CHAPTERIX
　　Art，ashisfatherhaddonebeforehim，setoutfortheMany-ColouredLand，butitwasfromInverColpaheembarkedandnotfromBenEdair。
　　Atacertaintimehepassedfromtheroughgreenridgesoftheseatoenchantedwaters，andheroamedfromislandtoislandaskingallpeoplehowhemightcometoDelvcaem，thedaughterofMorgan。Buthegotnonewsfromanyone，untilhereachedanislandthatwasfragrantwithwildapples，gaywithflowers，andjoyouswiththesongofbirdsandthedeepmellowdrummingofthebees。Inthisislandhewasmetbyalady，Crede’，theTrulyBeautiful，andwhentheyhadexchangedkisses，hetoldherwhohewasandonwhaterrandhewasbent。
　　"Wehavebeenexpectingyou，"saidCrede’，"butalas，poorsoul，itisahard，andalong，badwaythatyoumustgo；forthereisseaandland，dangeranddifficultybetweenyouandthedaughterofMorgan。"
　　"YetImustgothere，"heanswered。
　　"Thereisawilddarkoceantobecrossed。Thereisadensewoodwhereeverythornoneverytreeissharpasaspear-pointandiscurvedandclutching。Thereisadeepgulftobegonethrough，"
　　shesaid，"aplaceofsilenceandterror，fullofdumb，venomousmonsters。Thereisanimmenseoakforest——dark，dense，thorny，aplacetobestrayedin，aplacetobeutterlybewilderedandlostin。Thereisavastdarkwilderness，andthereinisadarkhouse，lonelyandfullofechoes，andinittherearesevengloomyhags，whoarewarnedalreadyofyourcomingandarewaitingtoplungeyouinabathofmoltenlead。"
　　"Itisnotachoicejourney，"saidArt，"butIhavenochoiceandmustgo。"
　　"Shouldyoupassthosehags，"shecontinued，"andnoonehasyetpassedthem，youmustmeetAililloftheBlackTeeth，thesonofMonganTenderBlossom，andwhocouldpassthatgiganticandterriblefighter？"
　　"ItisnoteasytofindthedaughterofMorgan，"saidArtinamelancholyvoice。
　　"Itisnoteasy，"Crede’repliedeagerly，"andifyouwilltakemyadvice——"
　　"Adviseme，"hebrokein，"forintruththereisnomanstandinginsuchneedofcounselasIdo。"
　　"Iwouldadviseyou，"saidCrede’inalowvoice，"toseeknomoreforthesweetdaughterofMorgan，buttostayinthisplacewhereallthatislovelyisatyourservice。"
　　"But，but——"criedArtinastonishment。
　　"AmInotassweetasthedaughterofMorgan？"shedemanded，andshestoodbeforehimqueenlyandpleadingly，andhereyestookhiswithimperioustenderness。
　　"Bymyhand，"heanswered，"youaresweeterandlovelierthananybeingunderthesun，but——"
　　"Andwithme，"shesaid，"youwillforgetIreland。"
　　"Iamunderbonds，"criedArt，"Ihavepassedmyword，andI
　　wouldnotforgetIrelandorcutmyselffromitforallthekingdomsoftheMany-ColouredLand。"
　　Crede’urgednomoreatthattime，butastheywerepartingshewhispered，"Therearetwogirls，sistersofmyown，inMorgan’spalace。Theywillcometoyouwithacupineitherhand；onecupwillbefilledwithwineandonewithpoison。Drinkfromtheright-handcup，Omydear。"
　　Artsteppedintohiscoracle，andthen，wringingherhands，shemadeyetanattempttodissuadehimfromthatdrearjourney。
　　"Donotleaveme，"sheurged。"Donotaffrontthesedangers。
　　AroundthepalaceofMorganthereisapalisadeofcopperspikes，andonthetopofeachspiketheheadofamangrinsandshrivels。Thereisonespikeonlywhichbearsnohead，anditisforyourheadthatspikeiswaiting。Donotgothere，mylove。"
　　"Imustgoindeed，"said。Artearnestly。
　　"Thereisyetadanger，"shecalled。"BewareofDelvcaem’smother，DogHead，daughteroftheKingoftheDogHeads。Bewareofher。"
　　"Indeed，"saidArttohimself，"thereissomuchtobewareofthatIwillbewareofnothing。Iwillgoaboutmybusiness，"hesaidtothewaves，"andIwillletthosebeingsandmonstersandthepeopleoftheDogHeadsgoabouttheirbusiness。"
　　CHAPTERX
　　Hewentforwardinhislightbark，andatsomemomentfoundthathehadpartedfromthoseseasandwasadriftonvasterandmoreturbulentbillows。Fromthosedark-greensurgestheregapedathimmonstrousandcavernousjaws；andround，wicked，red-rimmed，bulgingeyesstaredfixedlyattheboat。Aridgeofinkywaterrushedfoamingmountainouslyonhisboard，andbehindthatridgecameavastwartyheadthatgurgledandgroaned。Butatthesevilecreatureshethrustwithhislengthyspearorstabbedatcloserreachwithadagger。
　　Hewasnotsparedoneoftheterrorswhichhadbeenforetold。
