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 instructed Fionn in the making of verses and other learning, they watched the stream. Then one afternoon, in the spring of the year, with many rushes and leaps a magnificent salmon came up stream, and stopped in the deep and beautiful pool of Feic, which they were sitting by.

"Surely this must be the fish which the prophecy speaks of," said Finnegas. "It is more beautiful than any I have ever seen before. Catch it for me, Deimne, for you are strong, and when it is caught, roast it by the fire. But I put you under geasa (vow) not to taste any portion of it; bring it to me when it is cooked."

Fionn roasted the salmon, and afterwards carried it to Finnegas.

"Have you eaten any of it, Deimne?" asked the old man.

"No," said the youth; "I gave you my word, and never yet have I broken my promise. But in turning the fish before the fire I burnt my thumb on its hot skin and placed it in my mouth to ease the smart."

"Then by you is the prophecy fulfilled, not