here.[2]
All the tales have been arranged roughly in chronological order. This
does not mean according to the date of their composition, which in
most cases is quite indiscoverable, and still less, according to the
dates of the MSS. in which they are contained. The order is given by
the position, in real or mythical history, of the events they deal
with. Of course it is not practicable to dovetail them into one
another with perfect accuracy. Where a story, like that of the
Children of Lir, extends over nearly a thousand years, beginning with
the mythical People of Dana and ending in the period of Christian
monasticism, one can only decide on its place by considering where it
will throw most light on those which come nearest to it. In this, as
in the selection and treatment of the tales, there is of course room
for much difference of opinion. I can only ask the critic to believe
that nothing has been done in the framing of this collection of Gaelic
romances without the consideration and care which the value of the
material demands and which the writer's love of it has inspired.

T.W. ROLLESTON

[2] There is one important tale of the Finn cycle, the _Pursuit
of Dermot and Grania_, which I have not included. I have
omitted it, partly because it presents the character of Finn in
a light inconsistent with what is said of him elsewhere, and
partly because it has in it a certain sinister and depressing
element which renders it unsuitable for a collection intended
largely for the young.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

COIS NA TEINEADH

BARDIC ROMANCES

I. THE STORY OF THE CHILDREN OF LIR

II. THE QUEST OF THE SONS OF TURENN

III. THE SECRET OF LABRA

IV. KING IUBDAN AND KING FERGUS

V. THE CARVING OF MAC DATHO'S BOAR

VI. THE VENGEANCE OF MESGEDRA

VII. THE STORY OF ETAIN AND MIDIR

VIII. HOW ETHNE QUITTED FAIRYLAND

THE HIGH DEEDS OF FINN

IX. THE BOYHOOD OF FINN MAC CUMHAL

X. THE COMING OF FINN

XI. FINN'S CHIEF MEN

XII. THE TALE OF VIVIONN THE GIANTESS

XIII. THE CHASE OF THE GILLA DACAR

XIV. THE BIRTH OF OISIN

XV. OISIN IN THE LAND OF YOUTH

THE HISTORY OF KING CORMAC

XVI. 1. THE BIRTH OF CORMAC

2. THE JUDGMENT OF CORMAC

3. THE MARRIAGE OF KING CORMAC

4. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE