these castle walls. Loveliest among the lovely shall thy star-eyed
daughter be; no harp-strings shall yield such music as her voice, no fairy
strains pour forth such wonder-stirring sound. Yet, O Felim, in days to
come, because of this fair child shall great sorrow come upon our King
Concobar and upon all his realm. In those days shall Erin's chief glory
perish, for if the House of the Red Branch fall, who shall stand?'

Then did a cry of fear burst from those gathered to the feast, and leaping
to their feet, each man laid his hand upon his sword, for the word that
the wise man had spoken would it not come to pass?

'Let our swords be in readiness,' they cried, 'to kill the babe that shall
be born this night, for better far is it that one child perish than that
the blood of a nation be spilt.'

And Felim spake: 'Great sorrow is mine that fear of the child who shall be
born this night should be upon you. Therefore, if it please the King, let
my daughter die, and so may peace yet reign in the realm. For dear as
would be a child to my wife and to me, dearer yet is the common weal.'

But the answer of King Concobar came not for a time. His soul was filled
with desire to see the star-eyed maiden and to hear the wonder of her
voice. Still was the hand of each upon his sword when the King spake.

'Put far from thee, O Felim, the will to do this thing. Bend not thy mind
to the death of thine own child. And ye, my people, sheathe your swords.
Let the babe live. I, Concobar, will be her guardian, and if ill befall,
let it be upon me, your King.'

At these words arose a Prince.