第4章

OISIN’SMOTHER

CHAPTERI

EVENINGwasdrawingnigh，andtheFianna-Finnhaddecidedtohuntnomorethatday。Thehoundswerewhistledtoheel，andasober，homewardmarchbegan。Formenwillwalksoberlyintheevening，howevertheygointheday，anddogswilltakethemoodfromtheirmasters。Theywerepacingso，throughthegolden-shafted，tender-colouredeve，whenafawnleapedsuddenlyfromcovert，and，withthatleap，allquietnessvanished：themenshouted，thedogsgavetongue，andafuriouschasecommenced。

Fionnlovedachaseatanyhour，and，withBranandSceo’lan，heoutstrippedthemenanddogsofhistroop，untilnothingremainedinthelimpidworldbutFionn，thetwohounds，andthenimble，beautifulfawn。These，andtheoccasionalboulders，roundwhichtheyraced，oroverwhichtheyscrambled；thesolitarytreewhichdozedaloofandbeautifulinthepath，theoccasionalclumpoftreesthathivedsweetshadowasahivehoardshoney，andtherustlinggrassthatstretchedtoinfinity，andthatmovedandcreptandswungunderthebreezeinendless，rhythmicbillowings。

InhiswildestmomentFionnwasthoughtful，andnow，althoughrunninghard，hewasthoughtful。Therewasnomovementofhisbelovedhoundsthathedidnotknow；notatwitchorflingofthehead，notacockoftheearsortailthatwasnotsignificanttohim。Butonthischasewhateversignsthedogsgavewerenotunderstoodbytheirmaster。

Hehadneverseentheminsucheagerflight。Theywerealmostutterlyabsorbedinit，buttheydidnotwhinewitheagerness，nordidtheycastanyglancetowardshimfortheencouragingwordwhichheneverfailedtogivewhentheysoughtit。

Theydidlookathim，butitwasalookwhichhecouldnotcomprehend。Therewasaquestionandastatementinthosedeepeyes，andhecouldnotunderstandwhatthatquestionmightbe，norwhatitwastheysoughttoconvey。Nowandagainoneofthedogsturnedaheadinfullflight，andstared，notatFionn，butdistantlybackwards，overthespreadingandswellingplainwheretheircompanionsofthehunthaddisappeared。"Theyarelookingfortheotherhounds，"saidFionn。

"Andyettheydonotgivetongue！Tongueit，aVran！"heshouted，"Bellitout，aHeo’lan！"

Itwasthentheylookedathim，thelookwhichhecouldnotunderstandandhadneverseenonachase。Theydidnottongueit，norbellit，buttheyaddedsilencetosilenceandspeedtospeed，untiltheleangreybodieswereonepuckerandlashingofmovement。

Fionnmarvelled。"Theydonotwanttheotherdogstohearortocomeonthischase，"hemurmured，andhewonderedwhatmightbepassingwithinthoseslenderheads。

"Thefawnrunswell，"histhoughtcontinued。"Whatisit，aVran，myheart？Afterher，aHeo’lan！Histandaway，myloves！"

"Thereisgoingandtospareinthatbeastyet，"hismindwenton。"Sheisnotstretchedtothefull，norhalfstretched。ShemayoutrunevenBran，"hethoughtragingly。

Theywereracingthroughasmoothvalleyinasteady，beautiful，speedyflightwhen，suddenly，thefawnstoppedandlayonthegrass，anditlaywiththecalmofananimalthathasnofear，andtheleisureofonethatisnotpressed。

"Hereisachange，"saidFionn，staringinastonishment。

"Sheisnotwinded，"hesaid。"Whatisshelyingdownfor？"ButBranandSceo’landidnotstop；theyaddedanotherinchtotheirlong-stretchedeasybodies，andcameuponthefawn。

"Itisaneasykill，"saidFionnregretfully。"Theyhaveher，"hecried。

Buthewasagainastonished，forthedogsdidnotkill。Theyleapedandplayedaboutthefawn，lickingitsface，andrubbingdelightednosesagainstitsneck。

Fionncameupthen。Hislongspearwasloweredinhisfistatthethrust，andhissharpknifewasinitssheath，buthedidnotusethem，forthefawnandthetwohoundsbegantoplayroundhim，andthefawnwasasaffectionatetowardshimasthehoundswere；

sothatwhenavelvetnosewasthrustinhispalm，itwasasoftenafawn’smuzzleasahound’s。

InthatjoyouscompanyhecametowideAllenofLeinster，wherethepeopleweresurprisedtoseethehoundsandthefawnandtheChiefandnoneotherofthehuntersthathadsetoutwiththem。

Whentheothersreachedhome，theChieftoldofhischase，anditwasagreedthatsuchafawnmustnotbekilled，butthatitshouldbekeptandwelltreated，andthatitshouldbethepetfawnoftheFianna。ButsomeofthosewhorememberedBrah’sparentagethoughtthatasBranherselfhadcomefromtheShisothisfawnmighthavecomeoutoftheShialso。

CHAPTERII

Latethatnight，whenhewaspreparingforrest，thedoorofFionn’schamberopenedgentlyandayoungwomancameintotheroom。Thecaptainstaredather，ashewellmight，forhehadneverseenorimaginedtoseeawomansobeautifulasthiswas。

