WitH THE STORY TELLERS

Rut cf that chieftain’s coming,
The earls were soon apprised,
And laid for both an ambuscade,
Quite skillfully devised.
Outnumbered greatly and surprised,
They were soon put to flight,
And with three hundred of their men,
Fell in that bloody fight.

The news received, McMurrough
Before his chiefs arose—

“This is disheartening tidings,
What do you now propose ?”’

Said Lawlor: “Though Id like at once
To strike our deadly foe;

I fear our numbers are too few
Against him yet to go.”

Stout Hugh O’Toole took up the word:
“Talk not of falling back,

‘Twould instigate those wavering now
To join in the attack,

Upon us and our followers,

That they might favor gain,
From Ormond who would stronger be
Should we come back again.

Still I admit, it looks to me,
Kilkenny’s not the place

Where we could crush decisively
The haters of our race.

But if we straight to Dublin go
It is my firm belief;

The earls their vantage must forego,
And haste to its relief.

So couriers to Wicklow send
To muster all the clans:

Then call the roll in elennasmole;
Prince Art these are my plans!”

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