　　Thus，inthedarkthickoakforestheslewthesevenhagsandburiedtheminthemoltenleadwhichtheyhadheatedforhim。Heclimbedanicymountain，thecoldbreathofwhichseemedtoslipintohisbodyandchipoffinsideofhisbones，andthere，untilhemasteredthesortofclimbingonice，foreachstepthathetookupwardsheslippedbacktensteps。Almosthisheartgavewaybeforehelearnedtoclimbthatvenomoushill。Inaforkedglenintowhichheslippedatnight-fallhewassurroundedbygianttoads，whospatpoison，andwereicyasthelandtheylivedin，andwerecoldandfoulandsavage。AtSliavSaevheencounteredthelong-manedlionswholieinwaitforthebeastsoftheworld，growlingwoefullyastheysquatabovetheirpreyandcrunchthoseterrifiedbones。HecameonAililloftheBlackTeethsittingonthebridgethatspannedatorrent，andthegrimgiantwasgrindinghisteethonapillarstone。Artdrewnighunobservedandbroughthimlow。
　　Itwasnotfornothingthatthesedifficultiesanddangerswereinhispath。ThesethingsandcreaturesweretheinventionofDogHead，thewifeofMorgan，forithadbecomeknowntoherthatshewoulddieonthedayherdaughterwaswooed。ThereforenoneofthedangersencounteredbyArtwerereal，butweremagicalchimerasconjuredagainsthimbythegreatwitch。
　　Affrontingall，conqueringall，hecameintimetoMorgan’sdun，aplacesolovelythatafterthemiseriesthroughwhichhehadstruggledhealmostwepttoseebeautyagain。
　　Delvcaemknewthathewascoming。Shewaswaitingforhim，yearningforhim。TohermindArtwasnotonlylove，hewasfreedom，forthepoorgirlwasacaptiveinherfather’shome。A
　　greatpillaranhundredfeethighhadbeenbuiltontheroofofMorgan’spalace，andonthetopofthispillaratinyroomhadbeenconstructed，andinthisroomDelvcaemwasaprisoner。
　　ShewaslovelierinshapethananyotherprincessoftheMany-ColouredLand。Shewaswiserthanalltheotherwomenofthatland，andshewasskilfulinmusic，embroidery，andchastity，andinallelsethatpertainedtotheknowledgeofaqueen。
　　AlthoughDelvcaem’smotherwishednothingbutilltoArt，sheyettreatedhimwiththecourtesyproperinaqueenontheonehandandfittingtowardsthesonoftheKingofIrelandontheother。
　　Therefore，whenArtenteredthepalacehewasmetandkissed，andhewasbathedandclothedandfed。Twoyounggirlscametohimthen，havingacupineachoftheirhands，andpresentedhimwiththekinglydrink，but，rememberingthewarningwhichCredlhadgivenhim，hedrankonlyfromtheright-handcupandescapedthepoison。NexthewasvisitedbyDelvcaem’smother，DogHead，daughteroftheKingoftheDogHeads，andMorgan’squeen。Shewasdressedinfullarmour，andshechallengedArttofightwithher。
　　Itwasawoefulcombat，fortherewasnocraftorsagacityunknowntoher，andArtwouldinfalliblyhaveperishedbyherhandbutthatherdayswerenumbered，herstarwasout，andhertimehadcome。Itwasherheadthatrolledonthegroundwhenthecombatwasover，anditwasherheadthatgrinnedandshrivelledonthevacantspikewhichshehadreservedforArt’s。
　　ThenArtliberatedDelvcaemfromherprisonatthetopofthepillarandtheywereaffiancedtogether。Buttheceremonyhadscarcelybeencompletedwhenthetreadofasinglemancausedthepalacetoquakeandseemedtojartheworld。
　　ItwasMorganreturningtothepalace。
　　Thegloomykingchallengedhimtocombatalso，andinhishonourArtputonthebattleharnesswhichhehadbroughtfromIreland。
　　Heworeabreastplateandhelmetofgold，amantleofbluesatinswungfromhisshoulders，hislefthandwasthrustintothegripsofapurpleshield，deeplybossedwithsilver，andintheotherhandheheldthewide-grooved，bluehiltedswordwhichhadrungsooftenintofightsandcombats，andjoyousfeatsandexercises。
　　Uptothistimethetrialsthroughwhichhehadpassedhadseemedsogreatthattheycouldnoteasilybeaddedto。ButifallthosetrialshadbeengatheredintoonevastcalamitytheywouldnotequalonehalfoftherageandcatastropheofhiswarwithMorgan。
　　ForwhathecouldnoteffectbyarmsMorganwouldendeavourbyguile，sothatwhileArtdroveathimorparriedacraftyblow，theshapeofMorganchangedbeforehiseyes，andthemonstrouskingwashavingathiminanotherform，andfromanewdirection。
　　ItwaswellforthesonoftheArd-Ri’thathehadbeenbelovedbythepoetsandmagiciansofhisland，andthattheyhadtaughthimallthatwasknownofshape-changingandwordsofpower。
　　Hehadneedofallthese。
　　Attimes，fortheweaponmustchangewiththeenemy，theyfoughtwiththeirforeheadsastwogiantstags，andthecrashoftheirmonstrousonslaughtrolledandlingeredontheairlongaftertheirskullshadparted。Thenastwolions，long-clawed，deep-mouthed，snarling，withrigidmane，withred-eyedglare，withflashing，sharp-whitefangs，theyprowledlithelyabouteachotherseekingforanopening。Andthenastwogreen-ridged，white-topped，broad-swung，overwhelming，vehementbillowsofthedeep，theymetandcrashedandsunkintoandrolledawayfromeachother；andthenoiseofthesetwowaveswasastheroarofalloceanwhenthehowlofthetempestisdrownedintheleague-longfuryofthesurge。
