OISIN’SMOTHER
　　CHAPTERI
　　EVENINGwasdrawingnigh，andtheFianna-Finnhaddecidedtohuntnomorethatday。Thehoundswerewhistledtoheel，andasober，homewardmarchbegan。Formenwillwalksoberlyintheevening，howevertheygointheday，anddogswilltakethemoodfromtheirmasters。Theywerepacingso，throughthegolden-shafted，tender-colouredeve，whenafawnleapedsuddenlyfromcovert，and，withthatleap，allquietnessvanished：themenshouted，thedogsgavetongue，andafuriouschasecommenced。
　　Fionnlovedachaseatanyhour，and，withBranandSceo’lan，heoutstrippedthemenanddogsofhistroop，untilnothingremainedinthelimpidworldbutFionn，thetwohounds，andthenimble，beautifulfawn。These，andtheoccasionalboulders，roundwhichtheyraced，oroverwhichtheyscrambled；thesolitarytreewhichdozedaloofandbeautifulinthepath，theoccasionalclumpoftreesthathivedsweetshadowasahivehoardshoney，andtherustlinggrassthatstretchedtoinfinity，andthatmovedandcreptandswungunderthebreezeinendless，rhythmicbillowings。
　　InhiswildestmomentFionnwasthoughtful，andnow，althoughrunninghard，hewasthoughtful。Therewasnomovementofhisbelovedhoundsthathedidnotknow；notatwitchorflingofthehead，notacockoftheearsortailthatwasnotsignificanttohim。Butonthischasewhateversignsthedogsgavewerenotunderstoodbytheirmaster。
　　Hehadneverseentheminsucheagerflight。Theywerealmostutterlyabsorbedinit，buttheydidnotwhinewitheagerness，nordidtheycastanyglancetowardshimfortheencouragingwordwhichheneverfailedtogivewhentheysoughtit。
　　Theydidlookathim，butitwasalookwhichhecouldnotcomprehend。Therewasaquestionandastatementinthosedeepeyes，andhecouldnotunderstandwhatthatquestionmightbe，norwhatitwastheysoughttoconvey。Nowandagainoneofthedogsturnedaheadinfullflight，andstared，notatFionn，butdistantlybackwards，overthespreadingandswellingplainwheretheircompanionsofthehunthaddisappeared。"Theyarelookingfortheotherhounds，"saidFionn。
　　"Andyettheydonotgivetongue！Tongueit，aVran！"heshouted，"Bellitout，aHeo’lan！"
　　Itwasthentheylookedathim，thelookwhichhecouldnotunderstandandhadneverseenonachase。Theydidnottongueit，norbellit，buttheyaddedsilencetosilenceandspeedtospeed，untiltheleangreybodieswereonepuckerandlashingofmovement。
　　Fionnmarvelled。"Theydonotwanttheotherdogstohearortocomeonthischase，"hemurmured，andhewonderedwhatmightbepassingwithinthoseslenderheads。
　　"Thefawnrunswell，"histhoughtcontinued。"Whatisit，aVran，myheart？Afterher，aHeo’lan！Histandaway，myloves！"
　　"Thereisgoingandtospareinthatbeastyet，"hismindwenton。"Sheisnotstretchedtothefull，norhalfstretched。ShemayoutrunevenBran，"hethoughtragingly。
　　Theywereracingthroughasmoothvalleyinasteady，beautiful，speedyflightwhen，suddenly，thefawnstoppedandlayonthegrass，anditlaywiththecalmofananimalthathasnofear，andtheleisureofonethatisnotpressed。
　　"Hereisachange，"saidFionn，staringinastonishment。
　　"Sheisnotwinded，"hesaid。"Whatisshelyingdownfor？"ButBranandSceo’landidnotstop；theyaddedanotherinchtotheirlong-stretchedeasybodies，andcameuponthefawn。
　　"Itisaneasykill，"saidFionnregretfully。"Theyhaveher，"hecried。
　　Buthewasagainastonished，forthedogsdidnotkill。Theyleapedandplayedaboutthefawn，lickingitsface，andrubbingdelightednosesagainstitsneck。
　　Fionncameupthen。Hislongspearwasloweredinhisfistatthethrust，andhissharpknifewasinitssheath，buthedidnotusethem，forthefawnandthetwohoundsbegantoplayroundhim，andthefawnwasasaffectionatetowardshimasthehoundswere；
　　sothatwhenavelvetnosewasthrustinhispalm，itwasasoftenafawn’smuzzleasahound’s。
　　InthatjoyouscompanyhecametowideAllenofLeinster，wherethepeopleweresurprisedtoseethehoundsandthefawnandtheChiefandnoneotherofthehuntersthathadsetoutwiththem。
　　Whentheothersreachedhome，theChieftoldofhischase，anditwasagreedthatsuchafawnmustnotbekilled，butthatitshouldbekeptandwelltreated，andthatitshouldbethepetfawnoftheFianna。ButsomeofthosewhorememberedBrah’sparentagethoughtthatasBranherselfhadcomefromtheShisothisfawnmighthavecomeoutoftheShialso。
　　CHAPTERII
　　Latethatnight，whenhewaspreparingforrest，thedoorofFionn’schamberopenedgentlyandayoungwomancameintotheroom。Thecaptainstaredather，ashewellmight，forhehadneverseenorimaginedtoseeawomansobeautifulasthiswas。
