Tale the Second

Of how their stay was ended I will speak no longer here; Now I tell you further of the rushing flight in the air, That the child with the angry griffin far away was bearing. For this his friends and kinsmen long in their hearts were heavy sorrow wearing.

Because the Lord so willed it the child was not yet dead; But, none the less, he later a life of sadness led, After the harsh old griffin back to his nestlings bore him. When on their prey they gloated, hard toil enough the boy had now before him.

Soon as the bird that bore him did on his nest alight, He dropped the boy he carried, and in his claws held tight; One of the young ones caught him: that he did not devour him Thanks to God thereafter were given, far and wide, for the watch kept o’er him.

Else the birds had slain him, and with their claws had torn. Now listen all with wonder, and his bitter sorrow learn: Hear how the king of Ireland then from death was shielded; Him a young bird now carried, strongly clutched, and naught of his grip he yielded.