第7章

CHAPTERV

WithinthecavetherewassilenceexceptforthevoicesofthehagsandthescarcelyaudiblemoaningoftheFianna-Finn，butwithouttherewasadreadfuluproar，foraseachmanreturnedfromthechasehisdogscamewithhim，andalthoughthemenwentintothecavethedogsdidnot。

Theyweretoowise。

Theystoodoutside，filledwithsavageryandterror，fortheycouldscenttheirmastersandtheirmasters’danger，andperhapstheycouldgetfromthecavesmellstillthenunknownandfullofalarm。

Fromthetroopofdogstherearoseabayingandbarking，asnarlingandhowlingandgrowling，ayelpingandsquealingandbawlingforwhichnowordscanbefound。Nowandagainadognosedamongathousandsmellsandscentedhismaster；theruffofhisneckstooduplikeahog’sbristlesandanettyridgeprickledalonghisspine。Thenwithredeyes，withbaredfangs，withahoarse，deepsnortandgrowlherushedatthecave，andthenhehaltedandsneakedbackagainwithallhisrufflessmoothed，histailbetweenhislegs，hiseyesscrewedsidewaysinmiserableapologyandalarm，andalongthinwhineofwoedribblingoutofhisnose。

Thethreesisterstooktheirwide-channelled，hard-temperedswordsintheirhands，andpreparedtoslaytheFianna，butbeforedoingsotheygaveonemorelookfromthedoorofthecavetoseeiftheremightbeastraggleroftheFiannawhowasescapingdeathbystraggling，andtheysawonecomingtowardsthemwithBranandSceo’lanleapingbesidehim，whilealltheotherdogsbegantobursttheirthroatswithbarksandsplittheirnoseswithsnortsandwagtheirtailsoffatsightofthetall，valiant，white-toothedchampion，GollmormacMorna。"Wewillkillthatonefirst，"saidCaevo’g。

"Thereisonlyoneofhim，"saidCuillen。

"Andeachofusthreeisthematchforanhundred，"saidIaran。

Theuncanny，misbehaved，andoutrageousharridansadvancedthentomeetthesonofMorna，andwhenhesawthesethreeGollwhippedtheswordfromhisthigh，swunghisbucklerround，andgottothemintengreatleaps。

Silencefellontheworldduringthatconflict。Thewindwentdown；thecloudsstoodstill；theoldhillitselfhelditsbreath；thewarriorswithinceasedtobemenandbecameeachanear；andthedogssatinavastcircleroundthecombatants，withtheirheadsalltooneside，theirnosespokedforward，theirmouthshalfopen，andtheirtailsforgotten。Nowandagainadogwhinedinawhisperandsnappedalittlesnapontheair，butexceptforthattherewasneithersoundnormovement。

Itwasalongfight。Itwasahardandatrickyfight，andGollwonitbybraveryandstrategyandgreatgoodluck；forwithoneshrewdsliceofhisbladehecarvedtwoofthesemightytermagantsintoequalhalves，sothattherewerenosesandwhiskerstohisrighthandandkneesandtoestohisleft：andthatstrokewasknownafterwardsasoneofthethreegreatsword-strokesofIreland。Thethirdhag，however，hadmanagedtogetbehindGoll，andsheleapedontohisbackwiththeboundofapanther，andhungherewiththeskilful，many-legged，tight-twistedclutchingofaspider。Butthegreatchampiongaveatwistofhishipsandaswingofhisshouldersthatwhirledheraroundhimlikeasack。Hegotheronthegroundandtiedherhandswiththestrapsofashield，andhewasgoingtogiveherthelastblowwhensheappealedtohishonourandbravery。

"Iputmylifeunderyourprotection，"saidshe。"AndifyouletmegofreeIwilllifttheenchantmentfromtheFianna-Finnandwillgivethemallbacktoyouagain。"

"Iagreetothat，"saidGoll，andheuntiedherstraps。Theharridandidasshehadpromised，andinashorttimeFionnandOisi’nandOscarandCona’nwerereleased，andafterthatalltheFiannawerereleased。

CHAPTERVI

Aseachmancameoutofthecavehegaveajumpandashout；thecourageoftheworldwentintohimandhefeltthathecouldfighttwenty。Butwhiletheyweretalkingovertheadventureandexplaininghowithadhappened，avastfigurestrodeoverthesideofthehillanddescendedamongthem。ItwasConaran’sfourthdaughter。

Iftheotherthreehadbeenterribletolookon，thisonewasmoreterriblethanthethreetogether。Shewascladinironplate，andshehadawickedswordbyhersideandaknobbyclubinherhandShehaltedbythebodiesofhersisters，andbittertearsstreameddownintoherbeard。

"Alas，mysweetones，"saidshe，"Iamtoolate。"

AndthenshestaredfiercelyatFionn。

"Idemandacombat，"sheroared。

"Itisyourright，"saidFionn。Heturnedtohisson。

"Oisi’n，myheart，killmethishonourablehag。"ButfortheonlytimeinhislifeOisi’nshrankfromacombat。

"Icannotdoit"hesaid，"Ifeeltooweak。"

Fionnwasastounded。"Oscar，"hesaid，"willyoukillmethisgreathag？"

