OISIN’SMOTHER
CHAPTERI
EVENINGwasdrawingnigh，andtheFianna-Finnhaddecidedtohuntnomorethatday。Thehoundswerewhistledtoheel，andasober，homewardmarchbegan。Formenwillwalksoberlyintheevening，howevertheygointheday，anddogswilltakethemoodfromtheirmasters。Theywerepacingso，throughthegolden-shafted，tender-colouredeve，whenafawnleapedsuddenlyfromcovert，and，withthatleap，allquietnessvanished：themenshouted，thedogsgavetongue，andafuriouschasecommenced。
Fionnlovedachaseatanyhour，and，withBranandSceo’lan，heoutstrippedthemenanddogsofhistroop，untilnothingremainedinthelimpidworldbutFionn，thetwohounds，andthenimble，beautifulfawn。These，andtheoccasionalboulders，roundwhichtheyraced，oroverwhichtheyscrambled；thesolitarytreewhichdozedaloofandbeautifulinthepath，theoccasionalclumpoftreesthathivedsweetshadowasahivehoardshoney，andtherustlinggrassthatstretchedtoinfinity，andthatmovedandcreptandswungunderthebreezeinendless，rhythmicbillowings。
InhiswildestmomentFionnwasthoughtful，andnow，althoughrunninghard，hewasthoughtful。Therewasnomovementofhisbelovedhoundsthathedidnotknow；notatwitchorflingofthehead，notacockoftheearsortailthatwasnotsignificanttohim。Butonthischasewhateversignsthedogsgavewerenotunderstoodbytheirmaster。
Hehadneverseentheminsucheagerflight。Theywerealmostutterlyabsorbedinit，buttheydidnotwhinewitheagerness，nordidtheycastanyglancetowardshimfortheencouragingwordwhichheneverfailedtogivewhentheysoughtit。
Theydidlookathim，butitwasalookwhichhecouldnotcomprehend。Therewasaquestionandastatementinthosedeepeyes，andhecouldnotunderstandwhatthatquestionmightbe，norwhatitwastheysoughttoconvey。Nowandagainoneofthedogsturnedaheadinfullflight，andstared，notatFionn，butdistantlybackwards，overthespreadingandswellingplainwheretheircompanionsofthehunthaddisappeared。\"Theyarelookingfortheotherhounds，\"saidFionn。
\"Andyettheydonotgivetongue！Tongueit，aVran！\"heshouted，\"Bellitout，aHeo’lan！\"
Itwasthentheylookedathim，thelookwhichhecouldnotunderstandandhadneverseenonachase。Theydidnottongueit，norbellit，buttheyaddedsilencetosilenceandspeedtospeed，untiltheleangreybodieswereonepuckerandlashingofmovement。
Fionnmarvelled。\"Theydonotwanttheotherdogstohearortocomeonthischase，\"hemurmured，andhewonderedwhatmightbepassingwithinthoseslenderheads。
\"Thefawnrunswell，\"histhoughtcontinued。\"Whatisit，aVran，myheart？Afterher，aHeo’lan！Histandaway，myloves！\"
\"Thereisgoingandtospareinthatbeastyet，\"hismindwenton。\"Sheisnotstretchedtothefull，norhalfstretched。ShemayoutrunevenBran，\"hethoughtragingly。
Theywereracingthroughasmoothvalleyinasteady，beautiful，speedyflightwhen，suddenly，thefawnstoppedandlayonthegrass，anditlaywiththecalmofananimalthathasnofear，andtheleisureofonethatisnotpressed。
\"Hereisachange，\"saidFionn，staringinastonishment。
\"Sheisnotwinded，\"hesaid。\"Whatisshelyingdownfor？\"ButBranandSceo’landidnotstop；theyaddedanotherinchtotheirlong-stretchedeasybodies，andcameuponthefawn。
\"Itisaneasykill，\"saidFionnregretfully。\"Theyhaveher，\"hecried。
Buthewasagainastonished，forthedogsdidnotkill。Theyleapedandplayedaboutthefawn，lickingitsface，andrubbingdelightednosesagainstitsneck。
Fionncameupthen。Hislongspearwasloweredinhisfistatthethrust，andhissharpknifewasinitssheath，buthedidnotusethem，forthefawnandthetwohoundsbegantoplayroundhim，andthefawnwasasaffectionatetowardshimasthehoundswere；
sothatwhenavelvetnosewasthrustinhispalm，itwasasoftenafawn’smuzzleasahound’s。
InthatjoyouscompanyhecametowideAllenofLeinster，wherethepeopleweresurprisedtoseethehoundsandthefawnandtheChiefandnoneotherofthehuntersthathadsetoutwiththem。
Whentheothersreachedhome，theChieftoldofhischase，anditwasagreedthatsuchafawnmustnotbekilled，butthatitshouldbekeptandwelltreated，andthatitshouldbethepetfawnoftheFianna。ButsomeofthosewhorememberedBrah’sparentagethoughtthatasBranherselfhadcomefromtheShisothisfawnmighthavecomeoutoftheShialso。
CHAPTERII
Latethatnight，whenhewaspreparingforrest，thedoorofFionn’schamberopenedgentlyandayoungwomancameintotheroom。Thecaptainstaredather，ashewellmight，forhehadneverseenorimaginedtoseeawomansobeautifulasthiswas。
Indeed，shewasnotawoman，butayounggirl，andherbearingwassogentlynoble，herlooksomodestlyhigh，thatthechampiondaredscarcelylookather，althoughhecouldnotbyanymeanshavelookedaway。
Asshestoodwithinthedoorway，smiling，andshyasaflower，beautifullytimidasafawn，theChiefcommunedwithhisheart。
\"SheistheSky-womanoftheDawn，\"hesaid。\"Sheisthelightonthefoam。Sheiswhiteandodorousasanapple-blossom。Shesmellsofspiceandhoney。Sheismybelovedbeyondthewomenoftheworld。Sheshallneverbetakenfromme。\"
Andthatthoughtwasdelightandanguishtohim：delightbecauseofsuchsweetprospect，anguishbecauseitwasnotyetrealised，andmightnotbe。
Asthedogshadlookedathimonthechasewithalookthathedidnotunderstand，soshelookedathim，andinherregardtherewasaquestionthatbaffledhimandastatementwhichhecouldnotfollow。
Hespoketoherthen，masteringhishearttodoit。
\"Idonotseemtoknowyou，\"hesaid。
\"Youdonotknowmeindeed，\"shereplied。
\"Itisthemorewonderful，\"hecontinuedgently，\"forIshouldknoweverypersonthatishere。Whatdoyourequirefromme？\"
\"Ibegyourprotection，royalcaptain。\"
\"Igivethattoall，\"heanswered。\"Againstwhomdoyoudesireprotection？\"
\"IaminterroroftheFearDoirche。\"
\"TheDarkManoftheShi？\"
\"Heismyenemy，\"shesaid。
\"Heisminenow，\"saidFionn。\"Tellmeyourstory。\"
\"MynameisSaeve，andIamawomanofFaery，\"shecommenced。\"IntheShi’manymengavemetheirlove，butIgavemylovetonomanofmycountry。\"
\"Thatwasnotreasonable，\"theotherchidedwithablitheheart。
\"Iwascontented，\"shereplied，\"andwhatwedonotwantwedonotlack。Butifmylovewentanywhereitwenttoamortal，amanofthemenofIreland。\"
\"Bymyhand，\"saidFionninmortaldistress，\"Imarvelwhothatmancanbe！\"
\"Heisknowntoyou，\"shemurmured。\"IlivedthusinthepeaceofFaery，hearingoftenofmymortalchampion，fortherumourofhisgreatdeedshadgonethroughtheShi’，untiladaycamewhentheBlackMagicianoftheMenofGodputhiseyeonme，and，afterthatday，inwhateverdirectionIlookedIsawhiseye。\"
Shestoppedatthat，andtheterrorthatwasinherheartwasonherface。\"Heiseverywhere，\"shewhispered。\"Heisinthebushes，andonthehill。Helookedupatmefromthewater，andhestareddownonmefromthesky。Hisvoicecommandsoutofthespaces，anditdemandssecretlyintheheart。Heisnothereorthere，heisinallplacesatalltimes。Icannotescapefromhim，\"shesaid，\"andIamafraid，\"andatthatsheweptnoiselesslyandstaredonFionn。
\"Heismyenemy，\"Fionngrowled。\"Inamehimasmyenemy。\"
\"Youwillprotectme，\"sheimplored。
\"WhereIamlethimnotcome，\"saidFionn。\"Ialsohaveknowledge。IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，amanamongmenandagodwherethegodsare。\"
\"Heaskedmeinmarriage，\"shecontinued，\"butmymindwasfullofmyowndearhero，andIrefusedtheDarkMan。\"
\"Thatwasyourright，andIswearbymyhandthatifthemanyoudesireisaliveandunmarriedheshallmarryyouorhewillanswertomefortherefusal。\"
\"Heisnotmarried，\"saidSaeve，\"andyouhavesmallcontroloverhim。\"TheChieffrownedthoughtfully。\"ExcepttheHighKingandthekingsIhaveauthorityinthisland。\"
\"Whatmanhasauthorityoverhimself？\"saidSaeve。
\"DoyoumeanthatIamthemanyouseek？\"saidFionn。
\"ItistoyourselfIgavemylove，\"shereplied。\"Thisisgoodnews，\"Fionncriedjoyfully，\"forthemomentyoucamethroughthedoorIlovedanddesiredyou，andthethoughtthatyouwishedforanothermanwentintomyheartlikeasword。\"Indeed，FionnlovedSaeveashehadnotlovedawomanbeforeandwouldneverloveoneagain。Helovedherashehadneverlovedanythingbefore。Hecouldnotbeartobeawayfromher。Whenhesawherhedidnotseetheworld，andwhenhesawtheworldwithoutheritwasasthoughhesawnothing，orasifhelookedonaprospectthatwasbleakanddepressing。ThebellingofastaghadbeenmusictoFionn，butwhenSaevespokethatwassoundenoughforhim。Hehadlovedtohearthecuckoocallinginthespringfromthetreethatishighestinthehedge，ortheblackbird’sjollywhistleinanautumnbush，orthethin，sweetenchantmentthatcomestothemindwhenalarkthrillsoutofsightintheairandthehushedfieldslistentothesong。Buthiswife’svoicewassweetertoFionnthanthesingingofalark。
Shefilledhimwithwonderandsurmise。Therewasmagicinthetipsofherfingers。Herthinpalmravishedhim。Herslenderfootsethisheartbeating；andwhateverwayherheadmovedtherecameanewshapeofbeautytoherface。
\"Sheisalwaysnew，\"saidFionn。\"Sheisalwaysbetterthananyotherwoman；sheisalwaysbetterthanherself。\"
