An Litir

Liam Mac Cil

Leathanach Gaeilge Barla

9 1 Ramhobair
ar an gcruth dubh at the black shape
Chorraigh an cruth fin The shape moved itself
an dol the noose
tagartha stout
den chroch from the gallows
an d chuaille thiubha the two thick wooden poles
adhmaid
10 seircn dubha black jerkins
leana ar an gcoch babies being breast-fed
balla arda maola na seanmhainistreach the high bare walls of the old
monastery
fl spc iarainn a wall of iron spikes
adil gain
go dtarraingeoinn that Id draw notice to myself
suntas orm fin
i mbal a chrochta about to be hanged
ar a sheal fin his own turn
gan aon leisce orthu duine a sh n a in no way reluctant to stab someone or
scoilteadh split his head
faoi dhaorsmacht under oppression
11 dairigh s nos fearr he felt better
n ocfa go mbeadh gach rud curtha i he would be paid until he had finished
gcrch aige everything
deabhideach devout
gleaca stitse stage trickster
an crochadir the hangman
leithid na n-ilteoir like the tricksters
abhlireacht sride street clowning
Ar son na cra for justice
suarachn petty person
ag lorg a bheannachta seeking his blessing
12 brailln lnadaigh linen sheets
fear beannaithe na haibde the holy man in the habit
go piachnach hoarsely
maiteachas forgiveness
na heiricigh ainbhiosacha the ignorant heretics
sile na saoibhchlire the eyes of the crooked clergy
i dtlamh always
Thost s. He became silent.
balbh mute
13 comhartha na croise the sign of the cross
in uain seo na hanachana agus in this time of loss and grief
dobrin
cr cro heartbreak
a cuid crifeachais her piety
carthanach charitable
Dfhisc s an dol ar mhuinel an He tightened the noose on the old
tseanfhir. mans neck.
cnead mhr a big gasp
uaill chaointe wailing
truamhileach plaintive
14 an tseancholainn chaol the old thin body
ag luascadh san aer swinging in the air
an seanchnmharlach the old thin person
fear na tua the axeman
baineadh d threoir he was distracted
an cliabhrach the chest
15 na putga the intestines
ar an gcolainn stricthe fhuilteach on the torn bloody body
agus an cro striceadh amach and tearing out the heart
ndorch leis an bhfuil being darkened by the blood
theasc s an lidn de he chopped off his little finger
16 go docasach eagerly
leigheas ar an anr a cure for our hardship
uirthi smeartha mar a chile smeared in the same way
ablil botching
lucht deabhide devotional crowd
le sfacha a gcuid pc the shafts of the pikes
ag sileadh anuas n mant trickling down from the toothless
gums
17 ruaille buaille commotion
in aghaidh na taoide against the tide
sraith de thithe beaga ceann tu a row of thatched houses
an malrach caol the thin youngster
Duine de cheannaithe Bhaile tha One of the Dublin merchants
Cliath
18 brabach profit
m a threor to guide me
ln contirt agus mioscaise full of dangers and malice
go baileach exactly
cuid dhlth den fhear beannaithe an integral part of the holy man
19 ag margaocht faoi thais naoimh haggling about a saints relics
Comhairltear dinn We are advised
leathar marn maroon leather
breacadh carving
ruign de shoda bu a small purse-string of yellow silk
an stuimpn smeartha the smeared stump
den cholainn talmha of the earthly body
amhail is go raibh s tr thine as if it were on fire
20 slimn toistin agus pingineacha a handful of fourpenny pieces and
pennies
ciarsr glgheal lnadaigh a bright white linen handkerchief
feictear dom it seems to me
go mthrcaireach without mercy
sol Ifrinn the seed of Hell
Bhnaigh a aghaidh. His face whitened.
an srian the bridle
21 go grod curtly
a bhal ar leathadh le teann iontais his mouth open with sheer wonder
stuama sensible
N loic orthu. Dont let them down.
ar son na cra for justice
maithinas/ maifeachas forgiveness
22 idir dh bhinn t between two house gables
tr choiscim three steps
sracadh siar i ndiaidh a chil he was pulled back
fhisceadh being squeezed
tachtaithe choked
gnaoiil decent
folireamh warning
Bhothas thachtadh. He was being choked.
bior scine the top of a knife
lena bhrid against his neck
23 sdh isteach faoina easnacha it (the knife) was thrust in under his
ribs
leadhb chaol cholainne the thin slice of flesh
Geospalin Bhaile tha Cliath Puny people from Dublin
Nl maith do thada iontu. Theyre good for nothing.
an chuid uachtair the top part
ag sileadh amach ar lib an lna seeping out on the mud in the lane

24 2 An Cnag ar an Doras
go leor argna plenty of arguing
an l cinninach d that fateful day
na rfla the rumours
giolla na feadaola agus na scalta uafis the messenger of the whistling and
horror stories
clanng d ghruaig fhionn a lock of his blonde hair
ag faire ar a dheis waiting for an opportunity
foclaocht gan taca wording without support
ag cur leadrin ar Lcs making Lcs feel bored
a ladar a chur isteach to intervene
25 ar son an spraoi agus na hilteoireachta for fun and joking
an tr a scriosadh to ruin the country
an orin bheag the small irony
c a throideas ar r son? who will fight on our behalf?
i gcorin on the throne
athraithe bhonn changed utterly
 go hdarsach authoritatively
mar chaoirigh gan aoire like sheep without a shepherd
Laidineoir a Latin speaker
26 mianach an aisteora the actors talent
Ligear Siege
piachnach hoarse
i rl an bhanlaoich in the role of the female hero
aithris danamh aige mimicking
ag an lachtn lectern
27 leis an ngire a mhchadh to stifle the laughter
irim sciobtha ndrtha a quick natural intelligence
ba chasadh leis an fhoghlaim de he found the rote learning a torture
ghlanmheabhair
rang maith pionsireachta a good fencing class
an aclaocht a bh ann the agility he possessed
shamhl fin imagining himself
28 pleananna rnda secret plans
An cigi dochlaonadh the fifth declension
gilleadh don ghnthrud to yield to the usual thing
agus ir as an ngriothal a chruthaigh na and to give up the fuss created by the
rfla rumours
cnag lidir a strong knock
go guaiseach gabhlnach in a dangerous and complicated way
a chuirfeadh saol duine ar malairt crsa that would set someones life on a
different course
29 Chuir gach duine sa rang sleabhaic air Everyone in the class inclined his head
fin
mar biondil nuair a thagadh cuairteoir as was usually the case when a visitor
chuig an gColiste came to the College
smid s ar Lcs he signalled to Lcs

30 3 Murchadh Shamais

agus an strainsir bhreithni go looking carefully at the stranger

cramach aige
dollann dorcha of dark wool
Col seachtair liom th. Im a second cousin, once removed, of
yours.
31 a chuid basa his manners
de chirtis ornta na hEorpa of ironic European courtesy
Gruaig thiubh bhreacliath Thick hair speckled with grey
leicne sidte dearga flushed red cheeks
cosil le fionnadh broic like the fur of a badger
leathanghuailleach broad shouldered
ar uireasa cirtise lacking courtesy
carthanacht igin some sort of friendliness
simhe a gentleness
Seo leat. Lets go.
truslga mra long bounding strides
32 Barbartha Barbaric
ionann is a bheith cinnte nearly sure
fairsingeacht plenty of space
gan a bheith feannaideach without being bitter
nor airigh Lcs aon fhuacht Lcs felt no cold
faoi ln tseoil in full swing
trd an bpld through the crowd
in ada daite sril in colourful satin clothes
sna sla ag an gcuid is m acu following most of them
33 mealltach enticing
na mangair the small dealers
langa, faoitn agus leathga bna, trosc ling, whiting and witch flounder, cod
is pollg and pollock
na hearra a bh reic the goods being sold
ciseanna maotha soft cheeses
deisbhalaochtbhirseacha the wit of the town shrews
an bhaile
ag eascain ina theanga fin cursing in his own language
an sciolladireacht the abusing
go raibh duine leanint that someone was following them
mhoilligh an fear ard sa sil the tall man slowed down
chlaon a chloigeann le cluas Lcis he bent his head to Lcss ear
34 boladh bran an chaca agus an the foul smell of excrement and
mhnlaigh sewage
mnlach na mbeithoch the animal waste
agus cac b ar a bhrga with cow dung on his shoes
Cathair ghrobhin a maze
na hiteanna clrideacha the secluded places
ln dfhiosracht full of inquisitiveness
in anchaoi in a bad way
35 naimhde gan trcaire enemies without mercy
sln a anama the salvation of his soul
gire intinne agus cumas a cheilt sharpness of mind and the ability to
hide it
dire n daille intinne stupidity or ignorance
Ceist bis n beatha . Its a question of life or death.
irse cloiche a stone arch

36 4 An tosnach
go baileach exactly
a ligt amach do lucht gn that used to be rented to business
people
n le searbhnta a chur ar ceathr or to quarter servants
Dhreap siad na cimeanna cloiche go They climbed the stone steps quietly.
tostach.
ar an libheann on the landing
sna sla aige following him
an doras ba ghaire d the door nearest to him
37 de ghlr umhal in a humble voice
 an chomhla lena dhroim his back to the door-leaf
dh choinnleoir mhra chraobhacha two large candelabrums
fainge ard de shagart a tall lanky priest
cimhsg dhearg red trimmings
ar shlabhra ar a bhrollach on a chain on his breast
de veilbhit dhdhearg of dark red velvet
an lmh shnte the extended hand
maolcheannach bald-headed
Aghaidh bhn bhrcilte an duine the white harrowed face of the worried
bhuartha person
38 go grod curtly
cros mhr ornideach pris a large ornate brass cross
slnaitheoir saviour
leabhar ochtbh an octavo
sollnta solemn
ar bhealach uafsach in a terrible way
39 bos a limhe deise the palm of his right hand
Na hosnaigh the Jesuits
diongbhilteacht aisteach a strange determination
cinneadh mr a big decision
ag faire ar na calafoirt uile watching all the ports
sala trom dearg a heavy red seal
40 go sollnta solemnly
ag stnadh uirthi staring at it
Tar is tamaill mhachnaimh after a short period reflection
cumhacht aduain a strange power
tos cainte economy of speech
nuair a thogrdh s when he chose
breacadh an lae (at) daybreak
41 ar an gcaladh in the harbour
de ghlanmheabhair off by heart
T do bheatha ag brath orthu. Your life depends on them.
scafnta vigorous
N leag uait in it ar bith Dont leave it down anywhere
42 agus go bhfuilimid tar is teacht aniar and that weve taken you by total
aduaidh ar fad ort surprise
duine stuama a sensible person
Dsligh s a shile. He lowered his eyes.
i rith an achair the whole time
43 mid a vow
faoi rn docht daingean in total and utter secrecy
N tarraing aon aird ort fin. Dont draw any attention to yourself.
chomh glic le nathracha nimhe as cunning as snakes
giosil bheag a small sizzling noise
44 an-suntasach very noticeable
bagairt threat
in ainneoin an ghlir sil in spite of the low voice
leis an tuin channa with the same tone
 na mara fite ina chile the fingers woven together
n-ard agus n-sli raising them and lowering them
Nor chorraigh a cholainn his body didnt move
meite ar stop a chur linn determined to stop us
nos tiomanta agus nos neamhthrcair more driven and merciless
tuaisceartach a northerner
leis na heiricigh with the heretics
mechan iomln a raibh rite aige the full weight of what he had said
45 caithfidh t a bheith san airdeall ar an you have to watch out for this person
duine seo
M bheireann s ort if he catches you
ar dhath fhionnadh an tsionnaigh the same colour as the foxs fur
bricne freckles
duine de na spiair is fearr one of the best spies
an iomarca faitosa too much fear
rghlic too cunning
46 rchramach extremely careful
gnomhair agents
fainic beware
47 n mar a dfhadf a shamhl than your could imagine
faoi chomaoin mhr agat greatly obliged to you

