Finn and his Companions. By Standish O'Grady. (T. Fisher Unwin).—As
St. Patrick and his fellow-missionaries were build- ing a little church on the plain of Meath, they were aware of a company of giant-like men that was approaching them. These
were the remnants of Finn's heroes. The saint hospitably enter- tained them, instructed them in the Faith, and took down from their lips what they had to say about Finn. " Finn and the Cur- mudgeon " is the first story ; the Curmudgeon, who has a beautiful and great-hearted wife, reminds us of Nabal, but he came to a happier end, for Finn's nobleness teaches him to be noble. Then we have a story of Finn and King Arthur, the British hero showing therein to less advantage than is usual.
The tales are good, and tell of the genuine spirit of the literature to which they belong. It would have aided the illusion if the occasional comments had been banished from the text into the notes.
Previous page
