CHAPTERIII
Butaftersometimethemoonaroseandthewolveswentaway，fortheirleader，asagaciousandcraftychief，declaredthataslongastheyremainedwheretheywere，theladywouldremainwhereshewas；andso，withaheartycurseontrees，thetroopdeparted。
Becfolahadpainsinherlegsfromthewayshehadwrappedthemaboutthebranch，buttherewasnopartofherthatdidnotache，foraladydoesnotsitwithanyeaseuponatree。
Forsometimeshedidnotcaretocomedownfromthebranch。
"Thosewolvesmayreturn，"shesaid，"fortheirchiefiscraftyandsagacious，anditiscertain，fromthelookIcaughtinhiseyeashedeparted，thathewouldrathertasteofmethancatanywomanhehasmet。"
Shelookedcarefullyineverydirectiontoseeifanemightdiscovertheminhiding；shelookedcloselyandlingeringlyattheshadowsunderdistanttreestoseeiftheseshadowsmoved；
andshelistenedoneverywindtotryifshecoulddistinguishayaporayawnorasneeze。Butshesaworheardnothing；andlittlebylittletranquillitycreptintohermind，andshebegantoconsiderthatadangerwhichispastisadangerthatmaybeneglected。
Yetereshedescendedshelookedagainontheworldofjetandsilverthatdozedabouther，andshespiedaredglimmeramongdistanttrees。
"Thereisnodangerwherethereislight，"shesaid，andshethereuponcamefromthetreeandraninthedirectionthatshehadnoted。
Inaspotbetweenthreegreatoaksshecameuponamanwhowasroastingawildboaroverafire。Shesalutedthisyouthandsatbesidehim。Butafterthefirstglanceandgreetinghedidnotlookatheragain，nordidhespeak。
Whentheboarwascookedheateofitandshehadhershare。Thenhearosefromthefireandwalkedawayamongthetrees。Becfolafollowed，feelingruefullythatsomethingnewtoherexperiencehadarrived；"for，"shethought，"itisusualthatyoungmenshouldnotspeaktomenowthatIamthemateofaking，butitisveryunusualthatyoungmenshouldnotlookatme。"
Butiftheyoungmandidnotlookathershelookedwellathim，andwhatshesawpleasedhersomuchthatshehadnotimeforfurthercogitation。ForifCrimthannhadbeenbeautiful，thisyouthwastentimesmorebeautiful。ThecurlsonCrimthann’sheadhadbeenindeedasabenedictiontothequeen’seye，sothatshehadeatenthebetterandsleptthesounderforseeinghim。Butthesightofthisyouthleftherwithoutthedesiretoeat，and，asforsleep，shedreadedit，forifsheclosedaneyeshewouldberobbedoftheonedelightintime，whichwastolookatthisyoungman，andnottoceaselookingathimwhilehereyecouldpeerorherheadcouldremainupright。
Theycametoaninletoftheseaallsweetandcalmundertheround，silver-floodingmoon，andtheyoungman，withBecfolatreadingonhisheel，steppedintoaboatandrowedtoahigh-jutting，pleasantisland。Theretheywentinlandtowardsavastpalace，inwhichtherewasnopersonbutthemselvesalone，andtheretheyoungmanwenttosleep，whileBecfolasatstaringathimuntiltheunavoidablepeacepresseddownhereyelidsandshetooslumbered。
Shewasawakenedinthemorningbyagreatshout。
"Comeout，Flann，comeout，myheart！"
Theyoungmanleapedfromhiscouch，girdedonhisharness，andstrodeout。Threeyoungmenmethim，eachinbattleharness，andthesefouradvancedtomeetfourothermenwhoawaitedthematalittledistanceonthelawn。Thenthesetwosetsoffourfoughttogethorwitheverywarlikecourtesybutwitheverywarlikeseverity，andattheendofthatcombattherewasbutonemanstanding，andtheothersevenlaytossedindeath。
Becfolaspoketotheyouth。
"Yourcombathasindeedbeengallant，"shesaid。
"Alas，"hereplied，"ifithasbeenagallantdeedithasnotbeenagoodone，formythreebrothersaredeadandmyfournephewsaredead。"
"Ahme！"criedBecfola，"whydidyoufightthatfight？"
"Forthelordshipofthisisland，theIsleofFedach，sonofDali。"
But，althoughBecfolawasmovedandhorrifiedbythisbattle，itwasinanotherdirectionthatherinterestlay；thereforeshesoonaskedthequestionwhichlaynextherheart：
"Whywouldyounotspeaktomeorlookatme？"
"UntilIhavewonthekingshipofthislandfromallclaimants，I
amnomatchforthemateoftheHighKingofIreland，"hereplied。
AndthatreplywasllkebalmtotheheartofBecfola。
"WhatshallIdo？"sheinquiredradiantly。"Returntoyourhome，"
hecounselled。"Iwillescortyoutherewithyourmaid，forsheisnotreallydead，andwhenIhavewonmylordshipIwillgoseekyouinTara。"