48 5 Gaillimh
ar igean m bh a fhios aige c raibh s he barely knew where he was
a chomhluadar his company
gleo noise
tithe cnaithe dh str two storey residences
beoite ag solas na grine animated by the sunlight
cisein n-iompar ag na mn ar a women carrying baskets on their heads
gcloigne
idir rosta agus cromn between wrist and hip
49 Liobar mr mn A big flabby woman
balbhn a mute person
clocha duirlinge rounded shore pebbles
chuaigh an chaidis i gcion air mar sin the inquisitiveness made an
fin impression on him all the same
rud buile a mad thing
Bh s amhail is go raibh briocht canta It was as if Father Plimeann had sung
ag an Athair Plimeann os a chionn a spell above him
ar gheall le sipal which was like a chapel
ag sil go stidiil walking pompously
ag marcaocht go postil riding self-importantly
50 a dtifeadh do chro leis that your heart would warm to
bfhacthas d gur duine suilceach it seemed to him that he was a happy
person
Os a choinne sin on the other hand
litiseach fawning
uasal le hseal leis patronising him
i mbun gnthchraim doing their usual tasks
 botn tubaisteach a disastrous mistake
mearbhall confusion
brionglid sheafideach a ige a to fulfil the silly dream of his youth
chomhlonadh
speabhrad fantasies
51 bh s ceaptha dul he was supposed to go
omh Isabelle the image of Isabelle
go glineach clearly
parlachn a hathar her fathers darling child
a com seang her shape slender
Lom dreach mar sin? Straight out like that?
na spiair the spies
naimhde grnna vile enemies
52 barrg a bhreith air to give him a hug
an chaoi a ndearna Lcs mullach the way Lcs made a somersault to
grigein le hal uaidh escape from him
boladh gar lidir chac r na gcapall a sharp smell from the fresh horse
dung
an slua callnach ar fad the whole noisy crowd
chun a cheilt air, d airde to hide him from him, tall though he
was
rian trace
ar a chuid cruinnen agus a scrolla at its small orbs and scrolls
cual adhmaid a bundle of wood
Go dtachta an diabhal th a bhrogis May the devil choke you, you surly
person
dall n caochta blind or drunk
53 Ghoin a aire . His attention wounded him.
ionin beloved
agus dul ar bord loinge and go on board a ship

54 6 An Boma
bh s chun an litir a shneadh ar ais he was going to hand the letter back to
chuige him
go simh ach go drmatach gently but dramatically
an Boma the Beam
na guaill leathana the broad shoulders
55 i bponc in a fix
ar an bpointe boise immediately
go maolchluasach sheepishly
go ndearna s a chuid airgid ar that he made is money from petty theft
mhionghadaocht
in ard a gcinn is a ngutha as loudly as they could
56 clsrideanna back streets
bhds ar a mbionda they used to be doing their best
nos minice n a mhalairt more often than not
Leadradh ceart dhoirne crua a right beating from hard fists
an duine a mbeirt air who would be caught
Is mar sin a daladis n mBoma thats how they used to escape from
 the Beam
57 ag meabhr ars d fin go sciobtha an reminding himself again quickly what
mid a bh beartaithe aige a r the intended to say
in adan a thola against his will
Bhuail s cnag ar an doras. He knocked on the door.
nos muinn more confident
tomhas an tseomra the dimensions of the room
58 Thit an lug ar an lag ar fad aige. He was totally flabbergasted.
forchramach extremely careful
agus crite timpeall air with outhouses around it
59 thabharfadh s leadradh d hed give him a beating
Chaithfeadh s breith ar Mhurchadh Hed have to catch up with Murchadh
Shamais. Shamais.

60 7 Sa Tir
bhreathnaigh s thar chloigne na ndaoine he looked over the peoples heads
De rir na snthaid mra dubha according to the big black hands
san airdeall alert
na tithe maisila cna the elegant residences
foracha daoine human figures
grasin chasta fhnelta intricate and fine-textured webs
maisithe le hainmhithe allta decorated with wild animals
an t-pa the ape
na lindir the lintels
fleasca rs wreaths of roses
duilleoga fnina vine leaves
an tsrid ab ansa le Lcs the street Lcs liked most
61 leis an gcinneadh a bh danta aige with the decision he had made.
ag baint as making fun of him
gramhas grin
ag goscn creaking
a liacht sin uair cheana some many times already
62 Thinig faoiseamh air. A feeling of relief came over him.
na ridhlein ghlasa fir the green level spaces of grass
in llord na mBrthar in the Brothers orchard
a ngaga loma their bare branches
an spuaic uasal the noble spire
n bruitheadh aon iasc sna cistineacha or since any fish was boiled in the
faoi kitchens below it
certa Shein Gabha the forge of Sen the Smith
tr gharraithe agus llord through the gardens and orchard
63 easonir dishonour
mmhacntacht dishonesty
fealladh betrayal
i gcathair ghrobhin an tsaoil in the maze of life
na plid daoine the crowds of people
na sruthin a bh ag dul eatarthu the streams flowing between them
an trdla ilteangach the multilingual trader
raicleach leathuasal an Atlantaigh the half noble obstreperous woman of
 the Atlantic
ag triall uirthi heading to her
baile na gcais beaga is na loch the town of the small streams and the
lakes
ar na faich on the greens
64 ag burlaocht rolling about
an tanfairt sna tonnta the gaiety in the waves
lomnocht faoin ngrian naked under the sun
na linseacha leathana fir wide, flat stretches of grass
na crca the hooks
ar shlat an droichid on the ledge/rail of the bridge
san uisce claiseach into the channelled water
patachn g a young, plump little creature
cuairt dheabhide a visit of devotion
pabhsae blthanna a posy of flowers
65 gur dlleachta that she was an orphan
gan de ghaolta gairide fanta ar an saol with no close remaining relatives in
seo aige ach fin this life except himself
ar shl na frinne deceased
curtha ar aon buried in the same place
lthair
n brn it wasnt sadness exactly that he felt
baileach a thinig air
gliondar as cuimse extreme joyousness
i lmha na n-eiriceach in the hands of the heretics
leac mhr a big, flat stone
66 n raibh aon rian there was no trace
an nimh a bhraith
s
a chuala that he heard that bitterness
s an tseirbhe sin
aindlthe na n-dars the lawlessness of the authorities
ag caitheamh anuas orthu throwing down on them
dlseacht don R cornta an beart ba loyalty to the crowned king was the
chronna wisest plan
ciall cheannaithe na Gaillimhe the teachings of experience of Galway
na tiarna the English lords
gallda
do bhridilacht Chichester to the Chichester brutality
agus a chuid maistn and its ruffians
67 ba ts an chantail it was the start of the petulance
An liodn gearnach The litany of complaints
osna brin let a sigh of sadness from her
a ligean aisti
ag n na soith washing the dishes
dul sa tir air go looking for him

68 8 Mainistir na mBrthar
trd an llord through the orchard
 airdeallach i gcna watchful all the time
bh siad dlth they were dense
an spaisteoireacht the walk / the stroll
cheil na crainn the trees suppressed
ar deighilt n saol separated from the world
i bpca a bhrollaigh aige in his breast pocket
rith s leis it occurred to him
Uaigh agus leac a mhuintire The grave and headstone of his people
Darfadh s paidir le hanamnacha na He would say a prayer to the souls of
marbh the dead
69 cuid eile sa phirse mr others in the big porch
ag tarraingt airde air fin drawing attention on himself
Nor thinig s salach ar na He had never contradicted the soldiers
saighdiir riamh cheana. before.
ag sil isteach walking into the enemys trap
i ngaiste an namhad
halbaird ina lmha acu halberds in their hands
fear gnaoiil mrchrooch a big-hearted, handsome man
T cirt ifrinn ina su ars sa Mhainistir Hells court are sitting again in the
Monastery
70 fanacht glan uirthi steer clear of it
Chuaigh a shile i dtaith ar an His eyes adjusted to the half-light
leathdhorchadas
na colin fhada chaola dhorcha the dark, narrow, long columns
airde tholl na heaglaise the hollow height of the church
fuaim aonta mhacallach de ghleo an a single echoing sound of the noise of
tslua the crowd
An it ba dhlithe an slua The place where the crowd was most
dense
tuama the spectral tomb
taibhsiil
armr snasta an phrionsa the princes polished armour
An chorrsciath snasta The odd polished shield
os comhair na leice in front of the tombstone
urlr dubh aolchloiche na heaglaise the black, limestone floor of the
church
nos ire ag breathn newer-looking
71 ach gur sliocht ardrthe iad fin but that they themselves were
descendants of high kings
an meascn dfhearg agus de dhiom the mixture of anger and
dissatisfaction
nl sa rud uile ach buile agus comhairle the other thing is only the madness
an diabhail and advice of the devil
Doltas, mrtas, mar Revenge, pride, death
ag dol a lomra selling their wool
an sciath armais a bh greanta in uachtar the protective coat of arms that was
ann engraved on the upper part
ceann os cionn a chile one on top of another
an mana the motto
Lmh thapa in uachtar The quick upper hand
72 Fearr ceannach n cogaocht
sa chlid sa bhaile
ag dearbh d go raibh an cinneadh
ceart danta aige
an litir dhamanta sin
go sollnta
Ghoill s air anois
lomra caorach Iasin
Teisas a chlogh an Mionatir
barbarach i lr na cathrach grobhin
ag foghlaim na pionsireachta
73 Chaithfeadh s a bheith stuama feasta
sil thart go discrideach
ag iarraidh ualach a chur de
Ba an scoth
Nor str ar bith d teangacha
bh s crite
74 Dairigh s go raibh laghdaithe ar an
ngleo
ag teacht ina choinne go mbigean d
casadh thart
agus lig don slua a thabhairt leo
75 9 Clostrcht
taobh thiar de bhord leathan a raibh
adach uaine air
mothal bn
gur Ghael den seandanamh
n cosil gur ag seanmireacht
a bh s
ag labhairt go ciin staidartha
faoi chlocha teorann
Bhagair an giists a chloigeann air
76 Bh s sinnithe ag an slua
a chol seachtair
Bh stl bhre seanchaochta aige
tada d raibh r aige
sular lean s air de ghlr darsach
uair ar bith a chloisim drong a deir nach
fidir
77 Bhuail scaoll ceart Lcs
Ba macasamhail a Dhaideo fin a bh
thuas ar an gcranng
ach Marcas a bheith beagn nos
tmilte agus nos searbhasa.
Better to be buying than warfaring
in the corner at home
affirming for him that he had made the
right decision
that damned letter
solemnly
It grieved him now
Jasons wool fleece
Theseus who defeated the barbarian
Minotaur in the middle of the
labyrinth
learning fencing
He would have to be prudent from
now on
walk around discreetly
him trying to offload a burden
He was the best
Languages were no problem for him
he was tormented
He heard that the noise level had
reduced
coming against him that he had to turn
around
and let the crowd carry him with them
behind a wide table with a green cloth
on it
mop of white hair
that he was an Irishman of the old
making
he didnt seem to be preaching
talking quietly and studiously
about stone boundaries
The judge threatened his head at him
He was cornered by the crowd
his second cousin once removed
He had a lovely way of storytelling
anything that he was saying
before continuing in an authoritative
voice
any time that that I hear a group of
people who say [it cant be done]
Lcs was hit with right panic
It was a reproduction of his own
Daideo who was up on the pulpit
but Marcus was slightly more sluggish
and more sarcastic
 go gcaithf an teideal a dhaingni
Dirigh s teasa
nl siad in ann an fd a sheasamh ar r
son.
78 Bh s amhail is gur
bualadh buille sa leiceann air.
staighre cng bse na crannige
go mall craplaithe
an cuthach feirge ag ir anos ina
chliabhrach
coipeadh dochuimsithe ar son na cra
a raibh uaisleacht shoineanta ndr
ann
bh s ar mire
crothe dra cloiche finssta lucht
cumhachta an tSax-Bharla
caimilireacht seo na Sasanach
a bh tar is Mainistir a mhuintire a
iomp ina chirt ghraosta
mar a diompaigh siad gach m ina
phirc chatha
agus gach cnocn ina ardn crochta
in aon ghebh amhin
chuir tbhacht na litreach a bh ar
iompar aige a chro ar lasadh
79 bhrigh s an smaoineamh faoi chois
suarachas na cirte
ag teacht i dtr ar mhfhortn na
gcomharsan
Ar bhain s le feisteas giobalach leath-
Ghaelach agus leath-Ghallda chuid de na
daoine?
searbhnta na cirte
Bhraith s meascn grnna dfhaitos, de
chalaois, de cheilt, agus de mhasla
don deisbhalaocht
gurb teanga chirt na brige , teanga
na cumhachta agus na calaoise
Thapaigh Lcs an deis.
80 cumraocht ard Mhurchadh
Shamais a bh ann
clogad iarainn le himeall leathan ar a
cheann
M ba chanint Shasanach
Bh straois go cluas ar a aghaidh mhr
chruinn
that the title had to be
fortified/strengthened
He became passionate
theyre not able to stand their ground
on our behalf
It was as though someone had hit him
a slap on the cheek.
the narrow, spiral stairs of the pulpit
in a slow, crippled way
the rage growing in his chest
a boundless fermentation on behalf of
justice
who had a natural, innocent nobility in
him
he was raging
the self-satisfying, stony, hard hearts
of the powerful Anglo-saxons
this cheating of the English
who was after turning his peoples
monastery into a lewd court
like they turned every plain into a
battlefield
and every little hill into a hanging
platform
in one quick flash
the importance of the letter that he was
carrying set his heart alight
he suppressed the notion
the insignificance of the court
taking advantage of neighbours
misfortunes
Was it to do with the tattered, half-
Irish, half-English outfits on some of
the people?
servants of the court
He felt a mixture of disgust made up
of fear, fraud, concealment and insult
for wittiness
that it was the language of the court of
lies, the language of power and of
fraud
Lcs seized the opportunity.
it was the tall form of Mhurchadh
Shamais
an iron helmet with a broad edge on
his head
If it was an English dialect
There was a grin on his big, round
face, up to the ear
 sonc sa ghualainn a nudge in the shoulder
ln de spd full of aspersion
81 dirigh leis na cosa a choinneil faoi he managed to keep his legs under him
Bh s meathdhorcha It was fairly dark
nos lfaire more agile
Dfhadfadh s tuisle a bhaint as an He could trip this big bulk of a person
mbulcais seo
Ansin imeacht de rith te reatha Then, leave at a fast pace
it folaigh hiding place
nach raibh ar eolas go paiteanta aige that he didnt know well
Bh an saighdiir sa mhullach air de ruaig The soldier was hot on his heels
do chomhla an dorais to the door-leaf
de ghlr garg grnna in a rough, nasty voice

