CHAPTERIII
　　THEwomendruids，hisguardians，belongedtohisfather’speople。
　　BovmallwasUail’ssister，and，consequently，Fionn’saunt。Onlysuchablood-tiecouldhaveboundthemtotheclann-Baiscne，foritisnoteasy，havingmovedintheworldofcourtandcamp，togohidewithababyinawood；andtolive，astheymusthavelived，interror。
　　WhatstoriestheywouldhavetoldthechildofthesonsofMorna。
　　OfMornahimself，thehuge-shouldered，stern-eyed，violentConnachtman；andofhissons——youngGollMormacMornainparticular，ashuge-shoulderedashisfather，asfierceintheonset，butmerry-eyedwhentheotherwasgrim，andbubblingwithalaughterthatmademenforgiveevenhisbutcheries。OfCona’nMaelmacMornahisbrother，gruffasabadger，beardedlikeaboar，baldasacrow，andwithatonguethatcouldmanageaninsultwhereanothermanwouldnotfindevenastammer。Hisboastwasthatwhenhesawanopendoorhewentintoit，andwhenhesawacloseddoorhewentintoit。Whenhesawapeacefulmanheinsultedhim，andwhenhemetamanwhowasnotpeacefulheinsultedhim。TherewasGarraDuvmacMorna，andsavageArtOg，whocaredaslittlefortheirownskinsastheydidforthenextman’s，andGarramusthavebeenroughindeedtohaveearnedinthatclanthenameoftheRoughmacMorna。Therewereothers：
　　wildConnachtmenall，asuntameable，asunaccountableastheirownwonderfulcountryside。
　　Fionnwouldhaveheardmuchofthem，anditislikelythatbepractisedonanettleattakingtheheadoffGoll，andthathehuntedasheepfromcoverintheimplacablemannerheintendedlateronforCona’ntheSwearer。
　　ButitisofUailmacBaiscnehewouldhaveheardmost。Withwhatadilationofspirittheladieswouldhavetoldtalesofhim，Fionn’sfather。Howtheirvoiceswouldhavebecomeachantasfeatwasaddedtofeat，glorypiledonglory。Themostfamousofmenandthemostbeautiful；thehardestfighter；theeasiestgiver；thekinglychampion；thechiefoftheFiannanah-Eirinn。
　　Talesofhowhehadbeenway-laidandgotfree；ofhowhehadbeengenerousandgotfree；ofhowhehadbeenangryandwentmarchingwiththespeedofaneagleandthedirectonfallofastorm；whileinfrontandatthesides，angledfromtheprowofhisterrificadvance，werefleeingmultitudeswhodidnotdaretowaitandscarcehadtimetorun。Andofhowatlast，whenthetimecametoquellhim，nothinglessthanthewholemightofIrelandwassufficientforthatgreatdownfall。
　　WemaybesurethatontheseadventuresFionnwaswithhisfather，goingstepforstepwiththelong-stridinghero，andhearteninghimmightily。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　Hewasgivengoodtrainingbythewomeninrunningandleapingandswimming。
　　Oneofthemwouldtakeathornswitchinherhand，andFionnwouldtakeathornswitchinhishand，andeachwouldtrytostriketheotherrunningroundatree。
　　Youhadtogofasttokeepawayfromtheswitchbehind，andasmallboyfeelsaswitch。Fionnwouldrunhisbesttogetawayfromthatpricklystinger，buthowhewouldrunwhenitwashisturntodealthestrokes！
　　Withreasontoo，forhisnurseshadsuddenlygrownimplacable。
　　Theypursuedhimwithasavagerywhichhecouldnotdistinguishfromhatred，andtheyswishedhimwellwhenevertheygotthechance。
　　Fionnlearnedtorun。Afterawhilehecouldbuzzaroundatreelikeamaddenedfly，andoh，thejoy，whenhefelthimselfdrawingfromtheswitchandgainingfrombehindonitsbearer！
　　Howhestrainedandpantedtocatchonthatpursuingpersonandpursueherandgethisownswitchintoaction。
　　Helearnedtojumpbychasingharesinabumpyfield。UpwentthehareandupwentFionn，andawaywiththetwoofthem，hoppingandpoppingacrossthefield。IfthehareturnedwhileFionnwasafterheritwasswitchforFionn；sothatinawhileitdidnotmattertoFionnwhichwaytheharejumpedforhecouldjumpthatwaytoo。Long-ways，sidewaysorbaw-ways，Fionnhoppedwheretheharehopped，andatlasthewastheownerofahopthatanyharewouldgiveanearfor。
　　Hewastaughttoswim，anditmaybethathisheartsankwhenhefrontedthelesson。Thewaterwascold。Itwasdeep。Onecouldseethebottom，leaguesbelow，millionsofmilesbelow。Asmallboymightshiverashestaredintothatwinkandblinkandtwinkofbrownpebblesandmurder。Andtheseimplacablewomenthrewhimin！
　　Perhapshewouldnotgoinatfirst。Hemayhavesmiledatthem，andcoaxed，andhungback。Itwasalegandanarmgrippedthen；
　　aswingforFionn，andoutandawaywithhim；plopandflopforhim；downintochilldeepdeathforhim，andupwithasplutter；
　　withasob；withagraspateverythingthatcaughtnothing；withawildflurry；witharagingdespair；withabubbleandsnortashewashauledagaindown，anddown，anddown，andfoundassuddenlythathehadbeenhauledout。
　　Fionnlearnedtoswimuntilhecouldpopintothewaterlikeanotterandslidethroughitlikeaneel。