HeattendednomoretotheFianna。Heceasedtohunt。Hedidnotlistentothesongsofpoetsorthecurioussayingsofmagicians，forallofthesewereinhiswife，andsomethingthatwasbeyondthesewasinheralso。
\"Sheisthisworldandthenextone；sheiscompletion，\"saidFionn。
CHAPTERIII
IthappenedthatthemenofLochlanncameonanexpeditionagainstIreland。AmonstrousfleetroundedthebluffsofBenEdair，andtheDaneslandedthere，toprepareanattackwhichwouldrenderthemmastersofthecountry。FionnandtheFianna-Finnmarchedagainstthem。HedidnotlikethemenofLochlannatanytime，butthistimehemovedagainsttheminwrath，fornotonlyweretheyattackingIreland，buttheyhadcomebetweenhimandthedeepestjoyhislifehadknown。
Itwasahardfight，butashortone。TheLochlannachsweredrivenbacktotheirships，andwithinaweektheonlyDanesremaininginIrelandwerethosethathadbeenburiedthere。
Thatfinished，heleftthevictoriousFiannaandreturnedswiftlytotheplainofAllen，forhecouldnotbeartobeoneunnecessarydaypartedfromSaeve。
\"Youarenotleavingus！\"exclaimedGollmacMorna。
\"Imustgo，\"Fionnreplied。
\"Youwillnotdesertthevictoryfeast，\"Conanreproachedhim。
\"Staywithus，Chief，\"Caeltebegged。
\"WhatisafeastwithoutFionn？\"theycomplained。
Buthewouldnotstay。
\"Bymyhand，\"hecried，\"Imustgo。Shewillbelookingformefromthewindow。\"
\"Thatwillhappenindeed，\"Golladmitted。
\"Thatwillhappen，\"criedFionn。\"Andwhensheseesmefaroutontheplain，shewillrunthroughthegreatgatetomeetme。\"
\"Itwouldbethequeerwifewouldneglectthatrun，\"Cona’ngrowled。
\"Ishallholdherhandagain，\"FionnentrustedtoCaelte’sear。
\"Youwilldothat，surely。\"
\"Ishalllookintoherface，\"hislordinsisted。ButhesawthatnotevenbelovedCaelteunderstoodthemeaningofthat，andheknewsadlyandyetproudlythatwhathemeantcouldnotbeexplainedbyanyoneandcouldnotbecomprehendedbyanyone。
\"Youareinlove，dearheart，\"saidCaelte。
\"Inloveheis，\"Cona’ngrumbled。\"Acordialforwomen，adiseaseformen，astateofwretchedness。\"
\"Wretchedintruth，\"theChiefmurmured。\"LovemakesuspoorWehavenoteyesenoughtoseeallthatistobeseen，norhandsenoughtoseizethetenthofallwewant。WhenIlookinhereyesIamtormentedbecauseIamnotlookingatherlips，andwhenI
seeherlipsmysoulcriesout，’Lookathereyes，lookathereyes。’\"
\"Thatishowithappens，\"saidGollrememberingly。
\"Thatwayandnoother，\"Caelteagreed。
Andthechampionslookedbackwardsintimeontheselipsandthose，andknewtheirChiefwouldgo。
WhenFionncameinsightofthegreatkeephisbloodandhisfeetquickened，andnowandagainhewavedaspearintheair。
\"Shedoesnotseemeyet，\"hethoughtmournfully。
\"Shecannotseemeyet，\"heamended，reproachinghimself。
Buthismindwastroubled，forhethoughtalso，orhefeltwithoutthinking，thathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveseenherattwicethedistance。
\"ShethinksIhavebeenunabletogetawayfromthebattle，orthatIwasforcedtoremainforthefeast。\"
And，withoutthinkingit，hethoughtthathadthepositionsbeenchangedhewouldhaveknownthatnothingcouldretaintheonethatwasabsent。
\"Women，\"hesaid，\"areshamefaced，theydonotliketoappeareagerwhenothersareobservingthem。\"
Butheknewthathewouldnothaveknownifotherswereobservinghim，andthathewouldnothavecaredaboutitifhehadknown。
AndheknewthathisSaevewouldnothaveseen，andwouldnothavecaredforanyeyesthanhis。
Hegrippedhisspearonthatreflection，andranashehadnotruninhislife，sothatitwasapanting，dishevelledmanthatracedheavilythroughthegatesofthegreatDun。
WithintheDuntherewasdisorder。Servantswereshoutingtooneanother，andwomenwererunningtoandfroaimlessly，wringingtheirhandsandscreaming；and，whentheysawtheChampion，thosenearesttohimranaway，andtherewasageneraleffortonthepartofeverypersontogetbehindeveryotherperson。ButFionncaughttheeyeofhisbutler，GarivCrona’n，theRoughBuzzer，andheldit。
\"Comeyouhere，\"hesaid。
AndtheRoughBuzzercametohimwithoutasinglebuzzinhisbody。
\"WhereistheFlowerofAllen？\"hismasterdemanded。
\"Idonotknow，master，\"theterrifiedservantreplied。
\"Youdonotknow！\"saidFionn。\"Tellwhatyoudoknow。\"
Andthemantoldhimthisstory。
CHAPTERIV
\"Whenyouhadbeenawayforadaytheguardsweresurprised。TheywerelookingfromtheheightsoftheDun，andtheFlowerofAllenwaswiththem。She，forshehadaquest’seye，calledoutthatthemasteroftheFiannawascomingovertheridgestotheDun，andsheranfromthekeeptomeetyou。\"
\"ItwasnotI，\"saidFionn。