82 ar shfach an halbaird on the handle of the halberd

Shigh s a aghaidh isteach He stuck his face in his face
ina aghaidh
samhnas disgust / nausea
Chuir s cuma clote air fin He adopted a subdued appearance
ar a ghiosin shalacha donn dadach at his dirty, brown socks of thin
tana material
san it a raibh bos an tsaighdira in the place that the soldiers palm was
fhisceadh pressing
Ba bhrid He was a brute
dairigh s arraing ghar on gcloch fhuar he felt a stabbing pain from the cold
stone
83 tr uachtar a cholainne ar fad through the entire upper part of his
body
cruas na cloiche the hardness of the stones
teannas pianmhar i matin a mhuinl painful tension in his neck muscles
Ba ghearr thachtadh . He was almost choking.
ar feadh meandair for a second
n mbr bse ar a scornach from the spiralling pressure on his
throat
ar fhith na scrna on the muscle of his throat
go truacnta piteously
faoina ghiall under his jaw

84 10 Terentius
Theann an saighdiir a mhar agus a
ordg nos lidre fs
tite ina phleist
ar urlr cloiche an fhorsheomra
ag tarraingt ar fhoinse misnigh
gur bhuail isteach go ropnta i ngabhal
bog an tsaighdira
Le lnfhrsa a cholainne
Thit an clogad le cleatar
85 Rith an captaen thairis
The soldier tightened his finger and
thumb stronger still
collapsed limply
on the stone floor of the lobby
drawing on a source of courage
so that it stabbed into the soldiers soft
crotch
With the full weight of his body
The helmet fell with a clatter
The captain ran past him
 ar an mball gortaithe
meigeall gearr dubh dea-bhearrtha air
86 smideadh beag searbhasach
nor lig s tada air fin
lucht na cumhachta
searbhas an tSasanaigh chomh gar sin
spl feola
87 ar feadh ala bhig
c as a thinig na focail
ag ligean den searbhas den chad uair
Oiread na frde de smideadh ar a bhal.
88 nor cheil an glr foighneach an
drochmheas
bh deis aige leanint den traocht
an taircisne a tugadh d
an masla a caitheadh ar Nill
an agir a bhain le bridilacht an
tsaighdira
Bh s ar aon taobh le Murchadh
Shamais
Ach nor chiallaigh s sin
89 cib acu
Sheas daoine siar uaidh.
amhail is go raibh s salaithe
arsa fear igin sa slua le drochbhlas
Mheabhraigh s ars d fin
nuair a direodh leis breith suas leis
90 11 An Cinneadh
faoi bhun seanchrann ll lomghagaigh
ina mbaicle bheag ar thaobh
na limhe deise
fear tagartha
Beirig faoi na hascaill air
91 ag bagairt a cinn
Nl d ann.
an corpn mr bite a ionramhil suas
an lbn bite de sheircn dorcha
a aghaidh fhliuch fhreangtha
an breacra fasige
an ghruaig bhreac-liath ina shlaod
Ba dh cro a fheiceil.
an paiste dubhdhearg bite ar uachtar a
on the injured part of his body
with a well-shaven, black, short goatee
a small sarcastic nod
he didnt let anything on
those in power
the Englishmans sarcasm was so
sharp
joints of meat
for a quick second
where the words came from
abandoning the sarcasm for the first
time
A faint trace of movement on his
mouth.
the patient voice did not hide the
disrespect
he had a chance to continue with the
hunt
the contempt he was shown
the insult cast upon ONeill
the injustice associated with the
soldiers brutality
He was on the same side as
Murchadh Shamais
But that did not mean
whichever of them
People stood back from him.
as if he was dirtied
one man in the crowd said in distaste
He recalled to himself again
when he managed to catch up with
him
under an old, bare-branched apple tree
in a small gang on the right-hand side
a stout man
Catch him under the armpits
nodding her head
Theres no life in him.
to manoeuvre the big, drowned corpse
up
the drowned object with dark jerkin
(a tight, sleeveless jacket)
his wet, twisted face
the mottled beard
the grey-speckled hair a flowing mass
It was heart-breaking to see.
the soaked, dark red patch on the top
 chliabhraigh of his chest
Dirigh cch aisteach mothchn anos A strange onset of feelings came upon
ann him
92 Bh caint ard is cur is citeamh thart ar There was loud talk and debate around
an gcorp the body
sdh he was stabbed
comhartha na croise the sign of the cross
chuig an gcerta to the workshop
agus an burla mr bite ba chorp and the big, drowned lump that was
Mhurchadh Shamais Murchadh Shamais body
breacadh marking, writing
ruign de shoda bu a cord of yellow silk
Dthain ansin a chuirfeadh . Enough there to bury him.
don Bhille to the Bailiff
93 i ndiaidh na mionsochraide following the minor funeral
Bfhidir go ngabhfad ar ball Maybe Ill go later
Bh s ina staic. He was flummoxed.
an tsochraid bheag dhearil the small, insignificant funeral
Bh s as fin. He was not himself.
94 fainic th fin mind yourself
Drma bis agus beatha is ea . Its a game of life and death.
Dirigh an fhuil anos ann. The blood rose in him.
Ghlac s rn daingean. He undertook a firm purpose.
in adan na hagra agus na gadaochta in the face of the injustice, the stealing
agus an chur i gcill and the pretence
tasc guaiseach dangerous task
95 Thinig rmad air. He became joyous.
Raid s a dhorn san aer. He threw his fist up in the air.
Bh a fhios ag gachduine sna fobhailte Everyone from the northern suburbs
thuaidh knew
Bheadh an litir i gcontirt The letter would be in danger
a bhuachaill chaolfhinn slender fair boy
pluca beaga dearga aici she had small, red cheeks
96 faoi irse an Gheata under the arch of the Gate
ba dircn teanntsach seo this one was a bold beggar
timpeall a bhsta around his waist
Chuir s a cloigeann ina bhrollach She put her head on his chest
Shloc s gruaig an chailn bhig. He stroked the small girls hair.
ligean air fin nach raibh litir ar bith aige pretend that he had no letter at all
97 sid mar chompnach using him as a companion
ba gheall le haingeal cuimhdeachta she was like a guardian angel
de bharr fhoch na Sasanach because of the feud of the English
agus a shlua daorsmachta and his oppressive crowd
lena chuid cnimhsela agus cantail with his grumbling and petulance
cinge an tsaoil the narrowness of life
na gearin bheaga sora the incessant minor complaints
an clamhsn the grumbling
na ranganna pionsireachta the fencing classes
98 seanchas storytelling
99 12 An Guta
tithe na gceannaithe uaisle
cuma bhagarthach
na hainmhithe allta
na hearca ramhara
ag dreapadh na rabide
Ghoin a aire Lcs
Fear ceann-nochta a bh ann
gruaig shloctha rua go gualainn air
100 i bpreabadh na sl
Thug Lcs do na bonna .
lna caoch
idir dh bhinn t
tagtha anuas ar cheapach
le haghaidh churadireacht an Earraigh
Dhreap s sin, le dua
na cosin chirithe
i gcinne ochtarach an ghairdn
thuirling s ar shrid iarglta
it bhran go maith
101 ag snmh n duirling thos
Bh s tar is an Sionnach a chur de.
nach raibh s chomh contirteach
lena thuairisc
an fear bricneach d
Shfadh s a mhthair fin
i bhfad ghleo agus challn na
cathrach
it a mbeadh cosaint fhear an t aige
mar ghaiscoch
Nach maith nach bhfaca Isabelle leis
an striapach!
Cib caoi a ndearna s , t faighte
amach aige fithi.
102 Tig le h Ciarbhin Andromeda a
dhanamh
tr na caol-lna taise brana
Bh s ar tinneall
an fhuil r dhdhearg ag sileadh amach
sna claiseanna
sml mr dearg ar uachtar
cl a chasige
Aon ghoin nimhneach amhin.
glic thar na bearta
103 mar biondil
gn pianmhar na scarna
Dairigh s an fuinneamh i matin a
the houses of the noble merchants
a threatening appearance
the wild animals
the fat reptiles
climbing the rabbet plane
His attention wounded Lcs
He was a bare-headed man
red hair slicked down to his shoulders
in the blink of an eye
Lcs took off.
a closed lane
between two gables
him after arriving out on a tillage plot
for Spring sowing
He climbed that, with difficulty
the arranged paths
in a lower corner of the garden
he landed on a remote street
a pretty rotten place
swimming from the stony beach below
He was after getting rid of the Fox.
that he wasnt as dangerous as reports
made out
that freckled man
Hed stab his own mother
far from the noise and clamour of the
city
a place where he would have
protection from the man of the house
as a hero
Wasnt it a good thing Isabelle didnt
see him with the prostitute!
However he did it, he has found out
about it.
Ciarbhin could do Andromeda
through the putrid, damp, narrow lanes
He was ready
the deep red, fresh blood dripping out
into the water channels
a big, red stain on the top left of his
jacket
A single, deadly wound.
exceedingly clever
as usual
the painful business of separating
He felt the energy in the muscles of
 lmh his hands