　　Indeed，shewasnotawoman，butayounggirl，andherbearingwassogentlynoble，herlooksomodestlyhigh，thatthechampiondaredscarcelylookather，althoughhecouldnotbyanymeanshavelookedaway。
　　Asshestoodwithinthedoorway，smiling，andshyasaflower，beautifullytimidasafawn，theChiefcommunedwithhisheart。
　　"SheistheSky-womanoftheDawn，"hesaid。"Sheisthelightonthefoam。Sheiswhiteandodorousasanapple-blossom。Shesmellsofspiceandhoney。Sheismybelovedbeyondthewomenoftheworld。Sheshallneverbetakenfromme。"
　　Andthatthoughtwasdelightandanguishtohim：delightbecauseofsuchsweetprospect，anguishbecauseitwasnotyetrealised，andmightnotbe。
　　Asthedogshadlookedathimonthechasewithalookthathedidnotunderstand，soshelookedathim，andinherregardtherewasaquestionthatbaffledhimandastatementwhichhecouldnotfollow。
　　Hespoketoherthen，masteringhishearttodoit。
　　"Idonotseemtoknowyou，"hesaid。
　　"Youdonotknowmeindeed，"shereplied。
　　"Itisthemorewonderful，"hecontinuedgently，"forIshouldknoweverypersonthatishere。Whatdoyourequirefromme？"
　　"Ibegyourprotection，royalcaptain。"
　　"Igivethattoall，"heanswered。"Againstwhomdoyoudesireprotection？"
　　"IaminterroroftheFearDoirche。"
　　"TheDarkManoftheShi？"
　　"Heismyenemy，"shesaid。
　　"Heisminenow，"saidFionn。"Tellmeyourstory。"
　　"MynameisSaeve，andIamawomanofFaery，"shecommenced。"IntheShi’manymengavemetheirlove，butIgavemylovetonomanofmycountry。"
　　"Thatwasnotreasonable，"theotherchidedwithablitheheart。
　　"Iwascontented，"shereplied，"andwhatwedonotwantwedonotlack。Butifmylovewentanywhereitwenttoamortal，amanofthemenofIreland。"
　　"Bymyhand，"saidFionninmortaldistress，"Imarvelwhothatmancanbe！"
　　"Heisknowntoyou，"shemurmured。"IlivedthusinthepeaceofFaery，hearingoftenofmymortalchampion，fortherumourofhisgreatdeedshadgonethroughtheShi’，untiladaycamewhentheBlackMagicianoftheMenofGodputhiseyeonme，and，afterthatday，inwhateverdirectionIlookedIsawhiseye。"
　　Shestoppedatthat，andtheterrorthatwasinherheartwasonherface。"Heiseverywhere，"shewhispered。"Heisinthebushes，andonthehill。Helookedupatmefromthewater，andhestareddownonmefromthesky。Hisvoicecommandsoutofthespaces，anditdemandssecretlyintheheart。Heisnothereorthere，heisinallplacesatalltimes。Icannotescapefromhim，"shesaid，"andIamafraid，"andatthatsheweptnoiselesslyandstaredonFionn。
　　"Heismyenemy，"Fionngrowled。"Inamehimasmyenemy。"
　　"Youwillprotectme，"sheimplored。
　　"WhereIamlethimnotcome，"saidFionn。"Ialsohaveknowledge。IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，amanamongmenandagodwherethegodsare。"
　　"Heaskedmeinmarriage，"shecontinued，"butmymindwasfullofmyowndearhero，andIrefusedtheDarkMan。"
　　"Thatwasyourright，andIswearbymyhandthatifthemanyoudesireisaliveandunmarriedheshallmarryyouorhewillanswertomefortherefusal。"
　　"Heisnotmarried，"saidSaeve，"andyouhavesmallcontroloverhim。"TheChieffrownedthoughtfully。"ExcepttheHighKingandthekingsIhaveauthorityinthisland。"
　　"Whatmanhasauthorityoverhimself？"saidSaeve。
　　"DoyoumeanthatIamthemanyouseek？"saidFionn。
　　"ItistoyourselfIgavemylove，"shereplied。"Thisisgoodnews，"Fionncriedjoyfully，"forthemomentyoucamethroughthedoorIlovedanddesiredyou，andthethoughtthatyouwishedforanothermanwentintomyheartlikeasword。"Indeed，FionnlovedSaeveashehadnotlovedawomanbeforeandwouldneverloveoneagain。Helovedherashehadneverlovedanythingbefore。Hecouldnotbeartobeawayfromher。Whenhesawherhedidnotseetheworld，andwhenhesawtheworldwithoutheritwasasthoughhesawnothing，orasifhelookedonaprospectthatwasbleakanddepressing。ThebellingofastaghadbeenmusictoFionn，butwhenSaevespokethatwassoundenoughforhim。Hehadlovedtohearthecuckoocallinginthespringfromthetreethatishighestinthehedge，ortheblackbird’sjollywhistleinanautumnbush，orthethin，sweetenchantmentthatcomestothemindwhenalarkthrillsoutofsightintheairandthehushedfieldslistentothesong。Buthiswife’svoicewassweetertoFionnthanthesingingofalark。
　　Shefilledhimwithwonderandsurmise。Therewasmagicinthetipsofherfingers。Herthinpalmravishedhim。Herslenderfootsethisheartbeating；andwhateverwayherheadmovedtherecameanewshapeofbeautytoherface。
　　"Sheisalwaysnew，"saidFionn。"Sheisalwaysbetterthananyotherwoman；sheisalwaysbetterthanherself。"
　　HeattendednomoretotheFianna。Heceasedtohunt。Hedidnotlistentothesongsofpoetsorthecurioussayingsofmagicians，forallofthesewereinhiswife，andsomethingthatwasbeyondthesewasinheralso。
