CHAPTERIII
Butaftersometimethemoonaroseandthewolveswentaway，fortheirleader，asagaciousandcraftychief，declaredthataslongastheyremainedwheretheywere，theladywouldremainwhereshewas；andso，withaheartycurseontrees，thetroopdeparted。
Becfolahadpainsinherlegsfromthewayshehadwrappedthemaboutthebranch，buttherewasnopartofherthatdidnotache，foraladydoesnotsitwithanyeaseuponatree。
Forsometimeshedidnotcaretocomedownfromthebranch。
\"Thosewolvesmayreturn，\"shesaid，\"fortheirchiefiscraftyandsagacious，anditiscertain，fromthelookIcaughtinhiseyeashedeparted，thathewouldrathertasteofmethancatanywomanhehasmet。\"
Shelookedcarefullyineverydirectiontoseeifanemightdiscovertheminhiding；shelookedcloselyandlingeringlyattheshadowsunderdistanttreestoseeiftheseshadowsmoved；
andshelistenedoneverywindtotryifshecoulddistinguishayaporayawnorasneeze。Butshesaworheardnothing；andlittlebylittletranquillitycreptintohermind，andshebegantoconsiderthatadangerwhichispastisadangerthatmaybeneglected。
Yetereshedescendedshelookedagainontheworldofjetandsilverthatdozedabouther，andshespiedaredglimmeramongdistanttrees。
\"Thereisnodangerwherethereislight，\"shesaid，andshethereuponcamefromthetreeandraninthedirectionthatshehadnoted。
Inaspotbetweenthreegreatoaksshecameuponamanwhowasroastingawildboaroverafire。Shesalutedthisyouthandsatbesidehim。Butafterthefirstglanceandgreetinghedidnotlookatheragain，nordidhespeak。
Whentheboarwascookedheateofitandshehadhershare。Thenhearosefromthefireandwalkedawayamongthetrees。Becfolafollowed，feelingruefullythatsomethingnewtoherexperiencehadarrived；\"for，\"shethought，\"itisusualthatyoungmenshouldnotspeaktomenowthatIamthemateofaking，butitisveryunusualthatyoungmenshouldnotlookatme。\"
Butiftheyoungmandidnotlookathershelookedwellathim，andwhatshesawpleasedhersomuchthatshehadnotimeforfurthercogitation。ForifCrimthannhadbeenbeautiful，thisyouthwastentimesmorebeautiful。ThecurlsonCrimthann’sheadhadbeenindeedasabenedictiontothequeen’seye，sothatshehadeatenthebetterandsleptthesounderforseeinghim。Butthesightofthisyouthleftherwithoutthedesiretoeat，and，asforsleep，shedreadedit，forifsheclosedaneyeshewouldberobbedoftheonedelightintime，whichwastolookatthisyoungman，andnottoceaselookingathimwhilehereyecouldpeerorherheadcouldremainupright。
Theycametoaninletoftheseaallsweetandcalmundertheround，silver-floodingmoon，andtheyoungman，withBecfolatreadingonhisheel，steppedintoaboatandrowedtoahigh-jutting，pleasantisland。Theretheywentinlandtowardsavastpalace，inwhichtherewasnopersonbutthemselvesalone，andtheretheyoungmanwenttosleep，whileBecfolasatstaringathimuntiltheunavoidablepeacepresseddownhereyelidsandshetooslumbered。
Shewasawakenedinthemorningbyagreatshout。
\"Comeout，Flann，comeout，myheart！\"
Theyoungmanleapedfromhiscouch，girdedonhisharness，andstrodeout。Threeyoungmenmethim，eachinbattleharness，andthesefouradvancedtomeetfourothermenwhoawaitedthematalittledistanceonthelawn。Thenthesetwosetsoffourfoughttogethorwitheverywarlikecourtesybutwitheverywarlikeseverity，andattheendofthatcombattherewasbutonemanstanding，andtheothersevenlaytossedindeath。
Becfolaspoketotheyouth。
\"Yourcombathasindeedbeengallant，\"shesaid。
\"Alas，\"hereplied，\"ifithasbeenagallantdeedithasnotbeenagoodone，formythreebrothersaredeadandmyfournephewsaredead。\"
\"Ahme！\"criedBecfola，\"whydidyoufightthatfight？\"
\"Forthelordshipofthisisland，theIsleofFedach，sonofDali。\"
But，althoughBecfolawasmovedandhorrifiedbythisbattle，itwasinanotherdirectionthatherinterestlay；thereforeshesoonaskedthequestionwhichlaynextherheart：
\"Whywouldyounotspeaktomeorlookatme？\"
\"UntilIhavewonthekingshipofthislandfromallclaimants，I
amnomatchforthemateoftheHighKingofIreland，\"hereplied。
AndthatreplywasllkebalmtotheheartofBecfola。
\"WhatshallIdo？\"sheinquiredradiantly。\"Returntoyourhome，\"
hecounselled。\"Iwillescortyoutherewithyourmaid，forsheisnotreallydead，andwhenIhavewonmylordshipIwillgoseekyouinTara。\"
