CHAPTERV
WithinthecavetherewassilenceexceptforthevoicesofthehagsandthescarcelyaudiblemoaningoftheFianna-Finn，butwithouttherewasadreadfuluproar，foraseachmanreturnedfromthechasehisdogscamewithhim，andalthoughthemenwentintothecavethedogsdidnot。
Theyweretoowise。
Theystoodoutside，filledwithsavageryandterror，fortheycouldscenttheirmastersandtheirmasters’danger，andperhapstheycouldgetfromthecavesmellstillthenunknownandfullofalarm。
Fromthetroopofdogstherearoseabayingandbarking，asnarlingandhowlingandgrowling，ayelpingandsquealingandbawlingforwhichnowordscanbefound。Nowandagainadognosedamongathousandsmellsandscentedhismaster；theruffofhisneckstooduplikeahog’sbristlesandanettyridgeprickledalonghisspine。Thenwithredeyes，withbaredfangs，withahoarse，deepsnortandgrowlherushedatthecave，andthenhehaltedandsneakedbackagainwithallhisrufflessmoothed，histailbetweenhislegs，hiseyesscrewedsidewaysinmiserableapologyandalarm，andalongthinwhineofwoedribblingoutofhisnose。
Thethreesisterstooktheirwide-channelled，hard-temperedswordsintheirhands，andpreparedtoslaytheFianna，butbeforedoingsotheygaveonemorelookfromthedoorofthecavetoseeiftheremightbeastraggleroftheFiannawhowasescapingdeathbystraggling，andtheysawonecomingtowardsthemwithBranandSceo’lanleapingbesidehim，whilealltheotherdogsbegantobursttheirthroatswithbarksandsplittheirnoseswithsnortsandwagtheirtailsoffatsightofthetall，valiant，white-toothedchampion，GollmormacMorna。\"Wewillkillthatonefirst，\"saidCaevo’g。
\"Thereisonlyoneofhim，\"saidCuillen。
\"Andeachofusthreeisthematchforanhundred，\"saidIaran。
Theuncanny，misbehaved，andoutrageousharridansadvancedthentomeetthesonofMorna，andwhenhesawthesethreeGollwhippedtheswordfromhisthigh，swunghisbucklerround，andgottothemintengreatleaps。
Silencefellontheworldduringthatconflict。Thewindwentdown；thecloudsstoodstill；theoldhillitselfhelditsbreath；thewarriorswithinceasedtobemenandbecameeachanear；andthedogssatinavastcircleroundthecombatants，withtheirheadsalltooneside，theirnosespokedforward，theirmouthshalfopen，andtheirtailsforgotten。Nowandagainadogwhinedinawhisperandsnappedalittlesnapontheair，butexceptforthattherewasneithersoundnormovement。
Itwasalongfight。Itwasahardandatrickyfight，andGollwonitbybraveryandstrategyandgreatgoodluck；forwithoneshrewdsliceofhisbladehecarvedtwoofthesemightytermagantsintoequalhalves，sothattherewerenosesandwhiskerstohisrighthandandkneesandtoestohisleft：andthatstrokewasknownafterwardsasoneofthethreegreatsword-strokesofIreland。Thethirdhag，however，hadmanagedtogetbehindGoll，andsheleapedontohisbackwiththeboundofapanther，andhungherewiththeskilful，many-legged，tight-twistedclutchingofaspider。Butthegreatchampiongaveatwistofhishipsandaswingofhisshouldersthatwhirledheraroundhimlikeasack。Hegotheronthegroundandtiedherhandswiththestrapsofashield，andhewasgoingtogiveherthelastblowwhensheappealedtohishonourandbravery。
\"Iputmylifeunderyourprotection，\"saidshe。\"AndifyouletmegofreeIwilllifttheenchantmentfromtheFianna-Finnandwillgivethemallbacktoyouagain。\"
\"Iagreetothat，\"saidGoll，andheuntiedherstraps。Theharridandidasshehadpromised，andinashorttimeFionnandOisi’nandOscarandCona’nwerereleased，andafterthatalltheFiannawerereleased。
CHAPTERVI
Aseachmancameoutofthecavehegaveajumpandashout；thecourageoftheworldwentintohimandhefeltthathecouldfighttwenty。Butwhiletheyweretalkingovertheadventureandexplaininghowithadhappened，avastfigurestrodeoverthesideofthehillanddescendedamongthem。ItwasConaran’sfourthdaughter。
Iftheotherthreehadbeenterribletolookon，thisonewasmoreterriblethanthethreetogether。Shewascladinironplate，andshehadawickedswordbyhersideandaknobbyclubinherhandShehaltedbythebodiesofhersisters，andbittertearsstreameddownintoherbeard。
\"Alas，mysweetones，\"saidshe，\"Iamtoolate。\"
AndthenshestaredfiercelyatFionn。
\"Idemandacombat，\"sheroared。
\"Itisyourright，\"saidFionn。Heturnedtohisson。
\"Oisi’n，myheart，killmethishonourablehag。\"ButfortheonlytimeinhislifeOisi’nshrankfromacombat。