"Youwillsurelycome，"sheinsisted。
"Bymyhand，"quothhe，"Iwillcome。"
Thesethreereturnedthen，andattheendofadayandnighttheysawfaroffthemightyroofsofTaramassedinthemorninghaze。
Theyoungmanleftthem，andwithmanyabackwardlookandwithdragging，reluctantfeet，Becfolacrossedthethresholdofthepalace，wonderingwhatsheshouldsaytoDermodandhowshecouldaccountforanabsenceofthreedays’duration。
CHAPTERIV
ITwassoearlythatnotevenabirdwasyetawake，andthedullgreylightthatcamefromtheatmosphereenlargedandmadeindistinctallthatonelookedat，andswathedallthingsinacoldandlividgloom。
AsshetrodcautiouslythroughdimcorridorsBecfolawasgladthat，savingtheguards，nocreaturewasastir，andthatforsometimeyetsheneedaccounttonopersonforhermovements。Shewasgladalsoofarespitewhichwouldenablehertosettleintoherhomeanddrawaboutherthecomposurewhichwomenfeelwhentheyaresurroundedbythewallsoftheirhouses，andcanseeaboutthemthepossessionswhich，bythefactofownership，havebecomealmostapartoftheirpersonality。Sunderedfromherbelongings，nowomanistranquil，herheartisnottrulyatease，howeverhermindmayfunction，sothatunderthebroadskyorinthehouseofanothersheisnotthecompetent，preciseindividualwhichshebecomeswhensheseesagainherhouseholdinorderandherdomesticrequirementsatherhand。
Becfolapushedthedooroftheking’ssleepingchamberandenterednoiselessly。Thenshesatquietlyinaseatgazingontherecumbentmonarch，andpreparedtoconsiderhowsheshouldadvancetohimwhenheawakened，andwithwhatinformationshemightstayhisinquiriesorreproaches。
"Iwillreproachhim，"shethought。"Iwillcallhimabadhusbandandastonishhim，andhewillforgeteverythingbuthisownalarmandindignation。"
Butatthatmomentthekingliftedhisheadfromthepillowandlookedkindlyather。Herheartgaveagreatthrob，andshepreparedtospeakatonceandingreatvolumebeforehecouldformulateanyquestion。Butthekingspokefirst，andwhathesaidsoastonishedherthattheexplanationandreproachwithwhichhertonguewasthrillingfledfromitatastroke，andshecouldonlysitstaringandbewilderedandtongue-tied。
"Well，mydearheart，"saidtheking，"haveyoudecidednottokeepthatengagement？"
"I——I——！"Becfolastammered。
"Itistrulynotanhourforengagements，"Dermodinsisted，"fornotabirdofthebirdshaslefthistree；and，"hecontinuedmaliciously，"thelightissuchthatyoucouldnotseeanengagementevenifyoumetone。"
"I，"Becfolagasped。"I——-！"
"ASundayjourney，"hewenton，"isanotoriousbadjourney。Nogoodcancomefromit。Youcangetyoursmocksanddiademsto-morrow。Butatthishourawisepersonleavesengagementstothebatsandthestaringowlsandtheround-eyedcreaturesthatprowlandsniffinthedark。Comebacktothewarmbed，sweetwoman，andsetonyourjourneyinthemorning。"
SuchaloadofapprehensionwasliftedfromBecfola’sheartthatsheinstantlydidasshehadbeencommanded，andsuchabewildermenthadyetpossessionofherfacultiesthatshecouldnotthinkorutterawordonanysubject。
YetthethoughtdidcomeintoherheadasshestretchedinthewarmgloomthatCrimthannthesonofAemustbenowattendingheratCluaindachaillech，andshethoughtofthatyoungmanasofsomethingwonderfulandveryridiculous，andthefactthathewaswaitingforhertroubledhernomorethanifasheephadbeenwaitingforheroraroadsidebush。
Shefellasleep。
CHAPTERV
Inthemorningastheysatatbreakfastfourclericswereannounced，andwhentheyenteredthekinglookedonthemwithsterndisapproval。
"WhatisthemeaningofthisjourneyonSunday？"hedemanded。
Alank-jawed，thin-browedbrother，withuneasy，intertwiningfingers，andadeep-set，venomouseye，wasthespokesmanofthosefour。
"Indeed，"hesaid，andthefingersofhisrighthandstrangledanddidtodeaththefingersofhislefthand，"indeed，wehavetransgressedbyorder。"
"Explainthat。"
"Wehavebeensenttoyouhurriedlybyourmaster，MolasiusofDevenish。"
"Apious，asaintlyman，"thekinginterrupted，"andonewhodoesnotcountenancetransgressionsoftheSunday。"
