Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/50

 "I thank you," said Fionn, "it was a kindly and courteous deed to bring these to me."

"One other thing there is," said Fiacha, "when you hear that sweet faery music sounding, strip from the spear-head its sheath and place the weapon to your forehead; in its blade is concealed a deadly power that will aid you to overcome the trance-like sleep the enchanter's melody causes. Perhaps the spear may move and struggle in your hand, as though some spirit was imprisoned in it; but have no fear, it is only a desire for battle that moves it."

He turned to leave Fionn, then came back and looked into the boy's face:

"There is a light in your eyes to-night, boy," he continued, "which recalls to my mind all the high thoughts and noble dreams of my youth. Of those dreams and thoughts what fulfilment is there? Neither in song nor story will my name go down to my children's children as a doer of noble deeds, or of one who has conquered evil powers; my days have been spent in the performance of little things."

"He who does his day's work of little