CONTENTS
THESTORYOFTUANMACCAIRILL
THEBOYHOODOFFIONN
THEBIRTHOFBRAN
OISI’N’SMOTHER
THEWOOINGOFBECFOLA
THELITTLEBRAWLATALLEN
THECARLOFTHEDRABCOAT
THEENCHANTEDCAVEOFCESHCORRAN
BECUMAOFTHEWHITESKIN
MONGAN’SFRENZY
THESTORYOFTUANMACCAIRILL
CHAPTERI
Finnian，theAbbottofMoville，wentsouthwardsandeastwardsingreathaste。NewshadcometohiminDonegalthattherewereyetpeopleinhisownprovincewhobelievedingodsthathedidnotapproveof，andthegodsthatwedonotapproveofaretreatedscurvily，evenbysaintlymen。
HewastoldofapowerfulgentlemanwhoobservedneitherSaint’sdaynorSunday。
"Apowerfulperson！"saidFinnian。
"Allthat，"wasthereply。
"Weshalltrythisperson’spower，"saidFinnian。
"Heisreputedtobeawiseandhardyman，"saidhisinformant。
"Weshalltesthiswisdomandhishardihood。"
"Heis，"thatgossipwhispered——"heisamagician。"
"Iwillmagicianhim，"criedFinnianangrily。"Wheredoesthatmanlive？"
Hewasinformed，andheproceededtothatdirectionwithoutdelay。
Innogreattimehecametothestrongholdofthegentlemanwhofollowedancientways，andhedemandedadmittanceinorderthathemightpreachandprovethenewGod，andexorciseandterrifyandbanisheventhememoryoftheoldone；fortoagodgrownoldTimeisasruthlessastoabeggarmangrownold。
ButtheUlstergentlemanrefusedFinnianadmittance。Hebarricadedhishouse，heshutteredhiswindows，andinagloomofindignationandprotesthecontinuedthepracticesoftenthousandyears，andwouldnothearkentoFinniancallingatthewindowortoTimeknockingathisdoor。
Butofthoseadversariesitwasthefirstheredoubted。
Finnianloomedonhimasaportentandaterror；buthehadnofearofTime。Indeedhewasthefoster-brotherofTime，andsodisdainfulofthebittergodthathedidnotevendisdainhim；heleapedoverthescythe，hedodgedunderit，andthesoleoccasionsonwhichTimelaughsiswhenhechancesonTuan，thesonofCairill，thesonofMuredacRed-neck。
CHAPTERII
NowFinniancouldnotabidethatanypersonshouldresistboththeGospelandhimself，andheproceededtoforcethestrongholdbypeacefulbutpowerfulmethods。Hefastedonthegentleman，andhedidsotosuchpurposethathewasadmittedtothehouse；fortoanhospitablehearttheideathatastrangermayexpireonyourdoorstepfromsheerfaminecannotbetolerated。Thegentleman，however，didnotgiveinwithoutastruggle：hethoughtthatwhenFinnianhadgrownsufficientlyhungryhewouldliftthesiegeandtakehimselfofftosomeplacewherehemightgetfood。ButhedidnotknowFinnian。Thegreatabbotsatdownonaspotjustbeyondthedoor，andcomposedhimselftoallthatmightfollowfromhisaction。Hebenthisgazeonthegroundbetweenhisfeet，andenteredintoameditationfromwhichhewouldOnlybereleasedbyadmissionordeath。
Thefirstdaypassedquietly。
Oftenthegentlemanwouldsendaservitortospyifthatdeserterofthegodswasstillbeforehisdoor，andeachtimetheservantrepliedthathewasstillthere。
"Hewillbegoneinthemorning，"saidthehopefulmaster。
Onthemorrowthestateofsiegecontinued，andthroughthatdaytheservantsweresentmanytimestoobservethroughspy-holes。
"Go，"hewouldsay，"andfindoutiftheworshipperofnewgodshastakenhimselfaway。"
Buttheservantsreturnedeachtimewiththesameinformation。
"Thenewdruidisstillthere，"theysaid。
Allthroughthatdaynoonecouldleavethestronghold。Andtheenforcedseclusionwroughtonthemindsoftheservants，whilethecessationofallworkbandedthemtogetherinsmallgroupsthatwhisperedanddiscussedanddisputed。Thenthesegroupswoulddispersetopeepthroughthespy-holeatthepatient，immobilefigureseatedbeforethedoor，wrappedinameditationthatwastimelessandunconcerned。Theytookfrightatthespectacle，andonceortwiceawomanscreamedhysterically，andwasbundledawaywithacompanion’shandclappedonhermouth，sothattheearoftheirmastershouldnotbeaffronted。
"Hehashisowntroubles，"theysaid。"Itisacombatofthegodsthatistakingplace。"
Somuchforthewomen；butthemenalsowereuneasy。Theyprowledupanddown，trampingfromthespy-holetothekitchen，andfromthekitchentotheturretedroof。Andfromtherooftheywouldlookdownonthemotionlessfigurebelow，andspeculateonmanythings，includingthestaunchnessofman，thequalitiesoftheirmaster，andeventhepossibilitythatthenewgodsmightbeaspowerfulastheold。Fromthesepeepingsanddiscussionstheywouldreturnlanguidanddiscouraged。
"If，"saidoneirritableguard，"ifwebuzzedaspearatthepersistentstranger，orifoneslungathimwithajaggedpebble！"
"What！"hismasterdemandedwrathfully，"isaspeartobethrownatanunarmedstranger？Andfromthishouse！"Andhesoundlycuffedthatindelicateservant。
