Inthegreatbanquetinghalleverythingwasinorderforthefeast。ThenoblesofIrelandwiththeirwinsomeconsorts，thelearnedandartisticprofessionsrepresentedbythepickoftheirtimewereinplace。TheArd-Ri，CormoftheHundredBattles，hadtakenhisplaceontheraiseddaiswhichcommandedthewholeofthatvasthall。AthisRighthandhissonArt，tobeafterwardsasfamousashisfamousfather，tookhisseat，andonhisleftGollmormacMorna，chiefoftheFiannaofIreland，hadtheseatofhonour。AstheHighKingtookhisplacehecouldseeeverypersonwhowasnotedinthelandforanyreason。Hewouldknoweveryonewhowaspresent，forthefameofallmenissealedatTara，andbehindhischairaheraldstoodtotellanythingthekingmightnotknoworhadforgotten。
　　Conngavethesignalandhisguestsseatedthemselves。
　　Thetimehadcomeforthesquirestotaketheirstationsbehindtheirmastersandmistresses。But，forthemoment，thegreatroomwasseated，andthedoorswereheldtoallowamomentofrespecttopassbeforetheserversandsquirescamein。
　　Lookingoverhisguests，Connobservedthatayoungmanwasyetstanding。
　　"Thereisagentleman，"hemurmured，"forwhomnoseathasbeenfound。"
　　WemaybesurethattheMasteroftheBanquetblushedatthat。
　　"And，"thekingcontinued，"Idonotseemtoknowtheyoungman。"
　　Nordidhisherald，nordidtheunfortunateMaster，nordidanybody；fortheeyesofallwerenowturnedwheretheking’swent。
　　"Givememyhorn，"saidthegraciousmonarch。
　　Thehornofstatewasputtohishand。
　　"Younggentleman，"hecalledtothestranger，"IwishtodrinktoyourhealthandtowelcomeyoutoTara。"
　　Theyoungmancameforwardthen，greater-shoulderedthananymightymanofthatgathering，longerandcleanerlimbed，withhisfaircurlsdancingabouthisbeardlessface。Thekingputthegreathornintohishand。
　　"Tellmeyourname，"hecommandedgently。
　　"IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，"saidtheyouth。
　　Andatthatsayingatouchasoflightningwentthroughthegatheringsothateachpersonquivered，andthesonofthegreat，murderedcaptainlookedbytheking’sshoulderintothetwinklingeyeofGoll。Butnowordwasuttered，nomovementmadeexceptthemovementandtheutteranceoftheArd-Ri’。
　　"Youarethesonofafriend，"saidthegreat-heartedmonarch。
　　"Youshallhavetheseatofafriend。"
　　HeplacedFionnattherighthandofhisownsonArt。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　ItistobeknownthatonthenightoftheFeastofSamhainthedoorsseparatingthisworldandthenextoneareopened，andtheinhabitantsofeitherworldcanleavetheirrespectivespheresandappearintheworldoftheotherbeings。
　　NowtherewasagrandsontotheDagdaMor，theLordoftheUnderworld，andhewasnamedAillenmacMidna，outofShi’
　　Finnachy，andthisAillenboreanimplacableenmitytoTaraandtheArd-Ri’。
　　AswellasbeingmonarchofIrelandherHighKingwaschiefofthepeoplelearnedinmagic，anditispossiblethatatsometimeConnhadadventuredintoTirnan-Og，theLandoftheYoung，andhaddonesomedeedormisdeedinAillen’slordshiporinhisfamily。Itmusthavebeenanilldeedintruth，foritwasinaveryrageofrevengethatAillencameyearlyatthepermittedtimetoravageTara。
　　Ninetimeshehadcomeonthismissionofrevenge，butitisnottobesupposedthathecouldactuallydestroytheholycity：theArd-Ri’andmagicianscouldpreventthat，buthecouldyetdoadamagesoconsiderablethatitwasworthConn’swhiletotakespecialextraprecautionsagainsthim，includingtheprecautionofchance。
　　Therefore，whenthefeastwasoverandthebanquethadcommenced，theHundredFighterstoodfromhisthroneandlookedoverhisassembledpeople。
　　TheChainofSilencewasshakenbytheattendantwhosedutyandhonourwastheSilverChain，andatthatdelicatechimethehaltwentsilent，andageneralwonderensuedastowhatmattertheHighKingwouldsubmittohispeople。
　　"Friendsandheroes，"saidConn，"Aillen，thesonofMidna，willcometo-nightfromSlieveFuaidwithoccult，terriblefireagainstourcity。IsthereamongyouonewholovesTaraandtheking，andwhowillundertakeourdefenceagainstthatbeing？"