　　"Sheisthisworldandthenextone；sheiscompletion，"saidFionn。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　IthappenedthatthemenofLochlanncameonanexpeditionagainstIreland。AmonstrousfleetroundedthebluffsofBenEdair，andtheDaneslandedthere，toprepareanattackwhichwouldrenderthemmastersofthecountry。FionnandtheFianna-Finnmarchedagainstthem。HedidnotlikethemenofLochlannatanytime，butthistimehemovedagainsttheminwrath，fornotonlyweretheyattackingIreland，buttheyhadcomebetweenhimandthedeepestjoyhislifehadknown。
　　Itwasahardfight，butashortone。TheLochlannachsweredrivenbacktotheirships，andwithinaweektheonlyDanesremaininginIrelandwerethosethathadbeenburiedthere。
　　Thatfinished，heleftthevictoriousFiannaandreturnedswiftlytotheplainofAllen，forhecouldnotbeartobeoneunnecessarydaypartedfromSaeve。
　　"Youarenotleavingus！"exclaimedGollmacMorna。
　　"Imustgo，"Fionnreplied。
　　"Youwillnotdesertthevictoryfeast，"Conanreproachedhim。
　　"Staywithus，Chief，"Caeltebegged。
　　"WhatisafeastwithoutFionn？"theycomplained。
　　Buthewouldnotstay。
　　"Bymyhand，"hecried，"Imustgo。Shewillbelookingformefromthewindow。"
　　"Thatwillhappenindeed，"Golladmitted。
　　"Thatwillhappen，"criedFionn。"Andwhensheseesmefaroutontheplain，shewillrunthroughthegreatgatetomeetme。"
　　"Itwouldbethequeerwifewouldneglectthatrun，"Cona’ngrowled。
　　"Ishallholdherhandagain，"FionnentrustedtoCaelte’sear。
　　"Youwilldothat，surely。"
　　"Ishalllookintoherface，"hislordinsisted。ButhesawthatnotevenbelovedCaelteunderstoodthemeaningofthat，andheknewsadlyandyetproudlythatwhathemeantcouldnotbeexplainedbyanyoneandcouldnotbecomprehendedbyanyone。
　　"Youareinlove，dearheart，"saidCaelte。
　　"Inloveheis，"Cona’ngrumbled。"Acordialforwomen，adiseaseformen，astateofwretchedness。"
　　"Wretchedintruth，"theChiefmurmured。"LovemakesuspoorWehavenoteyesenoughtoseeallthatistobeseen，norhandsenoughtoseizethetenthofallwewant。WhenIlookinhereyesIamtormentedbecauseIamnotlookingatherlips，andwhenI
　　seeherlipsmysoulcriesout，’Lookathereyes，lookathereyes。’"
　　"Thatishowithappens，"saidGollrememberingly。
　　"Thatwayandnoother，"Caelteagreed。
　　Andthechampionslookedbackwardsintimeontheselipsandthose，andknewtheirChiefwouldgo。
　　WhenFionncameinsightofthegreatkeephisbloodandhisfeetquickened，andnowandagainhewavedaspearintheair。
　　"Shedoesnotseemeyet，"hethoughtmournfully。
　　"Shecannotseemeyet，"heamended，reproachinghimself。
　　Buthismindwastroubled，forhethoughtalso，orhefeltwithoutthinking，thathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveseenherattwicethedistance。
　　"ShethinksIhavebeenunabletogetawayfromthebattle，orthatIwasforcedtoremainforthefeast。"
　　And，withoutthinkingit，hethoughtthathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveknownthatnothingcouldretaintheonethatwasabsent。
　　"Women，"hesaid，"areshamefaced，theydonotliketoappeareagerwhenothersareobservingthem。"
　　Butheknewthathewouldnothaveknownifotherswereobservinghim，andthathewouldnothavecaredaboutitifhehadknown。
　　AndheknewthathisSaevewouldnothaveseen，andwouldnothavecaredforanyeyesthanhis。
　　Hegrippedhisspearonthatreflection，andranashehadnotruninhislife，sothatitwasapanting，dishevelledmanthatracedheavilythroughthegatesofthegreatDun。
　　WithintheDuntherewasdisorder。Servantswereshoutingtooneanother，andwomenwererunningtoandfroaimlessly，wringingtheirhandsandscreaming；and，whentheysawtheChampion，thosenearesttohimranaway，andtherewasageneraleffortonthepartofeverypersontogetbehindeveryotherperson。ButFionncaughttheeyeofhisbutler，GarivCrona’n，theRoughBuzzer，andheldit。
　　"Comeyouhere，"hesaid。
　　AndtheRoughBuzzercametohimwithoutasinglebuzzinhisbody。
　　"WhereistheFlowerofAllen？"hismasterdemanded。
　　"Idonotknow，master，"theterrifiedservantreplied。
　　"Youdonotknow！"saidFionn。"Tellwhatyoudoknow。"
　　Andthemantoldhimthisstory。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　"Whenyouhadbeenawayforadaytheguardsweresurprised。TheywerelookingfromtheheightsoftheDun，andtheFlowerofAllenwaswiththem。She，forshehadaquest’seye，calledoutthatthemasteroftheFiannawascomingovertheridgestotheDun，andsheranfromthekeeptomeetyou。"
　　"ItwasnotI，"saidFionn。