Oscarstammeredmiserably。"Iwouldnotbeableto，"hesaid。

Cona’nalsorefused，andsodidCaeltemacRona’nandmacLugac，fortherewasnomantherebutwasterrifiedbythesightofthatmightyandvaliantharridan。

Fionnrosetohisfeet。"Iwilltakethiscombatmyself，"hesaidsternly。

Andheswunghisbucklerforwardandstretchedhisrighthandtothesword。ButatthatterriblesightGollmaeMornablusheddeeplyandleapedfromtheground。

"No，no，"hecried；"no，mysoul，Fionn，thiswouldnotbeapropercombatforyou。Itakethisfight。"

"Youhavedoneyourshare，Goll，"saidthecaptain。

"IshouldfinishthefightIbegan，"Gollcontinued，"foritwasIwhokilledthetwosistersofthisvalianthag，anditisagainstmethefeudlies。"

"Thatwilldoforme，"saidthehorribledaughterofConaran。"I

willkillGollmormacMornafirst，andafterthatIwillkillFionn，andafterthatIwillkilleveryFenianoftheFianna-Finn。"

"Youmaybegin，Goll，"saidFionn，"andIgiveyoumyblessing。"

Gollthenstrodeforwardtothefight，andthehagmovedagainsthimwithequalalacrity。Inamomenttheheavensrangtotheclashofswordsonbucklers。Itwashardtowith-standtheterrificblowsofthatmightyfemale，forherswordplayedwiththequicknessoflightningandsmoteliketheheavycrashingofastorm。ButintothatdinandencirclementGollpressedandventured，steadyasarockinwater，agileasacreatureofthesea，andwhenoneofthecombatantsretreateditwasthehagthatgavebackwards。AsherfootmovedagreatshoutofjoyrosefromtheFianna。Asnarlwentoverthehugefaceofthemonsterandsheleapedforwardagain，butshemetGoll’spointintheroad；

itwentthroughher，andinanothermomentGolltookherheadfromitsshouldersandswungitonhighbeforeFionn。

AstheFiannaturnedhomewardsFionnspoketohisgreatchampionandenemy。

"Goll，"hesaid，"Ihaveadaughter。"

"Alovelygirl，ablossomofthedawn，"saidGoll。

"Wouldshepleaseyouasawife？"thechiefdemanded。

"Shewouldpleaseme，"saidGoll。

"Sheisyourwife，"saidFionn。

ButthatdidnotpreventGollfromkillingFionn’sbrotherCairelllateron，nordiditpreventFionnfromkillingGolllateronagain，andthelastdidnotpreventGollfromrescuingFionnoutofhellwhentheFianna-FinnweresentthereunderthenewGod。Noristhereanyreasontocomplainortobeastonishedatthesethings，foritisamutualworldwellvein，agive-and-takeworld，andthereisnogreatharminit。

BECUMAOFTHEWHITESKIN

CHAPTERI

Therearemoreworldsthanone，andinmanywaystheyareunlikeeachother。Butjoyandsorrow，or，inotherwords，goodandevil，arenotabsentintheirdegreefromanyoftheworlds，forwhereverthereislifethereisaction，andactionisbuttheexpressionofoneorotherofthesequalities。

AfterthisEarththereistheworldoftheShi’。BeyonditagainliestheMany-ColouredLand。NextcomestheLandofWonder，andafterthattheLandofPromiseawaitsus。YouwillcrossclaytogetintotheShi’；youwillcrosswatertoattaintheMany-ColouredLand；firemustbepassederetheLandofWonderisattained，hutwedonotknowwhatwillbecrossedforthefourthworld。

ThisadventureofConntheHundredFighterandhissonArtwasbythewayofwater，andthereforehewasmoreadvancedinmagicthanFionnwas，allofwhoseadventureswerebythepathofclayandintoFaeryonly，butConnwastheHighKingandsothearch-magicianofIreland。

AcouncilhadbeencalledintheMany-ColouredLandtodiscussthecaseofaladynamedBecumaCneisgel，thatis，BecumaoftheWhiteSkin，thedaughterofEoganInver。ShehadrunawayfromherhusbandLabraidandhadtakenrefugewithGadiar，oneofthesonsofMananna’nmacLir，thegodofthesea，andtheruler，therefore，ofthatsphere。

Itseems，then，thatthereismarriageintwootherspheres。IntheShi’matrimonyisrecordedasbeingparallelineveryrespectwithearth-marriage，andthedesirewhichurgestoitseemstoheasviolentandinconstantasitiswithus；butintheMany-ColouredLandmarriageisbutacontemplationofbeauty，abroodingandmeditationwhereinallgrosserdesireisunknownandchildrenareborntosinlessparents。

IntheShi’thecrimeofBecumawouldhavebeenlightlyconsidered，andwouldhavereceivednoneorbutanominalpunishment，butinthesecondworldahorridgravityattachestosuchalapse，andtheretributionmetedisimplacableandgrim。

Itmaybedissolutionbyfire，andthatcannoteadestructiontoofinalforthemindtocontemplate；oritmaybebanishmentfromthatspheretoalowerandworseone。

ThiswasthefateofBecumaoftheWhiteSkin。

Onemaywonderhow，havingattainedtothatsphere，shecouldhavecarriedwithhersostrongamemoryoftheearth。ItiscertainthatshewasnotafitpersontoexistintheMany-ColouredLand，anditistobefearedthatshewasorganisedtoogrosslyevenforlifeintheShi’。

