Ro-segat renna na n-áer conair nach rochet renna na n-arm.

Ro-segat renna na n-áer conair nach rochet renna na n-arm.

(reach * points * of satire * in a way * that not * reach * points * of the * weapons)

The points of satire hit home in a way that the points of weapons do not.

The early Irish feared the satire of the poets as fervently as they craved their praise. This saying gives the lie to the old saw that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” This observation comes from “Immacallam in Dá Thúarad”.

Topics: Maxims & Wise Counsel