Aine

Maidens light their Beltane torches

And up the hill they chant and sing

'Till they meet Aine at the summit

Rejoicing in Her magick ring.

*

"Come ye maidens, come with me,

Come with me and have no fear

Step with me into this circle

And see the fairies dancing here!"

*

The maidens stepped into the circle

Beguiled by the fairies' charms

And the Goddess in her silver girdle

With about her brow a crown of stars.

*

"I am beloved of man and king

They come forth My hand to claim

But he who forced a love on Me

Was swiftly by My magick slain!"

*

"Maidens take my warning here,

Listen well ere you depart

Delight the men who claim your hands

But only if they have your hearts!"

*

The goddess faded from the hill

The maidens in the circle stood

'Till all the silent night was still

And the fairies danced into the wood.

*

They walked back into the valley

Breathing deep the enchanted air

That blessed Beltane in Knockainy

Where they met the goddess fair.