"Beatpeaceallofyou，"hesaid，"forhungerhasawhip，andhewilldrivethestrangerawayinthenight。"
Thehouseholdretiredtowretchedbeds；butforthemasterofthehousetherewasnosleep。Hemarchedhishallsallnight，goingoftentothespy-holetoseeifthatshadowwasstillsittingintheshade，andpacingthence，tormented，preoccupied，refusingeventhenoseofhisfavouritedogasitpressedlovinglyintohisclosedpalm。
Onthemorrowhegavein。
Thegreatdoorwasswungwide，andtwoofhisservantscarriedFinnianintothehouse，forthesaintcouldnolongerwalkorstanduprightbyreasonofthehungerandexposuretowhichhehadsubmitted。Buthisframewastoughastheunconquerablespiritthatdweltwithinit，andinnolongtimehewasreadyforwhatevermightcomeofdisputeoranathema。
Beingquitere-establishedheundertooktheconversionofthemasterofthehouse，andthesiegehelaidagainstthatnotableintelligencewaslongspokenofamongthosewhoareinterestedinsuchthings。
HehadbeatenthediseaseofMugain；hehadbeatenhisownpupilthegreatColmCille；hebeatTuanalso，andjustasthelatter’sdoorhadopenedtothepersistentstranger，sohisheartopened，andFinnianmarchedtheretodothewillofGod，andhisownwill。
CHAPTERIII
OnedaytheyweretalkingtogetheraboutthemajestyofGodandHislove，foralthoughTuanhadnowreceivedmuchinstructiononthissubjectheyetneededmore，andhelaidascloseasiegeonFinnianasFinnianhadbeforethatlaidonhim。Butmanworksoutwardlyandinwardly。Afterresthehasenergy，afterenergyheneedsrepose；so，whenwehavegiveninstructionforatime，weneedinstruction，andmustreceiveitorthespiritfaintsandwisdomherselfgrowsbitter。
ThereforeFinniansaid："Tellmenowaboutyourself，dearheart。"
ButTuanwasavidofinformationabouttheTrueGod。"No，no，"hesaid，"thepasthasnothingmoreofinterestforme，andIdonotwishanythingtocomebetweenmysoulanditsinstruction；
continuetoteachme，dearfriendandsaintlyfather。"
"Iwilldothat，"Finnianreplied，"butImustfirstmeditatedeeplyonyou，andmustknowyouwell。Tellmeyourpast，mybeloved，foramanishispast，andistobeknownbyit。"
ButTuanpleaded："Letthepastbecontentwithitself，formanneedsforgetfulnessaswellasmemory。"
"Myson，"saidFinnian，"allthathaseverbeendonehasbeendoneforthegloryofGod，andtoconfessourgoodandevildeedsispartofinstruction；forthesoulmustrecallitsactsandabidebythem，orrenouncethembyconfessionandpenitence。Tellmeyourgenealogyfirst，andbywhatdescentyouoccupytheselandsandstronghold，andthenIwillexamineyouractsandyourconscience。"
Tuanrepliedobediently："IamknownasTuan，sonofCairill，sonofMuredacRed-neck，andthesearethehereditarylandsofmyfather。"
Thesaintnodded。
"IamnotaswellacquaintedwithUlstergenealogiesasIshouldbe，yetIknowsomethingofthem。IambybloodaLeinsterman，"
hecontinued。
"Mineisalongpedigree，"Tuanmurmured。
Finnianreceivedthatinformationwithrespectandinterest。
"Ialso，"hesaid，"haveanhonourablerecord。"
Hishostcontinued："IamindeedTuan，thesonofStarn，thesonofSera，whowasbrothertoPartholon。"
"But，"saidFinnianinbewilderment，"thereisanerrorhere，foryouhaverecitedtwodifferentgenealogies。"
"Differentgenealogies，indeed，"repliedTuanthoughtfully，"buttheyaremygenealogies。"
"Idonotunderstandthis，"Finniandeclaredroundly。
"IamnowknownasTuanmacCairill，"theotherreplied，"butinthedaysofoldIwasknownasTuanmacStarn，macSera。"
"ThebrotherofPartholon，"thesaintgasped。
"Thatismypedigree，"Tuansaid。
"But，"Finnianobjectedinbewilderment，"PartholoncametoIrelandnotlongaftertheFlood。"
"Icamewithhim，"saidTuanmildly。
Thesaintpushedhischairbackhastily，andsatstaringathishost，andashestaredthebloodgrewchillinhisveins，andhishaircreptalonghisscalpandstoodonend。
CHAPTERIV
ButFinnianwasnotonewhoremainedlonginbewilderment。HethoughtonthemightofGodandhebecamethatmight，andwastranquil。
HewasonewholovedGodandIreland，andtothepersonwhocouldinstructhiminthesegreatthemeshegavealltheinterestofhismindandthesympathyofhisheart。
"Itisawonderyoutellme，mybeloved，"hesaid。"Andnowyoumusttellmemore。"
"WhatmustItell？"askedTuanresignedly。
"TellmeofthebeginningoftimeinIreland，andofthebearingofPartholon，thesonofNoah’sson。"
"Ihavealmostforgottenhim，"saidTuan。"Agreatlybearded，greatlyshoulderedmanhewas。Amanofsweetdeedsandsweetways。"
"Continue，mylove，"saidFinnian。