　　Hespokeinsilence，andwhenhehadfinishedhelistenedtothesamesilence，butitwasnowdeep，ominous，agonized。Eachmanglanceduneasilyonhisneighbourandthenstaredathiswine-cuporhisfingers。Theheartsofyoungmenwenthotforagallantmomentandwerechilledinthesucceedingone，fortheyhadallheardofAillenoutofShlFinnachyinthenorth。Thelessergentlemenlookedundertheirbrowsatthegreaterchampions，andthesepeeredfurtivelyatthegreatestofall。ArtogmacMornaoftheHardStrokesfelltobitinghisfingers，Cona’ntheSwearerandGarramacMornagrumbledirritablytoeachotherandattheirneighbours，evenCaelte，thesonofRona’n，lookeddownintohisownlap，andGollMorsippedathiswinewithoutanytwinkleinhiseye。Ahorridembarrassmentcameintothegreathall，andastheHighKingstoodinthatpalpitatingsilencehisnoblefacechangedfromkindlytograveandfromthattoaterriblesternness。Inanothermoment，totheundyingshameofeverypersonpresent，hewouldhavebeencompelledtolifthisownchallengeanddeclarehimselfthechampionofTaraforthatnight，buttheshamethatwasonthefacesofhispeoplewouldremainintheheartoftheirking。Goll’smerrymindwouldhelphimtoforget，butevenhisheartwouldbewrungbyamemorythathewouldnotdaretoface。ItwasatthatterriblemomentthatFionnstoodup。
　　"What，"saidhe，"willbegiventothemanwhoundertakesthisdefence？"
　　"Allthatcanberightlyaskedwillberoyallybestowed，"wastheking’sanswer。
　　"Whoarethesureties？"saidFionn。
　　"ThekingsofIreland，andRedCithwithhismagicians。"
　　"Iwillundertakethedefence，"saidFionn。Andonthat，thekingsandmagicianswhowerepresentboundthemselvestothefulfilmentofthebargain。
　　Fionnmarchedfromthebanquetinghall，andashewent，allwhowerepresentofnoblesandretainersandservantsacclaimedhimandwishedhimluck。Butintheirheartstheywerebiddinghimgood-bye，forallwereassuredthattheladwasmarchingtoadeathsounescapeablethathemightalreadybecountedasadeadman。
　　ItislikelythatFionnlookedforhelptothepeopleoftheShi’
　　themselves，for，throughhismother，hebelongedtothetribesofDana，although，onthefather’sside，hisbloodwaswellcompoundedwithmortalclay。Itmaybe，too，thatheknewhoweventswouldturn，forhehadeatentheSalmonofKnowledge。Yetitisnotrecordedthatonthisoccasionheinvokedanymagicalartashedidonotheradventures。
　　Fionn’swayofdiscoveringwhateverwashappeningandhiddenwasalwaysthesameandismanytimesreferredto。Ashallow，oblongdishofpure，palegoldwasbroughttohim。Thisdishwasfilledwithclearwater。ThenFionnwouldbendhisheadandstareintothewater，andashestaredhewouldplacehisthumbinhismouthunderhis"ToothofKnowledge，"his"wisdomtooth。"
　　Knowledge，mayitbesaid，ishigherthanmagicandismoretobesought。Itisquitepossibletoseewhatishappeningandyetnotknowwhatisforward，forwhileseeingisbelievingitdoesnotfollowthateitherseeingorbelievingisknowing。Manyapersoncanseeathingandbelieveathingandknowjustaslittleaboutitasthepersonwhodoesneither。ButFionnwouldseeandknow，orhewouldunder-standadecentratioofhisvisions。Thathewasversedinmagicistrue，forhewaseverknownastheKnowledgeableman，andlaterhehadtwomagiciansinhishouseholdnamedDirimandmac-Reithtodotheroughworkofknowledgefortheirbusymaster。
　　ItwasnotfromtheShi’，however，thatassistancecametoFionn。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　Hemarchedthroughthesuccessivefortificationsuntilhecametotheouter，greatwall，theboundaryofthecity，andwhenhehadpassedthishewasonthewideplainofTara。
　　Otherthanhimselfnopersonwasabroad，foronthenightoftheFeastofSamhainnonebutamadmanwouldquittheshelterofahouseevenifitwereonfire；forwhateverdisastersmightbewithinahousewouldbeasnothingtothecalamitieswithoutit。
　　ThenoiseofthebanquetwasnotnowaudibletoFionn——itispossible，however，thattherewasashamefacedsilenceinthegreathall——andthelightsofthecitywerehiddenbythesuccessivegreatramparts。Theskywasoverhim；theearthunderhim；andthanthesetherewasnothing，ortherewasbutthedarknessandthewind。
　　Butdarknesswasnotathingtoterrifyhim，bredinthenightnessofawoodandtheveryfosterlingofgloom；norcouldthewindafflicthisearorhisheart。Therewasnonoteinitsorchestrathathehadnotbroodedonandbecome，whichbecomingismagic。Thelong-drawnmoanofit；thethrillingwhisperandhush；theshrill，sweetwhistle，sothinitcanscarcelybeheard，andistakenmorebythenervesthanbytheear；thescreech，suddenasadevil’syellandloudastenthunders；thecryasofonewhoflieswithbackwardlooktotheshelterofleavesanddarkness；andthesobasofonestrickenwithanage-longmisery，onlyattimesremembered，butrememberedthenwithwhatapang！Hisearknewbywhatsuccessionstheyarrived，andbywhatstagestheygrewanddiminished。Listeninginthedarktothebundleofnoiseswhichmakeanoisehecoulddisentanglethemandassignaplaceandareasontoeachgradationofsoundthatformedthechorus：therewasthepatterofarabbit，andtherethescurryingofahare；abushrustledyonder，butthatbriefrustlewasabird；thatpressurewasawolf，andthishesitationafox；thescrapingyonderwasbutaroughleafagainstbark，andthescratchingbeyonditwasaferret’sclaw。