　　Butwhenthewife’stimehascomethehusbandisdoomed。Heisrequiredelsewherebyhisbeloved，andMorganwenttorejoinhisqueenintheworldthatcomesaftertheMany-ColouredLand，andhisvictorshorethatknowledgeableheadawayfromitsgiantshoulders。
　　HedidnottarryintheMany-ColouredLand，forhehadnothingfurthertoseekthere。Hegatheredthethingswhichpleasedhimbestfromamongthetreasuresofitsgrislyking，andwithDelvcaembyhissidetheysteppedintothecoracle。
　　Then，settingtheirmindsonIreland，theywentthereasitwereinaflash。
　　Thewavesofalltheworldseemedtowhirlpasttheminonehuge，greencataract。Thesoundofalltheseoceansboomedintheirearsforoneeternalinstant。Nothingwasforthatmomentbutavastroarandpourofwaters。Thencetheyswungintoasilenceequallyvast，andsosuddenthatitwasasthunderousinthecomparisonaswastheelementalragetheyquitted。Foratimetheysatpanting，staringateachother，holdingeachother，lestnotonlytheirlivesbuttheirverysoulsshouldbeswirledawayinthegustypassageofworldwithinworld；andthen，lookingabroad，theysawthesmallbrightwavescreamingbytherocksofBenEdair，andtheyblessedthepowerthathadguidedandprotectedthem，andtheyblessedthecomelylandofIr。
　　OnreachingTara，Delvcaem，whowasmorepowerfulinartandmagicthanBecuma，orderedthelattertogoaway，andshedidso。
　　Shelefttheking’sside。Shecamefromthemidstofthecounsellorsandmagicians。Shedidnotbidfarewelltoanyone。
　　Shedidnotsaygood-byetothekingasshesetoutforBenEdair。
　　Whereshecouldgotonomanknew，forshehadbeenban-ishedfromtheMany-ColouredLandandcouldnotreturnthere。ShewasforbiddenentrytotheShi’byAngusOg，andshecouldnotremaininIreland。ShewenttoSasanaandshebecameaqueeninthatcountry，anditwasshewhofosteredtherageagainsttheHolyLandwhichhasnotceasedtothisday。
　　MONGAN’SFRENZY
　　CHAPTERI
　　TheabbotoftheMonasteryofMovillesentwordtothestory-tellersofIrelandthatwhentheywereinhisneighbourhoodtheyshouldcallatthemonastery，forhewishedtocollectandwritedownthestorieswhichwereindangerofbeingforgotten。
　　"Thesethingsalsomusthetold，"saidhe。
　　InparticularhewishedtogathertaleswhichtoldofthedeedsthathadbeendonebeforetheGospelcametoIreland。
　　"For，"saidhe，"thereareverygoodtalesamongthoseones，anditwouldbeapityifthepeoplewhocomeafterusshouldbeignorantofwhathappenedlongago，andofthedeedsoftheirfathers。"
　　So，wheneverastory-tellerchancedinthatneighbourhoodhewasdirectedtothemonastery，andtherehereceivedawelcomeandhisfillofallthatisgoodforman。
　　Theabbot’smanuscriptboxesbegantofillup，andheusedtoregardthatgrowingstorewithprideandjoy。Intheevenings，whenthedaysgrewshortandthelightwentearly，hewouldcallforsomeoneofthesemanuscriptsandhaveitreadtohimbycandle-light，inorderthathemightsatisfyhimselfthatitwasasgoodashehadjudgedittobeontheprevioushearing。
　　Onedayastory-tellercametothemonastery，and，likealltheothers，hewasheartilywelcomedandgivenagreatdealmorethanhisneed。
　　HesaidthathisnamewasCairide’，andthathehadastorytotellwhichcouldnotbebetteredamongthestoriesofIreland。
　　Theabbot’seyesglistenedwhenheheardthat。Herubbedhishandstogetherandsmiledonhisguest。
　　"Whatisthenameofyourstory？"heasked。
　　"Itiscalled’Mongan’sFrenzy。’"
　　"Ineverheardofitbefore，"criedtheabbotjoyfully。
　　"Iamtheonlymanthatknowsit，"Cairide’replied。
　　"Buthowdoesthatcomeabout？"theabbotinquired。
　　"Becauseitbelongstomyfamily，"thestory-telleranswered。
　　"TherewasaCairide’ofmynationwithMonganwhenhewentintoFaery。ThisCairide’listenedtothestorywhenitwasfirsttold。Thenhetoldittohisson，andhissontoldittohisson，andthatson’sgreat-great-grandson’ssontoldittohisson’sson，andhetoldittomyfather，andmyfathertoldittome。"
　　"Andyoushalltellittome，"criedtheabbottriumphantly。
　　"Iwillindeed，"saidCairide’。Vellumwasthenbroughtandquills。Thecopyistssatattheirtables。Alewasplacedbesidethestory-teller，andhetoldthistaletotheabbot。
　　CHAPTERII
　　SaidCairide’：
　　Mongan’swifeatthattimewasBro’tiarna，theFlameLady。Shewaspassionateandfierce，andbecausethebloodwouldfloodsuddenlytohercheek，sothatshewhohadseemedalilybecame，whileyoulookeduponher，arose，shewascalledFlameLady。ShelovedMonganwithecstasyandabandon，andforthatalsohecalledherFlameLady。
