Matheson Collection > Popular tales of the west Highlands > Volume 4

232 ossian— proverbs.
154. Cairdeas Chonain ris na deonabh.
Conan's kindness to the demons, i.e., " cuff for
cuff," or " claw for claw."*
This quarrelsome spirit was not that of the Druids.
5. GA FOGASG CLACH DO LAR IS F0I6GE NO SIN COBH-
AIR CHOIBHIDH.
Though a stone be near earth, nearer than that
is Coivi's aid.
(The arch Druid Coivi or Cefaeus. See Bede.)
147. Cho teomadh ri Coibhi Deuidh.
As clever as Coivi Druid.
This was a wise helpful character.
24. Deas-ail aie gach ni.
Sunwise (ready able) for everything.
Fionn was like him.
113. Cha d' chuir Fionn riamh blar gun chumh-achd
(or (?) chumha).
Fionn never joined fight without might (or (?)
wailing).
229. Cha do threig Fionn riamh caraid a laimh dheas.
Fionn never forsook his right hand friend.
His was the character of a sagacious, successful
military leader, who agreed with his friends,
though he did not forgive one great injury
till too late, and avenged it by subtlety.
178. Cho comasach lamh ri Conloch.
As powerful-handed as Conloch.
* There is a story which I have not yet got, about Conan
going to the Isle of Cold and holding combat with its ghostly
inhabitants.
It is probably something like the story of the Master Smith in
the Norse Tales.