　　"Itboreyourshape，"repliedGarivCronan。"Ithadyourarmourandyourface，andthedogs，BranandSceo’lan，werewithit。"
　　"Theywerewithme，"saidFionn。
　　"Theyseemedtobewithit，"saidtheservanthumbly"Tellusthistale，"criedFionn。
　　"Weweredistrustful，"theservantcontinued。"WehadneverknownFionntoreturnfromacombatbeforeithadbeenfought，andweknewyoucouldnothavereachedBenEdarorencounteredtheLochlannachs。Soweurgedourladytoletusgoouttomeetyou，buttoremainherselfintheDun。"
　　"Itwasgoodurging，"Fionnassented。
　　"Shewouldnotbeadvised，"theservantwailed。"Shecriedtous，’Letmegotomeetmylove’。"
　　"Alas！"saidFionn。
　　"Shecriedonus，’Letmegotomeetmyhusband，thefatherofthechildthatisnotborn。’"
　　"Alas！"groaneddeep-woundedFionn。"Sherantowardsyourappearancethathadyourarmsstretchedouttoher。"
　　AtthatwiseFionnputhishandbeforehiseyes，seeingallthathappened。
　　"Tellonyourtale，"saidhe。
　　"Sherantothosearms，andwhenshereachedthemthefigurelifteditshand。Ittouchedherwithahazelrod，and，whilewelooked，shedisappeared，andwhereshehadbeentherewasafawnstandingandshivering。ThefawnturnedandboundedtowardsthegateoftheDun，butthehoundsthatwerebyflewafterher。"
　　Fionnstaredonhimlikealostman。
　　"Theytookherbythethroat——"theshiveringservantwhispered。
　　"Ah！"criedFionninaterriblevoice。
　　"AndtheydraggedherbacktothefigurethatseemedtobeFionn。
　　Threetimesshebrokeawayandcameboundingtous，andthreetimesthedogstookherbythethroatanddraggedherback。"
　　"Youstoodtolook！"theChiefsnarled。
　　"No，master，weran，butshevanishedaswegottoher；thegreathoundsvanishedaway，andthatbeingthatseemedtobeFionndisappearedwiththem。Wewereleftintheroughgrass，staringaboutusandateachother，andlisteningtothemoanofthewindandtheterrorofourhearts。"
　　"Forgiveus，dearmaster，"theservantcried。Butthegreatcaptainmadehimnoanswer。Hestoodasthoughheweredumbandblind，andnowandagainhebeatterriblyonhisbreastwithhisclosedfist，asthoughhewouldkillthatwithinhimwhichshouldbedeadandcouldnotdie。Hewentso，beatingonhisbreast，tohisinnerroomintheDun，andhewasnotseenagainfortherestofthatday，noruntilthesunroseoverMoyLife’inthemorning。
　　CHAPTERV
　　Formanyyearsafterthattime，whenhewasnotfightingagainsttheenemiesofIreland，FionnwassearchingandhuntingthroughthelengthandbreadthofthecountryinthehopethathemightagainchanceonhislovelyladyfromtheShi’。Throughallthattimehesleptinmiseryeachnightandheroseeachdaytogrief。
　　Wheneverhehuntedhebroughtonlythehoundsthathetrusted，BranandSceo’lan，Lomaire，Brod，andLomlu；forifafawnwaschasedeachofthesefivegreatdogswouldknowifthatwasafawntobekilledoronetobeprotected，andsotherewassmalldangertoSaeveandasmallhopeoffindingher。
　　Once，whensevenyearshadpassedinfruitlesssearch，FionnandthechiefnoblesoftheFiannawerehuntingBenGulbain。AllthehoundsoftheFiannawereout，forFionnhadnowgivenuphopeofencounteringtheFlowerofAllen。Asthehuntsweptalongthesidesofthehilltherearoseagreatoutcryofhoundsfromanarrowplacehighontheslopeand，overallthatuproartherecamethesavagebayingofFionn’sowndogs。
　　"Whatisthisfor？"saidFionn，andwithhiscompanionshepressedtothespotwhencethenoisecame。
　　"TheyarefightingallthehoundsoftheFianna，"criedachampion。
　　Andtheywere。Thefivewisehoundswereinacircleandweregivingbattletoanhundreddogsatonce。Theywerebristlingandterrible，andeachbitefromthosegreat，keenjawswaswoetothebeastthatreceivedit。Nordidtheyfightinsilenceaswastheircustomandtraining，butbetweeneachonslaughtthegreatheadswereuplifted，andtheypealedloudly，mournfully，urgently，fortheirmaster。
　　"Theyarecallingonme，"heroared。
　　Andwiththatheran，ashehadonlyoncebeforerun，andthemenwhowerenightohimwentracingastheywouldnothaverunfortheirlives。Theycametothenarrowplaceontheslopeofthemountain，andtheysawthefivegreathoundsinacirclekeepingofftheotherdogs，andinthemiddleoftheringalittleboywasstanding。Hehadlong，beautifulhair，andhewasnaked。Hewasnotdauntedbytheterriblecombatandclamourofthehounds。
　　Hedidnotlookatthehounds，buthestaredlikeayoungprinceatFionnandthechampionsastheyrushedtowardshimscatteringthepackwiththebuttsoftheirspears。Whenthefightwasover，BranandSceo’lanranwhiningtothelittleboyandlickedhishands。
　　"Theydothattonoone，"saidabystander。"Whatnewmasteristhistheyhavefound？"
