Part 41 (2/2)
And Grania answered, ”I wish, indeed, to learn from you what has brought Finn to Tara.”
”It is strange to hear thee ask this question,” said the druid. ”Knowest thou not that he has come to claim thee for his wife?”
Grania was silent for a long time after hearing this. And again she spoke--
”If, indeed, Finn had sought me for his son Oisin, or for the youthful Oscar, there would be nothing to wonder at; but I marvel much that he seeks me for himself, seeing that he is older than my father.”
Then Grania meditated in silence; and after a time she said to the druid--
”This is a goodly company, but I know not one among them, except only Oisin, the son of Finn. Tell me now who is that warrior on the right of Oisin.”
”That knightly warrior,” answered the druid, ”is Gaul Mac Morna the Terrible in Battle.”
”Who is the youthful champion to the right of Gaul?” asked Grania.
”That is Oscar, the son of Oisin,” said the druid.
”Who is the graceful and active-looking chief sitting next Oscar?” asked the princess.
”That is Kylta Mac Ronan the Swift-footed,” said the druid.
”Next to Kylta Mac Ronan sits a champion with fair, freckled skin, raven-black curls, a gentle, handsome, manly countenance, and soft voice: pray who is he?”
”That is Dermat O'Dyna of the Bright Face, the favourite of maidens, and beloved of all the Fena for his high-mindedness, his bravery, and his generous disposition.”
”Who is he sitting at Dermat's shoulder?” asked Grania.
”That is Dering, the son of Dobar O'Baskin,” replied the druid; ”a valiant champion, and also a druid and a man of science.”
Then Grania called her handmaid, and said to her, ”Bring me the large jewelled, gold-chased drinking-horn that lies in my chamber.”
The handmaid brought the drinking-horn; and Grania, having filled it to the brim, said--
”Take it now to Finn from me, and tell him that I desire him to drink from it.”
The handmaiden did so, and Finn took a full draught. He pa.s.sed the drinking-horn to the king, and the king drank; and after him the queen.
Then again Grania bade the handmaid bring it to Carbri of the Liffey, the king's son; and she ceased not till all she wished to drink had drunk from the gold-chased horn. And after a little time, those who had drunk fell into a deep sleep, like the sleep of death.
Then the princess rose from her seat, and, walking softly across the hall, sat down near Dermat O'Dyna; and with downcast eyes and low voice, she said--
”Wilt thou, Dermat, return my love if I give it to thee?”
Dermat heard her at first with amazement and alarm. Then for a moment, even before he was aware, his heart leaped with joy; but when he bethought him of his duty to his chief, he hardened his mind, and answered with cold looks and words--
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