\"Icannotdoit\"hesaid，\"Ifeeltooweak。\"
Fionnwasastounded。\"Oscar，\"hesaid，\"willyoukillmethisgreathag？\"
Oscarstammeredmiserably。\"Iwouldnotbeableto，\"hesaid。
Cona’nalsorefused，andsodidCaeltemacRona’nandmacLugac，fortherewasnomantherebutwasterrifiedbythesightofthatmightyandvaliantharridan。
Fionnrosetohisfeet。\"Iwilltakethiscombatmyself，\"hesaidsternly。
Andheswunghisbucklerforwardandstretchedhisrighthandtothesword。ButatthatterriblesightGollmaeMornablusheddeeplyandleapedfromtheground。
\"No，no，\"hecried；\"no，mysoul，Fionn，thiswouldnotbeapropercombatforyou。Itakethisfight。\"
\"Youhavedoneyourshare，Goll，\"saidthecaptain。
\"IshouldfinishthefightIbegan，\"Gollcontinued，\"foritwasIwhokilledthetwosistersofthisvalianthag，anditisagainstmethefeudlies。\"
\"Thatwilldoforme，\"saidthehorribledaughterofConaran。\"I
willkillGollmormacMornafirst，andafterthatIwillkillFionn，andafterthatIwillkilleveryFenianoftheFianna-Finn。\"
\"Youmaybegin，Goll，\"saidFionn，\"andIgiveyoumyblessing。\"
Gollthenstrodeforwardtothefight，andthehagmovedagainsthimwithequalalacrity。Inamomenttheheavensrangtotheclashofswordsonbucklers。Itwashardtowith-standtheterrificblowsofthatmightyfemale，forherswordplayedwiththequicknessoflightningandsmoteliketheheavycrashingofastorm。ButintothatdinandencirclementGollpressedandventured，steadyasarockinwater，agileasacreatureofthesea，andwhenoneofthecombatantsretreateditwasthehagthatgavebackwards。AsherfootmovedagreatshoutofjoyrosefromtheFianna。Asnarlwentoverthehugefaceofthemonsterandsheleapedforwardagain，butshemetGoll’spointintheroad；
itwentthroughher，andinanothermomentGolltookherheadfromitsshouldersandswungitonhighbeforeFionn。
AstheFiannaturnedhomewardsFionnspoketohisgreatchampionandenemy。
\"Goll，\"hesaid，\"Ihaveadaughter。\"
\"Alovelygirl，ablossomofthedawn，\"saidGoll。
\"Wouldshepleaseyouasawife？\"thechiefdemanded。
\"Shewouldpleaseme，\"saidGoll。
\"Sheisyourwife，\"saidFionn。
ButthatdidnotpreventGollfromkillingFionn’sbrotherCairelllateron，nordiditpreventFionnfromkillingGolllateronagain，andthelastdidnotpreventGollfromrescuingFionnoutofhellwhentheFianna-FinnweresentthereunderthenewGod。Noristhereanyreasontocomplainortobeastonishedatthesethings，foritisamutualworldwellvein，agive-and-takeworld，andthereisnogreatharminit。
BECUMAOFTHEWHITESKIN
CHAPTERI
Therearemoreworldsthanone，andinmanywaystheyareunlikeeachother。Butjoyandsorrow，or，inotherwords，goodandevil，arenotabsentintheirdegreefromanyoftheworlds，forwhereverthereislifethereisaction，andactionisbuttheexpressionofoneorotherofthesequalities。
AfterthisEarththereistheworldoftheShi’。BeyonditagainliestheMany-ColouredLand。NextcomestheLandofWonder，andafterthattheLandofPromiseawaitsus。YouwillcrossclaytogetintotheShi’；youwillcrosswatertoattaintheMany-ColouredLand；firemustbepassederetheLandofWonderisattained，hutwedonotknowwhatwillbecrossedforthefourthworld。
ThisadventureofConntheHundredFighterandhissonArtwasbythewayofwater，andthereforehewasmoreadvancedinmagicthanFionnwas，allofwhoseadventureswerebythepathofclayandintoFaeryonly，butConnwastheHighKingandsothearch-magicianofIreland。
AcouncilhadbeencalledintheMany-ColouredLandtodiscussthecaseofaladynamedBecumaCneisgel，thatis，BecumaoftheWhiteSkin，thedaughterofEoganInver。ShehadrunawayfromherhusbandLabraidandhadtakenrefugewithGadiar，oneofthesonsofMananna’nmacLir，thegodofthesea，andtheruler，therefore，ofthatsphere。
Itseems，then，thatthereismarriageintwootherspheres。IntheShi’matrimonyisrecordedasbeingparallelineveryrespectwithearth-marriage，andthedesirewhichurgestoitseemstoheasviolentandinconstantasitiswithus；butintheMany-ColouredLandmarriageisbutacontemplationofbeauty，abroodingandmeditationwhereinallgrosserdesireisunknownandchildrenareborntosinlessparents。
IntheShi’thecrimeofBecumawouldhavebeenlightlyconsidered，andwouldhavereceivednoneorbutanominalpunishment，butinthesecondworldahorridgravityattachestosuchalapse，andtheretributionmetedisimplacableandgrim。
