Alban Eilir
(Hertha's Day)


HIGH PRIESTESS: Bright is the morning
                              As the sun rises over the stone.
                              The air is full of bird song
                              And every heart is merry.

                              (Pause)

                              A hush falls upon all
                              A sigh as if it were a gentle wind
                               Ah---
                          (Draw out the sound as if it were a sigh)

                              It is a wondrous thing!
                              It is an awesome event!

                               (Pause)

            MEMBERS: Lady! Tell us please!
                               What is this event so awesome?!
                              What is this that stirs
                               The hearts of men,
                              And all nature, so?

HIGH PRIESTESS: Look! See!
                                And hearken now to me!
                                There by Coventina's Well
                                The Mother has given birth
                                To Her Golden Son!
                                Ah ---
                    (Draw out the sound)

                                (Pause)

                                Look! See!
                                Hearken now to me!
                                Out of the air
                               Descend three stately cranes;
                               Grey Ladies three,
                               All wise, and regal.

                               (Pause)

                               Look! See!
                               They bow to the Mother
                               And they bow to the Son.
                               The Mother bows to the Ladies
                               And so does Her Golden One.

           MEMBERS: Lady, then so shall we!
                               We bow to the Mother and Her Son,
                               And we bow to the Grey Ladies three,
                               I bow to you, Lady,
                               And you bow to me!
                               I bow to you, Lady,
                               And you bow to me!

Note: A dance begins in which the members bow to each other. The Great Feast follows.