"Wewereorderedtotellyouasfollows，"saidthegrimcleric，andheburiedthefingersofhisrighthandinhisleftfist，sothatonecouldnothopetoseethemresurrectedagain。"ItwasthedutyofoneoftheBrothersofDevenish，"hecontinued，"toturnoutthecattlethismorningbeforethedawnofday，andthatBrother，whileinhisduty，saweightcomelyyoungmenwhofoughttogether。"
"OnthemorningofSunday，"Dermodexploded。
Theclericnoddedwithsavageemphasis。
"Onthemorningofthisself-sameandinstantsacredday。"
"Tellon，"saidthekingwrathfully。
ButterrorgrippedwithsuddenfingersatBecfola’sheart。
"DonottellhorridstoriesontheSunday，"shepleaded。"Nogoodcancometoanyonefromsuchatale。"
"Nay，thismustbetold，sweetlady，"saidtheking。Buttheclericstaredatherglumly，forbiddingly，andresumedhisstoryatagesture。
"Oftheseeightmen，sevenwerekilled。"
"Theyareinhell，"thekingsaidgloomily。
"Inhelltheyare，"theclericrepliedwithenthusiasm。
"Andtheonethatwasnotkilled？"
"Heisalive，"thatclericresponded。
"Hewouldbe，"themonarchassented。"Tellyourtale。"
"Molasiushadthosesevenmiscreantsburied，andhetookfromtheirunhallowednecksandfromtheirlewdarmsandfromtheirunblessedweaponstheloadoftwomeningoldandsilvertreasure。"
"Twomen’sload！"saidDermodthoughtfully。
"Thatmuch，"saidtheleancleric。"Nomore，noless。AndhehassentustofindoutwhatpartofthathellishtreasurebelongstotheBrothersofDevenishandhowmuchisthepropertyoftheking。"
Becfolaagainbrokein，speakinggraciously，regally，hastily：
"LetthoseBrothershavetheentireofthetreasure，foritisSundaytreasure，andassuchitwillbringnolucktoanyone。"
Theclericagainlookedathercoldly，withaharsh-lidded，small-set，grey-eyedglare，andwaitedfortheking’sreply。
Dermodpondered，shakinghisheadastoanargumentonhisleftside，andthennoddingitagainastoanargumentonhisright。
"Itshallbedoneasthissweetqueenadvises。Letareliquarybeformedwithcunningworkmanshipofthatgoldandsilver，datedwithmydateandsignedwithmyname，tobeinmemoryofmygrandmotherwhogavebirthtoalamb，toasalmon，andthentomyfather，theArd-Ri’。And，astothetreasurethatremainsover，apastoralstaffmaybebeatenfromitinhonourofMolasius，thepiousman。"
"Thestoryisnotended，"saidthatglum，spike-chinnedcleric。
Thekingmovedwithjovialimpatience。
"Ifyoucontinueit，"hesaid，"itwillsurelycometoanendsometime。Astoneonastonemakesahouse，dearheart，andawordonawordtellsatale。"
Theclericwrappedhimselfintohimself，andbecameleanandmenacing。Hewhispered："Besidestheyoungman，namedFlann，whowasnotslain，therewasanotherpersonpresentatthesceneandthecombatandthetransgressionofSunday。"
"Whowasthatperson？"saidthealarmedmonarch。
Theclericspikedforwardhischin，andthenbuttedforwardhisbrow。
"Itwasthewifeoftheking，"heshouted。"ItwasthewomancalledBecfola。Itwasthatwoman，"heroared，andheextendedalean，inflexible，unendingfirstfingeratthequeen。
"Dog！"thekingstammered，startingup。
"Ifthatbeintruthawoman，"theclericscreamed。
"Whatdoyoumean？"thekingdemandedinwrathandterror。
"Eithersheisawomanofthisworldtohepunished，orsheisawomanoftheShi’tobebanished，butthisholymorningshewasintheShi’，andherarmswereabouttheneckofFlann。"
Thekingsankbackinhischairstupefied，gazingfromonetotheother，andthenturnedanunseeing，fear-dimmedeyetowardsBecfola。
"Isthistrue，mypulse？"hemurmured。
"Itistrue，"Becfolareplied，andshebecamesuddenlytotheking’seyeawhitenessandastare。Hepointedtothedoor。
"Gotoyourengagement，"hestammered。"GotothatFlann。"
"Heiswaitingforme，"saidBecfolawithproudshame，"andthethoughtthatheshouldwaitwringsmyheart。"
Shewentoutfromthepalacethen。ShewentawayfromTara：andinallIrelandandintheworldoflivingmenshewasnotseenagain，andshewasneverheardofagain。
THELITTLEBRAWLATALLEN
CHAPTERI
"Ithink，"saidCairellWhiteskin，"thatalthoughjudgementwasgivenagainstFionn，itwasFionnhadtherightsofit。"
"Hehadelevenhundredkilled，"saidCona’namiably，"andyoumaycallthattherightsofitifyoulike。"
"Allthesame——"Cairellbeganargumentatively。
"Anditwasyouthatcommencedit，"Cona’ncontinued。
"Ho！Ho！"Cairellcried。"Why，youareasmuchtoblameasIam。"
"No，"saidCona’n，"foryouhitmefirst。"
"Andifwehadnotbeenseparated——"theothergrowled。
