But Fergus said: "One's mother country is better than all else, and gloomy is life when a man sees not his home each morning."
"Far dearer to me is Erin than Alban," said Naisi, "even though my sway should be greater here."
It was not with Deirdre's consent he spoke these words: and she still earnestly opposed their return to Erin.
But Fergus tried to [re-assure] her:—"If all the men of Erin were against you," said he, "it would avail nought once I have passed my word for your safety."
"We trust in thee," said Naisi, "and we will go with thee to Erin."
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A gold box: 2¾ inches across: 1 inch deep. Found in a grave in Co. Cork. Use not known. |
Ancient Irish bronze lamp. Found in a crannoge (i.e. an island-dwelling in a lake) in Co. Roscommon. The vessel held the oil, and the wick projected from the pipe. |
XIII.
THE RETURN TO EMAIN.
Going next morning on board their galleys, Fergus and his companions put out on the wide sea: and oar and wind bore them on swiftly till they landed on the shore of Erin near the house of Barach.
And Deirdre, seating herself on a cliff, looked sadly over the waters at the blue headlands of Alban: and she uttered this farewell:—