Shewasanearth-woman，andshewasbanishedtotheearth。

WordwassenttotheShi’sofIrelandthatthisladyshouldnotbepermittedtoenteranyofthem；fromwhichitwouldseemthattheordinancesoftheShicomefromthehigherworld，and，itmightfollow，thattheconductofearthliesintheShi’。

Inthatway，thegatesofherownworldandtheinnumerabledoorsofFaerybeingclosedagainsther，Becumawasforcedtoappearintheworldofmen。

Itispleasant，however，notwithstandingherterriblecrimeandherwoefulpunishment，tothinkhowcourageousshewas。Whenshewastoldhersentence，nay，herdoom，shemadenooutcry，nordidshewasteanytimeinsorrow。Shewenthomeandputonhernicestclothes。

Sheworearedsatinsmock，and，overthis，acloakofgreensilkoutofwhichlongfringesofgoldswungandsparkled，andshehadlightsandalsofwhitebronzeonherthin，shapelyfeet。Shehadlongsofthairthatwasyellowasgold，andsoftasthecurlingfoamofthesea。Hereyeswerewideandclearaswaterandweregreyasadove’sbreast。Herteethwerewhiteassnowandofanevennesstomarvelat。Herlipswerethinandbeautifullycurved：

redlipsintruth，redaswinterberriesandtemptingasthefruitsofsummer。Thepeoplewhosuperintendedherdeparturesaidmournfullythatwhenshewasgonetherewouldbenomorebeautyleftintheirworld。

Shesteppedintoacoracle，itwaspushedontheenchantedwaters，anditwentforward，worldwithinworld，untillandappeared，andherboatswunginlowtideagainstarockatthefootofBenEdair。

Sofarforher。

CHAPTERII

ConntheHundredFighter，Ard-Ri’ofIreland，wasinthelowestspiritsthatcanbeimagined，forhiswifewasdead。HehadbeenArd-Rifornineyears，andduringhistermthecornusedtobereapedthreetimesineachyear，andtherewasfullandplentyofeverything。Therearefewkingswhocanboastofmorekinglyresultsthanhecan，buttherewassoretroubleinstoreforhim。

HehadbeenmarriedtoEithne，thedaughterofBrislandBinn，KingofNorway，and，nexttohissubjects，helovedhiswifemorethanallthatwaslovableintheworld。Butthetermofmanandwoman，ofkingorqueen，issetinthestars，andthereisnoescapingDoomforanyone；so，whenhertimecame，Eithnedied。

Nowtherewerethreegreatburying-placesinIreland——theBrughoftheBoyneinUlster，overwhichAngusOgischiefandgod；theShi’moundofCruachanAhi，whereEthalAnbualpresidesovertheunderworldofConnacht，andTailltin，inRoyalMeath。Itwasinthislast，thesacredplaceofhisownlordship，thatConnlaidhiswifetorest。

Herfuneralgameswereplayedduringninedays。Herkeenwassungbypoetsandharpers，andacairntenacreswidewasheavedoverherclay。Thenthekeeningceasedandthegamesdrewtoanend；

theprincesoftheFiveProv-incesreturnedbyhorseorbychariottotheirownplaces；theconcourseofmournersmeltedaway，andtherewasnothingleftbythegreatcairnbutthesunthatdozeduponitinthedaytime，theheavycloudsthatbroodedonitinthenight，andthedesolate，memoriedking。

ForthedeadqueenhadbeensolovelythatConncouldnotforgether；shehadbeensokindateverymomentthathecouldnotbutmissherateverymoment；butitwasintheCouncilChamberandtheJudgementHallthathemostponderedhermemory。Forshehadalsobeenwise，andlack-ingherguidance，allgraveaffairsseemedgraver，shadowingeachdayandgoingwithhimtothepillowatnight。

Thetroubleofthekingbecomesthetroubleofthesubject，forhowshallweliveifjudgementiswithheld，oriffaultydecisionsarepromulgated？Therefore，withthesorrowoftheking，allIrelandwasingrief，anditwasthewishofeverypersonthatheshouldmarryagain。

Suchanidea，however，didnotoccurtohim，forhecouldnotconceivehowanywomanshouldfilltheplacehisqueenhadvacated。Hegrewmoreandmoredespondent，andlessandlessfittedtocopewithaffairsofstate，andonedayheinstructedhissonArttotaketheruleduringhisabsence，andhesetoutforBenEdair。

Foragreatwishhadcomeuponhimtowalkbesidethesea；tolistentotherollandboomoflong，greybreakers；togazeonanunfruitful，desolatewildernessofwaters；andtoforgetinthosesightsallthathecouldforget，andifhecouldnotforgetthentorememberallthatheshouldremember。

Hewasthusgazingandbroodingwhenonedayheobservedacoracledrawingtotheshore。Ayounggirlsteppedfromitandwalkedtohimamongblackbouldersandpatchesofyellowsand。

CHAPTERIII

Beingakinghehadauthoritytoaskquestions。Connaskedher，therefore，allthequestionsthathecouldthinkof，foritisnoteverydaythataladydrivesfromthesea，andshewearingagolden-fringedcloakofgreensilkthroughwhicharedsatinsmockpeepedattheopenings。Sherepliedtohisquestions，butshedidnottellhimallthetruth；for，indeed，shecouldnotaffordto。

