CHAPTERV
　　WithinthecavetherewassilenceexceptforthevoicesofthehagsandthescarcelyaudiblemoaningoftheFianna-Finn，butwithouttherewasadreadfuluproar，foraseachmanreturnedfromthechasehisdogscamewithhim，andalthoughthemenwentintothecavethedogsdidnot。
　　Theyweretoowise。
　　Theystoodoutside，filledwithsavageryandterror，fortheycouldscenttheirmastersandtheirmasters’danger，andperhapstheycouldgetfromthecavesmellstillthenunknownandfullofalarm。
　　Fromthetroopofdogstherearoseabayingandbarking，asnarlingandhowlingandgrowling，ayelpingandsquealingandbawlingforwhichnowordscanbefound。Nowandagainadognosedamongathousandsmellsandscentedhismaster；theruffofhisneckstooduplikeahog’sbristlesandanettyridgeprickledalonghisspine。Thenwithredeyes，withbaredfangs，withahoarse，deepsnortandgrowlherushedatthecave，andthenhehaltedandsneakedbackagainwithallhisrufflessmoothed，histailbetweenhislegs，hiseyesscrewedsidewaysinmiserableapologyandalarm，andalongthinwhineofwoedribblingoutofhisnose。
　　Thethreesisterstooktheirwide-channelled，hard-temperedswordsintheirhands，andpreparedtoslaytheFianna，butbeforedoingsotheygaveonemorelookfromthedoorofthecavetoseeiftheremightbeastraggleroftheFiannawhowasescapingdeathbystraggling，andtheysawonecomingtowardsthemwithBranandSceo’lanleapingbesidehim，whilealltheotherdogsbegantobursttheirthroatswithbarksandsplittheirnoseswithsnortsandwagtheirtailsoffatsightofthetall，valiant，white-toothedchampion，GollmormacMorna。"Wewillkillthatonefirst，"saidCaevo’g。
　　"Thereisonlyoneofhim，"saidCuillen。
　　"Andeachofusthreeisthematchforanhundred，"saidIaran。
　　Theuncanny，misbehaved，andoutrageousharridansadvancedthentomeetthesonofMorna，andwhenhesawthesethreeGollwhippedtheswordfromhisthigh，swunghisbucklerround，andgottothemintengreatleaps。
　　Silencefellontheworldduringthatconflict。Thewindwentdown；thecloudsstoodstill；theoldhillitselfhelditsbreath；thewarriorswithinceasedtobemenandbecameeachanear；andthedogssatinavastcircleroundthecombatants，withtheirheadsalltooneside，theirnosespokedforward，theirmouthshalfopen，andtheirtailsforgotten。Nowandagainadogwhinedinawhisperandsnappedalittlesnapontheair，butexceptforthattherewasneithersoundnormovement。
　　Itwasalongfight。Itwasahardandatrickyfight，andGollwonitbybraveryandstrategyandgreatgoodluck；forwithoneshrewdsliceofhisbladehecarvedtwoofthesemightytermagantsintoequalhalves，sothattherewerenosesandwhiskerstohisrighthandandkneesandtoestohisleft：andthatstrokewasknownafterwardsasoneofthethreegreatsword-strokesofIreland。Thethirdhag，however，hadmanagedtogetbehindGoll，andsheleapedontohisbackwiththeboundofapanther，andhungherewiththeskilful，many-legged，tight-twistedclutchingofaspider。Butthegreatchampiongaveatwistofhishipsandaswingofhisshouldersthatwhirledheraroundhimlikeasack。Hegotheronthegroundandtiedherhandswiththestrapsofashield，andhewasgoingtogiveherthelastblowwhensheappealedtohishonourandbravery。
　　"Iputmylifeunderyourprotection，"saidshe。"AndifyouletmegofreeIwilllifttheenchantmentfromtheFianna-Finnandwillgivethemallbacktoyouagain。"
　　"Iagreetothat，"saidGoll，andheuntiedherstraps。Theharridandidasshehadpromised，andinashorttimeFionnandOisi’nandOscarandCona’nwerereleased，andafterthatalltheFiannawerereleased。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Aseachmancameoutofthecavehegaveajumpandashout；thecourageoftheworldwentintohimandhefeltthathecouldfighttwenty。Butwhiletheyweretalkingovertheadventureandexplaininghowithadhappened，avastfigurestrodeoverthesideofthehillanddescendedamongthem。ItwasConaran’sfourthdaughter。
　　Iftheotherthreehadbeenterribletolookon，thisonewasmoreterriblethanthethreetogether。Shewascladinironplate，andshehadawickedswordbyhersideandaknobbyclubinherhandShehaltedbythebodiesofhersisters，andbittertearsstreameddownintoherbeard。
　　"Alas，mysweetones，"saidshe，"Iamtoolate。"
　　AndthenshestaredfiercelyatFionn。
　　"Idemandacombat，"sheroared。
　　"Itisyourright，"saidFionn。Heturnedtohisson。
　　"Oisi’n，myheart，killmethishonourablehag。"ButfortheonlytimeinhislifeOisi’nshrankfromacombat。
　　"Icannotdoit"hesaid，"Ifeeltooweak。"
　　Fionnwasastounded。"Oscar，"hesaid，"willyoukillmethisgreathag？"
　　Oscarstammeredmiserably。"Iwouldnotbeableto，"hesaid。
