CHAPTERX
　　"ThereisnothingtomarvelaboutinthisDuvLaca，"saidtheFlameLadyscornfully。"Shehasgotmarried，andshehasbeenbeatenatchess。Ithashappenedbefore。"
　　"Letuskeeptothestory，"saidMongan，and，havingtakensomefewdozendeepdraughtsofthewine，hebecameevenmorejovialthanbefore。Thenherecommencedhistale：
　　IthappenedonadaythatMonganhadneedoftreasure。Hehadmanypresentstomake，andhehadnotasmuchgoldandsilverandcattleaswasproperforaking。Hecalledhisnoblestogetheranddiscussedwhatwasthebestthingtobedone，anditwasarrangedthatheshouldvisittheprovincialkingsandaskboonsfromthem。
　　Hesetoutatonceonhisroundofvisits，andthefirstprovincehewenttowasLeinster。
　　TheKingofLeinsteratthattimewasBranduv，thesonofEchach。
　　HewelcomedMonganandtreatedhimwell，andthatnightMongansleptinhispalace。
　　Whenheawokeinthemorninghelookedoutofaloftywindow，andhesawonthesunnylawnbeforethepalaceaherdofcows。Therewerefiftycowsinall，forhecountedthem，andeachcowhadacalfbesideher，andeachcowandcalfwaspurewhiteincolour，andeachofthemhadredears。
　　WhenMongansawthesecows，hefellinlovewiththemashehadneverfalleninlovewithanythingbefore。
　　Hecamedownfromthewindowandwalkedonthesunnylawnamongthecows，lookingateachofthemandspeakingwordsofaffectionandendearmenttothemall；andwhilehewasthuswalkingandtalkingandlookingandloving，henoticedthatsomeonewasmovingbesidehim。Helookedfromthecowsthen，andsawthattheKingofLeinsterwasathisside。
　　"Areyouinlovewiththecows？"Branduvaskedhim。
　　"Iam，"saidMongan。
　　"Everybodyis，"saidtheKingofLeinster。
　　"Ineversawanythinglikethem，"saidMongan。
　　"Nobodyhas，"saidtheKingofLeinster。
　　"IneversawanythingIwouldratherhavethanthesecows，"saidMongan。
　　"These，"saidtheKingofLeinster，"arethemostbeautifulcowsinIreland，and，"hecontinuedthoughtfully，"DuvLacaisthemostbeautifulwomaninIreland。"
　　"Thereisnolieinwhatyousay，"saidMongan。
　　"Isitnotaqueerthing，"saidtheKingofLeinster，"thatI
　　shouldhavewhatyouwantwithallyoursoul，andyoushouldhavewhatIwantwithallmyheart？"
　　"Queerindeed，"saidMongan，"butwhatisitthatyoudowant？"
　　"DuvLaca，ofcourse，"saidtheKingofLeinster。
　　"Doyoumean，"saidMongan，"thatyouwouldexchangethisherdoffiftypurewhitecowshavingredears——"
　　"Andtheirfiftycalves，"saidtheKingofLeinster——
　　"ForDuvLaca，orforanywomanintheworld？"
　　"Iwould，"criedtheKingofLeinster，andhethumpedhiskneeashesaidit。
　　"Done，"roaredMongan，andthetwokingsshookhandsonthebargain。
　　Monganthencalledsomeofhisownpeople，andbeforeanymorewordscouldbesaidandbeforeanyalterationcouldbemade，hesethismenbehindthecowsandmarchedhomewiththemtoUlster。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　DuvLacawantedtoknowwherethecowscamefrom，andMongantoldherthattheKingofLeinsterhadgiventhemtohim。ShefellinlovewiththemasMonganhaddone，buttherewasnobodyintheworldcouldhaveavoidedlovingthosecows：suchcowstheywere！
　　suchwonders！MonganandDuvLacausedtoplaychesstogether，andthentheywouldgoouttogethertolookatthecows，andthentheywouldgointogetherandwouldtalktoeachotheraboutthecows。Everythingtheydidtheydidtogether，fortheylovedtobewitheachother。
　　However，achangecame。
　　Onemorningagreatnoiseofvoicesandtramplingofhorsesandrattleofarmourcameaboutthepalace。Monganlookedfromthewindow。
　　"Whoiscoming？"askedDuvLaca。
　　Buthedidnotanswerher。
　　"Thenoisemustannouncethevisitofaking，"DuvLacacontinued。
　　ButMongandidnotsayaword。DuvLacathenwenttothewindow。
　　"Whoisthatking？"sheasked。
　　Andherhusbandrepliedtoherthen。
　　"ThatistheKingofLeinster，"saidhemournfully。
　　"Well，"saidDuvLacasurprised，"ishenotwelcome？"
　　"Heiswelcomeindeed，"saidMonganlamentably。
　　"Letusgooutandwelcomehimproperly，"DuvLacasuggested。
　　"Letusnotgonearhimatall，"saidMongan，"forheiscomingtocompletehisbargain。"
　　"Whatbargainareyoutalkingabout？"DuvLacaasked。ButMonganwouldnotanswerthat。
　　"Letusgoout，"saidhe，"forwemustgoout。"
　　MonganandDuvLacawentoutthenandwelcomedtheKingofLeinster。Theybroughthimandhischiefmenintothepalace，andwaterwasbroughtfortheirbaths，androomswereappointedforthem，andeverythingwasdonethatshouldbedoneforguests。
　　Thatnighttherewasafeast，andafterthefeasttherewasabanquet，andallthroughthefeastandthebanquettheKingofLeinsterstaredatDuvLacawithjoy，andsometimeshisbreastwasdeliveredofgreatsighs，andattimeshemovedasthoughinperturbationofspiritandmentalagony。
　　"ThereissomethingwrongwiththeKingofLeinster，"DuvLacawhispered。
　　"Idon’tcareifthereis，"saidMongan。
　　"Youmustaskwhathewants。"
　　"ButIdon’twanttoknowit，"saidMongan。"Nevertheless，youmuskaskhim，"sheinsisted。
　　SoMongandidaskhim，anditwasinamelancholyvoicethatheaskedit。
　　"Doyouwantanything？"saidhetotheKingofLeinster。
　　"Idoindeed，"saidBranduv。
　　"IfitisinUlsterIwillgetitforyou，"saidMonganmournfully。
　　"ItisinUlster，"saidBranduv。
　　Mongandidnotwanttosayanythingmorethen，buttheKingofLeinsterwassointentandeverybodyelsewaslisteningandDuvLacawasnudginghisarm，sohesaid："Whatisitthatyoudowant？""IwantDuvLaca。"
　　"Iwanthertoo，"saidMongan。
　　"Youmadeyourbargain，"saidtheKingofLeinster，"mycowsandtheircalvesforyourDuvLaca，andthemanthatmakesabargainkeepsabargain。"
　　"Ineverbeforeheard，"saidMongan，"ofamangivingawayhisownwife。"
　　"Evenifyouneverheardofitbefore，youmustdoitnow，"saidDuvLaca，"forhonourislongerthanlife。"
　　MonganbecameangrywhenDuvLacasaidthat。Hisfacewentredasasunset，andtheveinsswelledinhisneckandhisforehead。
　　"Doyousaythat？"hecriedtoDuvLaca。
　　"Ido，"saidDuvLaca。
　　"LettheKingofLeinstertakeher，"saidMongan。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　DuvLacaandtheKingofLeinsterwentapartthentospeaktogether，andtheeyeofthekingseemedtobeasbigasaplate，sofeveredwasitandsoenlargedandinflamedbythelookofDuvLaca。Hewassoconfoundedwithjoyalsothathiswordsgotmixedupwithhisteeth，andDuvLacadidnotknowexactlywhatitwashewastryingtosay，andhedidnotseemtoknowhimself。Butatlasthedidsaysomethingintelligible，andthisiswhathesaid。
　　"Iamaveryhappyman，"saidhe。
　　"AndI，"saidDuvLaca，"amthehappiestwomanintheworld。"
　　"Whyshouldyoubehappy？"theastonishedkingdemanded。
　　"Listentome，"shesaid。"Ifyoutriedtotakemeawayfromthisplaceagainstmyownwish，onehalfofthemenofUlsterwouldbedeadbeforeyougotmeandtheotherhalfwouldbebadlywoundedinmydefence。"
　　"Abargainisabargain，"theKingofLeinsterbegan。
　　"But，"shecontinued，"theywillnotpreventmygoingaway，fortheyallknowthatIhavebeeninlovewithyouforages。"
　　"Whathaveyoubeeninwithmeforages？"saidtheamazedking。
　　"Inlovewithyou，"repliedDuvLaca。
　　"Thisisnews，"saidtheking，"anditisgoodnews。"
　　"But，bymyword，"saidDuvLaca，"Iwillnotgowithyouunlessyougrantmeaboon。"
　　"AllthatIhave，"criedBranduv，"andallthatevery-bodyhas。"
　　"AndyoumustpassyourwordandpledgeyourwordthatyouwilldowhatIask。"
　　"Ipassitandpledgeit，"criedthejoyfulking。
　　"Then，"saidDuvLaca，"thisiswhatIbindonyou。"
　　"Lighttheyolk！"hecried。
　　"UntiloneyearisupandoutyouarenottopassthenightinanyhousethatIamin。"
　　"Bymyheadandhand！"Branduvstammered。
　　"AndifyoucomeintoahousewhereIamduringthetimeandtermofthatyear，youarenottositdowninthechairthatIamsittingin。"
　　"Heavyismydoom！"hegroaned。
　　"But，"saidDuvLaca，"ifIamsittinginachairoraseatyouaretositinachairthatisoveragainstmeandoppositetomeandatadistancefromme。"
　　"Alas！"saidtheking，andhesmotehishandstogether，andthenhebeatthemonhishead，andthenhelookedatthemandateverythingabout，andhecouldnottellwhatanythingwasorwhereanythingwas，forhismindwascloudedandhiswitshadgoneastray。
　　"Whydoyoubindthesewoesonme？"hepleaded。
　　"Iwishtofindoutifyoutrulyloveme。"
　　"ButIdo，"saidtheking。"Iloveyoumadlyanddearly，andwithallmyfacultiesandmembers。"
　　"Thatistheway！loveyou，"saidDuvLaca。"Weshallhaveanotableyearofcourtshipandjoy。Andletusgonow，"shecontinued，"forIamimpatienttobewithyou。"
　　"Alas！"saidBranduv，ashefollowedher。"Alas，alas！"saidtheKingofLeinster。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　"Ithink，"saidtheFlameLady，"thatwhoeverlostthatwomanhadnoreasontobesad。"
　　Mongantookherchininhishandandkissedherlips。
　　"Allthatyousayislovely，foryouarelovely，"saidhe，"andyouaremydelightandthejoyoftheworld。"
　　Thentheattendantsbroughthimwine，andhedranksojoyouslyofthatandsodeeply，thatthosewhoobservedhimthoughthewouldsurelyburstanddrownthem。Buthelaughedloudlyandwithenormousdelight，untilthevesselsofgoldandsilverandbronzechimedmellowlytohispealandtheraftersofthehousewentcreaking。
　　Saidhe：
　　MonganlovedDuvLacaoftheWhiteHandbetterthanhelovedhislife，betterthanhelovedhishonour。Thekingdomsoftheworlddidnotweighwithhimbesidethestringofhershoe。Hewouldnotlookatasunsetifhecouldseeher。Hewouldnotlistentoaharpifhecouldhearherspeak，forshewasthedelightofages，thegemoftime，andthewonderoftheworldtillDoom。
　　ShewenttoLeinsterwiththekingofthatcountry，andwhenshehadgoneMonganfellgrievouslysick，sothatitdidnotseemhecouldeverrecoveragain；andhebegantowasteandwither，andhebegantolooklikeaskeleton，andabonystructure，andamisery。
　　Nowthisalsomustbeknown。
　　DuvLacahadayoungattendant，whowasherfoster-sisteraswellasherservant，andonthedaythatshegotmarriedtoMongan，herattendantwasmarriedtomacanDa’v，whowasservantandfoster-brothertoMongan。WhenDuvLacawentawaywiththeKingofLeinster，herservant，macanDa’v’swife，wentwithher，sothereweretwowifelessmeninUlsteratthattime，namely，MonganthekingandmacanDa’vhisservant。