"Separated！"saidCona’n，withagrinthatmadehisbeardpokeallaroundhisface。
"Yes，separated。IftheyhadnotcomebetweenusIstillthink——"
"Don’tthinkoutloud，dearheart，foryouandIareatpeacebylaw。"
"Thatistrue，"saidCairell，"andamanmuststickbyajudgement。Comewithme，mydear，andletusseehowtheyoungstersareshapingintheschool。Oneofthemhasratherawaywithhimasaswordsman。"
"Noyoungsterisanygoodwithasword，"Conanreplied。
"Youarerightthere，"saidCairell。"Ittakesagoodripemanforthatweapon。"
"Boysaregoodenoughwithslings，"Confrocontinued，"butexceptforeatingtheirfillandrunningawayfromafight，youcan’tcountonboys。"
ThetwobulkymenturnedtowardstheschooloftheFianna。
IthappenedthatFionnmacUailhadsummonedthegentlemenoftheFiannaandtheirwivestoabanquet。Everybodycame，forabanquetgivenbyFionnwasnotathingtobemissed。TherewasGollmormacMornaandhispeople；Fionn’ssonOisi’nandhisgrandsonOscar。TherewasDermodoftheGayFace，CaeltemacRonan——butindeedthereweretoomanytobetoldof，forallthepillarsofwarandbattle-torchesoftheGaelwerethere。
Thebanquetbegan。
FionnsatintheChiefCaptain’sseatinthemiddleofthefort；
andfacinghim，intheplaceofhonour，heplacedthemirthfulGollmacMorna；andfromthese，rangingoneitherside，thenoblesoftheFiannatookeachtheplacethatfittedhisdegreeandpatrimony。
Aftergoodeating，goodconversation；andaftergoodconversation，sleep——thatistheorderofabanquet：sowheneachpersonhadbeenservedwithfoodtothelimitofdesirethebutlerscarriedinshining，andjewelleddrinking-horns，eachhavingitstideofsmooth，headyliquor。Thentheyoungheroesgrewmerryandaudacious，theladiesbecamegentleandkind，andthepoetsbecamewondersofknowledgeandprophecy。Everyeyebeamedinthatassembly，andonFionneveryeyewasturnedcontinuallyinthehopeofaglancefromthegreat，mildhero。
Gollspoketohimacrossthetableenthusiastically。
"Thereisnothingwantingtothisbanquet，OChief，"saidhe。
AndFionnsmiledbackintothateyewhichseemedawelloftendernessandfriendship。
"Nothingiswanting，"hereplied，"butawell-shapedpoem。"A
crierstoodupthen，holdinginonehandalengthofcoarseironlinksandintheotherachainofdelicate，antiquesilver。Heshooktheironchainsothattheservantsandfollowersofthehouseholdshouldbesilent，andheshookthesilveronesothatthenoblesandpoetsshouldhearkenalso。
Fergus，calledTrue-Lips，thepoetoftheFianna-Finn，thensangofFionnandhisancestorsandtheirdeeds。WhenhehadfinishedFionnandOisi’nandOscarandmacLugacoftheTerribleHandgavehimrareandcostlypresents，sothateverypersonwonderedattheirmunificence，andeventhepoet，accustomedtotheliberalityofkingsandprinces，wasastonishedathisgifts。
FergusthenturnedtothesideofGollmacMorna，andhesangoftheForts，theDestructions，theRaids，andtheWooingsofclann-Morna；andasthepoemssucceededeachother，Gollgrewmoreandmorejovialandcontented。WhenthesongswerefinishedGollturnedinhisseat。
"Whereismyrunner？"hecried。
Hehadawomanrunner，amarvelforswiftnessandtrust。Shesteppedforward。
"Iamhere，royalcaptain。"
"HaveyoucollectedmytributefromDenmark？"
"Itishere。"
And，withhelp，shelaidbesidehimtheloadofthreemenofdoublyrefinedgold。Outofthistreasure，andfromthetreasureofringsandbraceletsandtorquesthatwerewithhim，GollmacMornapaidFergusforhissongs，and，muchasFionnhadgiven，Gollgavetwiceasmuch。
But，asthebanquetproceeded，Gollgave，whetheritwastoharpersorprophetsorjugglers，morethananyoneelsegave，sothatFionnbecamedispleased，andasthebanquetproceededhegrewsternandsilent。
CHAPTERII
[ThisversionofthedeathofUailisnotcorrect。AlsoCnochaisnotinLochlannbutinIreland。]
Thewonderfulgift-givingofGollcontinued，andanuneasinessandembarrassmentbegantocreepthroughthegreatbanquetinghall。
Gentlemenlookedateachotherquestioningly，andthenspokeagainonindifferentmatters，butonlywithhalfoftheirminds。
Thesingers，theharpers，andjugglerssubmittedtothatconstraint，sothateverypersonfeltawkwardandnooneknewwhatshouldbedoneorwhatwouldhappen，andfromthatdoubtdulnesscame，withsilencefollowingonitsheels。