Itmaybedissolutionbyfire，andthatcannoteadestructiontoofinalforthemindtocontemplate；oritmaybebanishmentfromthatspheretoalowerandworseone。
ThiswasthefateofBecumaoftheWhiteSkin。
Onemaywonderhow，havingattainedtothatsphere，shecouldhavecarriedwithhersostrongamemoryoftheearth。ItiscertainthatshewasnotafitpersontoexistintheMany-ColouredLand，anditistobefearedthatshewasorganisedtoogrosslyevenforlifeintheShi’。
Shewasanearth-woman，andshewasbanishedtotheearth。
WordwassenttotheShi’sofIrelandthatthisladyshouldnotbepermittedtoenteranyofthem；fromwhichitwouldseemthattheordinancesoftheShicomefromthehigherworld，and，itmightfollow，thattheconductofearthliesintheShi’。
Inthatway，thegatesofherownworldandtheinnumerabledoorsofFaerybeingclosedagainsther，Becumawasforcedtoappearintheworldofmen。
Itispleasant，however，notwithstandingherterriblecrimeandherwoefulpunishment，tothinkhowcourageousshewas。Whenshewastoldhersentence，nay，herdoom，shemadenooutcry，nordidshewasteanytimeinsorrow。Shewenthomeandputonhernicestclothes。
Sheworearedsatinsmock，and，overthis，acloakofgreensilkoutofwhichlongfringesofgoldswungandsparkled，andshehadlightsandalsofwhitebronzeonherthin，shapelyfeet。Shehadlongsofthairthatwasyellowasgold，andsoftasthecurlingfoamofthesea。Hereyeswerewideandclearaswaterandweregreyasadove’sbreast。Herteethwerewhiteassnowandofanevennesstomarvelat。Herlipswerethinandbeautifullycurved：
redlipsintruth，redaswinterberriesandtemptingasthefruitsofsummer。Thepeoplewhosuperintendedherdeparturesaidmournfullythatwhenshewasgonetherewouldbenomorebeautyleftintheirworld。
Shesteppedintoacoracle，itwaspushedontheenchantedwaters，anditwentforward，worldwithinworld，untillandappeared，andherboatswunginlowtideagainstarockatthefootofBenEdair。
Sofarforher。
CHAPTERII
ConntheHundredFighter，Ard-Ri’ofIreland，wasinthelowestspiritsthatcanbeimagined，forhiswifewasdead。HehadbeenArd-Rifornineyears，andduringhistermthecornusedtobereapedthreetimesineachyear，andtherewasfullandplentyofeverything。Therearefewkingswhocanboastofmorekinglyresultsthanhecan，buttherewassoretroubleinstoreforhim。
HehadbeenmarriedtoEithne，thedaughterofBrislandBinn，KingofNorway，and，nexttohissubjects，helovedhiswifemorethanallthatwaslovableintheworld。Butthetermofmanandwoman，ofkingorqueen，issetinthestars，andthereisnoescapingDoomforanyone；so，whenhertimecame，Eithnedied。
Nowtherewerethreegreatburying-placesinIreland——theBrughoftheBoyneinUlster，overwhichAngusOgischiefandgod；theShi’moundofCruachanAhi，whereEthalAnbualpresidesovertheunderworldofConnacht，andTailltin，inRoyalMeath。Itwasinthislast，thesacredplaceofhisownlordship，thatConnlaidhiswifetorest。
Herfuneralgameswereplayedduringninedays。Herkeenwassungbypoetsandharpers，andacairntenacreswidewasheavedoverherclay。Thenthekeeningceasedandthegamesdrewtoanend；
theprincesoftheFiveProv-incesreturnedbyhorseorbychariottotheirownplaces；theconcourseofmournersmeltedaway，andtherewasnothingleftbythegreatcairnbutthesunthatdozeduponitinthedaytime，theheavycloudsthatbroodedonitinthenight，andthedesolate，memoriedking。
ForthedeadqueenhadbeensolovelythatConncouldnotforgether；shehadbeensokindateverymomentthathecouldnotbutmissherateverymoment；butitwasintheCouncilChamberandtheJudgementHallthathemostponderedhermemory。Forshehadalsobeenwise，andlack-ingherguidance，allgraveaffairsseemedgraver，shadowingeachdayandgoingwithhimtothepillowatnight。
Thetroubleofthekingbecomesthetroubleofthesubject，forhowshallweliveifjudgementiswithheld，oriffaultydecisionsarepromulgated？Therefore，withthesorrowoftheking，allIrelandwasingrief，anditwasthewishofeverypersonthatheshouldmarryagain。
Suchanidea，however，didnotoccurtohim，forhecouldnotconceivehowanywomanshouldfilltheplacehisqueenhadvacated。Hegrewmoreandmoredespondent，andlessandlessfittedtocopewithaffairsofstate，andonedayheinstructedhissonArttotaketheruleduringhisabsence，andhesetoutforBenEdair。