Sheknewwhohewas，forsheretainedsomeofthepowerspropertotheworldsshehadleft，andashelookedonhersoftyellowhairandonherthinredlips，Connrecognised，asallmendo，thatonewhoislovelymustalsobegood，andsohedidnotframeanyinquiryonthatcount；foreverythingisforgotteninthepresenceofaprettywoman，andamagiciancanbebewitchedalso。

ShetoldConnthatthefameofhissonArthadreachedeventheMany-ColouredLand，andthatshehadfalleninlovewiththeboy。

ThisdidnotseemunreasonabletoonewhohadhimselfventuredmuchinFaery，andwhohadknownsomanyofthepeopleofthatworldleavetheirownlandfortheloveofamortal。

"Whatisyourname，mysweetlady？"saidtheking。

"IamcalledDelvcaem（FairShape）andIamthedaughterofMorgan，"shereplied。

"IhaveheardmuchofMorgan，"saidtheking。"Heisaverygreatmagician。"

DuringthisconversationConnhadbeenregardingherwiththeminutefreedomwhichisrightonlyinaking。Atwhatpreciseinstantheforgothisdeadconsortwedonotknow，butitiscertainthatatthismomenthismindwasnolongerburdenedwiththatdearandlovelymemory。Hisvoicewasmelancholywhenhespokeagain。

"Youlovemyson！"

"Whocouldavoidlovinghim？"shemurmured。

"Whenawomanspeakstoamanabouttheloveshefeelsforanothermansheisnotliked。And，"hecontinued，"whenshespeakstoamanwhohasnowifeofhisownaboutherloveforanothermanthensheisdisliked。"

"Iwouldnotbedislikedbyyou，"Becumamurmured。

"Nevertheless，"saidheregally，"Iwillnotcomebetweenawomanandherchoice。"

"Ididnotknowyoulackedawife，"saidBecuma，butindeedshedid。

"Youknowitnow，"thekingrepliedsternly。

"WhatshallIdo？"sheinquired，"amItowedyouoryourson？"

"Youmustchoose，"Connanswered。

"Ifyouallowmetochooseitmeansthatyoudonotwantmeverybadly，"saidshewithasmile。

"ThenIwillnotallowyoutochoose，"criedtheking，"anditiswithmyselfyoushallmarry。"

Hetookherhandinhisandkissedit。

"Lovelyisthispalethinhand。LovelyistheslenderfootthatI

seeinasmallbronzeshoe，"saidtheking。

Afterasuitabletimeshecontinued：

"IshouldnotlikeyoursontobeatTarawhenIamthere，orforayearafterwards，forIdonotwishtomeethimuntilIhaveforgottenhimandhavecometoknowyouwell。"

"Idonotwishtobanishmyson，"thekingprotested。

"Itwouldnotreallybeabanishment，"shesaid。"Aprince’sdutycouldbesethim，andinsuchanabsencehewouldimprovehisknowledgebothofIrelandandofmen。Further，"shecontinuedwithdowncasteyes，"whenyourememberthereasonthatbroughtmehereyouwillseethathispresencewouldbeanembarrassmenttousboth，andmypresencewouldbeunpleasanttohimifheremembershismother。"

"Nevertheless，"saidConnstubbornly，"Idonotwishtobanishmyson；itisawkwardandunnecessary。"

"Forayearonly，"shepleaded。

"Itisyet，"hecontinuedthoughtfully，"areasonablereasonthatyougiveandIwilldowhatyouask，butbymyhandandwordI

don’tlikedoingit。"

Theysetoutthenbrisklyandjoyfullyonthehomewardjourney，andinduetimetheyreachedTaraoftheKings。

CHAPTERIV

Itispartoftheeducationofaprincetobeagoodchessplayer，andtocontinuallyexercisehismindinviewofthejudgementsthathewillbecalledupontogiveandtheknotty，tortuous，andperplexingmatterswhichwillobscuretheissueswhichhemustjudge。Art，thesonofConn，wassittingatchesswithCromdes，hisfather’smagician。

"Beverycarefulaboutthemoveyouaregoingtomake，"saidCromdes。

"CANIbecareful？"Artinquired。"Isthemovethatyouarethinkingofinmypower？"

"Itisnot，"theotheradmitted。

"ThenIneednotbemorecarefulthanusual，"Artreplied，andhemadehismove。

"Itisamoveofbanishment，"saidCromdes。

"AsIwillnotbanishmyself，Isupposemyfatherwilldoit，butIdonotknowwhyheshould。"

"Yourfatherwillnotbanishyou。"

"Whothen？""Yourmother。"

"Mymotherisdead。"

"Youhaveanewone，"saidthemagician。

"Hereisnews，"saidArt。"IthinkIshallnotlovemynewmother。"

"Youwillyetloveherbetterthanshelovesyou，"saidCromdes，meaningtherebythattheywouldhateeachother。

WhiletheyspokethekingandBecumaenteredthepalace。

"Ihadbettergotogreetmyfather，"saidtheyoungman。

"Youhadbetterwaituntilhesendsforyou，"hiscompanionadvised，andtheyreturnedtotheirgame。

InduetimeamessengercamefromthekingdirectingArttoleaveTarainstantly，andtoleaveIrelandforonefullyear。