　　Heusedtotrytochaseafishthewayhechasedharesinthebumpyfield——butthereareterriblespurtsinafish。Itmaybethatafishcannothop，buthegetsthereinaflash，andheisn’tthereinanother。Upordown，sidewaysorendways，itisallonetoafish。Hegoesandisgone。Hetwiststhiswayanddisappearstheotherway。Heisoveryouwhenheoughttobeunderyou，andheisbitingyourtoewhenyouthoughtyouwerebitinghistail。
　　Youcannotcatchafishbyswimming，butyoucantry，andFionntried。Hegotagrudgingcommendationfromtheterriblewomenwhenhewasabletoslipnoiselesslyinthetide，swimunderwatertowhereawildduckwasfloatingandgripitbytheleg。
　　"Qu——，"saidtheduck，andhedisappearedbeforehehadtimetogetthe"-ack"outofhim。
　　Sothetimewent，andFionngrewlongandstraightandtoughlikeasapling；limberasawillow，andwiththeflirtandspringofayoungbird。Oneoftheladiesmayhavesaid，"Heisshapingverywell，mydear，"andtheotherreplied，asisthemoroseprivilegeofanaunt，"Hewillneverbeasgoodashisfather，"buttheirheartsmusthaveoverflowedinthenight，inthesilence，inthedarkness，whentheythoughtofthelivingswiftnesstheyhadfashioned，andthatdearfairhead。
　　CHAPTERV
　　ONEdayhisguardianswereagitated：theyheldconfabulationsatwhichFionnwasnotpermittedtoassist。Amanwhopassedbyinthemorninghadspokentothem。Theyfedtheman，andduringhisfeedingFionnhadbeenshooedfromthedoorasifhewereachicken。Whenthestrangertookhisroadthewomenwentwithhimashortdistance。AstheypassedthemanliftedahandandbentakneetoFionn。
　　"Mysoultoyou，youngmaster，"hesaid，andashesaidit，Fionnknewthathecouldhavetheman’ssoul，orhisboots，orhisfeet，oranythingthatbelongedtohim。
　　Whenthewomenreturnedtheyweremysteriousandwhispery。TheychasedFionnintothehouse，andwhentheygothimintheychasedhimoutagain。Theychasedeachotheraroundthehouseforanotherwhisper。Theycalculatedthingsbytheshapeofclouds，bylengthsofshadows，bytheflightofbirds，bytwofliesracingonaflatstone，bythrowingbonesovertheirleftshoulders，andbyeverykindoftrickandgameandchancethatyoucouldputamindto。
　　TheytoldFionnhemustsleepinatreethatnight，andtheyputhimunderbondsnottosingorwhistleorcoughorsneezeuntilthemorning。
　　Fionndidsneeze。Heneversneezedsomuchinhislife。Hesatupinhistreeandnearlysneezedhimselfoutofit。Fliesgotuphisnose，twoatatime，oneupeachnose，andhisheadnearlyfelloffthewayhesneezed。
　　"Youaredoingthatonpurpose，"saidasavagewhisperfromthefootofthetree。
　　ButFionnwasnotdoingitonpurpose。Hetuckedhimselfintoaforkthewayhehadbeentaught，andhepassedthecrawliest，tickliestnighthehadeverknown。Afterawhilehedidnotwanttosneeze，hewantedtoscream：andinparticularhewantedtocomedownfromthetree。Buthedidnotscream，nordidheleavethetree。Hiswordwaspassed，andhestayedinhistreeassilentasamouseandaswatchful，untilhefelloutofit。
　　Inthemorningabandoftravellingpoetswerepassing，andthewomenhandedFionnovertothem。Thistimetheycouldnotpreventhimoverhearing。
　　"ThesonsofMorna！"theysaid。
　　AndFionn’sheartmighthaveswelledwithrage，butthatitwasalreadyswollenwithadventure。Andalsotheexpectedwashappening。BehindeveryhouroftheirdayandeverymomentoftheirliveslaythesonsofMorna。Fionnhadrunafterthemasdeer：hejumpedafterthemashares：hedivedafterthemasfish。
　　Theylivedinthehousewithhim：theysatatthetableandatehismeat。Onedreamedofthem，andtheywereexpectedinthemorningasthesunis。TheyknewonlytoowellthatthesonofUailwasliving，andtheyknewthattheirownsonswouldknownoeasewhilethatsonlived；fortheybelievedinthosedaysthatlikebreedslike，andthatthesonofUailwouldbeUailwithadditions。
　　Hisguardiansknewthattheirhiding-placemustatlastbediscovered，andthat，whenitwasfound，thesonsofMornawouldcome。Theyhadnodoubtofthat，andeveryactionoftheirliveswasbasedonthatcertainty。Fornosecretcanremainsecret。
　　Somebrokensoldiertrampinghometohispeoplewillfinditout；
　　aherdseekinghisstrayedcattleorabandoftravellingmusicianswillgetthewindofit。Howmanypeoplewillmovethrougheventheremotestwoodinayear！Thecrowswilltellasecretifnooneelsedoes；andunderabush，behindaclumpofbracken，whateyesmaytherenotbe！Butifyoursecretisleggedlikeayounggoat！Ifitistonguedlikeawolf！Onecanhideababy，butyoucannothideaboy。Hewillroveunlessyoutiehimtoapost，andhewillwhistlethen。
　　ThesonsofMornacame，buttherewereonlytwogrimwomenlivinginalonelyhuttogreetthem。Wemaybesuretheywerewellgreeted。OnecanimagineGoll’smerrystaretakinginallthatcouldbeseen；Cona’n’sgrimeyerakingthewomen’sfaceswhilehistonguerakedthemagain；theRoughmacMornashoulderinghereandthereinthehouseandaboutit，withmaybeahatchetinhishand，andArtOgcoursingfurtherafieldandvowingthatifthecubwastherehewouldfindhim。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ButFionnwasgone。Hewasaway，boundwithhisbandofpoetsfortheGaltees。