104 13 Le Brocard
ire gheal na n-amhrn agus an damhsa The bright Ireland of song and dance
an bhridilacht agus an piratnachas the brutality and the puritanism
feictear domsa nr thuill pobal ar bith an it seems to me that no communitiy
de a imrodh orainne deserved the treatment we received
agus nr ghealghireach a gcomhluadar and that their company wasnt
pleasant
Agus m t aon n inbhime And if there is anything blameable in
i gcomhr le cailn dathla conversation with pretty girls
gar do na cibheanna close to the fair-haired ladies
105 na silir the cellars
nuair a thithe isteach faoi when you used to go in under it
Matail chloiche Stone mantelpieces
ornidocht dhoirse ornamented doorways
N raibh aon armas There was no coat of arms
an fia g the young deer
blaiseadh na hise a taste of Asia
106 boladh an fhona agus an leanna the smell of wine and beer
ba ghnaila more beautiful
rabhcn seafide a simple, silly song
an fear a raibh an chim bhacale ann the man with the limp
107 bh nal crochta faoin tsleil there was a cloud hanging under the
ceiling
dornn mairnalach a handful of sailors
bladhmsach thine a blazing fire
Ghrinnigh s na mairnalaigh ars. He looked carefully at the sailors
again.
tar is pire dsl a chaitheamh after throwing a pair of dice
ag caitheamh slm muileata geala bu ar casting a handful of bright, yellow
eanganna an chlir tiplise eatarthu. diamonds on the corners of the
draughts board between them
an clr strocach the lined board
m ba aon chomhartha sbhilteachta if that was any sign of security
sin
108 trd an gceo deata through the smoky haze
ag spochadh as teasing him
na cuistimir ilghnitheacha the various customers
ag breathn go tmh looking in a trance
ar a sheal in turn
leis an taoille ard with the high tide
ar an taobh thall de chorr an chuntair on the other side of the curve of the
counter
n rud fnach its not an insignificant thing
109 n raibh aon easpa usquebaugh there was no shortage of whiskey
go grod is go bagarthach sharply and threateningly
ag an mbord darach at the oak table
mar bh s rthugtha do chomhluadadar because he was too taken with the
an t sta company of the pub
 gabh i leith anseo a scda
nach ndanfadh s peataireacht air
an l dlsach d
na seanscabhaitir
110 agus Easpag Ard Mhacha d mbeadh
aon cheart sa saol
saol saochta, linn, agus
laspartaochta na dtbhairn
oscailte go com
slibire de mhuinchille folamh
greamaithe sa phca ann
clmh liath a chliabhraigh nochtaithe
in aice leis an bhfile caol buleicneach
a raibh seircn olla air
Bh s feistithe i seanchulaith dhubh
snasta le haois
111 ag danamh neamhsuime de dhoicheall
traidisinta an fhile
an sean-oslir
don scorach
Bfhearr liom blthach.
fir balta gharchiseacha
112 14 Comhairle
aghaidh stuama phlsnta
duine suilceach
Thug Lcs suntas don chaoi ar dhirt
Maol Chonaire
113 gan an mhid a ghlacadh
bhain s smg as a mhuga beorach
thosaigh ag cantaireacht
raibh s chun ligean daon rannaire
gearradh trasna ar insint scil
114 dfhadf m a leagan siar ar fhleasc mo
dhroma ach sideadh orm
is an t-ionada seo againne
mura bhfuil dul am mr orm
115 Chuir s gramhas beag air fin
Is gearr bh cruinni acu
meidhir Ghael
ag trom is ag tromaocht
Nl fios a mhalairte acu
ag iarraidh meabhair a bhaint as a raibh
cloiste aige
116 go teasa agus go gangaideach
Mairg an t
ding chise
Chrom Lcs ar a bheith ag ithe
come in here, you gadabout
that he wouldnt pet him
that sorrowful day
the old blackguards
and Bishop of Armagh if there was
any justice in the world
the erudite, learned and witty world of
the taverns
open to the waist
the dangling empty sleeve stuck into
the pocket
the grey hair of his chest revealed
beside the thin, yellow-cheeked poet
who was wearking a woollen jerkin
He was dressed in an old, black outfit
polished with age
ignoring the traditional poets
inhospitality
the old ostler
for the youth
Id prefer buttermilk.
able, shrewd men
a bland, sensible face
a virtuous person
Lcs noticed the way Maol
Chonaire said
without adopting the vow
he took a sip out of his mug of beer
(he) started chanting
he wasnt going to let any versifier
impede his storytelling
he could knock me on the flat of my
back by just blowing on me
he is our representative
if Im not greatly mistaken
He made a small grimace
Its not long since they had a meeting
the mirth of the Irish
oppressing and condemning
They dont know any better
trying to make sense of what he had
heard
passionately and spitefully
Woe the person
a wedge of cheese
Lcs bent his head and continued
eating
 bolgam maith
Baoibhinn leis a ghire agus
a fhuaire a bh
Bhain s plaic eile as
ar bior
sinnithe
ar r uile Mhontaesma
maistn gadhair drochmhinte
117 ar slabhra gearr
in adan a thola
agus thug neamhaird ar dhlseacht
chroil an Chonstbla
D airde a thann t inti, is ea is
sleamhaine a bhonn leaca a chuid
dorchla rnda
ar mhaithe leis an scorach
118 Tugann siadsan cirtireacht air.
comhairle an ghniseachin
ag bualadh a uisinne
thart ar an gcuach
ag ard na cailse
de ghlr bog plidela
119 nl ionamsa ach duine g
n b ag ligean saontachta ort fin
thug Tana sonc d
120 thosaigh s ag lbadh a mire
agus aoibh bheag mheallacach ar a bal
an captaen loinge fs ar adhastar aici
giolla capaill
thinig i gcomharbacht ar Nbla eile
birseach mhr
agus gan ach corr-roc timpeall na sl
Bheadh cuid acu sin in abhainn na
Gaillimhe murach ise
dolta le foghla brocach igin
121 an cailn g canta cirialta
gan leath chomh sotalach n chomh
pioctha pacach
An mhangarsach mhrchrooch
Chuir Lcs clanng d ghruaig fhionn Lcs put a lock of his blonde hair
siar
122 Chuaigh s tharastu uile
a haghaidh, cn chaoi a gcuirfinn ,
dealfa, caolchruinn
de shrl dearg
ag breathn anuas ar an mbrollach
ciliil aimpliseach
mar chomhartha umhlaochta
a good mouthful
He loved how sour and cold it was
He took another bite of
pointed
cornered
for all the gold in Montezuma
an ill-mannered cur of a dog
on a short chain
against his will
and ignored the Constables heartfelt
loyalty
The higher up you go in it, the slippier
the slabs of its secret corridors are
for the good of the youth
They call it courting.
the advice of the sour-faced person
tapping his temple
around the goblet
raising the chalice
in a soft, argumentative voice
I am only a young person
dont pretend to be innocent
Tana gave him a nudge
she started bending her fingers
and a small enticing smile on her lips
and her still leading the ships captain
horse-boy
(she) succeeded another Nbla
a big, scolding woman
and only the odd wrinkle around the
eyes
Some of them would be in the Galway
river if it wasnt for her
sold to some grimy trespasser
the lovely,neat, young girl
she wasnt half as arrogant or as
showily dressed
The big-hearted, buxom woman
back
He went past them all
her face, how should I put it, beautiful,
slender and round
of red satin
looking down at the famous,
troublesome bosom
as a sign of humility
 croimal dubh
123 site i bhfillt fairsinge sril
124 Bh b igin aige li
a bh mar a bheadh cn milis bn i
mblaosc bog an tsoda agus an tsril
Bean dea-chumtha leabhair ba ea
125 bh an cholainn inbhraite
an mhusc rmhealltach
ag cur r roilleagin ina cheann
an agit dhonnrua ghl choimplxach
ann
Liag lmhar
a raibh cosaint ann ar dheamhain is ar
naimhde
sciamh agus grstlacht agus bua
urlabhra
126 N raibh aon ghir as na custaimir
anois
Bh stdas irithe bainte amach ag Lcs
127 An Litir
128 15 Cluich
N dan dfhaoistin leis sid
urla fionn
goplach garbh dfhear g
glib ghruaige anuas ar a leathaghaidh
Chuir s dinglis aisteach i gcolainn
Lcis
spiair
ag smideadh air le teann searbhais
129 saorchleachtadh an chreidimh
ag stnadh idir an d shil ar Lcs ars
Bh na ceisteanna aige mar bhaoite milis
a raibh crca gar istigh ina lr
n mide go raibh aon dochar ann
130 le teann mioscaise
Rdhthracht ar son U Nill
chuirfeadh s ceangal air
mura dtacinn le h Nill
Sch rite
an dearbh dchais, ginealaigh agus
dlseachta athartha
dirim aigne
go dtig leis an athair a bheith ina ualach
chomh maith le bheith ina eiseamlir
131 in ms na honra a bh bronnta air
a black moustache
thrust into the folds of the abundant
satin
He could relate to her somewhat
like a sweet, white nut in the soft shell
of silk and satin
She was a shapely, supple woman
the body was palpable
the incredibly enticing musk
making him dizzy
the large clear, chestnut-coloured
agate
A precious stone
that protected against demons and
enemies
beauty, graciousness and the gift of
speech
There was no laughter from the
customers now
Lcs had achieved a certain status
Dont confess to him
the blonde lock of hair
a big, rough, young man
a fringe down over half his face
He gave Lcs a strange sensation in
his body
spies
nodding at him with a hint of sarcasm
free practice of religion
staring again at Lcs between the two
eyes
His questions were like sweet bait that
had a sharp hook on the inside
it was unlikely that he was harmful
with trouble-making force
Too much devotion to ONeill
it would bind him
if I didnt support ONeill
Enough said
the affirmation of heritage, lineage
and ancestral loyalty
your intelligence
that the father can be a burden as well
as being an exemplar
in respect of the honour conferred on

