Where is the Sweetest Music?

Bear I Balor's fort within,
Little heed I who may hearken,

If my song be heard of Finn!

Men were gay in golden Allin
Hill and hall in, far and wide;

Feast was spread and music flowing
And we saw our Finn preside.

Ossian staunch, and Diarmid stately
Sate by Luay, greatly strong,

And their friends, at feast and foray:
Ancient Conan, Oscar young.

"Speak, ye champion chiefs, rejoicing,"
Rang the voice of Finn around,

"Tell me each, in answer meetest,
Where is sweetest music found?"

"There's one music fit for faming:
Give me gaming," Conan cried, —

Strong his hand for crash of combat.
But his head was sense denied.

"Song of Swords for war, unsheathing," —
With quick breathing came the word,

"Throng of blows when falling fleetest,"-
Seemed the sweetest Oscar heard.

"There is music more endearing,"
Dark-eyed Diarmid did declare;

"Naught comes nigh the voice's cadence-
When the maiden's soft and fair."

"Sweeter song at dawning dewy —"
Said Mac Luay, sharp of spear,

"When the bounding dogs are crying,
And we race the flying deer."

"This is Song, and this is Music "—
Spoke our lofty Leader old,

"Blowing breeze 'mid moving banners
And an Army 'neath their gold."

"Then I fear no bardic passion,
Ossian! "said our Captain strong,

"With my faithful Fianna round me —
These to me are Harp and Song!"