HeleftTarathatnight，andforthespaceofayearhewasnotseenagaininIreland。ButduringthatperiodthingsdidnotgowellwiththekingnorwithIreland。Everyyearbeforethattimethreecropsofcornusedtobeliftedofftheland，butduringArt’sabsencetherewasnocorninIrelandandtherewasnomilk。

Thewholelandwenthungry。

Leanpeoplewereineveryhouse，leancattleineveryfield；thebushesdidnotswingouttheirtimelyberriesorseasonablenuts；

thebeeswentabroadasbusilyasever，buteachnighttheyreturnedlanguidly，withemptypouches，andtherewasnohoneyintheirhiveswhenthehoneyseasoncame。Peoplebegantolookateachotherquestioningly，meaningly，anddarkremarkspassedbetweenthem，fortheyknewthatabadharvestmeans，somehow，abadking，and，althoughthisbeliefcanbecombated，itistoofirmlyrootedinwisdomtobedismissed。

Thepoetsandmagiciansmettoconsiderwhythisdisastershouldhavebefallenthecountryandbytheirartstheydiscoveredthetruthabouttheking’swife，andthatshewasBecumaoftheWhiteSkin，andtheydiscoveredalsothecauseofherbanishmentfromtheMany-ColouredLandthatisbeyondthesea，whichisbeyondeventhegrave。

Theytoldthetruthtotheking，buthecouldnotbeartobepartedfromthatslender-handed，gold-haired，thin-lipped，blitheenchantress，andherequiredthemtodiscoversomemeanswherebyhemightretainhiswifeandhiscrown。Therewasawayandthemagicianstoldhimofit。

"IfthesonofasinlesscouplecanbefoundandifhisbloodbemixedwiththesollofTaratheblightandruinwilldepartfromIreland，"saidthemagicians。

"IfthereissuchaboyIwillfindhim，"criedtheHundredFighter。

AttheendofayearArtreturnedtoTara。HisfatherdeliveredtohimthesceptreofIreland，andhesetoutonajourneytofindthesonofasinlesscouplesuchashehadbeentoldof。

CHAPTERV

TheHighKingdidnotknowwhereexactlyheshouldlookforsuchasaviour，buthewaswelleducatedandknewhowtolookforwhateverwaslacking。Thisknowledgewillheusefultothoseuponwhomasimilardutyshouldeverdevolve。

HewenttoBenEdair。Hesteppedintoacoracleandpushedouttothedeep，andhepermittedthecoracletogoasthewindsandthewavesdirectedit。

Insuchawayhevoyagedamongthesmallislandsoftheseauntilhelostallknowledgeofhiscourseandwasadriftfaroutinocean。Hewasundertheguidanceofthestarsandthegreatluminaries。

Hesawblacksealsthatstaredandbarkedanddiveddancingly，withtheroundturnofabowandtheforwardonsetofanarrow。

Greatwhalescameheavingfromthegreen-huedvoid，blowingawaveoftheseahighintotheairfromtheirnosesandsmackingtheirwideflattailsthunder-ouslyonthewater。Porpoiseswentsnortingpastinbandsandclans。Smallfishcameslidingandflickering，andalltheoutlandishcreaturesofthedeeprosebyhisbobbingcraftandswirledandspedaway。

Wildstormshowledbyhimsothattheboatclimbedpainfullytotheskyonamile-highwave，balancedforatensemomentonitsleveltop，andspeddowntheglassysideasastonegoesfuriouslyfromasling。

Or，again，caughtinthechopofabrokensea，itstayedshudderingandbacking，whileabovehisheadtherewasonlyalowsadsky，andaroundhimthelapandwashofgreywavesthatwereneverthesameandwereneverdifferent。

Afterlongstaringonthehungrynothingnessofairandwaterhewouldstareontheskin-stretchedfabricofhisboatasonastrangeness，orhewouldexaminehishandsandthetextureofhisskinandthestiffblackhairsthatgrewbehindhisknucklesandsproutedaroundhisring，andhefoundinthesethingsnewnessandwonder。

Then，whendaysofstormhadpassed，thelowgreycloudsshiveredandcrackedinathousandplaces，eachgrimisletwentscuddingtothehorizonasthoughterrifiedbysomegreatbreadth，andwhentheyhadpassedhestaredintovastaftervastofblueinfinity，inthedepthsofwhichhiseyesstayedandcouldnotpierce，andwherefromtheycouldscarcelybewithdrawn。Asunbeamedthencethatfilledtheairwithsparkleandtheseawithathousandlights，andlookingonthesehewasremindedofhishomeatTara：ofthecolumnsofwhiteandyellowbronzethatblazedoutsunnilyonthesun，andtheredandwhiteandyellowpaintedroofsthatbeamedatandastonishedtheeye。

Sailingthus，lostinasuccessionofdaysandnights，ofwindsandcalms，hecameatlasttoanisland。

Hisbackwasturnedtoit，andlongbeforehesawithesmelleditandwondered；forhehadbeensittingasinadaze，musingonachangethathadseemedtocomeinhischangelessworld；andforalongtimehecouldnottellwhatthatwaswhichmadeadifferenceonthesalt-whippedwindorwhyheshouldbeexcited。

