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 THE FAERY HARPER

one April morning Fionn stood at the door of his dun on the Hill of Allen, and looked over the sunlit orchards and meadows stretching far away before him. The apple-trees were already covered with a pink and white surge of blossom, and everywhere birds were singing joyous songs to the sun. A great gladness rose in Fionn's heart as he listened, and he too was beginning to sing when a robin flew down before him, and chirped merrily up into his face.

"What is the word you are saying, little bird?" asked Fionn, stretching out his hand.

The robin hopped up and perched fearlessly on Fionn's hand, chirping again. And Fionn, who, from the time he had touched the Salmon of Wisdom, had the power when he chose to exercise it of understanding the minds of all

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