Ossian Collection > Reliquiae Celticae > Volume 2

THE TALE OF DEIRDRK. 443
them affectionately and tenderly, and said, " It is not well of you
to have the second thing dearest to Conchobar ever taken from
him playing upon it ; that is, the polished chess-board ; and it is
to see you to ascertain if her own form and beauty still remain
to Deirdre that I am sent." " Evil is the deed that will be done
this night in Emain," said Deirdre, " namely, the three torches of
valour of the Gael will be slain by treachery ; and Emain will not
bo better for that for one night until the hour of doom ;" and slie
uttered this lay : —
Sad to me is the treachery
That is done this night in Emain,
And because of that treachery henceforth
It will be fratricidal Emain.
The three best luider heaven
That have walked on the face of earth,
Grievous to me their being as they are
Slain for one woman's sake.
Naesi and Ainnle renowned
And Ardan of white-hands their brother,
Treachery to this band suddenly
'Tis not to me 'tis not full woe.
After that lay, Lebarchau told the sons of Fergus to shut the
windows and doors of the house. " And if they come to you,"
said she, " win ye victor}^, and do valiantly, and defend yourselves
well." And Leloarchan shed hot showers of tears, and took leave
of them, and came where Conchobar was. Conchobar asked
tidings of her. " I have both evil tidings and good tidings," said
she. "What are they?" said Conchobar. " It is good tidings,"
she replied, " that the three of best form and appearance in Erin
have come to us, that the sons of Uisnech have come to the
Province of Ulster. And these are the best tidings we have.
And the worst tidings I have are, namely, that the woman of best
form and appearance in the world when she departed from us out
of Emain has not retained her own beauty or form." When
Conchobar heard that, much of his jealousy left him ; and he
took to lamenting the loss of Deirdre's beauty, until he said a
second time, " Which of vou will <>-o to see if her own form and