"HecametoIrelandinaship。Twenty-fourmenandtwenty-fourwomencamewithhim。ButbeforethattimenomanhadcometoIreland，andinthewesternpartsoftheworldnohumanbeinglivedormoved。AswedrewonIrelandfromtheseathecountryseemedlikeanunendingforest。Farastheeyecouldreach，andinwhateverdirection，thereweretrees；andfromthesetherecametheunceasingsingingofbirds。Overallthatlandthesunshonewarmandbeautiful，sothattooursea-wearyeyes，ourwind-tormentedears，itseemedasifweweredrivingonParadise。
"Welandedandweheardtherumbleofwatergoinggloomilythroughthedarknessoftheforest。Followingthewaterwecametoagladewherethesunshoneandwheretheearthwaswarmed，andtherePartholonrestedwithhistwenty-fourcouples，andmadeacityandalivelihood。
"TherewerefishintheriversofEire’，therewereanimalsinhercoverts。Wildandshyandmonstrouscreaturesrangedinherplainsandforests。Creaturesthatonecouldseethroughandwalkthrough。Longwelivedinease，andwesawnewanimalsgrow，——thebear，thewolf，thebadger，thedeer，andtheboar。
"Partholon’speopleincreaseduntilfromtwenty-fourcouplestherecamefivethousandpeople，wholivedinamityandcontentmentalthoughtheyhadnowits。"
"Theyhadnowits！"Finniancommented。
"Theyhadnoneedofwits，"Tuansaid。
"Ihaveheardthatthefirst-bornweremindless，"saidFinnian。
"Continueyourstory，mybeloved。"
"Then，suddenasarisingwind，betweenonenightandamorning，therecameasicknessthatbloatedthestomachandpurpledtheskin，andontheseventhdayalloftheraceofPartholonweredead，saveonemanonly。""Therealwaysescapesoneman，"saidFinnianthoughtfully。
"AndIamthatman，"hiscompanionaffirmed。
Tuanshadedhisbrowwithhishand，andherememberedbackwardsthroughincredibleagestothebeginningoftheworldandthefirstdaysofEire’。AndFinnian，withhisbloodagainrunningchillandhisscalpcrawlinguneasily，staredbackwardswithhim。
CHAPTERV
"Tellon，mylove，"Finnianmurmured"Iwasalone，"saidTuan。"Iwassoalonethatmyownshadowfrightenedme。Iwassoalonethatthesoundofabirdinflight，orthecreakingofadew-drenchedbough，whippedmetocoverasarabbitisscaredtohisburrow。
"ThecreaturesoftheforestscentedmeandknewIwasalone。
TheystolewithsilkenpadbehindmybackandsnarledwhenI
facedthem；thelong，greywolveswithhangingtonguesandstaringeyeschasedmetomycleftrock；therewasnocreaturesoweakbutitmighthuntme，therewasnocreaturesotimidbutitmightoutfaceme。AndsoIlivedfortwotensofyearsandtwoyears，untilIknewallthatabeastsurmisesandhadforgottenallthatamanhadknown。
"Icouldpadasgentlyasany；Icouldrunastirelessly。Icouldbeinvisibleandpatientasawildcatcrouchingamongleaves；I
couldsmelldangerinmysleepandleapatitwithwakefulclaws；
Icouldbarkandgrowlandclashwithmyteethandtearwiththem。"
"Tellon，mybeloved，"saidFinnian，"youshallrestinGod，dearheart。"
"Attheendofthattime，"saidTuan，"NemedthesonofAgnomancametoIrelandwithafleetofthirty-fourbarques，andineachbarquetherewerethirtycouplesofpeople。"
"Ihaveheardit，"saidFinnian。
"MyheartleapedforjoywhenIsawthegreatfleetroundingtheland，andIfollowedthemalongscarpedcliffs，leapingfromrocktorocklikeawildgoat，whiletheshipstackedandswungseekingaharbour。ThereIstoopedtodrinkatapool，andIsawmyselfinthechillwater。
"IsawthatIwashairyandtuftyandbristledasasavageboar；
thatIwasleanasastrippedbush；thatIwasgreyerthanabadger；witheredandwrinkledlikeanemptysack；nakedasafish；wretchedasastarvingcrowinwinter；andonmyfingersandtoesthereweregreatcurvingclaws，sothatIlookedlikenothingthatwasknown，likenothingthatwasanimalordivine。
AndIsatbythepoolweepingmylonelinessandwildnessandmysternoldage；andIcoulddonomorethancryandlamentbetweentheearthandthesky，whilethebeaststhattrackedmelistenedfrombehindthetrees，orcrouchedamongbushestostareatmefromtheirdrowsycovert。
"Astormarose，andwhenIlookedagainfrommytallcliffIsawthatgreatfleetrollingasinagiant’shand。Attimestheywerepitchedagainsttheskyandstaggeredaloft，spinninggustilytherelikewind-blownleaves。Thentheywerehurledfromthesedizzytopstotheflat，moaninggulf，totheglassy，inkyhorrorthatswirledandwhirledbetweentenwaves。Attimesawaveleapedhowlingunderaship，andwithabuffetdasheditintoair，andchaseditupwardswiththunderstrokeonstroke，andfollowedagain，closeasachasingwolf，tryingwithhammeringonhammeringtobeatinthewide-wombedbottomandsuckoutthefrightenedlivesthroughoneblackgape。Awavefellonashipandsunkitdownwithathrust，sternasthoughawholeskyhadtumbledatit，andthebarquedidnotceasetogodownuntilitcrashedandsankinthesandatthebottomofthesea。
