'
'Yet canst thou escape if thou wilt,' said Grania, 'for a champion such as
thou canst bound over the highest wall in Erin. By the wicket-gate leading
from my chamber shall I go forth, and if thou followest me not, alone
shall I flee from the sight of Finn.' And having spoken thus, Grania went
forth from the hall.
Then was Dermat in sore plight, for he would not depart from the solemn
vow that Grania had laid upon him, and yet he feared lest the Princess
should not escape the wrath of Finn.
And he took counsel of the nobles who had come hither with Finn, and there
was not one but said, 'Even though death come of it, thou canst not depart
from thy solemn vow.'
Then Dermat arose, and when he was armed he bade his companions a tearful
farewell, for he knew they might see his face no more.
Forth he went, and with an exceeding light bound he cleared the rampart
and alighted on the green grass beyond. And there Grania met him.
And Dermat said to the Princess, 'Even now, I pray of thee, return to thy
father's home and Finn shall hear nought of this thing.'
But Grania's will was firm, and she said, 'I will not return now nor will
I return hereafter, for death only shall part me and thee.'
'Then go forward, O Grania,' said Dermat, and the two went forth.
But when they were scarce a mile from Tara Grania told Dermat that she was
weary.
And Dermat said, 'It is a good time to weary, O Grania.
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