\"Itboreyourshape，\"repliedGarivCronan。\"Ithadyourarmourandyourface，andthedogs，BranandSceo’lan，werewithit。\"
\"Theywerewithme，\"saidFionn。
\"Theyseemedtobewithit，\"saidtheservanthumbly\"Tellusthistale，\"criedFionn。
\"Weweredistrustful，\"theservantcontinued。\"WehadneverknownFionntoreturnfromacombatbeforeithadbeenfought，andweknewyoucouldnothavereachedBenEdarorencounteredtheLochlannachs。Soweurgedourladytoletusgoouttomeetyou，buttoremainherselfintheDun。\"
\"Itwasgoodurging，\"Fionnassented。
\"Shewouldnotbeadvised，\"theservantwailed。\"Shecriedtous，’Letmegotomeetmylove’。\"
\"Alas！\"saidFionn。
\"Shecriedonus，’Letmegotomeetmyhusband，thefatherofthechildthatisnotborn。’\"
\"Alas！\"groaneddeep-woundedFionn。\"Sherantowardsyourappearancethathadyourarmsstretchedouttoher。\"
AtthatwiseFionnputhishandbeforehiseyes，seeingallthathappened。
\"Tellonyourtale，\"saidhe。
\"Sherantothosearms，andwhenshereachedthemthefigurelifteditshand。Ittouchedherwithahazelrod，and，whilewelooked，shedisappeared，andwhereshehadbeentherewasafawnstandingandshivering。ThefawnturnedandboundedtowardsthegateoftheDun，butthehoundsthatwerebyflewafterher。\"
Fionnstaredonhimlikealostman。
\"Theytookherbythethroat——\"theshiveringservantwhispered。
\"Ah！\"criedFionninaterriblevoice。
\"AndtheydraggedherbacktothefigurethatseemedtobeFionn。
Threetimesshebrokeawayandcameboundingtous，andthreetimesthedogstookherbythethroatanddraggedherback。\"
\"Youstoodtolook！\"theChiefsnarled。
\"No，master，weran，butshevanishedaswegottoher；thegreathoundsvanishedaway，andthatbeingthatseemedtobeFionndisappearedwiththem。Wewereleftintheroughgrass，staringaboutusandateachother，andlisteningtothemoanofthewindandtheterrorofourhearts。\"
\"Forgiveus，dearmaster，\"theservantcried。Butthegreatcaptainmadehimnoanswer。Hestoodasthoughheweredumbandblind，andnowandagainhebeatterriblyonhisbreastwithhisclosedfist，asthoughhewouldkillthatwithinhimwhichshouldbedeadandcouldnotdie。Hewentso，beatingonhisbreast，tohisinnerroomintheDun，andhewasnotseenagainfortherestofthatday，noruntilthesunroseoverMoyLife’inthemorning。
CHAPTERV
Formanyyearsafterthattime，whenhewasnotfightingagainsttheenemiesofIreland，FionnwassearchingandhuntingthroughthelengthandbreadthofthecountryinthehopethathemightagainchanceonhislovelyladyfromtheShi’。Throughallthattimehesleptinmiseryeachnightandheroseeachdaytogrief。
Wheneverhehuntedhebroughtonlythehoundsthathetrusted，BranandSceo’lan，Lomaire，Brod，andLomlu；forifafawnwaschasedeachofthesefivegreatdogswouldknowifthatwasafawntobekilledoronetobeprotected，andsotherewassmalldangertoSaeveandasmallhopeoffindingher。
Once，whensevenyearshadpassedinfruitlesssearch，FionnandthechiefnoblesoftheFiannawerehuntingBenGulbain。AllthehoundsoftheFiannawereout，forFionnhadnowgivenuphopeofencounteringtheFlowerofAllen。Asthehuntsweptalongthesidesofthehilltherearoseagreatoutcryofhoundsfromanarrowplacehighontheslopeand，overallthatuproartherecamethesavagebayingofFionn’sowndogs。
\"Whatisthisfor？\"saidFionn，andwithhiscompanionshepressedtothespotwhencethenoisecame。
\"TheyarefightingallthehoundsoftheFianna，\"criedachampion。
Andtheywere。Thefivewisehoundswereinacircleandweregivingbattletoanhundreddogsatonce。Theywerebristlingandterrible，andeachbitefromthosegreat，keenjawswaswoetothebeastthatreceivedit。Nordidtheyfightinsilenceaswastheircustomandtraining，butbetweeneachonslaughtthegreatheadswereuplifted，andtheypealedloudly，mournfully，urgently，fortheirmaster。
\"Theyarecallingonme，\"heroared。
Andwiththatheran，ashehadonlyoncebeforerun，andthemenwhowerenightohimwentracingastheywouldnothaverunfortheirlives。Theycametothenarrowplaceontheslopeofthemountain，andtheysawthefivegreathoundsinacirclekeepingofftheotherdogs，andinthemiddleoftheringalittleboywasstanding。Hehadlong，beautifulhair，andhewasnaked。Hewasnotdauntedbytheterriblecombatandclamourofthehounds。
Hedidnotlookatthehounds，buthestaredlikeayoungprinceatFionnandthechampionsastheyrushedtowardshimscatteringthepackwiththebuttsoftheirspears。Whenthefightwasover，BranandSceo’lanranwhiningtothelittleboyandlickedhishands。
\"Theydothattonoone，\"saidabystander。\"Whatnewmasteristhistheyhavefound？\"
Fionnbenttotheboy。\"Tellme，mylittleprinceandpulse，whatyournameis，andhowyouhavecomeintothemiddleofahunting-pack，andwhyyouarenaked？\"
ButtheboydidnotunderstandthelanguageofthemenofIreland。HeputbishandintoFionn’s，andtheChieffeltasifthatlittlehandhadbeenputintohisheart。Heliftedtheladtohisgreatshoulder。
\"Wehavecaughtsomethingonthishunt，\"saidhetoCaeltemacRongn。\"Wemustbringthistreasurehome。YoushallbeoneoftheFianna-Finn，mydarling，\"hecalledupwards。
Theboylookeddownonhim，andinthenobletrustandfearlessnessofthatregardFionn’sheartmeltedaway。
\"Mylittlefawn！\"hesaid。
Andherememberedthatotherfawn。Hesettheboybetweenhiskneesandstaredathimearnestlyandlong。
\"Thereissurelythesamelook，\"hesaidtohiswakeningheart；
\"thatistheveryeyeofSaeve。\"
Thegrieffloodedoutofhisheartasatastroke，andjoyfoamedintoitinonegreattide。Hemarchedbacksingingtotheencampment，andmensawoncemorethemerryChieftheyhadalmostforgotten。
CHAPTERVI
JustasatonetimehecouldnotbepartedfromSaeve，sonowhecouldnotbeseparatedfromthisboy。Hehadathousandnamesforhim，eachonemoretenderthanthelast：\"MyFawn，MyPulse，MySecretLittleTreasure，\"orhewouldcallhim\"MyMusic，MyBlossomingBranch，MyStoreintheHeart，MySoul。\"AndthedogswereaswildfortheboyasFionnwas。Hecouldsitinsafetyamongapackthatwouldhavetornanymantopieces，andthereasonwasthatBranandSceo’lan，withtheirthreewhelps，followedhimaboutlikeshadows。Whenhewaswiththepackthesefivewerewithhim，andwoefulindeedwastheeyetheyturnedontheircomradeswhenthesepushedtoocloselyorwerenotproperlyhumble。TheythrashedthepackseverallyandcollectivelyuntileveryhoundinFionn’skennelsknewthatthelittleladwastheirmaster，andthattherewasnothingintheworldsosacredashewas。
Innolongtimethefivewisehoundscouldhavegivenovertheirguardianship，socompletewastherecognitionoftheiryounglord。Buttheydidnotsogiveover，foritwasnotlovetheygavetheladbutadoration。
Fionnevenmayhavebeenembarrassedbytheirtoocloseattendance。Ifhehadbeenabletodosohemighthavespokenharshlytohisdogs，buthecouldnot；itwasunthinkablethatheshould；andtheboymighthavespokenharshlytohimifhehaddaredtodoit。ForthiswastheorderofFionn’saffection：
firsttherewastheboy；next，BranandSceo’lanwiththeirthreewhelps；thenCaeltemacRona’n，andfromhimdownthroughthechampions。Helovedthemall，butitwasalongthatprecedencehisaffectionsran。ThethornthatwentintoBran’sfootranintoFionn’salso。Theworldknewit，andtherewasnotachampionbutadmittedsorrowfullythattherewasreasonforhislove。
Littlebylittletheboycametounderstandtheirspeechandtospeakithimself，andatlasthewasabletotellhisstorytoFionn。
Thereweremanyblanksinthetale，forayoungchilddoesnotrememberverywell。Deedsgrowoldinadayandareburiedinanight。Newmemoriescomecrowdingonoldones，andonemustlearntoforgetaswellastoremember。Awholenewlifehadcomeonthisboy，alifethatwasinstantandmemorable，sothathispresentmemoriesblendedintoandobscuredthepast，andhecouldnotbequitesureifthatwhichhetoldofhadhappenedinthisworldorintheworldhehadleft。
CHAPTERVII
\"Iusedtolive，\"hesaid，\"inawide，beautifulplace。Therewerehillsandvalleysthere，andwoodsandstreams，butinwhateverdirectionIwentIcamealwaystoacliff，sotallitseemedtoleanagainstthesky，andsostraightthatevenagoatwouldnothaveimaginedtoclimbit。\"
\"Idonotknowofanysuchplace，\"Fionnmused。
\"ThereisnosuchplaceinIreland，\"saidCaelte，\"butintheShi’thereissuchaplace。\"
\"Thereisintruth，\"saidFionn。
\"Iusedtoeatfruitsandrootsinthesummer，\"theboycontinued，\"butinthewinterfoodwasleftformeinacave。\"
\"Wastherenoonewithyou？\"Fionnasked。
\"Noonebutadeerthatlovedme，andthatIloved。\"
\"Ahme！\"criedFionninanguish，\"tellmeyourtale，myson。\"
\"Adarksternmancameoftenafterus，andheusedtospeakwiththedeer。Sometimeshetalkedgentlyandsoftlyandcoaxingly，butattimesagainhewouldshoutloudlyandinaharsh，angryvoice。Butwhateverwayhetalkedthedeerwoulddrawawayfromhimindread，andhealwaysleftheratlastfuriously。\"
\"ItistheDarkMagicianoftheMenofGod，\"criedFionndespairingly。
\"Itisindeed，mysoul，\"saidCaelte。
\"ThelasttimeIsawthedeer，\"thechildcontinued，\"thedarkmanwasspeakingtoher。Hespokeforalongtime。Hespokegentlyandangrily，andgentlyandangrily，sothatIthoughthewouldneverstoptalking，butintheendhestruckherwithahazelrod，sothatshewasforcedtofollowhimwhenhewentaway。Shewaslookingbackatmeallthetimeandshewascryingsobitterlythatanyonewouldpityher。Itriedtofollowheralso，butIcouldnotmove，andIcriedafterhertoo，withrageandgrief，untilIcouldseehernomoreandhearhernomore。
ThenIfellonthegrass，mysenseswentawayfromme，andwhenI
awokeIwasonthehillinthemiddleofthehoundswhereyoufoundme。\"
ThatwastheboywhomtheFiannacalledOisi’n，ortheLittleFawn。Hegrewtobeagreatfighterafterwards，andhewasthechiefmakerofpoemsintheworld。ButhewasnotyetfinishedwiththeShi。HewastogobackintoFaerywhenthetimecame，andtocomethenceagaintotellthesetales，foritwasbyhimthesetalesweretold。
THEWOOINGOFBECFOLA
CHAPTERI
WedonotknowwhereBecfolacamefrom。Nordoweknowforcertainwhereshewentto。Wedonotevenknowherrealname，forthenameBecfola，\"Dowerless\"or\"Small-dowered，\"wasgiventoherasanickname。Thisonlyiscertain，thatshedisappearedfromtheworldweknowof，andthatshewenttoarealmwhereevenconjecturemaynotfollowher。
IthappenedinthedayswhenDermod，sonofthefamousAeofSlane，wasmonarchofallIreland。Hewasunmarried，buthehadmanyfoster-sons，princesfromtheFourProvinces，whoweresentbytheirfathersastokensofloyaltyandaffectiontotheArd-Ri，andhisdutiesasafoster-fatherwererighteouslyacquitted。Amongtheyoungprincesofhishouseholdtherewasone，Crimthann，sonofAe，KingofLeinster，whomtheHighKingpreferredtotheothersoverwhomheheldfatherlysway。Norwasthiswonderful，fortheladlovedhimalso，andwasaseagerandintelligentandmodestasbecomesaprince。
TheHighKingandCrimthannwouldoftensetoutfromTaratohuntandhawk，sometimesunaccompaniedevenbyaservant；andontheseexcursionsthekingimpartedtohisfoster-sonhisownwideknowledgeofforestcraft，andadvisedhimgenerallyastothebearinganddutiesofaprince，theconductofacourt，andthecareofapeople。
DermodmacAedelightedinthesesolitaryadventures，andwhenhecouldstealadayfrompolicyandaffairshewouldsendwordprivilytoCrimthann。Theboy，havingdonnedhishuntinggear，wouldjointhekingataplacearrangedbetweenthem，andthentheyrangedabroadaschancemightdirect。
Ononeoftheseadventures，astheysearchedafloodedrivertofindtheford，theysawasolitarywomaninachariotdrivingfromthewest。
\"Iwonderwhatthatmeans？\"thekingexclaimedthoughtfully。
\"Whyshouldyouwonderatawomaninachariot？\"hiscompanioninquired，forCrimthannlovedandwouldhaveknowledge。
\"Good，myTreasure，\"Dermodanswered，\"ourmindsareastonishedwhenweseeawomanabletodriveacowtopasture，forithasalwaysseemedtousthattheydonotdrivewell。\"
Crimthannabsorbedinstructionlikeaspongeanddigesteditasrapidly。
\"Ithinkthatisjustlysaid，\"heagreed。
\"But，\"Dermodcontinued，\"whenweseeawomandrivingachariotoftwohorses，thenweareamazedindeed。\"
Whenthemachineryofanythingisexplainedtouswegrowinterested，andCrimthannbecame，byinstruction，asastonishedasthekingwas。
\"Ingoodtruth，\"saidhe，\"thewomanisdrivingtwohorses。\"
\"Hadyounotobserveditbefore？\"hismasteraskedwithkindlymalice。
\"Ihadobservedbutnotnoticed，\"theyoungmanadmitted。
\"Further，\"saidtheking，\"surmiseisarousedinuswhenwediscoverawomanfarfromahouse；foryouwillhavebothobservedandnoticedthatwomenarehome-dwellers，andthatahousewithoutawomanorawomanwithoutahouseareimperfectobjects，andalthoughtheybebuthalfobserved，theyarenoticedonthedouble。\"
\"Thereisnodoubtingit，\"theprinceansweredfromaknittedandthought-tormentedbrow。
\"Weshallaskthiswomanforinformationaboutherself，\"saidthekingdecidedly。
\"Letusdoso，\"hiswardagreed\"Theking’smajestyusesthewords’we’and’us’whenreferringtotheking’smajesty，\"saidDermod，\"butprinceswhodonotyetruleterritoriesmustuseanotherformofspeechwhenreferringtothemselves。\"
\"Iamverythoughtless，saidCrimthannhumbly。
Thekingkissedhimonbothcheeks。
\"Indeed，mydearheartandmyson，wearenotscoldingyou，butyoumusttrynottolooksoterriblythoughtfulwhenyouthink。
Itispartoftheartofaruler。\"
\"Ishallnevermasterthathardart，\"lamentedhisfosterling。
\"Wemustallmasterit，\"Dermodreplied。\"Wemaythinkwithourmindsandwithourtongues，butweshouldneverthinkwithournosesandwithoureyebrows，\"
Thewomaninthechariothaddrawnnightothefordbywhichtheywerestanding，and，withoutpause，sheswunghersteedsintotheshallowsandcameacrosstheriverinatumultoffoamandspray。
\"Doesshenotdrivewell？\"criedCrimthannadmiringly。
\"Whenyouareolder，\"thekingcounselledhim，\"youwilladmirethatwhichistrulyadmirable，foralthoughthedrivingisgoodtheladyisbetter。\"
Hecontinuedwithenthusiasm。
\"Sheisintruthawonderoftheworldandanendlessdelighttotheeye。\"
Shewasallthatandmore，and，asshetookthehorsesthroughtheriverandliftedthemupthebank，herflyinghairandpartedlipsandalltheyoungstrengthandgraceofherbodywentintotheking’seyeandcouldnoteasilycomeoutagain。
Nevertheless，itwasuponhiswardthatthelady’sgazerested，andifthekingcouldscarcelylookawayfromher，shecould，butonlywithanequaleffort，lookawayfromCrimthann。
\"Haltthere！\"criedtheking。
\"WhoshouldIhaltfor？\"theladydemanded，haltingallthesame，asisthemannerofwomen，whorebelagainstcommandandyetreceiveit。
\"HaltforDermod！\"
\"ThereareDermodsandDermodsinthisworld，\"shequoted。
\"ThereisyetbutoneArd-Ri’，\"themonarchanswered。
Shethendescendedfromthechariotandmadeherreverence。
\"Iwishtoknowyourname？\"saidhe。
Butatthisdemandtheladyfrownedandanswereddecidedly：
\"Idonotwishtotellit。\"
\"Iwishtoknowalsowhereyoucomefromandtowhatplaceyouaregoing？\"
\"Idonotwishtotellanyofthesethings。\"
\"Nottotheking！\"
\"Idonotwishtotellthemtoanyone。\"
Crimthannwasscandalised。
\"Lady，\"hepleaded，\"youwillsurelynotwithholdinformationfromtheArd-Ri’？\"
ButtheladystaredasroyallyontheHighKingastheHighKingdidonher，and，whateveritwashesawinthoselovelyeyes，thekingdidnotinsist。
HedrewCrimthannapart，forhewithheldnoinstructionfromthatlad。
\"Myheart，\"hesaid，\"wemustalwaystrytoactwisely，andweshouldonlyinsistonreceivinganswerstoquestionsinwhichwearepersonallyconcerned。\"
Crimthannimbibedallthejusticeofthatremark。
\"ThusIdonotreallyrequiretoknowthislady’sname，nordoI
carefromwhatdirectionshecomes。\"
\"Youdonot？\"Crimthannasked。
\"No，butwhatIdowishtoknowis，Willshemarryme？\"
\"Bymyhandthatisanotablequestion，\"hiscompanionstammered。
\"Itisaquestionthatmustbeanswered，\"thekingcriedtriumphantly。\"But，\"hecontinued，\"tolearnwhatwomansheis，orwhereshecomesfrom，mightbringustormentaswellasinformation。Whoknowsinwhatadventuresthepasthasengagedher！\"
Andhestaredforaprofoundmomentondisturbing，sinisterhorizons，andCrimthannmeditatedtherewithhim。\"
\"Thepastishers，\"heconcluded，\"butthefutureisours，andweshallonlydemandthatwhichispertinenttothefuture。\"
Hereturnedtothelady。
\"Wewishyoutobeourwife，\"hesaid。Andhegazedonherbenevolentlyandfirmlyandcarefullywhenhesaidthat，sothatherregardcouldnotstrayotherwhere。Yet，evenashelooked，ateardidwellintothoselovelyeyes，andbehindherbrowathoughtmovedofthebeautifulboywhowaslookingatherfromtheking’sside。
ButwhentheHighKingofIrelandasksustomarryhimwedonotrefuse，foritisnotathingthatweshallbeaskedtodoeverydayintheweek，andthereisnowomanintheworldbutwouldlovetoruleitinTara。
Nosecondtearcreptonthelady’slashes，and，withherhandintheking’shand，theypacedtogethertowardsthepalace，whilebehindthem，inmelancholymood，CrimthannmacAeledthehorsesandthechariot。
CHAPTERII
Theyweremarriedinahastewhichequalledtheking’sdesire；
andashedidnotagainaskhername，andasshedidnotvolunteertogiveit，andasshebroughtnodowrytoherhusbandandreceivednonefromhim，shewascalledBecfola，theDowerless。
Timepassed，andtheking’shappinesswasasgreatashisexpectationofithadpromised。ButonthepartofBecfolanosimilartidingscanbegiven。
Therearethosewhosehappinessliesinambitionandstation，andtosuchaonethefactofbeingqueentotheHighKingofIrelandisasatisfactionatwhichdesireissated。ButthemindofBecfolawasnotofthistemperatequality，and，lackingCrimthann，itseemedtoherthatshepossessednothing。
Fortohermindhewasthesunlightinthesun，thebrightnessinthemoonbeam；hewasthesavourinfruitandthetasteinhoney；
andwhenshelookedfromCrimthanntothekingshecouldnotbutconsiderthattherightmanwasinthewrongplace。ShethoughtthatcrownedonlywithhiscurlsCrlmthannmacAewasmorenoblydiademedthanarethemastersoftheworld，andshetoldhimso。
HisterroronhearingthisunexpectednewswassogreatthathemeditatedimmediateflightfromTara；butwhenathinghasbeenutteredonceitiseasiersaidthesecondtimeandonthethirdrepetitionitispatientlylistenedto。
AfternogreatdelayCrimthannmacAeagreedandarrangedthatheandBecfolashouldflyfromTara，anditwaspartoftheirunderstandingthattheyshouldlivehappilyeverafter。
Onemorning，whennotevenabirdwasastir，thekingfeltthathisdearcompanionwasrising。Helookedwithoneeyeatthelightthatstolegreylythroughthewindow，andrecognisedthatitcouldnotinjusticebecalledlight。
\"Thereisnotevenabirdup，\"hemurmured。
AndthentoBecfola。
\"Whatistheearlyrisingfor，dearheart？\"
\"AnengagementIhave，\"shereplied。
\"Thisisnotatimeforengagements，\"saidthecalmmonarch。
\"Letitbeso，\"shereplied，andshedressedrapidly。
\"Andwhatistheengagement？\"hepursued。
\"RaimentthatIleftatacertainplaceandmusthave。Eightsilkensmocksembroideredwithgold，eightpreciousbroochesofbeatengold，threediademsofpuregold。\"
\"Atthishour，\"saidthepatientking，\"thebedisbetterthantheroad。\"
\"Letitbeso，\"saidshe。
\"Andmoreover，\"hecontinued，\"aSundayjourneybringsbadluck。\"
\"Lettheluckcomethatwillcome，\"sheanswered。
\"Tokeepacatfromcreamorawomanfromhergearisnotworkforaking，\"saidthemonarchseverely。
TheArd-Ri’couldlookonallthingswithcomposure，andregardallbeingswithatranquileye；butitshouldbeknownthattherewasonedeedentirelyhatefultohim，andhewouldpunishitscommissionwiththeverylastrigour——thiswas，atransgressionoftheSunday。Duringsixdaysoftheweekallthatcouldhappenmighthappen，sofarasDermodwasconcerned，butontheseventhdaynothingshouldhappenatalliftheHighKingcouldrestrainit。Haditbeenpossiblehewouldhavetetheredthebirdstotheirowngreenbranchesonthatday，andforbiddenthecloudstopacktheupperworldwithstirandcolour。Thesethekingpermitted，withatightlip，perhaps，butallelsethatcameunderhishandfelthiscontrol。
ItwashlscustomwhenhearoseonthemornofSundaytoclimbtothemostelevatedpointofTara，andgazethenceoneveryside，sothathemightseeifanyfairiesorpeopleoftheShi’weredisportingthemselvesinhislordship；forheabsolutelyprohibitedtheusageoftheearthtothesebeingsontheSunday，andwoe’sworthwasitforthesweetbeinghediscoveredbreakinghislaw。
Wedonotknowwhatillhecoulddotothefairies，butduringDermod’sreigntheworldsaiditsprayersonSundayandtheShi’
folkstayedintheirhills。
Itmaybeimagined，therefore，withwhatwrathhesawhiswife’spreparationsforherjourney，but，althoughakingcandoeverything，whatcanahusbanddo……？Herearrangedhimselfforslumber。
\"Iamnopartytothisuntimelyjourney，\"hesaidangrily。
\"Letitbeso，\"saidBecfola。
Sheleftthepalacewithonemaid，andasshecrossedthedoorwaysomethinghappenedtoher，butbywhatmeansithappenedwouldbehardtotell；forintheonepaceshepassedoutofthepalaceandoutoftheworld，andthesecondstepshetrodwasinFaery，butshedidnotknowthis。
HerintentionwastogotoCluaindachaillechtomeetCrimthann，butwhensheleftthepalaceshedidnotrememberCrimthannanymore。
Tohereyeandtotheeyeofhermaidtheworldwasasitalwayshadbeen，andthelandmarkstheyknewwereaboutthem。Buttheobjectforwhichtheyweretravellingwasdifferent，althoughunknown，andthepeopletheypassedontheroadswereunknown，andwereyetpeoplethattheyknew。
TheysetoutsouthwardsfromTaraintotheDuffryofLeinster，andaftersometimetheycameintowildcountryandwentastray。
AtlastBecfolahalted，saying：
\"Idonotknowwhereweare。\"
Themaidrepliedthatshealsodidnotknow。
\"Yet，\"saidBecfola，\"ifwecontinuetowalkstraightonweshallarrivesomewhere。\"
Theywenton，andthemaidwateredtheroadwithhertears。
Nightdrewonthem；agreychill，agreysilence，andtheywereenvelopedinthatchillandsilence；andtheybegantogoinexpectationandterror，fortheybothknewanddidnotknowthatwhichtheywereboundfor。
Astheytoileddesolatelyuptherustlingandwhisperingsideofalowhillthemaidchancedtolookback，andwhenshelookedbackshescreamedandpointed，andclungtoBecfola’sarm。
Becfolafollowedthepointingfinger，andsawbelowalargeblackmassthatmovedjerkilyforward。
\"Wolves！\"criedthemaid。\"Runtothetreesyonder，\"hermistressordered。\"Wewillclimbthemandsitamongthebranches。\"
Theyranthen，themaidmoaningandlamentingallthewhile。
\"Icannotclimbatree，\"shesobbed，\"Ishallbeeatenbythewolves。\"
Andthatwastrue。
Buthermistressclimbedatree，anddrewbyahand’sbreadthfromtherapandsnapandslaverofthosesteeljaws。Then，sittingonabranch，shelookedwithangrywoeatthestrainingandsnarlinghordebelow，seeingmanyawhitefanginthosegrinningjowls，andthesmouldering，redblinkofthoseleapingandprowlingeyes。