　　Buttheremayhavebeensomethingofcalculationeveninherwildestmoment，forifshewasdelightedinheraffectionshewastormentedinitalso，asareallthosewholovethegreatonesoflifeandstrivetoequalthemselveswhereequalityisnotpossible。
　　Forherhusbandwasatoncemorethanhimselfandlessthanhimself。HewaslessthanhimselfbecausehewasnowMongan。Hewasmorethanhimselfbecausehewasonewhohadlongdisappearedfromtheworldofmen。Hislamenthadbeensungandhisfuneralgamesplayedmany，manyyearsbefore，andBro’tiarnasensedinhimsecrets，experiences，knowledgesinwhichshecouldhavenopart，andforwhichshewasgreedilyenvious。
　　Soshewascontinuallyaskinghimlittle，simplequestionsa’
　　proposofeverykindofthing。
　　Sheweighedallthathesaidonwhateversubject，andwhenhetalkedinhissleepshelistenedtohisdream。
　　Theknowledgethatshegleanedfromthoselisteningstormentedherfarmorethanitsatisfiedher，forthenamesofotherwomenwerecontinuallyonhislips，sometimesintermsofdearaffection，sometimesinaccentsofangerordespair，andinhissleephespokefamiliarlyofpeoplewhomthestory-tellerstoldof，butwhohadbeendeadforcenturies。Thereforeshewasperplexed，andbecamefilledwithaveryrageofcuriosity。
　　Amongthenameswhichherhusbandmentionedtherewasonewhich，becauseofthefrequencywithwhichitappeared，andbecauseofthetoneofanguishandloveandlonginginwhichitwasuttered，shethoughtofoftenerthantheothers：thisnamewasDuvLaca。
　　Althoughshequestionedandcross-questionedCairide’，herstory-teller，shecoulddiscovernothingaboutaladywhohadbeenknownastheBlackDuck。ButonenightwhenMonganseemedtospeakwithDuvLacahementionedherfatherasFiachnaDuvmacDemain，andthestory-tellersaidthatkinghadbeendeadforavastnumberofyears。
　　Sheaskedherhusbandthen，boldly，totellherthestoryofDuvLaca，andundertheinfluenceoftheirmutuallovehepromisedtotellittohersometime，buteachtimesheremindedhimofhispromisehebecameconfused，andsaidthathewouldtellitsomeothertime。
　　AstimewentonthepoorFlameLadygrewmoreandmorejealousofDuvLaca，andmoreandmorecertainthat，ifonlyshecouldknowwhathadhappened，shewouldgetsomeeasetohertormentedheartandsomeassuagementofherperfectlynaturalcuriosity。
　　ThereforeshelostnoopportunityofremindingMonganofhispromise，andoneachoccasionherenewedthepromiseandputitbacktoanothertime。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　IntheyearwhenCiaranthesonoftheCarpenterdied，thesameyearwhenTuathalMaelgarivwaskilledandtheyearwhenDiarmaitthesonofCerrbelbecamekingofallIreland，theyear538ofourerainshort，ithappenedthattherewasagreatgatheringofthemenofIrelandattheHillofUisneachinRoyalMeath。
　　InadditiontotheCouncilwhichwasbeingheld，thereweregamesandtournamentsandbrilliantdeploymentsoftroops，anduniversalfeastingsandenjoyments。Thegatheringlastedforaweek，andonthelastdayoftheweekMonganwasmovingthroughthecrowdwithsevenguards，hisstory-tellerCairide’，andhiswife。
　　Ithadbeenabeautifulday，withbrilliantsunshineandgreatsport，butsuddenlycloudsbegantogatherintheskytothewest，andotherscamerushingblacklyfromtheeast。Whenthesecloudsmettheworldwentdarkforaspace，andtherefellfromtheskyashowerofhailstones，solargethateachmanwonderedattheirsize，andsoswiftandheavythatthewomenandyoungpeopleofthehostscreamedfromthepainoftheblowstheyreceived。
　　Mongan’smenmadearoofoftheirshields，andthehailstonesbatteredontheshieldssoterriblythatevenunderthemtheywereafraid。Theybegantomoveawayfromthehostlookingforshelter，andwhentheyhadgoneapartalittlewaytheyturnedtheedgeofasmallhillandaknolloftrees，andinthetwinklingofaneyetheywereinfairweather。
　　Oneminutetheyheardtheclashingandbashingofthehailstones，thehowlingofthevenomouswind，thescreamsofwomenandtheuproarofthecrowdontheHillofUisneach，andthenextminutetheyheardnothingmoreofthosesoundsandsawnothingmoreofthesesights，fortheyhadbeenpermittedtogoatonestepoutoftheworldofmenandintotheworldofFaery。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　ThereisadifferencebetweenthisworldandtheworldofFaery，butitisnotimmediatelyperceptible。Everythingthatishereisthere，butthethingsthataretherearebetterthanthosethatarehere。Allthingsthatarebrightaretherebrighter。Thereismoregoldinthesunandmoresilverinthemoonofthatland。
　　Thereismorescentintheflowers，moresavourinthefruit。