Indeed，shewasnotawoman，butayounggirl，andherbearingwassogentlynoble，herlooksomodestlyhigh，thatthechampiondaredscarcelylookather，althoughhecouldnotbyanymeanshavelookedaway。

Asshestoodwithinthedoorway，smiling，andshyasaflower，beautifullytimidasafawn，theChiefcommunedwithhisheart。

"SheistheSky-womanoftheDawn，"hesaid。"Sheisthelightonthefoam。Sheiswhiteandodorousasanapple-blossom。Shesmellsofspiceandhoney。Sheismybelovedbeyondthewomenoftheworld。Sheshallneverbetakenfromme。"

Andthatthoughtwasdelightandanguishtohim：delightbecauseofsuchsweetprospect，anguishbecauseitwasnotyetrealised，andmightnotbe。

Asthedogshadlookedathimonthechasewithalookthathedidnotunderstand，soshelookedathim，andinherregardtherewasaquestionthatbaffledhimandastatementwhichhecouldnotfollow。

Hespoketoherthen，masteringhishearttodoit。

"Idonotseemtoknowyou，"hesaid。

"Youdonotknowmeindeed，"shereplied。

"Itisthemorewonderful，"hecontinuedgently，"forIshouldknoweverypersonthatishere。Whatdoyourequirefromme？"

"Ibegyourprotection，royalcaptain。"

"Igivethattoall，"heanswered。"Againstwhomdoyoudesireprotection？"

"IaminterroroftheFearDoirche。"

"TheDarkManoftheShi？"

"Heismyenemy，"shesaid。

"Heisminenow，"saidFionn。"Tellmeyourstory。"

"MynameisSaeve，andIamawomanofFaery，"shecommenced。"IntheShi’manymengavemetheirlove，butIgavemylovetonomanofmycountry。"

"Thatwasnotreasonable，"theotherchidedwithablitheheart。

"Iwascontented，"shereplied，"andwhatwedonotwantwedonotlack。Butifmylovewentanywhereitwenttoamortal，amanofthemenofIreland。"

"Bymyhand，"saidFionninmortaldistress，"Imarvelwhothatmancanbe！"

"Heisknowntoyou，"shemurmured。"IlivedthusinthepeaceofFaery，hearingoftenofmymortalchampion，fortherumourofhisgreatdeedshadgonethroughtheShi’，untiladaycamewhentheBlackMagicianoftheMenofGodputhiseyeonme，and，afterthatday，inwhateverdirectionIlookedIsawhiseye。"

Shestoppedatthat，andtheterrorthatwasinherheartwasonherface。"Heiseverywhere，"shewhispered。"Heisinthebushes，andonthehill。Helookedupatmefromthewater，andhestareddownonmefromthesky。Hisvoicecommandsoutofthespaces，anditdemandssecretlyintheheart。Heisnothereorthere，heisinallplacesatalltimes。Icannotescapefromhim，"shesaid，"andIamafraid，"andatthatsheweptnoiselesslyandstaredonFionn。

"Heismyenemy，"Fionngrowled。"Inamehimasmyenemy。"

"Youwillprotectme，"sheimplored。

"WhereIamlethimnotcome，"saidFionn。"Ialsohaveknowledge。IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，amanamongmenandagodwherethegodsare。"

"Heaskedmeinmarriage，"shecontinued，"butmymindwasfullofmyowndearhero，andIrefusedtheDarkMan。"

"Thatwasyourright，andIswearbymyhandthatifthemanyoudesireisaliveandunmarriedheshallmarryyouorhewillanswertomefortherefusal。"

"Heisnotmarried，"saidSaeve，"andyouhavesmallcontroloverhim。"TheChieffrownedthoughtfully。"ExcepttheHighKingandthekingsIhaveauthorityinthisland。"

"Whatmanhasauthorityoverhimself？"saidSaeve。

"DoyoumeanthatIamthemanyouseek？"saidFionn。

"ItistoyourselfIgavemylove，"shereplied。"Thisisgoodnews，"Fionncriedjoyfully，"forthemomentyoucamethroughthedoorIlovedanddesiredyou，andthethoughtthatyouwishedforanothermanwentintomyheartlikeasword。"Indeed，FionnlovedSaeveashehadnotlovedawomanbeforeandwouldneverloveoneagain。Helovedherashehadneverlovedanythingbefore。Hecouldnotbeartobeawayfromher。Whenhesawherhedidnotseetheworld，andwhenhesawtheworldwithoutheritwasasthoughhesawnothing，orasifhelookedonaprospectthatwasbleakanddepressing。ThebellingofastaghadbeenmusictoFionn，butwhenSaevespokethatwassoundenoughforhim。Hehadlovedtohearthecuckoocallinginthespringfromthetreethatishighestinthehedge，ortheblackbird’sjollywhistleinanautumnbush，orthethin，sweetenchantmentthatcomestothemindwhenalarkthrillsoutofsightintheairandthehushedfieldslistentothesong。Buthiswife’svoicewassweetertoFionnthanthesingingofalark。

Shefilledhimwithwonderandsurmise。Therewasmagicinthetipsofherfingers。Herthinpalmravishedhim。Herslenderfootsethisheartbeating；andwhateverwayherheadmovedtherecameanewshapeofbeautytoherface。

"Sheisalwaysnew，"saidFionn。"Sheisalwaysbetterthananyotherwoman；sheisalwaysbetterthanherself。"

