Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

256 Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race[298]the king, to Finn, and to all the company except the chiefs of theFianna. When the draught has done its work she goes to Oisīn.“Wilt thou receive courtship from me, Oisīn?” she asks. “Thatwill I not,” says Oisīn, “nor from any woman that is betrothed toFinn.” Grania, who knew very well what Oisīn's answer wouldbe, now turns to her real mark, Dermot. He at first refuses tohave anything to do with her. “I put thee under bonds [geise], ODermot, that thou take me out of Tara to-night.” “Evil are thesebonds, Grania,” says Dermot; “and wherefore hast thou put themon me before all the kings' sons that feast at this table?” Graniathen explains that she has loved Dermot ever since she saw him,years ago, from her sunny bower, take part in and win a greathurling match on the green at Tara. Dermot, still very reluctant,pleads the merits of Finn, and urges also that Finn has the keysof the royal fortress, so that they cannot pass out at night. “Thereis a secret wicket-gate in my bower,” says Grania. “I am undergeise not to pass through any wicket-gate,” replies Dermot, stillstruggling against his destiny. Grania will have none of thesesubterfuges—any Fian warrior, she has been told, can leap overa palisade with the aid of his spear as a jumping-pole; and shegoes off to make ready for the elopement. Dermot, in greatperplexity, appeals to Oisīn, Oscar, Keelta, and the others as towhat he should do. They all bid him keep his geise—the bondsthat Grania had laid on him to succour her—and he takes leaveof them with tears.Outside the wicket-gate he again begs Grania to return. “It iscertain that I will not go back,” says Grania, “nor part from theetill death part us.” “Then go forward, O Grania,” says Dermot.After they had gone a mile, “I am truly weary, O grandsonof Dyna,” says Grania. “It is a good time to be weary,” saysDermot, making a last effort to rid himself of the entanglement,“and return now to thy household again, for I pledge the word ofa true warrior that I will never carry thee nor any other woman toall eternity.” “There is no need,” replies Grania, and she directs