　　Fearcannotbewhereknowledgeis，andFionnwasnotfearful。
　　Hismind，quietlybusyonallsides，pickeduponesoundanddweltonit。"Aman，"saidFionn，andhelistenedinthatdirection，backtowardsthecity。
　　Amanitwas，almostasskilledindarknessasFionnhimself"Thisisnoenemy，"Fionnthought；"hiswalkingisopen。"
　　"Whocomes？"hecalled。
　　"Afriend，"saidthenewcomer。
　　"Giveafriend’sname，"saidFionn。
　　"FiacuilmacCona，"wastheanswer。
　　"Ah，mypulseandheart！"criedFionn，andhestrodeafewpacestomeetthegreatrobberwhohadfosteredhimamongthemarshes。
　　"Soyouarenotafraid，"hesaidjoyfully。
　　"Iamafraidingoodtruth，"Fiacuilwhispered，"andtheminutemybusinesswithyouisfinishedIwilltrotbackasquickaslegswillcarryme。Maythegodsprotectmygoingastheyprotectedmycoming，"saidtherobberpiously。
　　"Amen，"saidFionn，"andnow，tellmewhatyouhavecomefor？"
　　"HaveyouanyplanagainstthislordoftheShf？"Fiacuilwhispered。
　　"Iwillattackhim，"saidFionn。
　　"Thatisnotaplan，"theothergroaned，"wedonotplantodeliveranattackhuttowinavictory。"
　　"Isthisaveryterribleperson？"Fionnasked。
　　"Terribleindeed。Noonecangetnearhimorawayfromhim。HecomesoutoftheShi’playingsweet，lowmusiconatimpanandapipe，andallwhohearthismusicfallasleep。"
　　"Iwillnotfallasleep，"saidFionn。
　　"Youwillindeed，foreverybodydoes。"
　　"Whathappensthen？"Fionnasked。
　　"WhenallareasleepAillenmacMidnablowsadartoffireoutofhismouth，andeverythingthatistouchedbythatfireisdestroyed，andhecanblowhisfiretoanincredibledistanceandtoanydirection。"
　　"Youareverybravetocometohelpme，"Fionnmurmured，"especiallywhenyouarenotabletohelpmeatall。"
　　"Icanhelp，"Fiacuilreplied，"butImustbepaid。"
　　"Whatpayment？"
　　"Athirdofallyouearnandaseatatyourcouncil。"
　　"Igrantthat，"saidFionn，"andnow，tellmeyourplan？"
　　"YouremembermyspearwiththethirtyrivetsofArabiangoldinitssocket？"
　　"Theone，"Fionnqueried，"thathaditsheadwrappedinablanketandwasstuckinabucketofwaterandwaschainedtoawallaswell——thevenomousBirgha？""Thatone，"Fiacuilreplied。
　　"ItisAillenmacMidna’sownspear，"hecontinued，"anditwastakenoutofhisShi’byyourfather。"
　　"Well？"saidFionn，wonderingneverthelesswhereFiacuilgotthespear，buttoogeneroustoask。
　　"WhenyouhearthegreatmanoftheShi’coming，takethewrappingsofftheheadofthespearandbendyourfaceoverit；
　　theheatofthespear，thestenchofit，allitsperniciousandacridqualitieswillpreventyoufromgoingtosleep。"
　　"Areyousureofthat？"saidFionn。
　　"Youcouldn’tgotosleepclosetothatstench；nobodycould，"
　　Fiacuilreplieddecidedly。
　　Hecontinued："AillenmacMidnawillbeoffhisguardwhenhestopsplayingandbeginstoblowhisfire；hewillthinkeverybodyisasleep；thenyoucandelivertheattackyouwerespeakingof，andallgoodluckgowithit。"
　　"Iwillgivehimbackhisspear，"saidFionn。
　　"Hereitis，"saidFiacuil，takingtheBirghafromunderhiscloak。"Butbeascarefulofit，mypulse，beasfrightenedofitasyouareofthemanofDana。"
　　"Iwillbefrightenedofnothing，"saidFionn，"andtheonlypersonIwillbesorryforisthatAillenmacMidna，whoisgoingtogethisownspearback。"
　　"Iwillgoawaynow，"hiscompanionwhispered，"foritisgrowingdarkerwhereyouwouldhavethoughttherewasnomoreroomfordarkness，andthereisaneeriefeelingabroadwhichIdonotlike。ThatmanfromtheShi’maycomeanyminute，andifIcatchonesoundofhismusicIamdonefor。"
　　TherobberwentawayandagainFionnwasalone。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　Helistenedtotheretreatingfootstepsuntiltheycouldbeheardnomore，andtheonesoundthatcametohistenseearswasthebeatingofhisownheart。
　　Eventhewindhadceased，andthereseemedtobenothingintheworldbutthedarknessandhimself。Inthatgiganticblackness，inthatunseenquietudeandvacancy，themindcouldceasetobepersonaltoitself。Itcouldbeoverwhelmedandmergedinspace，sothatconsciousnesswouldbetransferredordissipated，andonemightsleepstanding；forthemindfearslonelinessmorethanallelse，andwillescapetothemoonratherthanbedriveninwardsonitsownbeing。
　　ButFionnwasnotlonely，andhewasnotafraidwhenthesonofMidnacame。
