The Appalachian Muse

King and Poet of Cashel, AD 836-908
Cormac Mac Cuileannain

I was a listener in the woods
I was a gazer at the stars
I was not blind where secrets were concerned
I was silent in a wilderness
I was talkative among many
I was mild in the mead-hall
I was stern in battle
I was gentle towards allies
I was a physician of the sick
I was weak towards the feeble
I was strong towards the powerful
I was not parsimonious lest I should be burdensome
I was not arrogant though I was wise
I was not given to vain promises though I was strong
I was not unsafe though I was swift
I did not deride the old though I was young
I was not boastful though I was a good fighter
I would not speak about any one in their absence
I would not reproach, but I would praise
I would not ask, but I would give.