Domnal Spanne’ach
(fl. 1580-1610)
i.
That Domnal Spanne’ach,
He was a rogue,
(Although a charming one, at times!),
Who in the days
Of Good Queen Bess and James —
The First of England’s, Sixth of Scotland’s realm —
Tormented those rich landlords who
Lived within the Wexford County.
He ranged far and wide
Throughout the countryside
Of Enniscorthy, Buncloday Town,
Coolmela and beyond
In search of plunder where it might be found.
ii.
Six times he was compelled to yield
His sword to those Trained Bands
That sought to end his banditry.
Six times,
With charming deferential art,
Smooth-Blarneying his captors in a way
That’s found only in Anglo-Irish politics —
Both then and now —
He talked his way to liberty again,
(Twice with a Royal Pension in his purse!),
By promising to cease his depredative raids.
Six times he just as charmingly
Resumed his operations to harrass
The English and those Irish who sided with them
To serve what he considered as a foreign interest.
For more than thirty years he played
These tricks until old age persuaded
Him to stop.
iii.
He died, soon afterwards,
In peaceful liberty —
Though grieved, perhaps, that he
Had no more strength to wield his sword! —
The cunning exemplar of many more
Exasperating, eloquent freebooters who,
Throughout the history of Ireland,
Have painted that green countryside with red
Of blood and black of smoke
In quest for liberty and wealth.
iv.
Seen from the distance
Of almost four hundred years, Domnal seems
Epitome of countless reckless, feckless rogues —
Intelligent, courageous heroes — who populate
Adventure-novels writ for our delight;
Although I’m sure that when,
Those centuries ago,
(Armed to the teeth, supported by his band
Of warlike brigands mounted on mettlesome
Tall horses), he unexpectedly appeared
At your doorway,
You showed him your respect and deference —
Whilst he relieved you of your gold and silver,
Food, animals and anything
That took his fancy —
Lest he let loose his followers against
Your household,
To set hot torch-flames to your buildings,
Kill your retainers, your family and you;
His dark eyes glowing as another
Stubborn foreigner was humbled,
Ruined or destroyed,
By his implacable desire
To free his native land from foreign influence!.
(Discretion sometimes is more sensible,
When you are far outnumbered,
Than confrontational belligerence).
v.
During the reigns of God Queen Bess
And James the First
This chieftain, Domnal Spanne’ach,
Defied the forces of the Crown for decades
Yet earned profound respect
For chivalry and politic facility.
He was, indeed, a rogue;
But as a patriot — who fought against
Almost impossibly high odds
With courage, skill and charm
Until old age brought rest
To his strong arm —
He merits praise and interest!.