　　Cona’nalsorefused，andsodidCaeltemacRona’nandmacLugac，fortherewasnomantherebutwasterrifiedbythesightofthatmightyandvaliantharridan。
　　Fionnrosetohisfeet。"Iwilltakethiscombatmyself，"hesaidsternly。
　　Andheswunghisbucklerforwardandstretchedhisrighthandtothesword。ButatthatterriblesightGollmaeMornablusheddeeplyandleapedfromtheground。
　　"No，no，"hecried；"no，mysoul，Fionn，thiswouldnotbeapropercombatforyou。Itakethisfight。"
　　"Youhavedoneyourshare，Goll，"saidthecaptain。
　　"IshouldfinishthefightIbegan，"Gollcontinued，"foritwasIwhokilledthetwosistersofthisvalianthag，anditisagainstmethefeudlies。"
　　"Thatwilldoforme，"saidthehorribledaughterofConaran。"I
　　willkillGollmormacMornafirst，andafterthatIwillkillFionn，andafterthatIwillkilleveryFenianoftheFianna-Finn。"
　　"Youmaybegin，Goll，"saidFionn，"andIgiveyoumyblessing。"
　　Gollthenstrodeforwardtothefight，andthehagmovedagainsthimwithequalalacrity。Inamomenttheheavensrangtotheclashofswordsonbucklers。Itwashardtowith-standtheterrificblowsofthatmightyfemale，forherswordplayedwiththequicknessoflightningandsmoteliketheheavycrashingofastorm。ButintothatdinandencirclementGollpressedandventured，steadyasarockinwater，agileasacreatureofthesea，andwhenoneofthecombatantsretreateditwasthehagthatgavebackwards。AsherfootmovedagreatshoutofjoyrosefromtheFianna。Asnarlwentoverthehugefaceofthemonsterandsheleapedforwardagain，butshemetGoll’spointintheroad；
　　itwentthroughher，andinanothermomentGolltookherheadfromitsshouldersandswungitonhighbeforeFionn。
　　AstheFiannaturnedhomewardsFionnspoketohisgreatchampionandenemy。
　　"Goll，"hesaid，"Ihaveadaughter。"
　　"Alovelygirl，ablossomofthedawn，"saidGoll。
　　"Wouldshepleaseyouasawife？"thechiefdemanded。
　　"Shewouldpleaseme，"saidGoll。
　　"Sheisyourwife，"saidFionn。
　　ButthatdidnotpreventGollfromkillingFionn’sbrotherCairelllateron，nordiditpreventFionnfromkillingGolllateronagain，andthelastdidnotpreventGollfromrescuingFionnoutofhellwhentheFianna-FinnweresentthereunderthenewGod。Noristhereanyreasontocomplainortobeastonishedatthesethings，foritisamutualworldwellvein，agive-and-takeworld，andthereisnogreatharminit。
　　BECUMAOFTHEWHITESKIN
　　CHAPTERI
　　Therearemoreworldsthanone，andinmanywaystheyareunlikeeachother。Butjoyandsorrow，or，inotherwords，goodandevil，arenotabsentintheirdegreefromanyoftheworlds，forwhereverthereislifethereisaction，andactionisbuttheexpressionofoneorotherofthesequalities。
　　AfterthisEarththereistheworldoftheShi’。BeyonditagainliestheMany-ColouredLand。NextcomestheLandofWonder，andafterthattheLandofPromiseawaitsus。YouwillcrossclaytogetintotheShi’；youwillcrosswatertoattaintheMany-ColouredLand；firemustbepassederetheLandofWonderisattained，hutwedonotknowwhatwillbecrossedforthefourthworld。
　　ThisadventureofConntheHundredFighterandhissonArtwasbythewayofwater，andthereforehewasmoreadvancedinmagicthanFionnwas，allofwhoseadventureswerebythepathofclayandintoFaeryonly，butConnwastheHighKingandsothearch-magicianofIreland。
　　AcouncilhadbeencalledintheMany-ColouredLandtodiscussthecaseofaladynamedBecumaCneisgel，thatis，BecumaoftheWhiteSkin，thedaughterofEoganInver。ShehadrunawayfromherhusbandLabraidandhadtakenrefugewithGadiar，oneofthesonsofMananna’nmacLir，thegodofthesea，andtheruler，therefore，ofthatsphere。
　　Itseems，then，thatthereismarriageintwootherspheres。IntheShi’matrimonyisrecordedasbeingparallelineveryrespectwithearth-marriage，andthedesirewhichurgestoitseemstoheasviolentandinconstantasitiswithus；butintheMany-ColouredLandmarriageisbutacontemplationofbeauty，abroodingandmeditationwhereinallgrosserdesireisunknownandchildrenareborntosinlessparents。
　　IntheShi’thecrimeofBecumawouldhavebeenlightlyconsidered，andwouldhavereceivednoneorbutanominalpunishment，butinthesecondworldahorridgravityattachestosuchalapse，andtheretributionmetedisimplacableandgrim。
　　Itmaybedissolutionbyfire，andthatcannoteadestructiontoofinalforthemindtocontemplate；oritmaybebanishmentfromthatspheretoalowerandworseone。
　　ThiswasthefateofBecumaoftheWhiteSkin。
　　Onemaywonderhow，havingattainedtothatsphere，shecouldhavecarriedwithhersostrongamemoryoftheearth。ItiscertainthatshewasnotafitpersontoexistintheMany-ColouredLand，anditistobefearedthatshewasorganisedtoogrosslyevenforlifeintheShi’。