　　OnedayasMongansatinthesun，broodinglamentablyonhisfate，macanDa’vcametohim。
　　"Howarethingswithyou，master？"askedMacanDa’v。
　　"Bad，"saidMongan。
　　"ItwasapoordaybroughtyouoffwithMananna’ntotheLandofPromise，"saidhisservant。
　　"Whyshouldyouthinkthat？"inquiredMongan。
　　"Because，"saidmacanDa’v，"youlearnednothingintheLandofPromiseexcepthowtoeatalotoffoodandhowtodonothinginadealoftime。"
　　"Whatbusinessisitofyours？"saidMonganangrily。
　　"Itismybusinesssurely，"saidmacanDa’v，"formywifehasgoneofftoLeinsterwithyourwife，andshewouldn’thavegoneifyouhadn’tmadeabetandabargainwiththataccursedking。"
　　MacanDa’vbegantoweepthen。
　　"Ididn’tmakeabargainwithanyking，"saidhe，"andyetmywifehasgoneawaywithone，andit’sallbecauseofyou。"
　　"ThereisnoonesorrierforyouthanIam，"saidMongan。
　　"Thereisindeed，"saidmacanDa’v，"forIamsorriermyself。"
　　Monganrousedhimselfthen。
　　"Youhaveaclaimonmetruly，"saidhe，"andIwillnothaveanyonewithaclaimonmethatisnotsatisfied。Go，"hesaidtomacanDa’v，"tothatfairyplacewebothknowof。YourememberthebasketsIlefttherewiththesodfromIrelandinoneandthesodfromScotlandintheother；bringmethebasketsandsods。"
　　"Tellmethewhyofthis？"saidhisservant。
　　"TheKingofLeinsterwillaskhiswizardswhatIamdoing，andthisiswhatIwillbedoing。Iwillgetonyourbackwithafootineachofthebaskets，andwhenBranduvasksthewizardswhereI
　　amtheywilltellhimthatIhaveoneleginIrelandandoneleginScotland，andaslongastheytellhimthathewillthinkheneednotbotherhimselfaboutme，andwewillgointoLeinsterthatway。"
　　"Nobadwayeither，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　Theysetoutthen。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　Itwasalong，uneasyjourney，foralthoughmacanDa’vwasofstoutheartandgoodwill，yetnomancancarryanotheronhisbackfromUlstertoLeinsterandgoquick。Still，ifyoukeepondrivingapigorastorytheywillgetatlasttowhereyouwishthemtogo，andthemanwhocontinuesputtingonefootinfrontoftheotherwillleavehishomebehind，andwillcomeatlasttotheedgeoftheseaandtheendoftheworld。
　　WhentheyreachedLeinsterthefeastofMoyLife’wasbeingheld，andtheypushedonbyforcedmarchesandlongstagessoastobeintime，andthustheycametotheMoyofCellCamain，andtheymixedwiththecrowdthatweregoingtothefeast。
　　Agreatandjoyousconcourseofpeoplestreamedaboutthem。Therewereyoungmenandyounggirls，andwhenthesewerenotholdingeachother’shandsitwasbecausetheirarmswereroundeachother’snecks。Therewereold，lustywomengoingby，andwhenthesewerenottalkingtogetheritwasbecausetheirmouthsweremutuallyfilledwithapplesandmeat-pies。Therewereyoungwarriorswithmantlesofgreenandpurpleandredflyingbehindthemonthebreeze，andwhenthesewerenotlookingdisdainfullyonoldersoldiersitwasbecausetheoldersoldiershappenedatthemomenttobelookingatthem。Therewereoldwarriorswithyard-longbeardsflyingbehindtheirshouldersllkewispsofhay，andwhenthesewerenotnursingabrokenarmoracrackedskull，itwasbecausetheywerenursingwoundsintheirstomachsortheirlegs。Thereweretroopsofyoungwomenwhogiggledaslongastheirbreathslastedandbeamedwhenitgaveout。Bandsofboyswhowhisperedmysteriouslytogetherandpointedwiththeirfingersineverydirectionatonce，andwouldsuddenlybegintorunlikeaherdofstampededhorses。Thereweremenwithcartsfullofroastedmeats。Womenwithlittlevatsfullofmead，andotherscarryingmilkandbeer。Folkofbothsortswithtowersswayingontheirheads，andtheydrippingwithhoney。Childrenhavingbasketspiledwithredapples，andoldwomenwhopeddledshell-fishandboiledlobsters。Therewerepeoplewhosoldtwentykindsofbread，withbutterthrownin。Sellersofonionsandcheese，andotherswhosuppliedsparebitsofarmour，oddscabbards，spearhandles，breastplate-laces。Peoplewhocutyourhairortoldyourfortuneorgaveyouahotbathinapot。Otherswhoputashoeonyourhorseorapieceofembroideryonyourmantle；andothers，again，whotookstainsoffyourswordordyedyourfinger-nailsorsoldyouahound。
　　Itwasagreatandjoyousgatheringthatwasgoingtothefeast。
　　Monganandhisservantsatagainstagrassyhedgebytheroadsideandwatchedthemultitudestreamingpast。
　　JustthenMonganglancedtotherightwhencethepeoplewerecoming。Thenhepulledthehoodofhiscloakoverhisearsandoverhisbrow。
　　"Alas！"saidheinadeepandanguishedvoice。
　　MacanDa’vturnedtohim。
　　"Isitapaininyourstomach，master？"
　　"Itisnot，"saidMongan。"Well，whatmadeyoumakethatbrutalandbelchingnoise？"
　　"ItwasasighIgave，"saidMongan。
　　"Whateveritwas，"saidmacanDa’v，"whatwasit？"
　　"Lookdowntheroadonthissideandtellmewhoiscoming，"saidhismaster。
　　"Itisalordwithhistroop。"
　　"ItistheKingofLeinster，"saidMongan。"Theman，"saidmacanDa’vinatoneofgreatpity，"themanthattookawayyourwife！
