Fo chen aí...

Fochen aí,
ilchrothach,
ilgnúisech,
ilbrechtach,
bé shóer shonaisc.

(welcome * poetic art
many-shaped
many-faced
many-hued
lady * noble * well-linked)

Welcome, poetry,
multiform,
multifaceted,
multihued,
noble, well-linked lady.

This is the beginning of a run of rosc and heightened prose formally addressed to “aí” (poetic inspiration, poetic art, poetic composition) found in CIH (1128.20ff). The word “ilbrechtach” can mean either “variegated” or “having many spells or incantations”. The next section, which emphasizes that poetry does not come free, begins “Ar dligid túarastal” = “For she is entitled to recompense”. See also “Ro-cúala ní tabair eochu ar dúana…” in this collection.

Topics: Verse