Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/253

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THE DEATH OF OSCUR
209

came to where Oscur was lying, and seeing Oisin's grief and Oscar's distress, put his own trouble on one side. He spoke cheerfully to Oscur:

"Remember other battles, Oscur, when we could see the sunlight shine through the spear-thrusts in your body, and yet you were healed."

"There is no healing for me now," said Oscur. "Never again shall I see the sun rise over Ben Edar, or hear the thrushes sing in Gleann-na-smol. I have fought my last battle and run my last chase," and the broken spear slipped out of his hand.

The Fians gathered together and watched by Oscur through the night. Silently they sat, saying no word; nor, with all his pain, would Oscur add to their grief by making any moan. In the cold grey dawn the aged Fionn came swiftly towards them and knelt down by his dying grandson's side.

"O Oscur, light of my eyes, child of my heart, would that I were lying in your place," lamented Fionn.

Hearing his beloved chiefs voice Oscur