HeattendednomoretotheFianna。Heceasedtohunt。Hedidnotlistentothesongsofpoetsorthecurioussayingsofmagicians，forallofthesewereinhiswife，andsomethingthatwasbeyondthesewasinheralso。

"Sheisthisworldandthenextone；sheiscompletion，"saidFionn。

CHAPTERIII

IthappenedthatthemenofLochlanncameonanexpeditionagainstIreland。AmonstrousfleetroundedthebluffsofBenEdair，andtheDaneslandedthere，toprepareanattackwhichwouldrenderthemmastersofthecountry。FionnandtheFianna-Finnmarchedagainstthem。HedidnotlikethemenofLochlannatanytime，butthistimehemovedagainsttheminwrath，fornotonlyweretheyattackingIreland，buttheyhadcomebetweenhimandthedeepestjoyhislifehadknown。

Itwasahardfight，butashortone。TheLochlannachsweredrivenbacktotheirships，andwithinaweektheonlyDanesremaininginIrelandwerethosethathadbeenburiedthere。

Thatfinished，heleftthevictoriousFiannaandreturnedswiftlytotheplainofAllen，forhecouldnotbeartobeoneunnecessarydaypartedfromSaeve。

"Youarenotleavingus！"exclaimedGollmacMorna。

"Imustgo，"Fionnreplied。

"Youwillnotdesertthevictoryfeast，"Conanreproachedhim。

"Staywithus，Chief，"Caeltebegged。

"WhatisafeastwithoutFionn？"theycomplained。

Buthewouldnotstay。

"Bymyhand，"hecried，"Imustgo。Shewillbelookingformefromthewindow。"

"Thatwillhappenindeed，"Golladmitted。

"Thatwillhappen，"criedFionn。"Andwhensheseesmefaroutontheplain，shewillrunthroughthegreatgatetomeetme。"

"Itwouldbethequeerwifewouldneglectthatrun，"Cona’ngrowled。

"Ishallholdherhandagain，"FionnentrustedtoCaelte’sear。

"Youwilldothat，surely。"

"Ishalllookintoherface，"hislordinsisted。ButhesawthatnotevenbelovedCaelteunderstoodthemeaningofthat，andheknewsadlyandyetproudlythatwhathemeantcouldnotbeexplainedbyanyoneandcouldnotbecomprehendedbyanyone。

"Youareinlove，dearheart，"saidCaelte。

"Inloveheis，"Cona’ngrumbled。"Acordialforwomen，adiseaseformen，astateofwretchedness。"

"Wretchedintruth，"theChiefmurmured。"LovemakesuspoorWehavenoteyesenoughtoseeallthatistobeseen，norhandsenoughtoseizethetenthofallwewant。WhenIlookinhereyesIamtormentedbecauseIamnotlookingatherlips，andwhenI

seeherlipsmysoulcriesout，’Lookathereyes，lookathereyes。’"

"Thatishowithappens，"saidGollrememberingly。

"Thatwayandnoother，"Caelteagreed。

Andthechampionslookedbackwardsintimeontheselipsandthose，andknewtheirChiefwouldgo。

WhenFionncameinsightofthegreatkeephisbloodandhisfeetquickened，andnowandagainhewavedaspearintheair。

"Shedoesnotseemeyet，"hethoughtmournfully。

"Shecannotseemeyet，"heamended，reproachinghimself。

Buthismindwastroubled，forhethoughtalso，orhefeltwithoutthinking，thathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveseenherattwicethedistance。

"ShethinksIhavebeenunabletogetawayfromthebattle，orthatIwasforcedtoremainforthefeast。"

And，withoutthinkingit，hethoughtthathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveknownthatnothingcouldretaintheonethatwasabsent。

"Women，"hesaid，"areshamefaced，theydonotliketoappeareagerwhenothersareobservingthem。"

Butheknewthathewouldnothaveknownifotherswereobservinghim，andthathewouldnothavecaredaboutitifhehadknown。

AndheknewthathisSaevewouldnothaveseen，andwouldnothavecaredforanyeyesthanhis。

Hegrippedhisspearonthatreflection，andranashehadnotruninhislife，sothatitwasapanting，dishevelledmanthatracedheavilythroughthegatesofthegreatDun。

WithintheDuntherewasdisorder。Servantswereshoutingtooneanother，andwomenwererunningtoandfroaimlessly，wringingtheirhandsandscreaming；and，whentheysawtheChampion，thosenearesttohimranaway，andtherewasageneraleffortonthepartofeverypersontogetbehindeveryotherperson。ButFionncaughttheeyeofhisbutler，GarivCrona’n，theRoughBuzzer，andheldit。

"Comeyouhere，"hesaid。

AndtheRoughBuzzercametohimwithoutasinglebuzzinhisbody。

"WhereistheFlowerofAllen？"hismasterdemanded。

"Idonotknow，master，"theterrifiedservantreplied。

"Youdonotknow！"saidFionn。"Tellwhatyoudoknow。"

Andthemantoldhimthisstory。

CHAPTERIV

"Whenyouhadbeenawayforadaytheguardsweresurprised。TheywerelookingfromtheheightsoftheDun，andtheFlowerofAllenwaswiththem。She，forshehadaquest’seye，calledoutthatthemasteroftheFiannawascomingovertheridgestotheDun，andsheranfromthekeeptomeetyou。"

