第5章

CHAPTERIII

Butaftersometimethemoonaroseandthewolveswentaway，fortheirleader，asagaciousandcraftychief，declaredthataslongastheyremainedwheretheywere，theladywouldremainwhereshewas；andso，withaheartycurseontrees，thetroopdeparted。

Becfolahadpainsinherlegsfromthewayshehadwrappedthemaboutthebranch，buttherewasnopartofherthatdidnotache，foraladydoesnotsitwithanyeaseuponatree。

Forsometimeshedidnotcaretocomedownfromthebranch。

"Thosewolvesmayreturn，"shesaid，"fortheirchiefiscraftyandsagacious，anditiscertain，fromthelookIcaughtinhiseyeashedeparted，thathewouldrathertasteofmethancatanywomanhehasmet。"

Shelookedcarefullyineverydirectiontoseeifanemightdiscovertheminhiding；shelookedcloselyandlingeringlyattheshadowsunderdistanttreestoseeiftheseshadowsmoved；

andshelistenedoneverywindtotryifshecoulddistinguishayaporayawnorasneeze。Butshesaworheardnothing；andlittlebylittletranquillitycreptintohermind，andshebegantoconsiderthatadangerwhichispastisadangerthatmaybeneglected。

Yetereshedescendedshelookedagainontheworldofjetandsilverthatdozedabouther，andshespiedaredglimmeramongdistanttrees。

"Thereisnodangerwherethereislight，"shesaid，andshethereuponcamefromthetreeandraninthedirectionthatshehadnoted。

Inaspotbetweenthreegreatoaksshecameuponamanwhowasroastingawildboaroverafire。Shesalutedthisyouthandsatbesidehim。Butafterthefirstglanceandgreetinghedidnotlookatheragain，nordidhespeak。

Whentheboarwascookedheateofitandshehadhershare。Thenhearosefromthefireandwalkedawayamongthetrees。Becfolafollowed，feelingruefullythatsomethingnewtoherexperiencehadarrived；"for，"shethought，"itisusualthatyoungmenshouldnotspeaktomenowthatIamthemateofaking，butitisveryunusualthatyoungmenshouldnotlookatme。"

Butiftheyoungmandidnotlookathershelookedwellathim，andwhatshesawpleasedhersomuchthatshehadnotimeforfurthercogitation。ForifCrimthannhadbeenbeautiful，thisyouthwastentimesmorebeautiful。ThecurlsonCrimthann’sheadhadbeenindeedasabenedictiontothequeen’seye，sothatshehadeatenthebetterandsleptthesounderforseeinghim。Butthesightofthisyouthleftherwithoutthedesiretoeat，and，asforsleep，shedreadedit，forifsheclosedaneyeshewouldberobbedoftheonedelightintime，whichwastolookatthisyoungman，andnottoceaselookingathimwhilehereyecouldpeerorherheadcouldremainupright。

Theycametoaninletoftheseaallsweetandcalmundertheround，silver-floodingmoon，andtheyoungman，withBecfolatreadingonhisheel，steppedintoaboatandrowedtoahigh-jutting，pleasantisland。Theretheywentinlandtowardsavastpalace，inwhichtherewasnopersonbutthemselvesalone，andtheretheyoungmanwenttosleep，whileBecfolasatstaringathimuntiltheunavoidablepeacepresseddownhereyelidsandshetooslumbered。

Shewasawakenedinthemorningbyagreatshout。

"Comeout，Flann，comeout，myheart！"

Theyoungmanleapedfromhiscouch，girdedonhisharness，andstrodeout。Threeyoungmenmethim，eachinbattleharness，andthesefouradvancedtomeetfourothermenwhoawaitedthematalittledistanceonthelawn。Thenthesetwosetsoffourfoughttogethorwitheverywarlikecourtesybutwitheverywarlikeseverity，andattheendofthatcombattherewasbutonemanstanding，andtheothersevenlaytossedindeath。

Becfolaspoketotheyouth。

"Yourcombathasindeedbeengallant，"shesaid。

"Alas，"hereplied，"ifithasbeenagallantdeedithasnotbeenagoodone，formythreebrothersaredeadandmyfournephewsaredead。"

"Ahme！"criedBecfola，"whydidyoufightthatfight？"

"Forthelordshipofthisisland，theIsleofFedach，sonofDali。"

But，althoughBecfolawasmovedandhorrifiedbythisbattle，itwasinanotherdirectionthatherinterestlay；thereforeshesoonaskedthequestionwhichlaynextherheart：

"Whywouldyounotspeaktomeorlookatme？"

"UntilIhavewonthekingshipofthislandfromallclaimants，I

amnomatchforthemateoftheHighKingofIreland，"hereplied。

AndthatreplywasllkebalmtotheheartofBecfola。

"WhatshallIdo？"sheinquiredradiantly。"Returntoyourhome，"

hecounselled。"Iwillescortyoutherewithyourmaid，forsheisnotreallydead，andwhenIhavewonmylordshipIwillgoseekyouinTara。"

"Youwillsurelycome，"sheinsisted。

"Bymyhand，"quothhe，"Iwillcome。"