Thereisnothingmoreterriblethansilence。Shamegrowsinthatblank，orangergathersthere，andwemustchoosewhichoftheseistobeourmaster。
ThatchoicelaybeforeFionn，whoneverknewshame。
"Goll，"saidhe，"howlonghaveyoubeentakingtributefromthepeopleofLochlann？"
"Alongtimenow，"saidGoll。
Andhelookedintoaneyethatwassternandunfriendly。
"Ithoughtthatmyrentwastheonlyonethosepeoplehadtopay，"Fionncontinued。
"Yourmemoryisatfault，"saidGoll。
"Letitbeso，"saidFionn。"Howdidyourtributearise？"
"Longago，Fionn，inthedayswhenyourfatherforcedwaronme。"
"Ah！"saidFionn。
"WhenheraisedtheHighKingagainstmeandbanishedmefromIreland。"
"Continue，"saidFionn，andheheldGoll’seyeunderthegreatbeetleofhisbrow。
"IwentintoBritain，"saidGoll，"andyourfatherfollowedmethere。IwentintoWhiteLochlann（Norway）andtookit。Yourfatherbanishedmethencealso。"
"Iknowit，"saidFionn。
"IwentintothelandoftheSaxonsandyourfatherchasedmeoutofthatland。Andthen，inLochlann，atthebattleofCnochayourfatherandImetatlast，foottofoot，eyetoeye，andthere，Fionn！"
"Andthere，Goll？"
"AndthereIkilledyourfather。"
Fionnsatrigidandunmoving，hisfacestonyandterribleasthefaceofamonumentcarvedonthesideofacliff。
"Tellallyourtale，"saidhe。
"AtthatbattleIbeattheLochlannachs。IpenetratedtotheholdoftheDanishking，andItookoutofhisdungeonthemenwhohadlainthereforayearandwereawaitingtheirdeaths。Iliberatedfifteenprisoners，andoneofthemwasFionn。"
"Itistrue，"saidFionn。
Goll’sangerfledattheword。
"Donotbejealousofme，dearheart，forifIhadtwicethetributeIwouldgiveittoyouandtoIreland。"
ButatthewordjealoustheChief’sangerrevived。
"Itisanimpertinence，"hecried，"toboastatthistablethatyoukilledmyfather。"
"Bymyhand，"Gollreplied，"ifFionnweretotreatmeashisfatherdidIwouldtreatFionnthewayItreatedFionn’sfather。"
Fionnclosedhiseyesandbeatawaytheangerthatwasrisingwithinhim。Hesmiledgrimly。
"IfIweresominded，Iwouldnotletthatlastwordgowithyou，Goll，forIhavehereanhundredmenforeverymanofyours。"
Golllaughedaloud。
"Sohadyourfather，"hesaid。
Fionn’sbrother，CairellWhiteskin，brokeintotheconversationwithaharshlaugh。
"HowmanyofFionn’shouseholdhasthewonderfulGollputdown？"
hecried。
ButGoll’sbrother，baldCona’ntheSwearer，turnedasavageeyeonCairell。
"Bymyweapons，"saidhe，"therewereneverlessthananhundred-and-onemenwithGoll，andtheleastofthemcouldhaveputyoudowneasilyenough。"
"Ah？’criedCairell。"Andareyouoneofthehundred-and-one，oldscaldhead？"
"Oneindeed，mythick-witted，thin-liveredCairell，andI
undertaketoproveonyourhidethatwhatmybrothersaidwastrueandthatwhatyourbrothersaidwasfalse。"
"Youundertakethat，"growledCairell，andonthewordheloosedafuriousbuffetatCon’an，whichCona’nreturnedwithafistsobigthateverypartofCairell’sfacewashitwiththeoneblow。
Thetwothenfellintogrips，andwentlurchingandpunchingaboutthegreathall。TwoofOscar’ssonscouldnotbeartoseetheirunclebeingworsted，andtheyleapedatCona’n，andtwoofGoll’ssonsrushedatthem。ThenOscarhimselfleapedup，andwithahammerineitherhandhewentbatteringintothemelee。
"Ithankthegods，"saidCona’n，"forthechanceofkillingyourself，Oscar。"
Thesetwoencounteredthen，andOscarknockedagroanofdistressoutofCona’n。HelookedappealinglyathisbrotherArtogmacMorna，andthatpowerfulchampionflewtohisaidandwoundedOscar。Oisi’n，Oscar’sfather，couldnotabidethat；hedashedinandquelledArtOg。ThenRoughHairmacMornawoundedOisinandwashimselftumbledbymacLugac，whowasagainwoundedbyGaramacMorna。
Thebanquetinghallwasintumult。Ineverypartofitmenweregivingandtakingblows。Heretwochampionswiththeirarmsroundeachother’sneckswerestampingroundandroundinaslow，saddance。Hereweretwocrouchingagainsteachother，lookingforasoftplacetohit。Yonderabig-shoulderedpersonliftedanothermaninhisarmsandthrewhimatasmallgroupthatchargedhim。
Inaretiredcorneragentlemanstoodinathoughtfulattitudewhilehetriedtopulloutatooththathadbeenknockedloose。
"Youcan’tfight，"hemumbled，"withalooseshoeoraloosetooth。"
"Hurryupwiththattooth，"themaninfrontofhimgrum-bled，"forIwanttoknockoutanotherone。"
