Oscar went his way then till he reached Ventry. Fin came on the second day, and stopped with all his forces at Rahonáin. Next morning, he asked, “Who will command the battle to-day?”
“We will go with two hundred,” said Oisin and Oscar.
They went toward the harbor; and a great troop landed to meet them. The two parties faced each other then, and fought till near evening; when all were killed on the side of the foreigners except three smiths, and of Fin’s men there remained only Oisin, Oscar, and Goll, son of Morna.
On the following morning, Oisin and Oscar went with two hundred more, but without Goll. The foreign troop came in numbers as before: and at midday there was no man left living of Fin’s men but Oisin and Oscar; on the foreign side all had fallen except the three smiths, who were mighty champions. Oscar and Oisin faced the smiths. Oscar had two men against him; and Oisin’s enemy was forcing him backward toward the water. Fin, seeing this, feared for his son, and sent a poet to praise and encourage him.
“Now is the time to prove your valor and greatness, Oisin”, said the poet. “You never went to any place but a king’s daughter, or a high beauty, fell in love with you. Many are looking this day at you; and now is your time to show bravery.”
Oisin was greatly encouraged; so he grew in fury and increased on his blows, till at last he swept the head off his enemy. About the same time, Oscar killed the two other smiths; but, being faint from open wounds and blood-loss, he fell senseless on the strand. Oisin, his father, rushed to him, and held him till aid came. They carried him to Rahonáin, where, after a long time, he revived.
The smiths had one brother in the fleet of the High King, and his name was Dealv Dura. This man, who was the first champion in the armies of the High King, fell into great grief, and swore to have vengeance for his brothers. He went to the High King, and said, “I will go alone to the strand, and will slay two hundred men every day till I have slain all the forces of Erin; and if any man of your troops interfere, I will kill him.”
Next morning, Fin asked who would conduct the battle on that day.
“I will,” said Duvan, son of Donn, “with two hundred men.”
“Go not,” said Fin. “Let another go.”