'
And Eve, the eldest of the fair maidens, was glad, and that day was she
married to Lir, and after two weeks she left the palace by the Great Lake
and drove with her husband to her new home.
* * * * *
Happily dwelt Lir's household and merrily sped the months. Then were born
unto Lir twin babes. The girl they called Finola, and her brother did they
name Aed.
Yet another year passed and again twins were born, but before the infant
boys knew their mother, she died. So sorely did Lir grieve for his
beautiful wife that he would have died of sorrow, but for the great love
he bore his motherless children.
When news of Eve's death reached the palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake
all mourned aloud for love of Eve and sore pity for Lir and his four
babes. And Bove Derg said to his mighty chiefs, 'Great indeed is our
grief, but in this dark hour shall Lir know our friendship. Ride forth,
make known to him that Eva, my second fair foster-child, shall in time
become his wedded wife and shall cherish his lone babes.'
So messengers rode forth to carry these tidings to Lir, and in time Lir
came again to the palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake, and he married
the beautiful Eva and took her back with him to his little daughter,
Finola, and to her three brothers, Aed and Fiacra and Conn.
Four lovely and gentle children they were, and with tenderness did Eva
care for the little ones who were their father's joy and the pride of the
Dedannans.
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