　　And，"heroaredinavoiceofextraordinarysavagery，"themanthattookawaymywifeintothebargain，andshenotinthebargain。"
　　"Hush，"saidMongan，foramanwhoheardhisshoutstoppedtotieasandie，ortolisten。
　　"Master，"saidmacanDa’vasthetroopdrewabreastandmovedpast。
　　"Whatisit，mygoodfriend？"
　　"Letmethrowalittle，smallpieceofarockattheKingofLeinster。"
　　"Iwillnot。"
　　"Alittlebitonly，asmallbitabouttwicethesizeofmyhead"
　　"Iwillnotletyou，"saidMongan。
　　WhenthekinghadgonebymacanDa’vgroanedadeepanddejectedgroan。
　　"Oco’n！"saidhe。"Oco’n-i’o-go-deo’！"saidhe。
　　Themanwhohadtiedhissandalsaidthen："Areyouinpain，honestman？"
　　"Iamnotinpain，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"Well，whatwasitthatknockedahowloutofyouliketheyelpofasickdog，honestman？"
　　"Goaway，"saidmacanDa’v，"goaway，youflat-faced，noseyperson。""Thereisnopolitenessleftinthiscountry，"saidthestranger，andhewentawaytoacertaindistance，andfromthencehethrewastoneatmacanDa’v’snose，andhitit。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　Theroadwasnownotsocrowdedasithadbeen。Minuteswouldpassandonlyafewtravellerswouldcome，andminutesmorewouldgowhennobodywasinsightatall。
　　Thentwomencamedowntheroad：theywereclerics。
　　"Ineversawthatkindofuniformbefore，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"Evenifyoudidn’t，"saidMongan，"thereareplentyofthemabout。Theyarementhatdon’tbelieveinourgods，"saidhe。
　　"Dotheynot，indeed？"saidmacanDa’v。"Therascals！"saidhe。
　　"What，whatwouldMananna’nsaytothat？"
　　"TheoneinfrontcarryingthebigbookisTibraide’。HeisthepriestofCellCamain，andheisthechiefofthosetwo。"
　　"Indeed，andindeed！"saidmacanDa’v。"Theonebehindmustbehisservant，forhehasaloadonhisback。"
　　Thepriestswerereadingtheiroffices，andmacanDa’vmarvelledatthat。
　　"Whatisittheyaredoing？"saidhe。
　　"Theyarereading。"
　　"Indeed，andindeedtheyare，"saidmacanDa’v。"Ican’tmakeoutawordofthelanguageexceptthatthemanbehindsaysamen，amen，everytimethemaninfrontputsagruntoutofhim。Andtheydon’tlikeourgodsatall！"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"Theydonot，"saidMongan。
　　"Playatrickonthem，master，"saidmacanDa’v。Monganagreedtoplayatrickonthepriests。
　　Helookedatthemhardforaminute，andthenhewavedhishandatthem。
　　Thetwopriestsstopped，andtheystaredstraightinfrontofthem，andthentheylookedateachother，andthentheylookedatthesky。Theclerkbegantoblesshimself，andthenTibraide’
　　begantoblesshimself，andafterthattheydidn’tknowwhattodo。Forwheretherehadbeenaroadwithhedgesoneachsideandfieldsstretchingbeyondthem，therewasnownoroad，nohedge，nofield；buttherewasagreatbroadriversweepingacrosstheirpath；amightytumbleofyellowy-brownwaters，veryswift，verysavage；churningandbillowingandjockeyingamongroughbouldersandislandsofstone。Itwasawaterofvillainousdepthandofdetestablewetness；ofuglyhurryingandofdesolatecavernoussound。Atalittletotheirrighttherewasathinuncomelybridgethatwaggledacrossthetorrent。
　　Tibraide’rubbedhiseyes，andthenhelookedagain。"DoyouseewhatIsee？"saidhetotheclerk。
　　"Idon’tknowwhatyousee，"saidtheclerk，"butwhatIseeI
　　neverdidseebefore，andIwishIdidnotseeitnow。"
　　"Iwasborninthisplace，"saidTibraide’，"myfatherwasbornherebeforeme，andmygrandfatherwasbornherebeforehim，butuntilthisdayandthisminuteIneversawariverherebefore，andIneverheardofone。"
　　"Whatwillwedoatall？"saidtheclerk。"Whatwillwedoatall？"
　　"Wewillbesensible，"saidTibraide’sternly，"andwewillgoaboutourbusiness，"saidhe。"Ifriversfalloutoftheskywhathasthattodowithyou，andifthereisariverhere，whichthereis，why，thankGod，thereisabridgeoverittoo。"
　　"Wouldyouputatoeonthatbridge？"saidtheclerk。"Whatisthebridgefor？"saidTibraide’MonganandmacanDa’vfollowedthem。
　　Whentheygottothemiddleofthebridgeitbrokeunderthem，andtheywereprecipitatedintothatboilingyellowflood。
　　MongansnatchedatthebookasitfellfromTibraide’’shand。
　　"Won’tyouletthemdrown，master？"askedmacanDa’v。
　　"No，"saidMongan，"I’llsendthemamiledownthestream，andthentheycancometoland。"
　　MonganthentookonhimselftheformofTibraide’andheturnedmacanDa’vintotheshapeoftheclerk。
　　"Myheadhasgonebald，"saidtheservantinawhisper。
　　"Thatispartofit，"repliedMongan。"Solongasweknow？’saidmacanDa’v。
　　TheywentonthentomeettheKingofLeinster。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　Theymethimneartheplacewherethegameswereplayed。
　　"Goodmysoul，Tibraide’！"criedtheKingofLeinster，andhegaveMonganakiss。Mongankissedhimbackagain。
　　"Amen，amen，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"Whatfor？"saidtheKingofLeinster。
　　AndthenmacanDa’vbegantosneeze，forhedidn’tknowwhatfor。