　　Itislikelytheywerejuniorpoetscometotheendofayear’straining，andreturningtotheirownprovincetoseeagainthepeopleathome，andtobewonderedatandexclaimedatastheyexhibitedbitsoftheknowledgewhichtheyhadbroughtfromthegreatschools。TheywouldknowtagsofrhymeandtricksaboutlearningwhichFionnwouldhearof；andnowandagain，astheyrestedinagladeorbythebrinkofariver，theymighttrytheirlessonsover。Theymightevenrefertotheoghamwandsonwhichthefirstwordsoftheirtasksandtheopeninglinesofpoemswerecut；anditislikelythat，beingnewtothesethings，theywouldtalkofthemtoayoungster，and，thinkingthathiswitscouldbenobetterthantheirown，theymighthaveexplainedtohimhowoghamwaswritten。Butitisfarmorelikelythathiswomenguardianshadalreadystartedhimatthoselessons。
　　StillthisbandofyoungbardswouldhavebeenofinfiniteinteresttoFionn，notonaccountofwhattheyhadlearned，butbecauseofwhattheyknew。Allthethingsthatheshouldhaveknownasbynature：thelook，themovement，thefeelingofcrowds；theshoulderingandintercourseofmanwithman；theclusteringofhousesandhowpeopleborethemselvesinandaboutthem；themovementofarmedmen，andthehomecominglookofwounds；talesofbirths，andmarriagesanddeaths；thechasewithitsmultitudesofmenanddogs；allthenoise，thedust，theexcitementofmereliving。These，toFionn，newcomefromleavesandshadowsandthedippleanddappleofawood，wouldhaveseemedwonderful；andthetalestheywouldhavetoldoftheirmasters，theirlooks，fads，severities，sillinesses，wouldhavebeenwonderfulalso。
　　Thatbandshouldhavechatteredlikearookery。
　　Theymusthavebeenyoung，foronetimeaLeinstermancameonthem，agreatrobbernamedFiacuilmacCona，andhekilledthepoets。Hechoppedthemupandchoppedthemdown。Hedidnotleaveonepoeteenofthemall。Heputthemoutoftheworldandoutoflife，sothattheystoppedbeing，andnoonecouldtellwheretheywentorwhathadreallyhappenedtothem；anditisawonderindeedthatonecandothattoanythingletaloneaband。Iftheywerenotyoungsters，theboldFiacuilcouldnothavemanagedthemall。Or，perhaps，hetoohadaband，althoughtherecorddoesnotsayso；butkillthemhedid，andtheydiedthatway。
　　Fionnsawthatdeed，andhisbloodmayhavebeencoldenoughashewatchedthegreatrobbercoursingthepoetsasawilddogragesinaflock。Andwhenhisturncame，whentheywerealldead，andthegrim，red-handedmantrodathim，Fionnmayhaveshivered，buthewouldhaveshownhisteethandlaidroundlyonthemonsterwithhishands。Perhapshedidthat，andperhapsforthathewasspared。
　　"Whoareyou？"roaredthestaringblack-mouthwiththeredtonguesquirminginitlikeafriskyfish。
　　"ThesonofUail，sonofBaiscne，"quothhardyFionn。Andatthattherobberceasedtobearobber，themurdererdisappeared，theblack-rimmedchasmpackedwithredfishandprecipiceschangedtosomethingelse，andtheroundeyesthathadbeenpoppingoutoftheirsocketsandtryingtobite，changedalso。Thereremainedalaughingandcryingandlovingservantwhowantedtotiehimselfintoknotsifthatwouldpleasethesonofhisgreatcaptain。
　　Fionnwenthomeontherobber’sshoulder，andtherobbergavegreatsnortsandmadegreatjumpsandbehavedlikeafirst-ratehorse。ForthissameFiacuilwasthehusbandofBovmall，Fionn’saunt。Hehadtakentothewildswhenclann-Baiscnewasbroken，andhewasatwarwithaworldthathaddaredtokillhisChief。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　AnewlifeforFionnintherobber’sdenthatwashiddeninavastcoldmarsh。
　　Atrickyplacethatwouldbe，withsuddenexitsandevensuddenerentrances，andwithdamp，winding，spideryplacestohoardtreasurein，ortohideoneselfin。
　　Iftherobberwasasolitaryhewould，forlackofsomeoneelse，havetalkedgreatlytoFionn。Hewouldhaveshownhisweaponsanddemonstratedhowheusedthem，andwithwhatslashhechippedhisvictim，andwithwhatslicehechoppedhim。Hewouldhavetoldwhyaslashwasenoughforthismanandwhythatmanshouldbesliced。Allmenaremasterswhenoneisyoung，andFionnwouldhavefoundknowledgeherealso。liewouldhaveseenFiacuil’sgreatspearthathadthirtyrivetsofArabiangoldinitssocket，andthathadtobekeptwrappedupandtieddownsothatitwouldnotkillpeopleoutofmerespitefulness。IthadcomefromFaery，outoftheShi’ofAillenmacMidna，anditwouldbebroughtbackagainlateronbetweenthesameman’sshoulder-blades。
　　Whattalesthatmancouldtellaboy，andwhatquestionsaboycouldaskhim。Hewouldhaveknownathousandtricks，andbecauseourinstinctistoteach，andbecausenomancankeepatrickfromaboy，hewouldshowthemtoFionn。
