Now when the last hour of his life drew nigh, Cuchullin woke from dreams forewarning death; And cold and awesome came the night-bird's cry An evil omen the magician saith A low gust panted like a man's last breath, As morning crept into the chamber black; Then all his weapons clashed and tumbled from the rack.

My conscious foe my funeral fire shall view From sea, and may that omen him pursue!' Her fainting hand let fall the sword besmear'd With blood, and then the mortal wound appear'd; 230 Through all the court the fright and clamours rise, Which the whole city fills with fears and cries, As loud as if her Carthage, or old Tyre

"This is being indeed in good luck," said Sir Arthur; "and if you think it omens proportional success upon a larger venture, I will hazard the necessary advance.