The Poetry Corner

The Enchantment of Cuchullain

By George William Russell

While our vision, backward cast, Ranged the everliving past, Through a haze of misty things-- Luminous with quiverings Musical as starry chimes-- Rose a hero of old times, In whose breast the magic powers Slumbering from primeval hours, Woke at the enchantment wild Of Aed Abrait's lovely child; Still for all her Druid learning With the wild-bird heart, whose yearning Blinded at his strength and beauty, Clung to love and laughed at duty. Warrior chief, and mystic maid, Through your stumbling footsteps strayed, This at least in part atones-- Jewels were your stumbling-stones!