\"Youwillsurelycome，\"sheinsisted。
\"Bymyhand，\"quothhe，\"Iwillcome。\"
Thesethreereturnedthen，andattheendofadayandnighttheysawfaroffthemightyroofsofTaramassedinthemorninghaze。
Theyoungmanleftthem，andwithmanyabackwardlookandwithdragging，reluctantfeet，Becfolacrossedthethresholdofthepalace，wonderingwhatsheshouldsaytoDermodandhowshecouldaccountforanabsenceofthreedays’duration。
CHAPTERIV
ITwassoearlythatnotevenabirdwasyetawake，andthedullgreylightthatcamefromtheatmosphereenlargedandmadeindistinctallthatonelookedat，andswathedallthingsinacoldandlividgloom。
AsshetrodcautiouslythroughdimcorridorsBecfolawasgladthat，savingtheguards，nocreaturewasastir，andthatforsometimeyetsheneedaccounttonopersonforhermovements。Shewasgladalsoofarespitewhichwouldenablehertosettleintoherhomeanddrawaboutherthecomposurewhichwomenfeelwhentheyaresurroundedbythewallsoftheirhouses，andcanseeaboutthemthepossessionswhich，bythefactofownership，havebecomealmostapartoftheirpersonality。Sunderedfromherbelongings，nowomanistranquil，herheartisnottrulyatease，howeverhermindmayfunction，sothatunderthebroadskyorinthehouseofanothersheisnotthecompetent，preciseindividualwhichshebecomeswhensheseesagainherhouseholdinorderandherdomesticrequirementsatherhand。
Becfolapushedthedooroftheking’ssleepingchamberandenterednoiselessly。Thenshesatquietlyinaseatgazingontherecumbentmonarch，andpreparedtoconsiderhowsheshouldadvancetohimwhenheawakened，andwithwhatinformationshemightstayhisinquiriesorreproaches。
\"Iwillreproachhim，\"shethought。\"Iwillcallhimabadhusbandandastonishhim，andhewillforgeteverythingbuthisownalarmandindignation。\"
Butatthatmomentthekingliftedhisheadfromthepillowandlookedkindlyather。Herheartgaveagreatthrob，andshepreparedtospeakatonceandingreatvolumebeforehecouldformulateanyquestion。Butthekingspokefirst，andwhathesaidsoastonishedherthattheexplanationandreproachwithwhichhertonguewasthrillingfledfromitatastroke，andshecouldonlysitstaringandbewilderedandtongue-tied。
\"Well，mydearheart，\"saidtheking，\"haveyoudecidednottokeepthatengagement？\"
\"I——I——！\"Becfolastammered。
\"Itistrulynotanhourforengagements，\"Dermodinsisted，\"fornotabirdofthebirdshaslefthistree；and，\"hecontinuedmaliciously，\"thelightissuchthatyoucouldnotseeanengagementevenifyoumetone。\"
\"I，\"Becfolagasped。\"I——-！\"
\"ASundayjourney，\"hewenton，\"isanotoriousbadjourney。Nogoodcancomefromit。Youcangetyoursmocksanddiademsto-morrow。Butatthishourawisepersonleavesengagementstothebatsandthestaringowlsandtheround-eyedcreaturesthatprowlandsniffinthedark。Comebacktothewarmbed，sweetwoman，andsetonyourjourneyinthemorning。\"
SuchaloadofapprehensionwasliftedfromBecfola’sheartthatsheinstantlydidasshehadbeencommanded，andsuchabewildermenthadyetpossessionofherfacultiesthatshecouldnotthinkorutterawordonanysubject。
YetthethoughtdidcomeintoherheadasshestretchedinthewarmgloomthatCrimthannthesonofAemustbenowattendingheratCluaindachaillech，andshethoughtofthatyoungmanasofsomethingwonderfulandveryridiculous，andthefactthathewaswaitingforhertroubledhernomorethanifasheephadbeenwaitingforheroraroadsidebush。
Shefellasleep。
CHAPTERV
Inthemorningastheysatatbreakfastfourclericswereannounced，andwhentheyenteredthekinglookedonthemwithsterndisapproval。
\"WhatisthemeaningofthisjourneyonSunday？\"hedemanded。
Alank-jawed，thin-browedbrother，withuneasy，intertwiningfingers，andadeep-set，venomouseye，wasthespokesmanofthosefour。
\"Indeed，\"hesaid，andthefingersofhisrighthandstrangledanddidtodeaththefingersofhislefthand，\"indeed，wehavetransgressedbyorder。\"
\"Explainthat。\"
\"Wehavebeensenttoyouhurriedlybyourmaster，MolasiusofDevenish。\"
\"Apious，asaintlyman，\"thekinginterrupted，\"andonewhodoesnotcountenancetransgressionsoftheSunday。\"
\"Wewereorderedtotellyouasfollows，\"saidthegrimcleric，andheburiedthefingersofhisrighthandinhisleftfist，sothatonecouldnothopetoseethemresurrectedagain。\"ItwasthedutyofoneoftheBrothersofDevenish，\"hecontinued，\"toturnoutthecattlethismorningbeforethedawnofday，andthatBrother，whileinhisduty，saweightcomelyyoungmenwhofoughttogether。\"
