Then one of the nobles, hearing these words, prayed Finn that he would let Dermat drink from his hands.
Finn replied, ‘I know not of any well on this hill whence I can bring water.’
But Dermat said, ‘Right well thou knowest that hidden by yonder bush is a well of crystal water. No more than nine paces must thou go to reach it. Let me, I pray thee, drink from thine hands.’
Then Finn went to the well, and in his two hands tightly together did he bring the water towards Dermat. But as he came nearer he spilled it through his fingers, saying that he could not in such manner carry water so far.
But Dermat believed him not, and said, ‘Of thine own will hast thou spilled the water. I pray thee go once more to the well and bring me to drink, or I die.’
Again the King went to the well, and with failing sight did Dermat follow the dripping hands that came nearer and yet more near. But of a sudden Finn thought of Grania, and a second time was the water spilled. And when Dermat saw it, he uttered a piteous cry.
Then were the champions no longer able to see Dermat in such grievous plight, and one said to Finn, ‘I swear to thee that if thou bringest not water to Dermat, thou shalt not leave this hill alive, save I be a dead man.’
Finn, hearing these words and seeing their frowns, went a third time to fetch water from the well. And this time he made haste to bring it to Dermat, but ere he had got half-way, the hero’s head fell backward and he died.
Then were raised three long cries of sorrow for Dermat, who had been dear unto them all.
After some time had passed Finn said, ‘Let us leave this hill lest Angus come, for he may not believe that it was not at our hands that Dermat met his death.’