"ItwasnotI，"saidFionn。

"Itboreyourshape，"repliedGarivCronan。"Ithadyourarmourandyourface，andthedogs，BranandSceo’lan，werewithit。"

"Theywerewithme，"saidFionn。

"Theyseemedtobewithit，"saidtheservanthumbly"Tellusthistale，"criedFionn。

"Weweredistrustful，"theservantcontinued。"WehadneverknownFionntoreturnfromacombatbeforeithadbeenfought，andweknewyoucouldnothavereachedBenEdarorencounteredtheLochlannachs。Soweurgedourladytoletusgoouttomeetyou，buttoremainherselfintheDun。"

"Itwasgoodurging，"Fionnassented。

"Shewouldnotbeadvised，"theservantwailed。"Shecriedtous，’Letmegotomeetmylove’。"

"Alas！"saidFionn。

"Shecriedonus，’Letmegotomeetmyhusband，thefatherofthechildthatisnotborn。’"

"Alas！"groaneddeep-woundedFionn。"Sherantowardsyourappearancethathadyourarmsstretchedouttoher。"

AtthatwiseFionnputhishandbeforehiseyes，seeingallthathappened。

"Tellonyourtale，"saidhe。

"Sherantothosearms，andwhenshereachedthemthefigurelifteditshand。Ittouchedherwithahazelrod，and，whilewelooked，shedisappeared，andwhereshehadbeentherewasafawnstandingandshivering。ThefawnturnedandboundedtowardsthegateoftheDun，butthehoundsthatwerebyflewafterher。"

Fionnstaredonhimlikealostman。

"Theytookherbythethroat——"theshiveringservantwhispered。

"Ah！"criedFionninaterriblevoice。

"AndtheydraggedherbacktothefigurethatseemedtobeFionn。

Threetimesshebrokeawayandcameboundingtous，andthreetimesthedogstookherbythethroatanddraggedherback。"

"Youstoodtolook！"theChiefsnarled。

"No，master，weran，butshevanishedaswegottoher；thegreathoundsvanishedaway，andthatbeingthatseemedtobeFionndisappearedwiththem。Wewereleftintheroughgrass，staringaboutusandateachother，andlisteningtothemoanofthewindandtheterrorofourhearts。"

"Forgiveus，dearmaster，"theservantcried。Butthegreatcaptainmadehimnoanswer。Hestoodasthoughheweredumbandblind，andnowandagainhebeatterriblyonhisbreastwithhisclosedfist，asthoughhewouldkillthatwithinhimwhichshouldbedeadandcouldnotdie。Hewentso，beatingonhisbreast，tohisinnerroomintheDun，andhewasnotseenagainfortherestofthatday，noruntilthesunroseoverMoyLife’inthemorning。

CHAPTERV

Formanyyearsafterthattime，whenhewasnotfightingagainsttheenemiesofIreland，FionnwassearchingandhuntingthroughthelengthandbreadthofthecountryinthehopethathemightagainchanceonhislovelyladyfromtheShi’。Throughallthattimehesleptinmiseryeachnightandheroseeachdaytogrief。

Wheneverhehuntedhebroughtonlythehoundsthathetrusted，BranandSceo’lan，Lomaire，Brod，andLomlu；forifafawnwaschasedeachofthesefivegreatdogswouldknowifthatwasafawntobekilledoronetobeprotected，andsotherewassmalldangertoSaeveandasmallhopeoffindingher。

Once，whensevenyearshadpassedinfruitlesssearch，FionnandthechiefnoblesoftheFiannawerehuntingBenGulbain。AllthehoundsoftheFiannawereout，forFionnhadnowgivenuphopeofencounteringtheFlowerofAllen。Asthehuntsweptalongthesidesofthehilltherearoseagreatoutcryofhoundsfromanarrowplacehighontheslopeand，overallthatuproartherecamethesavagebayingofFionn’sowndogs。

"Whatisthisfor？"saidFionn，andwithhiscompanionshepressedtothespotwhencethenoisecame。

"TheyarefightingallthehoundsoftheFianna，"criedachampion。

Andtheywere。Thefivewisehoundswereinacircleandweregivingbattletoanhundreddogsatonce。Theywerebristlingandterrible，andeachbitefromthosegreat，keenjawswaswoetothebeastthatreceivedit。Nordidtheyfightinsilenceaswastheircustomandtraining，butbetweeneachonslaughtthegreatheadswereuplifted，andtheypealedloudly，mournfully，urgently，fortheirmaster。

"Theyarecallingonme，"heroared。

Andwiththatheran，ashehadonlyoncebeforerun，andthemenwhowerenightohimwentracingastheywouldnothaverunfortheirlives。Theycametothenarrowplaceontheslopeofthemountain，andtheysawthefivegreathoundsinacirclekeepingofftheotherdogs，andinthemiddleoftheringalittleboywasstanding。Hehadlong，beautifulhair，andhewasnaked。Hewasnotdauntedbytheterriblecombatandclamourofthehounds。

Hedidnotlookatthehounds，buthestaredlikeayoungprinceatFionnandthechampionsastheyrushedtowardshimscatteringthepackwiththebuttsoftheirspears。Whenthefightwasover，BranandSceo’lanranwhiningtothelittleboyandlickedhishands。

"Theydothattonoone，"saidabystander。"Whatnewmasteristhistheyhavefound？"