　　Therewasthemarshtoo；awholenewlifetobelearned；acomplicated，mysterious，dank，slippery，reedy，treacherouslife，butwithitsownbeautyandanallurementthatcouldgrowonone，sothatyoucouldforgetthesolidworldandloveonlythatwhichquakedandgurgled。
　　Inthisplaceyoumayswim。Bythissignandthisyouwillknowifitissafetodoso，saidFiacuilmacCona；butinthisplace，withthissignonitandthat，youmustnotventureatoe。
　　ButwhereFionnwouldventurehistoeshisearswouldfollow。
　　Therearecoilingweedsdownthere，therobbercounselledhim；
　　therearethin，tough，snakybindersthatwilltripyouandgripyou，thatwillpullyouandwillnotletyougoagainuntilyouaredrowned；untilyouareswayingandswingingawaybelow，withoutstretchedarms，withoutstretchedlegs，withafaceallstaresandsmilesandjockeyings，grippedinthoseleatheryarms，untilthereisnomoretobegrippedofyouevenbythem。
　　"Watchtheseandthisandthat，"Fionnwouldhavebeentold，"andalwaysswimwithaknifeinyourteeth。"
　　Helivedthereuntilhisguardiansfoundoutwherehewasandcameafterhim。Fiacuilgavehimuptothem，andhewasbroughthomeagaintothewoodsofSlieveBloom，buthehadgatheredgreatknowledgeandnewsupplenesses。
　　ThesonsofMornalefthimaloneforalongtime。Havingmadetheiressaytheygrewcareless。
　　"Lethimbe，"theysaid。"Hewillcometouswhenthetimecomes。"
　　Butitislikelytoothattheyhadhadtheirownmeansofgettinginformationabouthim。Howheshaped？whatmuscleshehad？anddidhespringcleanfromthemarkorhadhetogetoffwithapush？Fionnstayedwithhisguardiansandhuntedforthem。Hecouldrunadeerdownandhaulithomebythereluctantskull。
　　"Comeon，Goll，"hewouldsaytohisstag，or，liftingitoveratussockwithatoughgriponthesnout，"Areyoucoming，baldCona’n，orshallIkickyouintheneck？"
　　Thetimemusthavebeennighwhenhewouldthinkoftakingtheworlditselfbythenose，tohaulitovertussocksanddragitintohispen；forhewasofthebreedinwhommasteryisborn，andwhoaregoodmasters。
　　Butreportsofhisprowessweregettingabroad。Clann-Mornabegantostretchitselfuneasily，and，oneday，hisguardianssenthimonhistravels。
　　"Itisbestforyoutoleaveusnow，"theysaidtothetallstripling，"forthesonsofMornaarewatchingagaintokillyou。"
　　Thewoodsatthatmayhaveseemedhaunted。Astonemightslingatonefromatree-top；butfromwhichtreeofathousandtreesdiditcome？Anarrowbuzzingbyone’searwouldslideintothegroundandquivertheresilently，menacingly，hintingofthebrothersithadleftinthequiverbehind；totheright？totheleft？howmanybrothers？inhowmanyquivers……？Fionnwasawoodsman，buthehadonlytwoeyestolookwith，onesetoffeettocarryhiminonesoledirection。Butwhenhewaslookingtothefrontwhat，orhowmanywhats，couldbestaringathimfromtheback？Hemightfaceinthisdirection，awayfrom，ortowardsasmileonahiddenfaceandafingeronastring。Alancemightslideathimfromthisbushorfromtheoneyonder……Inthenighthemighthavefoughtthem；hisearsagainsttheirs；hisnoiselessfeetagainsttheirlurkingones；hisknowledgeofthewoodagainsttheirlegion：butduringthedayhehadnochance。
　　Fionnwenttoseekhisfortune，tomatchhimselfagainstallthatmighthappen，andtocarveanameforhimselfthatwilllivewhileTimehasanearandknowsanIrishman。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　Fionnwentaway，andnowhewasalone。Buthewasasfittedforlonelinessasthecraneisthathauntsthesolitudesandbleakwastesofthesea；forthemanwithathoughthasacomrade，andFionn’smindworkedasfeatlyashisbodydid。Tobealonewasnotroubletohimwho，howeversurrounded，wastobelonelyhislifelong；forthiswillbesaidofFionnwhenallissaid，thatallthatcametohimwentfromhim，andthathappinesswasneverhiscompanionformorethanamoment。
　　Buthewasnotnowlookingforloneliness。Hewasseekingtheinstructionofacrowd，andthereforewhenhemetacrowdhewentintoit。Hiseyeswereskilledtoobserveinthemovingduskanddappleofgreenwoods。Theyweretrainedtopickoutofshadowsbirdsthatwerethemselvesdun-colouredshades，andtoseeamongtreestheanimalsthatarecolouredlikethebarkoftrees。Theharecrouchinginthefrondswasvisibletohim，andthefishthatswayedin-visiblyintheswayandflickerofagreenbank。
　　Hewouldseeallthatwastobeseen，andhewouldseeallthatispassedbytheeyethatishalfblindfromuseandwont。
　　AtMoyLife’hecameonladsswimminginapool；and，ashelookedonthemsportingintheflushtide，hethoughtthatthetrickstheyperformedwerenothardforhim，andthathecouldhaveshownthemnewones。
　　Boysmustknowwhatanotherboycando，andtheywillmatchthemselvesagainsteverything。Theydidtheirbestundertheseobservingeyes，anditwasnotlonguntilhewasinvitedtocompetewiththemandshowhismettle。Suchaninvitationisachallenge；itisalmost，amongboys，adeclarationofwar。ButFionnwassofarbeyondtheminswimmingthateventhewordmasterdidnotapplytothatsuperiority。