　　Shewasanearth-woman，andshewasbanishedtotheearth。
　　WordwassenttotheShi’sofIrelandthatthisladyshouldnotbepermittedtoenteranyofthem；fromwhichitwouldseemthattheordinancesoftheShicomefromthehigherworld，and，itmightfollow，thattheconductofearthliesintheShi’。
　　Inthatway，thegatesofherownworldandtheinnumerabledoorsofFaerybeingclosedagainsther，Becumawasforcedtoappearintheworldofmen。
　　Itispleasant，however，notwithstandingherterriblecrimeandherwoefulpunishment，tothinkhowcourageousshewas。Whenshewastoldhersentence，nay，herdoom，shemadenooutcry，nordidshewasteanytimeinsorrow。Shewenthomeandputonhernicestclothes。
　　Sheworearedsatinsmock，and，overthis，acloakofgreensilkoutofwhichlongfringesofgoldswungandsparkled，andshehadlightsandalsofwhitebronzeonherthin，shapelyfeet。Shehadlongsofthairthatwasyellowasgold，andsoftasthecurlingfoamofthesea。Hereyeswerewideandclearaswaterandweregreyasadove’sbreast。Herteethwerewhiteassnowandofanevennesstomarvelat。Herlipswerethinandbeautifullycurved：
　　redlipsintruth，redaswinterberriesandtemptingasthefruitsofsummer。Thepeoplewhosuperintendedherdeparturesaidmournfullythatwhenshewasgonetherewouldbenomorebeautyleftintheirworld。
　　Shesteppedintoacoracle，itwaspushedontheenchantedwaters，anditwentforward，worldwithinworld，untillandappeared，andherboatswunginlowtideagainstarockatthefootofBenEdair。
　　Sofarforher。
　　CHAPTERII
　　ConntheHundredFighter，Ard-Ri’ofIreland，wasinthelowestspiritsthatcanbeimagined，forhiswifewasdead。HehadbeenArd-Rifornineyears，andduringhistermthecornusedtobereapedthreetimesineachyear，andtherewasfullandplentyofeverything。Therearefewkingswhocanboastofmorekinglyresultsthanhecan，buttherewassoretroubleinstoreforhim。
　　HehadbeenmarriedtoEithne，thedaughterofBrislandBinn，KingofNorway，and，nexttohissubjects，helovedhiswifemorethanallthatwaslovableintheworld。Butthetermofmanandwoman，ofkingorqueen，issetinthestars，andthereisnoescapingDoomforanyone；so，whenhertimecame，Eithnedied。
　　Nowtherewerethreegreatburying-placesinIreland——theBrughoftheBoyneinUlster，overwhichAngusOgischiefandgod；theShi’moundofCruachanAhi，whereEthalAnbualpresidesovertheunderworldofConnacht，andTailltin，inRoyalMeath。Itwasinthislast，thesacredplaceofhisownlordship，thatConnlaidhiswifetorest。
　　Herfuneralgameswereplayedduringninedays。Herkeenwassungbypoetsandharpers，andacairntenacreswidewasheavedoverherclay。Thenthekeeningceasedandthegamesdrewtoanend；
　　theprincesoftheFiveProv-incesreturnedbyhorseorbychariottotheirownplaces；theconcourseofmournersmeltedaway，andtherewasnothingleftbythegreatcairnbutthesunthatdozeduponitinthedaytime，theheavycloudsthatbroodedonitinthenight，andthedesolate，memoriedking。
　　ForthedeadqueenhadbeensolovelythatConncouldnotforgether；shehadbeensokindateverymomentthathecouldnotbutmissherateverymoment；butitwasintheCouncilChamberandtheJudgementHallthathemostponderedhermemory。Forshehadalsobeenwise，andlack-ingherguidance，allgraveaffairsseemedgraver，shadowingeachdayandgoingwithhimtothepillowatnight。
　　Thetroubleofthekingbecomesthetroubleofthesubject，forhowshallweliveifjudgementiswithheld，oriffaultydecisionsarepromulgated？Therefore，withthesorrowoftheking，allIrelandwasingrief，anditwasthewishofeverypersonthatheshouldmarryagain。
　　Suchanidea，however，didnotoccurtohim，forhecouldnotconceivehowanywomanshouldfilltheplacehisqueenhadvacated。Hegrewmoreandmoredespondent，andlessandlessfittedtocopewithaffairsofstate，andonedayheinstructedhissonArttotaketheruleduringhisabsence，andhesetoutforBenEdair。
　　Foragreatwishhadcomeuponhimtowalkbesidethesea；tolistentotherollandboomoflong，greybreakers；togazeonanunfruitful，desolatewildernessofwaters；andtoforgetinthosesightsallthathecouldforget，andifhecouldnotforgetthentorememberallthatheshouldremember。
　　Hewasthusgazingandbroodingwhenonedayheobservedacoracledrawingtotheshore。Ayounggirlsteppedfromitandwalkedtohimamongblackbouldersandpatchesofyellowsand。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　Beingakinghehadauthoritytoaskquestions。Connaskedher，therefore，allthequestionsthathecouldthinkof，foritisnoteverydaythataladydrivesfromthesea，andshewearingagolden-fringedcloakofgreensilkthroughwhicharedsatinsmockpeepedattheopenings。Sherepliedtohisquestions，butshedidnottellhimallthetruth；for，indeed，shecouldnotaffordto。