Forsuddenlyhehadbecomeexcitedandhisheartleapedinviolentexpectation。

"ItisanOctobersmell，"hesaid。

"ItisapplesthatIsmell。"

Heturnedthenandsawtheisland，fragrantwithappletrees，sweetwithwellsofwine；and，hearkeningtowardstheshore，hisears，dulledyetwiththeunendingrhythmsofthesea，distinguishedandwerefilledwithsong；fortheislewas，asitwere，anestofbirds，andtheysangjoyously，sweetly，triumphantly。

Helandedonthatlovelyisland，andwentforwardunderthedartingbirds，undertheappleboughs，skirtingfragrantlakesaboutwhichwerewoodsofthesacredhazelandintowhichthenutsofknowledgefellandswam；andheblessedthegodsofhispeoplebecauseofthegroundthatdidnotshiverandbecauseofthedeeplyrootedtreesthatcouldnotgadorbudge。

CHAPTERVI

Havinggonesomedistancebythesepleasantwayshesawashapelyhousedozinginthesunlight。

Itwasthatchedwiththewingsofbirds，bluewingsandyellowandwhitewings，andinthecentreofthehousetherewasadoorofcrystalsetinpostsofbronze。

Thequeenofthisislandlivedthere，Rigru（Large-eyed），thedaughterofLodan，andwifeofDaireDegamra。ShewasseatedonacrystalthronewithhersonSegdabyherside，andtheywelcomedtheHighKingcourteously。

Therewerenoservantsinthispalace；norwasthereneedforthem。TheHighKingfoundthathishandshadwashedthemselves，andwhenlateronhenoticedthatfoodhadbeenplacedbeforehimhenoticedalsothatithadcomewithouttheassistanceofservilehands。Acloakwaslaidgentlyabouthisshoulders，andhewasgladofit，forhisownwassoiledbyexposuretosunandwindandwater，andwasnotworthyofalady’seye。

Thenhewasinvitedtoeat。

Henoticed，however，thatfoodhadbeensetfornoonebuthimself，andthisdidnotpleasehim，fortoeatalonewascontrarytothehospitableusageofaking，andwascontraryalsotohiscontractwiththegods。

"Good，myhosts，"heremonstrated，"itisgeasa（taboo）formetoeatalone。"

"Butwenevereattogether，"thequeenreplied。

"Icannotviolatemygeasa，"saidtheHighKing。

"Iwilleatwithyou，"saidSegda（SweetSpeech），"andthus，whileyouareourguestyouwillnotdoviolencetoyourvows。"

"Indeed，"saidConn，"thatwillbeagreatsatisfaction，forI

havealreadyallthetroublethatIcancopewithandhavenowishtoaddtoitbyoffendingthegods。"

"Whatisyourtrouble？"thegentlequeenasked。"Duringayear，"

Connreplied，"therehasbeenneithercornnormilkinIreland。

Thelandisparched，thetreesarewithered，thebirdsdonotsinginIreland，andthebeesdonotmakehoney。"

"Youarecertainlyintrouble，"thequeenassented。

"But，"shecontinued，"forwhatpurposehaveyoucometoourisland？"

"Ihavecometoaskfortheloanofyourson。"

"Aloanofmyson！"

"Ihavebeeninformed，"Connexplained，"thatifthesonofasinlesscoupleisbroughttoTaraandisbathedinthewatersofIrelandthelandwillbedeliveredfromthoseills。"

Thekingofthisisland，Daire，hadnothithertospoken，buthenowdidsowithastonishmentandemphasis。

"Wewouldnotlendoursontoanyone，noteventogainthekingshipoftheworld，"saidhe。

ButSegda，observingthattheguest’scountenancewasdiscomposed，brokein：

"ItisnotkindtorefuseathingthattheArd-Ri’ofIrelandasksfor，andIwillgowithhim。"

"Donotgo，mypulse，"hisfatheradvised。

"Donotgo，myonetreasure，"hismotherpleaded。

"Imustgoindeed，"theboyreplied，"foritistodogoodIamrequired，andnopersonmayshirksucharequirement。"

"Gothen，"saidhisfather，"butIwillplaceyouundertheprotectionoftheHighKingandoftheFourProvincialKingsofIreland，andundertheprotectionofArt，thesonofConn，andofFionn，thesonofUail，andundertheprotectionofthemagiciansandpoetsandthemenofartinIreland。"AndhethereuponboundtheseprotectionsandsafeguardsontheArd-Ri’withanoath。

"Iwillanswerfortheseprotections，"saidConn。

HedepartedthenfromtheislandwithSegdaandinthreedaystheyreachedIreland，andinduetimetheyarrivedatTara。

CHAPTERVII

OnreachingthepalaceConncalledhismagiciansandpoetstoacouncilandinformedthemthathehadfoundtheboytheysought——thesonofavirgin。Theselearnedpeopleconsultedtogether，andtheystatedthattheyoungmanmustbekilled，andthathisbloodshouldbemixedwiththeearthofTaraandsprinkledunderthewitheredtrees。

WhenSegdaheardthishewasastonishedanddefiant；then，seeingthathewasaloneandwithoutprospectofsuccour，hegrewdowncastandwasingreatfearforhislife。Butrememberingthesafeguardsunderwhichhehadbeenplaced，heenumeratedthesetotheassembly，andcalledontheHighKingtogranthimtheprotectionsthatwerehisdue。

