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In the quiet of this hour Finn set out his chessboard to pass the time, and he played a game against his son Oisin. After a while there was but one move to make to win the game, though Oisin could not see it. But Diarmuid was awake and watching from the top of the tree, and he threw a berry that hit the piece to be moved. Oisin did so, and the game was won. They played again, and so it happened twice more that Diarmuid threw a berry for the winning move, and the Fianna gave a great shout that the games were won.

'It is a fine thing for you,' said Finn to his son, 'to have in these games the help and advice of Oscar and Dering. But the best of all teaching was that which Diarmuid O'Duibhne gave you.'

'Is it only your jealousy, Finn,' said Oisin, 'to think that Diarmuid would stay in this tree, and you within his reach?'

Then Finn called out in a loud voice, 'Who speaks the truth, myself or Oisin?'

'True for you, Finn' Diarmuid replied. 'I myself and Grainne are above, in the bed of the surly giant.'

Grainne began to tremble and weep, but Diarmuid comforted her with three kisses, in the sight of Finn and all the Fianna. Then Finn was scorched with anger and jealousy.'

'Your head shall be the price, Diarmuid,' he cried, 'for those three kisses.'

The men of the Fianna surrounded the rowan, standing hand in hand, and one after another nine warriors climbed into the tree to bring Diarmuid down. But with kicks and blows Diarmuid hurled each to the ground and killed every one.'

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