　　Sheknewwhohewas，forsheretainedsomeofthepowerspropertotheworldsshehadleft，andashelookedonhersoftyellowhairandonherthinredlips，Connrecognised，asallmendo，thatonewhoislovelymustalsobegood，andsohedidnotframeanyinquiryonthatcount；foreverythingisforgotteninthepresenceofaprettywoman，andamagiciancanbebewitchedalso。
　　ShetoldConnthatthefameofhissonArthadreachedeventheMany-ColouredLand，andthatshehadfalleninlovewiththeboy。
　　ThisdidnotseemunreasonabletoonewhohadhimselfventuredmuchinFaery，andwhohadknownsomanyofthepeopleofthatworldleavetheirownlandfortheloveofamortal。
　　"Whatisyourname，mysweetlady？"saidtheking。
　　"IamcalledDelvcaem（FairShape）andIamthedaughterofMorgan，"shereplied。
　　"IhaveheardmuchofMorgan，"saidtheking。"Heisaverygreatmagician。"
　　DuringthisconversationConnhadbeenregardingherwiththeminutefreedomwhichisrightonlyinaking。Atwhatpreciseinstantheforgothisdeadconsortwedonotknow，butitiscertainthatatthismomenthismindwasnolongerburdenedwiththatdearandlovelymemory。Hisvoicewasmelancholywhenhespokeagain。
　　"Youlovemyson！"
　　"Whocouldavoidlovinghim？"shemurmured。
　　"Whenawomanspeakstoamanabouttheloveshefeelsforanothermansheisnotliked。And，"hecontinued，"whenshespeakstoamanwhohasnowifeofhisownaboutherloveforanothermanthensheisdisliked。"
　　"Iwouldnotbedislikedbyyou，"Becumamurmured。
　　"Nevertheless，"saidheregally，"Iwillnotcomebetweenawomanandherchoice。"
　　"Ididnotknowyoulackedawife，"saidBecuma，butindeedshedid。
　　"Youknowitnow，"thekingrepliedsternly。
　　"WhatshallIdo？"sheinquired，"amItowedyouoryourson？"
　　"Youmustchoose，"Connanswered。
　　"Ifyouallowmetochooseitmeansthatyoudonotwantmeverybadly，"saidshewithasmile。
　　"ThenIwillnotallowyoutochoose，"criedtheking，"anditiswithmyselfyoushallmarry。"
　　Hetookherhandinhisandkissedit。
　　"Lovelyisthispalethinhand。LovelyistheslenderfootthatI
　　seeinasmallbronzeshoe，"saidtheking。
　　Afterasuitabletimeshecontinued：
　　"IshouldnotlikeyoursontobeatTarawhenIamthere，orforayearafterwards，forIdonotwishtomeethimuntilIhaveforgottenhimandhavecometoknowyouwell。"
　　"Idonotwishtobanishmyson，"thekingprotested。
　　"Itwouldnotreallybeabanishment，"shesaid。"Aprince’sdutycouldbesethim，andinsuchanabsencehewouldimprovehisknowledgebothofIrelandandofmen。Further，"shecontinuedwithdowncasteyes，"whenyourememberthereasonthatbroughtmehereyouwillseethathispresencewouldbeanembarrassmenttousboth，andmypresencewouldbeunpleasanttohimifheremembershismother。"
　　"Nevertheless，"saidConnstubbornly，"Idonotwishtobanishmyson；itisawkwardandunnecessary。"
　　"Forayearonly，"shepleaded。
　　"Itisyet，"hecontinuedthoughtfully，"areasonablereasonthatyougiveandIwilldowhatyouask，butbymyhandandwordI
　　don’tlikedoingit。"
　　Theysetoutthenbrisklyandjoyfullyonthehomewardjourney，andinduetimetheyreachedTaraoftheKings。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　Itispartoftheeducationofaprincetobeagoodchessplayer，andtocontinuallyexercisehismindinviewofthejudgementsthathewillbecalledupontogiveandtheknotty，tortuous，andperplexingmatterswhichwillobscuretheissueswhichhemustjudge。Art，thesonofConn，wassittingatchesswithCromdes，hisfather’smagician。
　　"Beverycarefulaboutthemoveyouaregoingtomake，"saidCromdes。
　　"CANIbecareful？"Artinquired。"Isthemovethatyouarethinkingofinmypower？"
　　"Itisnot，"theotheradmitted。
　　"ThenIneednotbemorecarefulthanusual，"Artreplied，andhemadehismove。
　　"Itisamoveofbanishment，"saidCromdes。
　　"AsIwillnotbanishmyself，Isupposemyfatherwilldoit，butIdonotknowwhyheshould。"
　　"Yourfatherwillnotbanishyou。"
　　"Whothen？""Yourmother。"
　　"Mymotherisdead。"
　　"Youhaveanewone，"saidthemagician。
　　"Hereisnews，"saidArt。"IthinkIshallnotlovemynewmother。"
　　"Youwillyetloveherbetterthanshelovesyou，"saidCromdes，meaningtherebythattheywouldhateeachother。
　　WhiletheyspokethekingandBecumaenteredthepalace。
　　"Ihadbettergotogreetmyfather，"saidtheyoungman。
　　"Youhadbetterwaituntilhesendsforyou，"hiscompanionadvised，andtheyreturnedtotheirgame。
　　InduetimeamessengercamefromthekingdirectingArttoleaveTarainstantly，andtoleaveIrelandforonefullyear。
