Then was Finn exceeding wroth, and he bade his men surround the tree, each
holding the hand of each so that Dermat might by no means escape. And he
offered great reward to any man that would go up into the tree and bring
to him the hero's head or force him to come down.
One of Finn's men then spake: 'It was Dermat's father that slew my father,
therefore will I go up into the tree.' And he went up.
Now it was revealed to Angus of Bruga that Dermat was in sore plight, and
on the wings of the wind he came to his aid, unseen of Finn or his chiefs.
So when the avenger climbed into the tree, Angus was there. And when
Dermat with a stroke of his foot flung his enemy to the ground, Angus
caused him to take the shape of Dermat, and for this reason Finn's men
fell upon him and slew him.
But no sooner was he slain than he again took his own shape, and Finn knew
that Dermat was still alive in the quicken-tree. Then nine times did a man
of Finn's army climb the tree, and nine times was he thrown to earth and
killed by his own friends. For each time did Angus cause the warrior to
take Dermat's shape.
When Finn saw nine of his men lie dead before him his heart failed him,
and his soul was filled with bitterness.
At this time Angus said that he would take Grania away with him. And
Dermat was content and said, 'If it be that I live until evening I will
follow thee, but if Finn killeth me, I pray thee send the Princess to her
father at Tara.
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