"Thenightcame，andwithitathousanddarknessesfellfromthescreechingsky。Notaround-eyedcreatureofthenightmightpierceaninchofthatmultipliedgloom。Notacreaturedaredcreeporstand。Foragreatwindstrodetheworldlashingitsleague-longwhipsincracksofthunder，andsingingtoitself，nowinaworld-wideyell，nowinanear-dizzyinghumandbuzz；
orwithalongsnarlandwhineithoveredovertheworldsearchingforlifetodestroy。
"Andattimes，fromthemoaningandyelpingblacknessofthesea，therecameasound——thin-drawnasfrommillionsofmilesaway，distinctasthoughutteredintheearlikeawhisperofconfidence——andIknewthatadrowningmanwascallingonhisGodashethrashedandwasbatteredintosilence，andthatablue-lippedwomanwascallingonhermanasherhairwhippedroundherbrowsandshewhirledaboutlikeatop。
"Aroundmethetreesweredraggedfromearthwithdyinggroans；
theyleapedintotheairandflewlikebirds。Greatwaveswhizzedfromthesea：spinningacrossthecliffsandhurtlingtotheearthinmonstrousclotsoffoam；theveryrockscametrundlingandsidlingandgrindingamongthetrees；andinthatrage，andinthathorrorofblacknessIfellasleep，orIwasbeatenintoslumber。"
CHAPTERVI
"THEREIdreamed，andIsawmyselfchangingintoastagindream，andIfeltindreamthebeatingofanewheartwithinme，andindreamIarchedmyneckandbracedmypowerfullimbs。
"Iawokefromthedream，andIwasthatwhichIhaddreamed。
"Istoodawhilestampinguponarock，withmybristlingheadswunghigh，breathingthroughwidenostrilsallthesavouroftheworld。ForIhadcomemarvellouslyfromde-
crepitudetostrength。Ihadwrithedfromthebondsofageandwasyoungagain。Ismelledtheturfandknewforthefirsttimehowsweetthatsmelled。Andlikelightningmymovingnosesniffedallthingstomyheartandseparatedthemintoknowledge。
"LongIstoodthere，ringingmyironhoofonstone，andlearningallthingsthroughmynose。Eachbreezethatcamefromtherighthandortheleftbroughtmeatale。Awindcarriedmethetangofwolf，andagainstthatsmellIstaredandstamped。Andonawindtherecamethescentofmyownkind，andatthatIbelled。Oh，loudandclearandsweetwasthevoiceofthegreatstag。Withwhateasemylovelynotewentlilting。WithwhatjoyIheardtheansweringcall。WithwhatdelightIbounded，bounded，bounded；
lightasabird’splume，powerfulasastorm，untiringasthesea。
"Herenowwaseaseinten-yardspringings，withaswinginghead，withtheriseandfallofaswallow，withthecurveandflowandurgeofanotterofthesea。Whatatingledweltaboutmyheart！
Whatathrillspuntotheloftypointsofmyantlers！Howtheworldwasnew！Howthesunwasnew！Howthewindcaressedme！
"WithunswervingforeheadandsteadyeyeImetallthatcame。Theold，lonewolfleapedsideways，snarling，andslunkaway。Thelumberingbearswunghisheadofhesitationsandthoughtagain；
hetrottedhissmallredeyeawaywithhimtoanear-bybrake。
Thestagsofmyracefledfrommyrockyforehead，orwerepushedbackandbackuntiltheirlegsbrokeunderthemandItrampledthemtodeath。Iwasthebeloved，thewellknown，theleaderoftheherdsofIreland。
"AndattimesIcamebackfrommyboundingsaboutEire’，forthestringsofmyheartweredrawntoUlster；and，standingaway，mywidenosetooktheair，whileIknewwithjoy，withterror，thatmenwereblownonthewind。Aproudheadhungtotheturfthen，andthetearsofmemoryrolledfromalarge，brighteye。
"AttimesIdrewnear，delicately，standingamongthickleavesorcrouchedinlonggrowngrasses，andIstaredandmournedasI
lookedonmen。ForNemedandfourcoupleshadbeensavedfromthatfiercestorm，andIsawthemincreaseandmultiplyuntilfourthousandcoupleslivedandlaughedandwereriotousinthesun，forthepeopleofNemedhadsmallmindsbutgreatactivity。
Theyweresavagefightersandhunters。
"ButonetimeIcame，drawnbythatintolerableanguishofmemory，andallofthesepeopleweregone：theplacethatknewthemwassilent：inthelandwheretheyhadmovedtherewasnothingofthembuttheirbonesthatglintedinthesun。
"Oldagecameonmethere。Amongtheseboneswearinesscreptintomylimbs。Myheadgrewheavy，myeyesdim，mykneesjerkedandtrembled，andtherethewolvesdaredchaseme。
"IwentagaintothecavethathadbeenmyhomewhenIwasanoldman。
"OnedayIstolefromthecavetosnatchamouthfulofgrass，forIwascloselybesiegedbywolves。Theymadetheirrush，andI
barelyescapedfromthem。Theysatbeyondthecavestaringatme。
"Iknewtheirtongue。Iknewallthattheysaidtoeachother，andallthattheysaidtome。Buttherewasyetathudleftinmyforehead，adeadlytrampleinmyhoof。Theydidnotdarecomeintothecave。
"’To-morrow，’theysaid，’wewilltearoutyourthroat，andgnawonyourlivinghaunch’。"
CHAPTERVII