Connwasgreatlyperturbed，but，asindutybound，heplacedtheboyunderthevariousprotectionsthatwereinhisoath，and，withthecourageofonewhohasnomoretogainorlose，heplacedSegda，furthermore，undertheprotectionofallthemenofIreland。

ButthemenofIrelandrefusedtoacceptthatbond，sayingthatalthoughtheArd-Ri’wasactingjustlytowardstheboyhewasnotactingjustlytowardsIreland。

"Wedonotwishtoslaythisprinceforourpleasure，"theyargued，"butforthesafetyofIrelandhemustbekilled。"

Angrypartieswereformed。Art，andFionnthesonofUail，andtheprincesofthelandwereoutragedattheideathatonewhohadbeenplacedundertheirprotectionshouldbehurtbyanyhand。ButthemenofIrelandandthemagiciansstatedthatthekinghadgonetoFaeryforaspecialpurpose，andthathisactsoutsideorcontrarytothatpurposewereillegal，andcommittednopersontoobedience。

ThereweredebatesintheCouncilHall，inthemarket-place，inthestreetsofTara，someholdingthatnationalhonourdissolvedandabsolvedallpersonalhonour，andothersprotestingthatnomanhadaughtbuthispersonalhonour，andthataboveitnotthegods，notevenIreland，couldbeplaced——foritistobeknownthatIrelandisagod。

Suchadebatewasincourse，andSegda，towhombothsidesaddressedgentleandcourteousarguments，grewmoreandmoredisconsolate。

"YoushalldieforIreland，dearheart，"saidoneofthem，andhegaveSegdathreekissesoneachcheek。

"Indeed，"saidSegda，returningthosekisses，"indeedIhadnotbargainedtodieforIreland，butonlytobatheinherwatersandtoremoveherpestilence。"

"Butdearchildandprince，"saidanother，kissinghimlikewise，"ifanyoneofuscouldsaveIrelandbydyingforherhowcheerfullywewoulddie。"

AndSegda，returninghisthreekisses，agreedthatthedeathwasnoble，butthatitwasnotinhisundertaking。

Then，observingthestrickencountenancesabouthim，andthefacesofmenandwomenhewnthinbyhunger，hisresolutionmeltedaway，andhesaid：

"IthinkImustdieforyou，"andthenhesaid：

"Iwilldieforyou"

Andwhenhehadsaidthat，allthepeoplepresenttouchedhischeekwiththeirlips，andtheloveandpeaceofIrelandenteredintohissoul，sothathewastranquilandproudandhappy。

Theexecutionerdrewhiswide，thinbladeandallthosepresentcoveredtheireyeswiththeircloaks，whenawailingvoicecalledontheexecutionertodelayyetamoment。TheHighKinguncoveredhiseyesandsawthatawomanhadapproacheddrivingacowbeforeher。

"Whyareyoukillingtheboy？"shedemanded。

Thereasonforthisslayingwasexplainedtoher。

"Areyousure，"sheasked，"thatthepoetsandmagiciansreallyknoweverything？"

"Dotheynot？"thekinginquired。

"Dothey？"sheinsisted。

Andthenturningtothemagicians：

"Letonemagicianofthemagicianstellmewhatishiddeninthebagsthatarelyingacrossthebackofmycow。"

Butnomagiciancouldtellit，nordidtheytryto。

"Questionsarenotansweredthus，"theysaid。"Thereisformulae，andthecallingupofspirits，andlengthycomplicatedpreparationsinourart。"

"Iamnotbadlylearnedinthesearts，"saidthewoman，"andI

saythatifyouslaythiscowtheeffectwillbethesameasifyouhadkilledtheboy。"

"Wewouldprefertokillacoworathousandcowsratherthanharmthisyoungprince，"saidConn，"butifwesparetheboywilltheseevilsreturn？"

"Theywillnotbebanisheduntilyouhavebanishedtheircause。"

"Andwhatistheircause？"

"Becumaisthecause，andshemustbebanished。"

"Ifyoumusttellmewhattodo，"saidConn，"tellmeatleasttodosomethingthatIcando。"

"Iwilltellyoucertainly。YoucankeepBecumaandyourillsaslongasyouwantto。Itdoesnotmattertome。Come，myson，"shesaidtoSegda，foritwasSegda’smotherwhohadcometosavehim；andthenthatsinlessqueenandhersonwentbacktotheirhomeofenchantment，leavingthekingandFionnandthemagiciansandnoblesofIrelandastonishedandashamed。

CHAPTERVIII

Therearegoodandevilpeopleinthisandineveryotherworld，andthepersonwhogoeshencewillgotothegoodortheevilthatisnativetohim，whilethosewhoreturncomeassurelytotheirdue。ThetroublewhichhadfallenonBecumadidnotleaveherrepentant，andthesweetladybegantodowrongasinstantlyandinnocentlyasaflowerbeginstogrow。ItwasshewhowasresponsiblefortheillswhichhadcomeonIreland，andwemaywonderwhyshebroughttheseplaguesanddroughtstowhatwasnowherowncountry。