Thesethreereturnedthen，andattheendofadayandnighttheysawfaroffthemightyroofsofTaramassedinthemorninghaze。

Theyoungmanleftthem，andwithmanyabackwardlookandwithdragging，reluctantfeet，Becfolacrossedthethresholdofthepalace，wonderingwhatsheshouldsaytoDermodandhowshecouldaccountforanabsenceofthreedays’duration。

CHAPTERIV

ITwassoearlythatnotevenabirdwasyetawake，andthedullgreylightthatcamefromtheatmosphereenlargedandmadeindistinctallthatonelookedat，andswathedallthingsinacoldandlividgloom。

AsshetrodcautiouslythroughdimcorridorsBecfolawasgladthat，savingtheguards，nocreaturewasastir，andthatforsometimeyetsheneedaccounttonopersonforhermovements。Shewasgladalsoofarespitewhichwouldenablehertosettleintoherhomeanddrawaboutherthecomposurewhichwomenfeelwhentheyaresurroundedbythewallsoftheirhouses，andcanseeaboutthemthepossessionswhich，bythefactofownership，havebecomealmostapartoftheirpersonality。Sunderedfromherbelongings，nowomanistranquil，herheartisnottrulyatease，howeverhermindmayfunction，sothatunderthebroadskyorinthehouseofanothersheisnotthecompetent，preciseindividualwhichshebecomeswhensheseesagainherhouseholdinorderandherdomesticrequirementsatherhand。

Becfolapushedthedooroftheking’ssleepingchamberandenterednoiselessly。Thenshesatquietlyinaseatgazingontherecumbentmonarch，andpreparedtoconsiderhowsheshouldadvancetohimwhenheawakened，andwithwhatinformationshemightstayhisinquiriesorreproaches。

"Iwillreproachhim，"shethought。"Iwillcallhimabadhusbandandastonishhim，andhewillforgeteverythingbuthisownalarmandindignation。"

Butatthatmomentthekingliftedhisheadfromthepillowandlookedkindlyather。Herheartgaveagreatthrob，andshepreparedtospeakatonceandingreatvolumebeforehecouldformulateanyquestion。Butthekingspokefirst，andwhathesaidsoastonishedherthattheexplanationandreproachwithwhichhertonguewasthrillingfledfromitatastroke，andshecouldonlysitstaringandbewilderedandtongue-tied。

"Well，mydearheart，"saidtheking，"haveyoudecidednottokeepthatengagement？"

"I——I——！"Becfolastammered。

"Itistrulynotanhourforengagements，"Dermodinsisted，"fornotabirdofthebirdshaslefthistree；and，"hecontinuedmaliciously，"thelightissuchthatyoucouldnotseeanengagementevenifyoumetone。"

"I，"Becfolagasped。"I——-！"

"ASundayjourney，"hewenton，"isanotoriousbadjourney。Nogoodcancomefromit。Youcangetyoursmocksanddiademsto-morrow。Butatthishourawisepersonleavesengagementstothebatsandthestaringowlsandtheround-eyedcreaturesthatprowlandsniffinthedark。Comebacktothewarmbed，sweetwoman，andsetonyourjourneyinthemorning。"

SuchaloadofapprehensionwasliftedfromBecfola’sheartthatsheinstantlydidasshehadbeencommanded，andsuchabewildermenthadyetpossessionofherfacultiesthatshecouldnotthinkorutterawordonanysubject。

YetthethoughtdidcomeintoherheadasshestretchedinthewarmgloomthatCrimthannthesonofAemustbenowattendingheratCluaindachaillech，andshethoughtofthatyoungmanasofsomethingwonderfulandveryridiculous，andthefactthathewaswaitingforhertroubledhernomorethanifasheephadbeenwaitingforheroraroadsidebush。

Shefellasleep。

CHAPTERV

Inthemorningastheysatatbreakfastfourclericswereannounced，andwhentheyenteredthekinglookedonthemwithsterndisapproval。

"WhatisthemeaningofthisjourneyonSunday？"hedemanded。

Alank-jawed，thin-browedbrother，withuneasy，intertwiningfingers，andadeep-set，venomouseye，wasthespokesmanofthosefour。

"Indeed，"hesaid，andthefingersofhisrighthandstrangledanddidtodeaththefingersofhislefthand，"indeed，wehavetransgressedbyorder。"

"Explainthat。"

"Wehavebeensenttoyouhurriedlybyourmaster，MolasiusofDevenish。"

"Apious，asaintlyman，"thekinginterrupted，"andonewhodoesnotcountenancetransgressionsoftheSunday。"

"Wewereorderedtotellyouasfollows，"saidthegrimcleric，andheburiedthefingersofhisrighthandinhisleftfist，sothatonecouldnothopetoseethemresurrectedagain。"ItwasthedutyofoneoftheBrothersofDevenish，"hecontinued，"toturnoutthecattlethismorningbeforethedawnofday，andthatBrother，whileinhisduty，saweightcomelyyoungmenwhofoughttogether。"