"ThenmysoulrosetotheheightofDoom，andIintendedallthatmighthappentome，andagreedtoit。
"’To-morrow，’Isaid，’Iwillgooutamongye，andIwilldie，’
andatthatthewolveshowledjoyfully，hungrily，impatiently。
"Islept，andIsawmyselfchangingintoaboarindream，andI
feltindreamthebeatingofanewheartwithinme，andindreamIstretchedmypowerfulneckandbracedmyeagerlimbs。Iawokefrommydream，andIwasthatwhichIhaddreamed。
"Thenightworeaway，thedarknesslifted，thedaycame；andfromwithoutthecavethewolvescalledtome："’Comeout，OSkinnyStag。Comeoutanddie。’
"AndI，withjoyfulheart，thrustablackbristlethroughtheholeofthecave，andwhentheysawthatwrigglingsnout，thosecurvingtusks，thatredfierceeye，thewolvesfledyelping，tumblingovereachother，franticwithterror；andIbehindthem，awildcatforleaping，agiantforstrength，adevilforferocity；amadnessandgladnessoflusty，unsparinglife；akiller，achampion，aboarwhocouldnotbedefied。
"ItookthelordshipoftheboarsofIreland。
"WhereverIlookedamongmytribesIsawloveandobedience：
wheneverIappearedamongthestrangerstheyfledaway。Andthewolvesfearedmethen，andthegreat，grimbearwentboundingonheavypaws。Ichargedhimattheheadofmytroopandrolledhimoverandover；butitisnoteasytokillthebear，sodeeplyishislifepackedunderthatstinkingpelt。Hepickedhimselfupandran，andwasknockeddown，andranagainblindly，buttingintotreesandstones。Notaclawdidthebigbearflash，notatoothdidheshow，asheranwhimperinglikeababy，orashestoodwithmynoserammedagainsthismouth，snarlingupintohisnostrils。
"Ichallengedallthatmoved。Allcreaturesbutone。FormenhadagaincometoIreland。Semion，thesonofStariath，withhispeople，fromwhomthemenofDomnannandtheFirBolgandtheGaliuinaredescended。TheseIdidnotchase，andwhentheychasedmeIfled。
"OftenIwouldgo，drawnbymymemoriedheart，tolookatthemastheymovedamongtheirfields；andIspoketomymindinbitterness："WhenthepeopleofPartholonweregatheredincounselmyvoicewasheard；itwassweettoallwhoheardit，andthewordsIspokewerewise。Theeyesofwomenbrightenedandsoftenedwhentheylookedatme。Theylovedtohearhimwhenhesangwhonowwandersintheforestwithatuskyherd。"
CHAPTERVIII
"OLDageagainovertookme。Wearinessstoleintomylimbs，andanguishdozedintomymind。IwenttomyUlstercaveanddreamedmydream，andIchangedintoahawk。
"Ilefttheground。Thesweetairwasmykingdom，andmybrighteyestaredonahundredmiles。Isoared，Iswooped；Ihung，motionlessasalivingstone，overtheabyss；Ilivedinjoyandsleptinpeace，andhadmyfillofthesweetnessoflife。
"DuringthattimeBeothach，thesonofIarboneltheProphet，cametoIrelandwithhispeople，andtherewasagreatbattlebetweenhismenandthechildrenofSemion。LongIhungoverthatcombat，seeingeveryspearthathurtled，everystonethatwhizzedfromasling，everyswordthatflashedupanddown，andtheendlessglitteringoftheshields。AndattheendIsawthatthevictorywaswithIarbonel。AndfromhispeopletheTuathaDe’andtheAnde’came，althoughtheiroriginisforgotten，andlearnedpeople，becauseoftheirexcellentwisdomandintelligence，saythattheycamefromheaven。
"ThesearethepeopleofFaery。Allthesearethegods。
"Forlong，longyearsIwasahawk。Ikneweveryhillandstream；
everyfieldandglenofIreland。Iknewtheshapeofcliffsandcoasts，andhowallplaceslookedunderthesunormoon。AndI
wasstillahawkwhenthesonsofMildrovetheTuathaDe’Danannundertheground，andheldIrelandagainstarmsorwizardry；andthiswasthecomingofmenandthebeginningofgenealogies。
"ThenIgrewold，andinmyUlstercaveclosetotheseaI
dreamedmydream，andinitIbecameasalmon。Thegreentidesofoceanroseovermeandmydream，sothatIdrownedintheseaanddidnotdie，forIawokeindeepwaters，andIwasthatwhichI
dreamed。"Ihadbeenaman，astag，aboar，abird，andnowIwasafish。InallmychangesIhadjoyandfulnessoflife。Butinthewaterjoylaydeeper，lifepulseddeeper。Foronlandorairthereisalwayssomethingexcessiveandhindering；asarmsthatswingatthesidesofaman，andwhichthemindmustremember。
Thestaghaslegstobetuckedawayforsleep，anduntuckedformovement；andthebirdhaswingsthatmustbefoldedandpeckedandcaredfor。Butthefishhasbutonepiecefromhisnosetohistail。Heiscomplete，singleandunencumbered。Heturnsinoneturn，andgoesupanddownandroundinonesolemovement。
"HowIflewthroughthesoftelement：howIjoyedinthecountrywherethereisnoharshness：intheelementwhichupholdsandgivesway；whichcaressesandletsgo，andwillnotletyoufall。
Formanmaystumbleinafurrow；thestagtumblefromacliff；
