eep from sight--
Fine manners in the most misfeatured wight;
Fine shapes of art by servile fingers moulded;
Fine wisdom from a cripple's brain unfolded.

Three fewnesses that better are than plenty:
A fewness of fine words--but one in twenty;
A fewness of milch cows, when grass is shrinking;
Fewness of friends when beer is best for drinking.

Three worst of snares upon a Chieftain's way:
Sloth, treachery, and evil counsel they!

Three ruins of a tribe to west or east:
A lying Chief, false Brehon, lustful Priest.

The rudest three of all the sons of earth:
A youngster of an old man making mirth;
A strong man at a sick man poking fun;
A wise man gibing at a foolish one.

Three signs that show a fop: the comb-track on his hair;
The track of his nice teeth upon his nibbled fare;
His cane-track on the dust, oft as he takes the air.

Three sparks that light the fire of love are these--
Glamour of face, and grace, and speech of ease.

Three steadinesses of wise womanhood--
steady tongue through evil, as through good;
A steady chastity, whoso else shall stray;
Steady house service, all and every day.

Three sounds of increase: kine that low,
When milk unto their calves they owe;
The hammer on the anvil's brow,
The pleasant swishing of the plough.

Three sisters false: I would! I might! I may!
Three fearful brothers: Hearken! Hush! and Stay!

Three coffers of a depth unknown
Are his who occupies the throne,
The Church's, and the privileged Poet's own.

Three glories of a gathering free from strife--
Swift hound, proud steed, and beautiful young wife.

The world's three laughing-stocks (be warned and wiser!)--
An angry man, a jealoused, and a miser.

Three powers advantaging a Chieftain most
Are Peace and Justice and an Armed Host.

Lays of the Irish Saints

ST. PATRICK'S BLESSING ON MUNSTER

(From the Early Irish)

Blessing from the Lord on High
Over Munster fall and lie;
To her sons and daughters all
Choicest blessing still befall;
Fruitful blessing on the soil
That supports her faithful toil.

Blessing full of ruddy health,
Blessing full of every wealth
That her borders furnish forth,
East and west and south and north;
Blessing from the Lord on High
Over Munster fall and lie!

Blessing on her peaks in air,
Blessing on her flagstones bare,
Blessing from her ridges flo