　　Thereismorecomelinessinthemenandmoretendernessinthewomen。EverythinginFaeryisbetterbythisonewonderfuldegree，anditisbythisbetternessyouwillknowthatyouarethereifyoushouldeverhappentogetthere。
　　Monganandhiscompanionssteppedfromtheworldofstormintosunshineandascentedworld。Theinstanttheysteppedtheystood，bewildered，lookingateachothersilently，questioningly，andthenwithoneaccordtheyturnedtolookbackwhencetheyhadcome。
　　Therewasnostormbehindthem。Thesunlightdrowsedthereasitdidinfront，apeacefulfloodingoflivinggold。Theysawtheshapesofthecountrytowhichtheireyeswereaccustomed，andrecognisedthewell-knownlandmarks，butitseemedthatthedistanthillswereatriflehigher，andthegrasswhichclothedthemandstretchedbetweenwasgreener，wasmorevelvety：thatthetreeswerebetterclothedandhadmoreofpeaceastheyhungoverthequietground。
　　ButMonganknewwhathadhappened，andhesmiledwithgleeashewatchedhisastonishedcompanions，andhesniffedthatbalmyairasonewhosenostrilsrememberedit。
　　"Youhadbettercomewithme，"hesaid。
　　"Wherearewe？"hiswifeasked。"Why，wearehere，"criedMongan；
　　"whereelseshouldwebe？"
　　Hesetoffthen，andtheothersfollowed，staringaboutthemcautiously，andeachmankeepingahandonthehiltofhissword。
　　"AreweinFaery？"theFlameLadyasked。
　　"Weare，"saidMongan。
　　Whentheyhadgonealittledistancetheycametoagroveofancienttrees。Mightilytailandwellgrownthesetreeswere，andthetrunkofeachcouldnothavebeenspannedbytenbroadmen。
　　Astheywentamongthesequietgiantsintothedappledobscurityandsilence，theirthoughtsbecamegrave，andallthemotionsoftheirmindselevatedasthoughtheymustequalingreatnessanddignitythoseancientandglorioustrees。Whentheypassedthroughthegrovetheysawalovelyhousebeforethem，builtofmellowwoodandwitharoofofbronze——itwaslikethedwellingofaking，andoverthewindowsoftheSunnyRoomtherewasabalcony。Therewereladiesonthisbalcony，andwhentheysawthetravellersapproachingtheysentmessengerstowelcomethem。
　　Monganandhiscompanionswerethenbroughtintothehouse，andallwasdoneforthemthatcouldbedoneforhonouredguests。
　　Everythingwithinthehousewasasexcellentasallwithout，anditwasinhabitedbysevenmenandsevenwomen，anditwasevidentthatMonganandthesepeoplewerewellacquainted。
　　Intheeveningafeastwasprepared，andwhentheyhadeatenwelltherewasabanquet。Thereweresevenvatsofwine，andasMonganlovedwinehewasveryhappy，andhedrankmoreonthatoccasionthananyonehadevernoticedhimtodrinkbefore。
　　ItwaswhilehewasinthisconditionofgleeandexpansionthattheFlameLadyputherarmsabouthisneckandbeggedhewouldtellherthestoryofDuvLaca，and，beingboisterousthenandfullofgoodspirits，heagreedtoherrequest，andhepreparedtotellthetale。
　　ThesevenmenandsevenwomenoftileFairyPalacethentooktheirplacesabouthiminahalf-circle；hisownsevenguardssatbehindthem；hiswife，theFlameLady，satbyhisside；andatthebackofallCairid~hisstory-tellersat，listeningwithallhisears，andrememberingeverywordthatwasuttered。
　　CHAPTERV
　　SaidMongan：
　　Inthedaysoflongagoandthetimesthathavedisappearedforever，therewasoneFiachnaFinnthesonofBaltan，thesonofMurchertach，thesonofMuredach，thesonofEogan，thesonofNeill。Hewentfromhisowncountrywhenhewasyoung，forhewishedtoseethelandofLochlann，andheknewthathewouldbewelcomedbythekingofthatcountry，forFiachna’sfatherandEolgarg’sfatherhaddonedeedsincommonandwereobligedtoeachother。
　　Hewaswelcomed，andhestayedattheCourtofLochlanningreateaseandinthemidstofpleasures。
　　ItthenhappenedthatEolgargMorfellsickandthedoctorscouldnotcurehim。Theysentforotherdoctors，buttheycouldnotcurehim，norcouldanyonesaywhathewassufferingfrom，beyondthathewaswastingvisiblybeforetheireyes，andwouldcertainlybecomeashadowanddisappearinairunlesshewashealedandfattenedandmadevisible。
　　Theysentformoredistantdoctors，andthenforothersmoredistantstill，andatlasttheyfoundamanwhoclaimedthathecouldmakeacureifthekingweresuppliedwiththemedicinewhichhewouldorder。
　　"Whatmedicineisthat？"saidtheyall。
　　"Thisisthemedicine，"saidthedoctor。"Findaper-fectlywhitecowwithredears，andboilitdowninthelump，andifthekingdrinksthatrenderinghewillrecover。"
　　Beforehehadwellsaiditmessengersweregoingfromthepalaceinalldirectionslookingforsuchacow。Theyfoundlotsofcowswhichwerenearlylikewhattheywanted，butitwasonlybychancetheycameonthecowwhichwoulddothework，andthatbeastbelongedtothemostnotoriousandmaliciousandcantankerousfemaleinLochlann，theBlackHag。NowtheBlackHagwasnotonlythosethingsthathavebeensaid；shewasalsowhiskeredandwartyandone-eyedandobstreperous，andshewasnotoriousandill-favouredinmanyotherwaysalso。
