Canto IV

Canto IV

Now after Perlise and Brandur’s return, the men of Carolman rose,
And using the old magics they spoke this curse upon all their foes,
“When the world was firm with courage, and evil’s doom was neigh,
When the sorcerers of Carolman, had caused all the wyrms to die,
When the darkness was destroyed, and the world all filled with light,
In the secret glades of Tara, the woodsmen kept alive the blight,
And from this one small ember, fire shall consume the land,
And from this last abomination, shall all bow to evil’s hand.
And from this last desperate move, things have now been placed into motion,
So men of Tara’s green wooded hills, now pay for your devotion.
And woods as well, you evergreen castles, your part was also seen,
You forest of Tara that aided darkness, and thought yourselves so keen.
The glade and vale, the leafy heights, all of Tara’s trees now listen,
For this curse concerns you as well and with magic you too will glisten.
Man to tree, root to foot, head to bough as well
To each other be now bound, to pay for all your deeds most foul,
From this day forth be ye known as the men of trees, the Dray.
And so shall you and your descendants remain, this curse we now do lay,
But to honor only the great King, in whose service Brandur strove,
By marriage to his sons alone may your daughters leave their groves,
But you, oh man, who served the beast, your fate shall be far worse,
For upon you all of Carolman lay this most powerful curse,
Be now bound, unto your master, just as one of the Dray,
Madness will come on quickly as darkness guides your way.
Where ever you go your presence will cause foul blessings to reign,
And whomever you touch will also be cursed to feel unbearable pain.
Progeny will recall you with much horror and with great infamy,
Because destruction and destruction alone will be your legacy.”