Fionnbenttotheboy。"Tellme，mylittleprinceandpulse，whatyournameis，andhowyouhavecomeintothemiddleofahunting-pack，andwhyyouarenaked？"

ButtheboydidnotunderstandthelanguageofthemenofIreland。HeputbishandintoFionn’s，andtheChieffeltasifthatlittlehandhadbeenputintohisheart。Heliftedtheladtohisgreatshoulder。

"Wehavecaughtsomethingonthishunt，"saidhetoCaeltemacRongn。"Wemustbringthistreasurehome。YoushallbeoneoftheFianna-Finn，mydarling，"hecalledupwards。

Theboylookeddownonhim，andinthenobletrustandfearlessnessofthatregardFionn’sheartmeltedaway。

"Mylittlefawn！"hesaid。

Andherememberedthatotherfawn。Hesettheboybetweenhiskneesandstaredathimearnestlyandlong。

"Thereissurelythesamelook，"hesaidtohiswakeningheart；

"thatistheveryeyeofSaeve。"

Thegrieffloodedoutofhisheartasatastroke，andjoyfoamedintoitinonegreattide。Hemarchedbacksingingtotheencampment，andmensawoncemorethemerryChieftheyhadalmostforgotten。

CHAPTERVI

JustasatonetimehecouldnotbepartedfromSaeve，sonowhecouldnotbeseparatedfromthisboy。Hehadathousandnamesforhim，eachonemoretenderthanthelast："MyFawn，MyPulse，MySecretLittleTreasure，"orhewouldcallhim"MyMusic，MyBlossomingBranch，MyStoreintheHeart，MySoul。"AndthedogswereaswildfortheboyasFionnwas。Hecouldsitinsafetyamongapackthatwouldhavetornanymantopieces，andthereasonwasthatBranandSceo’lan，withtheirthreewhelps，followedhimaboutlikeshadows。Whenhewaswiththepackthesefivewerewithhim，andwoefulindeedwastheeyetheyturnedontheircomradeswhenthesepushedtoocloselyorwerenotproperlyhumble。TheythrashedthepackseverallyandcollectivelyuntileveryhoundinFionn’skennelsknewthatthelittleladwastheirmaster，andthattherewasnothingintheworldsosacredashewas。

Innolongtimethefivewisehoundscouldhavegivenovertheirguardianship，socompletewastherecognitionoftheiryounglord。Buttheydidnotsogiveover，foritwasnotlovetheygavetheladbutadoration。

Fionnevenmayhavebeenembarrassedbytheirtoocloseattendance。Ifhehadbeenabletodosohemighthavespokenharshlytohisdogs，buthecouldnot；itwasunthinkablethatheshould；andtheboymighthavespokenharshlytohimifhehaddaredtodoit。ForthiswastheorderofFionn’saffection：

firsttherewastheboy；next，BranandSceo’lanwiththeirthreewhelps；thenCaeltemacRona’n，andfromhimdownthroughthechampions。Helovedthemall，butitwasalongthatprecedencehisaffectionsran。ThethornthatwentintoBran’sfootranintoFionn’salso。Theworldknewit，andtherewasnotachampionbutadmittedsorrowfullythattherewasreasonforhislove。

Littlebylittletheboycametounderstandtheirspeechandtospeakithimself，andatlasthewasabletotellhisstorytoFionn。

Thereweremanyblanksinthetale，forayoungchilddoesnotrememberverywell。Deedsgrowoldinadayandareburiedinanight。Newmemoriescomecrowdingonoldones，andonemustlearntoforgetaswellastoremember。Awholenewlifehadcomeonthisboy，alifethatwasinstantandmemorable，sothathispresentmemoriesblendedintoandobscuredthepast，andhecouldnotbequitesureifthatwhichhetoldofhadhappenedinthisworldorintheworldhehadleft。

CHAPTERVII

"Iusedtolive，"hesaid，"inawide，beautifulplace。Therewerehillsandvalleysthere，andwoodsandstreams，butinwhateverdirectionIwentIcamealwaystoacliff，sotallitseemedtoleanagainstthesky，andsostraightthatevenagoatwouldnothaveimaginedtoclimbit。"

"Idonotknowofanysuchplace，"Fionnmused。

"ThereisnosuchplaceinIreland，"saidCaelte，"butintheShi’thereissuchaplace。"

"Thereisintruth，"saidFionn。

"Iusedtoeatfruitsandrootsinthesummer，"theboycontinued，"butinthewinterfoodwasleftformeinacave。"

"Wastherenoonewithyou？"Fionnasked。

"Noonebutadeerthatlovedme，andthatIloved。"

"Ahme！"criedFionninanguish，"tellmeyourtale，myson。"

"Adarksternmancameoftenafterus，andheusedtospeakwiththedeer。Sometimeshetalkedgentlyandsoftlyandcoaxingly，butattimesagainhewouldshoutloudlyandinaharsh，angryvoice。Butwhateverwayhetalkedthedeerwoulddrawawayfromhimindread，andhealwaysleftheratlastfuriously。"