"OnthemorningofSunday，"Dermodexploded。

Theclericnoddedwithsavageemphasis。

"Onthemorningofthisself-sameandinstantsacredday。"

"Tellon，"saidthekingwrathfully。

ButterrorgrippedwithsuddenfingersatBecfola’sheart。

"DonottellhorridstoriesontheSunday，"shepleaded。"Nogoodcancometoanyonefromsuchatale。"

"Nay，thismustbetold，sweetlady，"saidtheking。Buttheclericstaredatherglumly，forbiddingly，andresumedhisstoryatagesture。

"Oftheseeightmen，sevenwerekilled。"

"Theyareinhell，"thekingsaidgloomily。

"Inhelltheyare，"theclericrepliedwithenthusiasm。

"Andtheonethatwasnotkilled？"

"Heisalive，"thatclericresponded。

"Hewouldbe，"themonarchassented。"Tellyourtale。"

"Molasiushadthosesevenmiscreantsburied，andhetookfromtheirunhallowednecksandfromtheirlewdarmsandfromtheirunblessedweaponstheloadoftwomeningoldandsilvertreasure。"

"Twomen’sload！"saidDermodthoughtfully。

"Thatmuch，"saidtheleancleric。"Nomore，noless。AndhehassentustofindoutwhatpartofthathellishtreasurebelongstotheBrothersofDevenishandhowmuchisthepropertyoftheking。"

Becfolaagainbrokein，speakinggraciously，regally，hastily：

"LetthoseBrothershavetheentireofthetreasure，foritisSundaytreasure，andassuchitwillbringnolucktoanyone。"

Theclericagainlookedathercoldly，withaharsh-lidded，small-set，grey-eyedglare，andwaitedfortheking’sreply。

Dermodpondered，shakinghisheadastoanargumentonhisleftside，andthennoddingitagainastoanargumentonhisright。

"Itshallbedoneasthissweetqueenadvises。Letareliquarybeformedwithcunningworkmanshipofthatgoldandsilver，datedwithmydateandsignedwithmyname，tobeinmemoryofmygrandmotherwhogavebirthtoalamb，toasalmon，andthentomyfather，theArd-Ri’。And，astothetreasurethatremainsover，apastoralstaffmaybebeatenfromitinhonourofMolasius，thepiousman。"

"Thestoryisnotended，"saidthatglum，spike-chinnedcleric。

Thekingmovedwithjovialimpatience。

"Ifyoucontinueit，"hesaid，"itwillsurelycometoanendsometime。Astoneonastonemakesahouse，dearheart，andawordonawordtellsatale。"

Theclericwrappedhimselfintohimself，andbecameleanandmenacing。Hewhispered："Besidestheyoungman，namedFlann，whowasnotslain，therewasanotherpersonpresentatthesceneandthecombatandthetransgressionofSunday。"

"Whowasthatperson？"saidthealarmedmonarch。

Theclericspikedforwardhischin，andthenbuttedforwardhisbrow。

"Itwasthewifeoftheking，"heshouted。"ItwasthewomancalledBecfola。Itwasthatwoman，"heroared，andheextendedalean，inflexible，unendingfirstfingeratthequeen。

"Dog！"thekingstammered，startingup。

"Ifthatbeintruthawoman，"theclericscreamed。

"Whatdoyoumean？"thekingdemandedinwrathandterror。

"Eithersheisawomanofthisworldtohepunished，orsheisawomanoftheShi’tobebanished，butthisholymorningshewasintheShi’，andherarmswereabouttheneckofFlann。"

Thekingsankbackinhischairstupefied，gazingfromonetotheother，andthenturnedanunseeing，fear-dimmedeyetowardsBecfola。

"Isthistrue，mypulse？"hemurmured。

"Itistrue，"Becfolareplied，andshebecamesuddenlytotheking’seyeawhitenessandastare。Hepointedtothedoor。

"Gotoyourengagement，"hestammered。"GotothatFlann。"

"Heiswaitingforme，"saidBecfolawithproudshame，"andthethoughtthatheshouldwaitwringsmyheart。"

Shewentoutfromthepalacethen。ShewentawayfromTara：andinallIrelandandintheworldoflivingmenshewasnotseenagain，andshewasneverheardofagain。

THELITTLEBRAWLATALLEN

CHAPTERI

"Ithink，"saidCairellWhiteskin，"thatalthoughjudgementwasgivenagainstFionn，itwasFionnhadtherightsofit。"

"Hehadelevenhundredkilled，"saidCona’namiably，"andyoumaycallthattherightsofitifyoulike。"

"Allthesame——"Cairellbeganargumentatively。

"Anditwasyouthatcommencedit，"Cona’ncontinued。

"Ho！Ho！"Cairellcried。"Why，youareasmuchtoblameasIam。"

"No，"saidCona’n，"foryouhitmefirst。"

"Andifwehadnotbeenseparated——"theothergrowled。

"Separated！"saidCona’n，withagrinthatmadehisbeardpokeallaroundhisface。

"Yes，separated。IftheyhadnotcomebetweenusIstillthink——"

"Don’tthinkoutloud，dearheart，foryouandIareatpeacebylaw。"

