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beech leaves were turning brown and crimson and gold when Fionn mac Cumall, with some of the Fianna, left the Hill of Allen to hunt through the forests of Munster. One day, however, Fionn, instead of following the chase, sat on a sunny hillside with a few of his men, and among them was Conan mac Morna, who had a more bitter and abusive tongue than all the rest of the Fianna together.

After resting there quietly for a time, listening to the pleasant baying of the hounds and the calling of his men, Fionn said:

"No guard has yet been set on the hill to tell us when friend or enemy approaches. Finnbane, son of Bresal, will you keep watch

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