　　HeleftTarathatnight，andforthespaceofayearhewasnotseenagaininIreland。ButduringthatperiodthingsdidnotgowellwiththekingnorwithIreland。Everyyearbeforethattimethreecropsofcornusedtobeliftedofftheland，butduringArt’sabsencetherewasnocorninIrelandandtherewasnomilk。
　　Thewholelandwenthungry。
　　Leanpeoplewereineveryhouse，leancattleineveryfield；thebushesdidnotswingouttheirtimelyberriesorseasonablenuts；
　　thebeeswentabroadasbusilyasever，buteachnighttheyreturnedlanguidly，withemptypouches，andtherewasnohoneyintheirhiveswhenthehoneyseasoncame。Peoplebegantolookateachotherquestioningly，meaningly，anddarkremarkspassedbetweenthem，fortheyknewthatabadharvestmeans，somehow，abadking，and，althoughthisbeliefcanbecombated，itistoofirmlyrootedinwisdomtobedismissed。
　　Thepoetsandmagiciansmettoconsiderwhythisdisastershouldhavebefallenthecountryandbytheirartstheydiscoveredthetruthabouttheking’swife，andthatshewasBecumaoftheWhiteSkin，andtheydiscoveredalsothecauseofherbanishmentfromtheMany-ColouredLandthatisbeyondthesea，whichisbeyondeventhegrave。
　　Theytoldthetruthtotheking，buthecouldnotbeartobepartedfromthatslender-handed，gold-haired，thin-lipped，blitheenchantress，andherequiredthemtodiscoversomemeanswherebyhemightretainhiswifeandhiscrown。Therewasawayandthemagicianstoldhimofit。
　　"IfthesonofasinlesscouplecanbefoundandifhisbloodbemixedwiththesollofTaratheblightandruinwilldepartfromIreland，"saidthemagicians。
　　"IfthereissuchaboyIwillfindhim，"criedtheHundredFighter。
　　AttheendofayearArtreturnedtoTara。HisfatherdeliveredtohimthesceptreofIreland，andhesetoutonajourneytofindthesonofasinlesscouplesuchashehadbeentoldof。
　　CHAPTERV
　　TheHighKingdidnotknowwhereexactlyheshouldlookforsuchasaviour，buthewaswelleducatedandknewhowtolookforwhateverwaslacking。Thisknowledgewillheusefultothoseuponwhomasimilardutyshouldeverdevolve。
　　HewenttoBenEdair。Hesteppedintoacoracleandpushedouttothedeep，andhepermittedthecoracletogoasthewindsandthewavesdirectedit。
　　Insuchawayhevoyagedamongthesmallislandsoftheseauntilhelostallknowledgeofhiscourseandwasadriftfaroutinocean。Hewasundertheguidanceofthestarsandthegreatluminaries。
　　Hesawblacksealsthatstaredandbarkedanddiveddancingly，withtheroundturnofabowandtheforwardonsetofanarrow。
　　Greatwhalescameheavingfromthegreen-huedvoid，blowingawaveoftheseahighintotheairfromtheirnosesandsmackingtheirwideflattailsthunder-ouslyonthewater。Porpoiseswentsnortingpastinbandsandclans。Smallfishcameslidingandflickering，andalltheoutlandishcreaturesofthedeeprosebyhisbobbingcraftandswirledandspedaway。
　　Wildstormshowledbyhimsothattheboatclimbedpainfullytotheskyonamile-highwave，balancedforatensemomentonitsleveltop，andspeddowntheglassysideasastonegoesfuriouslyfromasling。
　　Or，again，caughtinthechopofabrokensea，itstayedshudderingandbacking，whileabovehisheadtherewasonlyalowsadsky，andaroundhimthelapandwashofgreywavesthatwereneverthesameandwereneverdifferent。
　　Afterlongstaringonthehungrynothingnessofairandwaterhewouldstareontheskin-stretchedfabricofhisboatasonastrangeness，orhewouldexaminehishandsandthetextureofhisskinandthestiffblackhairsthatgrewbehindhisknucklesandsproutedaroundhisring，andhefoundinthesethingsnewnessandwonder。
　　Then，whendaysofstormhadpassed，thelowgreycloudsshiveredandcrackedinathousandplaces，eachgrimisletwentscuddingtothehorizonasthoughterrifiedbysomegreatbreadth，andwhentheyhadpassedhestaredintovastaftervastofblueinfinity，inthedepthsofwhichhiseyesstayedandcouldnotpierce，andwherefromtheycouldscarcelybewithdrawn。Asunbeamedthencethatfilledtheairwithsparkleandtheseawithathousandlights，andlookingonthesehewasremindedofhishomeatTara：ofthecolumnsofwhiteandyellowbronzethatblazedoutsunnilyonthesun，andtheredandwhiteandyellowpaintedroofsthatbeamedatandastonishedtheeye。
　　Sailingthus，lostinasuccessionofdaysandnights，ofwindsandcalms，hecameatlasttoanisland。
　　Hisbackwasturnedtoit，andlongbeforehesawithesmelleditandwondered；forhehadbeensittingasinadaze，musingonachangethathadseemedtocomeinhischangelessworld；andforalongtimehecouldnottellwhatthatwaswhichmadeadifferenceonthesalt-whippedwindorwhyheshouldbeexcited。
　　Forsuddenlyhehadbecomeexcitedandhisheartleapedinviolentexpectation。
　　"ItisanOctobersmell，"hesaid。
　　"ItisapplesthatIsmell。"