Pressedagainstthewallwasabevyofladies，someofwhomwerescreamingandsomelaughingandallofwhomwerecallingonthementogobacktotheirseats。
Onlytwopeopleremainedseatedinthehall。
Gollsattwistedroundwatchingtheprogressofthebrawlcritically，andFionn，sittingopposite，watchedGoll。
JustthenFaelan，anotherofFionn’ssons，stormedthehallwiththreehundredoftheFianna，andbythisforceallGoll’speoplewereputoutofdoors，wherethefightcontinued。
GolllookedthencalmlyonFionn。
"Yourpeopleareusingtheirweapons，"saidhe。
"Arethey？"Fionninquiredascalmly，andasthoughaddressingtheair。
"Inthematterofweapons——！"saidGoll。
Andthehard-fightingpillarofbattleturnedtowherehisarmshungonthewallbehindhim。Hetookhissolid，well-balancedswordinhisfist，overhisleftarmhisample，bossyshield，and，withanotherside-lookatFionn，heleftthehallandchargedirresistiblyintothefray。
Fionnthenarose。Hetookhisaccoutrementsfromthewallalsoandstrodeout。ThenheraisedthetriumphantFenianshoutandwentintothecombat。
Thatwasnoplaceforasickpersontobe。Itwasnotthecornerwhichaslender-fingeredwomanwouldchoosetodoupherhair；
norwasitthespotanancientmanwouldselecttothinkquietlyin，forthetumultofswordonsword，ofaxeonshield，theroarofthecontendingparties，thecryingofwoundedmen，andthescreamingoffrightenedwomendestroyedpeace，andoverallwastherallyingcryofGollmacMornaandthegreatshoutofFionn。
ThenFergusTrue-LipsgatheredabouthimallthepoetsoftheFianna，andtheysurroundedthecombatants。Theybegantochantandintonelong，heavyrhymesandincantations，untiltherhythmicbeatingoftheirvoicescoveredeventhenoiseofwar，sothatthemenstoppedhackingandhewing，andlettheirweaponsdropfromtheirhands。Thesewerepickedupbythepoetsandareconciliationwaseffectedbetweenthetwoparties。
ButFionnaffirmedthathewouldmakenopeacewithclann-Mornauntilthematterhadbeenjudgedbytheking，CormacmacArt，andbyhisdaughterAilve，andbyhissonCairbreofAnaLife’andbyFintanthechiefpoet。Gollagreedthattheaffairshouldbesubmittedtothatcourt，andadaywasappointed，afortnightfromthatdate，tomeetatTaraoftheKingsforjudgement。Thenthehallwascleansedandthebanquetrecommenced。
OfFionn’speopleelevenhundredofmenandwomenweredead，whileofGoll’speopleelevenmenandfiftywomenweredead。Butitwasthroughfrightthewomendied，fornotoneofthemhadawoundorabruiseoramark。
CHAPTERIII
ATtheendofafortnightFionnandGollandthechiefmenoftheFiannaattendedatTara。Theking，hissonanddaughter，withFlahri，Feehal，andFintanmacBocnasatintheplaceofjudgement，andCormaccalledonthewitnessesforevidence。
Fionnstoodup，butthemomenthedidsoGollmacMornaarosealso。
"IobjecttoFionngivingevidence，"saidhe。
"Whyso？"thekingasked。
"BecauseinanymatterthatconcernedmeFionnwouldturnalieintotruthandthetruthintoalie。"
"Idonotthinkthatisso，"saidFionn。
"Yousee，hehasalreadycommencedit，"criedGoll。
"Ifyouobjecttothetestimonyofthechiefpersonpresent，inwhatwayarewetoobtainevidence？"thekingdemanded。
"I，"saidGoll，"willtrusttotheevidenceofFergusTrue-Lips。
HeisFionn’spoet，andwilltellnolieagainsthismaster；heisapoet，andwilltellnolieagainstanyone。"
"Iagreetothat，"saidFionn。
"Irequire，nevertheless，"Gollcontinued，"thatFergusshouldswearbeforetheCourt，byhisgods，thathewilldojusticebetweenus。"
Ferguswasaccordinglysworn，andgavehisevidence。HestatedthatFionn’sbrotherCairellstruckCona’nmacMorna，thatGoll’stwosonscametohelpCona’n，thatOscarwenttohelpCairell，andwiththatFionn’speopleandtheclann-Mornaroseateachother，andwhathadstartedasabrawlendedasabattlewithelevenhundredofFionn’speopleandsixty-oneofGoll’speopledead。
"Imarvel，"saidthekinginadiscontentedvoice，"that，consideringthenumbersagainstthem，thelossesofclann-Mornashouldbesosmall。"
Fionnblushedwhenheheardthat。
Fergusreplied：
"GollmacMornacoveredhispeoplewithhisshield。Allthatslaughterwasdonebyhim。"
"Thepresswastoogreat，"Fionngrumbled。"Icouldnotgetathimintimeor——-"
"Orwhat？"saidGollwithagreatlaugh。
Fionnshookhisheadsternlyandsaidnomore。