　　Whilehewasswimmingoneremarked："Heisfairandwellshaped，"
　　andthereafterhewascalled"Fionn"ortheFairOne。Hisnamecamefromboys，andwill，perhaps，bepreservedbythem。
　　Hestayedwiththeseladsforsometime，anditmaybethattheyidolisedhimatfirst，foritisthewaywithboystobeastoundedandenrapturedbyfeats；butintheend，andthatwasinevitable，theygrewjealousofthestranger。Thosewhohadbeenthechampionsbeforehecamewouldmarshaleachother，and，bysocialpressure，wouldmusteralltheothersagainsthim；sothatintheendnotafriendlyeyewasturnedonFionninthatassembly。Fornotonlydidhebeatthematswimming，hebeattheirbestatrunningandjumping，andwhenthesportdegeneratedintoviolence，asitwasboundto，theroughnessofFionnwouldbetentimesasroughastheroughnessoftheroughestroughtheycouldputforward。Braveryispridewhenoneisyoung，andFionnwasproud。
　　Theremusthavebeenangerinhismindashewentawayleavingthatlakebehindhim，andthosesnarlingandscowlingboys，buttherewouldhavebeendisappointmentalso，forhisdesireatthistimeshouldhavebeentowardsfriendliness。
　　HewentthencetoLockLe’inandtookservicewiththeKingofFinntraigh。ThatkingdommayhavebeenthuscalledfromFionnhimselfandwouldhavebeenknownbyanothernamewhenhearrivedthere。
　　HehuntedfortheKingofFinntraigh，anditsoongrewevidentthattherewasnohunterinhisservicetoequalFionn。More，therewasnohunterofthemallwhoevendistantlyapproachedhiminexcellence。Theothersranafterdeer，usingthespeedoftheirlegs，thenosesoftheirdogsandathousandwell-worntrickstobringthemwithinreach，and，oftenenough，theanimalescapedthem。ButthedeerthatFionngotthetrackofdidnotgetaway，anditseemedeventhattheanimalssoughthimsomanydidhecatch。
　　Thekingmarvelledatthestoriesthatweretoldofthisnewhunter，butaskingsaregreaterthanotherpeoplesotheyaremorecurious；and，beingontheplaneofexcellence，theymustseeallthatisexcellentlytoldof。
　　Thekingwishedtoseehim，andFionnmusthavewonderedwhatthekingthoughtasthatgraciouslordlookedonhim。Whateverwasthought，whatthekingsaidwasasdirectinutteranceasitwasinobservation。
　　"IfUailthesonofBaiscnehasason，"saidtheking，"youwouldsurelybethatson。"
　　WearenottoldiftheKingofFinntraighsaidanythingmore，butweknowthatFionnlefthisservicesoonafterwards。
　　HewentsouthwardsandwasnextintheemploymentoftheKingofKerry，thesamelordwhohadmarriedhisownmother。Inthatservicehecametosuchconsiderationthatwehearofhimasplayingamatchofchesswiththeking，andbythisgameweknowthathewasstillaboyinhismindhowevermightilyhislimbswerespreading。Ableashewasinsportsandhuntings，hewasyettooyoungtobepolitic，butheremainedimpolitictotheendofhisdays，forwhateverhewasabletodohewoulddo，nomatterwhowasoffendedthereat；andwhateverhewasnotabletodohewoulddoalso。ThatwasFionn。
　　Once，astheyrestedonachase，adebatearoseamongtheFianna-Finnastowhatwasthefinestmusicintheworld。
　　"Tellusthat，"saidFionnturningtoOisi’n[pronouncedUsheen]
　　"Thecuckoocallingfromthetreethatishighestinthehedge，"
　　criedhismerryson。
　　"Agoodsound，"saidFionn。"Andyou，Oscar，"heasked，"whatistoyourmindthefinestofmusic？"
　　"Thetopofmusicistheringofaspearonashield，"criedthestoutlad。
　　"Itisagoodsound，"saidFionn。Andtheotherchampionstoldtheirdelight；thebellingofastagacrosswater，thebayingofatunefulpackheardinthedistance，thesongofalark，thelaughofagleefulgirl，orthewhisperofamovedone。
　　"Theyaregoodsoundsall，"saidFionn。
　　"Tellus，chief，"oneventured，"whatyouthink？"
　　"Themusicofwhathappens，"saidgreatFionn，"thatisthefinestmusicintheworld。"
　　Heloved"whathappened，"andwouldnotevadeitbytheswerveofahair；soonthisoccasionwhatwasoccurringhewouldhaveoccur，althoughakingwashisrivalandhismaster。Itmaybethathismotherwaswatchingthematchandthathecouldnotbutexhibithisskillbeforeher。Hecommittedtheenormityofwinningsevengamesinsuccessionfromthekinghimself！！！
　　Itisseldomindeedthatasubjectcanbeatakingatchess，andthismonarchwasproperlyamazed。
　　"Whoareyouatall？"hecried，startingbackfromthechessboardandstaringonFionn。
　　"IamthesonofacountrymanoftheLuigneofTara，"saidFionn。
　　Hemayhaveblushedashesaidit，fortheking，possiblyforthefirsttime，wasreallylookingathim，andwaslookingbackthroughtwentyyearsoftimeashedidso。Theobservationofakingisfaultless——itisprovedathousandtimesoverinthetales，andthisking’sequipmentwasasroyalasthenext。
　　"Youarenosuchson，"saidtheindignantmonarch，"butyouarethesonthatMuirnemywifeboretoUallmacBalscne。"
　　AndatthatFionnhadnomoretosay；buthiseyesmayhaveflowntohismotherandstayedthere。