　　Fionnbenttotheboy。"Tellme，mylittleprinceandpulse，whatyournameis，andhowyouhavecomeintothemiddleofahunting-pack，andwhyyouarenaked？"
　　ButtheboydidnotunderstandthelanguageofthemenofIreland。HeputbishandintoFionn’s，andtheChieffeltasifthatlittlehandhadbeenputintohisheart。Heliftedtheladtohisgreatshoulder。
　　"Wehavecaughtsomethingonthishunt，"saidhetoCaeltemacRongn。"Wemustbringthistreasurehome。YoushallbeoneoftheFianna-Finn，mydarling，"hecalledupwards。
　　Theboylookeddownonhim，andinthenobletrustandfearlessnessofthatregardFionn’sheartmeltedaway。
　　"Mylittlefawn！"hesaid。
　　Andherememberedthatotherfawn。Hesettheboybetweenhiskneesandstaredathimearnestlyandlong。
　　"Thereissurelythesamelook，"hesaidtohiswakeningheart；
　　"thatistheveryeyeofSaeve。"
　　Thegrieffloodedoutofhisheartasatastroke，andjoyfoamedintoitinonegreattide。Hemarchedbacksingingtotheencampment，andmensawoncemorethemerryChieftheyhadalmostforgotten。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　JustasatonetimehecouldnotbepartedfromSaeve，sonowhecouldnotbeseparatedfromthisboy。Hehadathousandnamesforhim，eachonemoretenderthanthelast："MyFawn，MyPulse，MySecretLittleTreasure，"orhewouldcallhim"MyMusic，MyBlossomingBranch，MyStoreintheHeart，MySoul。"AndthedogswereaswildfortheboyasFionnwas。Hecouldsitinsafetyamongapackthatwouldhavetornanymantopieces，andthereasonwasthatBranandSceo’lan，withtheirthreewhelps，followedhimaboutlikeshadows。Whenhewaswiththepackthesefivewerewithhim，andwoefulindeedwastheeyetheyturnedontheircomradeswhenthesepushedtoocloselyorwerenotproperlyhumble。TheythrashedthepackseverallyandcollectivelyuntileveryhoundinFionn’skennelsknewthatthelittleladwastheirmaster，andthattherewasnothingintheworldsosacredashewas。
　　Innolongtimethefivewisehoundscouldhavegivenovertheirguardianship，socompletewastherecognitionoftheiryounglord。Buttheydidnotsogiveover，foritwasnotlovetheygavetheladbutadoration。
　　Fionnevenmayhavebeenembarrassedbytheirtoocloseattendance。Ifhehadbeenabletodosohemighthavespokenharshlytohisdogs，buthecouldnot；itwasunthinkablethatheshould；andtheboymighthavespokenharshlytohimifhehaddaredtodoit。ForthiswastheorderofFionn’saffection：
　　firsttherewastheboy；next，BranandSceo’lanwiththeirthreewhelps；thenCaeltemacRona’n，andfromhimdownthroughthechampions。Helovedthemall，butitwasalongthatprecedencehisaffectionsran。ThethornthatwentintoBran’sfootranintoFionn’salso。Theworldknewit，andtherewasnotachampionbutadmittedsorrowfullythattherewasreasonforhislove。
　　Littlebylittletheboycametounderstandtheirspeechandtospeakithimself，andatlasthewasabletotellhisstorytoFionn。
　　Thereweremanyblanksinthetale，forayoungchilddoesnotrememberverywell。Deedsgrowoldinadayandareburiedinanight。Newmemoriescomecrowdingonoldones，andonemustlearntoforgetaswellastoremember。Awholenewlifehadcomeonthisboy，alifethatwasinstantandmemorable，sothathispresentmemoriesblendedintoandobscuredthepast，andhecouldnotbequitesureifthatwhichhetoldofhadhappenedinthisworldorintheworldhehadleft。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　"Iusedtolive，"hesaid，"inawide，beautifulplace。Therewerehillsandvalleysthere，andwoodsandstreams，butinwhateverdirectionIwentIcamealwaystoacliff，sotallitseemedtoleanagainstthesky，andsostraightthatevenagoatwouldnothaveimaginedtoclimbit。"
　　"Idonotknowofanysuchplace，"Fionnmused。
　　"ThereisnosuchplaceinIreland，"saidCaelte，"butintheShi’thereissuchaplace。"
　　"Thereisintruth，"saidFionn。
　　"Iusedtoeatfruitsandrootsinthesummer，"theboycontinued，"butinthewinterfoodwasleftformeinacave。"
　　"Wastherenoonewithyou？"Fionnasked。
　　"Noonebutadeerthatlovedme，andthatIloved。"
　　"Ahme！"criedFionninanguish，"tellmeyourtale，myson。"
　　"Adarksternmancameoftenafterus，andheusedtospeakwiththedeer。Sometimeshetalkedgentlyandsoftlyandcoaxingly，butattimesagainhewouldshoutloudlyandinaharsh，angryvoice。Butwhateverwayhetalkedthedeerwoulddrawawayfromhimindread，andhealwaysleftheratlastfuriously。"
　　"ItistheDarkMagicianoftheMenofGod，"criedFionndespairingly。
　　"Itisindeed，mysoul，"saidCaelte。
