THE CRUCIFIXION At the cry of the first bird They began to crucify Thee, O Swan! Never shall lament cease because of that, It was like the parting of day from night. Ah, sore was the suffering borne By the body of Mary's Son, But sorer still to Him was the grief Which for His sake Came upon His mother. -- Anonymous, 12th century. Found on a margin in the "Leabhar Breac," or "Speckled Book." Translated by Howard Mumford JONES. (1000 Years of Irish Poetry," ed. K. HOAGLAND (1947/1975).