Foragreatwishhadcomeuponhimtowalkbesidethesea；tolistentotherollandboomoflong，greybreakers；togazeonanunfruitful，desolatewildernessofwaters；andtoforgetinthosesightsallthathecouldforget，andifhecouldnotforgetthentorememberallthatheshouldremember。
Hewasthusgazingandbroodingwhenonedayheobservedacoracledrawingtotheshore。Ayounggirlsteppedfromitandwalkedtohimamongblackbouldersandpatchesofyellowsand。
CHAPTERIII
Beingakinghehadauthoritytoaskquestions。Connaskedher，therefore，allthequestionsthathecouldthinkof，foritisnoteverydaythataladydrivesfromthesea，andshewearingagolden-fringedcloakofgreensilkthroughwhicharedsatinsmockpeepedattheopenings。Sherepliedtohisquestions，butshedidnottellhimallthetruth；for，indeed，shecouldnotaffordto。
Sheknewwhohewas，forsheretainedsomeofthepowerspropertotheworldsshehadleft，andashelookedonhersoftyellowhairandonherthinredlips，Connrecognised，asallmendo，thatonewhoislovelymustalsobegood，andsohedidnotframeanyinquiryonthatcount；foreverythingisforgotteninthepresenceofaprettywoman，andamagiciancanbebewitchedalso。
ShetoldConnthatthefameofhissonArthadreachedeventheMany-ColouredLand，andthatshehadfalleninlovewiththeboy。
ThisdidnotseemunreasonabletoonewhohadhimselfventuredmuchinFaery，andwhohadknownsomanyofthepeopleofthatworldleavetheirownlandfortheloveofamortal。
\"Whatisyourname，mysweetlady？\"saidtheking。
\"IamcalledDelvcaem（FairShape）andIamthedaughterofMorgan，\"shereplied。
\"IhaveheardmuchofMorgan，\"saidtheking。\"Heisaverygreatmagician。\"
DuringthisconversationConnhadbeenregardingherwiththeminutefreedomwhichisrightonlyinaking。Atwhatpreciseinstantheforgothisdeadconsortwedonotknow，butitiscertainthatatthismomenthismindwasnolongerburdenedwiththatdearandlovelymemory。Hisvoicewasmelancholywhenhespokeagain。
\"Youlovemyson！\"
\"Whocouldavoidlovinghim？\"shemurmured。
\"Whenawomanspeakstoamanabouttheloveshefeelsforanothermansheisnotliked。And，\"hecontinued，\"whenshespeakstoamanwhohasnowifeofhisownaboutherloveforanothermanthensheisdisliked。\"
\"Iwouldnotbedislikedbyyou，\"Becumamurmured。
\"Nevertheless，\"saidheregally，\"Iwillnotcomebetweenawomanandherchoice。\"
\"Ididnotknowyoulackedawife，\"saidBecuma，butindeedshedid。
\"Youknowitnow，\"thekingrepliedsternly。
\"WhatshallIdo？\"sheinquired，\"amItowedyouoryourson？\"
\"Youmustchoose，\"Connanswered。
\"Ifyouallowmetochooseitmeansthatyoudonotwantmeverybadly，\"saidshewithasmile。
\"ThenIwillnotallowyoutochoose，\"criedtheking，\"anditiswithmyselfyoushallmarry。\"
Hetookherhandinhisandkissedit。
\"Lovelyisthispalethinhand。LovelyistheslenderfootthatI
seeinasmallbronzeshoe，\"saidtheking。
Afterasuitabletimeshecontinued：
\"IshouldnotlikeyoursontobeatTarawhenIamthere，orforayearafterwards，forIdonotwishtomeethimuntilIhaveforgottenhimandhavecometoknowyouwell。\"
\"Idonotwishtobanishmyson，\"thekingprotested。
\"Itwouldnotreallybeabanishment，\"shesaid。\"Aprince’sdutycouldbesethim，andinsuchanabsencehewouldimprovehisknowledgebothofIrelandandofmen。Further，\"shecontinuedwithdowncasteyes，\"whenyourememberthereasonthatbroughtmehereyouwillseethathispresencewouldbeanembarrassmenttousboth，andmypresencewouldbeunpleasanttohimifheremembershismother。\"
\"Nevertheless，\"saidConnstubbornly，\"Idonotwishtobanishmyson；itisawkwardandunnecessary。\"
\"Forayearonly，\"shepleaded。
\"Itisyet，\"hecontinuedthoughtfully，\"areasonablereasonthatyougiveandIwilldowhatyouask，butbymyhandandwordI
don’tlikedoingit。\"
Theysetoutthenbrisklyandjoyfullyonthehomewardjourney，andinduetimetheyreachedTaraoftheKings。
CHAPTERIV
Itispartoftheeducationofaprincetobeagoodchessplayer，andtocontinuallyexercisehismindinviewofthejudgementsthathewillbecalledupontogiveandtheknotty，tortuous，andperplexingmatterswhichwillobscuretheissueswhichhemustjudge。Art，thesonofConn，wassittingatchesswithCromdes，hisfather’smagician。
\"Beverycarefulaboutthemoveyouaregoingtomake，\"saidCromdes。
\"CANIbecareful？\"Artinquired。\"Isthemovethatyouarethinkingofinmypower？\"
