Ossian Collection > Poems of Oisin, bard of Erin

118 DIALOGUE.
I knew, by the hound of Ciardan -whining con-
tinually each evening, that soon I should receive
my pain ; the report of my three under sadness.
I knew, by the small portion of my slumber
night after night, and by the stream of tears flow-
ing from my eyes since your departure, that for
you it was no omen of protection.
I knew, by the awful dream which showed me
my own figure, my hands and my head cut off,
that it was ye who were without sway.
I knew, by the plaintive bay of the dog beloved
by Liagan, early each morning babbling, that my
three were in great distress.
I knew, when was shown unto me the lake of
blood in a part of the fort, that my three were
fallen by that treachery which was ever in Fionn,
son of Cumhal.
"Be not reproaching Fionn," said Graine,
" though vexed be thy heart woman ; hencefor-
ward cease from reviling the majestic Fenii, or
their chief."