"Whatisyourjudgement？"Cormacdemandedofhisfellow-judges。
Flahripronouncedfirst。
"Igivedamagestoclann-Morna。"
"Why？"saidCormac。
"Becausetheywereattackedfirst。"
Cormaclookedathimstubbornly。
"Idonotagreewithyourjudgement，"hesaid。
"Whatistherefaultyinit？"Flahriasked。
"Youhavenotconsidered，"thekingreplied，"thatasoldierowesobediencetohiscaptain，andthat，giventhetimeandtheplace，FionnwasthecaptainandGollwasonlyasimplesoldier。"
Flahriconsideredtheking’ssuggestion。
"That，"hesaid，"wouldholdgoodforthewhite-strikingorblowsoffists，butnotforthered-strikingorsword-strokes。"
"Whatisyourjudgement？"thekingaskedFeehal。Feehalthenpronounced：
"Iholdthatclann-Mornawereattackedfirst，andthattheyaretobefreefrompaymentofdamages。"
"AndasregardsFionn？"saidCormac。
"IholdthatonaccountofhisgreatlossesFionnistobeexemptfrompaymentofdamages，andthathislossesaretobeconsideredasdamages。"
"Iagreeinthatjudgement，"saidFintan。
Thekingandhissonalsoagreed，andthedecisionwasimpartedtotheFianna。
"Onemustabidebyajudgement，"saidFionn。
"Doyouabidebyit？"Golldemanded。
"Ido，"saidFionn。
GollandFionnthenkissedeachother，andthuspeacewasmade。
For，notwithstandingtheendlessbickerofthesetwoheroes，theylovedeachotherwell。
Yet，nowthattheyearshavegoneby，IthinkthefaultlaywithGollandnotwithFionn，andthatthejudgementgivendidnotconsidereverything。ForatthattableGollshouldnothavegivengreatergiftsthanhismasterandhostdid。AnditwasnotrightofGolltotakebyforcethepositionofgreatestgift-giveroftheFianna，fortherewasneverintheworldonegreateratgivinggifts，orgivingbattle，ormakingpoemsthanFionnwas。
ThatsideoftheaffairwasnotbroughtbeforetheCourt。ButperhapsitwassuppressedoutofdelicacyforFionn，forifGollcouldbeaccusedofostentation，Fionnwasopentotheuglierchargeofjealousy。Itwas，nevertheless，Goll’sforwardandimpishtemperwhichcommencedthebrawl，andtheverdictoftimemustbetoexonerateFionnandtolettheblamegowhereitismerited。
Thereis，however，thistobeaddedandremembered，thatwheneverFionnwasinatightcorneritwasGollthatpluckedhimoutofit；and，lateron，whentimedidhisworstonthemallandtheFiannaweresenttohellasunbelievers，itwasGollmacMornawhoassaultedhell，withachaininhisgreatfistandthreeironballsswingingfromit，anditwashewhoattackedthehostsofgreatdevilsandbroughtFionnandtheFianna-Finnoutwithhim。
THECARLOFTHEDRABCOAT
CHAPTERI
OnedaysomethinghappenedtoFionn，thesonofUail；thatis，hedepartedfromtheworldofmen，andwassetwanderingingreatdistressofmindthroughFaery。Hehaddaysandnightsthereandadventuresthere，andwasabletobringbackthememoryofthese。
That，byitself，iswonderful，fortherearefewpeoplewhorememberthattheyhavebeentoFaeryoraughtofallthathappenedtotheminthatstate。
IntruthwedonotgotoFaery，webecomeFaery，andinthebeatingofapulsewemayliveforayearorathousandyears。
Butwhenwereturnthememoryisquicklyclouded，andweseemtohavehadadreamorseenavision，althoughwehaveverilybeeninFaery。
Itwaswonderful，then，thatFionnshouldhaverememberedallthathappenedtohiminthatwide-spunmoment，butinthistalethereisyetmoretomarvelat；fornotonlydidFionngotoFaery，butthegreatarmywhichhehadmarshalledtoBenEdair[TheHillofHowth]weretranslatedalso，andneitherhenortheywereawarethattheyhaddepartedfromtheworlduntiltheycamebacktoit。
Fourteenbattles，sevenofthereserveandsevenoftheregularFianna，hadbeentakenbytheChiefonagreatmarchandmanoeuvre。WhentheyreachedBenEdairitwasdecidedtopitchcampsothatthetroopsmightrestinviewofthewarlikeplanwhichFionnhadimaginedforthemorrow。Thecampwaschosen，andeachsquadronandcompanyofthehostwerelodgedintoanappropriateplace，sotherewasnoovercrowdingandnohaltorinterruptionofthemarch；forwhereacompanyhaltedthatwasitsplaceofrest，andinthatplaceithinderednoothercompany，andwasatitsownease。
Whenthiswasaccomplishedtheleadersofbattalionsgatheredonalevel，grassyplateauoverlookingthesea，whereaconsultationbeganastothenextday’smanoeuvres，andduringthisdiscussiontheylookedoftenonthewidewaterthatlaywrinklingandtwinklingbelowthem。