　　"Youcannotremainhere，"hisstep-fathercontinued。"Idonotwantyoukilledundermyprotection，"heexplained，orcomplained。
　　PerhapsitwasonFionn’saccounthedreadedthesonsofMorna，butnooneknowswhatFionnthoughtofhimforheneverthereafterspokeofhisstep-father。AsforMuirneshemusthavelovedherlord；orshemayhavebeenterrifiedintruthofthesonsofMornaandforFionn；butitissoalso，thatifawomanloveshersecondhusbandshecandislikeallthatremindsherofthefirstone。Fionnwentonhistravelsagain。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Alldesiressaveonearefleeting，butthatonelastsforever。
　　Fionn，withalldesires，hadthelastingone，forhewouldgoanywhereandforsakeanythingforwisdom；anditwasinsearchofthisthathewenttotheplacewhereFinegaslivedonabankoftheBoyneWater。Butfordreadoftheclann-MornahedidnotgoasFionn。HecalledhimselfDeimneonthatjourney。
　　Wegetwisebyaskingquestions，andevenifthesearenotansweredwegetwise，forawell-packedquestioncarriesitsansweronitsbackasasnailcarriesitsshell。Fionnaskedeveryquestionhecouldthinkof，andhismaster，whowasapoet，andsoanhonourableman，answeredthemall，nottothelimitofhispatience，foritwaslimitless，buttothelimitofhisability。
　　"Whydoyouliveonthebankofariver？"wasoneofthesequestions。"Becauseapoemisarevelation，anditisbythebrinkofrunningwaterthatpoetryisrevealedtothemind。"
　　"Howlonghaveyoubeenhere？"wasthenextquery。"Sevenyears，"
　　thepoetanswered。
　　"Itisalongtime，"saidwonderingFionn。
　　"Iwouldwaittwiceaslongforapoem，"saidtheinveteratebard。
　　"Haveyoucaughtgoodpoems？"Fionnaskedhim。
　　"ThepoemsIamfitfor，"saidthemildmaster。"Nopersoncangetmorethanthat，foraman’sreadinessishislimit。"
　　"WouldyouhavegotasgoodpoemsbytheShannonortheSuirorbysweetAnaLife’？"
　　"Theyaregoodrivers，"wastheanswer。"Theyallbelongtogoodgods。"
　　"Butwhydidyouchoosethisriveroutofalltherivers？"
　　Finegasbeamedonhispupil。
　　"Iwouldtellyouanything，"saidhe，"andIwilltellyouthat。"
　　Fionnsatatthekindlyman’sfeet，hishandsabsentamongtallgrasses，andlisteningwithallhisears。"Aprophecywasmadetome，"Finegasbegan。"AmanofknowledgeforetoldthatIshouldcatchtheSalmonofKnowledgeintheBoyneWater。"
　　"Andthen？"saidFionneagerly。
　　"ThenIwouldhaveAllKnowledge。"
　　"Andafterthat？"theboyinsisted。
　　"Whatshouldtherebeafterthat？"thepoetretorted。
　　"Imean，whatwouldyoudowithAllKnowledge？"
　　"Aweightyquestion，"saidFinegassmilingly。"IcouldansweritifIhadAllKnowledge，butnotuntilthen。Whatwouldyoudo，mydear？"
　　"Iwouldmakeapoem，"Fionncried。
　　"Ithinktoo，"saidthepoet，"thatthatiswhatwouldbedone。"
　　InreturnforinstructionFionnhadtakenovertheserviceofhismaster’shut，andashewentaboutthehouseholdduties，drawingthewater，lightingthefire，andcarryingrushesforthefloorandthebeds，hethoughtoverallthepoethadtaughthim，andhisminddweltontherulesofmetre，thecunningnessofwords，andtheneedforaclean，bravemind。ButinhisthousandthoughtsheyetrememberedtheSalmonofKnowledgeaseagerlyashismasterdid。HealreadyveneratedFinegasforhisgreatlearning，hispoeticskill，foranhundredreasons；but，lookingonhimastheordainedeateroftheSalmonofKnowledge，heveneratedhimtotheedgeofmeasure。Indeed，helovedaswellasveneratedthismasterbecauseofhisunfailingkindness，hispatience，hisreadinesstoteach，andhisskillinteaching。
　　"Ihavelearnedmuchfromyou，dearmaster，"saidFionngratefully。
　　"AllthatIhaveisyoursifyoucantakeit，"thepoetanswered，"foryouareentitledtoallthatyoucantake，buttonomorethanthat。Take，so，withbothhands。"
　　"YoumaycatchthesalmonwhileIamwithyou，"thehopefulboymused。"Wouldnotthatbeagreathappening！"andhestaredinecstasyacrossthegrassatthosevisionswhichaboy’smindknows。
　　"Letusprayforthat，"saidFinegasfervently。
　　"Hereisaquestion，"Fionncontinued。"Howdoesthissalmongetwisdomintohisflesh？"
　　"Thereisahazelbushoverhangingasecretpoolinasecretplace。TheNutsofKnowledgedropfromtheSacredBushintothepool，andastheyfloat，asalmontakestheminhismouthandeatsthem。"
　　"Itwouldbealmostaseasy，"theboysubmitted，"ifoneweretosetonthetrackoftheSacredHazelandeatthenutsstraightfromthebush。"
　　"Thatwouldnotbeveryeasy，"saidthepoet，"andyetitisnotaseasyasthat，forthebushcanonlybefoundbyitsownknowledge，andthatknowledgecanonlybegotbyeatingthenuts，andthenutscanonlybegotbyeatingthesalmon。"
　　"Wemustwaitforthesalmon，"saidFionninarageofresignation。
　　CHAPTERX