"ItistheDarkMagicianoftheMenofGod，"criedFionndespairingly。

"Itisindeed，mysoul，"saidCaelte。

"ThelasttimeIsawthedeer，"thechildcontinued，"thedarkmanwasspeakingtoher。Hespokeforalongtime。Hespokegentlyandangrily，andgentlyandangrily，sothatIthoughthewouldneverstoptalking，butintheendhestruckherwithahazelrod，sothatshewasforcedtofollowhimwhenhewentaway。Shewaslookingbackatmeallthetimeandshewascryingsobitterlythatanyonewouldpityher。Itriedtofollowheralso，butIcouldnotmove，andIcriedafterhertoo，withrageandgrief，untilIcouldseehernomoreandhearhernomore。

ThenIfellonthegrass，mysenseswentawayfromme，andwhenI

awokeIwasonthehillinthemiddleofthehoundswhereyoufoundme。"

ThatwastheboywhomtheFiannacalledOisi’n，ortheLittleFawn。Hegrewtobeagreatfighterafterwards，andhewasthechiefmakerofpoemsintheworld。ButhewasnotyetfinishedwiththeShi。HewastogobackintoFaerywhenthetimecame，andtocomethenceagaintotellthesetales，foritwasbyhimthesetalesweretold。

THEWOOINGOFBECFOLA

CHAPTERI

WedonotknowwhereBecfolacamefrom。Nordoweknowforcertainwhereshewentto。Wedonotevenknowherrealname，forthenameBecfola，"Dowerless"or"Small-dowered，"wasgiventoherasanickname。Thisonlyiscertain，thatshedisappearedfromtheworldweknowof，andthatshewenttoarealmwhereevenconjecturemaynotfollowher。

IthappenedinthedayswhenDermod，sonofthefamousAeofSlane，wasmonarchofallIreland。Hewasunmarried，buthehadmanyfoster-sons，princesfromtheFourProvinces，whoweresentbytheirfathersastokensofloyaltyandaffectiontotheArd-Ri，andhisdutiesasafoster-fatherwererighteouslyacquitted。Amongtheyoungprincesofhishouseholdtherewasone，Crimthann，sonofAe，KingofLeinster，whomtheHighKingpreferredtotheothersoverwhomheheldfatherlysway。Norwasthiswonderful，fortheladlovedhimalso，andwasaseagerandintelligentandmodestasbecomesaprince。

TheHighKingandCrimthannwouldoftensetoutfromTaratohuntandhawk，sometimesunaccompaniedevenbyaservant；andontheseexcursionsthekingimpartedtohisfoster-sonhisownwideknowledgeofforestcraft，andadvisedhimgenerallyastothebearinganddutiesofaprince，theconductofacourt，andthecareofapeople。

DermodmacAedelightedinthesesolitaryadventures，andwhenhecouldstealadayfrompolicyandaffairshewouldsendwordprivilytoCrimthann。Theboy，havingdonnedhishuntinggear，wouldjointhekingataplacearrangedbetweenthem，andthentheyrangedabroadaschancemightdirect。

Ononeoftheseadventures，astheysearchedafloodedrivertofindtheford，theysawasolitarywomaninachariotdrivingfromthewest。

"Iwonderwhatthatmeans？"thekingexclaimedthoughtfully。

"Whyshouldyouwonderatawomaninachariot？"hiscompanioninquired，forCrimthannlovedandwouldhaveknowledge。

"Good，myTreasure，"Dermodanswered，"ourmindsareastonishedwhenweseeawomanabletodriveacowtopasture，forithasalwaysseemedtousthattheydonotdrivewell。"

Crimthannabsorbedinstructionlikeaspongeanddigesteditasrapidly。

"Ithinkthatisjustlysaid，"heagreed。

"But，"Dermodcontinued，"whenweseeawomandrivingachariotoftwohorses，thenweareamazedindeed。"

Whenthemachineryofanythingisexplainedtouswegrowinterested，andCrimthannbecame，byinstruction，asastonishedasthekingwas。

"Ingoodtruth，"saidhe，"thewomanisdrivingtwohorses。"

"Hadyounotobserveditbefore？"hismasteraskedwithkindlymalice。

"Ihadobservedbutnotnoticed，"theyoungmanadmitted。

"Further，"saidtheking，"surmiseisarousedinuswhenwediscoverawomanfarfromahouse；foryouwillhavebothobservedandnoticedthatwomenarehome-dwellers，andthatahousewithoutawomanorawomanwithoutahouseareimperfectobjects，andalthoughtheybebuthalfobserved，theyarenoticedonthedouble。"

"Thereisnodoubtingit，"theprinceansweredfromaknittedandthought-tormentedbrow。

"Weshallaskthiswomanforinformationaboutherself，"saidthekingdecidedly。

"Letusdoso，"hiswardagreed"Theking’smajestyusesthewords’we’and’us’whenreferringtotheking’smajesty，"saidDermod，"butprinceswhodonotyetruleterritoriesmustuseanotherformofspeechwhenreferringtothemselves。"

"Iamverythoughtless，saidCrimthannhumbly。

Thekingkissedhimonbothcheeks。

"Indeed，mydearheartandmyson，wearenotscoldingyou，butyoumusttrynottolooksoterriblythoughtfulwhenyouthink。

Itispartoftheartofaruler。"

"Ishallnevermasterthathardart，"lamentedhisfosterling。

"Wemustallmasterit，"Dermodreplied。"Wemaythinkwithourmindsandwithourtongues，butweshouldneverthinkwithournosesandwithoureyebrows，"

Thewomaninthechariothaddrawnnightothefordbywhichtheywerestanding，and，withoutpause，sheswunghersteedsintotheshallowsandcameacrosstheriverinatumultoffoamandspray。