\"OnthemorningofSunday，\"Dermodexploded。
Theclericnoddedwithsavageemphasis。
\"Onthemorningofthisself-sameandinstantsacredday。\"
\"Tellon，\"saidthekingwrathfully。
ButterrorgrippedwithsuddenfingersatBecfola’sheart。
\"DonottellhorridstoriesontheSunday，\"shepleaded。\"Nogoodcancometoanyonefromsuchatale。\"
\"Nay，thismustbetold，sweetlady，\"saidtheking。Buttheclericstaredatherglumly，forbiddingly，andresumedhisstoryatagesture。
\"Oftheseeightmen，sevenwerekilled。\"
\"Theyareinhell，\"thekingsaidgloomily。
\"Inhelltheyare，\"theclericrepliedwithenthusiasm。
\"Andtheonethatwasnotkilled？\"
\"Heisalive，\"thatclericresponded。
\"Hewouldbe，\"themonarchassented。\"Tellyourtale。\"
\"Molasiushadthosesevenmiscreantsburied，andhetookfromtheirunhallowednecksandfromtheirlewdarmsandfromtheirunblessedweaponstheloadoftwomeningoldandsilvertreasure。\"
\"Twomen’sload！\"saidDermodthoughtfully。
\"Thatmuch，\"saidtheleancleric。\"Nomore，noless。AndhehassentustofindoutwhatpartofthathellishtreasurebelongstotheBrothersofDevenishandhowmuchisthepropertyoftheking。\"
Becfolaagainbrokein，speakinggraciously，regally，hastily：
\"LetthoseBrothershavetheentireofthetreasure，foritisSundaytreasure，andassuchitwillbringnolucktoanyone。\"
Theclericagainlookedathercoldly，withaharsh-lidded，small-set，grey-eyedglare，andwaitedfortheking’sreply。
Dermodpondered，shakinghisheadastoanargumentonhisleftside，andthennoddingitagainastoanargumentonhisright。
\"Itshallbedoneasthissweetqueenadvises。Letareliquarybeformedwithcunningworkmanshipofthatgoldandsilver，datedwithmydateandsignedwithmyname，tobeinmemoryofmygrandmotherwhogavebirthtoalamb，toasalmon，andthentomyfather，theArd-Ri’。And，astothetreasurethatremainsover，apastoralstaffmaybebeatenfromitinhonourofMolasius，thepiousman。\"
\"Thestoryisnotended，\"saidthatglum，spike-chinnedcleric。
Thekingmovedwithjovialimpatience。
\"Ifyoucontinueit，\"hesaid，\"itwillsurelycometoanendsometime。Astoneonastonemakesahouse，dearheart，andawordonawordtellsatale。\"
Theclericwrappedhimselfintohimself，andbecameleanandmenacing。Hewhispered：\"Besidestheyoungman，namedFlann，whowasnotslain，therewasanotherpersonpresentatthesceneandthecombatandthetransgressionofSunday。\"
\"Whowasthatperson？\"saidthealarmedmonarch。
Theclericspikedforwardhischin，andthenbuttedforwardhisbrow。
\"Itwasthewifeoftheking，\"heshouted。\"ItwasthewomancalledBecfola。Itwasthatwoman，\"heroared，andheextendedalean，inflexible，unendingfirstfingeratthequeen。
\"Dog！\"thekingstammered，startingup。
\"Ifthatbeintruthawoman，\"theclericscreamed。
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"thekingdemandedinwrathandterror。
\"Eithersheisawomanofthisworldtohepunished，orsheisawomanoftheShi’tobebanished，butthisholymorningshewasintheShi’，andherarmswereabouttheneckofFlann。\"
Thekingsankbackinhischairstupefied，gazingfromonetotheother，andthenturnedanunseeing，fear-dimmedeyetowardsBecfola。
\"Isthistrue，mypulse？\"hemurmured。
\"Itistrue，\"Becfolareplied，andshebecamesuddenlytotheking’seyeawhitenessandastare。Hepointedtothedoor。
\"Gotoyourengagement，\"hestammered。\"GotothatFlann。\"
\"Heiswaitingforme，\"saidBecfolawithproudshame，\"andthethoughtthatheshouldwaitwringsmyheart。\"
Shewentoutfromthepalacethen。ShewentawayfromTara：andinallIrelandandintheworldoflivingmenshewasnotseenagain，andshewasneverheardofagain。
THELITTLEBRAWLATALLEN
CHAPTERI
\"Ithink，\"saidCairellWhiteskin，\"thatalthoughjudgementwasgivenagainstFionn，itwasFionnhadtherightsofit。\"
\"Hehadelevenhundredkilled，\"saidCona’namiably，\"andyoumaycallthattherightsofitifyoulike。\"
\"Allthesame——\"Cairellbeganargumentatively。
\"Anditwasyouthatcommencedit，\"Cona’ncontinued。
\"Ho！Ho！\"Cairellcried。\"Why，youareasmuchtoblameasIam。\"
\"No，\"saidCona’n，\"foryouhitmefirst。\"
\"Andifwehadnotbeenseparated——\"theothergrowled。