　　Alongstretchofthesilentnighthadgoneby，minutefollowingminuteinaslowsequence，whereinastherewasnochangetherewasnotime；whereintherewasnopastandnofuture，butastupefying，endlesspresentwhichisalmosttheannihilationofconsciousness。Achangecamethen，forthecloudshadalsobeenmovingandthemoonatlastwassensedbehindthem——notasaradiance，butasapercolationoflight，agleamthatwasstrainedthroughmatteraftermatterandwaslessthantheverywraithorremembranceofitself；athingseensonarrowly，sosparsely，thattheeyecoulddoubtifitwasorwasnotseeing，andmightconceivethatitsownmemorywasre-creatingthatwhichwasstillabsent。
　　ButFionn’seyewastheeyeofawildcreaturethatspiesondarknessandmovestherewittingly。Hesaw，then，notathingbutamovement；somethingthatwasdarkerthanthedarknessitloomedon；notabeingbutapresence，and，asitwere，impendingpressure。Andinalittleheheardthedeliberatepaceofthatgreatbeing。
　　Fionnbenttohisspearandunlooseditscoverings。
　　Thenfromthedarknesstherecameanothersound；alow，sweetsound；thrillinglyjoyous，thrillinglylow；solowtheearcouldscarcelynoteit，sosweettheearwishedtocatchnothingelseandwouldstrivetohearitratherthanallsoundsthatmaybeheardbyman：themusicofanotherworld！theunearthly，dearmelodyoftheShi’！Sosweetitwasthatthesensestrainedtoit，andhavingreachedmustfollowdrowsilyinitswake，andwouldmergeinit，andcouldnotreturnagaintoitsownplaceuntilthatstrangeharmonywasfinishedandtheearrestoredtofreedom。
　　ButFionnhadtakenthecoveringfromhisspear，andwithhisbrowpressedclosetoithekepthismindandallhissensesengagedonthatsizzling，murderouspoint。
　　ThemusicceasedandAillenhissedafierceblueflamefromhismouth，anditwasasthoughhehissedlightning。
　　HereitwouldseemthatFionnusedmagic，forspreadingouthisfringedmantlehecaughttheflame。Ratherhestoppedit，foritslidfromthemantleandspeddownintotheearthtothedepthoftwenty-sixspans；fromwhichthatslopeisstillcalledtheGlenoftheMantle，andtheriseonwhichAillenstoodisknownastheArdofFire。
　　OnecanimaginethesurpriseofAillenmacMidna，seeinghisfirecaughtandquenchedbyaninvisiblehand。Andonecanimaginethatatthischeckhemightbefrightened，forwhowouldbemoreterrifiedthanamagicianwhoseeshismagicfail，andwho，knowingofpower，willguessatpowersofwhichhehasnoconceptionandmaywelldread。
　　Everythinghadbeendonebyhimasitshouldbedone。Hispipehadbeenplayedandhistimpan，allwhoheardthatmusicshouldbeasleep，andyethisfirewascaughtinfullcourseandwasquenched。
　　Aillen，withalltheterrificstrengthofwhichhewasmaster，blewagain，andthegreatjetofblueflamecameroaringandwhistlingfromhimandwascaughtanddisappeared。
　　PanicswirledintothemanfromFaery；heturnedfromthatterriblespotandfled，notknowingwhatmightbebehind，butdreadingitashehadneverbeforedreadedanything，andtheunknownpursuedhim；thatterribledefencebecameoffenceandhungtohisheelasawolfpadsbytheflankofabull。
　　AndAillenwasnotinhisownworld！Hewasintheworldofmen，wheremovementisnoteasyandtheveryairaburden。Inhisownsphere，inhisownelement，hemighthaveoutrunFionn，butthiswasFionn’sworld，Fionn’selement，andtheflyinggodwasnotgrossenoughtooutstriphim。Yetwhataracehegave，foritwasbutattheentrancetohisownShi’thatthepursuergotcloseenough。Fionnputafingerintothethongofthegreatspear，andatthatcastnightfellonAillenmacMidna。Hiseyeswentblack，hismindwhirledandceased，therecamenothingnesswherehehadbeen，andastheBirghawhistledintohisshoulder-bladeshewitheredaway，hetumbledemptilyandwasdead。FionntookhislovelyheadfromitsshouldersandwentbackthroughthenighttoTara。
　　TriumphantFionn，whohaddealtdeathtoagod，andtowhomdeathwouldbedealt，andwhoisnowdead！
　　Hereachedthepalaceatsunrise。
　　Onthatmorningallwereastirearly。Theywishedtoseewhatdestructionhadbeenwroughtbythegreatbeing，butitwasyoungFionntheysawandthatredoubtableheadswingingbyitshair。
　　"Whatisyourdemand？"saidtheArd-Ri’。"ThethingthatitisrightIshouldask，"saidFionn："thecommandoftheFiannaofIreland。"
　　"Makeyourchoice，"saidConntoGollMor；"youwillleaveIreland，oryouwillplaceyourhandinthehandofthischampionandbehisman。"
　　Gollcoulddoathingthatwouldbehardforanotherperson，andhecoulddoitsobeautifullythathewasnotdiminishedbyanyaction。
　　"Hereismyhand，"saidGoll。
