The Red Branch

When I was young and virileWith witches I would runWhen Cathbad took my arm and said:"Don't stare into the sun, boyDon't stare into the sunThe fire will burn your eyes boyDon't stare into the sun"So I was bound upon the wallsInside the burial moundFor three long days and three long nightsI didn't see the sun, noI didn't see the sunThe darkness cloaked my eyesAnd I couldn't see the sunAnd then they lifted the stoneAnd Cathbad rose from his throneA branch of red had stung the eyes ofHeroes he had knownA shaft of shimmering lightThat burned my eyes with its mightCame piercing through the hole upon the roofAt winter's heightAnd so the round hall took me inWarped warriors everyoneA hero-harness worn by allWe fought beneath the sun, yesWe fought beneath the sunThe fire burned our backs as weFought beneath the sunI soon decided to strideAcross a river so wideTo a hut upon the far shore of theKing's own chosen brideShe took me into her lairWe rolled like thunder in thereBut after several visits the King's guardsBecame awareThey broke down the doorAnd stepped in the roomAnd found us together in her bedThey chained me outsideBefore I could hideAnd told me the King would have my headI gathered my strengthTo pull at the chainsAnd slowly the pole began to riseUp out of the ground, not even a soundI broke away fast as lightningNow I run across the plainsMy fortune is my baneI've nowhere left to hideI'm trembling insideI pray to Mother earthTo offer me rebirthBut bad tastes in my mouthTurn all my footsteps southWhere Drunes abuse her powerAnd turn her soil sourIs where I have to goWith Crom Cruach from belowAnd Carnun from aboveI've wasted all for loveBut when the King is deadI'll go back to my tribeAnd claim my rightful bride