thehawk，wing-wearyandbeaten，withdarknessaroundhimandthestormbehind，maydashhisbrainsagainstatree。Butthehomeofthesalmonishisdelight，andtheseaguardsallhercreatures。"
CHAPTERIX
"Ibecamethekingofthesalmon，and，withmymultitudes，I
rangedonthetidesoftheworld。Greenandpurpledistanceswereunderme：greenandgoldthesunlitregionsabove。IntheselatitudesImovedthroughaworldofamber，myselfamberandgold；inthoseothers，inasparkleoflucentblue，Icurved，litlikealivingjewel：andintheseagain，throughdusksofebonyallmazedwithsilver，Ishotandshone，thewonderofthesea。
"Isawthemonstersoftheuttermostoceangoheavingby；andthelonglithebrutesthataretoothedtotheirtails：andbelow，wheregloomdippeddownongloom，vast，lividtanglesthatcoiledanduncoiled，andlapseddownsteepsandhellsoftheseawhereeventhesalmoncouldnotgo。
"Iknewthesea。Iknewthesecretcaveswhereoceanroarstoocean；thefloodsthatareicycold，fromwhichthenoseofasalmonleapsbackasatasting；andthewarmstreamsinwhichwerockedanddozedandwerecarriedforwardwithoutmotion。Iswamontheoutermostrimofthegreatworld，wherenothingwasbuttheseaandtheskyandthesalmon；whereeventhewindwassilent，andthewaterwasclearascleangreyrock。
"Andthen，farawayinthesea，IrememberedUlster，andtherecameonmeaninstant，uncontrollableanguishtobethere。I
turned，andthroughdaysandnightsIswamtirelessly，jubilantly；withterrorwakeninginme，too，andawhisperthroughmybeingthatImustreachIrelandordie。
"IfoughtmywaytoUlsterfromthesea。
"Ah，howthatendofthejourneywashard！Asicknesswasrackingineveryoneofmybones，alanguorandwearinesscreepingthroughmyeveryfibreandmuscle。Thewavesheldmebackandheldmeback；thesoftwatersseemedtohavegrownhard；anditwasasthoughIwereurgingthrougharockasIstrainedtowardsUlsterfromthesea。
"SotiredIwas！Icouldhaveloosenedmyframeandbeensweptaway；Icouldhavesleptandbeendriftedandwaftedaway；
swingingongrey-greenbillowsthathadturnedfromthelandandwereheavingandmountingandsurgingtothefarbluewater。
"Onlytheunconquerableheartofthesalmoncouldbravethatendoftoil。ThesoundoftheriversofIrelandracingdowntotheseacametomeinthelastnumbeffort：theloveofIrelandboremeup：thegodsoftheriverstrodtomeinthewhite-curledbreakers，sothatIlefttheseaatlong，longlast；andIlayinsweetwaterinthecurveofacranniedrock，exhausted，threepartsdead，triumphant。"
CHAPTERX
"Delightandstrengthcametomeagain，andnowIexploredalltheinlandways，thegreatlakesofIreland，andherswiftbrownrivers。
"Whatajoytolieunderaninchofwaterbaskinginthesun，orbeneathashadyledgetowatchthesmallcreaturesthatspeedlikelightningontheripplingtop。Isawthedragon-fliesflashanddartandturn，withapoise，withaspeedthatnootherwingedthingknows：Isawthehawkhoverandstareandswoop：hefelllikeafallingstone，buthecouldnotcatchthekingofthesalmon：Isawthecold-eyedcatstretchingalongaboughlevelwiththewater，eagertohookandliftthecreaturesoftheriver。AndIsawmen。
"Theysawmealso。Theycametoknowmeandlookforme。TheylayinwaitatthewaterfallsupwhichIleapedlikeasilverflash。
Theyheldoutnetsforme；theyhidtrapsunderleaves；theymadecordsofthecolourofwater，ofthecolourofweeds——butthissalmonhadanosethatknewhowaweedfeltandhowastring——theydriftedmeatonasightlessstring，butIknewofthehook；theythrustspearsatme，andthrewlanceswhichtheydrewbackagainwithacord。"ManyawoundIgotfrommen，manyasorrowfulscar。
"Everybeastpursuedmeinthewatersandalongthebanks；thebarking，black-skinnedottercameaftermeinlustandgustandswirl；thewildcatfishedforme；thehawkandthesteep-winged，spear-beakedbirdsdiveddownonme，andmencreptonmewithnetsthewidthofariver，sothatIgotnorest。Mylifebecameaceaselessscurryandwoundandescape，aburdenandanguishofwatchfulness——andthenIwascaught。"
CHAPTERXI
"THEfishermanofCairill，theKingofUlster，tookmeinhisnet。Ah，thatwasahappymanwhenhesawme！Heshoutedforjoywhenhesawthegreatsalmoninhisnet。
"Iwasstillinthewaterashehauleddelicately。Iwasstillinthewaterashepulledmetothebank。Mynosetouchedairandspunfromitasfromfire，andIdivedwithallmymightagainstthebottomofthenet，holdingyettothewater，lovingit，madwithterrorthatImustquitthatloveliness。ButthenetheldandIcameup。
"’Bequiet，KingoftheRiver，’saidthefisherman，’giveintoDoom，’saidhe。
"Iwasinair，anditwasasthoughIwereinfire。Theairpressedonmelikeafierymountain。Itbeatonmyscalesandscorchedthem。Itrusheddownmythroatandscaldedme。Itweighedonmeandsqueezedme，sothatmyeyesfeltasthoughtheymustburstfrommyhead，myheadasthoughitwouldleapfrommybody，andmybodyasthoughitwouldswellandexpandandflyinathousandpieces。