　　Andhetwinkledatthestern，youngeyesthatgazedonhimashemadehissubmission。
　　THEBIRTHOFBRAN
　　CHAPTERI
　　Therearepeoplewhodonotlikedogsabit——theyareusuallywomen——butinthisstorythereisamanwhodidnotlikedogs。Infact，hehatedthem。Whenhesawoneheusedtogoblackintheface，andhethrewrocksatituntilitgotoutofsight。ButthePowerthatprotectsallcreatureshadputasquintintothisman’seye，sothathealwaysthrewcrooked。
　　Thisgentleman’snamewasFergusFionnliath，andhisstrongholdwasneartheharbourofGalway。Wheneveradogbarkedhewouldleapoutofhisseat，andhewouldthroweverythingthatheownedoutofthewindowinthedirectionofthebark。Hegaveprizestoservantswhodislikeddogs，andwhenheheardthatamanhaddrownedalitterofpupsheusedtovisitthatpersonandtrytomarryhisdaughter。
　　NowFionn，thesonofUail，wasthereverseofFergusFionnliathinthismatter，forhedelightedindogs，andhekneweverythingaboutthemfromthesettingofthefirstlittlewhitetoothtotherockingofthelastlongyellowone。Heknewtheaffectionsandantipathieswhichareproperinadog；thedegreeofobediencetowhichdogsmaybetrainedwithoutlosingtheirhonourablequalitiesorbecomingservileandsuspicious；heknewthehopesthatanimatethem，theapprehensionswhichtingleintheirblood，andallthatistobedemandedfrom，orforgivenin，apaw，anear，anose，aneye，oratooth；andheunderstoodthesethingsbecauseheloveddogs，foritisbylovealonethatweunderstandanything。
　　AmongthethreehundreddogswhichFionnownedthereweretwotowhomhegaveanespecialtenderness，andwhowerehisdailyandnightlycompanions。ThesetwowereBranandSceo’lan，butifapersonweretoguessfortwentyyearshewouldnotfindoutwhyFionnlovedthesetwodogsandwhyhewouldneverbeseparatedfromthem。
　　Fionn’smother，Muirne，wenttowideAllenofLeinstertovisitherson，andshebroughtheryoungsisterTuirenwithher。ThemotherandauntofthegreatcaptainwerewelltreatedamongtheFianna，first，becausetheywereparentstoFionn，andsecond，becausetheywerebeautifulandnoblewomen。
　　NowordscandescribehowdelightfulMuirnewas——shetookthebranch；andastoTuiren，amancouldnotlookatherwithoutbecomingangryordejected。Herfacewasfreshasaspringmorning；hervoicemorecheerfulthanthecuckoocallingfromthebranchthatishighestinthehedge；andherformswayedlikeareedandflowedlikeariver，sothateachpersonthoughtshewouldsurelyflowtohim。
　　Menwhohadwivesoftheirowngrewmoodyanddowncastbecausetheycouldnothopetomarryher，whilethebachelorsoftheFiannastaredateachotherwithtruculent，bloodshoteyes，andthentheygazedonTuirensogentlythatshemayhaveimaginedshewasbeingbeamedonbythemildeyesofthedawn。
　　ItwastoanUlstergentleman，IollanEachtach，thatshegaveherlove，andthischiefstatedhisrightsandqualitiesandaskedforherinmarriage。
　　NowFionndidnotdislikethemanofUlster，buteitherhedidnotknowthemwellorelseheknewthemtoowell，forhemadeacuriousstipulationbeforeconsentingtothemarriage。HeboundIollantoreturntheladyifthereshouldbeoccasiontothinkherunhappy，andIollanagreedtodoso。ThesuretiestothisbargainwereCaeltemacRonan，GollmacMorna，andLugaidh。
　　Lugaidhhimselfgavethebrideaway，butitwasnotapleasantceremonyforhim，becausehealsowasinlovewiththelady，andhewouldhavepreferredkeepinghertogivingheraway。Whenshehadgonehemadeapoemabouther，beginning：
　　"Thereisnomorelightinthesky——"
　　Andhundredsofsadpeoplelearnedthepoembyheart。
　　CHAPTERII
　　WhenIollanandTuirenweremarriedtheywenttoUlster，andtheylivedtogetherveryhappily。Butthelawoflifeischange；
　　nothingcontinuesinthesamewayforanylengthoftime；
　　happinessmustbecomeunhappiness，andwillbesucceededagainbythejoyithaddisplaced。Thepastalsomustbereckonedwith；itisseldomasfarbehindusaswecouldwish：itismoreofteninfront，blockingtheway，andthefuturetripsoveritjustwhenwethinkthattheroadisclearandjoyourown。
　　Iollanhadapast。Hewasnotashamedofit；hemerelythoughtitwasfinished，althoughintruthitwasonlybeginning，foritisthatperpetualbeginningofthepastthatwecallthefuture。
　　BeforehejoinedtheFiannahehadbeeninlovewithaladyoftheShi’，namedUctDealv（FairBreast），andtheyhadbeensweetheartsforyears。HowoftenhehadvisitedhissweetheartinFaery！Withwhateagernessandanticipationhehadgonethere；
　　thelover’swhistlethatheusedtogivewasknowntoeverypersoninthatShi’，andhehadbeendiscussedbymorethanoneofthedelicatesweetladiesofFaery。"Thatisyourwhistle，FairBreast，"hersisteroftheShi’wouldsay。
