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 and for ever the old bitterness and enmity which, though smothered and hidden, had existed since Cumall had died by the hand of Goll mac Morna. At length they found them, and for hours a hard fight raged round Oscur's banner; but in the end all who remained of the Clan Morna fled before the battle-fury of the Fians.

The plain of Gabhra was covered with the dead and dying of both armies when Oscur, panting, wounded, and weary almost to death, saw Cairbre riding towards him, surrounded by a band of chosen warriors. Then the poets sang to Oscur, chanting the deeds of bygone heroes of the Clan Basna; and Oscur, filled with pride in his race and name, clashed his spear and shield together and rushed forward to meet the king. Cairbre watched him coming, and made a swift cast of his spear, which passed through Oscur's body and brought him to the ground. A cry of grief went up from the Fians, and a shout of victory rose from the king's fighters; but too soon they shouted, for Oscur, rising on one knee, threw his spear with such unerring aim that