\"Separated！\"saidCona’n，withagrinthatmadehisbeardpokeallaroundhisface。
\"Yes，separated。IftheyhadnotcomebetweenusIstillthink——\"
\"Don’tthinkoutloud，dearheart，foryouandIareatpeacebylaw。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"saidCairell，\"andamanmuststickbyajudgement。Comewithme，mydear，andletusseehowtheyoungstersareshapingintheschool。Oneofthemhasratherawaywithhimasaswordsman。\"
\"Noyoungsterisanygoodwithasword，\"Conanreplied。
\"Youarerightthere，\"saidCairell。\"Ittakesagoodripemanforthatweapon。\"
\"Boysaregoodenoughwithslings，\"Confrocontinued，\"butexceptforeatingtheirfillandrunningawayfromafight，youcan’tcountonboys。\"
ThetwobulkymenturnedtowardstheschooloftheFianna。
IthappenedthatFionnmacUailhadsummonedthegentlemenoftheFiannaandtheirwivestoabanquet。Everybodycame，forabanquetgivenbyFionnwasnotathingtobemissed。TherewasGollmormacMornaandhispeople；Fionn’ssonOisi’nandhisgrandsonOscar。TherewasDermodoftheGayFace，CaeltemacRonan——butindeedthereweretoomanytobetoldof，forallthepillarsofwarandbattle-torchesoftheGaelwerethere。
Thebanquetbegan。
FionnsatintheChiefCaptain’sseatinthemiddleofthefort；
andfacinghim，intheplaceofhonour，heplacedthemirthfulGollmacMorna；andfromthese，rangingoneitherside，thenoblesoftheFiannatookeachtheplacethatfittedhisdegreeandpatrimony。
Aftergoodeating，goodconversation；andaftergoodconversation，sleep——thatistheorderofabanquet：sowheneachpersonhadbeenservedwithfoodtothelimitofdesirethebutlerscarriedinshining，andjewelleddrinking-horns，eachhavingitstideofsmooth，headyliquor。Thentheyoungheroesgrewmerryandaudacious，theladiesbecamegentleandkind，andthepoetsbecamewondersofknowledgeandprophecy。Everyeyebeamedinthatassembly，andonFionneveryeyewasturnedcontinuallyinthehopeofaglancefromthegreat，mildhero。
Gollspoketohimacrossthetableenthusiastically。
\"Thereisnothingwantingtothisbanquet，OChief，\"saidhe。
AndFionnsmiledbackintothateyewhichseemedawelloftendernessandfriendship。
\"Nothingiswanting，\"hereplied，\"butawell-shapedpoem。\"A
crierstoodupthen，holdinginonehandalengthofcoarseironlinksandintheotherachainofdelicate，antiquesilver。Heshooktheironchainsothattheservantsandfollowersofthehouseholdshouldbesilent，andheshookthesilveronesothatthenoblesandpoetsshouldhearkenalso。
Fergus，calledTrue-Lips，thepoetoftheFianna-Finn，thensangofFionnandhisancestorsandtheirdeeds。WhenhehadfinishedFionnandOisi’nandOscarandmacLugacoftheTerribleHandgavehimrareandcostlypresents，sothateverypersonwonderedattheirmunificence，andeventhepoet，accustomedtotheliberalityofkingsandprinces，wasastonishedathisgifts。
FergusthenturnedtothesideofGollmacMorna，andhesangoftheForts，theDestructions，theRaids，andtheWooingsofclann-Morna；andasthepoemssucceededeachother，Gollgrewmoreandmorejovialandcontented。WhenthesongswerefinishedGollturnedinhisseat。
\"Whereismyrunner？\"hecried。
Hehadawomanrunner，amarvelforswiftnessandtrust。Shesteppedforward。
\"Iamhere，royalcaptain。\"
\"HaveyoucollectedmytributefromDenmark？\"
\"Itishere。\"
And，withhelp，shelaidbesidehimtheloadofthreemenofdoublyrefinedgold。Outofthistreasure，andfromthetreasureofringsandbraceletsandtorquesthatwerewithhim，GollmacMornapaidFergusforhissongs，and，muchasFionnhadgiven，Gollgavetwiceasmuch。
But，asthebanquetproceeded，Gollgave，whetheritwastoharpersorprophetsorjugglers，morethananyoneelsegave，sothatFionnbecamedispleased，andasthebanquetproceededhegrewsternandsilent。
CHAPTERII
[ThisversionofthedeathofUailisnotcorrect。AlsoCnochaisnotinLochlannbutinIreland。]
Thewonderfulgift-givingofGollcontinued，andanuneasinessandembarrassmentbegantocreepthroughthegreatbanquetinghall。
Gentlemenlookedateachotherquestioningly，andthenspokeagainonindifferentmatters，butonlywithhalfoftheirminds。
Thesingers，theharpers，andjugglerssubmittedtothatconstraint，sothateverypersonfeltawkwardandnooneknewwhatshouldbedoneorwhatwouldhappen，andfromthatdoubtdulnesscame，withsilencefollowingonitsheels。