　　"ThelasttimeIsawthedeer，"thechildcontinued，"thedarkmanwasspeakingtoher。Hespokeforalongtime。Hespokegentlyandangrily，andgentlyandangrily，sothatIthoughthewouldneverstoptalking，butintheendhestruckherwithahazelrod，sothatshewasforcedtofollowhimwhenhewentaway。Shewaslookingbackatmeallthetimeandshewascryingsobitterlythatanyonewouldpityher。Itriedtofollowheralso，butIcouldnotmove，andIcriedafterhertoo，withrageandgrief，untilIcouldseehernomoreandhearhernomore。
　　ThenIfellonthegrass，mysenseswentawayfromme，andwhenI
　　awokeIwasonthehillinthemiddleofthehoundswhereyoufoundme。"
　　ThatwastheboywhomtheFiannacalledOisi’n，ortheLittleFawn。Hegrewtobeagreatfighterafterwards，andhewasthechiefmakerofpoemsintheworld。ButhewasnotyetfinishedwiththeShi。HewastogobackintoFaerywhenthetimecame，andtocomethenceagaintotellthesetales，foritwasbyhimthesetalesweretold。
　　THEWOOINGOFBECFOLA
　　CHAPTERI
　　WedonotknowwhereBecfolacamefrom。Nordoweknowforcertainwhereshewentto。Wedonotevenknowherrealname，forthenameBecfola，"Dowerless"or"Small-dowered，"wasgiventoherasanickname。Thisonlyiscertain，thatshedisappearedfromtheworldweknowof，andthatshewenttoarealmwhereevenconjecturemaynotfollowher。
　　IthappenedinthedayswhenDermod，sonofthefamousAeofSlane，wasmonarchofallIreland。Hewasunmarried，buthehadmanyfoster-sons，princesfromtheFourProvinces，whoweresentbytheirfathersastokensofloyaltyandaffectiontotheArd-Ri，andhisdutiesasafoster-fatherwererighteouslyacquitted。Amongtheyoungprincesofhishouseholdtherewasone，Crimthann，sonofAe，KingofLeinster，whomtheHighKingpreferredtotheothersoverwhomheheldfatherlysway。Norwasthiswonderful，fortheladlovedhimalso，andwasaseagerandintelligentandmodestasbecomesaprince。
　　TheHighKingandCrimthannwouldoftensetoutfromTaratohuntandhawk，sometimesunaccompaniedevenbyaservant；andontheseexcursionsthekingimpartedtohisfoster-sonhisownwideknowledgeofforestcraft，andadvisedhimgenerallyastothebearinganddutiesofaprince，theconductofacourt，andthecareofapeople。
　　DermodmacAedelightedinthesesolitaryadventures，andwhenhecouldstealadayfrompolicyandaffairshewouldsendwordprivilytoCrimthann。Theboy，havingdonnedhishuntinggear，wouldjointhekingataplacearrangedbetweenthem，andthentheyrangedabroadaschancemightdirect。
　　Ononeoftheseadventures，astheysearchedafloodedrivertofindtheford，theysawasolitarywomaninachariotdrivingfromthewest。
　　"Iwonderwhatthatmeans？"thekingexclaimedthoughtfully。
　　"Whyshouldyouwonderatawomaninachariot？"hiscompanioninquired，forCrimthannlovedandwouldhaveknowledge。
　　"Good，myTreasure，"Dermodanswered，"ourmindsareastonishedwhenweseeawomanabletodriveacowtopasture，forithasalwaysseemedtousthattheydonotdrivewell。"
　　Crimthannabsorbedinstructionlikeaspongeanddigesteditasrapidly。
　　"Ithinkthatisjustlysaid，"heagreed。
　　"But，"Dermodcontinued，"whenweseeawomandrivingachariotoftwohorses，thenweareamazedindeed。"
　　Whenthemachineryofanythingisexplainedtouswegrowinterested，andCrimthannbecame，byinstruction，asastonishedasthekingwas。
　　"Ingoodtruth，"saidhe，"thewomanisdrivingtwohorses。"
　　"Hadyounotobserveditbefore？"hismasteraskedwithkindlymalice。
　　"Ihadobservedbutnotnoticed，"theyoungmanadmitted。
　　"Further，"saidtheking，"surmiseisarousedinuswhenwediscoverawomanfarfromahouse；foryouwillhavebothobservedandnoticedthatwomenarehome-dwellers，andthatahousewithoutawomanorawomanwithoutahouseareimperfectobjects，andalthoughtheybebuthalfobserved，theyarenoticedonthedouble。"
　　"Thereisnodoubtingit，"theprinceansweredfromaknittedandthought-tormentedbrow。
　　"Weshallaskthiswomanforinformationaboutherself，"saidthekingdecidedly。
　　"Letusdoso，"hiswardagreed"Theking’smajestyusesthewords’we’and’us’whenreferringtotheking’smajesty，"saidDermod，"butprinceswhodonotyetruleterritoriesmustuseanotherformofspeechwhenreferringtothemselves。"
　　"Iamverythoughtless，saidCrimthannhumbly。
　　Thekingkissedhimonbothcheeks。
　　"Indeed，mydearheartandmyson，wearenotscoldingyou，butyoumusttrynottolooksoterriblythoughtfulwhenyouthink。
　　Itispartoftheartofaruler。"
　　"Ishallnevermasterthathardart，"lamentedhisfosterling。
　　"Wemustallmasterit，"Dermodreplied。"Wemaythinkwithourmindsandwithourtongues，butweshouldneverthinkwithournosesandwithoureyebrows，"
　　Thewomaninthechariothaddrawnnightothefordbywhichtheywerestanding，and，withoutpause，sheswunghersteedsintotheshallowsandcameacrosstheriverinatumultoffoamandspray。
