Any plans for invasion were over-ruled by Henry’s mother, the Emperess Matilda, and further scuppered by problems within the Plantagenet lands. Twelve years later however, a struggle between Diarmuid Mac Murchadha Ui Chennselaig, King of Laighin and Dubhlinn, and the High King of Éire and King of Connacht, Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair, did awaken Henry’s designs for conquest once again.


Charged with the most pressing of tasks
We journey far from Laighin’s shore
In search of aid for my Righ’s cause
From he who styles himself King of the English.
The second Henry, great grandson of the bastard
Who wormed his way across the English channel
Deposing the Saxon (who were) weakened by Danes.
Old habits die hard…..landgrabbers.

So what be our fate. Vanquished of Victors.
Wolves gnaw at our heels so we ask the help of Lions.

To Wales where did begin our search.
To Fitzharding, De Barra and the Fleming.
O’er the March to the English plain – Saxon under the Gall Glassa’s yoke.
In London we’re told he be in France fighting to hold his third of that land.
Another voyage across the channel. Before the Saxon they deposed the French.

So what be our fate. Vanquished of Victors.
Wolves gnaw at our heels so we ask the help of Lions.
But to who will they turn when the wolves are gone?
Frank, Saxon, Scot and Welsh – In their fate I feel the answer.

Many days of travel by horse and foot through a land rich ev’n in the poverty of war
‘Till finnaly with the King of the English was my Righ granted an audience.

The Gall be strange, slaves to ceremony, all restrained – cold if you will.
Cruel, calculating but fierce in war. Is our fate to follow the Saxon and Frank?

Henry grants permission for troops to be gathered by my King in his name
By royal writ and we return to Britain.

So what be our fate. Vanquished of Victors.
Wolves gnaw at our heels so we ask the help of Lions.
But to who will they turn when the wolves are gone?
Frank, Saxon, Scot and Welsh – In their fate I feel the answer.