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 from," said Fionn; "but if you will leave it and stay with me many precious things shall be yours, and my friendship too, for well I like your playing. It brings back to my mind many dreams and thoughts of noble deeds I had as a boy; dreams and thoughts which the hurrying years have somewhat clouded."

"For the sake of your friendship alone I will stay with you to the end of your days," said Cnu Deireoil, placing his little hand in Fionn's.

"Tell me now," said Fionn, "what ancient harper of the Deathless Ones instructed you in your art, and whose son are you?"

"I am the son of Lu Lam-Fada," said the little man. "After the battle of Moytura, when Balor of the Evil Eye and his people were conquered by the Tuatha de Danann, Lu played to his people—a most marvellous strain of joy and beauty and gladness—and out of the music he played I was born. Whoever listens to my harping too will have gladness and beauty around them, and no evil will come near them."

Fionn listened to his words and wondered;