"Thatistrue，"saidCairell，"andamanmuststickbyajudgement。Comewithme，mydear，andletusseehowtheyoungstersareshapingintheschool。Oneofthemhasratherawaywithhimasaswordsman。"

"Noyoungsterisanygoodwithasword，"Conanreplied。

"Youarerightthere，"saidCairell。"Ittakesagoodripemanforthatweapon。"

"Boysaregoodenoughwithslings，"Confrocontinued，"butexceptforeatingtheirfillandrunningawayfromafight，youcan’tcountonboys。"

ThetwobulkymenturnedtowardstheschooloftheFianna。

IthappenedthatFionnmacUailhadsummonedthegentlemenoftheFiannaandtheirwivestoabanquet。Everybodycame，forabanquetgivenbyFionnwasnotathingtobemissed。TherewasGollmormacMornaandhispeople；Fionn’ssonOisi’nandhisgrandsonOscar。TherewasDermodoftheGayFace，CaeltemacRonan——butindeedthereweretoomanytobetoldof，forallthepillarsofwarandbattle-torchesoftheGaelwerethere。

Thebanquetbegan。

FionnsatintheChiefCaptain’sseatinthemiddleofthefort；

andfacinghim，intheplaceofhonour，heplacedthemirthfulGollmacMorna；andfromthese，rangingoneitherside，thenoblesoftheFiannatookeachtheplacethatfittedhisdegreeandpatrimony。

Aftergoodeating，goodconversation；andaftergoodconversation，sleep——thatistheorderofabanquet：sowheneachpersonhadbeenservedwithfoodtothelimitofdesirethebutlerscarriedinshining，andjewelleddrinking-horns，eachhavingitstideofsmooth，headyliquor。Thentheyoungheroesgrewmerryandaudacious，theladiesbecamegentleandkind，andthepoetsbecamewondersofknowledgeandprophecy。Everyeyebeamedinthatassembly，andonFionneveryeyewasturnedcontinuallyinthehopeofaglancefromthegreat，mildhero。

Gollspoketohimacrossthetableenthusiastically。

"Thereisnothingwantingtothisbanquet，OChief，"saidhe。

AndFionnsmiledbackintothateyewhichseemedawelloftendernessandfriendship。

"Nothingiswanting，"hereplied，"butawell-shapedpoem。"A

crierstoodupthen，holdinginonehandalengthofcoarseironlinksandintheotherachainofdelicate，antiquesilver。Heshooktheironchainsothattheservantsandfollowersofthehouseholdshouldbesilent，andheshookthesilveronesothatthenoblesandpoetsshouldhearkenalso。

Fergus，calledTrue-Lips，thepoetoftheFianna-Finn，thensangofFionnandhisancestorsandtheirdeeds。WhenhehadfinishedFionnandOisi’nandOscarandmacLugacoftheTerribleHandgavehimrareandcostlypresents，sothateverypersonwonderedattheirmunificence，andeventhepoet，accustomedtotheliberalityofkingsandprinces，wasastonishedathisgifts。

FergusthenturnedtothesideofGollmacMorna，andhesangoftheForts，theDestructions，theRaids，andtheWooingsofclann-Morna；andasthepoemssucceededeachother，Gollgrewmoreandmorejovialandcontented。WhenthesongswerefinishedGollturnedinhisseat。

"Whereismyrunner？"hecried。

Hehadawomanrunner，amarvelforswiftnessandtrust。Shesteppedforward。

"Iamhere，royalcaptain。"

"HaveyoucollectedmytributefromDenmark？"

"Itishere。"

And，withhelp，shelaidbesidehimtheloadofthreemenofdoublyrefinedgold。Outofthistreasure，andfromthetreasureofringsandbraceletsandtorquesthatwerewithhim，GollmacMornapaidFergusforhissongs，and，muchasFionnhadgiven，Gollgavetwiceasmuch。

But，asthebanquetproceeded，Gollgave，whetheritwastoharpersorprophetsorjugglers，morethananyoneelsegave，sothatFionnbecamedispleased，andasthebanquetproceededhegrewsternandsilent。

CHAPTERII

[ThisversionofthedeathofUailisnotcorrect。AlsoCnochaisnotinLochlannbutinIreland。]

Thewonderfulgift-givingofGollcontinued，andanuneasinessandembarrassmentbegantocreepthroughthegreatbanquetinghall。

Gentlemenlookedateachotherquestioningly，andthenspokeagainonindifferentmatters，butonlywithhalfoftheirminds。

Thesingers，theharpers，andjugglerssubmittedtothatconstraint，sothateverypersonfeltawkwardandnooneknewwhatshouldbedoneorwhatwouldhappen，andfromthatdoubtdulnesscame，withsilencefollowingonitsheels。

Thereisnothingmoreterriblethansilence。Shamegrowsinthatblank，orangergathersthere，andwemustchoosewhichoftheseistobeourmaster。

ThatchoicelaybeforeFionn，whoneverknewshame。

"Goll，"saidhe，"howlonghaveyoubeentakingtributefromthepeopleofLochlann？"