　　"ItisalongtimesinceIsawyou，Tibraide’，"saidtheking，"butatthisminuteIamingreathasteandhurry。Goyouonbeforemetothefortress，andyoucantalktothequeenthatyou’llfindthere，shethatusedtobetheKingofUlster’swife。
　　KevinCochlach，mycharioteer，willgowithyou，andIwillfollowyoumyselfinawhile。"
　　TheKingofLeinsterwentoffthen，andMonganandhisservantwentwiththecharioteerandthepeople。
　　Monganreadawayoutofthebook，forhefounditinteresting，andhedidnotwanttotalktothecharioteer，andmacanDa’vcriedamen，amen，everytimethatMongantookhisbreath。ThepeoplewhoweregoingwiththemsaidtooneanotherthatmacanDa’vwasaqueerkindofclerk，andthattheyhadneverseenanyonewhohadsuchamouthfulofamens。
　　Butinawhiletheycametothefortress，andtheygotintoitwithoutanytrouble，forKevinCochlach，theking’scharioteer，broughtthemin。ThentheywereledtotheroomwhereDuvLacawas，andashewentintothatroomMonganshuthiseyes，forhedidnotwanttolookatDuvLacawhileotherpeoplemightbelookingathim。
　　"Leteverybodyleavethisroom，whileIamtalkingtothequeen，"
　　saidhe；andalltheattendantslefttheroom，exceptone，andshewouldn’tgo，forshewouldn’tleavehermistress。
　　ThenMonganopenedhiseyesandhesawDuvLaca，andhemadeagreatboundtoherandtookherinhisarms，andmacanDa’vmadeasavageandviciousandterriblejumpattheattendant，andtookherinhisarms，andbitherearandkissedherneckandweptdownintoherback。
　　"Goaway，"saidthegirl，"unhandme，villain，"saidshe。
　　"Iwillnot，"saidmacanDa’v，"forI’myourownhusband，I’myourownmac，yourlittlemac，yourmacky-wac-wac。"Thentheattendantgavealittlesqueal，andshebithimoneachearandkissedhisneckandweptdownintohisback，andsaidthatitwasn’ttrueandthatitwas。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　Buttheywerenotalone，althoughtheythoughttheywere。Thehagthatguardedthejewelswasintheroom。Shesathunchedupagainstthewail，andasshelookedlikeabundleofragstheydidnotnoticeher。Shebegantospeakthen。
　　"TerriblearethethingsIsee，"saidshe。"TerriblearethethingsIsee。"
　　Monganandhisservantgaveajumpofsurprise，andtheirtwowivesjumpedandsquealed。ThenMonganpuffedouthischeekstillhisfacelookedlikeabladder，andheblewamagicbreathatthehag，sothatsheseemedtobesurroundedbyafog，andwhenshelookedthroughthatbreatheverythingseemedtobedifferenttowhatshehadthought。Thenshebegantobegeverybody’spardon。
　　"Ihadanevilvision，"saidshe，"Isawcrossways。HowsaditisthatIshouldbegintoseethesortofthingsIthoughtIsaw。"
　　"Sitinthischair，mother，"saidMongan，"andtellmewhatyouthoughtyousaw，"andheslippedaspikeunderher，andmacanDa’vpushedherintotheseat，andshediedonthespike。
　　Justthentherecameaknockingatthedoor。MacanDa’vopenedit，andtherewasTibraid~standingoutside，andtwenty-nineofhismenwerewithhim，andtheywerealllaughing。
　　"Amilewasnothalfenough，"saidmacanDa’vreproachfully。
　　TheChamberlainofthefortresspushedintotheroomandhestaredfromoneTibraide’totheother。
　　"Thisisafinegrowingyear，"saidhe。"ThereneverwasayearwhenTibraide’’swereasplentifulastheyarethisyear。ThereisaTibraide’outsideandaTibraide’inside，andwhoknowsbuttherearesomemoreofthemunderthebed。Theplaceiscrawlingwiththem，"saidhe。
　　MonganpointedatTibraide’。
　　"Don’tyouknowwhothatis？"hecried。
　　"Iknowwhohesaysheis，"saidtheChamberlain。
　　"Well，heisMongan，"saidMongan，"andthesetwenty-ninemenaretwenty-nineofhisnoblesfromUlster。"
　　Atthatnewsthemenofthehouseholdpickedupclubsandcudgelsandeverykindofthingthatwasnear，andmadeaviolentandwoefulattackonTibraide’’smenTheKingofLeinstercameinthen，andwhenhewastoldTibraide’wasMonganheattackedthemaswell，anditwaswithdifficultythatTibraide’gotawaytoCellCamainwithnineofhismenandtheyallwounded。
　　TheKingofLeinstercamebackthen。HewenttoDuvLaca’sroom。
　　"WhereisTibraide’？"saidhe。
　　"Itwasn’tTibraide’washere，"saidthehagwhowasstillsittingonthespike，andwasnothalfdead，"itwasMongan。"
　　"Whydidyoulethimnearyou？"saidthekingtoDuvLaca。
　　"ThereisnoonehasabetterrighttobenearmethanMonganhas，"saidDuvLaca，"heismyownhusband，"saidshe。
　　Andthenthekingcriedoutindismay："IhavebeatenTibraide’’speople。"Herushedfromtheroom。
　　"SendforTibraide’tillIapologise，"hecried。"Tellhimitwasallamistake。TellhimitwasMongan。"
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　Monganandhisservantwenthome，and（forwhatpleasureisgreaterthanthatofmemoryexercisedinconversation？）foratimethefeelingofanadventurewellaccomplishedkepthiminsomecontentment。Butattheendofatimethatpleasurewaswornout，andMongangrewatfirstdispiritedandthensullen，andafterthatasillashehadbeenonthepreviousoccasion。ForhecouldnotforgetDuvLacaoftheWhiteHand，andhecouldnotrememberherwithoutlonginganddespair。
