and I hear that he has set forth with a great number of warriors to conquer my small army."
Just then a messenger came hastily to the king, saying:
"O King, the sea is covered with ships as thickly as the grass is flecked with blown apple blossoms in spring-time, and armed men are ravaging the country-side and plundering the people."
The King of Sorcha sighed, and said despondently:
"How can I hope to withstand this invader? Almost every country in the world is under tribute to him, and I fear that my small kingdom too must fall."
Fionn laughed in a cheerful manner, and said:
"Have no fear, king. When I was a boy I vowed that wherever I found an oppressed people, or one unjustly treated, I would fight for them, and never yet have I broken my word. I will hold your country for you as long as I am here." Then he turned to his little band of Fians: "Are you willing to fight on behalf of this king?"