scait
T cloigeann agat mar a bheadh
coinicar
agus faoi ln tseoil anois
Shaighid sin an File chun cainte
An sacla mr as ochtar ifrinn!
An gleidire gintl urghrna
an strabhasachn eiriceach
mchinniint Ghael
seacht ndeamhan
n ainm an ainspioraid sin fi amhin is
a lua
132 ag danamh giosil lena theanga
an bunsorachn crbach
an giortachn goirt
an foraire forghrna doilbhir duairc
a chonablach moilt
ag ard a ghloine dfhon saic
Ba an uain d sid plascadh anois.
de thinfeadh
do chuid rmhaill
133 T fear amhin at inchurtha leo
an leibide
n mrn thar ghearin agus
chnimhseil a chloiseadh s
go rnda
a raibh s tiomanta d anois
134 thar ceann an tSionnaigh
a bhfuil greim aige
mo phortis
ar an mbealach grstil beada a bh aige
blogaimn den fhon dearg
mar shuaitheantas pearsanta agus mar
shala anois aige
in aon bhuon amhin sochna
135 Dlighidh ollamh urraim r.
Nor le Lcs ab fhaill .
136 le grinneadas gonta an fhir mhleata
Chuirfeadh sin Lombard ina thost.
rnadir na Comhairle
ba lucht linn iad
ba sttair oilte iad
him
sometimes
You have a head like a warren
and him in full swing now
That provoked the poet into talking
The large emaciated person from the
pits of hell!
the long, lean, ghastly pagan
the heretic grimacer
the ill-fate of the Irish
seven demons
than to even mention the name of that
evil spirit
making a fizzing sound with his
tongue
the hooved, measly creature
the stumpy lout
the cheerless, gloomy, fearsome
watchman
his morose remains
raising his glass of sack wine
It was his turn to explode now.
suddenly
your ramblings
There is one man who is comparable
with them
the fool
he usent hear much more than
complaints and grumbling
in secret
which he was determined to do now
on behalf of the Fox
who has a handle on (who
understands)
my breviary (book of prayers)
in the dainty, graceful way he had
a sip of the red wine
as a personal badge and seal of his
in one peaceful group
A learned man is entitled to the
respect of a king.
Lcs didnt let the opportunity pass.
with the precise accuracy of a military
man
Thatd keep Lombard quiet.
the Councils
they were a scholarly lot
they were skilled statesmen
 bh an chliar ar eolas acu they knew the company
137 an t-oslir the ostler
a bh i dtreis li that was at stake because of it
Ar mhaithe leis fin a dhanann an cat The cat purrs only for its own good.
crnn.
diompdh s sin an cluiche that would change the game
138 thar aon neach above anyone else
Samas dna dheargas lann bold Samas who reddens the blade
Leis-sean sth rocht na Saxan With that the peace of the Saxon
kingdom
T s bacach mar phosa flochta Its lame as a piece of poetry (ie. its
not very good)
139 dlis tairise grch umhal agus urramach loyal to him, faithful, respectful and
d reverential
Frsa nach raibh bailocht d Phrases that had no validity anymore
laghad leo anois
140 Chonaic Lcs idir Lcs saw both courage and pity in his
mhisneach agus trua ina shile boga soft, tearful eyes
lachtacha
ar chl lmh mhr ghuaireach an on the back of the Constables big,
Chonstbla bristly hand

141 16 Salle dArmes

dh chomhthreomharn claonta two inclined parallelograms
an cleite ag bogadh le scrobadh adrom the quill moving with light writing
142 bord fada tristil a long trestle table
adach donndearg damascach a chestnut, damask cloth
gloin arda geala n tall, bright Venetian glasses
veinis
boladh adrom sposra agus min sibh a light smell of spices and sawdust
c is moite de chorrscread ard n aside from the odd loud scream or
seitreach capaill horses neigh
ag crind go ciin smouldering quietly
rufa de lsa geal bn frills of bright, white lace
ripar fada caol a long, slender rapier
Bh dornchla dr dorcha ar an The sword hilt was dark gold.
gclaomh.
uaisleacht nach raibh mrtasach n nobility where pride and show were
pacach ach iontuigthe only implied
meigeal dubh biorach a pointed, black goatee
bh folireamh i sile na portride there was a warning in the portraits
eyes
n raibh ann ach finscalaocht leamh an it was only the dull, legendary
phiste childrens tales
144 an ceann is fearr a fhil ar an bhfaitos a to get the upper hand on the fear
bh istigh ionat fin within yourself
go mbeadh ar a chumas an faitos a that he would be able to overcome the
shr fear
an raca arm the rack of arms
 mura n-ireofa Caislen an Iarla if Iarla Castle wasnt included
ina ghlaic aige in his hand
chas s ar a shla he turned on his heel
Bh na calafoirt uile mrcilte air All the harbours were marked on it
145 csta creagach thuisceart na Briotine the craggy, northern coast of Briton
an lne chaol chuarach chraobhach the narrow, curved branched line
breacadh an lae sunrise
go mblaisfeadh s an sile sa ghaoth ar a that he would taste the sea water in the
bheola wind on his lips
146 tr oigisad three hogsheads
le huacht in a will
ar amrach the day after tomorrow
tar is teacht timpeall ar na dlthe trdla after getting around the trading laws
i gcoinne na hireann against Ireland
garintinneach keen-witted
147 chuir an claibn ar ais ar an bprca beag put the lid back on the small ink crock
digh
Sealaocht Turn-taking
le plabadh with a slam
cuirimse geall Ill bet
leag a bhois go headrom ar a (he) lay his palm lightly on his
ghualainn shoulder
as eireaball a shile from the corner of his eye
148 Bh greim troda aige ar an gclaomh He had a fighters grip on the sword
an ripar ab ansa leis the rapier most dear to him
ag socr stopallin coirc arranging a cork stopper
ag glacadh seasamh taking a stance
cpla orlach idir an d bhior a couple of inches between the two
points
rinne siad a chile a thomhas they gauged each other
Tar is tamailln eile den After another short while of this
bhreathnadireacht fhaichilleach seo careful watching
149 tar is buntiste an tsolais a cheal after stealing the advantage of the
light
taith shlobach na mblianta the polished experience of the years
dthracht sciliil na hige the skilled diligence of youth
fuinneamh aduain ina chuisl a strange energy in his veins
Fogha dr thug Lcs A lunge that Lcs tried
le cling agus coigeadal na ripar with the clink and clash of the rapiers
150 Dheamhan seans. No chance.
an slaod trom the heavy float
trna lann a bhr in adan lann Jacques by pushing his blade against Jacqus
blade
n lig do dfhearg an ceann is fearr a dont let your anger get the better of
fhil ar do chiall your sense
151 n leomhfadh s aon rud a dhanamh he darent do anything
troid idir beirt srphionsir a fight between two great fencers
Bfhacthas d go raibh Monsieur ag He saw that the Monsieur was getting
tuirsi. tired.
 Bh saothar ar an mbeirt acu. They were both being exerted.
lig Monsieur fin sos ar a ghogaide Monsieur let himself down his
hunkers
Rinneadh staic de He was flummoxed
152 thug Lcs sleaschim Lcs sidestepped
seang dea-chumtha she was slender and shapely
Bh gruaig lonrach dhubh go guaill aici She had shiny, black hair to her
shoulders
Bh scim allais leis an mbeirt acu. There was a film of sweat on both of
them.
153 go paiteanta clearly
Ba threisi leis an gcuireadh . It reinforced the invitation.
go ssta soilbhir pleasantly satisfied
ag cuimilt a bhaithise leis rubbing the crown of his head with it
t go leor ruifneach amuigh ansin there are plenty of ruffians out there
gur beag fear in irinn a sheasfadh an that there are not many men in Ireland
fd leat who would stand their ground against
you
gheobhaidh foighne agus garchis an the patience and shrewdness of the
fhir ripir an ceann is fearr ar aon duine rapier man will get the upper hand on
eile ach an troid a anyone else in a fair fight
bheith cothrom.
154 Tuigeann t gur modh cosanta amhin You understand that it is only a
method of defence
Baoibhinn an radharc It was a lovely view
an ghrian ag soilsi uisce ciin dorcha the sun lighting up the quiet, dark
an chalafoirt waters of the harbour
a seolta stroctha its striped sails
bid iomartha row boats
feisti being arranged
155 fear gro tagartha a strong, stout man
i rn baolach in a dangerous secret
gn fholaithe a hidden aspect
156 Tar is an tsaoil Afterall
an teachtaire the messenger
ag croitheadh lmh le chile shaking hands with each other
lmh a bh chomh fuar sioctha sin a hand that was so freezing cold
go ndearna s cnap oighir d chro that it turned his heart into a lump of
ice
an reanglamin ghairbh the rough, lean person
gafa in eangach caught in a net
leithead a mhogalra the length of the mesh
tis a thad the width of the rope
a leigh an fuacht that melted the cold
157 dthain airgid enough money
158 mo ghnsa agus mo ghnsa amhin my business and my business only
ar an gcnfairt on the smouldering fire
dorn maith riltn dearga a good fistful of red sparks
Bfhachaint ghar . It was a sharp look.
cion mic the affection of a son
159 sagartacht the priesthood
Thost s. He became silent.
T s ag dul duit. You deserve it.

160 17 La Guarda
ag sileadh as lmh Lcis hanging from Lcs hand
an leathar fs teola the leather still warm
agus mheigh and measured it
Tigh sall Go over
161 Claomh ornideach deaghreanta It was an ornamental, well-polished
a bh ann sword
geama donnbhu mar illn yellowish-brown gems like a small
apple
Claomh feistis? A dress sword?
ag feallmhar i ndorchadas na hoche assassinating in the dark of the night
dhealaigh s uathu he separated from them
Ceann de sheoda an t One of the jewels of the house
162 agus teastaonn uaimse claomh a and I want to bestow a sword on you
bhronnadh ort
na daga the teen years
ar mhianach gn a mhuintire fin of the mining business of his own
family
Iomaire aonair a bh Lcs a threabhadh Lcs was ploughing a lone farrow for
d fin. himself.
agus ar dhualaocht dhlth an and the tight plaiting of the hilt
sciathdhoirn
163 gan tsc n tuairisc without a trace
agus tocht air and him getting choked up
aon uallach teaghlaigh any family burden
aon sinsearacht onra any honorary ancestry
i ndiamhair a chro in the solitude of his heart
splachadh glimpse
gan aon bhuanionad cna with no permanent place of residence
claomh geal daite geamach a bright, colourful, bejewelled sword
ag ceafril leis frisking away
164 seantrodaire clamh an old sword fighter
amhail is gur theann dorn an chlamh as if the handle of the sword fit into
isteach ina dhorn fin his own fist
chomh hadrom athlamh so light and agile
a theasts that will be needed
ach ar chuid de chathair ghriobhin na but they were now part of a dangerous
contirte anois iad maze
165 fogha ghrstil short, gracious run
a bheatha a thuilleamh air he earned his livelihood on it
cn mhaith an t-aifaltas what good is regret
le cpla aifreann a cheannach d anam to buy a few masses for his black soul
dubh
ag me an ripir dhlis ina lmha balancing the loyal rapier in his hands
ag aireachtil ars feeling again
 Go maire t
166 agus rug barrg air
Dfhisc Jacques chuige fin .
nach bhfaca a mhac ag teacht in inmhe
n almir
Leathaigh boladh r teola na bcla
agus straois shstachta air
nuair a bh slogtha siar aige
167 Bh s ln dfhiosracht.
Thinig cotadh beag air
gur geall le tubaist an scala seo ar fad
thinig cumha aniar aduaidh air
ghreamaigh a shile sile Isabelle
eolas nos cuimsith
Chuir an cur i gcill distin air.
mar iarracht an mhchadfa a bh air a
cheilt
Bh s tarraingte idir a dhil san
eachtraocht agus cumha na himeachta
miodg
a raibh truaill bheag de leathar dubh
greanta uirthi
169 Bh a aird ar Isabelle
i gcl do chreasa
m t do bheatha i mbaol
do bheatha i dtreis
do chile comhraic
170 cic sna magairl
agus shigh i bpca mra
leis an lann a thstil
saol nrbh ionann agus uaisleacht
idalach an salles darmes
chomh hachomair agus a dfhad s
171 Mar ba dual di
staidartha tomhaiste
Ding de bhean seal ba ea
a gruaig cuachta anos taobh thiar
go modhil
172 stuaim agus gean ag lonr iontu
agus a thigh a chro
Rith rois focal leis
faghartha, stuama, stidiil,
seangchruthach
omh na Maighdine
Ba a seal siadsan anois .
That you may live
and hugged him
Jacques squeezed him to him.
who didnt see his son prospering
from the wall-cupboard
The fresh warm smell of baking
spread
with a grin of satisfaction
when he had gulped it back
She was full of curiosity.
He became a little bit shy
that this whole story was practically
an accident
loneliness crept up on him
his eyes fixed on Isabelles eyes
more comprehensive knowledge
The pretence disgusted him.
in an effort to hide his ill humour
He was torn between his interest in the
adventure and the sadness of the
events
dagger
that had a small covering of black
leather engraved on it
His attention was on Isabelle
in the back of your belt
if your life is in danger
your life at stake
your opponent
a kick in the testicles
and pushed it in the big pockets
to test the weapon
a life that was not the same as the
ideal nobility of salles drmes
as briefly as he could
As was her wont
steady and measured
She was a short, thickset woman
her hair bundled up behind
mannerly
good sense and fondness shining in
them
and that warmed his heart
An explosion of words occurred to
him
fiery, sensible, stately, svelte
an image of the virgin
It was their turn now.
173 nach raibh ag teacht leis na naoi mbliana that did not suit the bare nine years he
ar igean a bh aige had attained
aireoimid uainn go mr th well miss you a lot
cleite piasin a pheasant feather
an hata liobarnach the tattered hat