　　Itwasintheillnesswhichcomesfromlonginganddespairthathesatonedaylookingonaworldthatwasblackalthoughthesunshone，andthatwasleanandunwholesomealthoughautumnfruitswereheavyontheearthandthejoysofharvestwereabouthim。
　　"Winterisinmyheart，"quothhe，"andIamcoldalready。"
　　Hethoughttoothatsomedayhewoulddie，andthethoughtwasnotunpleasant，foronehalfofhislifewasawayintheterritoriesoftheKingofLeinster，andthehalfthathekeptinhimselfhadnospiceinit。
　　HewasthinkinginthiswaywhenmacanDa’vcametowardshimoverthelawn，andhenoticedthatmacanDa’vwaswalkinglikeanoldman。
　　Hetooklittleslowsteps，andhedidnotloosenhiskneeswhenhewalked，sohewentstiffly。Oneofhisfeetturnedpitifullyoutwards，andtheotherturnedlamentablyin。Hischestwaspulledinwards，andhisheadwasstuckoutwardsandhungdownintheplacewherehischestshouldhavebeen，andhisarmswerecrookedinfrontofhimwiththehandsturnedwrongly，sothatonepalmwasshowntotheeastoftheworldandtheotheronewasturnedtothewest。
　　"Howgoesit，macanDa’v？"saidtheking。
　　"Bad，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"IsthatthesunIseeshining，myfriend？"thekingasked。
　　"Itmaybethesun，"repliedmacanDa’v，peeringcuriouslyatthegoldenradiancethatdozedaboutthem，"butmaybeit’sayellowfog。"
　　"Whatislifeatall？"saidtheking。
　　"Itisawearinessandatiredness，"saidmacanDa’v。"Itisalongyawnwithoutsleepiness。Itisabee，lostatmidnightandbuzzingonapane。Itisthenoisemadebyatied-updog。Itisnothingworthdreamingabout。Itisnothingatall。"
　　"HowwellyouexplainmyfeelingsaboutDuvLaca，"saidtheking。
　　"Iwasthinkingaboutmyownlamb，"saidmacanDa’v。"Iwasthinkingaboutmyowntreasure，mycupofcheeriness，andthepulseofmyheart。"Andwiththatheburstintotears。
　　"Alas！"saidtheking。
　　"But，"sobbedmacanDa’v，"whatrighthaveItocomplain？Iamonlytheservant，andalthoughIdidn’tmakeanybargainwiththeKingofLeinsterorwithanykingofthemall，yetmywifeisgoneawayasifshewastheconsortofapotentatethesameasDuvLacais。"
　　Monganwassorrythenforhisservant，andherousedhimself。
　　"IamgoingtosendyoutoDuvLaca。"
　　"Wheretheoneistheotherwillbe，"criedmacanDa’vjoyously。
　　"Go，"saidMongan，"toRathDescirtofBregia；youknowthatplace？"
　　"Aswellasmytongueknowsmyteeth。"
　　"DuvLacaisthere；seeher，andaskherwhatshewantsmetodo。"
　　MacanDa’vwentthereandreturned。
　　"DuvLacasaysthatyouaretocomeatonce，fortheKingofLeinsterisjourneyingaroundhisterritory，andKevinCochlach，thecharioteer，ismakingbitterlovetoherandwantshertorunawaywithhim。"
　　Mongansetout，andinnogreattime，fortheytravelleddayandnight，theycametoBregla，andgainedadmittancetothefortress，butjustashegotinhehadtogooutagain，fortheKingofLeinsterhadbeenwarnedofMongan’sjourney，andcamebacktohisfortressinthenickoftime。
　　WhenthemenofUlstersawtheconditionintowhichMonganfelltheywereingreatdistress，andtheyallgotsickthroughcompassionfortheirking。ThenoblessuggestedtohimthattheyshouldmarchagainstLeinsterandkillthatkingandbringbackDuvLaca，butMonganwouldnotconsenttothisplan。
　　"For，"saidhe，"thethingIlostthroughmyownfollyIshallgetbackthroughmyowncraft。"
　　Andwhenhesaidthathisspiritsrevived，andhecalledformacanDa’v。
　　"Youknow，myfriend，"saidMongan，"thatIcan’tgetDuvLacabackunlesstheKingofLeinsterasksmetotakeherback，forabargainisabargain。"
　　"Thatwillhappenwhenpigsfly，"saidmacanDa’v，"and，"saidhe，"Ididnotmakeanybargainwithanykingthatisintheworld。"
　　"Iheardyousaythatbefore，"saidMongan。
　　"IwillsayittillDoom，"criedhisservant，"formywifehasgoneawaywiththatpestilentking，andhehasgotthedoubleofyourbadbargain。"
　　MonganandhisservantthensetoutforLeinster。
　　Whentheynearedthatcountrytheyfoundagreatcrowdgoingontheroadwiththem，andtheylearnedthatthekingwasgivingafeastinhonourofhismarriagetoDuvLaca，fortheyearofwaitingwasnearlyout，andthekinghadswornhewoulddelaynolonger。
　　Theywenton，therefore，butinlowspirits，andatlasttheysawthewallsoftheking’scastletoweringbeforethem。andanoblecompanygoingtoandfroonthelawn。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　THEYsatinaplacewheretheycouldwatchthecastleandcomposethemselvesaftertheirjourney。
　　"Howarewegoingtogetintothecastle？"askedmacanDa’v。
　　Fortherewerehatchetmenonguardinthebiggateway，andtherewerespearmenatshortintervalsaroundthewalls，andmentothrowhotporridgeofftheroofwerestandingintherightplaces。
　　"Ifwecannotgetinbyhook，wewillgetinbycrook，"saidMongan。
　　"Theyarebothgoodways，"saidMacanDa’v，"andwhicheverofthemyoudecideonI’llstickby。"
　　JustthentheysawtheHagoftheMillcomingoutofthemillwhichwasdowntheroadalittle。