"Thelightblindedme，theheattormentedme，thedryairmademeshrivelandgasp；and，ashelayonthegrass，thegreatsalmonwhirledhisdesperatenoseoncemoretotheriver，andleaped，leaped，leaped，evenunderthemountainofair。Hecouldleapupwards，butnotforwards，andyetheleaped，forineachrisehecouldseethetwinklingwaves，theripplingandcurlingwaters。
"’Beatease，OKing，’saidthefisherman。’Beatrest，mybeloved。Letgothestream。Lettheoozymargebeforgotten，andthesandybedwheretheshadesdanceallingreenandgloom，andthebrownfloodsingsalong。’
"Andashecarriedmetothepalacehesangasongoftheriver，andasongofDoom，andasonginpraiseoftheKingoftheWaters。
"Whentheking’swifesawmeshedesiredme。Iwasputoverafireandroasted，andsheateme。Andwhentimepassedshegavebirthtome，andIwashersonandthesonofCairilltheking。I
rememberwarmthanddarknessandmovementandunseensounds。AllthathappenedIremember，fromthetimeIwasonthegridironuntilthetimeIwasborn。Iforgetnothingofthesethings。"
"Andnow，"saidFinnian，"youwillbebornagain，forIshallbaptizeyouintothefamilyoftheLivingGod。"——————————————
SofarthestoryofTuan，thesonofCairill。
NomanknowsifhediedinthosedistantageswhenFinnianwasAbbotofMoville，orifhestillkeepshisfortinUlster，watchingallthings，andrememberingthemforthegloryofGodandthehonourofIreland。
THEBOYHOODOFFIONN
Hewasaking，aseerandapoet。Hewasalordwithamanifoldandgreattrain。Hewasourmagician，ourknowledgableone，oursoothsayer。Allthathedidwassweetwithhim。And，howeveryedeemmytestimonyofFionnexcessive，and，althoughyeholdmypraisingoverstrained，nevertheless，andbytheKingthatisaboveme，hewasthreetimesbetterthanallIsay。——SaintPATRICK。
CHAPTERI
Fionn[pronounceFewntorhymewith"tune"]gothisfirsttrainingamongwomen。Thereisnowonderinthat，foritisthepup’smotherteachesittofight，andwomenknowthatfightingisanecessaryartalthoughmenpretendthereareothersthatarebetter。Thesewerethewomendruids，BovmallandLiaLuachra。Itwillbewonderedwhyhisownmotherdidnottrainhiminthefirstnaturalsavageriesofexistence，butshecouldnotdoit。
Shecouldnotkeephimwithherfordreadoftheclann-Morna。ThesonsofMornahadbeenfightingandintriguingforalongtimetooustherhusband，Uail，fromthecaptaincyoftheFiannaofIreland，andtheyhadoustedhimatlastbykillinghim。Itwastheonlywaytheycouldgetridofsuchaman；butitwasnotaneasyway，forwhatFionn’sfatherdidnotknowinarmscouldnotbetaughttohimevenbyMorna。Still，thehoundthatcanwaitwillcatchahareatlast，andevenManana’nnsleeps。Fionn’smotherwasbeautiful，long-hairedMuirne：sosheisalwaysreferredto。ShewasthedaughterofTeigue，thesonofNuadafromFaery，andhermotherwasEthlinn。Thatis，herbrotherwasLughoftheLongHandhimself，andwithagod，andsuchagod，forbrotherwemaymarvelthatshecouldhavebeenindreadofMornaorhissons，orofanyone。Butwomenhavestrangeloves，strangefears，andthesearesoboundupwithoneanotherthatthethingwhichispresentedtousisnotoftenthethingthatistobeseen。
Howeveritmaybe，whenUalldiedMuirnegotmarriedagaintotheKingofKerry。ShegavethechildtoBovmallandLiaLuachratorear，andwemaybesurethatshegaveinjunctionswithhim，andmanyofthem。TheyoungsterwasbroughttothewoodsofSlieveBloomandwasnursedthereinsecret。
Itislikelythewomenwerefondofhim，forotherthanFionntherewasnolifeaboutthem。Hewouldbetheirlife；andtheireyesmayhaveseemedastwinbenedictionsrestingonthesmallfairhead。Hewasfair-haired，anditwasforhisfairnessthathewasafterwardscalledFionn；butatthisperiodhewasknownasDeimne。Theysawthefoodtheyputintohislittleframereproduceitselflength-waysandsidewaysintoughinches，andinspringsandenergiesthatcrawledatfirst，andthentoddled，andthenran。Hehadbirdsforplaymates，butallthecreaturesthatliveinawoodmusthavebeenhiscomrades。TherewouldhavebeenforlittleFionnlonghoursoflonelysunshine，whentheworldseemedjustsunshineandasky。Therewouldhavebeenhoursaslong，whenexistencepassedlikeashadeamongshadows，inthemultitudinoustappingsofrainthatdrippedfromleaftoleafinthewood，andslippedsototheground。Hewouldhaveknownlittlesnakypaths，narrowenoughtobefilledbyhisownsmallfeet，oragoat’s；andhewouldhavewonderedwheretheywent，andhavemarvelledagaintofindthat，wherevertheywent，theycameatlast，throughloopsandtwistsofthebranchywood，tohisowndoor。Hemayhavethoughtofhisowndoorasthebeginningandendoftheworld，whenceallthingswent，andwhitherallthingscame。
