidance of Ireland--Clonfert.
20. The Curse of Ireland--Lorrha.
21. The Judgment of Ireland--Slane.
22. The Severity of Piety of Ireland--Fore.
23. The Delight of Ireland--Ardbrackan.
24. The Simplicity[22] of Ireland--Roscommon.
[22] Or 'uprightness.'
25. The Welcome of Ireland--Raphoe or Drumlane.
26. The Charity of Ireland--Downpatrick.
27. Trichtach Herenn Dairchaill.
[Note 27: _om._ BM techtach E Durcaill N Darachill L]
28. Fossugud Herenn Mag mBile.
[Note 28: Mag Mile L]
29. Martra Herenn Tulen.
[Note 29: _om._ L]
30. Ailbeimm Herenn Cell Ruaid.
[Note 30: aulbeimnech L Ruadh N Ruadain L]
31. Genas Herenn Lann Ela.
32. Tri tairleme Erenn: Daire Calgaig [et] Tech Munna [et] Cell
Maignenn.
[Note 32: _om._ HBM]
33. Tri aithechpuirt Herenn: Cluain Iraird, Glenn Da Locha, Lugbad.
[Note 33: aithich Lec heathachbuirg M Lugmag NBM]
34. Tri clochraid Herenn: Ard Macha, Cluain Maic Nois, Cell Dara.
[Note 34: clothraige BM clot_hr_ai N clochraid L clochraidi Lec]
35. Tri haenaig Herenn: aenach Tailten, aenach Cruachan, aenach Colmain
Ela.
[Note 35: haenaigi L Colman MSS]
36. Tri duine Herenn: Dun Sobairche, Dun Cermna, Cathair Chonrui.
[Note 36: duin NBM]
37. Tri slebe Herenn: Sliab Cua, Sliab Mis, Sliab Cualann.
[Note 37: sleibte BM]
38. Tri haird Herenn: Cruachan Aigli, Ae Chualann, Benn mBoirchi.
[Note 38: hard N cich Cualann L benna LN]
39. Tri locha Herenn: Loch nEchach, Loch Ri, Loch nErni.
[Note 39: Rib BM Rig N]
40. Tri srotha Herenn: Sinann, Boand, Banda.
41. Tri machaire Herenn: Mag Midi, Mag Line, Mag Lifi.
[Note 41: maige HBM]
42. Tri dorcha Herenn: uam Chnogba, uam Slangae, dercc Ferna.
[Note 42: doirchi L uaim Chruachan NL uaim Condba B uaim Cnodba HM
Slaingai BM Slaine N Slaine [et] uaim Chruachan no dearc Fearna _add._
H]
43. Tri dithruib Herenn: Fid Mor hi Cuailgni, Fid Deicsen hi Tuirtri,
Fid Moithre hi Connachtaib.
[Note 43: dithreba BM Fid Dexin N]
44. Tri dotcaid Herenn: abbdaine Bendchuir, [A] abbdaine Lainne Ela, rige
Mugdorn Maigen.
[Note 44: dotchaid LHLec [A] .i. ar imad argain air L
abdaine Slane no Colmain Ela BM Laind Ela BM]
27. The ... of Ireland--Dairchaill.
28. The Stability of Ireland--Moville.
29. The Martyrdom of Ireland--Dulane.
30. The Reproach of Ireland--Cell Ruaid (Ruad's Church).[23]
[23] 'Ruadan's Church,' L.
31. The Chastity of Ireland--Lynally.
32. The three places of Ireland to alight at: Derry, Taghmon,
Kilmainham.
33. The three rent-paying places of Ireland: Clonard, Glendalough,
Louth.
34. The three stone-buildings of Ireland: Armagh, Clonmacnois, Kildare.
35. The three fairs of Ireland: the fair of Teltown, the fair of
Croghan, the fair of Colman Elo.
36. The three forts of Ireland: Dunseverick, Dun Cermna,[24] Cathir
Conree.
[24] On the Old Head of Kinsale.
37. The three mountains of Ireland: Slieve Gua,[25] Slieve Mis, Slieve
Cualann.[26]
[25] _i.e._ the Knockmealdown mountains.
[26] The Wicklow mountains.
38. The three heights of Ireland: Croagh Patrick, Ae Chualann,[27] Benn
Boirche.[28]
[27] 'The Liver ('Pap,' L.) of Cualu,' either the Great Sugarloaf or
Lugnaquilla.
[28] _i.e._ Slieve Donard.
39. The three lakes of Ireland: Lough Neagh, Lough Ree, Lough Erne.
40. The three rivers of Ireland: the Shannon, the Boyne, the Bann.
41. The three plains of Ireland: the plain of Meath, Moylinny,
Moy-Liffey.[29]
[29] _i.e._ the plain of Kildare.
42. The three dark places of Ireland: the cave of Knowth, the cave of
Slaney, the cave of Ferns.
43. The three desert places of Ireland: Fid Mor (Great Wood) in Coolney,
Fid Deicsen (Spy-wood) in Tuirtri,[30] the Wood of Moher in Connaught.
[30] The Hui Tuirtri were settled in the four baronies of Upper and
Lower Antrim, and Upper and Lower Toome in county Antrim.
44. The three unlucky places of Ireland: the abbotship of Bangor, the
abbotship of Lynally, the kingship of Mugdorn Maigen.[31]
[31] Now Cremorne barony, county Monaghan.
45. Tri huilc Herenn: Crecraigi, Glasraigi, Benntraigi.
[Note 45: Grecraigi HBM]
46. Tri caemnai Herenn: abbdaine Lusca, rige tri Cualann, secnabboite
Arda Macha.
[Note 46: rige fer Cualann NL sechnap L segnab-i nArdmachai N]
47. Tri traga Herenn: Traig Ruis Airgit, Traig Ruis Teiti, Traig Baili.
[Note 47: trachtai L]
48. Tri hatha Herenn: Ath Cliath, Ath Luain, Ath Caille.
49. Tri sligid Herenn: slige Dala, slige Asail, slige Midluachra.
[Note 49: sligthi MSS]
50. Tri belaige Herenn: Belach Conglais, Belach Luimnig, Belach
Duiblinne .i. Atha Cliath.
[Note 50: belaig L Conglaisi N Luimne N .i. Atha Cliath _om_. N]
51. Tri drommanna Herenn: Druimm Fingin, Druimm nDrobeoil, Druimm
Leithe.
[Note 52: _om._ HBM]
52. Tri maige Herenn: Mag mBreg, Mag Cruachan, Mac Liphi.
53. Tri cluana Herenn: Cluain Maic Nois, Cluain Eois, Cluain Iraird.
54. Tri tellaige Herenn: tellach Temrach, tellach Caisil, tellach
Cruachan.
[Note 54: Temair Cruachu Caisel HBM]
55. Tri hessa Herenn: Ess Ruaid, Ess Danainne, Ess Maige.
56. Tri fothirbi Herenn: Tir Ratha Laidcniain, Sliab Commain, Sliab
Manchain.
[Note 56: _om._ HBM fothairbe N]
57. Tri tiprata Herenn: Tipra na nDesi, Tipra Huarbeoil, Tipra Uarain
Garaid.
[Note 57: tiubrai N tipra Cuirp N nDesi HBM tipra Uarainn Garaid HBM
t. Uaran nGarad N Breifene N tipra Braithcleasan Brigdi H Braichleasan
Brigde BM]
58. Tri haimreide Herenn: Breifne, Bairenn, Berre[A].
[Note 58: haimreid L Boirind M [A] Beandtraigi H]
59. Tri hinbera Herenn: Inber na mBarc, Inber Feile, Inber Tuaige.
60. Tri hairderca Herenn: Leimm Conculaind, Dun Cain, Srub Brain.
[Note 60: hirrdraici H oirrdirc M]
45. The three evil ones of Ireland: the Crecraige,[32] the Glasraige,
the Benntraige.[33]
[32] A tribe settled in the barony of Coolavin, county Sligo, and in the
adjacent part of county Roscommon.
[33] Either Bantry in county Cork, or Bantry in county Wexford.
46. The three comfortable places of Ireland: the abbotship of Lusk, the
kingship of the three Cualu,[34] the vice-abbotship of Armagh.
[34] 'Of the men of Cualu,' NL.
47. The three strands of Ireland: the strand of Ross Airgit,[35] the
strand of Ross Teiti, the strand of Baile.[36]
[35] A territory in the barony of Upper Ormond, county Tipperary.
[36] Now Dundalk.
48. The three fords of Ireland: Ath Cliath (Hurdle-ford), Athlone (the
Ford of Luan), Ath Caille (Wood-ford).[37]
[37] Perhaps Ath Caille Ruaide on the Shannon.