\"Itisnot，\"theotheradmitted。
\"ThenIneednotbemorecarefulthanusual，\"Artreplied，andhemadehismove。
\"Itisamoveofbanishment，\"saidCromdes。
\"AsIwillnotbanishmyself，Isupposemyfatherwilldoit，butIdonotknowwhyheshould。\"
\"Yourfatherwillnotbanishyou。\"
\"Whothen？\"\"Yourmother。\"
\"Mymotherisdead。\"
\"Youhaveanewone，\"saidthemagician。
\"Hereisnews，\"saidArt。\"IthinkIshallnotlovemynewmother。\"
\"Youwillyetloveherbetterthanshelovesyou，\"saidCromdes，meaningtherebythattheywouldhateeachother。
WhiletheyspokethekingandBecumaenteredthepalace。
\"Ihadbettergotogreetmyfather，\"saidtheyoungman。
\"Youhadbetterwaituntilhesendsforyou，\"hiscompanionadvised，andtheyreturnedtotheirgame。
InduetimeamessengercamefromthekingdirectingArttoleaveTarainstantly，andtoleaveIrelandforonefullyear。
HeleftTarathatnight，andforthespaceofayearhewasnotseenagaininIreland。ButduringthatperiodthingsdidnotgowellwiththekingnorwithIreland。Everyyearbeforethattimethreecropsofcornusedtobeliftedofftheland，butduringArt’sabsencetherewasnocorninIrelandandtherewasnomilk。
Thewholelandwenthungry。
Leanpeoplewereineveryhouse，leancattleineveryfield；thebushesdidnotswingouttheirtimelyberriesorseasonablenuts；
thebeeswentabroadasbusilyasever，buteachnighttheyreturnedlanguidly，withemptypouches，andtherewasnohoneyintheirhiveswhenthehoneyseasoncame。Peoplebegantolookateachotherquestioningly，meaningly，anddarkremarkspassedbetweenthem，fortheyknewthatabadharvestmeans，somehow，abadking，and，althoughthisbeliefcanbecombated，itistoofirmlyrootedinwisdomtobedismissed。
Thepoetsandmagiciansmettoconsiderwhythisdisastershouldhavebefallenthecountryandbytheirartstheydiscoveredthetruthabouttheking’swife，andthatshewasBecumaoftheWhiteSkin，andtheydiscoveredalsothecauseofherbanishmentfromtheMany-ColouredLandthatisbeyondthesea，whichisbeyondeventhegrave。
Theytoldthetruthtotheking，buthecouldnotbeartobepartedfromthatslender-handed，gold-haired，thin-lipped，blitheenchantress，andherequiredthemtodiscoversomemeanswherebyhemightretainhiswifeandhiscrown。Therewasawayandthemagicianstoldhimofit。
\"IfthesonofasinlesscouplecanbefoundandifhisbloodbemixedwiththesollofTaratheblightandruinwilldepartfromIreland，\"saidthemagicians。
\"IfthereissuchaboyIwillfindhim，\"criedtheHundredFighter。
AttheendofayearArtreturnedtoTara。HisfatherdeliveredtohimthesceptreofIreland，andhesetoutonajourneytofindthesonofasinlesscouplesuchashehadbeentoldof。
CHAPTERV
TheHighKingdidnotknowwhereexactlyheshouldlookforsuchasaviour，buthewaswelleducatedandknewhowtolookforwhateverwaslacking。Thisknowledgewillheusefultothoseuponwhomasimilardutyshouldeverdevolve。
HewenttoBenEdair。Hesteppedintoacoracleandpushedouttothedeep，andhepermittedthecoracletogoasthewindsandthewavesdirectedit。
Insuchawayhevoyagedamongthesmallislandsoftheseauntilhelostallknowledgeofhiscourseandwasadriftfaroutinocean。Hewasundertheguidanceofthestarsandthegreatluminaries。
Hesawblacksealsthatstaredandbarkedanddiveddancingly，withtheroundturnofabowandtheforwardonsetofanarrow。
Greatwhalescameheavingfromthegreen-huedvoid，blowingawaveoftheseahighintotheairfromtheirnosesandsmackingtheirwideflattailsthunder-ouslyonthewater。Porpoiseswentsnortingpastinbandsandclans。Smallfishcameslidingandflickering，andalltheoutlandishcreaturesofthedeeprosebyhisbobbingcraftandswirledandspedaway。
Wildstormshowledbyhimsothattheboatclimbedpainfullytotheskyonamile-highwave，balancedforatensemomentonitsleveltop，andspeddowntheglassysideasastonegoesfuriouslyfromasling。
Or，again，caughtinthechopofabrokensea，itstayedshudderingandbacking，whileabovehisheadtherewasonlyalowsadsky，andaroundhimthelapandwashofgreywavesthatwereneverthesameandwereneverdifferent。
Afterlongstaringonthehungrynothingnessofairandwaterhewouldstareontheskin-stretchedfabricofhisboatasonastrangeness，orhewouldexaminehishandsandthetextureofhisskinandthestiffblackhairsthatgrewbehindhisknucklesandsproutedaroundhisring，andhefoundinthesethingsnewnessandwonder。
