would certainly bring me back to her again. When I was ready for my journey Niav stood by my side, and looking up into my face said, very solemnly:
"'Remember well what I now say to you, Oisin. If once you alight from the horse, or place your feet to the ground, you will never return to me. And I tell you your journey will be in vain, for Fionn and his Fians are no longer in the land; instead of your great warriors you will find a multitude of weak, sad-faced men, who say prayers to a strange God night and day; instead of the cheerful barking of hounds and sound of the chase you will hear the melancholy ringing of bells wherever you go. Again I say to you, Oisin, let nothing tempt you to dismount from the horse; if you do you will never return to this country, for old, old age will fall upon you in the twinkling of an eye. For the third time I say to you; whatever happens do not alight from the horse. Alas! a great grief is in my heart, for I think I shall never see you again.'
"I put my arms round her and kissed her, and said I would remember her words, and