　　AndUctDealvwouldreply："Yes，thatismymortal，mylover，mypulse，andmyonetreasure。"
　　Shelaidherspinningaside，orherembroideryifshewasatthat，orifshewerebakingacakeoffinewheatenbreadmixedwithhoneyshewouldleavethecaketobakeitselfandflytoIollan。Thentheywenthandinhandinthecountrythatsmellsofapple-blossomandhoney，lookingonheavy-boughedtreesandondancingandbeamingclouds。Ortheystooddreamingtogether，lockedinaclaspingofarmsandeyes，gazingupanddownoneachother，Iollanstaringdownintosweetgreywellsthatpeepedandflickeredunderthinbrows，andUctDealvlookingupintogreatblackonesthatwentdreamyandwenthotinendlessalternation。
　　ThenIollanwouldgobacktotheworldofmen，andUctDealvwouldreturntoheroccupationsintheLandoftheEverYoung。
　　"Whatdidhesay？"hersisteroftheShi’wouldask。
　　"HesaidIwastheBerryoftheMountain，theStarofKnowledge，andtheBlossomoftheRaspberry。"
　　"Theyalwayssaythesamething，"hersisterpouted。
　　"Buttheylookotherthings，"UctDealvinsisted。"Theyfeelotherthings，"shemurmured；andanendlessconversationrecommenced。
　　ThenforsometimeIollandidnotcometoFaery，andUctDealvmarvelledatthat，whilehersistermadeanhundredsurmises，eachoneworsethanthelast。
　　"Heisnotdeadorhewouldbehere，"shesaid。"Hehasforgottenyou，mydarling。"
　　NewswasbroughttoTlrnan-OgofthemarriageofIollanandTuiren，andwhenUctDealvheardthatnewsherheartceasedtobeatforamoment，andsheclosedhereyes。
　　"Now！"saidhersisteroftheShi’。"Thatishowlongtheloveofamortallasts，"sheadded，inthevoiceofsadtriumphwhichispropertosisters。
　　ButonUctDealvtherecamearageofjealousyanddespairsuchasnopersonintheShi’hadeverheardof，andfromthatmomentshebecamecapableofeveryilldeed；fortherearetwothingsnoteasilycontrolled，andtheyarehungerandjealousy。ShedeterminedthatthewomanwhohadsupplantedherinIollan’saffectionsshouldruethedayshedidit。Sheponderedandbroodedrevengeinherheart，sittinginthoughtfulsolitudeandbittercollectednessuntilatlastshehadaplan。
　　Sheunderstoodtheartsofmagicandshape-changing，soshechangedhershapeintothatofFionn’sfemalerunner，thebest-knownwomaninIreland；thenshesetoutfromFaeryandappearedintheworld。ShetravelledinthedirectionofIollan’sstronghold。
　　IollanknewtheappearanceofFionn’smessenger，buthewassurprisedtoseeher。
　　Shesalutedhim。
　　"Healthandlonglife，mymaster。"。
　　"Healthandgooddays，"hereplied。"Whatbringsyouhere，dearheart？"
　　"IcomefromFionn。"
　　"Andyourmessage？"saidhe。
　　"Theroyalcaptainintendstovisityou。"
　　"Hewillbewelcome，"saidIollan。"WeshallgivehimanUlsterfeast。"
　　"Theworldknowswhatthatis，"saidthemessengercourteously。
　　"Andnow，"shecontinued，"Ihavemessagesforyourqueen。"
　　Tuirenthenwalkedfromthehousewiththemessenger，butwhentheyhadgoneashortdistanceUctDealvdrewahazelrodfrombeneathhercloakandstruckitonthequeen’sshoulder，andontheinstantTuiren’sfiguretrembledandquivered，anditbegantowhirlinwardsanddownwards，andshechangedintotheappearanceofahound。
　　Itwassadtoseethebeautiful，slenderdogstandingshiveringandastonished，andsadtoseethelovelyeyesthatlookedoutpitifullyinterrorandamazement。ButUctDealvdidnotfeelsad。Sheclaspedachainaboutthehound’sneck，andtheysetoffwestwardtowardsthehouseofFergusFionnliath，whowasreputedtobetheunfriendliestmanintheworldtoadog。ItwasbecauseofhisreputationthatUctDealvwasbringingthehoundtohim。
　　Shedidnotwantagoodhomeforthisdog：shewantedtheworsthomethatcouldbefoundintheworld，andshethoughtthatFerguswouldrevengeforhertherageandjealousywhichshefelttowardsTuiren。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　AstheypacedalongUctDealvrailedbitterlyagainstthehound，andshookandjerkedherchain。Manyasharpcrythehoundgaveinthatjourney，manyamildlament。
　　"Ah，supplanter！Ah，takerofanothergirl’ssweetheart！"saidUctDealvfiercely。"Howwouldyourlovertakeitifhecouldseeyounow？Howwouldhelookifhesawyourpointyears，yourlongthinsnout，yourshivering，skinnylegs，andyourlonggreytail。
　　Hewouldnotloveyounow，badgirl！"
　　"HaveyouheardofFergusFionnliath，"shesaidagain，"themanwhodoesnotlikedogs？"
　　Tuirenhadindeedheardofhim。
　　"ItistoFergusIshallbringyou，"criedUctDealv。"Hewillthrowstonesatyou。Youhaveneverhadastonethrownatyou。