"Alongtimenow，"saidGoll。

Andhelookedintoaneyethatwassternandunfriendly。

"Ithoughtthatmyrentwastheonlyonethosepeoplehadtopay，"Fionncontinued。

"Yourmemoryisatfault，"saidGoll。

"Letitbeso，"saidFionn。"Howdidyourtributearise？"

"Longago，Fionn，inthedayswhenyourfatherforcedwaronme。"

"Ah！"saidFionn。

"WhenheraisedtheHighKingagainstmeandbanishedmefromIreland。"

"Continue，"saidFionn，andheheldGoll’seyeunderthegreatbeetleofhisbrow。

"IwentintoBritain，"saidGoll，"andyourfatherfollowedmethere。IwentintoWhiteLochlann（Norway）andtookit。Yourfatherbanishedmethencealso。"

"Iknowit，"saidFionn。

"IwentintothelandoftheSaxonsandyourfatherchasedmeoutofthatland。Andthen，inLochlann，atthebattleofCnochayourfatherandImetatlast，foottofoot，eyetoeye，andthere，Fionn！"

"Andthere，Goll？"

"AndthereIkilledyourfather。"

Fionnsatrigidandunmoving，hisfacestonyandterribleasthefaceofamonumentcarvedonthesideofacliff。

"Tellallyourtale，"saidhe。

"AtthatbattleIbeattheLochlannachs。IpenetratedtotheholdoftheDanishking，andItookoutofhisdungeonthemenwhohadlainthereforayearandwereawaitingtheirdeaths。Iliberatedfifteenprisoners，andoneofthemwasFionn。"

"Itistrue，"saidFionn。

Goll’sangerfledattheword。

"Donotbejealousofme，dearheart，forifIhadtwicethetributeIwouldgiveittoyouandtoIreland。"

ButatthewordjealoustheChief’sangerrevived。

"Itisanimpertinence，"hecried，"toboastatthistablethatyoukilledmyfather。"

"Bymyhand，"Gollreplied，"ifFionnweretotreatmeashisfatherdidIwouldtreatFionnthewayItreatedFionn’sfather。"

Fionnclosedhiseyesandbeatawaytheangerthatwasrisingwithinhim。Hesmiledgrimly。

"IfIweresominded，Iwouldnotletthatlastwordgowithyou，Goll，forIhavehereanhundredmenforeverymanofyours。"

Golllaughedaloud。

"Sohadyourfather，"hesaid。

Fionn’sbrother，CairellWhiteskin，brokeintotheconversationwithaharshlaugh。

"HowmanyofFionn’shouseholdhasthewonderfulGollputdown？"

hecried。

ButGoll’sbrother，baldCona’ntheSwearer，turnedasavageeyeonCairell。

"Bymyweapons，"saidhe，"therewereneverlessthananhundred-and-onemenwithGoll，andtheleastofthemcouldhaveputyoudowneasilyenough。"

"Ah？’criedCairell。"Andareyouoneofthehundred-and-one，oldscaldhead？"

"Oneindeed，mythick-witted，thin-liveredCairell，andI

undertaketoproveonyourhidethatwhatmybrothersaidwastrueandthatwhatyourbrothersaidwasfalse。"

"Youundertakethat，"growledCairell，andonthewordheloosedafuriousbuffetatCon’an，whichCona’nreturnedwithafistsobigthateverypartofCairell’sfacewashitwiththeoneblow。

Thetwothenfellintogrips，andwentlurchingandpunchingaboutthegreathall。TwoofOscar’ssonscouldnotbeartoseetheirunclebeingworsted，andtheyleapedatCona’n，andtwoofGoll’ssonsrushedatthem。ThenOscarhimselfleapedup，andwithahammerineitherhandhewentbatteringintothemelee。

"Ithankthegods，"saidCona’n，"forthechanceofkillingyourself，Oscar。"

Thesetwoencounteredthen，andOscarknockedagroanofdistressoutofCona’n。HelookedappealinglyathisbrotherArtogmacMorna，andthatpowerfulchampionflewtohisaidandwoundedOscar。Oisi’n，Oscar’sfather，couldnotabidethat；hedashedinandquelledArtOg。ThenRoughHairmacMornawoundedOisinandwashimselftumbledbymacLugac，whowasagainwoundedbyGaramacMorna。

Thebanquetinghallwasintumult。Ineverypartofitmenweregivingandtakingblows。Heretwochampionswiththeirarmsroundeachother’sneckswerestampingroundandroundinaslow，saddance。Hereweretwocrouchingagainsteachother，lookingforasoftplacetohit。Yonderabig-shoulderedpersonliftedanothermaninhisarmsandthrewhimatasmallgroupthatchargedhim。

Inaretiredcorneragentlemanstoodinathoughtfulattitudewhilehetriedtopulloutatooththathadbeenknockedloose。

"Youcan’tfight，"hemumbled，"withalooseshoeoraloosetooth。"

"Hurryupwiththattooth，"themaninfrontofhimgrum-bled，"forIwanttoknockoutanotherone。"