　　NowtheHagoftheMillwasabony，thinpoleofahagwithoddfeet。Thatis，shehadonefootthatwastoobigforher，sothatwhenshelifteditupitpulledherover；andshehadonefootthatwastoosmallforher，sothatwhenshelifteditupshedidn’tknowwhattodowithit。Shewassolongthatyouthoughtyouwouldneverseetheendofher，andshewassothinthatyouthoughtyoudidn’tseeheratall。Oneofhereyeswassetwherehernoseshouldbeandtherewasanearinitsplace，andhernoseitselfwashangingoutofherchin，andshehadwhiskersroundit。Shewasdressedinaredragthatwasreallyaholewithafringeonit，andshewassinging"Oh，hushthee，myonelove"toacatthatwasyelpingonhershoulder。
　　ShehadatallskinnydogbehindhercalledBrotar。Ithadn’tatoothinitsheadexceptone，andithadthetoothacheinthattooth。Everyfewstepsitusedtositdownonitshunkersandpointitsnosestraightupwards，andmakealong，sadcomplaintaboutitstooth；andafterthatitusedtoreachitshindlegroundandtrytoscratchoutitstooth；andthenitusedtobepulledonagainbythestrawropethatwasrounditsneck，andwhichwastiedattheotherendtothehag’sheaviestfoot。
　　Therewasanold，knock-kneed，raw-boned，one-eyed，little-winded，heavy-headedmarewithheralso。Everytimeitputafrontlegforwarditshiveredallovertherestofitslegsbackwards，andwhenitputahindlegforwarditshiveredallovertherestofitslegsfrontwards，anditusedtogiveagreatwhistlethroughitsnosewhenitwasoutofbreath，andabig，thinhenwassittingonitscroup。MonganlookedontheHagoftheMillwithdelightandaffection。
　　"Thistime，"saidhetomacanDa’v，"I’llgetbackmywife。"
　　"Youwillindeed，"saidmacanDa’vheartily，"andyou’llgetminebacktoo。"
　　"Gooveryonder，"saidMongan，"andtelltheHagoftheMillthatIwanttotalktoher。"
　　MacanDa’vbroughtherovertohim。
　　"Isittruewhattheservantmansaid？"sheasked。
　　"Whatdidhesay？"saidMongan。
　　"Hesaidyouwantedtotalktome。"
　　"Itistrue，"saidMongan。
　　"Thisisawonderfulhourandagloriousminute，"saidthehag，"forthisisthefirsttimeinsixtyyearsthatanyonewantedtotalktome。Talkonnow，"saidshe，"andI’lllistentoyouifI
　　canrememberhowtodoit。Talkgently，"saidshe，"thewayyouwon’tdisturbtheanimals，fortheyareallsick。"
　　"Theyaresickindeed，"saidmacanDa’vpityingly。
　　"Thecathasasoretail，"saidshe，"byreasonofsittingtooclosetoapartofthehobthatwashot。Thedoghasatoothache，thehorsehasapaininherstomach，andthehenhasthepip。"
　　"Ah，it’sasadworld，"saidmacanDa’v。
　　"Thereyouare！"saidthehag。
　　"Tellme，"Mongancommenced，"ifyougotawish，whatitisyouwouldwishfor？"
　　ThehagtookthecatoffhershoulderandgaveittomacanDa’v。
　　"HoldthatformewhileIthink，"saidshe。
　　"Wouldyouliketobealovelyyounggirl？"askedMongan。
　　"I’dsoonerbethatthanaskinnedeel，"saidshe。
　　"AndwouldyouliketomarrymeortheKingofLeinster？""I’dliketomarryeitherofyou，orbothofyou，orwhicheverofyoucamefirst。"
　　"Verywell，"saidMongan，"youshallhaveyourwish。"
　　Hetouchedherwithhisfinger，andtheinstanthetouchedheralldilapidationandwrynessandagewentfromher，andshebecamesobeautifulthatonedaredscarcelylookonher，andsoyoungthatsheseemedbutsixteenyearsofage。
　　"YouarenottheHagoftheMillanylonger，"saidMongan，"youareIvelloftheShiningCheeks，daughteroftheKingofMunster。"
　　Hetouchedthedogtoo，anditbecamealittlesilkylapdogthatcouldnestleinyourpalm。Thenhechangedtheoldmareintoabrisk，piebaldpalfrey。ThenhechangedhimselfsothathebecamethelivingimageofAe，thesonoftheKingofConnaught，whohadjustbeenmarriedtoIvelloftheShiningCheeks，andthenhechangedmacanDa’vintothelikenessofAe’sattendant，andthentheyallsetofftowardsthefortress，singingthesongthatbegins：Mywifeisnicerthananyone’swife，Anyone’swife，anyone’swife，Mywifeisnicerthananyone’swife，Whichnobodycandeny。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　ThedoorkeeperbroughtwordtotheKingofLeinsterthatthesonoftheKingofConnaught，AetheBeautiful，andhiswife，IvelloftheShiningCheeks，wereatthedoor，thattheyhadbeenbanishedfromConnaughtbyAe’sfather，andtheywereseekingtheprotectionoftheKingofLeinster。
　　Branduvcametothedoorhimselftowelcomethem，andtheminutehelookedonIvelloftheShiningCheeksitwasplainthathelikedlookingather。
　　Itwasnowdrawingtowardsevening，andafeastwaspreparedfortheguestswithabanquettofollowit。AtthefeastDuvLacasatbesidetheKingofLeinster，butMongansatoppositehimwithIvell，andMonganputmoreandmoremagicintothehag，sothathercheeksshoneandhereyesgleamed，andshewasutterlybewitchingtotheeye；andwhenBranduvlookedathersheseemedtogrowmoreandmorelovelyandmoreandmoredesirable，andatlasttherewasnotaboneinhisbodyasbigasaninchthatwasnotfilledwithloveandlongingforthegirl。
　　Everyfewminuteshegaveagreatsighasifhehadeatentoomuch，andwhenDuvLacaaskedhimifhehadeatentoomuchhesaidhehadhutthathehadnotdrunkenough，andbythathemeantthathehadnotdrunkenoughfromtheeyesofthegirlbeforehim。