　　Lifecontinuedforhiminaroundoftimelesstime，whereindaysandnightswereuneventfulandwereyetfilledwithinterest。Asthedaypackeditsloadofstrengthintohisframe，soitaddeditsstoreofknowledgetohismind，andeachnightsealedthetwain，foritisinthenightthatwemakesecurewhatwehavegatheredintheday。
　　Ifhehadtoldofthesedayshewouldhavetoldofasuccessionofmealsandsleeps，andofanendlessconversation，fromwhichhismindwouldnowandagainslipawaytoasolitudeofitsown，where，inlargehazyatmospheres，itswunganddriftedandreposed。Thenhewouldbebackagain，anditwasapleasureforhimtocatchuponthethoughtthatwasforwardandre-createforitallthematterhehadmissed。Buthecouldnotoftenmakethesesleepysallies；hismasterwastooexperiencedateachertoallowanysuchbright-faced，eager-eyedabstractions，andasthedruidwomenhadswitchedhislegsaroundatree，soFinegaschasedhismind，demandingsenseinhisquestionsandunderstandinginhisreplies。
　　Toaskquestionscanbecomethelaziestandwobbliestoccupationofamind，butwhenyoumustyourselfanswertheproblemthatyouhaveposed，youwillmeditateyourquestionwithcareandframeitwithprecision。Fionn’smindlearnedtojumpinabumpierfieldthanthatinwhichhehadchasedrabbits。Andwhenhehadaskedhisquestion，andgivenhisownanswertoit，Finegaswouldtakethematterupandmakecleartohimwherethequerywasbadlyformedoratwhatpointtheanswerhadbeguntogoastray，sothatFionncametounderstandbywhatsuccessionsagoodquestiongrowsatlasttoagoodanswer。
　　Oneday，notlongaftertheconversationtoldof，FinegascametotheplacewhereFionnwas。Thepoethadashallowosierbasketonhisarm，andonhisfacetherewasalookthatwasatoncetriumphantandgloomy。Hewasexcitedcertainly，butbewassadalso，andashestoodgazingonFionnhiseyesweresokindthattheboywastouched，andtheywereyetsomelancholythatitalmostmadeFionnweep。"Whatisit，mymaster？"saidthealarmedboy。
　　Thepoetplacedhisosierbasketonthegrass。
　　"Lookinthebasket，dearson，"hesaid。Fionnlooked。
　　"Thereisasalmoninthebasket。"
　　"ItisTheSalmon，"saidFinegaswithagreatsigh。Fionnleapedfordelight。
　　"lamgladforyou，master，"hecried。"IndeedIamgladforyou。"
　　"AndIamglad，mydearsoul，"themasterrejoined。
　　But，havingsaidit，hebenthisbrowtohishandandforalongtimehewassilentandgatheredintohimself。
　　"Whatshouldbedonenow？"Fionndemanded，ashestaredonthebeautifulfish。
　　Finegasrosefromwherehesatbytheosierbasket。
　　"Iwillbebackinashorttime，"hesaidheavily。"WhileIamawayyoumayroastthesalmon，sothatitwillbereadyagainstmyreturn。"
　　"Iwillroastitindeed，"saidFionn。
　　Thepoetgazedlongandearnestlyonhim。
　　"YouwillnoteatanyofmysalmonwhileIamaway？"heasked。
　　"Iwillnoteatthelittlestpiece，"saidFionn。
　　"Iamsureyouwillnot，"theothermurmured，asheturnedandwalkedslowlyacrossthegrassandbehindtheshelteringbushesontheridge。
　　Fionncookedthesalmon。Itwasbeautifulandtemptingandsavouryasitsmokedonawoodenplatteramongcoolgreenleaves；
　　anditlookedallthesetoFinegaswhenhecamefrombehindthefringingbushesandsatinthegrassoutsidehisdoor。Hegazedonthefishwithmorethanhiseyes。Helookedonitwithhisheart，withhissoulinhiseyes，andwhenheturnedtolookonFionntheboydidnotknowwhetherthelovethatwasinhiseyeswasforthefishorforhimself。Yethedidknowthatagreatmomenthadarrivedforthepoet。
　　"So，"saidFinegas，"youdidnoteatitonmeafterall？""DidI
　　notpromise？"Fionnreplied。
　　"Andyet，"hismastercontinued，"Iwentawaysothatyoumighteatthefishifyoufeltyouhadto。"
　　"WhyshouldIwantanotherman’sfish？"saidproudFionn。
　　"Becauseyoungpeoplehavestrongdesires。Ithoughtyoumighthavetastedit，andthenyouwouldhaveeatenitonme。"
　　"Ididtasteitbychance，"Fionnlaughed，"forwhilethefishwasroastingagreatblisterroseonitsskin。Ididnotlikethelookofthatblister，andIpresseditdownwithmythumb。Thatburnedmythumb，soIpoppeditinmymouthtohealthesmart。Ifyoursalmontastesasniceasmythumbdid，"helaughed，"itwilltasteverynice。"
　　"Whatdidyousayyournamewas，dearheart？"thepoetasked。
　　"IsaidmynamewasDeimne。"
　　"YournameisnotDeimne，"saidthemildman，"yournameisFionn。"
　　"Thatistrue，"theboyanswered，"butIdonotknowhowyouknowit。"
　　"EvenifIhavenoteatentheSalmonofKnowledgeIhavesomesmallscienceofmyown。"
　　"Itisveryclevertoknowthingsasyouknowthem，"Fionnrepliedwonderingly。"Whatmoredoyouknowofme，dearmaster？"
　　"IknowthatIdidnottellyouthetruth，"saidtheheavy-heartedman。
　　"Whatdidyoutellmeinsteadofit？"
　　"Itoldyoualie。"
　　"Itisnotagoodthingtodo，"Fionnadmitted。"Whatsortofaliewasthelie，master？""ItoldyouthattheSalmonofKnowledgewastobecaughtbyme，accordingtotheprophecy。"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Thatwastrueindeed，andIhavecaughtthefish。ButIdidnottellyouthatthesalmonwasnottobeeatenbyme，althoughthatalsowasintheprophecy，andthatomissionwasthelie。"