49. The three highroads of Ireland: Slige Dala,[38] Slige Asail, Slige
Luachra.[39]
[38] The great south-western road from Tara into Ossory.
[39] A road running northward from Tara.
50. The three mountain-passes of Ireland: Baltinglass, the Pass of
Limerick, the Pass of Dublin.
51. The three ridges of Ireland: Druim Fingin, Druim nDrobeoil, Druim
Leithe.[40]
[40] In Breffny.
52. The three plains of Ireland: Moy Bray, Moy Croghan, Moy Liffey.
53. The three meadows of Ireland: Clonmacnois, Clones, Clonard.
54. The three households of Ireland: the household of Tara, the
household of Cashel, the household of Croghan.
55. The three waterfalls of Ireland: Assaroe, Eas Danainne,[41] Eas
Maige.
[41] On the Shannon opposite Dunass, co. Clare.
56. The three fields (?) of Ireland: the land of Rathlynan, Slieve
Comman, Slieve Manchain.
57. The three wells of Ireland: the Well of the Desi, the Well of
Uarbel,[42] the Well of Uaran Garaid.
[42] Probably near _Sescenn Uarbeoil_ in Leinster (Mountseskenn?).
58. The three uneven places of Ireland: Breffny, the Burren, Beare.
59. The three estuaries of Ireland: Inver na mBarc,[43] Inver Feile,[44]
Inver Tuaige.[45]
[43] _Dun na mBarc_ is in Bantry Bay.
[44] The estuary of the Feale.
[45] 'The axe-shaped estuary,' _i.e._ the mouth of the Bann.
60. The three conspicuous places of Ireland: Cuchulinn's Leap,[46]
Dunquinn, Sruve Brain.[47]
[46] _i.e._ Loop Head.
[47] In the west of Kerry (i n-iarthar Herenn, YBL. 123^b31).
61. Tri gnatha Herenn: Traig Li, Luachair Dedad, Sliab Fuait.
[Note 61: gnath N gnaith HM Lii N]
62. Tri hamrai la Tain Bo Cuailnge: .i. in cuilmen dara heisi i nErinn;
in marb dia haisneis don biu .i. Fergus mac Roig dia hinnisin do Ninnine
eicius i n-aimsir Corbmaic maic Faelain; inti dia n-aisneth_er_, coimge
bliadna do.
[Note 62: _om._ HBMLec coimde N]
63. Tri meinistri fer Fene: .i. cich, gruad, glun.
64. Tri dotcaid duine: deog therc d'uisci, itu i cormthig, suide cumang
for achad.
[Note 64: dotchaid L dodcaid BM luige dige BM luige re dig H]
65. Tri dotcaid threbtha: gort salach, iarmur cleithe, tech
drithlennach.
[Note 65: dotchaid L dodcaid B iarmor B]
66. Tri hairgarta ecalse: caillech fri clocc, athlaech i n-apdaine,
banna for altoir.
[Note 66: hairgairt L hairgair H hurgoirt B ina habdaine B bainne NM
bae[=n] for a haltoir B]
67. Tri failti co n-iarduibi: fer tochmairc, fer gaite, fer aisneise.
[Note 67: fochmairc NHBMLec aisneidsi N]
68. Tri broin ata ferr failti: bron treoit oc ithe messa, bron guirt
apaig, bron feda fo mess.
[Note 68: is ferr H ita ferr L at ferr N broin MB ac aipgiudud BM ig
messrugud H]
69. Tri failti ata messu bron: failti fir iar ndiupairt, failti fir iar
luga eithig, failti fir iar fingail.
[Note 69: measum B iar ndiubairt N iar mbreith diubarta BM iar
mbreith a dibirta H failte fir luga eithig B fir _om._ BM failte fir iar
marbad a brathar a[c] cosnom a [.f]eraind fris BM]
70. Tri fiada co n-an[.f]iad: gress i n-oentig fri muintir, uisce rothe
dar cosa, biad goirt cen dig.
[Note 70: fiad L anbfiad N tri fiaidaichi ad mesa H greasa BM for
cosaib HM dar cosaib NB biad goirt doib B]
71. Tri dotcaid maic athaig: clemnas fri hocthigern, gabail for tascor
rig, commaid fri meirlechu.
[Note 71: dotchaid L dodca d B hoigthigearna MN tarscur BM tascor
(no tarcor) N tairrseach (!) L]
72. Tri dotcaid threbairi: tarcud do drochmnai, fognam do
droch[.f]laith, coemchlod fri droch[.f]erann.
[Note 72: dodchaidh B targad BM drochlaith M drochlaech H claechlud
H caemclodh M drochirind B]
73. Tri buada trebairi: tarcud do degmnai, fognam do deg[.f]laith,
coemchlod fri dag[.f]erann.
[Note 73: trebtha N targad B deadlaech H claechmod H deigferand HM
degthigern (!) B]
61. The three familiar places[48] of Ireland: Tralee, Logher, the Fews.
[48] Or, perhaps, 'places of common resort.'
62. Three wonders concerning the Tain Bo Cuailnge; that the _cuilmen_
came to Ireland in its stead; the dead relating it to the living, viz.
Fergus mac Roig reciting it to Ninnine the poet in the time of Cormac
mac Faelain; one year's protection to him to whom it is recited.
63. The three halidoms of the men of Ireland: breast, cheek, knee.
64. Three unfortunate things for a man: a scant drink of water, thirst
in an ale-house, a narrow seat upon a field.
65. Three unfortunate things of husbandry: a dirty field, leavings of
the hurdle, a house full of sparks.
66. Three forbidden things of a church: a nun as bellringer, a veteran
in the abbotship, a drop upon the altar.
67. Three rejoicings followed by sorrow: a wooer's, a thief's, a
tale-bearer's.
68. Three sorrows that are better than joy: the heaviness of a herd
feeding on mast, the heaviness of a ripe field,[49] the heaviness of a
wood under mast.
[49] 'Of a ripening field,' BM.
69. Three rejoicings that are worse than sorrow: the joy of a man who
has defrauded another, the joy of a man who has perjured himself, the
joy of a man who has committed parricide.[50]
[50] 'Of a man who has slain his brother in contesting his land,' BM.
70. The three worst welcomes: a handicraft in the same house with the
inmates, scalding water upon the feet, salt food without a drink.
71. Three unfortunate things for the son of a peasant: marrying into the
family of a franklin, attaching himself to the retinue of a king,
consorting with thieves.
72. Three unfortunate things for a householder: proposing to a bad
woman, serving a bad chief, exchanging for bad land.
73. Three excellent things for a householder: proposing to a good woman,
serving a good chief, exchanging for good land.
74. Tri hoenaig eserte: celide hi tig gobann, celide hi tig [.s]air, dul do
chennuch cen airche.
[Note 74: haenaigi nasearta B neiseirti H haonaige neserte N esertai
Lec airrdhe N]
75. Tri coil ata ferr folongat in mbith: coil srithide hi folldeirb,
coil foichne for tuinn, coil snaithe dar dorn dagmna.
[Note 75: foloingead imbith B is ferr isin mbith N sreibe LLec
srithide B srithide foildeirb N]
76. Tri duirn ata dech for bith: dorn deg[.s]air, dorn degmna, dorn
deggobann.
[Note 76: for doman BM dorn sair dorn gabonn dorn daim N degdaim BM]
77. Trede conaittig firinne: mess, tomus, cubus.
[Note 77: tri conaitig B]
78. Trede conaittig brethemnas: gais, feige, fiss.
[Note 78: a tri conaitig B]
79. Tri tuarascbala etraid: osnad, cluiche, ceilide.
[Note 79: osnaid N miad LBM]
80. Trede ara carthar escara: main, cruth, innraccus.
[Note 80: a tri BM treidi H gnas alaig erlabra HM airdearcus B]
81. Trede ara miscnigther cara: fogal, dognas, dimainche.
[Note 81: treidi H a tri M tri L fogail H dimainecht HM]
82. Tri buirb in betha: oc contibi sen, slan contibi galarach, gaeth
contibi baeth.
[Note 82: contib BM contibe N gallrach BM gallrai N baeth contib gaeth
BM]
83. Tri buidir in betha: robud do throich, airchisecht fri faigdech,
cosc mna baithe do druis.
[Note 83: urchuidme ria foidhech N aercuidmed fri foigeaeh B mna
druithi B]
84. Tri cain docelat eitchi: sobes la anricht, ane la doer, ecna la
dodelb.
[Note 84: doceilead eitig B handracht B dodealb B dodeilb N]
85. Tri heitich docelat cain: bo binnech cen as, ech an amluath, sodelb
cen tothucht.