174 18 Fuarbholadh
spreacadh ina choisocht a bounce in his footstep
an taoisigh Ghaelaigh ab airde cil the most famous Irish leader
croitheadh nach beag no small shake
spuaic Eaglais San Niocls steeple of St.Nicholas church
brdh go lidir sa droim he was pushed hard in the back
mla garbh cnibe a rough bag made of hemp
dreach faoi bhun na heasnacha just under the ribs
boladh plchtach a stuffy smell
Fisceadh tuilleadh He was squeezed more
176 athr fuaime agus aeride a change of noise and climate
na sgin gharbha the rough straw ropes
caola a lmh his wrists
an tsimhe ghrmhar the loving gentleness
arraing mhilis na scarna the sweet pain of separation
177 a ghaign you dandy
ag baint spreabanna cutting sods
Bain an picn de Take the mask off him
178 fear g ard na glibe fada duibhe the tall, young man with the long,
black fringe
Bh tagar ina cholainn chaol. There was strength in his slender
body.
bh s spadhartha he was exasperated
179 Rinne s gire leamh. He gave a weak laugh.
a sheaicad de ghlas na gcaorach his homespun jacket
carn luachra a pile of rushes
ar a cosa deiridh on its back legs
180 ach an oiread either
Gaign ceart th. Youre a right show-off.
Liobar lofa Rotten, untidy person
an diamhrachas the obscurity
amhail is gur fleasc tiomna beithoch as if it was a rod for driving animals
ceithearnach ar scor a retired foot-soldier
181 Cad chuige Why
t teanga ag an gcriogar the grass(hopper) has a tongue
Buille trom treascartha a bh ann. It was a heavy, vanquished blow.
tr oiread nos lidre three times as strong
gan aithne gan urlabhra unconscious

182 19 An Claomh Gearr

nos loime agus nos dearile more bare and more wretched
chomh docht ar a rosta so tight on his wrists
mar a bh s chun a thabhairt ar an as he was going to call the dagger
 miodg
brathadir na limhe deise
183 aduaine
ag goilliint air
Linne an it seo
Chonaic s a scth
beagn ar bheagn
ar mhoth a mhar
cos mhiotail na miodige
184 cuid den lann a nochtadh
alt a ordige
an gagachn
taca na cathaoireach
faoi fheirc na scine
Dhanfadh orlach go leith cis.
ag druidim leis an doras
185 fuil na hordige ag sileadh ar an urlr.
Lucht comhcheilge.
a sciotachin bhrin
giodam leathfhiain an fhir
eile
186 a liacht sin uair cheana
i bhfaiteadh na sl
amach as an truaill bheag
bior na miodige
bh sliopach fs ina mhara
187 Choinnigh s a cholainn righin
mairbhe a mhar
i mbal an dorais
thit na tada de phlimp adrom
agus thug abhg sciobtha fhochmhar
Thit an rpa ina liobarna
bh an fear eile sa mhullach air
Dirigh Lcs ina sheasamh de phreab
Thug s sep faoi chosa Lcis
Bh foch damanta ina shile.
fear clamh den seandanamh
agus taghdach tobann
thug s tobann amach roimhe
Rinne Lcs retraite.
mar a bheadh cora ann
189 glic agus tomhaiste i mbun clamh
Thug Lcs fogha eile faoi.
rop maith a thabhairt
lmh chlamh an duine eile a
ghoineadh
the index-finger of the right hand
strangeness / unfamiliarity
bothering him
We own this place
He saw his shadow
little by little
on the feelings of his fingers
the metal leg of the dagger
to expose part of the weapon
the joint of his thumb
the gangly guy
the support of the chair
under the hilt of the knife
An inch and a half would do the trick.
approaching the door
the blood of the thumb dropping on
the floor
Conspiring crowd.
you rotten, little scut
the half-wild restlessness of the other
man
so many times before
in the blink of an eye
out of the small sheath
the point of the dagger
his fingers were still unable to grasp
anything (due to numbness)
He kept his body stiff
the numbness of his fingers
in the doorway
the ropes fell with a light bang
and [he] jumped quickly and fiercely
The rope dropped
the other man was on top of him
Lcs was standing suddenly
He made a dash for Lcs legs
There was wicked fury in his eyes.
a swordsman of the old kind
and he was impulsive and sudden
he gave a sudden thrust out in front of
him
Lcs retreated.
as if he was a wrestler
clever and measured in using a sword
Lcs made another rush.
give a good stab
to wound the other persons sword
hand
 troid agothrom an unbalanced fight
190 easpa scile a lack of skill
Chlaigh s He retreated
chb Fear na Glibe a ghuaill the fringed man bent his shoulders
cuma an chora the appearance of a wrestler
Bh Lcs ag ceapadh go raibh leis. Lcs was thinking that he had it (i.e
that he had won)
Thuig Lcs an baol. Lcs understood the danger.
dhrigh i leataobh pointed it to one side
Thit s tharaisti He fell over it
dirigh le Lcs buntiste a bhaint as a Lcs managed to gain an advantage
mthapa fin from his own mishap
191 rinne s mullach grigein san aer he did a somersault in the air
Bhac Lcs an claomh Lcs blocked the sword
Ba a sheal seisean anois It was now his turn
Ar igean a chreid Fear na Glibe a raibh The fringed man could hardly believe
tarlaithe what had happened
192 N corraigh Dont move
dorchaodh an doras the door darkened

193 20 An Fear Mr
fear tagartha guaireach the stocky, bristly man
an binneach cnmhach the big-boned, heavy man
maide tiubh draighin a thick, blackthorn stick
faoi bhinn bhrat an athar under the edge of the fathers cloak
go grod promptly
N t s seo pollta. Or this man will be stabbed.
muinal an fhir shnte the neck of the outstretched man
geoin seal a low whimper
194 Lb an Fear Mr a ghlna The Big Man bent his knees
Stop s leathbhealach It stopped halfway
ba phosa dea-cheardaochta it was a piece of good craftsmanship
cor ar a bharr i gcruth finne a twist at the top in the shape of a ring
lena thoil a dhanamh to do his will
Duine a bh ann ar a ns fin He was a person of individual style
195 Nl ionat ach gearrbhodach, griolsach You are nothing but a young,
Gaillimheach Galwegian brawler
ag tabhairt flp bheag don ripar giving a small blow to the rapier
macntacht an iontais sin the honesty of that wonder
N miste liom I dont mind
196 N maith liom abhlir I dont like messers
in adan mo thola against my will
chomh meidhreach le meannn as giddy as a goat
gire rinn an ripir the sharp point of the rapier
197 Bh a chraiceann prioctha. His skin was pricked.
fith na scorna the jugular vein
thar bhacn a bhrid over his collar bone
198 Mac na Maighdine r gcosaint is r Son of the virgin, our protector and
gcumhdach our preserver
 cirt bhradach sin na Sasanach the false court of the English
ridh le ceangal ready to explode (ie. he was raging)
as bala a chile at the same time
Tuathnaigh gan treoir Countrymen without direction
199 I lthair na huaire At the present time
Bragadir. Liar.
an chad chomhartha boige the first sign of softness
Nor mhar sin do Lcs. That wasnt how it was for Lcs.
thuaidh agus dheas north and south
thoir agus thiar in the east and in the west
feictear dom it seems to me
200 d scaoilfeadh s leis an bhfear snte if he let the outstretched man go
N haon dochar isteacht Itll do no harm to listen
dfhanfainn glan uirthi Id avoid it
Chuir s olc orm It disgusted me
isteacht cheart a proper hearing
thug s comhartha do na saighdiir he signalled to the soldiers
ar an gcaoi channa in the same way
an diabhal bocht the poor divil
201 gotha uile an duine uasail all the poise of a noble man
go neamhbhalbh bluntly
tuin Lcis Lcs tone
uaslathach aristocratic
geosadn dgnach a weedy, young person
gur mhr an feall that it was a big failure
Tuilleadh cleasaochta More trickery
a phleidhce you fool
go brch ever
glr an rasin agus na cille the voice of sense and reason
202 a mhac niri shaming his son
nl aon aighneas againn leat we have no dispute with you
agus mac leis caillte seans and [hed] possibly lose one of his
sons
dar an leabhar indeed
midm I vow
dar gach mionn is dual dom by every oath fated to me
203 nos iomline more full
faoiseamh relief
tharraing an ripir siar withdrew the rapier
n h an ceann it wasnt the one
Rollil an fear The man rolled
pisreog a superstition
an maide droighin the blackthorn stick
ridh le haghaidh ionsa ready for attack
204 a shile ar bior anois his eyes flashing with anger now
suas lena ucht up to his chest
thug Lcs fogha faoin leota Lcs lunged at the heavy, sluggish
one
thug an fear eile faoi Lcs the other man attacked Lcs
205 adach olla the woollen material
lascadh an ripir the thrashing of the rapier
faoin ascaill dheis under the right armpit
dh tharbh ga two young bulls
cuthach fola blood rage
imithe as a chiall gone out of his mind
sa leathshliasaid ba ghaire d in the thigh nearest to him
206 ina phleist so that he was limp
barrthuisle a thabhairt d tripped him up
a aghaidh ag bn his face whitening
Bh siad clote They were exhausted
207 bfhearr fiscein a chur ar na crachta bandages should be put on those
sin wounds
Feileann sin dibh. That suits them.
chomh cinnte is at mise i mo sheasamh as sure as I am standing here
anseo
duine a scrofas air someone who will write on it
208 chomh cam le adharc reithe as crooked as a rams horn
Dan fiosr Enquire
go raibh na haoir imithe agus na that the shepherds were gone and the
caoraigh fgtha gan fl sheep left without an enclosure
Dthain measa Enough respect
nach luafadh s that he wouldnt mention
209 Rinne Pdraig cib pipir a bh ag Pdraig drafted whatever paper was
teastil a dhrachtadh necessary
dh uan two lambs
chualathas mileach a bleating was heard
Bh s ina raic. It was a riot.
T na geata ar fad bhfaire acu. Theyre watching all the gates.
210 Phladh s leo Hed deal with them
sa bhealach air in his way