　　Theyofferedheracowintheplaceofherowncow，butsherefusedtogiveit。Thentheyofferedacowforeachlegofhercow，butshewouldnotacceptthatofferunlessFiachnawentbailforthepayment。Heagreedtodoso，andtheydrovethebeastaway。
　　OnthereturnjourneyhewasmetbymessengerswhobroughtnewsfromIreland。TheysaidthattheKingofUlsterwasdead，andthathe，FiachnaFinn，hadbeenelectedkinginthedeadking’splace。HeatoncetookshipforIreland，andfoundthatallhehadbeentoldwastrue，andhetookupthegovernmentofUlster。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Ayearpassed，andonedayashewassittingatjudgementtherecameagreatnoisefromwithout，andthisnoisewassopersistentthatthepeopleandsuitorswerescandalised，andFiachnaatlastorderedthatthenoisypersonshouldbebroughtbeforehimtobejudged。
　　Itwasdone，andtohissurprisethepersonturnedouttobetheBlackHag。
　　Sheblamedhiminthecourtbeforehispeople，andcomplainedthathehadtakenawayhercow，andthatshehadnotbeenpaidthefourcowshehadgonebailfor，andshedemandedjudgementfromhimandjustice。
　　"Ifyouwillconsiderittobejustice，Iwillgiveyoutwentycowsmyself，"saidFiachna。
　　"IwouldnottakeallthecowsinUlster，"shescreamed。
　　"Pronouncejudgementyourself，"saidtheking，"andifIcandowhatyoudemandIwilldoit。"Forhedidnotliketobeinthewrong，andhedidnotwishthatanypersonshouldhaveanunsatisfiedclaimuponhim。
　　TheBlackHagthenpronouncedjudgement，andthekinghadtofulfilit。
　　"Ihavecome，"saidshe，"fromtheeasttothewest；youmustcomefromthewesttotheeastandmakewarforme，andrevengemeontheKingofLochlann。"
　　Fiachnahadtodoasshedemanded，and，althoughitwaswithaheavyheart，hesetoutinthreedays’timeforLochlann，andhebroughtwithhimtenbattalions。
　　HesentmessengersbeforehimtoBigEolgargwarninghimofhiscoming，ofhisintention，andofthenumberoftroopshewasbringing；andwhenhelandedEolgargmethimwithanequalforce，andtheyfoughttogether。
　　InthefirstbattlethreehundredofthemenofLochlannwerekilled，butinthenextbattleEolgargMordidnotfightfair，forheletsomevenomoussheepoutofatent，andtheseattackedthemenofUlsterandkilledninehundredofthem。
　　Sovastwastheslaughtermadebythesesheepandsogreattheterrortheycaused，thatnoonecouldstandbeforethem，butbygreatgoodlucktherewasawoodathand，andthemenofUlster，warriorsandprincesandcharioteers，wereforcedtoclimbupthetrees，andtheyroostedamongthebrancheslikegreatbirds，whilethevenomoussheeprangedbelowbleatingterriblyandtearinguptheground。
　　FiachnaFi，mwasalsosittinginatree，veryhighup，andhewasdisconsolate。
　　"Wearedisgraced{"saidhe。
　　"Itisverylucky，"saidthemaninthebranchbelow，"thatasheepcannotclimbatree。"
　　"Wearedisgracedforever{"saidtheKingofUlster。
　　"Ifthosesheeplearnhowtoclimb，weareundonesurely，"saidthemanbelow。
　　"Iwillgodownandfightthesheep，"saidFiachna。Buttheotherswouldnotletthekinggo。
　　"Itisnotright，"theysaid，"thatyoushouldfightsheep。"
　　"Someonemustfightthem，"saidFiachnaFinn，"butnomoreofmymenshalldieuntilIfightmyself；forifIamfatedtodie，I
　　willdieandIcannotescapeit，andifitisthesheep’sfatetodie，thendietheywill；forthereisnomancanavoiddestiny，andthereisnosheepcandodgeiteither。"
　　"Praisebetogod！"saidthewarriorthatwashigherup。
　　"Amen！’saidthemanwhowashigherthanhe，andtherestofthewarriorswishedgoodlucktotheking。
　　Hestartedthentoclimbdownthetreewithaheavyheart，butwhilehehungfromthelastbranchandwasabouttoletgo，henoticedatallwarriorwalkingtowardshim。Thekingpulledhimselfuponthebranchagainandsatdangle-leggedonittoseewhatthewarriorwoulddo。
　　Thestrangerwasaverytallman，dressedinagreencloakwithasilverbroochattheshoulder。Hehadagoldenbandabouthishairandgoldensandalsonhisfeet，andhewaslaughingheartilyattheplightofthemenofIreland。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　"Itisnotniceofyoutolaughatus，"saidFiachnaFinn。
　　"Whocouldhelplaughingatakinghunkeringonabranchandhisarmyroostingaroundhimlikehens？"saidthestranger。
　　"Nevertheless，"thekingreplied，"itwouldbecourteousofyounottolaughatmisfortune。"
　　"Welaughwhenwecan，"commentedthestranger，"andarethankfulforthechance。"