　　Heturnedthenandsawtheisland，fragrantwithappletrees，sweetwithwellsofwine；and，hearkeningtowardstheshore，hisears，dulledyetwiththeunendingrhythmsofthesea，distinguishedandwerefilledwithsong；fortheislewas，asitwere，anestofbirds，andtheysangjoyously，sweetly，triumphantly。
　　Helandedonthatlovelyisland，andwentforwardunderthedartingbirds，undertheappleboughs，skirtingfragrantlakesaboutwhichwerewoodsofthesacredhazelandintowhichthenutsofknowledgefellandswam；andheblessedthegodsofhispeoplebecauseofthegroundthatdidnotshiverandbecauseofthedeeplyrootedtreesthatcouldnotgadorbudge。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Havinggonesomedistancebythesepleasantwayshesawashapelyhousedozinginthesunlight。
　　Itwasthatchedwiththewingsofbirds，bluewingsandyellowandwhitewings，andinthecentreofthehousetherewasadoorofcrystalsetinpostsofbronze。
　　Thequeenofthisislandlivedthere，Rigru（Large-eyed），thedaughterofLodan，andwifeofDaireDegamra。ShewasseatedonacrystalthronewithhersonSegdabyherside，andtheywelcomedtheHighKingcourteously。
　　Therewerenoservantsinthispalace；norwasthereneedforthem。TheHighKingfoundthathishandshadwashedthemselves，andwhenlateronhenoticedthatfoodhadbeenplacedbeforehimhenoticedalsothatithadcomewithouttheassistanceofservilehands。Acloakwaslaidgentlyabouthisshoulders，andhewasgladofit，forhisownwassoiledbyexposuretosunandwindandwater，andwasnotworthyofalady’seye。
　　Thenhewasinvitedtoeat。
　　Henoticed，however，thatfoodhadbeensetfornoonebuthimself，andthisdidnotpleasehim，fortoeatalonewascontrarytothehospitableusageofaking，andwascontraryalsotohiscontractwiththegods。
　　"Good，myhosts，"heremonstrated，"itisgeasa（taboo）formetoeatalone。"
　　"Butwenevereattogether，"thequeenreplied。
　　"Icannotviolatemygeasa，"saidtheHighKing。
　　"Iwilleatwithyou，"saidSegda（SweetSpeech），"andthus，whileyouareourguestyouwillnotdoviolencetoyourvows。"
　　"Indeed，"saidConn，"thatwillbeagreatsatisfaction，forI
　　havealreadyallthetroublethatIcancopewithandhavenowishtoaddtoitbyoffendingthegods。"
　　"Whatisyourtrouble？"thegentlequeenasked。"Duringayear，"
　　Connreplied，"therehasbeenneithercornnormilkinIreland。
　　Thelandisparched，thetreesarewithered，thebirdsdonotsinginIreland，andthebeesdonotmakehoney。"
　　"Youarecertainlyintrouble，"thequeenassented。
　　"But，"shecontinued，"forwhatpurposehaveyoucometoourisland？"
　　"Ihavecometoaskfortheloanofyourson。"
　　"Aloanofmyson！"
　　"Ihavebeeninformed，"Connexplained，"thatifthesonofasinlesscoupleisbroughttoTaraandisbathedinthewatersofIrelandthelandwillbedeliveredfromthoseills。"
　　Thekingofthisisland，Daire，hadnothithertospoken，buthenowdidsowithastonishmentandemphasis。
　　"Wewouldnotlendoursontoanyone，noteventogainthekingshipoftheworld，"saidhe。
　　ButSegda，observingthattheguest’scountenancewasdiscomposed，brokein：
　　"ItisnotkindtorefuseathingthattheArd-Ri’ofIrelandasksfor，andIwillgowithhim。"
　　"Donotgo，mypulse，"hisfatheradvised。
　　"Donotgo，myonetreasure，"hismotherpleaded。
　　"Imustgoindeed，"theboyreplied，"foritistodogoodIamrequired，andnopersonmayshirksucharequirement。"
　　"Gothen，"saidhisfather，"butIwillplaceyouundertheprotectionoftheHighKingandoftheFourProvincialKingsofIreland，andundertheprotectionofArt，thesonofConn，andofFionn，thesonofUail，andundertheprotectionofthemagiciansandpoetsandthemenofartinIreland。"AndhethereuponboundtheseprotectionsandsafeguardsontheArd-Ri’withanoath。
　　"Iwillanswerfortheseprotections，"saidConn。
　　HedepartedthenfromtheislandwithSegdaandinthreedaystheyreachedIreland，andinduetimetheyarrivedatTara。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　OnreachingthepalaceConncalledhismagiciansandpoetstoacouncilandinformedthemthathehadfoundtheboytheysought——thesonofavirgin。Theselearnedpeopleconsultedtogether，andtheystatedthattheyoungmanmustbekilled，andthathisbloodshouldbemixedwiththeearthofTaraandsprinkledunderthewitheredtrees。
　　WhenSegdaheardthishewasastonishedanddefiant；then，seeingthathewasaloneandwithoutprospectofsuccour，hegrewdowncastandwasingreatfearforhislife。Butrememberingthesafeguardsunderwhichhehadbeenplaced，heenumeratedthesetotheassembly，andcalledontheHighKingtogranthimtheprotectionsthatwerehisdue。
