Chapter 1: Preface #

¹ This, here, is the wonder of Senán, son of Geirrchind.

² Senán was famous saint. One day, as he was praying with Fiadait to defeat the serpent that lived in the lake and was causing harm to the people, the serpent prepared to strike. But Senán made the sign of the cross, and the serpent was stopped. He then commanded that the serpent be bound and thrown into the lake.

³ This is what Aengus said:

⁴ “Senán of Inis Cathaig, hung the serpent of Nárach.”
That is, the serpent was hung by the power of Nárach.

⁵ Senán’s territory reached Nárach.
He spoke to Nárach, saying:
“Do you take everything?”

⁶ Nárach replied:
“I take all, except,” he said, “I do not take the sharp-spoken, nor the severe, nor the harmful words of the hostile.”

⁷ Senán responded:
“I will save you, for you have blessed me, and I will make you a free people.”

Chapter 2: Amra Senáin #

¹ Senán, noble, beloved, peaceful, humble, shining with miracles, follower of righteousness, of good honor, and of God’s order.
That is, he was noble and a spiritual father to the children of Senán. Known for his humility, he was just, righteous before all, observant of God’s laws, and obedient to His commands.

² Under the moonlight, shining over the land with joy.
Upon him many miracles were worked. Shining like the moon, his deeds were radiant, carried out with strength, deep faith, and great miracles.

³ The great deeds of Christ were done for the people of His kingdom.
That is, the great deeds were performed for Christ with His people, to establish the Kingdom of God and spread His word.

⁴ Every miracle he did with the ministers of the church, spreading wisdom throughout all lands.
In every task and deed, he triumphed, spreading righteousness and wisdom with all his people.

⁵ A noble one who was in his fleshly body was imprisoned. Without love, he endured suffering. This son of Geirrchind served as a servant of God, working in devotion to God. His face was as radiant as the sun.

⁶ He purified tears to holiness and peace, so that rest might come. A radiant one who brought eternal peace—this was Senán of Cathaig, a valiant champion.
That is, his purity surpassed even the clearest tears. He calmed strife and brought stillness to it, achieving righteous labor and enduring trials on the island.

⁷ Beautiful, lofty, noble, and wondrous is the order from which he comes, akin to the archangels in the white fields of the righteous.
That is, his order is beautiful and exalted, a wondrous dignity. His great name or noble soul is among the archangels and the heights of the saints in the fields of the just, which shine like light.

⁸ He has demonstrated honor and esteem that surpasses all worldly gold, no matter how polished or refined.
That is, his honor is evident and his esteem well-earned. He preferred it above all gold, even when perfected or refined. His great reward is heaven, a result of his devotion.

⁹ Great is the one of the Dubthach lineage, steadfast and valiant. He has helped my eyes with bright aid, for his praise and greatness.
That is, great was the one from the descendants of Dubthach, steadfast in support and defense, who provided bright aid to my eyes, as fitting for his renown and honor.

¹⁰ May my sight remain with me! May it be the foundation of a kingdom! My vision is drawn to heights, studying all radiance, with nothing above it that could overshadow its brilliance.
That is, let my vision remain clear and serve as the root of royal insight, gazing upon all that is excellent and luminous, undimmed by anything beneath the heavens.

¹¹ I have not endured blindness or weakness, though troubles struck. With wounds of fear upon my shins, they appeared as if lasting.
That is, I have not succumbed to blindness or infirmity. Despite painful sores of terror upon my legs, it is with them that blows strike, yet they heal.

¹² A luminous path, a dispelling of darkness, in the fair territories where the holy name of the chaste and noble Senán is proclaimed.
That is, his name shines in the fair regions of his headland, and it remains exalted as that of the pure Senán, whose nobility is enduring.

¹³ Beautiful is the manifestation that dispelled the darkness and blindness from me. What was near to me, my torment, has become far. What was far, my aid, is now close.
That is, the brilliance of Senán’s intercession dispelled the shadow of blindness. What tormented me has departed, and what aids me has drawn near, bringing joy.

¹⁴ My vision has been cleansed, and all that obscured it has been removed. Where once my sight was dim and gray, there is now brightness, free from shadow, by the grace of God.
That is, when my blindness was healed, the dimness of my mind lifted. My understanding, once dull, is now radiant, without any shadow to obscure it.

¹⁵ The Lord of truth and righteousness has helped me, the mighty sovereign of the three households—heaven, earth, and hell.
Senán, the holy one, reigns with Christ, for whom there is neither toil nor age.

Chapter 3: Epilogue #

¹ God restored Dallán’s eyes until his death, for the honor and praise of Senán’s glorious and noble deeds. Heaven and the healing of sight were promised to those who keep this holy Senán in both body and spirit.

² The purity of this holy hymn, more numerous than grass or forest hair, reflects the sanctity of Senán. No bitterness shall be present in this life or the next for those who are with him.

³ The end.