Pressedagainstthewallwasabevyofladies，someofwhomwerescreamingandsomelaughingandallofwhomwerecallingonthementogobacktotheirseats。

Onlytwopeopleremainedseatedinthehall。

Gollsattwistedroundwatchingtheprogressofthebrawlcritically，andFionn，sittingopposite，watchedGoll。

JustthenFaelan，anotherofFionn’ssons，stormedthehallwiththreehundredoftheFianna，andbythisforceallGoll’speoplewereputoutofdoors，wherethefightcontinued。

GolllookedthencalmlyonFionn。

"Yourpeopleareusingtheirweapons，"saidhe。

"Arethey？"Fionninquiredascalmly，andasthoughaddressingtheair。

"Inthematterofweapons——！"saidGoll。

Andthehard-fightingpillarofbattleturnedtowherehisarmshungonthewallbehindhim。Hetookhissolid，well-balancedswordinhisfist，overhisleftarmhisample，bossyshield，and，withanotherside-lookatFionn，heleftthehallandchargedirresistiblyintothefray。

Fionnthenarose。Hetookhisaccoutrementsfromthewallalsoandstrodeout。ThenheraisedthetriumphantFenianshoutandwentintothecombat。

Thatwasnoplaceforasickpersontobe。Itwasnotthecornerwhichaslender-fingeredwomanwouldchoosetodoupherhair；

norwasitthespotanancientmanwouldselecttothinkquietlyin，forthetumultofswordonsword，ofaxeonshield，theroarofthecontendingparties，thecryingofwoundedmen，andthescreamingoffrightenedwomendestroyedpeace，andoverallwastherallyingcryofGollmacMornaandthegreatshoutofFionn。

ThenFergusTrue-LipsgatheredabouthimallthepoetsoftheFianna，andtheysurroundedthecombatants。Theybegantochantandintonelong，heavyrhymesandincantations，untiltherhythmicbeatingoftheirvoicescoveredeventhenoiseofwar，sothatthemenstoppedhackingandhewing，andlettheirweaponsdropfromtheirhands。Thesewerepickedupbythepoetsandareconciliationwaseffectedbetweenthetwoparties。

ButFionnaffirmedthathewouldmakenopeacewithclann-Mornauntilthematterhadbeenjudgedbytheking，CormacmacArt，andbyhisdaughterAilve，andbyhissonCairbreofAnaLife’andbyFintanthechiefpoet。Gollagreedthattheaffairshouldbesubmittedtothatcourt，andadaywasappointed，afortnightfromthatdate，tomeetatTaraoftheKingsforjudgement。Thenthehallwascleansedandthebanquetrecommenced。

OfFionn’speopleelevenhundredofmenandwomenweredead，whileofGoll’speopleelevenmenandfiftywomenweredead。Butitwasthroughfrightthewomendied，fornotoneofthemhadawoundorabruiseoramark。

CHAPTERIII

ATtheendofafortnightFionnandGollandthechiefmenoftheFiannaattendedatTara。Theking，hissonanddaughter，withFlahri，Feehal，andFintanmacBocnasatintheplaceofjudgement，andCormaccalledonthewitnessesforevidence。

Fionnstoodup，butthemomenthedidsoGollmacMornaarosealso。

"IobjecttoFionngivingevidence，"saidhe。

"Whyso？"thekingasked。

"BecauseinanymatterthatconcernedmeFionnwouldturnalieintotruthandthetruthintoalie。"

"Idonotthinkthatisso，"saidFionn。

"Yousee，hehasalreadycommencedit，"criedGoll。

"Ifyouobjecttothetestimonyofthechiefpersonpresent，inwhatwayarewetoobtainevidence？"thekingdemanded。

"I，"saidGoll，"willtrusttotheevidenceofFergusTrue-Lips。

HeisFionn’spoet，andwilltellnolieagainsthismaster；heisapoet，andwilltellnolieagainstanyone。"

"Iagreetothat，"saidFionn。

"Irequire，nevertheless，"Gollcontinued，"thatFergusshouldswearbeforetheCourt，byhisgods，thathewilldojusticebetweenus。"

Ferguswasaccordinglysworn，andgavehisevidence。HestatedthatFionn’sbrotherCairellstruckCona’nmacMorna，thatGoll’stwosonscametohelpCona’n，thatOscarwenttohelpCairell，andwiththatFionn’speopleandtheclann-Mornaroseateachother，andwhathadstartedasabrawlendedasabattlewithelevenhundredofFionn’speopleandsixty-oneofGoll’speopledead。

"Imarvel，"saidthekinginadiscontentedvoice，"that，consideringthenumbersagainstthem，thelossesofclann-Mornashouldbesosmall。"

Fionnblushedwhenheheardthat。

Fergusreplied：

"GollmacMornacoveredhispeoplewithhisshield。Allthatslaughterwasdonebyhim。"

"Thepresswastoogreat，"Fionngrumbled。"Icouldnotgetathimintimeor——-"

"Orwhat？"saidGollwithagreatlaugh。

Fionnshookhisheadsternlyandsaidnomore。

"Whatisyourjudgement？"Cormacdemandedofhisfellow-judges。

Flahripronouncedfirst。

"Igivedamagestoclann-Morna。"