　　"Doesshenotdrivewell？"criedCrimthannadmiringly。
　　"Whenyouareolder，"thekingcounselledhim，"youwilladmirethatwhichistrulyadmirable，foralthoughthedrivingisgoodtheladyisbetter。"
　　Hecontinuedwithenthusiasm。
　　"Sheisintruthawonderoftheworldandanendlessdelighttotheeye。"
　　Shewasallthatandmore，and，asshetookthehorsesthroughtheriverandliftedthemupthebank，herflyinghairandpartedlipsandalltheyoungstrengthandgraceofherbodywentintotheking’seyeandcouldnoteasilycomeoutagain。
　　Nevertheless，itwasuponhiswardthatthelady’sgazerested，andifthekingcouldscarcelylookawayfromher，shecould，butonlywithanequaleffort，lookawayfromCrimthann。
　　"Haltthere！"criedtheking。
　　"WhoshouldIhaltfor？"theladydemanded，haltingallthesame，asisthemannerofwomen，whorebelagainstcommandandyetreceiveit。
　　"HaltforDermod！"
　　"ThereareDermodsandDermodsinthisworld，"shequoted。
　　"ThereisyetbutoneArd-Ri’，"themonarchanswered。
　　Shethendescendedfromthechariotandmadeherreverence。
　　"Iwishtoknowyourname？"saidhe。
　　Butatthisdemandtheladyfrownedandanswereddecidedly：
　　"Idonotwishtotellit。"
　　"Iwishtoknowalsowhereyoucomefromandtowhatplaceyouaregoing？"
　　"Idonotwishtotellanyofthesethings。"
　　"Nottotheking！"
　　"Idonotwishtotellthemtoanyone。"
　　Crimthannwasscandalised。
　　"Lady，"hepleaded，"youwillsurelynotwithholdinformationfromtheArd-Ri’？"
　　ButtheladystaredasroyallyontheHighKingastheHighKingdidonher，and，whateveritwashesawinthoselovelyeyes，thekingdidnotinsist。
　　HedrewCrimthannapart，forhewithheldnoinstructionfromthatlad。
　　"Myheart，"hesaid，"wemustalwaystrytoactwisely，andweshouldonlyinsistonreceivinganswerstoquestionsinwhichwearepersonallyconcerned。"
　　Crimthannimbibedallthejusticeofthatremark。
　　"ThusIdonotreallyrequiretoknowthislady’sname，nordoI
　　carefromwhatdirectionshecomes。"
　　"Youdonot？"Crimthannasked。
　　"No，butwhatIdowishtoknowis，Willshemarryme？"
　　"Bymyhandthatisanotablequestion，"hiscompanionstammered。
　　"Itisaquestionthatmustbeanswered，"thekingcriedtriumphantly。"But，"hecontinued，"tolearnwhatwomansheis，orwhereshecomesfrom，mightbringustormentaswellasinformation。Whoknowsinwhatadventuresthepasthasengagedher！"
　　Andhestaredforaprofoundmomentondisturbing，sinisterhorizons，andCrimthannmeditatedtherewithhim。"
　　"Thepastishers，"heconcluded，"butthefutureisours，andweshallonlydemandthatwhichispertinenttothefuture。"
　　Hereturnedtothelady。
　　"Wewishyoutobeourwife，"hesaid。Andhegazedonherbenevolentlyandfirmlyandcarefullywhenhesaidthat，sothatherregardcouldnotstrayotherwhere。Yet，evenashelooked，ateardidwellintothoselovelyeyes，andbehindherbrowathoughtmovedofthebeautifulboywhowaslookingatherfromtheking’sside。
　　ButwhentheHighKingofIrelandasksustomarryhimwedonotrefuse，foritisnotathingthatweshallbeaskedtodoeverydayintheweek，andthereisnowomanintheworldbutwouldlovetoruleitinTara。
　　Nosecondtearcreptonthelady’slashes，and，withherhandintheking’shand，theypacedtogethertowardsthepalace，whilebehindthem，inmelancholymood，CrimthannmacAeledthehorsesandthechariot。
　　CHAPTERII
　　Theyweremarriedinahastewhichequalledtheking’sdesire；
　　andashedidnotagainaskhername，andasshedidnotvolunteertogiveit，andasshebroughtnodowrytoherhusbandandreceivednonefromhim，shewascalledBecfola，theDowerless。
　　Timepassed，andtheking’shappinesswasasgreatashisexpectationofithadpromised。ButonthepartofBecfolanosimilartidingscanbegiven。
　　Therearethosewhosehappinessliesinambitionandstation，andtosuchaonethefactofbeingqueentotheHighKingofIrelandisasatisfactionatwhichdesireissated。ButthemindofBecfolawasnotofthistemperatequality，and，lackingCrimthann，itseemedtoherthatshepossessednothing。
　　Fortohermindhewasthesunlightinthesun，thebrightnessinthemoonbeam；hewasthesavourinfruitandthetasteinhoney；
　　andwhenshelookedfromCrimthanntothekingshecouldnotbutconsiderthattherightmanwasinthewrongplace。ShethoughtthatcrownedonlywithhiscurlsCrlmthannmacAewasmorenoblydiademedthanarethemastersoftheworld，andshetoldhimso。
　　HisterroronhearingthisunexpectednewswassogreatthathemeditatedimmediateflightfromTara；butwhenathinghasbeenutteredonceitiseasiersaidthesecondtimeandonthethirdrepetitionitispatientlylistenedto。
