the journey.....

I was a listener on 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 physician of the sick,
I was weak towards the powerful,
I was not parsimonious lest I should be burdensome,
I was not arrogant though I was wise,
I was not given 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 thier absence,
I would not reproach, but I would praise,
I would not ask, but I would give.

Cormac Mac CuileannáinKing and Poet of Cashel, AD 836-903