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。