[Note 85: doceiled BM beinnech N]
86. Tri oible adannat seirc: gnuis, alaig, erlabra.
[Note 86: haibne adannaid searc B adanta serce N alaid N]
87. Tri haithne co fomailt: aithne mna, aithne eich, aithne [.s]alainn.
[Note 87: haithneada Lec tomailt B salainn L]
88. Tri buada teiti: ben chaem, ech maith, cu luath.
[Note 88: teite N buadnasa tetnai HBMLec]
89. Tri segainni Herenn: fathrann, adbann a cruit, berrad aigthe.
[Note 89: segaind M tri comartha segainn N segraind B Herenn _om._
MB fatraind B fadbann N fadhbond MB aigthe _om._ BM a cruit _om._ MN]
74. Three holidays[51] of a landless man[52]: visiting in the house of a
blacksmith, visiting in the house of a carpenter, buying without bonds.
[51] Or, perhaps, 'fairs, foregatherings.'
[52] Or 'vagrant.'
75. Three slender things that best support the world: the slender stream
of milk from the cow's dug into the pail, the slender blade of green
corn upon the ground, the slender thread over the hand of a skilled
woman.
76. Three hands that are best in the world: the hand of a good
carpenter, the hand of a skilled woman, the hand of a good smith.
77. Three things which justice demands: judgment, measure, conscience.
78. Three things which judgment demands: wisdom, penetration, knowledge.
79. Three characteristics of concupiscence: sighing, playfulness,[53]
visiting.
[53] Or 'dalliance.'
80. Three things for which an enemy is loved: wealth, beauty, worth.[54]
[54] 'distinction,' B. 'familiarity, fame (leg. allad), speech,' H.
81. Three things for which a friend is hated: trespassing,[55] keeping
aloof,[56] fecklessness.
[55] Or 'encroaching.'
[56] Literally, 'unfamiliarity.'
82. Three rude ones of the world: a youngster mocking an old man, a
healthy person mocking an invalid, a wise man mocking a fool.
83. Three deaf ones of the world: warning to a doomed man, mocking[57] a
beggar, keeping a loose woman from lust.
[57] 'pitying,' L.
84. Three fair things that hide ugliness: good manners in the
ill-favoured, skill in a serf, wisdom in the misshapen.
85. Three ugly things that hide fairness: a sweet-lowing cow without
milk, a fine horse without speed, a fine person without substance.
86. Three sparks that kindle love: a face, demeanour, speech.
87. Three deposits with usufruct: depositing a woman, a horse, salt.
88. Three glories of a gathering: a beautiful wife, a good horse, a
swift hound.
89. Three accomplishments of Ireland: a witty stave, a tune on the
harp,[58] shaving a face.
[58] Literally, 'out of a harp.'
90. Tri comartha cluanaigi: buaidriud scel, cluiche tenn, abucht co
n-imdergad.
[Note 90: tri comartha cluanaide N clu aenaigh M cluaenaige B teinn L
tind BM abocht HLec abhacht M co n-imnead no imdergad HLec co n-uaithiss
L co n-aitis N]
91. Tri gena ata messu bron: gen snechta oc legad, gen do mna frit iar
mbith [.f]ir aili le, gen chon [.f]oilmnich.
[Note 91: ad meassam HMB mesom L drochmna LN frit _om._ L iar fes le
fer n-aili H iar mbeith fri araile BM foleimnighe N foilmig dot letrad H
foleimnigh (foilmnig B) agud rochtain dott ithe MB]
92. Tri bais ata ferr bethaid: bas iach, bas muicce meithe, bas foglada.
[Note 92: ad HBM beatha H iaich L bas iaich bas muici meithi bas
fodhladlu L fogladai N fodalada B bas bithbenaig B luifenaich Lec]
93. Tri huathaid ata ferr sochaidi: uathad dagbriathar, uathad bo hi
feor, uathad carat im chuirm.
[Note 93: uath ada N ad M is H deagbriathar H degflaith MB]
94. Tri bronaig choirmthige: fer dogni fleid, fer dia ndentar, fer ibes
menip saithech
[Note 94: fleid _om._ B fer nostairbir H fer teid dia tairtiud minab
saitheach M]
95. Tri cuitbidi in domain: fer lonn, fer etaid, fer dibech.
[Note 95: cuidmidi H]
96. Tri cuil tuaithe: flaith brecach, breithem guach, sacart colach.
[Note 96: flaitheamh BM sacart tuisledach N sagart diultach B
diultadhach M]
97. Tri fuiric thige degduni: cuirm, fothrucud, tene mor.
[Note 97: fuiric .i. fleadh no feasta B daghduine N]
98. Tri fuiric thige drochduni: debuid ar do chinn, athchosan frit, a
chu dot gabail.
