The hearth-fire crackled brightly,
In the circle round of upturned faces,
Brows blood-crimson in the dancing flames,
Leathery wrinkles shadow furrowing,
Beards waggling as jaws clench.
Conn glanced for friendly features
Among the assembled chieftains.
There was wide Sean from the North,
Brian the Boar, hands glistening with meat-juice,
Curach Silverhands, Bron of the Dog
And even Timaon of the Salmon,
Yet none cast a smile at brave Conn.
Sternest of all was Sluatha, King,
Legs thrust out wide and hand on thigh.
“Why do you intrude, Oath-breaker?”,
Voice but a growl as the words spat onto the floor.

Slán