　　Connwasgreatlyperturbed，but，asindutybound，heplacedtheboyunderthevariousprotectionsthatwereinhisoath，and，withthecourageofonewhohasnomoretogainorlose，heplacedSegda，furthermore，undertheprotectionofallthemenofIreland。
　　ButthemenofIrelandrefusedtoacceptthatbond，sayingthatalthoughtheArd-Ri’wasactingjustlytowardstheboyhewasnotactingjustlytowardsIreland。
　　"Wedonotwishtoslaythisprinceforourpleasure，"theyargued，"butforthesafetyofIrelandhemustbekilled。"
　　Angrypartieswereformed。Art，andFionnthesonofUail，andtheprincesofthelandwereoutragedattheideathatonewhohadbeenplacedundertheirprotectionshouldbehurtbyanyhand。ButthemenofIrelandandthemagiciansstatedthatthekinghadgonetoFaeryforaspecialpurpose，andthathisactsoutsideorcontrarytothatpurposewereillegal，andcommittednopersontoobedience。
　　ThereweredebatesintheCouncilHall，inthemarket-place，inthestreetsofTara，someholdingthatnationalhonourdissolvedandabsolvedallpersonalhonour，andothersprotestingthatnomanhadaughtbuthispersonalhonour，andthataboveitnotthegods，notevenIreland，couldbeplaced——foritistobeknownthatIrelandisagod。
　　Suchadebatewasincourse，andSegda，towhombothsidesaddressedgentleandcourteousarguments，grewmoreandmoredisconsolate。
　　"YoushalldieforIreland，dearheart，"saidoneofthem，andhegaveSegdathreekissesoneachcheek。
　　"Indeed，"saidSegda，returningthosekisses，"indeedIhadnotbargainedtodieforIreland，butonlytobatheinherwatersandtoremoveherpestilence。"
　　"Butdearchildandprince，"saidanother，kissinghimlikewise，"ifanyoneofuscouldsaveIrelandbydyingforherhowcheerfullywewoulddie。"
　　AndSegda，returninghisthreekisses，agreedthatthedeathwasnoble，butthatitwasnotinhisundertaking。
　　Then，observingthestrickencountenancesabouthim，andthefacesofmenandwomenhewnthinbyhunger，hisresolutionmeltedaway，andhesaid：
　　"IthinkImustdieforyou，"andthenhesaid：
　　"Iwilldieforyou"
　　Andwhenhehadsaidthat，allthepeoplepresenttouchedhischeekwiththeirlips，andtheloveandpeaceofIrelandenteredintohissoul，sothathewastranquilandproudandhappy。
　　Theexecutionerdrewhiswide，thinbladeandallthosepresentcoveredtheireyeswiththeircloaks，whenawailingvoicecalledontheexecutionertodelayyetamoment。TheHighKinguncoveredhiseyesandsawthatawomanhadapproacheddrivingacowbeforeher。
　　"Whyareyoukillingtheboy？"shedemanded。
　　Thereasonforthisslayingwasexplainedtoher。
　　"Areyousure，"sheasked，"thatthepoetsandmagiciansreallyknoweverything？"
　　"Dotheynot？"thekinginquired。
　　"Dothey？"sheinsisted。
　　Andthenturningtothemagicians：
　　"Letonemagicianofthemagicianstellmewhatishiddeninthebagsthatarelyingacrossthebackofmycow。"
　　Butnomagiciancouldtellit，nordidtheytryto。
　　"Questionsarenotansweredthus，"theysaid。"Thereisformulae，andthecallingupofspirits，andlengthycomplicatedpreparationsinourart。"
　　"Iamnotbadlylearnedinthesearts，"saidthewoman，"andI
　　saythatifyouslaythiscowtheeffectwillbethesameasifyouhadkilledtheboy。"
　　"Wewouldprefertokillacoworathousandcowsratherthanharmthisyoungprince，"saidConn，"butifwesparetheboywilltheseevilsreturn？"
　　"Theywillnotbebanisheduntilyouhavebanishedtheircause。"
　　"Andwhatistheircause？"
　　"Becumaisthecause，andshemustbebanished。"
　　"Ifyoumusttellmewhattodo，"saidConn，"tellmeatleasttodosomethingthatIcando。"
　　"Iwilltellyoucertainly。YoucankeepBecumaandyourillsaslongasyouwantto。Itdoesnotmattertome。Come，myson，"shesaidtoSegda，foritwasSegda’smotherwhohadcometosavehim；andthenthatsinlessqueenandhersonwentbacktotheirhomeofenchantment，leavingthekingandFionnandthemagiciansandnoblesofIrelandastonishedandashamed。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　Therearegoodandevilpeopleinthisandineveryotherworld，andthepersonwhogoeshencewillgotothegoodortheevilthatisnativetohim，whilethosewhoreturncomeassurelytotheirdue。ThetroublewhichhadfallenonBecumadidnotleaveherrepentant，andthesweetladybegantodowrongasinstantlyandinnocentlyasaflowerbeginstogrow。ItwasshewhowasresponsiblefortheillswhichhadcomeonIreland，andwemaywonderwhyshebroughttheseplaguesanddroughtstowhatwasnowherowncountry。