"Doesshenotdrivewell？"criedCrimthannadmiringly。

"Whenyouareolder，"thekingcounselledhim，"youwilladmirethatwhichistrulyadmirable，foralthoughthedrivingisgoodtheladyisbetter。"

Hecontinuedwithenthusiasm。

"Sheisintruthawonderoftheworldandanendlessdelighttotheeye。"

Shewasallthatandmore，and，asshetookthehorsesthroughtheriverandliftedthemupthebank，herflyinghairandpartedlipsandalltheyoungstrengthandgraceofherbodywentintotheking’seyeandcouldnoteasilycomeoutagain。

Nevertheless，itwasuponhiswardthatthelady’sgazerested，andifthekingcouldscarcelylookawayfromher，shecould，butonlywithanequaleffort，lookawayfromCrimthann。

"Haltthere！"criedtheking。

"WhoshouldIhaltfor？"theladydemanded，haltingallthesame，asisthemannerofwomen，whorebelagainstcommandandyetreceiveit。

"HaltforDermod！"

"ThereareDermodsandDermodsinthisworld，"shequoted。

"ThereisyetbutoneArd-Ri’，"themonarchanswered。

Shethendescendedfromthechariotandmadeherreverence。

"Iwishtoknowyourname？"saidhe。

Butatthisdemandtheladyfrownedandanswereddecidedly：

"Idonotwishtotellit。"

"Iwishtoknowalsowhereyoucomefromandtowhatplaceyouaregoing？"

"Idonotwishtotellanyofthesethings。"

"Nottotheking！"

"Idonotwishtotellthemtoanyone。"

Crimthannwasscandalised。

"Lady，"hepleaded，"youwillsurelynotwithholdinformationfromtheArd-Ri’？"

ButtheladystaredasroyallyontheHighKingastheHighKingdidonher，and，whateveritwashesawinthoselovelyeyes，thekingdidnotinsist。

HedrewCrimthannapart，forhewithheldnoinstructionfromthatlad。

"Myheart，"hesaid，"wemustalwaystrytoactwisely，andweshouldonlyinsistonreceivinganswerstoquestionsinwhichwearepersonallyconcerned。"

Crimthannimbibedallthejusticeofthatremark。

"ThusIdonotreallyrequiretoknowthislady’sname，nordoI

carefromwhatdirectionshecomes。"

"Youdonot？"Crimthannasked。

"No，butwhatIdowishtoknowis，Willshemarryme？"

"Bymyhandthatisanotablequestion，"hiscompanionstammered。

"Itisaquestionthatmustbeanswered，"thekingcriedtriumphantly。"But，"hecontinued，"tolearnwhatwomansheis，orwhereshecomesfrom，mightbringustormentaswellasinformation。Whoknowsinwhatadventuresthepasthasengagedher！"

Andhestaredforaprofoundmomentondisturbing，sinisterhorizons，andCrimthannmeditatedtherewithhim。"

"Thepastishers，"heconcluded，"butthefutureisours，andweshallonlydemandthatwhichispertinenttothefuture。"

Hereturnedtothelady。

"Wewishyoutobeourwife，"hesaid。Andhegazedonherbenevolentlyandfirmlyandcarefullywhenhesaidthat，sothatherregardcouldnotstrayotherwhere。Yet，evenashelooked，ateardidwellintothoselovelyeyes，andbehindherbrowathoughtmovedofthebeautifulboywhowaslookingatherfromtheking’sside。

ButwhentheHighKingofIrelandasksustomarryhimwedonotrefuse，foritisnotathingthatweshallbeaskedtodoeverydayintheweek，andthereisnowomanintheworldbutwouldlovetoruleitinTara。

Nosecondtearcreptonthelady’slashes，and，withherhandintheking’shand，theypacedtogethertowardsthepalace，whilebehindthem，inmelancholymood，CrimthannmacAeledthehorsesandthechariot。

CHAPTERII

Theyweremarriedinahastewhichequalledtheking’sdesire；

andashedidnotagainaskhername，andasshedidnotvolunteertogiveit，andasshebroughtnodowrytoherhusbandandreceivednonefromhim，shewascalledBecfola，theDowerless。

Timepassed，andtheking’shappinesswasasgreatashisexpectationofithadpromised。ButonthepartofBecfolanosimilartidingscanbegiven。

Therearethosewhosehappinessliesinambitionandstation，andtosuchaonethefactofbeingqueentotheHighKingofIrelandisasatisfactionatwhichdesireissated。ButthemindofBecfolawasnotofthistemperatequality，and，lackingCrimthann，itseemedtoherthatshepossessednothing。

Fortohermindhewasthesunlightinthesun，thebrightnessinthemoonbeam；hewasthesavourinfruitandthetasteinhoney；

andwhenshelookedfromCrimthanntothekingshecouldnotbutconsiderthattherightmanwasinthewrongplace。ShethoughtthatcrownedonlywithhiscurlsCrlmthannmacAewasmorenoblydiademedthanarethemastersoftheworld，andshetoldhimso。

HisterroronhearingthisunexpectednewswassogreatthathemeditatedimmediateflightfromTara；butwhenathinghasbeenutteredonceitiseasiersaidthesecondtimeandonthethirdrepetitionitispatientlylistenedto。