Then，whendaysofstormhadpassed，thelowgreycloudsshiveredandcrackedinathousandplaces，eachgrimisletwentscuddingtothehorizonasthoughterrifiedbysomegreatbreadth，andwhentheyhadpassedhestaredintovastaftervastofblueinfinity，inthedepthsofwhichhiseyesstayedandcouldnotpierce，andwherefromtheycouldscarcelybewithdrawn。Asunbeamedthencethatfilledtheairwithsparkleandtheseawithathousandlights，andlookingonthesehewasremindedofhishomeatTara：ofthecolumnsofwhiteandyellowbronzethatblazedoutsunnilyonthesun，andtheredandwhiteandyellowpaintedroofsthatbeamedatandastonishedtheeye。
Sailingthus，lostinasuccessionofdaysandnights，ofwindsandcalms，hecameatlasttoanisland。
Hisbackwasturnedtoit，andlongbeforehesawithesmelleditandwondered；forhehadbeensittingasinadaze，musingonachangethathadseemedtocomeinhischangelessworld；andforalongtimehecouldnottellwhatthatwaswhichmadeadifferenceonthesalt-whippedwindorwhyheshouldbeexcited。
Forsuddenlyhehadbecomeexcitedandhisheartleapedinviolentexpectation。
\"ItisanOctobersmell，\"hesaid。
\"ItisapplesthatIsmell。\"
Heturnedthenandsawtheisland，fragrantwithappletrees，sweetwithwellsofwine；and，hearkeningtowardstheshore，hisears，dulledyetwiththeunendingrhythmsofthesea，distinguishedandwerefilledwithsong；fortheislewas，asitwere，anestofbirds，andtheysangjoyously，sweetly，triumphantly。
Helandedonthatlovelyisland，andwentforwardunderthedartingbirds，undertheappleboughs，skirtingfragrantlakesaboutwhichwerewoodsofthesacredhazelandintowhichthenutsofknowledgefellandswam；andheblessedthegodsofhispeoplebecauseofthegroundthatdidnotshiverandbecauseofthedeeplyrootedtreesthatcouldnotgadorbudge。
CHAPTERVI
Havinggonesomedistancebythesepleasantwayshesawashapelyhousedozinginthesunlight。
Itwasthatchedwiththewingsofbirds，bluewingsandyellowandwhitewings，andinthecentreofthehousetherewasadoorofcrystalsetinpostsofbronze。
Thequeenofthisislandlivedthere，Rigru（Large-eyed），thedaughterofLodan，andwifeofDaireDegamra。ShewasseatedonacrystalthronewithhersonSegdabyherside，andtheywelcomedtheHighKingcourteously。
Therewerenoservantsinthispalace；norwasthereneedforthem。TheHighKingfoundthathishandshadwashedthemselves，andwhenlateronhenoticedthatfoodhadbeenplacedbeforehimhenoticedalsothatithadcomewithouttheassistanceofservilehands。Acloakwaslaidgentlyabouthisshoulders，andhewasgladofit，forhisownwassoiledbyexposuretosunandwindandwater，andwasnotworthyofalady’seye。
Thenhewasinvitedtoeat。
Henoticed，however，thatfoodhadbeensetfornoonebuthimself，andthisdidnotpleasehim，fortoeatalonewascontrarytothehospitableusageofaking，andwascontraryalsotohiscontractwiththegods。
\"Good，myhosts，\"heremonstrated，\"itisgeasa（taboo）formetoeatalone。\"
\"Butwenevereattogether，\"thequeenreplied。
\"Icannotviolatemygeasa，\"saidtheHighKing。
\"Iwilleatwithyou，\"saidSegda（SweetSpeech），\"andthus，whileyouareourguestyouwillnotdoviolencetoyourvows。\"
\"Indeed，\"saidConn，\"thatwillbeagreatsatisfaction，forI
havealreadyallthetroublethatIcancopewithandhavenowishtoaddtoitbyoffendingthegods。\"
\"Whatisyourtrouble？\"thegentlequeenasked。\"Duringayear，\"
Connreplied，\"therehasbeenneithercornnormilkinIreland。
Thelandisparched，thetreesarewithered，thebirdsdonotsinginIreland，andthebeesdonotmakehoney。\"
\"Youarecertainlyintrouble，\"thequeenassented。
\"But，\"shecontinued，\"forwhatpurposehaveyoucometoourisland？\"
\"Ihavecometoaskfortheloanofyourson。\"
\"Aloanofmyson！\"
\"Ihavebeeninformed，\"Connexplained，\"thatifthesonofasinlesscoupleisbroughttoTaraandisbathedinthewatersofIrelandthelandwillbedeliveredfromthoseills。\"
Thekingofthisisland，Daire，hadnothithertospoken，buthenowdidsowithastonishmentandemphasis。
\"Wewouldnotlendoursontoanyone，noteventogainthekingshipoftheworld，\"saidhe。
ButSegda，observingthattheguest’scountenancewasdiscomposed，brokein：
\"ItisnotkindtorefuseathingthattheArd-Ri’ofIrelandasksfor，andIwillgowithhim。\"
\"Donotgo，mypulse，\"hisfatheradvised。