211 21 Filleadh
scthach bagarthach shady and threatening
lucht dola sellers
de bharr neamhairde because of inattention
nor chuir siad aon chaidis ar they didnt inquire anything of
agus brat go colpa air with a cloak to his calf
gntha inmhenacha na cathrach internal affairs of the city
Ghrinnigh Lcs Lcs examined
a cailn aimire her servant-girl
n raibh sil ag aon duine acu leis none of them were expecting the two
an mbeirt reangartach lanky people
212 iarracht stamrgach an unsteady effort
fear fionn bnchraicneach a blonde, fair-skinned man
T siad leathdhallta. Theyre half-blind.
ar aon chim leis walking alongside him
Chas siad an coirnal They turned the corner
agus gan aon rian beochta le feiceil with no sign of life to be seen
 ag bicl in airde a chinn is a ghutha screaming at the top of his lungs
213 ar lir go raibh s ar meisce who was clearly drunk
ar na heascain a bh s a chaitheamh by the curses he was letting out
in ineacht leis na mangair along with the peddlars
faoin ngabha about the smith
ag cur caoi repairing
ina ghtar in need
thapaigh a chois de bheagn his foot quickened slightly
giolla an Choliste the College attendant
an it fholaigh the hiding place
Bh s as anil. He was out of breath.
214 do thuairisc a chur to ask for you
Go soirbh Dia dhuit May God make it easy for you
215 Bh imn breise air. He had additional worry.
fin a bhuaradh worry himself
le ruda nach g a tharldh with things that might not happen
ar chathaoir shgin on a straw chair
ag n soith i dtobn washing dishes in the tub
ag fuint arin le bcil kneading bread for baking
cinge bheag igin some small narrowness
Bfhaoiseamh choirp agus intinne It was a physical and mental relief
ciarsr pca pocket tissue
ar bhrilln bna na leapa on the white bedsheets
in aice leis an bpluid de ghlas na beside the homespun blanket
caorach
ina burla in a bundle
216 ag dul in aois getting older
i bpeannaireacht dhubh nata in neat, black penmanship
Sala cruinn dearg A precise, red seal
for de dhuine a figure of a person
mtar ar a cheann a mitre on his head
bachall i lmh amhin a staff in one hand
ba chosil it seemed
i rnscrbhinn in secret writing
chomh dcha lena mhalairt as likely as not
217 na huachtarin eaglasta ecclesiastical presidents

218 22 An Clca Dearg

bodh is nrbh annamh leis even though it wasnt unusual for him
fear gaoil a relative
card a bh roimhe what was ahead of him
clanng fhionn ag titim le taobh blonde locks falling to the side of his
a chlr adain forehead
an fhinne the fairness
219 chaithfeadh s foighneamh hed have to be patient
a leag an chinniint air that fate bestowed upon him
Bgnach soilbhir oibleagideach Lcs was a pleasant, obliging youth
Lcs
drochstaid na tre the bad state of the country
 igiall na nGael irrationality of the Irish
an chogaocht a bhain de a bheirt mhac the warfare that took from him his two
sons
bh a chro ina bhal ag Marcas Marcas was terrified
220 spga Lcis Lcs big feet
leagan cainte a turn of phrase
Dul go Flndras Going to Flanders
seafid igin mar sin some nonsense like that
faoi scth na mBrithre protected by the Brothers
ag triom na soitheach drying the dishes
athr saoil change of life
an t ab ansa leo ar domhan the one they loved most in the world
bh a sith imn orthu they were full of worry
go grod suddenly
gruaig scinte bhn thin, white hair
aghaidh bheag dhlsach a small, sorrowful face
221 ag riteach bil d preparing meals for him
ag ciri a leapa making his bed
ths deireadh from start to finish
Ghearr s anuas ar go leor He shortened a lot of it
an droch-de the abuse
nor luaigh s ar chor ar bith he didnt mention at all
Bionadh leis It surprised him
Norbh fhada deora shile Lcis Tears werent far from Lcs eyes
bh meidhir ar a Dhaideo his Daideo was happy
Bh an gnthchantal curtha de aige. He had abandoned the usual
petulance.
222 comhartha trua a sign of pity
bh cruit anois air he was hunched now
citn dghorm flainn a small, navy flannel coat
pluca dearga red cheeks
dlaoign liath a little wisp of grey (hair)
a chosaint go dt seo ar achrann an to protect him up until this from lifes
tsaoil mhir strife
lon a chro le huaigneas do-inste. his heart filled with untold loneliness
Ba lag iad. They were weak.
223 i mbinn a nprin on the edge of her apron
bh mise stromptha I was stiffened
tamla gan dochar a harmless fumbler
224 Rinne Lcs gearradh anuas ar an Lcs reduced the gloominess.
duairceas.
Futh! Faugh!
p ainm at air whatever hes called
a chuir a leithid chugat who sent you such a thing
chomh headroom le sol caisearbhin as light as a dandelion seed
pca beag scaoilte a small, loose pocket
Dfhill Lcs taobh amhin den litir siar Lcs turned one side of the letter
back
a laghad a bh ann how little was there
225 le seanbhlas with contempt
ag lorg an bhriathair looking for the verb
ag faire amach don ochslaoch watching out for the ablative
ag danamh linn studying
ag fstril fidgeting
Bh s trom cluthar It was heavy and warm
ghuaill go barraicn from shoulders to toes
226 fithim nos fearr a better hem
straois go cluas a grin to his ears
mo rogha my choice
de ripir uile an t of all the rapiers in the house
mar cheanna stuama gustalach as a wealthy, prudent merchant
millte ag a sheanathair spoiled by his grandfather
227 chomh ciontach as guilty
Baduain an radharc It was an unfamiliar sight
i mbridn glas gaelach in green, Irish tweed
an uair fhnach the occasional time
claomh cogaidh war sword
bairn arin a loaf of bread
a sheanamadin you old fool
228 i gcuid ochtair na cistine in the lower part of the kitchen

229 23 An Comhra
almir mr darach a big, oak wall-cupboard
agus scaraoid uirthi de shrl bridnithe with a bedspread of dark red,
ddhearg embroidered satin on it
iarsma de shaol psta a sheanathar remnants of his grandfathers married
life
sularbh ann do Lcs before Lcs was born (literally,
before Lcs was there)
ceannbheart bn soda a silk, white head-dress
bh comhra mr there was a big chest
i ndiaidh bhs a chlann mhac after the death of his sons
a bh ina bhaintreach who was a widower
den chuid chun tosaigh of the part at the front
ar cholbha na leapa on the ledge of the bed
230 gurb an fhrinne that it was the truth
Go gcoinn Dia n teach iad May God keep them from the house
leac na fuinneoige the window-sill
Rug s ar chorr na leice He grabbed the edge of the sill
saobhadh intinne igin some distraction of the mind
231 an leac aolchloiche the limestone sill
ar an taobh amuigh on the outer side
sps folamh an empty space
pr fillte a bent parchment
eochair throm a heavy key
Ceathr na gCaorach Carrownageeragh (Roscommon)
faoin ngn about the business
T tuiscint shollnta eadrainn There is a solemn understanding
 between us
An t-aon rud at dom choinneil siar The one thing holding me back
N bac muidne. Dont mind us.
232 strapa iarainn iron straps
sa ghlas trom iarainn in the heavy, iron lock
gliogram toll miotalach a hollow, metallic clatter
agus scaoil and released
an barr tiubh adhmaid the thick, wood top
Sliocht ardrthe ireann muidne. We are descendants of the high kings
of Ireland.
an nathn agus an mrtas cine a ghabh the adage and the high spirits that
leis went with it
Ba Bhrianach ar dts He was a Brien, first and foremost
cib n a shleamar whatever we thought
a chuid modhanna nuaminte his new teaching methodologies
233 beartn litreacha parcels of letters
An conradh The contract
Lon an sparn cro a dhearnan The purse filled the heart of his palm
t seasamh againne chomh maith le we have a position the same as anyone
dream
lnadach chomh geal le sneachta linen as white as snow
234 scoth an fhona the best of wine
an tad ceangail the rope tie
chlaon beagn tilted it slightly
dortadh amach spill out
doleir Spinneacha Spannish dollars
seacain sequins
clirseacha na hireann Irish harps
sabhrain Shasanacha English sovereignty
cuid d thuarastal some of his salary
spr do mhthar your mothers dowry
ag glioscarnach glittering
in ainneoin in spite of
teimheal na mblianta the darkness of the years
235 litir chreidmheasa a letter of credit
agus chuir faoi ghlas and locked it
Ba lir a aois ar gach uile chor His age was evident in every turn
nl aon seans ag aon Ghaeilge ann ach there is no chance of having Irish there
oiread is at ag slimn sneachta ar no more than there is of seeing snow
leacracha ifrinn on the flat stones of hell
sna sla iontu in their heels
236 Thinig deoir lena shil. A tear came to his eye.
ag fnamh dinn at our service
Ainneoin an tsearis In spite of the sarcasm
ar a chompord at ease
imn agus achrann an lae worry and strife of the day
boladh na cainninne the smell of leek
ag dul i gcion air effecting him
a chuirfeadh an uaisleacht agus ar that would make nobility and all its
 ghabh li ar a chumas trimmings available to him
gan trcht ar not to mention
237 cnagadh lidir tobann a sudden, strong knocking