[Note 98: achmusan NBM a cu dod ledrad N do congabail M drochscel
lat immach L]
99. Tri gretha tige deglaich: grith fodla, grith suide, grith comeirge.
[Note 99: tri grith L tri gartha M fogla L suigidhe BM]
100. Tri dorchae na dlegat mna do imthecht: dorcha ciach, dorcha aidche,
dorcha feda.
[Note 100: nach dleguid N narfacad do mnai imteact B d'imtecht NM]
101. Tri sailge boccachta: imgellad, immarbag, imreson.
[Note 101: soilge BM imgellad bag L imarbaid imreasain BM imarbaigh
imressain N imreason no imraichni L]
102. Tri airisena boccachta: sircheilide, sirdecsain, siriarfaige.
[Note 102: haersenna BM hairisin N sirfiarfaighe M sirfiarfaigid N]
90. Three ungentlemanly things: interrupting stories, a mischievous
game, jesting so as to raise a blush.
91. Three smiles that are worse than sorrow: the smile of the snow as it
melts, the smile of your wife[59] on you after another man has been with
her,[60] the grin of a hound ready to leap at you.[61]
[59] 'Of a bad woman,' LN.
[60] 'After sleeping with another man,' H.
[61] 'To tear you to pieces,' H. 'Coming up to devour you,' MB.
92. Three deaths that are better than life: the death of a salmon, the
death of a fat pig, the death of a robber.[62]
[62] 'Of a criminal,' B.
93. Three fewnesses that are better than plenty: a fewness of fine
words, a fewness of cows in grass, a fewness of friends around ale.[63]
[63] 'good ale,' MB.
94. Three sorrowful ones of an alehouse: the man who gives the feast,
the man to whom it is given, the man who drinks without being
satiated.[64]
[64] 'Who goes to it unsatiated,' M. _i.e._ who drinks on an empty
stomach.
95. Three laughing-stocks of the world: an angry man, a jealous man, a
niggard.
96. Three ruins of a tribe: a lying chief, a false judge, a lustful[65]
priest.
[65] 'Stumbling, offending,' N. 'Fond of refusing,' B.
97. Three preparations of a good man's house: ale, a bath, a large fire.
98. Three preparations of a bad man's house: strife before you,
complaining to you, his hound taking hold of you.[66]
[66] 'Tearing you,' N. 'A bad story to speed you on your way,' L.
99. Three shouts of a good warrior's house: the shout of distribution,
the shout of sitting down, the shout of rising up.
100. Three darknesses into which women should not go: the darkness of
mist, the darkness of night, the darkness of a wood.
101. Three props of obstinacy[67]: pledging oneself, contending,
wrangling.
102. Three characteristics of obstinacy[67]: long visits, staring,
constant questioning.
[67] Literally, 'buckishness.'
103. Tri comartha meraigi: slicht a chire ina [.f]olt, slicht a
[.f]iacal ina chuit, slicht a luirge ina diaid.
[Note 103: comarthadha M meraigthe N 'na cend BM 'na cuit BM
inandiaig B na diaidh M]
104. Tri maidme cluanaigi: ato ar do scath, rosaltrus fort,
rotflinch_us_ com etach.
[Note 104: cluainige BM ato BM atu L rodsaltar M rosaltrur ort L
rosflinch_us_ com edach N rofliuchus com ediuch BM comh edach L]
105. Tri bi focherdat marbdili: oss foceird a congna, fid foceird a
duille, cethra focerdat a mbren[.f]inda.
[Note 105: _om._ BMHLec]
106. Tri scenb Herenn: Tulach na nEpscop, Ached Deo, Duma mBuirig.
[Note 106: _om._ BMHLec achad N]
107. Tri hingnad Herenn: lige inn abaic, lige nEothuili, allabair i
foccus.
[Note 107: _om._ BMHLec hinganta N allubuir a fogus N]
108. Tri daurthige Herenn: daurthech Birra, daurthech Cluana Eidnech,
daurthech Leithglinde.