"Why？"saidCormac。

"Becausetheywereattackedfirst。"

Cormaclookedathimstubbornly。

"Idonotagreewithyourjudgement，"hesaid。

"Whatistherefaultyinit？"Flahriasked。

"Youhavenotconsidered，"thekingreplied，"thatasoldierowesobediencetohiscaptain，andthat，giventhetimeandtheplace，FionnwasthecaptainandGollwasonlyasimplesoldier。"

Flahriconsideredtheking’ssuggestion。

"That，"hesaid，"wouldholdgoodforthewhite-strikingorblowsoffists，butnotforthered-strikingorsword-strokes。"

"Whatisyourjudgement？"thekingaskedFeehal。Feehalthenpronounced：

"Iholdthatclann-Mornawereattackedfirst，andthattheyaretobefreefrompaymentofdamages。"

"AndasregardsFionn？"saidCormac。

"IholdthatonaccountofhisgreatlossesFionnistobeexemptfrompaymentofdamages，andthathislossesaretobeconsideredasdamages。"

"Iagreeinthatjudgement，"saidFintan。

Thekingandhissonalsoagreed，andthedecisionwasimpartedtotheFianna。

"Onemustabidebyajudgement，"saidFionn。

"Doyouabidebyit？"Golldemanded。

"Ido，"saidFionn。

GollandFionnthenkissedeachother，andthuspeacewasmade。

For，notwithstandingtheendlessbickerofthesetwoheroes，theylovedeachotherwell。

Yet，nowthattheyearshavegoneby，IthinkthefaultlaywithGollandnotwithFionn，andthatthejudgementgivendidnotconsidereverything。ForatthattableGollshouldnothavegivengreatergiftsthanhismasterandhostdid。AnditwasnotrightofGolltotakebyforcethepositionofgreatestgift-giveroftheFianna，fortherewasneverintheworldonegreateratgivinggifts，orgivingbattle，ormakingpoemsthanFionnwas。

ThatsideoftheaffairwasnotbroughtbeforetheCourt。ButperhapsitwassuppressedoutofdelicacyforFionn，forifGollcouldbeaccusedofostentation，Fionnwasopentotheuglierchargeofjealousy。Itwas，nevertheless，Goll’sforwardandimpishtemperwhichcommencedthebrawl，andtheverdictoftimemustbetoexonerateFionnandtolettheblamegowhereitismerited。

Thereis，however，thistobeaddedandremembered，thatwheneverFionnwasinatightcorneritwasGollthatpluckedhimoutofit；and，lateron，whentimedidhisworstonthemallandtheFiannaweresenttohellasunbelievers，itwasGollmacMornawhoassaultedhell，withachaininhisgreatfistandthreeironballsswingingfromit，anditwashewhoattackedthehostsofgreatdevilsandbroughtFionnandtheFianna-Finnoutwithhim。

THECARLOFTHEDRABCOAT

CHAPTERI

OnedaysomethinghappenedtoFionn，thesonofUail；thatis，hedepartedfromtheworldofmen，andwassetwanderingingreatdistressofmindthroughFaery。Hehaddaysandnightsthereandadventuresthere，andwasabletobringbackthememoryofthese。

That，byitself，iswonderful，fortherearefewpeoplewhorememberthattheyhavebeentoFaeryoraughtofallthathappenedtotheminthatstate。

IntruthwedonotgotoFaery，webecomeFaery，andinthebeatingofapulsewemayliveforayearorathousandyears。

Butwhenwereturnthememoryisquicklyclouded，andweseemtohavehadadreamorseenavision，althoughwehaveverilybeeninFaery。

Itwaswonderful，then，thatFionnshouldhaverememberedallthathappenedtohiminthatwide-spunmoment，butinthistalethereisyetmoretomarvelat；fornotonlydidFionngotoFaery，butthegreatarmywhichhehadmarshalledtoBenEdair[TheHillofHowth]weretranslatedalso，andneitherhenortheywereawarethattheyhaddepartedfromtheworlduntiltheycamebacktoit。

Fourteenbattles，sevenofthereserveandsevenoftheregularFianna，hadbeentakenbytheChiefonagreatmarchandmanoeuvre。WhentheyreachedBenEdairitwasdecidedtopitchcampsothatthetroopsmightrestinviewofthewarlikeplanwhichFionnhadimaginedforthemorrow。Thecampwaschosen，andeachsquadronandcompanyofthehostwerelodgedintoanappropriateplace，sotherewasnoovercrowdingandnohaltorinterruptionofthemarch；forwhereacompanyhaltedthatwasitsplaceofrest，andinthatplaceithinderednoothercompany，andwasatitsownease。

Whenthiswasaccomplishedtheleadersofbattalionsgatheredonalevel，grassyplateauoverlookingthesea，whereaconsultationbeganastothenextday’smanoeuvres，andduringthisdiscussiontheylookedoftenonthewidewaterthatlaywrinklingandtwinklingbelowthem。

