While the Fenian bands at Almhuin’s towers,
In the hall of spears, passed the festive hours,
The goblet crowned, with chessmen played,[1]
Or gifts for gifts of love repaid;
From the reckless throng Finn stole unseen,
When he spied a young doe on the heath-clad green
With agile spring draw near:
On Sceolan and Bran his nimble hounds
He whistles aloud, and away he bounds
In chase of the hornless deer.