Thereisnothingmoreterriblethansilence。Shamegrowsinthatblank，orangergathersthere，andwemustchoosewhichoftheseistobeourmaster。
ThatchoicelaybeforeFionn，whoneverknewshame。
\"Goll，\"saidhe，\"howlonghaveyoubeentakingtributefromthepeopleofLochlann？\"
\"Alongtimenow，\"saidGoll。
Andhelookedintoaneyethatwassternandunfriendly。
\"Ithoughtthatmyrentwastheonlyonethosepeoplehadtopay，\"Fionncontinued。
\"Yourmemoryisatfault，\"saidGoll。
\"Letitbeso，\"saidFionn。\"Howdidyourtributearise？\"
\"Longago，Fionn，inthedayswhenyourfatherforcedwaronme。\"
\"Ah！\"saidFionn。
\"WhenheraisedtheHighKingagainstmeandbanishedmefromIreland。\"
\"Continue，\"saidFionn，andheheldGoll’seyeunderthegreatbeetleofhisbrow。
\"IwentintoBritain，\"saidGoll，\"andyourfatherfollowedmethere。IwentintoWhiteLochlann（Norway）andtookit。Yourfatherbanishedmethencealso。\"
\"Iknowit，\"saidFionn。
\"IwentintothelandoftheSaxonsandyourfatherchasedmeoutofthatland。Andthen，inLochlann，atthebattleofCnochayourfatherandImetatlast，foottofoot，eyetoeye，andthere，Fionn！\"
\"Andthere，Goll？\"
\"AndthereIkilledyourfather。\"
Fionnsatrigidandunmoving，hisfacestonyandterribleasthefaceofamonumentcarvedonthesideofacliff。
\"Tellallyourtale，\"saidhe。
\"AtthatbattleIbeattheLochlannachs。IpenetratedtotheholdoftheDanishking，andItookoutofhisdungeonthemenwhohadlainthereforayearandwereawaitingtheirdeaths。Iliberatedfifteenprisoners，andoneofthemwasFionn。\"
\"Itistrue，\"saidFionn。
Goll’sangerfledattheword。
\"Donotbejealousofme，dearheart，forifIhadtwicethetributeIwouldgiveittoyouandtoIreland。\"
ButatthewordjealoustheChief’sangerrevived。
\"Itisanimpertinence，\"hecried，\"toboastatthistablethatyoukilledmyfather。\"
\"Bymyhand，\"Gollreplied，\"ifFionnweretotreatmeashisfatherdidIwouldtreatFionnthewayItreatedFionn’sfather。\"
Fionnclosedhiseyesandbeatawaytheangerthatwasrisingwithinhim。Hesmiledgrimly。
\"IfIweresominded，Iwouldnotletthatlastwordgowithyou，Goll，forIhavehereanhundredmenforeverymanofyours。\"
Golllaughedaloud。
\"Sohadyourfather，\"hesaid。
Fionn’sbrother，CairellWhiteskin，brokeintotheconversationwithaharshlaugh。
\"HowmanyofFionn’shouseholdhasthewonderfulGollputdown？\"
hecried。
ButGoll’sbrother，baldCona’ntheSwearer，turnedasavageeyeonCairell。
\"Bymyweapons，\"saidhe，\"therewereneverlessthananhundred-and-onemenwithGoll，andtheleastofthemcouldhaveputyoudowneasilyenough。\"
\"Ah？’criedCairell。\"Andareyouoneofthehundred-and-one，oldscaldhead？\"
\"Oneindeed，mythick-witted，thin-liveredCairell，andI
undertaketoproveonyourhidethatwhatmybrothersaidwastrueandthatwhatyourbrothersaidwasfalse。\"
\"Youundertakethat，\"growledCairell，andonthewordheloosedafuriousbuffetatCon’an，whichCona’nreturnedwithafistsobigthateverypartofCairell’sfacewashitwiththeoneblow。
Thetwothenfellintogrips，andwentlurchingandpunchingaboutthegreathall。TwoofOscar’ssonscouldnotbeartoseetheirunclebeingworsted，andtheyleapedatCona’n，andtwoofGoll’ssonsrushedatthem。ThenOscarhimselfleapedup，andwithahammerineitherhandhewentbatteringintothemelee。
\"Ithankthegods，\"saidCona’n，\"forthechanceofkillingyourself，Oscar。\"
Thesetwoencounteredthen，andOscarknockedagroanofdistressoutofCona’n。HelookedappealinglyathisbrotherArtogmacMorna，andthatpowerfulchampionflewtohisaidandwoundedOscar。Oisi’n，Oscar’sfather，couldnotabidethat；hedashedinandquelledArtOg。ThenRoughHairmacMornawoundedOisinandwashimselftumbledbymacLugac，whowasagainwoundedbyGaramacMorna。
Thebanquetinghallwasintumult。Ineverypartofitmenweregivingandtakingblows。Heretwochampionswiththeirarmsroundeachother’sneckswerestampingroundandroundinaslow，saddance。Hereweretwocrouchingagainsteachother，lookingforasoftplacetohit。Yonderabig-shoulderedpersonliftedanothermaninhisarmsandthrewhimatasmallgroupthatchargedhim。
Inaretiredcorneragentlemanstoodinathoughtfulattitudewhilehetriedtopulloutatooththathadbeenknockedloose。
\"Youcan’tfight，\"hemumbled，\"withalooseshoeoraloosetooth。\"
\"Hurryupwiththattooth，\"themaninfrontofhimgrum-bled，\"forIwanttoknockoutanotherone。\"