　　"Youmaycomeupintothetree，"saidFiachna，"forIperceivethatyouareamannerlyperson，andIseethatsomeofthevenomoussheeparecharginginthisdirection。Iwouldratherprotectyou，"hecontinued，"thanseeyoukilled；for，"saidhelamentably，"Iamgettingdownnowtofightthesheep。"
　　"Theywillnothurtme，"saidthestranger。"Whoareyou？"thekingasked。
　　"IamMananna’n，thesonofLir。"
　　Fiachnaknewthenthatthestrangercouldnotbehurt。
　　"WhatwillyougivemeifIdeliveryoufromthesheep？"askedManann，Sn。
　　"Iwillgiveyouanythingyouask，ifIhavethatthing。"
　　"Iasktherightsofyourcrownandofyourhouseholdforoneday。"
　　Fiachna’sbreathwastakenawaybythatrequest，andhetookalittletimetocomposehimself，thenhesaidmildly：
　　"IwillnothaveonemanofIrelandkilledifIcansavehim。AllthatIhavetheygiveme，allthatIhaveIgivetothem，andifImustgivethisalso，thenIwillgivethis，althoughitwouldbeeasierformetogivemylife。""Thatisagreed，"saidMannana’n。
　　Hehadsomethingwrappedinafoldofhiscloak，andheunwrappedandproducedthisthing。
　　Itwasadog。
　　Nowifthesheepwerevenomous，thisdogwasmorevenomousstill，foritwasfearfultolookat。Inbodyitwasnotlarge，butitsheadwasofagreatsize，andthemouththatwasshapedinthatheadwasabletoopenlikethelidofapot。Itwasnotteethwhichwereinthathead，buthooksandfangsandprongs。Dreadfulwasthatmouthtolookat，terribletolookinto，woefultothinkabout；andfromit，orfromthebroad，loosenosethatwaggledaboveit，therecameasoundwhichnowordofmancoulddescribe，foritwasnotasnarl，norwasitahowl，althoughitwasbothofthese。Itwasneitheragrowlnoragrunt，althoughitwasbothofthese；itwasnotayowlnoragroan，althoughitwasbothofthese：foritwasonesoundmadeupofthesesounds，andtherewasinit，too，awhineandayelp，andalong-drawnsnoringnoise，andadeeppurringnoise，andanoisethatwaslikethesquealofarustyhinge，andtherewereothernoisesinitalso。
　　"Thegodsbepraised！"saidthemanwhowasinthebranchabovetheking。
　　"Whatforthistime？"saidtheking。
　　"Becausethatdogcannotclimbatree，"saidtheman。
　　Andthemanonabranchyetabovehimgroanedout"Amen！"
　　"Thereisnothingtofrightensheeplikeadog，"saidMananna’n，"andthereisnothingtofrightenthesesheeplikethisdog。"
　　Heputthedogonthegroundthen。
　　"Littledogeen，littletreasure，"saidhe，"goandkillthesheep。"
　　Andwhenhesaidthatthedogputanadditionandanaddendumontothenoisehehadbeenmakingbefore，sothatthemenofIrelandstucktheirfingersintotheirearsandturnedthewhitesoftheireyesupwards，andnearlyfellofftheirbrancheswiththefearandthefrightwhichthatsoundputintothem。
　　Itdidnottakethedoglongtodowhathehadbeenordered。Hewentforward，atfirst，withaslowwaddle，andasthevenomoussheepcametomeethiminbounces，hethenwenttomeettheminwriggles；sothatinawhilehewentsofastthatyoucouldseenothingofhimbutaheadandawriggle。Hedealtwiththesheepinthisway，ajumpandachopforeach，andhenevermissedhisjumpandhenevermissedhischop。Whenhegothisgripheswungroundonitasifitwasahinge。Theswingbeganwiththechop，anditendedwiththebitlooseandthesheepgivingitslastkick。Attheendoftenminutesallthesheepwerelyingontheground，andthesamebitwasoutofeverysheep，andeverysheepwasdead。
　　"Youcancomedownnow，"saidMananna’n。
　　"Thatdogcan’tclimbatree，"saidthemaninthebranchabovethekingwarningly。
　　"Praisebetothegods！"saidthemanwhowasabovehim。
　　"Amen！"saidthewarriorwhowashigherupthanthat。Andthemaninthenexttreesaid：
　　"Don’tmoveahandorafootuntilthedogchokeshimselftodeathonthedeadmeat。"
　　Thedog，however，didnoteatabitofthemeat。Hetrottedtohismaster，andMananna’ntookhimupandwrappedhiminhiscloak。
　　"Nowyoucancomedown，"saidhe。
　　"Iwishthatdogwasdead！"saidtheking。
　　Butheswunghimselfoutofthetreeallthesame，forhedidnotwishtoseemfrightenedbeforeMananna’n。"YoucangonowandbeatthemenofLochlann，"saidMananna’n。"YouwillbeKingofLochlannbeforenightfall。"
　　"Iwouldn’tmindthat，"saidtheking。"It’snothreat，"saidMananna’n。
　　ThesonofLirturnedthenandwentawayinthedirectionofIrelandtotakeuphisone-dayrights，andFiachnacontinuedhisbattlewiththeLochlannachs。
　　Hebeatthembeforenightfall，andbythatvictoryhebecameKingofLochlannandKingoftheSaxonsandtheBritons。
　　HegavetheBlackHagsevencastleswiththeirterritories，andhegaveheronehundredofeverysortofcattlethathehadcaptured。Shewassatisfied。