238 24 Tthar chugainn

buille a dhiseodh na deamhain as a knock that would wake the devil in
Ifreann hell
arsa Marcas agus sceoin air said Marcas, full of fear
Tthar chugainn. Theyre coming towards us.
moill a chur leo slow them down
Pionsireacht aigne Fencing of the mind
N raibh aon al i gceist There was no escape
239 monr cainte the hum of talk
sa pholl folaigh in the hiding hole
Thosaigh an scaoll ag bagairt ars Panic began to threaten again
shothlaigh s ars it settled again
na boinn ar fad all the coins
240 do diarraidhsa looking for you
ar fnamh well
barr a ghline the tops of his knees
lig menfach yawned
an paiste dearg the red patch
241 Drma frinneach True story
r-aisteach very strange
a ghruaig in aimhridh his hair tangled
dreach dhuairc a gloomy expression
a gruaig ina slaoda her hair flowing
reoite le faitos frozen with fear
corcn an bhile the pot of the meal
muscaed choinneil suas holding up a musket/rifle
an captaen ceannan canna the very same captain
242 n mar ba chuimhin leis than he remembered
nos gire agus nos crula sharper and harder
d dtiocfadh an cr ar an tairne if push came to shove
243 ag cur as d annoying him
rinne magadh leamh mocked him weakly
Bh bagairt ghrnna sa tost. There was a horrible threat in the
silence.
244 Nor fhad s. He couldnt.
ag ligean osna as letting out a sigh
fi m bh an blas beagn coimhthoch even if the accent was slightly foreign
mar chomhartha buochais as a sign of gratitude
scaoil cnaipe bairr released/opened the top button
beag beann ar an gcomhluadar oblivious to the company
ag bacadh fogha hindering an attack
245 cluiche grnna cat agus luchig a horrible game of cat and mouse
an t-ionsa ceart the proper attack
sa cheathr acu fin in their own quarters
246 le daoine a ghabhil to capture people
 na truin bhochta sin those poor, wretched creatures
na Gidaigh the Jews
247 fear a bh ar t a man who was about to
le crb amhin with one claw
le haireachtil could be felt
go rithimiil rhythmically
cos ar bolg repression
a raibh idir mhaith is olc ina measc which had both good and bad amongst
them
248 leithid an Chaptaein the likes of the Captain
lasracha bu na tine amhin only the yellow flames of the fire
le spalpadh Sax-Bharla an Chaptaein with the Captain erupting in Sax-
English
rud a bh anaisteach go deo something that was very, very strange
cam crooked
249 Dairigh Lcs nos m n riamh Lcs was more aware than ever
lnfheistithe fully dressed
do mhthair theanga your mother tongue
moladh an Chaptaein the Captains suggestion
Sile dorcha soghonta. Dark, vulnerable eyes
an mhacntacht, an t-ionraiceas the honesty, the unquestioning honesty
neamhcheistitheach
250 aithghin U Dhorchaigh someone like Dorchaigh
titim i laige faint
Lb s a ghlna. He swung his knees.
Ba chita It was an ingenious trick
bealach eile oscailte amach roimhe another way opened before him
bealach a rachadh chun leas gach uile a way that would benefit every single
dhuine person
251 an t-argna mr the big arguer
a thoirt mhr his big shape
ridh le plascadh ready to explode
faoi seach in turn
252 Bh Lcs sinnithe. Lcs was cornered.
253 ar cholainn toirtiil at the sizeable body
ll mr smhar a big, juicy apple
i bhfaiscen ceirtlise in a cider press
n fhadfadh s go raibh aon bhaint it couldnt be that I had anything to do
agamsa leis with it
i ndeireadh an feide at the end of his thether
gur chomhrac aonair a bh ann that it was a duel
nl tuairim agam I have no idea
Go mfhortnach Unfortunately
go dlsach sorrowfully
254 Bh dul am orm. I was mistaken.
spraic eile a chur air reprimand him more
agus a sciobhtha a dhanfadh is ea ab and the faster it was done the better
fhearr
Smid s ar Lcs He nodded at Lcs
 Dfhill [He] folded it
nuair a bh an dch triomaithe when the ink had dried
le geitse mr limhe with a big hand gesture
255 t a theagasc teach you
tar is an rogha a bh aige a mhe after balancing the choice he had
made
Chas s ar a shil He turned on his heel
Gaol i bhfad amach A far-removed relative
256 arn caiscn, agus cainneann brown bread and leek
Ba spleodrach an comhluadar iad They were cheerful company
an mhaidin dar gcionn the following morning
an fhuil the sewing
Seanchuntas ginealaigh a bh ann It was an old genealogical account
deich nglin ten generations
ar de chraobh igin de Bhrianaigh Inse who belonged to some branch of the
Chuinn OBriens of Inchiquin (County Clare)
an gabhltas the occupancy / the holding
an chipis the document
257 sliocht U Bhriain the descendants of the OBriens
bailithe li a chodladh she had taken herself off to sleep
in am soip time for bed (on straw bedding)
sml dearg deirigh na tine the last, red embers of the fire
agus thosaigh coigilt and started raking (the embers)
ag ir agus ag sli rising and falling
agus dhrigh fin le dua and straightened himself with
difficulty
meall liath de thine choigilte a grey mass of raked embers
258 Ainneoin a darsa a bh s In spite of how authoritative he was
Ainneoin a darsa a bh s, agus Despite how authoritative and
a thiornta tyrannical he was
gan tacaocht gan treoir without support or direction
rasnaocht gheal shibhialta an the civil, bright reasoning of this
Chaptaein dea-mhiniil seo kindly Captain
saint na taln the greed for the land
dfhiscf he would be squeezed
igse Ghaeilge an Fhile the Poets Irish poetry
259 Nor le Lcs ab fhaill . Lcs didnt let the opportunity pass.
Andromeda a ndiongabhla their equal Andromeda
Is a bh buoch He was grateful
faoi na brilln under the sheets
an tseanphluid the old blanket
an fhuinneog ornideach the ornate window

260 25 An Spir os cionn Tr an Leoin

Bh goimh in aer clapshoilseach na There was venom in the twilight air of
maidine morning
an diblad dubh the black doublet (a snug-fitting
jacket)
tris gearr go glna short pants to his knees
 an t-uachtar ard fillte sos the high part folded down
ceangailte thar a chliabhrach tied around his chest
faoi chaol a dhroma under the small of his back
i bposa lnadaigh in a piece of linen
an scleondar the excitement
bh s dofheicthe he was invisible
gan fhios do bhairdir na cathrach unknown to the warders of the city
261 ina sheilbh aige in his possession
Goin ripir go cro A rapier wound to the heart
nach bhfuil aon choinne aige leis who doesnt expect it
Gnomh neamhscrupallach An unscrupulous action
na seanchaptaein loinge the old boat captains
lena gcuid cnacha with their taxes
262 Lean Lcs d smaointe fin. Lcs continued with his own
thoughts.
a bhonn a chur to trip him up
ach nr mhrn . but not very well (literally, but it
wasnt much)
ag dul thar brid going past
i gcogar in a whisper
Ainneoin nach raibh fonn d laghad air, Even though he had no desire to,
stop Lcs. Lcs stopped.
Bh an spir ag gealadh The sky was brightening
i lr bhr agus ghleo an tslua in the middle of the pushing and noise
of the crowd
faoi raon a shl within eyeshot
263 aniar as Maigh Cuillinn from Moycullen in the west
seith ainmhithe animal hides
fin a fhgairt advertise himself
Dfhair s He watched
le hanlaith chlis i gcliabhin acu with poultry in cages
ranganna sicn marbha lomtha bna lines of white, plucked, dead
crochta as sparra chickens hung from a bar
pilsir pilchards (ie. sardines)
maothal beestings
gruth curds
fir ghroda abrupt men
a smaoiseachin you sniveller
barr mo bhrige suas poll do thna the top of my shoe up your ass
corrdhuine agus muc ceangailte ar iall the odd person with a pig tied on a
aige leash
fstar an tslua the fuss of the crowd
amhail is go raibh ciall d chuid fin as if it had a mind of its own
264 trost trom na maid darach the heavy noise of the oak sticks
goscn seal na gcomhla the low creaking of the door-leaves
mar a bheadh longa i lr taoide an tslua like boats in the middle of the tide
of the crowd
ag cabaireacht chin-wagging
teacht an Charghais with the coming of Lent
 faoi shile na ndoirseoir under the eyes of the door-keeper
oiread canna ama the same amount of time
gan focal as ceachtar acu without a word from either of them
265 taistealaithe eile other travellers
n haon chosaint sin thats no defence
N bodh leisce ar bith ort Dont be reluctant
go tran strong
Ba ghearr go mbeadh an ghrian ina su. It wouldnt be long before the sun
would be up.
cisein isc baskets of fish
bhfeisti le balla being moored to the wall
Bh bid eile lucht Another boat was being loaded
266 ar an halmadir at the helm
c a bh chuige who was coming towards him
craicne eile cosil leo other skins like them
N maith n linne We dont like it either
C bhfios? Who knows?
An marcach dubh The black rider
267 Tanam ort. Come on.
greamaithe d chile achar beag stuck to each other for a short time
cib n at amach romhat whatever lies ahead for you
nr chuimhin leis that he didnt recall
droim chromtha a Dhaideo the stooped back of his Grandad
ba bhrn teib it was abstract sadness
a lon a chro de rir a chile that filled his heart gradually
moth gar uaignis a sharp feeling of loneliness
ag brchtal anos welling up
268 buinne fochmhar farraige a fierce sea wave
tonn mhr millteach a huge wave
ar t a bhidn beag neamhsocair fin a about to drown his own unstable
bh boat
os cionn chor an bhalla over the crest of the wall
cruth san fhuinneog a shape in the window
Chraith Isabelle lmh leis ars go Isabelle shook hands with him
fuinniil. again energetically.
ina steille bheatha as large as life
tr shlat uaidh three yards from him
a aghaidh bhlfar bhricneach his beautiful, freckled face
an casadh boilg the stomach-turning
Cuir uait an claomh. Put away the sword.
269 thug fogha faoin bhfear rua en quatre lunged en quatre at the red-haired
man
dochreidte lidir unbelievably strong
ba gheall le galln cloiche he was like a standing stone
Nor bhain ionsa Lcis feacadh as. Lcs attack didnt even cause
him to bend.
Nocht s a dhad bu. He revealed his yellow teeth.
a stcaigh you young fellow
 gan str d laghad with no difficulty at all
270 amhail is nach raibh ann ach cleiteog as if it was nothing but a feather
an dspis acu sa troid very interested in the fight
gur dhianchoimhlint chlaomh that it was an intense sword
competition
Ba dhol suntais an fear g sa chlca The young man in the red cloak
dearg was very noticeable
a raibh an scr go leith bliain aige who was thirty
onir na claimhteoireachta the honour of swordsmanship
dobhogtha immovable
a mhchothroime a bh an troid how unfair the fight was
ar dheic an bhid on the deck of the boat
Bh s tomhaiste go maith It was measured well
bainte den ch taken off from the quay
271 go tigl calmly
claonadh i leataobh lean to the side
A spriosinn You good-for-nothing person
go tarcaisneach contemptuously
ballard iarainn an iron bollard
Ag iarraidh a shaighdeadh Trying to provoke him
oiread sotail that much arrogance
N raibh s tar is a chur san ireamh He hadnt included it
272 dh throigh two feet
bheadh bd U Dhubhin glanta li U Dhbhins boat would be gone
gan choinne without warning
Chrom s go tobann He bent down suddenly
N raibh aon sil ag an bhfear rua The red-haired man was not
expecting
N raibh de rogha aige ach He had no choice but to
as iomln a nirt with all his might

273 26 Ribn
Nor bhaol d He wasnt in danger
a mhacasamhail the like
ar mhaithe leat on your side (literally, for your
good)
go fuadrach frantically
274 ag dalladh a shile blinding his eyes
rinne s scth d shile lena lmh he shaded his eyes with his hand
C nach mbeadh? Who wouldnt be?
An spiaire grnna The horrible spy
ba sciamha most beautiful
Thosaigh an goscn The creaking began
ar sheolta bocideacha of the bellying sails
an uisce olil dorcha the oily, dark water
i dtreo bhal an chuain towards the mouth of the harbour
go gliondrach rmadach gladly and joyously
go hathluath swiftly
275 spuaiceanna agus tranna na cathrach the spires and towers of the city
ag filleadh ar a leaba leaththeola returning to her half warm bed
agus dimigh leis soir dheas and it went towards the south east
agus chuir a thin le gunail and leaned his backside against the
gunwale
Ribn caol dearg A narrow, red ribbon
Cumhra musc A musky fragrance
aghaidh stinsithe an pholta the unyielding face of the pilot
276 Fuar aineoil An unknown cold
idir an d ridhlen tre between the two landmasses
go diamhair eerily
dealaithe thr agus thalamh parted from country and from land
gan aon teorainn lena fairsingeacht with limitless space
ag ard ciumhais an chlca adroim raising the edge of the light, red
dheirg cloak
n namhaid folasach from the obvious enemy