AfternogreatdelayCrimthannmacAeagreedandarrangedthatheandBecfolashouldflyfromTara，anditwaspartoftheirunderstandingthattheyshouldlivehappilyeverafter。

Onemorning，whennotevenabirdwasastir，thekingfeltthathisdearcompanionwasrising。Helookedwithoneeyeatthelightthatstolegreylythroughthewindow，andrecognisedthatitcouldnotinjusticebecalledlight。

"Thereisnotevenabirdup，"hemurmured。

AndthentoBecfola。

"Whatistheearlyrisingfor，dearheart？"

"AnengagementIhave，"shereplied。

"Thisisnotatimeforengagements，"saidthecalmmonarch。

"Letitbeso，"shereplied，andshedressedrapidly。

"Andwhatistheengagement？"hepursued。

"RaimentthatIleftatacertainplaceandmusthave。Eightsilkensmocksembroideredwithgold，eightpreciousbroochesofbeatengold，threediademsofpuregold。"

"Atthishour，"saidthepatientking，"thebedisbetterthantheroad。"

"Letitbeso，"saidshe。

"Andmoreover，"hecontinued，"aSundayjourneybringsbadluck。"

"Lettheluckcomethatwillcome，"sheanswered。

"Tokeepacatfromcreamorawomanfromhergearisnotworkforaking，"saidthemonarchseverely。

TheArd-Ri’couldlookonallthingswithcomposure，andregardallbeingswithatranquileye；butitshouldbeknownthattherewasonedeedentirelyhatefultohim，andhewouldpunishitscommissionwiththeverylastrigour——thiswas，atransgressionoftheSunday。Duringsixdaysoftheweekallthatcouldhappenmighthappen，sofarasDermodwasconcerned，butontheseventhdaynothingshouldhappenatalliftheHighKingcouldrestrainit。Haditbeenpossiblehewouldhavetetheredthebirdstotheirowngreenbranchesonthatday，andforbiddenthecloudstopacktheupperworldwithstirandcolour。Thesethekingpermitted，withatightlip，perhaps，butallelsethatcameunderhishandfelthiscontrol。

ItwashlscustomwhenhearoseonthemornofSundaytoclimbtothemostelevatedpointofTara，andgazethenceoneveryside，sothathemightseeifanyfairiesorpeopleoftheShi’weredisportingthemselvesinhislordship；forheabsolutelyprohibitedtheusageoftheearthtothesebeingsontheSunday，andwoe’sworthwasitforthesweetbeinghediscoveredbreakinghislaw。

Wedonotknowwhatillhecoulddotothefairies，butduringDermod’sreigntheworldsaiditsprayersonSundayandtheShi’

folkstayedintheirhills。

Itmaybeimagined，therefore，withwhatwrathhesawhiswife’spreparationsforherjourney，but，althoughakingcandoeverything，whatcanahusbanddo……？Herearrangedhimselfforslumber。

"Iamnopartytothisuntimelyjourney，"hesaidangrily。

"Letitbeso，"saidBecfola。

Sheleftthepalacewithonemaid，andasshecrossedthedoorwaysomethinghappenedtoher，butbywhatmeansithappenedwouldbehardtotell；forintheonepaceshepassedoutofthepalaceandoutoftheworld，andthesecondstepshetrodwasinFaery，butshedidnotknowthis。

HerintentionwastogotoCluaindachaillechtomeetCrimthann，butwhensheleftthepalaceshedidnotrememberCrimthannanymore。

Tohereyeandtotheeyeofhermaidtheworldwasasitalwayshadbeen，andthelandmarkstheyknewwereaboutthem。Buttheobjectforwhichtheyweretravellingwasdifferent，althoughunknown，andthepeopletheypassedontheroadswereunknown，andwereyetpeoplethattheyknew。

TheysetoutsouthwardsfromTaraintotheDuffryofLeinster，andaftersometimetheycameintowildcountryandwentastray。

AtlastBecfolahalted，saying：

"Idonotknowwhereweare。"

Themaidrepliedthatshealsodidnotknow。

"Yet，"saidBecfola，"ifwecontinuetowalkstraightonweshallarrivesomewhere。"

Theywenton，andthemaidwateredtheroadwithhertears。

Nightdrewonthem；agreychill，agreysilence，andtheywereenvelopedinthatchillandsilence；andtheybegantogoinexpectationandterror，fortheybothknewanddidnotknowthatwhichtheywereboundfor。

Astheytoileddesolatelyuptherustlingandwhisperingsideofalowhillthemaidchancedtolookback，andwhenshelookedbackshescreamedandpointed，andclungtoBecfola’sarm。

Becfolafollowedthepointingfinger，andsawbelowalargeblackmassthatmovedjerkilyforward。

"Wolves！"criedthemaid。"Runtothetreesyonder，"hermistressordered。"Wewillclimbthemandsitamongthebranches。"

Theyranthen，themaidmoaningandlamentingallthewhile。

"Icannotclimbatree，"shesobbed，"Ishallbeeatenbythewolves。"

Andthatwastrue。

Buthermistressclimbedatree，anddrewbyahand’sbreadthfromtherapandsnapandslaverofthosesteeljaws。Then，sittingonabranch，shelookedwithangrywoeatthestrainingandsnarlinghordebelow，seeingmanyawhitefanginthosegrinningjowls，andthesmouldering，redblinkofthoseleapingandprowlingeyes。