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 of the Ever-Young. As for myself, I am old in years, and of waning strength, and care not how soon I hear the call of the Immortal Ones."

"Do not speak like that," said Caeilté mac Ronan, "for with your death I think the glory of the Fianna would depart. And it is the wish of the Fianna that you let your son Oisin command them in the forthcoming battle, for they fear lest harm should befall you."

But Fionn would not listen to that—he would lead his army himself, he said. It did not take him long to complete his preparations, then he marched up to Leinster with his army, and not far from Dublin, on the plain of Gabhra—which is now called Garristown—he saw the tents and banners of Cairbre and his fighters, and foremost among them were the ancient enemies of Fionn, the warriors of the Clan Morna.

Three nights Fionn lay encamped on the plain of Gabhra, within sight of his enemy; and what those nights were to Cairbre and his followers I do not know, but to the Fians