　　Ah，badgirl！Youdonotknowhowastonesoundsasitnipstheearwithawhirlingbuzz，norhowjaggedandheavyitfeelsasitthumpsagainstaskinnyleg。Robber！Mortal！Badgirl！Youhaveneverbeenwhipped，butyouwillbewhippednow。Youshallhearthesongofalashasitcurlsforwardandbitesinwardanddragsbackward。Youshalldigupoldbonesstealthilyatnight，andchewthemagainstfamine。Youshallwhineandsquealatthemoon，andshiverinthecold，andyouwillnevertakeanothergirl’ssweetheartagain。"
　　AnditwasinthosetermsandinthattonethatshespoketoTuirenastheyjourneyedforward，sothatthehoundtrembledandshrank，andwhinedpitifullyandindespair。
　　TheycametoFergusFionnliath’sstronghold，andUctDealvdemandedadmittance。
　　"Leavethatdogoutside，"saidtheservant。
　　"Iwillnotdoso，"saidthepretendedmessenger。
　　"Youcancomeinwithoutthedog，oryoucanstayoutwiththedog，"saidthesurlyguardian。
　　"Bymyhand，"criedUctDealv，"Iwillcomeinwiththisdog，oryourmastershallanswerforittoFionn。"
　　AtthenameofFionntheservantalmostfelloutofhisstanding。
　　Heflewtoacquainthismaster，andFergushimselfcametothegreatdoorofthestronghold。
　　"Bymyfaith，"hecriedinamazement，"itisadog。"
　　"Adogitis，"growledtheglumservant。
　　"Goyouaway，"saidFergustoUctDealv，"andwhenyouhavekilledthedogcomebacktomeandIwillgiveyouapresent。"
　　"Lifeandhealth，mygoodmaster，fromFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，"saidshetoFergus。
　　"LifeandhealthbacktoFionn，"hereplied。"Comeintothehouseandgiveyourmessage，butleavethedogoutside，forIdon’tlikedogs。"
　　"Thedogcomesin，"themessengerreplied。
　　"Howisthat？"criedFergusangrily。
　　"Fionnsendsyouthishoundtotakecareofuntilhecomesforher，"saidthemessenger。
　　"Iwonderatthat，"Fergusgrowled，"forFionnknowswellthatthereisnotamanintheworldhaslessofalikingfordogsthanIhave。"
　　"Howeverthatmaybe，master，IhavegivenFionn’smessage，andhereatmyheelisthedog。Doyoutakeherorrefuseher？"
　　"IfIcouldrefuseanythingtoFionnitwouldbeadog，"saidFergus，"butIcouldnotrefuseanythingtoFionn，sogivemethehound。"
　　UctDealvputthechaininhishand。
　　"Ah，baddog！"saidshe。
　　Andthenshewentawaywellsatisfiedwithherrevenge，andreturnedtoherownpeopleintheShi。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　OnthefollowingdayFerguscalledhisservant。
　　"Hasthatdogstoppedshiveringyet？"heasked。
　　"Ithasnot，sir，"saidtheservant。
　　"Bringthebeasthere，"saidhismaster，"forwhoeverelseisdissatisfiedFionnmustbesatisfied。"
　　Thedogwasbrought，andheexamineditwithajaundicedandbittereye。
　　"Ithastheshiversindeed，"hesaid。
　　"Theshiversithas，"saidtheservant。
　　"Howdoyoucuretheshivers？"hismasterdemanded，forhethoughtthatiftheanimal’slegsdroppedoffFionnwouldnotbesatisfied。
　　"Thereisaway，"saidtheservantdoubtfully。
　　"Ifthereisaway，tellittome，"criedhismasterangrily。
　　"Ifyouweretotakethebeastupinyourarmsandhugitandkissit，theshiverswouldstop，"saidtheman。
　　"Doyoumean——？"hismasterthundered，andhestretchedhishandforaclub。
　　"Iheardthat，"saidtheservanthumbly。
　　"Takethatdogup，"Ferguscommanded，"andhugitandkissit，andifIfindasingleshiverleftinthebeastI’llbreakyourhead。"
　　Themanbenttothehound，butitsnappedapieceoutofhishand，andnearlybithisnoseoffaswell。
　　"Thatdogdoesn’tlikeme，"saidtheman。
　　"NordoI，"roaredFergus；"getoutofmysight。"
　　ThemanwentawayandFerguswasleftalonewiththehound，butthepoorcreaturewassoterrifiedthatitbegantotrembletentimesworsethanbefore。
　　"Itslegswilldropoff，"saidFergus。"Fionnwillblameme，"hecriedindespair。
　　Hewalkedtothehound。
　　"Ifyousnapatmynose，orifyouputasmuchasthestartofatoothintothebeginningofafinger！"hegrowled。
　　Hepickedupthedog，butitdidnotsnap，itonlytrembled。Hehelditgingerlyforafewmoments。
　　"Ifithastobehugged，"hesaid，"I’llhugit。I’ddomorethanthatforFionn。"
　　Hetuckedandtightenedtheanimalintohisbreast，andmarchedmoodilyupanddowntheroom。Thedog’snoselayalonghisbreastunderhischin，andashegaveitdutifulhugs，onehugtoeveryfivepaces，thedogputoutitstongueandlickedhimtimidlyunderthechin。
　　"Stop，"roaredFergus，"stopthatforever，"andhegrewveryredintheface，andstaredtruculentlydownalonghisnose。Asoftbrowneyelookedupathimandtheshytonguetouchedagainonhischin。