\"Donotgo，myonetreasure，\"hismotherpleaded。
\"Imustgoindeed，\"theboyreplied，\"foritistodogoodIamrequired，andnopersonmayshirksucharequirement。\"
\"Gothen，\"saidhisfather，\"butIwillplaceyouundertheprotectionoftheHighKingandoftheFourProvincialKingsofIreland，andundertheprotectionofArt，thesonofConn，andofFionn，thesonofUail，andundertheprotectionofthemagiciansandpoetsandthemenofartinIreland。\"AndhethereuponboundtheseprotectionsandsafeguardsontheArd-Ri’withanoath。
\"Iwillanswerfortheseprotections，\"saidConn。
HedepartedthenfromtheislandwithSegdaandinthreedaystheyreachedIreland，andinduetimetheyarrivedatTara。
CHAPTERVII
OnreachingthepalaceConncalledhismagiciansandpoetstoacouncilandinformedthemthathehadfoundtheboytheysought——thesonofavirgin。Theselearnedpeopleconsultedtogether，andtheystatedthattheyoungmanmustbekilled，andthathisbloodshouldbemixedwiththeearthofTaraandsprinkledunderthewitheredtrees。
WhenSegdaheardthishewasastonishedanddefiant；then，seeingthathewasaloneandwithoutprospectofsuccour，hegrewdowncastandwasingreatfearforhislife。Butrememberingthesafeguardsunderwhichhehadbeenplaced，heenumeratedthesetotheassembly，andcalledontheHighKingtogranthimtheprotectionsthatwerehisdue。
Connwasgreatlyperturbed，but，asindutybound，heplacedtheboyunderthevariousprotectionsthatwereinhisoath，and，withthecourageofonewhohasnomoretogainorlose，heplacedSegda，furthermore，undertheprotectionofallthemenofIreland。
ButthemenofIrelandrefusedtoacceptthatbond，sayingthatalthoughtheArd-Ri’wasactingjustlytowardstheboyhewasnotactingjustlytowardsIreland。
\"Wedonotwishtoslaythisprinceforourpleasure，\"theyargued，\"butforthesafetyofIrelandhemustbekilled。\"
Angrypartieswereformed。Art，andFionnthesonofUail，andtheprincesofthelandwereoutragedattheideathatonewhohadbeenplacedundertheirprotectionshouldbehurtbyanyhand。ButthemenofIrelandandthemagiciansstatedthatthekinghadgonetoFaeryforaspecialpurpose，andthathisactsoutsideorcontrarytothatpurposewereillegal，andcommittednopersontoobedience。
ThereweredebatesintheCouncilHall，inthemarket-place，inthestreetsofTara，someholdingthatnationalhonourdissolvedandabsolvedallpersonalhonour，andothersprotestingthatnomanhadaughtbuthispersonalhonour，andthataboveitnotthegods，notevenIreland，couldbeplaced——foritistobeknownthatIrelandisagod。
Suchadebatewasincourse，andSegda，towhombothsidesaddressedgentleandcourteousarguments，grewmoreandmoredisconsolate。
\"YoushalldieforIreland，dearheart，\"saidoneofthem，andhegaveSegdathreekissesoneachcheek。
\"Indeed，\"saidSegda，returningthosekisses，\"indeedIhadnotbargainedtodieforIreland，butonlytobatheinherwatersandtoremoveherpestilence。\"
\"Butdearchildandprince，\"saidanother，kissinghimlikewise，\"ifanyoneofuscouldsaveIrelandbydyingforherhowcheerfullywewoulddie。\"
AndSegda，returninghisthreekisses，agreedthatthedeathwasnoble，butthatitwasnotinhisundertaking。
Then，observingthestrickencountenancesabouthim，andthefacesofmenandwomenhewnthinbyhunger，hisresolutionmeltedaway，andhesaid：
\"IthinkImustdieforyou，\"andthenhesaid：
\"Iwilldieforyou\"
Andwhenhehadsaidthat，allthepeoplepresenttouchedhischeekwiththeirlips，andtheloveandpeaceofIrelandenteredintohissoul，sothathewastranquilandproudandhappy。
Theexecutionerdrewhiswide，thinbladeandallthosepresentcoveredtheireyeswiththeircloaks，whenawailingvoicecalledontheexecutionertodelayyetamoment。TheHighKinguncoveredhiseyesandsawthatawomanhadapproacheddrivingacowbeforeher。
\"Whyareyoukillingtheboy？\"shedemanded。
Thereasonforthisslayingwasexplainedtoher。
\"Areyousure，\"sheasked，\"thatthepoetsandmagiciansreallyknoweverything？\"
\"Dotheynot？\"thekinginquired。
\"Dothey？\"sheinsisted。
Andthenturningtothemagicians：
\"Letonemagicianofthemagicianstellmewhatishiddeninthebagsthatarelyingacrossthebackofmycow。\"
Butnomagiciancouldtellit，nordidtheytryto。
\"Questionsarenotansweredthus，\"theysaid。\"Thereisformulae，andthecallingupofspirits，andlengthycomplicatedpreparationsinourart。\"