　　"Itisnotagreatlie，"saidFionnsoothingly。
　　"Itmustnotbecomeagreaterone，"thepoetrepliedsternly。
　　"Whowasthefishgivento？"hiscompanionwondered。
　　"Itwasgiventoyou，"Finegasanswered。"ItwasgiventoFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，anditwillbegiventohim。"
　　"Youshallhaveahalfofthefish，"criedFionn。
　　"Iwillnoteatapieceofitsskinthatisassmallasthepointofitssmallestbone，"saidtheresoluteandtremblingbard。"Letyounoweatupthefish，andIshallwatchyouandgivepraisetothegodsoftheUnderworldandoftheElements。’’
　　FionnthenatetheSalmonofKnowledge，andwhenithaddisappearedagreatjollityandtranquillityandexuberancereturnedtothepoet。
　　"Ah，"saidhe，"Ihadagreatcombatwiththatfish。"
　　"Diditfightforitslife？"Fionninquired。
　　"Itdid，butthatwasnotthefightImeant。"
　　"YoushalleataSalmonofKnowledgetoo，"Fionnassuredhim。
　　"Youhaveeatenone，"criedtheblithepoet，"andifyoumakesuchapromiseitwillbebecauseyouknow。"
　　"Ipromiseitandknowit，"saidFionn，"youshalleataSalmonofKnowledgeyet。"
　　CHAPTERXI
　　HehadreceivedallthathecouldgetfromFinegas。Hiseducationwasfinishedandthetimehadcometotestit，andtotryallelsethathehadofmindandbody。Hebadefarewelltothegentlepoet，andsetoutforTaraoftheKings。
　　ItwasSamhain-tide，andthefeastofTarawasbeingheld，atwhichallthatwaswiseorskilfulorwell-borninIrelandweregatheredtogether。
　　ThisishowTarawaswhenTarawas。TherewastheHighKing’spalacewithitsfortification；withoutitwasanotherfortificationenclosingthefourminorpalaces，eachofwhichwasmaintainedbyoneofthefourprovincialkings；withoutthatagainwasthegreatbanquetinghall，andarounditandenclosingallofthesacredhillinitsgiganticboundranthemainouterrampartsofTara。Fromit，thecentreofIreland，fourgreatroadswent，north，south，east，andwest，andalongtheseroads，fromthetopandthebottomandthetwosidesofIreland，theremovedforweeksbeforeSamhainanendlessstreamofpassengers。
　　HereagaybandwentcarryingrichtreasuretodecoratethepavilionofaMunsterlord。Onanotherroadavatofseasonedyew，monstrousasahouseonwheelsanddrawnbyanhundredlaboriousoxen，camebumpingandjogglingthealethatthirstyConnaughtprinceswoulddrink。OnaroadagainthelearnedmenofLeinster，eachwithanideainhisheadthatwoulddiscomfitanorthernollavandmakeasouthernonegapeandfidget，wouldbemarchingsolemnly，eachbyahorsethatwaspiledhighonthebackandwidelyatthesideswithclean-peeledwilloworoakenwands，thatwerecarvedfromthetoptothebottomwiththeoghamsigns；thefirstlinesofpoems（foritwasanoffenceagainstwisdomtocommitmorethaninitiallinestowriting），thenamesanddatesofkings，theprocessionoflawsofTaraandofthesub-kingdoms，thenamesofplacesandtheirmeanings。Onthebrownstallionamblingpeacefullyyondertheremightgothewarringofthegodsfortwoortenthousandyears；thismarewiththedaintypaceandtheviciouseyemightbesidlingunderaloadofoakenodesinhonourofherowner’sfamily，withafewbundlesoftalesofwonderaddedincasetheymightbeuseful；andperhapstherestivepiebaldwasbackingthehistoryofIrelandintoaditch。
　　Onsuchajourneyallpeoplespoketogether，forallwerefriends，andnopersonregardedtheweaponinanotherman’shandotherthanasanimplementtopokeareluctantcowwith，ortopacifywithloudwallopssomehoof-proudcolt。
　　IntothisteemandprofusionofjollyhumanityFionnslipped，andifhismoodhadbeenasbellicoseasawoundedboarhewouldyethavefoundnomantoquarrelwith，andifhiseyehadbeenassharpasajealoushusband’shewouldhavefoundnoeyetomeetitwithcalculationormenaceorfear；forthePeaceofIrelandwasinbeing，andforsixweeksmanwasneighbourtoman，andthenationwastheguestoftheHighKing。Fionnwentinwiththenotables。
　　Hisarrivalhadbeentimedfortheopeningdayandthegreatfeastofwelcome。Hemayhavemarvelled，lookingonthebrightcity，withitspillarsofgleamingbronzeandtheroofsthatwerepaintedinmanycolours，sothateachhouseseemedtobecoveredbythespreadingwingsofsomegiganticandgorgeousbird。Andthepalacesthemselves，mellowwithredoak，polishedwithinandwithoutbythewearandthecareofathousandyears，andcarvedwiththepatientskillofunendinggenerationsofthemostfamousartistsofthemostartisticcountryofthewesternworld，wouldhavegivenhimmuchtomarvelatalso。Itmusthaveseemedlikeacityofdream，acitytocatchtheheart，when，comingoverthegreatplain，FionnsawTaraoftheKingsheldonitshillasinahandtogatherallthegoldofthefallingsun，andtorestoreabrightnessasmellowandtenderasthatuniversallargess。