Pressedagainstthewallwasabevyofladies，someofwhomwerescreamingandsomelaughingandallofwhomwerecallingonthementogobacktotheirseats。
Onlytwopeopleremainedseatedinthehall。
Gollsattwistedroundwatchingtheprogressofthebrawlcritically，andFionn，sittingopposite，watchedGoll。
JustthenFaelan，anotherofFionn’ssons，stormedthehallwiththreehundredoftheFianna，andbythisforceallGoll’speoplewereputoutofdoors，wherethefightcontinued。
GolllookedthencalmlyonFionn。
\"Yourpeopleareusingtheirweapons，\"saidhe。
\"Arethey？\"Fionninquiredascalmly，andasthoughaddressingtheair。
\"Inthematterofweapons——！\"saidGoll。
Andthehard-fightingpillarofbattleturnedtowherehisarmshungonthewallbehindhim。Hetookhissolid，well-balancedswordinhisfist，overhisleftarmhisample，bossyshield，and，withanotherside-lookatFionn，heleftthehallandchargedirresistiblyintothefray。
Fionnthenarose。Hetookhisaccoutrementsfromthewallalsoandstrodeout。ThenheraisedthetriumphantFenianshoutandwentintothecombat。
Thatwasnoplaceforasickpersontobe。Itwasnotthecornerwhichaslender-fingeredwomanwouldchoosetodoupherhair；
norwasitthespotanancientmanwouldselecttothinkquietlyin，forthetumultofswordonsword，ofaxeonshield，theroarofthecontendingparties，thecryingofwoundedmen，andthescreamingoffrightenedwomendestroyedpeace，andoverallwastherallyingcryofGollmacMornaandthegreatshoutofFionn。
ThenFergusTrue-LipsgatheredabouthimallthepoetsoftheFianna，andtheysurroundedthecombatants。Theybegantochantandintonelong，heavyrhymesandincantations，untiltherhythmicbeatingoftheirvoicescoveredeventhenoiseofwar，sothatthemenstoppedhackingandhewing，andlettheirweaponsdropfromtheirhands。Thesewerepickedupbythepoetsandareconciliationwaseffectedbetweenthetwoparties。
ButFionnaffirmedthathewouldmakenopeacewithclann-Mornauntilthematterhadbeenjudgedbytheking，CormacmacArt，andbyhisdaughterAilve，andbyhissonCairbreofAnaLife’andbyFintanthechiefpoet。Gollagreedthattheaffairshouldbesubmittedtothatcourt，andadaywasappointed，afortnightfromthatdate，tomeetatTaraoftheKingsforjudgement。Thenthehallwascleansedandthebanquetrecommenced。
OfFionn’speopleelevenhundredofmenandwomenweredead，whileofGoll’speopleelevenmenandfiftywomenweredead。Butitwasthroughfrightthewomendied，fornotoneofthemhadawoundorabruiseoramark。
CHAPTERIII
ATtheendofafortnightFionnandGollandthechiefmenoftheFiannaattendedatTara。Theking，hissonanddaughter，withFlahri，Feehal，andFintanmacBocnasatintheplaceofjudgement，andCormaccalledonthewitnessesforevidence。
Fionnstoodup，butthemomenthedidsoGollmacMornaarosealso。
\"IobjecttoFionngivingevidence，\"saidhe。
\"Whyso？\"thekingasked。
\"BecauseinanymatterthatconcernedmeFionnwouldturnalieintotruthandthetruthintoalie。\"
\"Idonotthinkthatisso，\"saidFionn。
\"Yousee，hehasalreadycommencedit，\"criedGoll。
\"Ifyouobjecttothetestimonyofthechiefpersonpresent，inwhatwayarewetoobtainevidence？\"thekingdemanded。
\"I，\"saidGoll，\"willtrusttotheevidenceofFergusTrue-Lips。
HeisFionn’spoet，andwilltellnolieagainsthismaster；heisapoet，andwilltellnolieagainstanyone。\"
\"Iagreetothat，\"saidFionn。
\"Irequire，nevertheless，\"Gollcontinued，\"thatFergusshouldswearbeforetheCourt，byhisgods，thathewilldojusticebetweenus。\"
Ferguswasaccordinglysworn，andgavehisevidence。HestatedthatFionn’sbrotherCairellstruckCona’nmacMorna，thatGoll’stwosonscametohelpCona’n，thatOscarwenttohelpCairell，andwiththatFionn’speopleandtheclann-Mornaroseateachother，andwhathadstartedasabrawlendedasabattlewithelevenhundredofFionn’speopleandsixty-oneofGoll’speopledead。
\"Imarvel，\"saidthekinginadiscontentedvoice，\"that，consideringthenumbersagainstthem，thelossesofclann-Mornashouldbesosmall。\"
Fionnblushedwhenheheardthat。
Fergusreplied：
\"GollmacMornacoveredhispeoplewithhisshield。Allthatslaughterwasdonebyhim。\"
\"Thepresswastoogreat，\"Fionngrumbled。\"Icouldnotgetathimintimeor——-\"
\"Orwhat？\"saidGollwithagreatlaugh。
Fionnshookhisheadsternlyandsaidnomore。