[Note 108: _om._ BMHLec]
109. Tri hingena berta miscais do mithocod: labra, lesca, anidna.
[Note 109: do mitocuid N do togud BM lesce N anidna N nemidna BM .i.
esinrucas _add._ H]
110. Tri hingena berta seirc do chaintocud: tua, escuss, idnae.
[Note 110: beres L berta seircce de caintogud BM serc N caintocaid N
tri hadbair serci Lec toa esces idna N esca BMLec]
111. Tri tua ata ferr labra: tua fri forcital, tua fri hairfitiud, tua
fri procept.
[Note 111: labrai N sproicept B sproicepht M fri aithfrend N]
112. Tri labra ata ferr tua: ochan rig do chath, sreth immais, molad iar
luag.
[Note 112: uchan N ocon_n_ BM hairfidiud _no_ fis BM luadh B]
113. Tri hailgesa etualaing .i. eirg cen co dechais, tuc cenitbe, dena
ceni derna.
[Note 113: haisgeadha edualaing B erg gen cotis H tuc gen gud beirg
(?) gen go gaemais dena gen go heda B tuca gen cobe N gen gudbe M gen
[go] dernais N gen go feta HM]
114. Tri hamaite bit[e] i ndrochthig oiged .i. sentrichem senchaillige,
roschaullach ingine moile, sirite gillai.
[Note 114: hamaide drochtoighe BM sentriche caillige BM sentrichim N
rosc cailleach ingine siridhe gillai BM siride N sirithe L]
115. Tri hairig na ndualche: sant, craes, etrad.
103. Three signs of a fop: the track of his comb in his hair, the track
of his teeth in his food, the track of his stick[68] behind him.
[68] Or 'cudgel.'
104. Three ungentlemanly boasts: I am on your track, I have trampled on
you, I have wet you with my dress.
105. Three live ones that put away dead things: a deer shedding its
horn, a wood shedding its leaves, cattle shedding their coat.[69]
[69] Literally, 'stinking hair.'
106. Three places of Ireland to make you start: Tulach na n-Escop,[70]
Achad Deo,[71] Duma mBuirig.
[70] A hill near Kildare. See Thesaurus Palaeo-hibernicus ii.. p. 335.
[71] At Tara. See Todd's _Irish Nennius_, p. 200.
107. Three wonders of Ireland: the grave of the dwarf,[72] the grave of
Trawohelly,[73] an echo near.[74]
[72] Somewhere in the west (i n-iarthar Erenn, Fel., p. clvii).
[73] See Todd's _Irish Nennius_, p. 199, and Zeitschrift fuer Celt. Phil,
v., p. 23.
[74] Nothing is known to me about this wonder.
108. Three oratories of Ireland: the oratory of Birr, the oratory of
Clonenagh, the oratory of Leighlin.
109. Three maidens that bring hatred upon misfortune: talking, laziness,
insincerity.
110. Three maidens that bring love to good fortune: silence, diligence,
sincerity.
111. Three silences that are better than speech: silence during
instruction, silence during music, silence during preaching.
112. Three speeches that are better than silence: inciting a king to
battle, spreading knowledge (?),[75] praise after reward.[76]
[75] _Sreth immais_, which I have tentatively translated by 'spreading
knowledge,' is used as a technical term in poetry for connecting all the
words of a verse-line by alliteration, as e.g. _slatt_, _sacc_, _socc_,
_simend_, _saland_. See Ir. Texte iii., p. 30.
[76] _Cf._ LL. 344_a_: Carpre asks Cormac what are the sweetest things
he has heard, and Cormac answers: 'A shout of triumph after victory,
praise after reward, the invitation of a fair woman to her pillow.'
113. Three impossible demands: go! though you cannot go, bring what you
have not got, do what you cannot do.
114. Three idiots that are in a bad guest-house: the chronic cough of an
old hag, a brainless tartar of a girl, a hobgoblin of a gillie.
115. The three chief sins: avarice, gluttony, lust.
116. Trede neimthigedar crossan: rige oile, rige theighe, rige bronn.
117. Trede neimthigedar cirmaire: coimrith fri coin hi[c] cosnum chnama,
adarc reithi do dirgud dia anail cen tenid, dichetal for ochtraig co
rathochra a mbi ina ichtur for a uachtar do cho[.n]gna [et] cnamaib [et]
adarcaib.
[Note 117: _om._ BMHLec dirge N otrach N corotochra N a mbid na
hichtar N huachtar N congnaim N]
118. Trede nemthigedar saer: dluthud cen fomus, cen fescred, lud
luadrinna, beimm fo chommus.