Underallwrong-doingliespersonalvanityorthefeelingthatweareendowedandprivilegedbeyondourfellows。Itisprobablethat，howevercourageouslyshehadacceptedfate，Becumahadbeensharplystrickeninherpride；inthesenseofpersonalstrength，aloofness，andidentity，inwhichthemindlikensitselftogodandwillresisteverydominationbutitsown。Shehadbeenpunished，thatis，shehadsubmittedtocontrol，andhersenseoffreedom，ofprivilege，ofverybeing，wasoutraged。Themindflinchesevenfromthecontrolofnaturallaw，andhowmuchmorefromthedespotismofitsownseparatedlikenesses，forifanothercancontrolmethatotherhasusurpedme，hasbecomeme，andhowterriblyIseemdiminishedbytheseemingaddition！

Thissenseofseparatenessisvanity，andisthebedofallwrong-doing。Forwearenotfreedom，wearecontrol，andwemustsubmittoourownfunctionerewecanexerciseit。Evenunconsciouslyweaccepttherightsofotherstoallthatwehave，andifwewillnotshareourgoodwiththem，itisbecausewecannot，havingnone；butwewillyetgivewhatwehave，althoughthatbeevil。Toinsistonotherpeoplesharinginourpersonaltormentisthefirststeptowardsinsistingthattheyshallshareinourjoy，asweshallinsistwhenwegetit。

Becumaconsideredthatifshemustsufferallelseshemetshouldsufferalso。Sheraged，therefore，againstIreland，andinparticularsheragedagainstyoungArt，herhusband’sson，andsheleftundonenothingthatcouldafflictIrelandortheprince。

Shemayhavefeltthatshecouldnotmakethemsuffer，andthatisamaddeningthoughttoanywoman。Orperhapsshehadreallydesiredthesoninsteadofthefather，andherthwarteddesirehadperpetuateditselfashate。ButitistruethatArtregardedhismother’ssuccessorwithintensedislike，anditistruethatsheactivelyreturnedit。

OnedayBecumacameonthelawnbeforethepalace，andseeingthatArtwasatchesswithCromdesshewalkedtothetableonwhichthematchwasbeingplayedandforsometimeregardedthegame。Buttheyoungprincedidnottakeanynoticeofherwhileshestoodbytheboard，forheknewthatthisgirlwastheenemyofIreland，andhecouldnotbringhimselfeventolookather。

Becuma，lookingdownonhisbeautifulhead，smiledasmuchinrageasindisdain。

"Osonofaking，"saidshe，"Idemandagamewithyouforstakes。"

Artthenraisedhisheadandstoodupcourteously，buthedidnotlookather。

"WhateverthequeendemandsIwilldo，"saidhe。

"AmInotyourmotheralso？"sherepliedmockingly，asshetooktheseatwhichthechiefmagicianleapedfrom。

Thegamewassetthen，andherplaywassoskilfulthatArtwashardputtocounterhermoves。ButatapointofthegameBecumagrewthoughtful，and，asbyalapseofmemory，shemadeamovewhichgavethevictorytoheropponent。Butshehadintendedthat。Shesatthen，bitingonherlipwithherwhitesmallteethandstaringangrilyatArt。

"Whatdoyoudemandfromme？"sheasked。

"IbindyoutoeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyoufindthewandofCuroi，sonofDare’。"

BecumathenputacloakaboutherandshewentfromTaranorthwardandeastwarduntilshecametothedewy，sparklingBrughofAngusmacanOginUlster，butshewasnotadmittedthere。ShewentthencetotheShi’ruledoverbyEogabal，andalthoughthislordwouldnotadmither，hisdaughterAine’，whowasherfoster-sister，letherintoFaery。

ShemadeinquiriesandwasinformedwherethedunofCuroimacDare’was，andwhenshehadreceivedthisintelligenceshesetoutforSlievMis。BywhatartsshecoaxedCuroitogiveuphiswanditmattersnot，enoughthatshewasabletoreturnintriumphtoTara。WhenshehandedthewandtoArt，shesaid：

"Iclaimmygameofrevenge。"

"Itisduetoyou，"saidArt，andtheysatonthelawnbeforethepalaceandplayed。

Ahardgamethatwas，andattimeseachofthecombatantssatforanhourstaringontheboardbeforethenextmovewasmade，andattimestheylookedfromtheboardandforhoursstaredontheskyseekingasthoughinheavenforadvice。ButBecuma’sfoster-sister，Aine’，camefromtheShi’，and，unseenbyany，sheinterferedwithArt’splay，sothat，suddenly，whenhelookedagainontheboard，hisfacewentpale，forhesawthatthegamewaslost。

"Ididn’tmovethatpiece，"saidhesternly。

"NordidI，"Becumareplied，andshecalledontheonlookerstoconfirmthatstatement。

Shewassmilingtoherselfsecretly，forshehadseenwhatthemortaleyesaroundcouldnotsee。

"Ithinkthegameismine，"sheinsistedsoftly。

"IthinkthatyourfriendsinFaeryhavecheated，"hereplied，"butthegameisyoursifyouarecontenttowinitthatway。"

"Ibindyou，"saidBecuma，"toeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyouhavefoundDelvcaem，thedaughterofMorgan。"

"WheredoIlookforher？"saidArtindespair。

"Sheisinoneoftheislandsofthesea，"Becumareplied，"thatisallIwilltellyou，"andshelookedathimmaliciously，joyously，contentedly，forshethoughthewouldneverreturnfromthatjourney，andthatMorganwouldseetoit。