\"Whatisyourjudgement？\"Cormacdemandedofhisfellow-judges。
Flahripronouncedfirst。
\"Igivedamagestoclann-Morna。\"
\"Why？\"saidCormac。
\"Becausetheywereattackedfirst。\"
Cormaclookedathimstubbornly。
\"Idonotagreewithyourjudgement，\"hesaid。
\"Whatistherefaultyinit？\"Flahriasked。
\"Youhavenotconsidered，\"thekingreplied，\"thatasoldierowesobediencetohiscaptain，andthat，giventhetimeandtheplace，FionnwasthecaptainandGollwasonlyasimplesoldier。\"
Flahriconsideredtheking’ssuggestion。
\"That，\"hesaid，\"wouldholdgoodforthewhite-strikingorblowsoffists，butnotforthered-strikingorsword-strokes。\"
\"Whatisyourjudgement？\"thekingaskedFeehal。Feehalthenpronounced：
\"Iholdthatclann-Mornawereattackedfirst，andthattheyaretobefreefrompaymentofdamages。\"
\"AndasregardsFionn？\"saidCormac。
\"IholdthatonaccountofhisgreatlossesFionnistobeexemptfrompaymentofdamages，andthathislossesaretobeconsideredasdamages。\"
\"Iagreeinthatjudgement，\"saidFintan。
Thekingandhissonalsoagreed，andthedecisionwasimpartedtotheFianna。
\"Onemustabidebyajudgement，\"saidFionn。
\"Doyouabidebyit？\"Golldemanded。
\"Ido，\"saidFionn。
GollandFionnthenkissedeachother，andthuspeacewasmade。
For，notwithstandingtheendlessbickerofthesetwoheroes，theylovedeachotherwell。
Yet，nowthattheyearshavegoneby，IthinkthefaultlaywithGollandnotwithFionn，andthatthejudgementgivendidnotconsidereverything。ForatthattableGollshouldnothavegivengreatergiftsthanhismasterandhostdid。AnditwasnotrightofGolltotakebyforcethepositionofgreatestgift-giveroftheFianna，fortherewasneverintheworldonegreateratgivinggifts，orgivingbattle，ormakingpoemsthanFionnwas。
ThatsideoftheaffairwasnotbroughtbeforetheCourt。ButperhapsitwassuppressedoutofdelicacyforFionn，forifGollcouldbeaccusedofostentation，Fionnwasopentotheuglierchargeofjealousy。Itwas，nevertheless，Goll’sforwardandimpishtemperwhichcommencedthebrawl，andtheverdictoftimemustbetoexonerateFionnandtolettheblamegowhereitismerited。
Thereis，however，thistobeaddedandremembered，thatwheneverFionnwasinatightcorneritwasGollthatpluckedhimoutofit；and，lateron，whentimedidhisworstonthemallandtheFiannaweresenttohellasunbelievers，itwasGollmacMornawhoassaultedhell，withachaininhisgreatfistandthreeironballsswingingfromit，anditwashewhoattackedthehostsofgreatdevilsandbroughtFionnandtheFianna-Finnoutwithhim。
THECARLOFTHEDRABCOAT
CHAPTERI
OnedaysomethinghappenedtoFionn，thesonofUail；thatis，hedepartedfromtheworldofmen，andwassetwanderingingreatdistressofmindthroughFaery。Hehaddaysandnightsthereandadventuresthere，andwasabletobringbackthememoryofthese。
That，byitself，iswonderful，fortherearefewpeoplewhorememberthattheyhavebeentoFaeryoraughtofallthathappenedtotheminthatstate。
IntruthwedonotgotoFaery，webecomeFaery，andinthebeatingofapulsewemayliveforayearorathousandyears。
Butwhenwereturnthememoryisquicklyclouded，andweseemtohavehadadreamorseenavision，althoughwehaveverilybeeninFaery。
Itwaswonderful，then，thatFionnshouldhaverememberedallthathappenedtohiminthatwide-spunmoment，butinthistalethereisyetmoretomarvelat；fornotonlydidFionngotoFaery，butthegreatarmywhichhehadmarshalledtoBenEdair[TheHillofHowth]weretranslatedalso，andneitherhenortheywereawarethattheyhaddepartedfromtheworlduntiltheycamebacktoit。
Fourteenbattles，sevenofthereserveandsevenoftheregularFianna，hadbeentakenbytheChiefonagreatmarchandmanoeuvre。WhentheyreachedBenEdairitwasdecidedtopitchcampsothatthetroopsmightrestinviewofthewarlikeplanwhichFionnhadimaginedforthemorrow。Thecampwaschosen，andeachsquadronandcompanyofthehostwerelodgedintoanappropriateplace，sotherewasnoovercrowdingandnohaltorinterruptionofthemarch；forwhereacompanyhaltedthatwasitsplaceofrest，andinthatplaceithinderednoothercompany，andwasatitsownease。
Whenthiswasaccomplishedtheleadersofbattalionsgatheredonalevel，grassyplateauoverlookingthesea，whereaconsultationbeganastothenextday’smanoeuvres，andduringthisdiscussiontheylookedoftenonthewidewaterthatlaywrinklingandtwinklingbelowthem。