AroomyshipundergreatpressofsallwasbearingonBenEdairfromtheeast。
Nowandagain，inalullofthediscussion，achampionwouldlookandremarkonthehurryingvessel；anditmayhavebeenduringoneofthesemomentsthattheadventurehappenedtoFionnandtheFianna。
"Iwonderwherethatshipcomesfrom？"saidCona’nidly。
Butnopersoncouldsurmiseanythingaboutitbeyondthatitwasavesselwellequippedforwar。
Astheshipdrewbytheshorethewatchersobservedatallmanswingfromthesidebymeansofhisspearshafts，andinalittlewhilethisgentlemanwasannouncedtoFionn，andwasbroughtintohispresence。
Asturdy，bellicose，forthrightpersonagehewasindeed。Hewasequippedinawonderfulsolidityofarmour，withahard，carvenhelmetonhishead，asplendidred-bossedshieldswingingonhisshoulder，awide-grooved，straightswordclashingalonghisthigh。Onhisshouldersundertheshieldhecarriedasplendidscarletmantle；overhisbreastwasagreatbroochofburntgold，andinhisfisthegrippedapairofthick-shafted，unburnishedspears。
Fionnandthechampionslookedonthisgentleman，andtheyadmiredexceedinglyhisbearingandequipment。
"Ofwhatbloodareyou，younggentleman？"Fionndemanded，"andfromwhichofthefourcornersoftheworlddoyoucome？"
"MynameisCaeloftheIron，"thestrangeranswered，"andIamsontotheKingofThessaly。"
"Whaterrandhasbroughtyouhere？"
"Idonotgoonerrands，"themanrepliedsternly，"butontheaffairsthatpleaseme。"
"Beitso。Whatisthepleasingaffairwhichbringsyoutothisland？"
"SinceIleftmyowncountryIhavenotgonefromalandoranislanduntilitpaidtributetomeandacknowledgedmylordship。"
"Andyouhavecometothisrealm"criedFionn，doubtinghisears。
"Fortributeandsovereignty，"growledthatother，andhestruckthehaftofhisspearviolentlyontheground。
"Bymyhand，"saidCona’n，"wehaveneverheardofawarrior，howevergreat，buthispeerwasfoundinIreland，andthefuneralsongsofallsuchhavebeenchantedbythewomenofthisland。"
"Bymyhandandword，"saidtheharshstranger，"yourtalkmakesmethinkofasmallboyorofanidiot。"
"Takeheed，sir，"saidFionn，"forthechampionsandgreatdragonsoftheGaelarestandingbyyou，andaroundustherearefourteenbattlesoftheFiannaofIreland。"
"IfalltheFiannawhohavediedinthelastsevenyearswereaddedtoallthatarenowhere，"thestrangerasserted，"Iwouldtreatalloftheseandthosegrievously，andwouldcurtailtheirlimbsandtheirlives。"
"Itisnosmallboast，"Cona’nmurmured，staringathim。
"Itisnoboastatall，"saidCael，"and，toshowmyqualityandstanding，Iwillproposeadeedtoyou。"
"Giveoutyourdeed，"Fionncommanded。
"Thus，"saidCaelwithcoldsavagery。"Ifyoucanfindamanamongyourfourteenbattalionswhocanoutrunoroutwrestleoroutfightme，Iwilltakemyselfofftomyowncountry，andwilltroubleyounomore。"
Andsoharshlydidhespeak，andwithsuchabelligerenteyedidhestare，thatdismaybegantoseizeonthechampions，andevenFionnfeltthathisbreathhadhalted。
"Itisspokenlikeahero，"headmittedafteramoment，"andifyoucannotbematchedonthosetermsitwillnotbefromadearthofapplicants。"
"Inrunningalone，"Fionncontinuedthoughtfully，"wehaveanotablechampion，CaeltemacRona’n。"
"ThissonofRona’nwillnotlongbenotable，"thestrangerasserted。
"Hecanoutstripthereddeer，"saidCona’n。
"Hecanoutrunthewind，"criedFionn。
"Hewillnotbeaskedtooutrunthereddeerorthewind，"thestrangersneered。"Hewillbeaskedtooutrunme，"hethundered。
"Producethisrunner，andweshalldiscoverifhekeepsasgreatheartinhisfeetashehasmadeyouthink。"
"Heisnotwithus，"Cona’nlamented。
"Thesenotablewarriorsareneverwithuswhenthecallismade，"
saidthegrimstranger。
"Bymyhand，"criedFionn，"heshallbehereinnogreattime，forIwillfetchhimmyself。"
"Beitso，"saidCael。"Andduringmyabsence，"Fionncontinued，"Ileavethisasacompact，thatyoumakefriendswiththeFiannaherepresent，andthatyouobservealltheconditionsandceremoniesoffriendship。"
Caelagreedtothat。
"Iwillnothurtanyofthesepeopleuntilyoureturn，"hesaid。
FionnthensetouttowardsTaraoftheKings，forhethoughtCaeltemacRominwouldsurelybethere；"andifheisnotthere，"
saidthechampiontohimself，"thenIshallfindhimatCeshCorranoftheFianna。"