Perhapshedidnotseethelarkforalongtime，buthewouldhaveheardhim，faroutofsightintheendlesssky，thrillingandthrillinguntiltheworldseemedtohavenoothersoundbutthatclearsweetness；andwhataworlditwastomakethatsound！
Whistlesandchirps，coosandcawsandcroaks，wouldhavegrownfamiliartohim。Andhecouldatlasthavetoldwhichbrotherofthegreatbrotherhoodwasmakingthenoiseheheardatanymoment。Thewindtoo：hewouldhavelistenedtoitsthousandvoicesasitmovedinallseasonsandinallmoods。Perhapsahorsewouldstrayintothethickscreenabouthishome，andwouldlookassolemnlyonFionnasFionndidonit。Or，comingsuddenlyonhim，thehorsemightstare，alla-cockwitheyesandearsandnose，onelong-drawnfacialextension，ereheturnedandboundedawaywithmanesalloverhimandhoofsallunderhimandtailsallroundhim。Asolemn-nosed，stern-eyedcowwouldambleandstampinhiswoodtofindaflylessshadow；orastrayedsheepwouldpokeitsgentlemuzzlethroughleaves。
"Aboy，"hemightthink，asbestaredonastaringhorse，"aboycannotwaghistailtokeepthefliesoff，"andthatlackmayhavesaddenedhim。Hemayhavethoughtthatacowcansnortandbedignifiedattheonemoment，andthattimidityiscomelyinasheep。Hewouldhavescoldedthejackdaw，andtriedtoout-whistlethethrostle，andwonderedwhyhispipegottiredwhentheblackbird’sdidn’t。Therewouldbefliestobewatched，slenderatomsinyellowgauzethatflew，andfilmyspecksthatflittered，andsturdy，thick-ribbedbrutesthatpouncedlikecatsandbitlikedogsandflewlikelightning。Hemayhavemournedforthespiderinbadluckwhocaughtthatfly。Therewouldbemuchtoseeandrememberandcompare，andtherewouldbe，always，histwoguardians。Theflieschangefromsecondtosecond；onecannottellifthisbirdisavisitororaninhabitant，andasheepisjustsistertoasheep；butthewomenwereasrootedasthehouseitself。
CHAPTERII
Werehisnursescomelyorharsh-looking？Fionnwouldnotknow。
Thiswastheonewhopickedhimupwhenhefell，andthatwastheonewhopattedthebruise。Thisonesaid："Mindyoudonottumbleinthewell！"
Andthatone："Mindthelittlekneesamongthenettles。"
Buthedidtumbleandrecordthattheonlynotablethingaboutawellisthatitiswet。Andasfornettles，iftheyhithimhehitback。Heslashedintothemwithastickandbroughtthemlow。
Therewasnothinginwellsornettles，onlywomendreadedthem。
Onepatronisedwomenandinstructedthemandcomfortedthem，fortheywereafraidaboutone。
Theythoughtthatoneshouldnotclimbatree！
"Nextweek，’theysaidatlast，"youmayclimbthisone，"and"nextweek"livedattheendoftheworld！
Butthetreethatwasclimbedwasnotworthwhilewhenithadbeenclimbedtwice。Therewasabiggeronenearby。Thereweretreesthatnoonecouldclimb，withvastshadowononesideandvastersunshineontheother。Ittookalongtimetowalkroundthem，andyoucouldnotseetheirtops。
Itwaspleasanttostandonabranchthatswayedandsprung，anditwasgoodtostareatanimpenetrableroofofleavesandthenclimbintoit。Howwonderfulthelonelinesswasupthere！Whenhelookeddowntherewasanundulatingfloorofleaves，greenandgreenandgreenertoaveryblacknessofgreeniness；andwhenhelookeduptherewereleavesagain，greenandlessgreenandnotgreenatall，uptoaverysnowandblindnessofgreeniness；andaboveandbelowandaroundtherewasswayandmotion，thewhisperofleafonleaf，andtheeternalsilencetowhichonelistenedandatwhichonetriedtolook。
Whenhewassixyearsofagehismother，beautiful，long-hairedMuirne，cametoseehim。Shecamesecretly，forshefearedthesonsofMorna，andshehadpacedthroughlonelyplacesinmanycountiesbeforeshereachedthehutinthewood，andthecotwherehelaywithhisfistsshutandsleepgrippedinthem。
Heawakenedtobesure。Hewouldhaveoneearthatwouldcatchanunusualvoice，oneeyethatwouldopen，howeversleepytheotheronewas。Shetookhiminherarmsandkissedhim，andshesangasleepysonguntilthesmallboysleptagain。
Wemaybesurethattheeyethatcouldstayopenstayedopenthatnightaslongasitcould，andthattheoneearlistenedtothesleepysonguntilthesonggottoolowtobeheard，untilitwastootendertobefeltvibratingalongthosesoftarms，untilFionnwasasleepagain，withanewpictureinhislittleheadandanewnotiontoponderon。
Themotherofhimself！Hisownmother！
Butwhenheawakenedshewasgone。
Shewasgoingbacksecretly，indreadofthesonsofMorna，slippingthroughgloomywoods，keepingawayfromhabitations，gettingbydesolateandlonelywaystoherlordinKerry。
PerhapsitwashethatwasafraidofthesonsofMorna，andperhapsshelovedhim。