　　Atthebanquetwhichwasthenheldhelookedatheragain，andeverytimehetookadrinkhetoastedIvellacrossthebrimofhisgoblet，andinalittlewhileshebegantotoasthimbackacrosstherimofhercup，forhewasdrinkingale，butshewasdrinkingmead。ThenhesentamessengertohertosaythatitwasafarbetterthingtobethewifeoftheKingofLeinsterthantobethewifeofthesonoftheKingofConnaught，forakingisbetterthanaprince，andIvellthoughtthatthiswasaswiseathingasanybodyhadeversaid。Andthenhesentamessagetosaythathelovedhersomuchthathewouldcertainlyburstofloveifitdidnotstop。
　　Monganheardthewhispering，andhetoldthehagthatifshedidwhatheadvisedshewouldcertainlygeteitherhimselfortheKingofLeinsterforahusband。
　　"Eitherofyouwillbewelcome，"saidthehag。
　　"Whenthekingsayshelovesyou，askhimtoproveitbygifts；
　　askforhisdrinking-hornfirst。"
　　Sheaskedforthat，andhesentittoherfilledwithgoodliquor；thensheaskedforhisgirdle，andhesentherthat。
　　HispeoplearguedwithhimandsaiditwasnotrightthatheshouldgiveawaythetreasuresofLeinstertothewifeoftheKingofConnaught’sson；buthesaidthatitdidnotmatter，forwhenhegotthegirlhewouldgethistreasureswithher。Buteverytimehesentanythingtothehag，macanDa’vsnatcheditoutofherlapandputitinhispocket。
　　"Now，"saidMongantothehag，"telltheservanttosaythatyouwouldnotleaveyourownhusbandforallthewealthoftheworld。"
　　Shetoldtheservantthat，andtheservanttoldittotheking。
　　WhenBranduvheardithenearlywentmadwithloveandlongingandjealousy，andwithragealso，becauseofthetreasurehehadgivenherandmightnotgetback。HecalledMonganovertohim，andspoketohimverythreateninglyandragingly。
　　"Iamnotonewhotakesathingwithoutgivingathing，"saidhe。
　　"Nobodycouldsayyouwere，"agreedMongan。
　　"Doyouseethiswomansittingbesideme？"hecontinued，pointingtoDuvLaca。
　　"Idoindeed，"saidMongan。
　　"Well，"saidBranduv，"thiswomanisDuvLacaoftheWhiteHandthatItookawayfromMongan；sheisjustgoingtomarryme，butifyouwillmakeanexchange，youcanmarrythisDuvLacahere，andIwillmarrythatIvelloftheShiningCheeksyonder。"
　　Monganpretendedtobeveryangrythen。
　　"IfIhadcomeherewithhorsesandtreasureyouwouldbeinyourrighttotakethesefromme，butyouhavenorighttoaskforwhatyouarenowasking。"
　　"Idoaskforit，"saidBranduvmenacingly，"andyoumustnotrefusealord。"
　　"Verywell，"saidMonganreluctantly，andasifingreatfear；
　　"ifyouwillmaketheexchangeIwillmakeit，althoughitbreaksmyheart。"
　　HebroughtIvellovertothekingthenandgaveherthreekisses。
　　"ThekingwouldsuspectsomethingifIdidnotkissyou，"saidhe，andthenhegavethehagovertotheking。Afterthattheyallgotdrunkandmerry，andsoontherewasagreatsnoringandsnorting，andverysoonalltheservantsfellasleepalso，sothatMongancouldnotgetanythingtodrink。MacanDa’vsaiditwasagreatshame，andhekickedsomeoftheservants，buttheydidnotbudge，andthenheslippedouttothestablesandsaddledtwomares。HegotononewithhiswifebehindhimandMongangotontheotherwithDuvLacabehindhim，andtheyrodeawaytowardsUlsterlikethewind，singingthissong：TheKingofLeinsterwasmarriedto-day，Marriedto-day，marriedto-day，TheKingofLeinsterwasmarriedto-day，Andeveryonewisheshimjoy。
　　InthemorningtheservantscametowakentheKingofLeinster，andwhentheysawthefaceofthehaglyingonthepillowbesidetheking，andhernoseallcoveredwithwhiskers，andherbigfootandlittlefootstickingawayoutattheendofthebed，theybegantolaugh，andpokeoneanotherinthestomachsandthumponeanotherontheshoulders，sothatthenoiseawakenedtheking，andheaskedwhatwasthematterwiththematall。Itwasthenhesawthehaglyingbesidehim，andhegaveagreatscreechandjumpedoutofthebed。
　　"Aren’tyoutheHagoftheMill？"saidhe。
　　"Iamindeed，"shereplied，"andIloveyoudearly。"
　　"IwishIdidn’tseeyou，"saidBranduv。
　　Thatwastheendofthestory，andwhenhehadtolditMonganbegantolaughuproariouslyandcalledformorewine。Hedrankthisdeeply，asthoughhewasfullofthirstanddespairandawildjollity，butwhentheFlameLadybegantoweephetookherinhisarmsandcaressedher，andsaidthatshewastheloveofhisheartandtheonetreasureoftheworld。
　　Afterthattheyfeastedingreatcontentment，andattheendofthefeastingtheywentawayfromFaeryandreturnedtotheworldofmen。
　　TheycametoMongan’spalaceatMoyLinney，anditwasnotuntiltheyreachedthepalacethattheyfoundtheyhadbeenawayonewholeyear，fortheyhadthoughttheywereonlyawayonenight。
　　Theylivedthenpeacefullyandlovinglytogether，andthatendsthestory，butBro’tiarnadidnotknowthatMonganwasFionn。
　　Theabbotleanedforward。
　　"WasMonganFionn？"heaskedinawhisper。
　　"Hewas，"repliedCairide’。
　　"Indeed，indeed！"saidtheabbot。
　　Afterawhilehecontinued："ThereisonlyonepartofyourstorythatIdonotlike。"
　　"Whatpartisthat？"askedCairide’。
　　"ItisthepartwheretheholymanTibraide’wasilltreatedbythatrap——bythat——byMongan。"
　　Cairide’agreedthatitwasilldone，buttohimselfhesaidgleefullythatwheneverhewasaskedtotellthestoryofhowhetoldthestoryofMonganhewouldrememberwhattheabbotsaid。