　　ThenhewentbacktoIreland，andafterhehadbeenthereforsometimehiswifegavebirthtoason。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　"YouhavenottoldmeonewordaboutDuvLaca，"saidtheFlameLadyreproachfully。
　　"Iamcomingtothat，"repliedMongan。
　　Hemotionedtowardsoneofthegreatvats，andwinewasbroughttohim，ofwhichhedranksojoyouslyandsodeeplythatallpeoplewonderedathisthirst，hiscapacity，andhisjovialspirits。
　　"Now，Iwillbeginagain。"
　　SaidMongan：TherewasanattendantinFiachnaFinn’spalacewhowascalledAnDa’v，andthesamenightthatFiachna’swifeboreason，thewifeofAnDa’vgavebirthtoasonalso。ThislatterchildwascalledmacanDa’v，butthesonofFiachna’swifewasnamedMongan。
　　"Ah！"murmuredtheFlameLady。
　　Thequeenwasangry。Shesaiditwasunjustandpresumptuousthattheservantshouldgetachildatthesametimethatshegotoneherself，buttherewasnohelpforit，becausethechildwasthereandcouldnotbeobliterated。
　　Nowthisalsomustbetold。
　　TherewasaneighbouringprincecalledFiachnaDuv，andhewastheruleroftheDalFiatach。ForalongtimehehadbeenatenmityandspitefulwarfarewithFiachnaFinn；andtothisFiachnaDuvtherewasborninthesamenightadaughter，andthisgirlwasnamedDuvLacaoftheWhiteHand。
　　"Ah！"criedtheFlameLady。
　　"Yousee！"saidMongan，andhedrankanewandjoyouslyofthefairywine。
　　InordertoendthetroublebetweenFiachnaFinnandFiachnaDuvthebabieswereaffiancedtoeachotherinthecradleonthedayaftertheywereborn，andthemenofIrelandrejoicedatthatdeedandatthatnews。Butsoontherecamedismayandsorrowintheland，forwhenthelittleMonganwasthreedaysoldhisrealfather，Mananna’nthesonofLir，appearedinthemiddleofthepalace。HewrappedMonganinhisgreencloakandtookhimawaytorearandtrainintheLandofPromise，whichisbeyondtheseathatisattheothersideofthegrave。
　　WhenFiachnaDuvheardthatMongan，whowasaffiancedtohisdaughterDuvLaca，haddisappeared，heconsideredthathiscompactofpeacewasatanend，andonedayhecamebysurpriseandattackedthepalace。HekilledFiachnaFinninthatbattle，andbecrownedhimselfKingofUlster。
　　ThemenofUlsterdislikedhim，andtheypetitionedMananna’ntobringMonganback，butMananna’nwouldnotdothisuntiltheboywassixteenyearsofageandwellrearedinthewisdomoftheLandofPromise。ThenhedidbringMonganback，andbyhismeanspeacewasmadebetweenMonganandFiachnaDuv，andMonganwasmarriedtohiscradle-bride，theyoungDuvLaca。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　OnedayMonganandDuvLacawereplayingchessintheirpalace。
　　Monganhadjustmadeamoveofskill，andhelookedupfromtheboardtoseeifDuvLacaseemedasdiscontentedasshehadarighttobe。HesawthenoverDuvLaca’sshoulderalittleblack-faced，tufty-headedclericleaningagainstthedoor-postinsidetheroom。
　　"Whatareyoudoingthere？"saidMongan。
　　"Whatareyoudoingthereyourself？"saidthelittleblack-facedcleric。
　　"Indeed，Ihavearighttobeinmyownhouse，"saidMongan。
　　"IndeedIdonotagreewithyou，"saidthecleric。
　　"WhereoughtIbe，then？"saidMongan。
　　"YououghttobeatDunFiathacavengingthemurderofyourfather，"repliedthecleric，"andyououghttobeashamedofyourselffornothavingdoneitlongago。Youcanplaychesswithyourwifewhenyouhavewontherighttoleisure。"
　　"ButhowcanIkillmywife’sfather？"Monganexclaimed。"Bystartingaboutitatonce，"saidthecleric。"Hereisawayoftalking！"saidMongan。
　　"Iknow，"theclericcontinued，"thatDuvLacawillnotagreewithawordIsayonthissubject，andthatshewilltrytopreventyoufromdoingwhatyouhavearighttodo，forthatisawife’sbusiness，butaman’sbusinessistodowhatIhavejusttoldyou；socomewithmenowanddonotwaittothinkaboutit，anddonotwaittoplayanymorechess。FiachnaDuvhasonlyasmallforcewithhimatthismoment，andwecanburnhispalaceasheburnedyourfather’spalace，andkillhimselfashekilledyourfather，andcrownyouKingofUlsterrightfullythewayhecrownedhimselfwrongfullyasaking。"
　　"Ibegintothinkthatyouownaluckytongue，myblack-facedfriend，"saidMongan，"andIwillgowithyou。"
　　Hecollectedhisforcesthen，andheburnedFiachnaDuv’sfortress，andhekilledFiachnaDuv，andhewascrownedKingofUlster。
　　Thenforthefirsttimehefeltsecureandatlibertytoplaychess。Buthedidnotknowuntilafterwardsthattheblack-faced，tufty-headedpersonwashisfatherMananna’n，althoughthatwasthefact。
　　Therearesomewhosay，however，thatFiachnatheBlackwaskilledintheyear624bythelordoftheScot’sDalRiada，CondadCerr，atthebattleofArdCarainn；butthepeoplewhosaythisdonotknowwhattheyaretalkingabout，andtheydonotcaregreatlywhatitistheysay。