And he took counsel of the nobles who had come hither with Finn, and there was not one but said, ‘Even though death come of it, thou canst not depart from thy solemn vow.’
Then Dermat arose, and when he was armed he bade his companions a tearful farewell, for he knew they might see his face no more.
Forth he went, and with an exceeding light bound he cleared the rampart and alighted on the green grass beyond. And there Grania met him.
And Dermat said to the Princess, ‘Even now, I pray of thee, return to thy father’s home and Finn shall hear nought of this thing.’
But Grania’s will was firm, and she said, ‘I will not return now nor will I return hereafter, for death only shall part me and thee.’
‘Then go forward, O Grania,’ said Dermat, and the two went forth.
But when they were scarce a mile from Tara Grania told Dermat that she was weary.
And Dermat said, ‘It is a good time to weary, O Grania. Get thee back to thine own household, for I plight thee the word of a true warrior that I will not carry thee from thy father’s house.’
‘Neither is there need,’ answered Grania, ‘for my father’s horses are in a fenced meadow by themselves, and chariots also will ye find there. Yoke two horses to a chariot, and I will wait for thee on this spot until thou overtake me again.’
Then Dermat did as Grania said, and he brought the horses and the chariot, and they drove forth.