Fairy Changeling and Other Poems — Banagher Rhue

BANAGHER RHUE

Banagher Rhue of Donegal, (Holy Mary, how slow the dawn!

) This is the hour of your loss or gain: _Is go d-tigheadh do_, _mhuirnin slan_!

{21} Banagher Rhue, but the hour was ill (O Mary Mother, how high the price!

) When you swore you'd game with Death himself;

Aye, and win with the devil's dice.

Banagher Rhue, you must play with Death, (Mary, watch with him till the light!

) Through the dark hours, for the words you said, All this strange and noisy night.

Banagher Rhue, you are pale and cold;

(How the demons laugh through the air!

) The anguish beads on your frowning brow;

Mary set on your lips a prayer!

Banagher Rhue, you have won the toss: (Mother, pray for his soul's release!

) Shuffle and deal ere the black cock crows, That your spirit may find its peace.

Banagher Rhue, you have played a king;

(How strange a light on your fingers fall!

) A voice, "I was cold, and he sheltered me .

.

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" The trick is gained, but your chance is small.

Banagher Rhue, now an ace is yours;

(Mother Mary, the night is long!

) "I was a sin that he hurried aside .

.

."

O for the dawn and the blackbird's song!

Banagher Rhue, now a ten of suit;

(Mother Mary, what hot winds blow!

) "Nine little lives hath he saved in his path .

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" And the black cock that does not crow.

Banagher Rhue, you have played a knave;

(O what strange gates on their hinges groan!

) "I was a friend who had wrought him ill;

When I had fallen he cast no stone .

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" Banagher Rhue, now a queen has won!

(The black cock crows with the flash of dawn.

) And she is the woman who prays for you: "_Is go d-tigheadh do_, _mhuirnin slan_!"