“There is many a book written down,

By the melodious sweet sages of the Gaels,

Which we in truth are unable to relate to thee,

Of the deeds of Fionn and of the Fianna;”

he concludes his lengthy relation in these two stanzas:—

“I lost the sight of my eyes,

My form, my countenance, and my vigour,

I was an old man, poor and blind,

Without strength, understanding, or esteem.