AroomyshipundergreatpressofsallwasbearingonBenEdairfromtheeast。
Nowandagain，inalullofthediscussion，achampionwouldlookandremarkonthehurryingvessel；anditmayhavebeenduringoneofthesemomentsthattheadventurehappenedtoFionnandtheFianna。
\"Iwonderwherethatshipcomesfrom？\"saidCona’nidly。
Butnopersoncouldsurmiseanythingaboutitbeyondthatitwasavesselwellequippedforwar。
Astheshipdrewbytheshorethewatchersobservedatallmanswingfromthesidebymeansofhisspearshafts，andinalittlewhilethisgentlemanwasannouncedtoFionn，andwasbroughtintohispresence。
Asturdy，bellicose，forthrightpersonagehewasindeed。Hewasequippedinawonderfulsolidityofarmour，withahard，carvenhelmetonhishead，asplendidred-bossedshieldswingingonhisshoulder，awide-grooved，straightswordclashingalonghisthigh。Onhisshouldersundertheshieldhecarriedasplendidscarletmantle；overhisbreastwasagreatbroochofburntgold，andinhisfisthegrippedapairofthick-shafted，unburnishedspears。
Fionnandthechampionslookedonthisgentleman，andtheyadmiredexceedinglyhisbearingandequipment。
\"Ofwhatbloodareyou，younggentleman？\"Fionndemanded，\"andfromwhichofthefourcornersoftheworlddoyoucome？\"
\"MynameisCaeloftheIron，\"thestrangeranswered，\"andIamsontotheKingofThessaly。\"
\"Whaterrandhasbroughtyouhere？\"
\"Idonotgoonerrands，\"themanrepliedsternly，\"butontheaffairsthatpleaseme。\"
\"Beitso。Whatisthepleasingaffairwhichbringsyoutothisland？\"
\"SinceIleftmyowncountryIhavenotgonefromalandoranislanduntilitpaidtributetomeandacknowledgedmylordship。\"
\"Andyouhavecometothisrealm\"criedFionn，doubtinghisears。
\"Fortributeandsovereignty，\"growledthatother，andhestruckthehaftofhisspearviolentlyontheground。
\"Bymyhand，\"saidCona’n，\"wehaveneverheardofawarrior，howevergreat，buthispeerwasfoundinIreland，andthefuneralsongsofallsuchhavebeenchantedbythewomenofthisland。\"
\"Bymyhandandword，\"saidtheharshstranger，\"yourtalkmakesmethinkofasmallboyorofanidiot。\"
\"Takeheed，sir，\"saidFionn，\"forthechampionsandgreatdragonsoftheGaelarestandingbyyou，andaroundustherearefourteenbattlesoftheFiannaofIreland。\"
\"IfalltheFiannawhohavediedinthelastsevenyearswereaddedtoallthatarenowhere，\"thestrangerasserted，\"Iwouldtreatalloftheseandthosegrievously，andwouldcurtailtheirlimbsandtheirlives。\"
\"Itisnosmallboast，\"Cona’nmurmured，staringathim。
\"Itisnoboastatall，\"saidCael，\"and，toshowmyqualityandstanding，Iwillproposeadeedtoyou。\"
\"Giveoutyourdeed，\"Fionncommanded。
\"Thus，\"saidCaelwithcoldsavagery。\"Ifyoucanfindamanamongyourfourteenbattalionswhocanoutrunoroutwrestleoroutfightme，Iwilltakemyselfofftomyowncountry，andwilltroubleyounomore。\"
Andsoharshlydidhespeak，andwithsuchabelligerenteyedidhestare，thatdismaybegantoseizeonthechampions，andevenFionnfeltthathisbreathhadhalted。
\"Itisspokenlikeahero，\"headmittedafteramoment，\"andifyoucannotbematchedonthosetermsitwillnotbefromadearthofapplicants。\"
\"Inrunningalone，\"Fionncontinuedthoughtfully，\"wehaveanotablechampion，CaeltemacRona’n。\"
\"ThissonofRona’nwillnotlongbenotable，\"thestrangerasserted。
\"Hecanoutstripthereddeer，\"saidCona’n。
\"Hecanoutrunthewind，\"criedFionn。
\"Hewillnotbeaskedtooutrunthereddeerorthewind，\"thestrangersneered。\"Hewillbeaskedtooutrunme，\"hethundered。
\"Producethisrunner，andweshalldiscoverifhekeepsasgreatheartinhisfeetashehasmadeyouthink。\"
\"Heisnotwithus，\"Cona’nlamented。
\"Thesenotablewarriorsareneverwithuswhenthecallismade，\"
saidthegrimstranger。
\"Bymyhand，\"criedFionn，\"heshallbehereinnogreattime，forIwillfetchhimmyself。\"
\"Beitso，\"saidCael。\"Andduringmyabsence，\"Fionncontinued，\"Ileavethisasacompact，thatyoumakefriendswiththeFiannaherepresent，andthatyouobservealltheconditionsandceremoniesoffriendship。\"
Caelagreedtothat。
\"Iwillnothurtanyofthesepeopleuntilyoureturn，\"hesaid。
FionnthensetouttowardsTaraoftheKings，forhethoughtCaeltemacRominwouldsurelybethere；\"andifheisnotthere，\"
saidthechampiontohimself，\"thenIshallfindhimatCeshCorranoftheFianna。\"