J. F. Campbell Collection > Transactions of the Ossianic Society > Volume 4

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P. Thou imag-inest that the Fians were mightier
Than all who ever came and will come hereafter,
But I believe that God is stronger
Than thou and they, old man !
0. 'Tis likely thou hast not seen the Fians
Mustered for battle in time of war ;
Not like the humming of the psalms.
Or the clangor of bells, was their music.
Not like unto God, Patrick,
Were his [Fionn's] proud illustrious hosts,
I never heard of any great feat [by him, i. e. God,]
But what thou and the clerics spread of his fame.
P. The clerics or I have not told thee
One-third of his good deeds since the beginning.
Goodness without end is his goodness,
Oisin, it is truly.
0. I do not submit, Patrick, to God,
Nor yet to thy words which are foolish.
That either he himself or his actions were great,
As he was a man without battalion or hosts.
P. He asketh not for the pursuit of battalions or hosts
For ever, Oisin, in his presence.
But distributes equally according to merit.
And he never gets a hurt from his foe.
Believe me still and truly submit,
silly Oisin who lovest not God,
And whether it seems good or ill to thee,
'Twas he who checked the career of the Fians.