[antir-heralds] poem for Ciaran

[Ursula Georges]

Ciaran's many talents included a solid classical education.  This is a 
Latin poem I wrote for him, modelled on the "epitaphs" or memorial poems 
of Venantius Fortunatus.

***

Epitaphium

Omnes surgimus e terra, atque omnes in terram
      almam aeque soli nos iterum venimus.
Quomodo vox magnissima laudum nunc silet?  Eheu!
      Quam constantem, doctum, Ciaranum ante diem
doctorem et artis sollertem cantus fidumque
      et semper generosum!  Atra corona Leonis
commutavit; nomina mutaverunt regum;
      atque minister, caducea candida tunc
saepe gerens, Ciaranus mansit, dicens vera audax
      et clare, numquam hostilia probra timens.

Epitaph

We all arise from earth, and all of us, equally alone,
     return to the nourishing earth again.
How is the greatest voice of praise now silent?  Alas!
      Before that day, how constant was Ciaran, how learned,
a teacher, skilled in the art of song, faithful,
      and always generous!  The sable crown of the Lion
changed; the names of kings changed;
      and as their servant, often then bearing the white heralds' staffs,
Ciaran remained, speaking truth bold
      and clearly, never fearing hostile reproach.

***

Ursula filia Georgii.