AroomyshipundergreatpressofsallwasbearingonBenEdairfromtheeast。

Nowandagain，inalullofthediscussion，achampionwouldlookandremarkonthehurryingvessel；anditmayhavebeenduringoneofthesemomentsthattheadventurehappenedtoFionnandtheFianna。

"Iwonderwherethatshipcomesfrom？"saidCona’nidly。

Butnopersoncouldsurmiseanythingaboutitbeyondthatitwasavesselwellequippedforwar。

Astheshipdrewbytheshorethewatchersobservedatallmanswingfromthesidebymeansofhisspearshafts，andinalittlewhilethisgentlemanwasannouncedtoFionn，andwasbroughtintohispresence。

Asturdy，bellicose，forthrightpersonagehewasindeed。Hewasequippedinawonderfulsolidityofarmour，withahard，carvenhelmetonhishead，asplendidred-bossedshieldswingingonhisshoulder，awide-grooved，straightswordclashingalonghisthigh。Onhisshouldersundertheshieldhecarriedasplendidscarletmantle；overhisbreastwasagreatbroochofburntgold，andinhisfisthegrippedapairofthick-shafted，unburnishedspears。

Fionnandthechampionslookedonthisgentleman，andtheyadmiredexceedinglyhisbearingandequipment。

"Ofwhatbloodareyou，younggentleman？"Fionndemanded，"andfromwhichofthefourcornersoftheworlddoyoucome？"

"MynameisCaeloftheIron，"thestrangeranswered，"andIamsontotheKingofThessaly。"

"Whaterrandhasbroughtyouhere？"

"Idonotgoonerrands，"themanrepliedsternly，"butontheaffairsthatpleaseme。"

"Beitso。Whatisthepleasingaffairwhichbringsyoutothisland？"

"SinceIleftmyowncountryIhavenotgonefromalandoranislanduntilitpaidtributetomeandacknowledgedmylordship。"

"Andyouhavecometothisrealm"criedFionn，doubtinghisears。

"Fortributeandsovereignty，"growledthatother，andhestruckthehaftofhisspearviolentlyontheground。

"Bymyhand，"saidCona’n，"wehaveneverheardofawarrior，howevergreat，buthispeerwasfoundinIreland，andthefuneralsongsofallsuchhavebeenchantedbythewomenofthisland。"

"Bymyhandandword，"saidtheharshstranger，"yourtalkmakesmethinkofasmallboyorofanidiot。"

"Takeheed，sir，"saidFionn，"forthechampionsandgreatdragonsoftheGaelarestandingbyyou，andaroundustherearefourteenbattlesoftheFiannaofIreland。"

"IfalltheFiannawhohavediedinthelastsevenyearswereaddedtoallthatarenowhere，"thestrangerasserted，"Iwouldtreatalloftheseandthosegrievously，andwouldcurtailtheirlimbsandtheirlives。"

"Itisnosmallboast，"Cona’nmurmured，staringathim。

"Itisnoboastatall，"saidCael，"and，toshowmyqualityandstanding，Iwillproposeadeedtoyou。"

"Giveoutyourdeed，"Fionncommanded。

"Thus，"saidCaelwithcoldsavagery。"Ifyoucanfindamanamongyourfourteenbattalionswhocanoutrunoroutwrestleoroutfightme，Iwilltakemyselfofftomyowncountry，andwilltroubleyounomore。"

Andsoharshlydidhespeak，andwithsuchabelligerenteyedidhestare，thatdismaybegantoseizeonthechampions，andevenFionnfeltthathisbreathhadhalted。

"Itisspokenlikeahero，"headmittedafteramoment，"andifyoucannotbematchedonthosetermsitwillnotbefromadearthofapplicants。"

"Inrunningalone，"Fionncontinuedthoughtfully，"wehaveanotablechampion，CaeltemacRona’n。"

"ThissonofRona’nwillnotlongbenotable，"thestrangerasserted。

"Hecanoutstripthereddeer，"saidCona’n。

"Hecanoutrunthewind，"criedFionn。

"Hewillnotbeaskedtooutrunthereddeerorthewind，"thestrangersneered。"Hewillbeaskedtooutrunme，"hethundered。

"Producethisrunner，andweshalldiscoverifhekeepsasgreatheartinhisfeetashehasmadeyouthink。"

"Heisnotwithus，"Cona’nlamented。

"Thesenotablewarriorsareneverwithuswhenthecallismade，"

saidthegrimstranger。

"Bymyhand，"criedFionn，"heshallbehereinnogreattime，forIwillfetchhimmyself。"

"Beitso，"saidCael。"Andduringmyabsence，"Fionncontinued，"Ileavethisasacompact，thatyoumakefriendswiththeFiannaherepresent，andthatyouobservealltheconditionsandceremoniesoffriendship。"

Caelagreedtothat。

"Iwillnothurtanyofthesepeopleuntilyoureturn，"hesaid。

FionnthensetouttowardsTaraoftheKings，forhethoughtCaeltemacRominwouldsurelybethere；"andifheisnotthere，"

saidthechampiontohimself，"thenIshallfindhimatCeshCorranoftheFianna。"