Usna

Then spake the King likewise to Fergus, and Fergus answered, 'Let what may befall the sons of Usna, never shall my hand be lifted against the King.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

But when he found that bar and bolt were drawn across door and window, he knew well that the sons of Usna were warned of the wrath of the King.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

And throughout the land of Alba was it told of the fame of the sons of Usna, and no poet or bard had a song so fair as that which sang of the wondrous beauty of Deirdre.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Then Lavarcam hastened to the King and told him how that the sons of Usna had come to Erin to live peaceably, but how that the beauty of Deirdre had faded until she was no longer fairest among women.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

In the north they rested while yet the mountain-sides were aglow with the purple and gold of heather and bracken, but ever before the first frosts came would they sail south to the land that the brave Usna had ruled, where now they could dwell in safety and in peace.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Greatly did the sons of Usna rejoice, for now might they sail south to the land upon which their father's castle had stood in their boyhood.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

At length the maiden questioned, 'Nathos, son of Usna, what wouldst thou?'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

And the bond was signed, and for three years the sons of Usna dwelt in peace and great joy.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

'Look, Deirdre, yonder stands the castle of the sons of Usna.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

But, sons of Usna, see ye well to it, that the doors and windows be this night barred. '

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm