Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/200

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162
HEROES OF THE DAWN

and Oscur, could not restrain his tongue when he heard Gael's speech.

"Undoubtedly you have heard of us—who has not?" he proudly asked. "But in all our forays and wanderings we have never heard any man speak of you, nor do I, for one, believe a word of what you have said. The warrior has not yet lived who would not be easily conquered by even the youngest and most inexperienced of the Fians. I think too, young man, it will be better for your health if you remove yourself from this place immediately, and cease tempting the Fians with your idle and boasting words."

"There is only one man among the Fianna who would speak in such a foolish manner," Cael responded, "and that is Conan the Bald. But I tell you, Conan, that could all those Fians who have died during the past seven years come to life again, and be added to those who still live, between the rising of the sun and its setting I would make you all feel the pain and sorrow of death, so that not one Fian would be left alive to enjoy either battle or feast again." Then he turned to Fionn: