Inthegreatbanquetinghalleverythingwasinorderforthefeast。ThenoblesofIrelandwiththeirwinsomeconsorts，thelearnedandartisticprofessionsrepresentedbythepickoftheirtimewereinplace。TheArd-Ri，CormoftheHundredBattles，hadtakenhisplaceontheraiseddaiswhichcommandedthewholeofthatvasthall。AthisRighthandhissonArt，tobeafterwardsasfamousashisfamousfather，tookhisseat，andonhisleftGollmormacMorna，chiefoftheFiannaofIreland，hadtheseatofhonour。AstheHighKingtookhisplacehecouldseeeverypersonwhowasnotedinthelandforanyreason。Hewouldknoweveryonewhowaspresent，forthefameofallmenissealedatTara，andbehindhischairaheraldstoodtotellanythingthekingmightnotknoworhadforgotten。
Conngavethesignalandhisguestsseatedthemselves。
Thetimehadcomeforthesquirestotaketheirstationsbehindtheirmastersandmistresses。But，forthemoment，thegreatroomwasseated，andthedoorswereheldtoallowamomentofrespecttopassbeforetheserversandsquirescamein。
Lookingoverhisguests，Connobservedthatayoungmanwasyetstanding。
\"Thereisagentleman，\"hemurmured，\"forwhomnoseathasbeenfound。\"
WemaybesurethattheMasteroftheBanquetblushedatthat。
\"And，\"thekingcontinued，\"Idonotseemtoknowtheyoungman。\"
Nordidhisherald，nordidtheunfortunateMaster，nordidanybody；fortheeyesofallwerenowturnedwheretheking’swent。
\"Givememyhorn，\"saidthegraciousmonarch。
Thehornofstatewasputtohishand。
\"Younggentleman，\"hecalledtothestranger，\"IwishtodrinktoyourhealthandtowelcomeyoutoTara。\"
Theyoungmancameforwardthen，greater-shoulderedthananymightymanofthatgathering，longerandcleanerlimbed，withhisfaircurlsdancingabouthisbeardlessface。Thekingputthegreathornintohishand。
\"Tellmeyourname，\"hecommandedgently。
\"IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，\"saidtheyouth。
Andatthatsayingatouchasoflightningwentthroughthegatheringsothateachpersonquivered，andthesonofthegreat，murderedcaptainlookedbytheking’sshoulderintothetwinklingeyeofGoll。Butnowordwasuttered，nomovementmadeexceptthemovementandtheutteranceoftheArd-Ri’。
\"Youarethesonofafriend，\"saidthegreat-heartedmonarch。
\"Youshallhavetheseatofafriend。\"
HeplacedFionnattherighthandofhisownsonArt。
CHAPTERXII
ItistobeknownthatonthenightoftheFeastofSamhainthedoorsseparatingthisworldandthenextoneareopened，andtheinhabitantsofeitherworldcanleavetheirrespectivespheresandappearintheworldoftheotherbeings。
NowtherewasagrandsontotheDagdaMor，theLordoftheUnderworld，andhewasnamedAillenmacMidna，outofShi’
Finnachy，andthisAillenboreanimplacableenmitytoTaraandtheArd-Ri’。
AswellasbeingmonarchofIrelandherHighKingwaschiefofthepeoplelearnedinmagic，anditispossiblethatatsometimeConnhadadventuredintoTirnan-Og，theLandoftheYoung，andhaddonesomedeedormisdeedinAillen’slordshiporinhisfamily。Itmusthavebeenanilldeedintruth，foritwasinaveryrageofrevengethatAillencameyearlyatthepermittedtimetoravageTara。
Ninetimeshehadcomeonthismissionofrevenge，butitisnottobesupposedthathecouldactuallydestroytheholycity：theArd-Ri’andmagicianscouldpreventthat，buthecouldyetdoadamagesoconsiderablethatitwasworthConn’swhiletotakespecialextraprecautionsagainsthim，includingtheprecautionofchance。
Therefore，whenthefeastwasoverandthebanquethadcommenced，theHundredFighterstoodfromhisthroneandlookedoverhisassembledpeople。
TheChainofSilencewasshakenbytheattendantwhosedutyandhonourwastheSilverChain，andatthatdelicatechimethehaltwentsilent，andageneralwonderensuedastowhatmattertheHighKingwouldsubmittohispeople。
\"Friendsandheroes，\"saidConn，\"Aillen，thesonofMidna，willcometo-nightfromSlieveFuaidwithoccult，terriblefireagainstourcity。IsthereamongyouonewholovesTaraandtheking，andwhowillundertakeourdefenceagainstthatbeing？\"
Hespokeinsilence，andwhenhehadfinishedhelistenedtothesamesilence，butitwasnowdeep，ominous，agonized。Eachmanglanceduneasilyonhisneighbourandthenstaredathiswine-cuporhisfingers。Theheartsofyoungmenwenthotforagallantmomentandwerechilledinthesucceedingone，fortheyhadallheardofAillenoutofShlFinnachyinthenorth。Thelessergentlemenlookedundertheirbrowsatthegreaterchampions，andthesepeeredfurtivelyatthegreatestofall。ArtogmacMornaoftheHardStrokesfelltobitinghisfingers，Cona’ntheSwearerandGarramacMornagrumbledirritablytoeachotherandattheirneighbours，evenCaelte，thesonofRona’n，lookeddownintohisownlap，andGollMorsippedathiswinewithoutanytwinkleinhiseye。Ahorridembarrassmentcameintothegreathall，andastheHighKingstoodinthatpalpitatingsilencehisnoblefacechangedfromkindlytograveandfromthattoaterriblesternness。Inanothermoment，totheundyingshameofeverypersonpresent，hewouldhavebeencompelledtolifthisownchallengeanddeclarehimselfthechampionofTaraforthatnight，buttheshamethatwasonthefacesofhispeoplewouldremainintheheartoftheirking。Goll’smerrymindwouldhelphimtoforget，butevenhisheartwouldbewrungbyamemorythathewouldnotdaretoface。ItwasatthatterriblemomentthatFionnstoodup。
\"What，\"saidhe，\"willbegiventothemanwhoundertakesthisdefence？\"
\"Allthatcanberightlyaskedwillberoyallybestowed，\"wastheking’sanswer。
\"Whoarethesureties？\"saidFionn。
\"ThekingsofIreland，andRedCithwithhismagicians。\"
\"Iwillundertakethedefence，\"saidFionn。Andonthat，thekingsandmagicianswhowerepresentboundthemselvestothefulfilmentofthebargain。
Fionnmarchedfromthebanquetinghall，andashewent，allwhowerepresentofnoblesandretainersandservantsacclaimedhimandwishedhimluck。Butintheirheartstheywerebiddinghimgood-bye，forallwereassuredthattheladwasmarchingtoadeathsounescapeablethathemightalreadybecountedasadeadman。
ItislikelythatFionnlookedforhelptothepeopleoftheShi’
themselves，for，throughhismother，hebelongedtothetribesofDana，although，onthefather’sside，hisbloodwaswellcompoundedwithmortalclay。Itmaybe，too，thatheknewhoweventswouldturn，forhehadeatentheSalmonofKnowledge。Yetitisnotrecordedthatonthisoccasionheinvokedanymagicalartashedidonotheradventures。
Fionn’swayofdiscoveringwhateverwashappeningandhiddenwasalwaysthesameandismanytimesreferredto。Ashallow，oblongdishofpure，palegoldwasbroughttohim。Thisdishwasfilledwithclearwater。ThenFionnwouldbendhisheadandstareintothewater，andashestaredhewouldplacehisthumbinhismouthunderhis\"ToothofKnowledge，\"his\"wisdomtooth。\"
Knowledge，mayitbesaid，ishigherthanmagicandismoretobesought。Itisquitepossibletoseewhatishappeningandyetnotknowwhatisforward，forwhileseeingisbelievingitdoesnotfollowthateitherseeingorbelievingisknowing。Manyapersoncanseeathingandbelieveathingandknowjustaslittleaboutitasthepersonwhodoesneither。ButFionnwouldseeandknow，orhewouldunder-standadecentratioofhisvisions。Thathewasversedinmagicistrue，forhewaseverknownastheKnowledgeableman，andlaterhehadtwomagiciansinhishouseholdnamedDirimandmac-Reithtodotheroughworkofknowledgefortheirbusymaster。
ItwasnotfromtheShi’，however，thatassistancecametoFionn。
CHAPTERXIII
Hemarchedthroughthesuccessivefortificationsuntilhecametotheouter，greatwall，theboundaryofthecity，andwhenhehadpassedthishewasonthewideplainofTara。
Otherthanhimselfnopersonwasabroad，foronthenightoftheFeastofSamhainnonebutamadmanwouldquittheshelterofahouseevenifitwereonfire；forwhateverdisastersmightbewithinahousewouldbeasnothingtothecalamitieswithoutit。
ThenoiseofthebanquetwasnotnowaudibletoFionn——itispossible，however，thattherewasashamefacedsilenceinthegreathall——andthelightsofthecitywerehiddenbythesuccessivegreatramparts。Theskywasoverhim；theearthunderhim；andthanthesetherewasnothing，ortherewasbutthedarknessandthewind。
Butdarknesswasnotathingtoterrifyhim，bredinthenightnessofawoodandtheveryfosterlingofgloom；norcouldthewindafflicthisearorhisheart。Therewasnonoteinitsorchestrathathehadnotbroodedonandbecome，whichbecomingismagic。Thelong-drawnmoanofit；thethrillingwhisperandhush；theshrill，sweetwhistle，sothinitcanscarcelybeheard，andistakenmorebythenervesthanbytheear；thescreech，suddenasadevil’syellandloudastenthunders；thecryasofonewhoflieswithbackwardlooktotheshelterofleavesanddarkness；andthesobasofonestrickenwithanage-longmisery，onlyattimesremembered，butrememberedthenwithwhatapang！Hisearknewbywhatsuccessionstheyarrived，andbywhatstagestheygrewanddiminished。Listeninginthedarktothebundleofnoiseswhichmakeanoisehecoulddisentanglethemandassignaplaceandareasontoeachgradationofsoundthatformedthechorus：therewasthepatterofarabbit，andtherethescurryingofahare；abushrustledyonder，butthatbriefrustlewasabird；thatpressurewasawolf，andthishesitationafox；thescrapingyonderwasbutaroughleafagainstbark，andthescratchingbeyonditwasaferret’sclaw。
Fearcannotbewhereknowledgeis，andFionnwasnotfearful。
Hismind，quietlybusyonallsides，pickeduponesoundanddweltonit。\"Aman，\"saidFionn，andhelistenedinthatdirection，backtowardsthecity。
Amanitwas，almostasskilledindarknessasFionnhimself\"Thisisnoenemy，\"Fionnthought；\"hiswalkingisopen。\"
\"Whocomes？\"hecalled。
\"Afriend，\"saidthenewcomer。
\"Giveafriend’sname，\"saidFionn。
\"FiacuilmacCona，\"wastheanswer。
\"Ah，mypulseandheart！\"criedFionn，andhestrodeafewpacestomeetthegreatrobberwhohadfosteredhimamongthemarshes。
\"Soyouarenotafraid，\"hesaidjoyfully。
\"Iamafraidingoodtruth，\"Fiacuilwhispered，\"andtheminutemybusinesswithyouisfinishedIwilltrotbackasquickaslegswillcarryme。Maythegodsprotectmygoingastheyprotectedmycoming，\"saidtherobberpiously。
\"Amen，\"saidFionn，\"andnow，tellmewhatyouhavecomefor？\"
\"HaveyouanyplanagainstthislordoftheShf？\"Fiacuilwhispered。
\"Iwillattackhim，\"saidFionn。
\"Thatisnotaplan，\"theothergroaned，\"wedonotplantodeliveranattackhuttowinavictory。\"
\"Isthisaveryterribleperson？\"Fionnasked。
\"Terribleindeed。Noonecangetnearhimorawayfromhim。HecomesoutoftheShi’playingsweet，lowmusiconatimpanandapipe，andallwhohearthismusicfallasleep。\"
\"Iwillnotfallasleep，\"saidFionn。
\"Youwillindeed，foreverybodydoes。\"
\"Whathappensthen？\"Fionnasked。
\"WhenallareasleepAillenmacMidnablowsadartoffireoutofhismouth，andeverythingthatistouchedbythatfireisdestroyed，andhecanblowhisfiretoanincredibledistanceandtoanydirection。\"
\"Youareverybravetocometohelpme，\"Fionnmurmured，\"especiallywhenyouarenotabletohelpmeatall。\"
\"Icanhelp，\"Fiacuilreplied，\"butImustbepaid。\"
\"Whatpayment？\"
\"Athirdofallyouearnandaseatatyourcouncil。\"
\"Igrantthat，\"saidFionn，\"andnow，tellmeyourplan？\"
\"YouremembermyspearwiththethirtyrivetsofArabiangoldinitssocket？\"
\"Theone，\"Fionnqueried，\"thathaditsheadwrappedinablanketandwasstuckinabucketofwaterandwaschainedtoawallaswell——thevenomousBirgha？\"\"Thatone，\"Fiacuilreplied。
\"ItisAillenmacMidna’sownspear，\"hecontinued，\"anditwastakenoutofhisShi’byyourfather。\"
\"Well？\"saidFionn，wonderingneverthelesswhereFiacuilgotthespear，buttoogeneroustoask。
\"WhenyouhearthegreatmanoftheShi’coming，takethewrappingsofftheheadofthespearandbendyourfaceoverit；
theheatofthespear，thestenchofit，allitsperniciousandacridqualitieswillpreventyoufromgoingtosleep。\"
\"Areyousureofthat？\"saidFionn。
\"Youcouldn’tgotosleepclosetothatstench；nobodycould，\"
Fiacuilreplieddecidedly。
Hecontinued：\"AillenmacMidnawillbeoffhisguardwhenhestopsplayingandbeginstoblowhisfire；hewillthinkeverybodyisasleep；thenyoucandelivertheattackyouwerespeakingof，andallgoodluckgowithit。\"
\"Iwillgivehimbackhisspear，\"saidFionn。
\"Hereitis，\"saidFiacuil，takingtheBirghafromunderhiscloak。\"Butbeascarefulofit，mypulse，beasfrightenedofitasyouareofthemanofDana。\"
\"Iwillbefrightenedofnothing，\"saidFionn，\"andtheonlypersonIwillbesorryforisthatAillenmacMidna，whoisgoingtogethisownspearback。\"
\"Iwillgoawaynow，\"hiscompanionwhispered，\"foritisgrowingdarkerwhereyouwouldhavethoughttherewasnomoreroomfordarkness，andthereisaneeriefeelingabroadwhichIdonotlike。ThatmanfromtheShi’maycomeanyminute，andifIcatchonesoundofhismusicIamdonefor。\"
TherobberwentawayandagainFionnwasalone。
CHAPTERXIV
Helistenedtotheretreatingfootstepsuntiltheycouldbeheardnomore，andtheonesoundthatcametohistenseearswasthebeatingofhisownheart。
Eventhewindhadceased，andthereseemedtobenothingintheworldbutthedarknessandhimself。Inthatgiganticblackness，inthatunseenquietudeandvacancy，themindcouldceasetobepersonaltoitself。Itcouldbeoverwhelmedandmergedinspace，sothatconsciousnesswouldbetransferredordissipated，andonemightsleepstanding；forthemindfearslonelinessmorethanallelse，andwillescapetothemoonratherthanbedriveninwardsonitsownbeing。
ButFionnwasnotlonely，andhewasnotafraidwhenthesonofMidnacame。
Alongstretchofthesilentnighthadgoneby，minutefollowingminuteinaslowsequence，whereinastherewasnochangetherewasnotime；whereintherewasnopastandnofuture，butastupefying，endlesspresentwhichisalmosttheannihilationofconsciousness。Achangecamethen，forthecloudshadalsobeenmovingandthemoonatlastwassensedbehindthem——notasaradiance，butasapercolationoflight，agleamthatwasstrainedthroughmatteraftermatterandwaslessthantheverywraithorremembranceofitself；athingseensonarrowly，sosparsely，thattheeyecoulddoubtifitwasorwasnotseeing，andmightconceivethatitsownmemorywasre-creatingthatwhichwasstillabsent。
ButFionn’seyewastheeyeofawildcreaturethatspiesondarknessandmovestherewittingly。Hesaw，then，notathingbutamovement；somethingthatwasdarkerthanthedarknessitloomedon；notabeingbutapresence，and，asitwere，impendingpressure。Andinalittleheheardthedeliberatepaceofthatgreatbeing。
Fionnbenttohisspearandunlooseditscoverings。
Thenfromthedarknesstherecameanothersound；alow，sweetsound；thrillinglyjoyous，thrillinglylow；solowtheearcouldscarcelynoteit，sosweettheearwishedtocatchnothingelseandwouldstrivetohearitratherthanallsoundsthatmaybeheardbyman：themusicofanotherworld！theunearthly，dearmelodyoftheShi’！Sosweetitwasthatthesensestrainedtoit，andhavingreachedmustfollowdrowsilyinitswake，andwouldmergeinit，andcouldnotreturnagaintoitsownplaceuntilthatstrangeharmonywasfinishedandtheearrestoredtofreedom。
ButFionnhadtakenthecoveringfromhisspear，andwithhisbrowpressedclosetoithekepthismindandallhissensesengagedonthatsizzling，murderouspoint。
ThemusicceasedandAillenhissedafierceblueflamefromhismouth，anditwasasthoughhehissedlightning。
HereitwouldseemthatFionnusedmagic，forspreadingouthisfringedmantlehecaughttheflame。Ratherhestoppedit，foritslidfromthemantleandspeddownintotheearthtothedepthoftwenty-sixspans；fromwhichthatslopeisstillcalledtheGlenoftheMantle，andtheriseonwhichAillenstoodisknownastheArdofFire。
OnecanimaginethesurpriseofAillenmacMidna，seeinghisfirecaughtandquenchedbyaninvisiblehand。Andonecanimaginethatatthischeckhemightbefrightened，forwhowouldbemoreterrifiedthanamagicianwhoseeshismagicfail，andwho，knowingofpower，willguessatpowersofwhichhehasnoconceptionandmaywelldread。
Everythinghadbeendonebyhimasitshouldbedone。Hispipehadbeenplayedandhistimpan，allwhoheardthatmusicshouldbeasleep，andyethisfirewascaughtinfullcourseandwasquenched。
Aillen，withalltheterrificstrengthofwhichhewasmaster，blewagain，andthegreatjetofblueflamecameroaringandwhistlingfromhimandwascaughtanddisappeared。
PanicswirledintothemanfromFaery；heturnedfromthatterriblespotandfled，notknowingwhatmightbebehind，butdreadingitashehadneverbeforedreadedanything，andtheunknownpursuedhim；thatterribledefencebecameoffenceandhungtohisheelasawolfpadsbytheflankofabull。
AndAillenwasnotinhisownworld！Hewasintheworldofmen，wheremovementisnoteasyandtheveryairaburden。Inhisownsphere，inhisownelement，hemighthaveoutrunFionn，butthiswasFionn’sworld，Fionn’selement，andtheflyinggodwasnotgrossenoughtooutstriphim。Yetwhataracehegave，foritwasbutattheentrancetohisownShi’thatthepursuergotcloseenough。Fionnputafingerintothethongofthegreatspear，andatthatcastnightfellonAillenmacMidna。Hiseyeswentblack，hismindwhirledandceased，therecamenothingnesswherehehadbeen，andastheBirghawhistledintohisshoulder-bladeshewitheredaway，hetumbledemptilyandwasdead。FionntookhislovelyheadfromitsshouldersandwentbackthroughthenighttoTara。
TriumphantFionn，whohaddealtdeathtoagod，andtowhomdeathwouldbedealt，andwhoisnowdead！
Hereachedthepalaceatsunrise。
Onthatmorningallwereastirearly。Theywishedtoseewhatdestructionhadbeenwroughtbythegreatbeing，butitwasyoungFionntheysawandthatredoubtableheadswingingbyitshair。
\"Whatisyourdemand？\"saidtheArd-Ri’。\"ThethingthatitisrightIshouldask，\"saidFionn：\"thecommandoftheFiannaofIreland。\"
\"Makeyourchoice，\"saidConntoGollMor；\"youwillleaveIreland，oryouwillplaceyourhandinthehandofthischampionandbehisman。\"
Gollcoulddoathingthatwouldbehardforanotherperson，andhecoulddoitsobeautifullythathewasnotdiminishedbyanyaction。
\"Hereismyhand，\"saidGoll。
Andhetwinkledatthestern，youngeyesthatgazedonhimashemadehissubmission。
THEBIRTHOFBRAN
CHAPTERI
Therearepeoplewhodonotlikedogsabit——theyareusuallywomen——butinthisstorythereisamanwhodidnotlikedogs。Infact，hehatedthem。Whenhesawoneheusedtogoblackintheface，andhethrewrocksatituntilitgotoutofsight。ButthePowerthatprotectsallcreatureshadputasquintintothisman’seye，sothathealwaysthrewcrooked。
Thisgentleman’snamewasFergusFionnliath，andhisstrongholdwasneartheharbourofGalway。Wheneveradogbarkedhewouldleapoutofhisseat，andhewouldthroweverythingthatheownedoutofthewindowinthedirectionofthebark。Hegaveprizestoservantswhodislikeddogs，andwhenheheardthatamanhaddrownedalitterofpupsheusedtovisitthatpersonandtrytomarryhisdaughter。
NowFionn，thesonofUail，wasthereverseofFergusFionnliathinthismatter，forhedelightedindogs，andhekneweverythingaboutthemfromthesettingofthefirstlittlewhitetoothtotherockingofthelastlongyellowone。Heknewtheaffectionsandantipathieswhichareproperinadog；thedegreeofobediencetowhichdogsmaybetrainedwithoutlosingtheirhonourablequalitiesorbecomingservileandsuspicious；heknewthehopesthatanimatethem，theapprehensionswhichtingleintheirblood，andallthatistobedemandedfrom，orforgivenin，apaw，anear，anose，aneye，oratooth；andheunderstoodthesethingsbecauseheloveddogs，foritisbylovealonethatweunderstandanything。
AmongthethreehundreddogswhichFionnownedthereweretwotowhomhegaveanespecialtenderness，andwhowerehisdailyandnightlycompanions。ThesetwowereBranandSceo’lan，butifapersonweretoguessfortwentyyearshewouldnotfindoutwhyFionnlovedthesetwodogsandwhyhewouldneverbeseparatedfromthem。
Fionn’smother，Muirne，wenttowideAllenofLeinstertovisitherson，andshebroughtheryoungsisterTuirenwithher。ThemotherandauntofthegreatcaptainwerewelltreatedamongtheFianna，first，becausetheywereparentstoFionn，andsecond，becausetheywerebeautifulandnoblewomen。
NowordscandescribehowdelightfulMuirnewas——shetookthebranch；andastoTuiren，amancouldnotlookatherwithoutbecomingangryordejected。Herfacewasfreshasaspringmorning；hervoicemorecheerfulthanthecuckoocallingfromthebranchthatishighestinthehedge；andherformswayedlikeareedandflowedlikeariver，sothateachpersonthoughtshewouldsurelyflowtohim。
Menwhohadwivesoftheirowngrewmoodyanddowncastbecausetheycouldnothopetomarryher，whilethebachelorsoftheFiannastaredateachotherwithtruculent，bloodshoteyes，andthentheygazedonTuirensogentlythatshemayhaveimaginedshewasbeingbeamedonbythemildeyesofthedawn。
ItwastoanUlstergentleman，IollanEachtach，thatshegaveherlove，andthischiefstatedhisrightsandqualitiesandaskedforherinmarriage。
NowFionndidnotdislikethemanofUlster，buteitherhedidnotknowthemwellorelseheknewthemtoowell，forhemadeacuriousstipulationbeforeconsentingtothemarriage。HeboundIollantoreturntheladyifthereshouldbeoccasiontothinkherunhappy，andIollanagreedtodoso。ThesuretiestothisbargainwereCaeltemacRonan，GollmacMorna，andLugaidh。
Lugaidhhimselfgavethebrideaway，butitwasnotapleasantceremonyforhim，becausehealsowasinlovewiththelady，andhewouldhavepreferredkeepinghertogivingheraway。Whenshehadgonehemadeapoemabouther，beginning：
\"Thereisnomorelightinthesky——\"
Andhundredsofsadpeoplelearnedthepoembyheart。
CHAPTERII
WhenIollanandTuirenweremarriedtheywenttoUlster，andtheylivedtogetherveryhappily。Butthelawoflifeischange；
nothingcontinuesinthesamewayforanylengthoftime；
happinessmustbecomeunhappiness，andwillbesucceededagainbythejoyithaddisplaced。Thepastalsomustbereckonedwith；itisseldomasfarbehindusaswecouldwish：itismoreofteninfront，blockingtheway，andthefuturetripsoveritjustwhenwethinkthattheroadisclearandjoyourown。
Iollanhadapast。Hewasnotashamedofit；hemerelythoughtitwasfinished，althoughintruthitwasonlybeginning，foritisthatperpetualbeginningofthepastthatwecallthefuture。
BeforehejoinedtheFiannahehadbeeninlovewithaladyoftheShi’，namedUctDealv（FairBreast），andtheyhadbeensweetheartsforyears。HowoftenhehadvisitedhissweetheartinFaery！Withwhateagernessandanticipationhehadgonethere；
thelover’swhistlethatheusedtogivewasknowntoeverypersoninthatShi’，andhehadbeendiscussedbymorethanoneofthedelicatesweetladiesofFaery。\"Thatisyourwhistle，FairBreast，\"hersisteroftheShi’wouldsay。
AndUctDealvwouldreply：\"Yes，thatismymortal，mylover，mypulse，andmyonetreasure。\"
Shelaidherspinningaside，orherembroideryifshewasatthat，orifshewerebakingacakeoffinewheatenbreadmixedwithhoneyshewouldleavethecaketobakeitselfandflytoIollan。Thentheywenthandinhandinthecountrythatsmellsofapple-blossomandhoney，lookingonheavy-boughedtreesandondancingandbeamingclouds。Ortheystooddreamingtogether，lockedinaclaspingofarmsandeyes，gazingupanddownoneachother，Iollanstaringdownintosweetgreywellsthatpeepedandflickeredunderthinbrows，andUctDealvlookingupintogreatblackonesthatwentdreamyandwenthotinendlessalternation。
ThenIollanwouldgobacktotheworldofmen，andUctDealvwouldreturntoheroccupationsintheLandoftheEverYoung。
\"Whatdidhesay？\"hersisteroftheShi’wouldask。
\"HesaidIwastheBerryoftheMountain，theStarofKnowledge，andtheBlossomoftheRaspberry。\"
\"Theyalwayssaythesamething，\"hersisterpouted。
\"Buttheylookotherthings，\"UctDealvinsisted。\"Theyfeelotherthings，\"shemurmured；andanendlessconversationrecommenced。
ThenforsometimeIollandidnotcometoFaery，andUctDealvmarvelledatthat，whilehersistermadeanhundredsurmises，eachoneworsethanthelast。
\"Heisnotdeadorhewouldbehere，\"shesaid。\"Hehasforgottenyou，mydarling。\"
NewswasbroughttoTlrnan-OgofthemarriageofIollanandTuiren，andwhenUctDealvheardthatnewsherheartceasedtobeatforamoment，andsheclosedhereyes。
\"Now！\"saidhersisteroftheShi’。\"Thatishowlongtheloveofamortallasts，\"sheadded，inthevoiceofsadtriumphwhichispropertosisters。
ButonUctDealvtherecamearageofjealousyanddespairsuchasnopersonintheShi’hadeverheardof，andfromthatmomentshebecamecapableofeveryilldeed；fortherearetwothingsnoteasilycontrolled，andtheyarehungerandjealousy。ShedeterminedthatthewomanwhohadsupplantedherinIollan’saffectionsshouldruethedayshedidit。Sheponderedandbroodedrevengeinherheart，sittinginthoughtfulsolitudeandbittercollectednessuntilatlastshehadaplan。
Sheunderstoodtheartsofmagicandshape-changing，soshechangedhershapeintothatofFionn’sfemalerunner，thebest-knownwomaninIreland；thenshesetoutfromFaeryandappearedintheworld。ShetravelledinthedirectionofIollan’sstronghold。
IollanknewtheappearanceofFionn’smessenger，buthewassurprisedtoseeher。
Shesalutedhim。
\"Healthandlonglife，mymaster。\"。
\"Healthandgooddays，\"hereplied。\"Whatbringsyouhere，dearheart？\"
\"IcomefromFionn。\"
\"Andyourmessage？\"saidhe。
\"Theroyalcaptainintendstovisityou。\"
\"Hewillbewelcome，\"saidIollan。\"WeshallgivehimanUlsterfeast。\"
\"Theworldknowswhatthatis，\"saidthemessengercourteously。
\"Andnow，\"shecontinued，\"Ihavemessagesforyourqueen。\"
Tuirenthenwalkedfromthehousewiththemessenger，butwhentheyhadgoneashortdistanceUctDealvdrewahazelrodfrombeneathhercloakandstruckitonthequeen’sshoulder，andontheinstantTuiren’sfiguretrembledandquivered，anditbegantowhirlinwardsanddownwards，andshechangedintotheappearanceofahound。
Itwassadtoseethebeautiful，slenderdogstandingshiveringandastonished，andsadtoseethelovelyeyesthatlookedoutpitifullyinterrorandamazement。ButUctDealvdidnotfeelsad。Sheclaspedachainaboutthehound’sneck，andtheysetoffwestwardtowardsthehouseofFergusFionnliath，whowasreputedtobetheunfriendliestmanintheworldtoadog。ItwasbecauseofhisreputationthatUctDealvwasbringingthehoundtohim。
Shedidnotwantagoodhomeforthisdog：shewantedtheworsthomethatcouldbefoundintheworld，andshethoughtthatFerguswouldrevengeforhertherageandjealousywhichshefelttowardsTuiren。
CHAPTERIII
AstheypacedalongUctDealvrailedbitterlyagainstthehound，andshookandjerkedherchain。Manyasharpcrythehoundgaveinthatjourney，manyamildlament。
\"Ah，supplanter！Ah，takerofanothergirl’ssweetheart！\"saidUctDealvfiercely。\"Howwouldyourlovertakeitifhecouldseeyounow？Howwouldhelookifhesawyourpointyears，yourlongthinsnout，yourshivering，skinnylegs，andyourlonggreytail。
Hewouldnotloveyounow，badgirl！\"
\"HaveyouheardofFergusFionnliath，\"shesaidagain，\"themanwhodoesnotlikedogs？\"
Tuirenhadindeedheardofhim。
\"ItistoFergusIshallbringyou，\"criedUctDealv。\"Hewillthrowstonesatyou。Youhaveneverhadastonethrownatyou。
Ah，badgirl！Youdonotknowhowastonesoundsasitnipstheearwithawhirlingbuzz，norhowjaggedandheavyitfeelsasitthumpsagainstaskinnyleg。Robber！Mortal！Badgirl！Youhaveneverbeenwhipped，butyouwillbewhippednow。Youshallhearthesongofalashasitcurlsforwardandbitesinwardanddragsbackward。Youshalldigupoldbonesstealthilyatnight，andchewthemagainstfamine。Youshallwhineandsquealatthemoon，andshiverinthecold，andyouwillnevertakeanothergirl’ssweetheartagain。\"
AnditwasinthosetermsandinthattonethatshespoketoTuirenastheyjourneyedforward，sothatthehoundtrembledandshrank，andwhinedpitifullyandindespair。
TheycametoFergusFionnliath’sstronghold，andUctDealvdemandedadmittance。
\"Leavethatdogoutside，\"saidtheservant。
\"Iwillnotdoso，\"saidthepretendedmessenger。
\"Youcancomeinwithoutthedog，oryoucanstayoutwiththedog，\"saidthesurlyguardian。
\"Bymyhand，\"criedUctDealv，\"Iwillcomeinwiththisdog，oryourmastershallanswerforittoFionn。\"
AtthenameofFionntheservantalmostfelloutofhisstanding。
Heflewtoacquainthismaster，andFergushimselfcametothegreatdoorofthestronghold。
\"Bymyfaith，\"hecriedinamazement，\"itisadog。\"
\"Adogitis，\"growledtheglumservant。
\"Goyouaway，\"saidFergustoUctDealv，\"andwhenyouhavekilledthedogcomebacktomeandIwillgiveyouapresent。\"
\"Lifeandhealth，mygoodmaster，fromFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，\"saidshetoFergus。
\"LifeandhealthbacktoFionn，\"hereplied。\"Comeintothehouseandgiveyourmessage，butleavethedogoutside，forIdon’tlikedogs。\"
\"Thedogcomesin，\"themessengerreplied。
\"Howisthat？\"criedFergusangrily。
\"Fionnsendsyouthishoundtotakecareofuntilhecomesforher，\"saidthemessenger。
\"Iwonderatthat，\"Fergusgrowled，\"forFionnknowswellthatthereisnotamanintheworldhaslessofalikingfordogsthanIhave。\"
\"Howeverthatmaybe，master，IhavegivenFionn’smessage，andhereatmyheelisthedog。Doyoutakeherorrefuseher？\"
\"IfIcouldrefuseanythingtoFionnitwouldbeadog，\"saidFergus，\"butIcouldnotrefuseanythingtoFionn，sogivemethehound。\"
UctDealvputthechaininhishand。
\"Ah，baddog！\"saidshe。
Andthenshewentawaywellsatisfiedwithherrevenge，andreturnedtoherownpeopleintheShi。
CHAPTERIV
OnthefollowingdayFerguscalledhisservant。
\"Hasthatdogstoppedshiveringyet？\"heasked。
\"Ithasnot，sir，\"saidtheservant。
\"Bringthebeasthere，\"saidhismaster，\"forwhoeverelseisdissatisfiedFionnmustbesatisfied。\"
Thedogwasbrought，andheexamineditwithajaundicedandbittereye。
\"Ithastheshiversindeed，\"hesaid。
\"Theshiversithas，\"saidtheservant。
\"Howdoyoucuretheshivers？\"hismasterdemanded，forhethoughtthatiftheanimal’slegsdroppedoffFionnwouldnotbesatisfied。
\"Thereisaway，\"saidtheservantdoubtfully。
\"Ifthereisaway，tellittome，\"criedhismasterangrily。
\"Ifyouweretotakethebeastupinyourarmsandhugitandkissit，theshiverswouldstop，\"saidtheman。
\"Doyoumean——？\"hismasterthundered，andhestretchedhishandforaclub。
\"Iheardthat，\"saidtheservanthumbly。
\"Takethatdogup，\"Ferguscommanded，\"andhugitandkissit，andifIfindasingleshiverleftinthebeastI’llbreakyourhead。\"
Themanbenttothehound，butitsnappedapieceoutofhishand，andnearlybithisnoseoffaswell。
\"Thatdogdoesn’tlikeme，\"saidtheman。
\"NordoI，\"roaredFergus；\"getoutofmysight。\"
ThemanwentawayandFerguswasleftalonewiththehound，butthepoorcreaturewassoterrifiedthatitbegantotrembletentimesworsethanbefore。
\"Itslegswilldropoff，\"saidFergus。\"Fionnwillblameme，\"hecriedindespair。
Hewalkedtothehound。
\"Ifyousnapatmynose，orifyouputasmuchasthestartofatoothintothebeginningofafinger！\"hegrowled。
Hepickedupthedog，butitdidnotsnap，itonlytrembled。Hehelditgingerlyforafewmoments。
\"Ifithastobehugged，\"hesaid，\"I’llhugit。I’ddomorethanthatforFionn。\"
Hetuckedandtightenedtheanimalintohisbreast，andmarchedmoodilyupanddowntheroom。Thedog’snoselayalonghisbreastunderhischin，andashegaveitdutifulhugs，onehugtoeveryfivepaces，thedogputoutitstongueandlickedhimtimidlyunderthechin。
\"Stop，\"roaredFergus，\"stopthatforever，\"andhegrewveryredintheface，andstaredtruculentlydownalonghisnose。Asoftbrowneyelookedupathimandtheshytonguetouchedagainonhischin。
\"Ifithastobekissed，\"saidFergusgloomily，\"I’llkissit；
I’ddomorethanthatforFionn，\"hegroaned。
Hebenthishead，shuthiseyes，andbroughtthedog’sjawagainsthislips。Andatthatthedoggavelittlewrigglesinhisarms，andlittlebarks，andlittlelicks，sothathecouldscarcelyholdher。Heputthehounddownatlast。
\"Thereisnotasingleshiverleftinher，\"hesaid。
Andthatwastrue。
Everywherehewalkedthedogfollowedhim，givinglittleprancesandlittlepatsagainsthim，andkeepinghereyesfixedonhiswithsucheagernessandintelligencethathemarvelled。
\"Thatdoglikesme，\"hemurmuredinamazement。
\"Bymyhand，\"hecriednextday，\"Ilikethatdog。\"
Thedayafterthathewascallingher\"MyOneTreasure，MyLittleBranch。\"Andwithinaweekhecouldnotbearhertobeoutofhissightforaninstant。
Hewastormentedbytheideathatsomeevilpersonmightthrowastoneatthehound，soheassembledhisservantsandretainersandaddressedthem。
HetoldthemthatthehoundwastheQueenofCreatures，thePulseofhisHeart，andtheAppleofhisEye，andhewarnedthemthatthepersonwhoasmuchaslookedsidewaysonher，orknockedoneshiveroutofher，wouldanswerforthedeedwithpainsandindignities。Herecitedalistofcalamitieswhichwouldbefallsuchamiscreant，andthesewoesbeganwithflayingandendedwithdismemberment，andhadinsidebitsofsuchcomplicatedandingenioustormentthatthebloodofthemenwhohearditranchillintheirveins，andthewomenofthehouseholdfaintedwheretheystood。
CHAPTERV
IncourseoftimethenewscametoFionnthathismother’ssisterwasnotlivingwithIollan。HeatoncesentamessengercallingforfulfilmentofthepledgethathadbeengiventotheFianna，anddemandingtheinstantreturnofTuiren。Iollanwasinasadconditionwhenthisdemandwasmade。HeguessedthatUctDealvhadahandinthedisappearanceofhisqueen，andhebeggedthattimeshouldbegivenhiminwhichtofindthelostgirl。HepromisedifhecouldnotdiscoverherwithinacertainperiodthathewoulddeliverhisbodyintoFionn’shands，andwouldabidebywhateverjudgementFionnmightpronounce。Thegreatcaptainagreedtothat。
\"Tellthewife-loserthatIwillhavethegirlorIwillhavehishead，\"saidFionn。
IollansetoutthenforFaery。Heknewtheway，andinnogreattimehecametothehillwhereUctDealvwas。
ItwashardtogetUctDealvtomeethim，butatlastsheconsented，andtheymetundertheappleboughsofFaery。
\"Well！\"saidUctDealv。\"Ah！BreakerofVowsandTraitortoLove，\"saidshe。
\"Hailandablessing，\"saidIollanhumbly。
\"Bymyhand，\"shecried，\"Iwillgiveyounoblessing，foritwasnoblessingyouleftwithmewhenweparted。\"
\"Iamindanger，\"saidIollan。
\"Whatisthattome？\"sherepliedfiercely。
\"Fionnmayclaimmyhead，\"hemurmured。
\"Lethimclaimwhathecantake，\"saidshe。
\"No，\"saidIollanproudly，\"hewillclaimwhatIcangive。\"
\"Tellmeyourtale，\"saidshecoldly。
Iollantoldhisstorythen，and，heconcluded，\"Iamcertainthatyouhavehiddenthegirl。\"
\"IfIsaveyourheadfromFionn，\"thewomanoftheShi’replied，\"thenyourheadwillbelongtome。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"saidIollan。
\"Andifyourheadismine，thebodythatgoesunderitismine。
Doyouagreetothat？\"
\"Ido，\"saidIollan。
\"Givemeyourpledge，\"saidUctDealv，\"thatifIsaveyoufromthisdangeryouwillkeepmeasyoursweetheartuntiltheendoflifeandtime。\"
\"Igivethatpledge，\"saidIollan。
UctDealvwentthentothehouseofFergusFionnliath，andshebroketheenchantmentthatwasonthehound，sothatTuiren’sownshapecamebacktoher；butinthematteroftwosmallwhelps，towhichthehoundhadgivenbirth，theenchantmentcouldnotbebroken，sotheyhadtoremainastheywere。ThesetwowhelpswereBranandSceo’lan。TheyweresenttoFionn，andhelovedthemforeverafter，fortheywereloyalandaffectionate，asonlydogscanbe，andtheywereasintelligentashumanbeings。Besidesthat，theywereFionn’sowncousins。
TuirenwasthenaskedinmarriagebyLugaidhwhohadlovedhersolong。Hehadtoprovetoherthathewasnotanyotherwoman’ssweetheart，andwhenheprovedthattheyweremarried，andtheylivedhappilyeverafter，whichistheproperwaytolive。Hewroteapoembeginning：
\"Lovelytheday。Dearistheeyeofthedawn——\"
Andathousandmerrypeoplelearneditafterhim。
ButastoFergusFionnliath，hetooktohisbed，andhestayedthereforayearandadaysufferingfromblightedaffection，andhewouldhavediedinthebedonlythatFionnsenthimaspecialpup，andinaweekthatyounghoundbecametheStarofFortuneandtheveryPulseofhisHeart，sothathegotwellagain，andhealsolivedhappilyeverafter。