　　AfternogreatdelayCrimthannmacAeagreedandarrangedthatheandBecfolashouldflyfromTara，anditwaspartoftheirunderstandingthattheyshouldlivehappilyeverafter。
　　Onemorning，whennotevenabirdwasastir，thekingfeltthathisdearcompanionwasrising。Helookedwithoneeyeatthelightthatstolegreylythroughthewindow，andrecognisedthatitcouldnotinjusticebecalledlight。
　　"Thereisnotevenabirdup，"hemurmured。
　　AndthentoBecfola。
　　"Whatistheearlyrisingfor，dearheart？"
　　"AnengagementIhave，"shereplied。
　　"Thisisnotatimeforengagements，"saidthecalmmonarch。
　　"Letitbeso，"shereplied，andshedressedrapidly。
　　"Andwhatistheengagement？"hepursued。
　　"RaimentthatIleftatacertainplaceandmusthave。Eightsilkensmocksembroideredwithgold，eightpreciousbroochesofbeatengold，threediademsofpuregold。"
　　"Atthishour，"saidthepatientking，"thebedisbetterthantheroad。"
　　"Letitbeso，"saidshe。
　　"Andmoreover，"hecontinued，"aSundayjourneybringsbadluck。"
　　"Lettheluckcomethatwillcome，"sheanswered。
　　"Tokeepacatfromcreamorawomanfromhergearisnotworkforaking，"saidthemonarchseverely。
　　TheArd-Ri’couldlookonallthingswithcomposure，andregardallbeingswithatranquileye；butitshouldbeknownthattherewasonedeedentirelyhatefultohim，andhewouldpunishitscommissionwiththeverylastrigour——thiswas，atransgressionoftheSunday。Duringsixdaysoftheweekallthatcouldhappenmighthappen，sofarasDermodwasconcerned，butontheseventhdaynothingshouldhappenatalliftheHighKingcouldrestrainit。Haditbeenpossiblehewouldhavetetheredthebirdstotheirowngreenbranchesonthatday，andforbiddenthecloudstopacktheupperworldwithstirandcolour。Thesethekingpermitted，withatightlip，perhaps，butallelsethatcameunderhishandfelthiscontrol。
　　ItwashlscustomwhenhearoseonthemornofSundaytoclimbtothemostelevatedpointofTara，andgazethenceoneveryside，sothathemightseeifanyfairiesorpeopleoftheShi’weredisportingthemselvesinhislordship；forheabsolutelyprohibitedtheusageoftheearthtothesebeingsontheSunday，andwoe’sworthwasitforthesweetbeinghediscoveredbreakinghislaw。
　　Wedonotknowwhatillhecoulddotothefairies，butduringDermod’sreigntheworldsaiditsprayersonSundayandtheShi’
　　folkstayedintheirhills。
　　Itmaybeimagined，therefore，withwhatwrathhesawhiswife’spreparationsforherjourney，but，althoughakingcandoeverything，whatcanahusbanddo……？Herearrangedhimselfforslumber。
　　"Iamnopartytothisuntimelyjourney，"hesaidangrily。
　　"Letitbeso，"saidBecfola。
　　Sheleftthepalacewithonemaid，andasshecrossedthedoorwaysomethinghappenedtoher，butbywhatmeansithappenedwouldbehardtotell；forintheonepaceshepassedoutofthepalaceandoutoftheworld，andthesecondstepshetrodwasinFaery，butshedidnotknowthis。
　　HerintentionwastogotoCluaindachaillechtomeetCrimthann，butwhensheleftthepalaceshedidnotrememberCrimthannanymore。
　　Tohereyeandtotheeyeofhermaidtheworldwasasitalwayshadbeen，andthelandmarkstheyknewwereaboutthem。Buttheobjectforwhichtheyweretravellingwasdifferent，althoughunknown，andthepeopletheypassedontheroadswereunknown，andwereyetpeoplethattheyknew。
　　TheysetoutsouthwardsfromTaraintotheDuffryofLeinster，andaftersometimetheycameintowildcountryandwentastray。
　　AtlastBecfolahalted，saying：
　　"Idonotknowwhereweare。"
　　Themaidrepliedthatshealsodidnotknow。
　　"Yet，"saidBecfola，"ifwecontinuetowalkstraightonweshallarrivesomewhere。"
　　Theywenton，andthemaidwateredtheroadwithhertears。
　　Nightdrewonthem；agreychill，agreysilence，andtheywereenvelopedinthatchillandsilence；andtheybegantogoinexpectationandterror，fortheybothknewanddidnotknowthatwhichtheywereboundfor。
　　Astheytoileddesolatelyuptherustlingandwhisperingsideofalowhillthemaidchancedtolookback，andwhenshelookedbackshescreamedandpointed，andclungtoBecfola’sarm。
　　Becfolafollowedthepointingfinger，andsawbelowalargeblackmassthatmovedjerkilyforward。
　　"Wolves！"criedthemaid。"Runtothetreesyonder，"hermistressordered。"Wewillclimbthemandsitamongthebranches。"
　　Theyranthen，themaidmoaningandlamentingallthewhile。
　　"Icannotclimbatree，"shesobbed，"Ishallbeeatenbythewolves。"
　　Andthatwastrue。
　　Buthermistressclimbedatree，anddrewbyahand’sbreadthfromtherapandsnapandslaverofthosesteeljaws。Then，sittingonabranch，shelookedwithangrywoeatthestrainingandsnarlinghordebelow，seeingmanyawhitefanginthosegrinningjowls，andthesmouldering，redblinkofthoseleapingandprowlingeyes。