Beneath the weight of the griffin forest trees broke down

Beneath the weight of the griffin forest trees broke down; And now the trusty maiden looked where the bird had flown; Then she herself sought shelter, and left the child forsaken. Hearing a tale so startling, one truly might the whole for a wonder reckon.

The griffin soon alighted, and in his claws he held The little child, gripped tightly, while with fear it quailed. His ghastly mood and anger the bird was harshly showing; This must knights and kinsmen long bewail, with sorrow ever growing.

The boy was sorely frightened, and began aloud to shriek; Higher the mighty griffin flew, with outstretched beak; To the clouds above them floating he his prey was bearing. Sigeband, lord of Ireland, loudly wept, his outcries never sparing.