"And such the custom that thy people plead: For when of old the deathless Lord of Life Dagda came forth, and knew the immortal need That burned within his heart, he took to wife Dana the Mother of all human seed. In her his breath found music and a name. In her his fire has blossomed into flame.
"Throughout the world that fire and music run One sings within the maiden's wondering heart: One stirs the veins of manhood, as the sun Sets the spring's fingers thrilling with the smart Of keen, ecstatic life that's but begun. In every seed that breaks and wind that blows, Each in the other seeks and finds repose.
"Wherefore, O King, since thou art yet unwed, And thus in kingship standest incomplete, Unfurnished in thy heart, from whence are fed The streams of power and wisdom, it is not meet That unto thee thy people bow the head, And here thy sovereignty with tribute own Till thou hast set a Queen upon thy throne."
He ceased, and all the faces of the crowd Shone with the light that kindles when the boon Of speech has eased the heart; as when a cloud Falls from the labouring shoulder of the moon, And all the world stands smiling silver-browed. King Eochaidh for a moment bent his head In thought; then smiling he arose and said:
"I am not careless of the ancient need That moves your minds. Within my own it moves Like a long-hidden, unforgotten seed The spring has touched uneasily: like hooves Long captive, when the trumpet has decreed A royal pilgrimage, and in the liss They dance to taste the highway's ringing bliss.
"So have I watched for that sure sign that fills The horn of fate, that bending this our realm Unto the Will that works behind our wills, It may remain; as when storms overwhelm, And leafy spray whirls over the roaring hills, The swaying pine bends as the storm wars by, And lives to shake proud arms against the sky.
"But now the horn is full, the hour is here. Our wills as one move onward to their end. Here now I lift on high the royal spear, And thus through Erin proclamation send: 'Search for the promised maiden far and near Whom the high Gods have destined at my side To reign.' Go forth. The King awaits his bride.
"She shall be found in some most quiet place Where Beauty sits all day beside her knee And looks with happy envy on her face; Where Virtue blushes, her own guilt to see, And Grace learns new, sweet meanings from her grace; Where all that ever was or will be wise Pales at the burning wisdom of her eyes.