In the marshland by the river sulks the otter in his den;
While the piping of the peeweet sounds across the distant fen.
On the stormy mere the wild-duck pushes outward from the brake,
With her downy brood beside her seeks the centre of the lake.
In the east the restless roe-deer bellows to his frightened hind;
On thy track the wolf-hounds gather, sniffing up against the wind.
Yet, O Dermuid, sleep a little, this one night our fear hath fled,
Youth to whom my love is given, see, I watch beside thy bed.
[THE SLAYING OF CONBEG]
A beloved hound of Fionn's which Goll mac Morna drowned
in despite of Fionn.
Caoilte sang this:
Mournful to me the slaying of Conbeg,[103]
Little hound, great was his brightness;
Never was one more deft of paw
Seen in the chase of swine or deer.