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。
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