　　"Ifithastobekissed，"saidFergusgloomily，"I’llkissit；
　　I’ddomorethanthatforFionn，"hegroaned。
　　Hebenthishead，shuthiseyes，andbroughtthedog’sjawagainsthislips。Andatthatthedoggavelittlewrigglesinhisarms，andlittlebarks，andlittlelicks，sothathecouldscarcelyholdher。Heputthehounddownatlast。
　　"Thereisnotasingleshiverleftinher，"hesaid。
　　Andthatwastrue。
　　Everywherehewalkedthedogfollowedhim，givinglittleprancesandlittlepatsagainsthim，andkeepinghereyesfixedonhiswithsucheagernessandintelligencethathemarvelled。
　　"Thatdoglikesme，"hemurmuredinamazement。
　　"Bymyhand，"hecriednextday，"Ilikethatdog。"
　　Thedayafterthathewascallingher"MyOneTreasure，MyLittleBranch。"Andwithinaweekhecouldnotbearhertobeoutofhissightforaninstant。
　　Hewastormentedbytheideathatsomeevilpersonmightthrowastoneatthehound，soheassembledhisservantsandretainersandaddressedthem。
　　HetoldthemthatthehoundwastheQueenofCreatures，thePulseofhisHeart，andtheAppleofhisEye，andhewarnedthemthatthepersonwhoasmuchaslookedsidewaysonher，orknockedoneshiveroutofher，wouldanswerforthedeedwithpainsandindignities。Herecitedalistofcalamitieswhichwouldbefallsuchamiscreant，andthesewoesbeganwithflayingandendedwithdismemberment，andhadinsidebitsofsuchcomplicatedandingenioustormentthatthebloodofthemenwhohearditranchillintheirveins，andthewomenofthehouseholdfaintedwheretheystood。
　　CHAPTERV
　　IncourseoftimethenewscametoFionnthathismother’ssisterwasnotlivingwithIollan。HeatoncesentamessengercallingforfulfilmentofthepledgethathadbeengiventotheFianna，anddemandingtheinstantreturnofTuiren。Iollanwasinasadconditionwhenthisdemandwasmade。HeguessedthatUctDealvhadahandinthedisappearanceofhisqueen，andhebeggedthattimeshouldbegivenhiminwhichtofindthelostgirl。HepromisedifhecouldnotdiscoverherwithinacertainperiodthathewoulddeliverhisbodyintoFionn’shands，andwouldabidebywhateverjudgementFionnmightpronounce。Thegreatcaptainagreedtothat。
　　"Tellthewife-loserthatIwillhavethegirlorIwillhavehishead，"saidFionn。
　　IollansetoutthenforFaery。Heknewtheway，andinnogreattimehecametothehillwhereUctDealvwas。
　　ItwashardtogetUctDealvtomeethim，butatlastsheconsented，andtheymetundertheappleboughsofFaery。
　　"Well！"saidUctDealv。"Ah！BreakerofVowsandTraitortoLove，"saidshe。
　　"Hailandablessing，"saidIollanhumbly。
　　"Bymyhand，"shecried，"Iwillgiveyounoblessing，foritwasnoblessingyouleftwithmewhenweparted。"
　　"Iamindanger，"saidIollan。
　　"Whatisthattome？"sherepliedfiercely。
　　"Fionnmayclaimmyhead，"hemurmured。
　　"Lethimclaimwhathecantake，"saidshe。
　　"No，"saidIollanproudly，"hewillclaimwhatIcangive。"
　　"Tellmeyourtale，"saidshecoldly。
　　Iollantoldhisstorythen，and，heconcluded，"Iamcertainthatyouhavehiddenthegirl。"
　　"IfIsaveyourheadfromFionn，"thewomanoftheShi’replied，"thenyourheadwillbelongtome。"
　　"Thatistrue，"saidIollan。
　　"Andifyourheadismine，thebodythatgoesunderitismine。
　　Doyouagreetothat？"
　　"Ido，"saidIollan。
　　"Givemeyourpledge，"saidUctDealv，"thatifIsaveyoufromthisdangeryouwillkeepmeasyoursweetheartuntiltheendoflifeandtime。"
　　"Igivethatpledge，"saidIollan。
　　UctDealvwentthentothehouseofFergusFionnliath，andshebroketheenchantmentthatwasonthehound，sothatTuiren’sownshapecamebacktoher；butinthematteroftwosmallwhelps，towhichthehoundhadgivenbirth，theenchantmentcouldnotbebroken，sotheyhadtoremainastheywere。ThesetwowhelpswereBranandSceo’lan。TheyweresenttoFionn，andhelovedthemforeverafter，fortheywereloyalandaffectionate，asonlydogscanbe，andtheywereasintelligentashumanbeings。Besidesthat，theywereFionn’sowncousins。
　　TuirenwasthenaskedinmarriagebyLugaidhwhohadlovedhersolong。Hehadtoprovetoherthathewasnotanyotherwoman’ssweetheart，andwhenheprovedthattheyweremarried，andtheylivedhappilyeverafter，whichistheproperwaytolive。Hewroteapoembeginning：
　　"Lovelytheday。Dearistheeyeofthedawn——"
　　Andathousandmerrypeoplelearneditafterhim。
　　ButastoFergusFionnliath，hetooktohisbed，andhestayedthereforayearandadaysufferingfromblightedaffection，andhewouldhavediedinthebedonlythatFionnsenthimaspecialpup，andinaweekthatyounghoundbecametheStarofFortuneandtheveryPulseofhisHeart，sothathegotwellagain，andhealsolivedhappilyeverafter。