　　Underallwrong-doingliespersonalvanityorthefeelingthatweareendowedandprivilegedbeyondourfellows。Itisprobablethat，howevercourageouslyshehadacceptedfate，Becumahadbeensharplystrickeninherpride；inthesenseofpersonalstrength，aloofness，andidentity，inwhichthemindlikensitselftogodandwillresisteverydominationbutitsown。Shehadbeenpunished，thatis，shehadsubmittedtocontrol，andhersenseoffreedom，ofprivilege，ofverybeing，wasoutraged。Themindflinchesevenfromthecontrolofnaturallaw，andhowmuchmorefromthedespotismofitsownseparatedlikenesses，forifanothercancontrolmethatotherhasusurpedme，hasbecomeme，andhowterriblyIseemdiminishedbytheseemingaddition！
　　Thissenseofseparatenessisvanity，andisthebedofallwrong-doing。Forwearenotfreedom，wearecontrol，andwemustsubmittoourownfunctionerewecanexerciseit。Evenunconsciouslyweaccepttherightsofotherstoallthatwehave，andifwewillnotshareourgoodwiththem，itisbecausewecannot，havingnone；butwewillyetgivewhatwehave，althoughthatbeevil。Toinsistonotherpeoplesharinginourpersonaltormentisthefirststeptowardsinsistingthattheyshallshareinourjoy，asweshallinsistwhenwegetit。
　　Becumaconsideredthatifshemustsufferallelseshemetshouldsufferalso。Sheraged，therefore，againstIreland，andinparticularsheragedagainstyoungArt，herhusband’sson，andsheleftundonenothingthatcouldafflictIrelandortheprince。
　　Shemayhavefeltthatshecouldnotmakethemsuffer，andthatisamaddeningthoughttoanywoman。Orperhapsshehadreallydesiredthesoninsteadofthefather，andherthwarteddesirehadperpetuateditselfashate。ButitistruethatArtregardedhismother’ssuccessorwithintensedislike，anditistruethatsheactivelyreturnedit。
　　OnedayBecumacameonthelawnbeforethepalace，andseeingthatArtwasatchesswithCromdesshewalkedtothetableonwhichthematchwasbeingplayedandforsometimeregardedthegame。Buttheyoungprincedidnottakeanynoticeofherwhileshestoodbytheboard，forheknewthatthisgirlwastheenemyofIreland，andhecouldnotbringhimselfeventolookather。
　　Becuma，lookingdownonhisbeautifulhead，smiledasmuchinrageasindisdain。
　　"Osonofaking，"saidshe，"Idemandagamewithyouforstakes。"
　　Artthenraisedhisheadandstoodupcourteously，buthedidnotlookather。
　　"WhateverthequeendemandsIwilldo，"saidhe。
　　"AmInotyourmotheralso？"sherepliedmockingly，asshetooktheseatwhichthechiefmagicianleapedfrom。
　　Thegamewassetthen，andherplaywassoskilfulthatArtwashardputtocounterhermoves。ButatapointofthegameBecumagrewthoughtful，and，asbyalapseofmemory，shemadeamovewhichgavethevictorytoheropponent。Butshehadintendedthat。Shesatthen，bitingonherlipwithherwhitesmallteethandstaringangrilyatArt。
　　"Whatdoyoudemandfromme？"sheasked。
　　"IbindyoutoeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyoufindthewandofCuroi，sonofDare’。"
　　BecumathenputacloakaboutherandshewentfromTaranorthwardandeastwarduntilshecametothedewy，sparklingBrughofAngusmacanOginUlster，butshewasnotadmittedthere。ShewentthencetotheShi’ruledoverbyEogabal，andalthoughthislordwouldnotadmither，hisdaughterAine’，whowasherfoster-sister，letherintoFaery。
　　ShemadeinquiriesandwasinformedwherethedunofCuroimacDare’was，andwhenshehadreceivedthisintelligenceshesetoutforSlievMis。BywhatartsshecoaxedCuroitogiveuphiswanditmattersnot，enoughthatshewasabletoreturnintriumphtoTara。WhenshehandedthewandtoArt，shesaid：
　　"Iclaimmygameofrevenge。"
　　"Itisduetoyou，"saidArt，andtheysatonthelawnbeforethepalaceandplayed。
　　Ahardgamethatwas，andattimeseachofthecombatantssatforanhourstaringontheboardbeforethenextmovewasmade，andattimestheylookedfromtheboardandforhoursstaredontheskyseekingasthoughinheavenforadvice。ButBecuma’sfoster-sister，Aine’，camefromtheShi’，and，unseenbyany，sheinterferedwithArt’splay，sothat，suddenly，whenhelookedagainontheboard，hisfacewentpale，forhesawthatthegamewaslost。
　　"Ididn’tmovethatpiece，"saidhesternly。
　　"NordidI，"Becumareplied，andshecalledontheonlookerstoconfirmthatstatement。
　　Shewassmilingtoherselfsecretly，forshehadseenwhatthemortaleyesaroundcouldnotsee。
　　"Ithinkthegameismine，"sheinsistedsoftly。
　　"IthinkthatyourfriendsinFaeryhavecheated，"hereplied，"butthegameisyoursifyouarecontenttowinitthatway。"
　　"Ibindyou，"saidBecuma，"toeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyouhavefoundDelvcaem，thedaughterofMorgan。"
　　"WheredoIlookforher？"saidArtindespair。
　　"Sheisinoneoftheislandsofthesea，"Becumareplied，"thatisallIwilltellyou，"andshelookedathimmaliciously，joyously，contentedly，forshethoughthewouldneverreturnfromthatjourney，andthatMorganwouldseetoit。