\"Iamnotbadlylearnedinthesearts，\"saidthewoman，\"andI
saythatifyouslaythiscowtheeffectwillbethesameasifyouhadkilledtheboy。\"
\"Wewouldprefertokillacoworathousandcowsratherthanharmthisyoungprince，\"saidConn，\"butifwesparetheboywilltheseevilsreturn？\"
\"Theywillnotbebanisheduntilyouhavebanishedtheircause。\"
\"Andwhatistheircause？\"
\"Becumaisthecause，andshemustbebanished。\"
\"Ifyoumusttellmewhattodo，\"saidConn，\"tellmeatleasttodosomethingthatIcando。\"
\"Iwilltellyoucertainly。YoucankeepBecumaandyourillsaslongasyouwantto。Itdoesnotmattertome。Come，myson，\"shesaidtoSegda，foritwasSegda’smotherwhohadcometosavehim；andthenthatsinlessqueenandhersonwentbacktotheirhomeofenchantment，leavingthekingandFionnandthemagiciansandnoblesofIrelandastonishedandashamed。
CHAPTERVIII
Therearegoodandevilpeopleinthisandineveryotherworld，andthepersonwhogoeshencewillgotothegoodortheevilthatisnativetohim，whilethosewhoreturncomeassurelytotheirdue。ThetroublewhichhadfallenonBecumadidnotleaveherrepentant，andthesweetladybegantodowrongasinstantlyandinnocentlyasaflowerbeginstogrow。ItwasshewhowasresponsiblefortheillswhichhadcomeonIreland，andwemaywonderwhyshebroughttheseplaguesanddroughtstowhatwasnowherowncountry。
Underallwrong-doingliespersonalvanityorthefeelingthatweareendowedandprivilegedbeyondourfellows。Itisprobablethat，howevercourageouslyshehadacceptedfate，Becumahadbeensharplystrickeninherpride；inthesenseofpersonalstrength，aloofness，andidentity，inwhichthemindlikensitselftogodandwillresisteverydominationbutitsown。Shehadbeenpunished，thatis，shehadsubmittedtocontrol，andhersenseoffreedom，ofprivilege，ofverybeing，wasoutraged。Themindflinchesevenfromthecontrolofnaturallaw，andhowmuchmorefromthedespotismofitsownseparatedlikenesses，forifanothercancontrolmethatotherhasusurpedme，hasbecomeme，andhowterriblyIseemdiminishedbytheseemingaddition！
Thissenseofseparatenessisvanity，andisthebedofallwrong-doing。Forwearenotfreedom，wearecontrol，andwemustsubmittoourownfunctionerewecanexerciseit。Evenunconsciouslyweaccepttherightsofotherstoallthatwehave，andifwewillnotshareourgoodwiththem，itisbecausewecannot，havingnone；butwewillyetgivewhatwehave，althoughthatbeevil。Toinsistonotherpeoplesharinginourpersonaltormentisthefirststeptowardsinsistingthattheyshallshareinourjoy，asweshallinsistwhenwegetit。
Becumaconsideredthatifshemustsufferallelseshemetshouldsufferalso。Sheraged，therefore，againstIreland，andinparticularsheragedagainstyoungArt，herhusband’sson，andsheleftundonenothingthatcouldafflictIrelandortheprince。
Shemayhavefeltthatshecouldnotmakethemsuffer，andthatisamaddeningthoughttoanywoman。Orperhapsshehadreallydesiredthesoninsteadofthefather，andherthwarteddesirehadperpetuateditselfashate。ButitistruethatArtregardedhismother’ssuccessorwithintensedislike，anditistruethatsheactivelyreturnedit。
OnedayBecumacameonthelawnbeforethepalace，andseeingthatArtwasatchesswithCromdesshewalkedtothetableonwhichthematchwasbeingplayedandforsometimeregardedthegame。Buttheyoungprincedidnottakeanynoticeofherwhileshestoodbytheboard，forheknewthatthisgirlwastheenemyofIreland，andhecouldnotbringhimselfeventolookather。
Becuma，lookingdownonhisbeautifulhead，smiledasmuchinrageasindisdain。
\"Osonofaking，\"saidshe，\"Idemandagamewithyouforstakes。\"
Artthenraisedhisheadandstoodupcourteously，buthedidnotlookather。
\"WhateverthequeendemandsIwilldo，\"saidhe。
\"AmInotyourmotheralso？\"sherepliedmockingly，asshetooktheseatwhichthechiefmagicianleapedfrom。
Thegamewassetthen，andherplaywassoskilfulthatArtwashardputtocounterhermoves。ButatapointofthegameBecumagrewthoughtful，and，asbyalapseofmemory，shemadeamovewhichgavethevictorytoheropponent。Butshehadintendedthat。Shesatthen，bitingonherlipwithherwhitesmallteethandstaringangrilyatArt。
\"Whatdoyoudemandfromme？\"sheasked。
\"IbindyoutoeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyoufindthewandofCuroi，sonofDare’。\"
BecumathenputacloakaboutherandshewentfromTaranorthwardandeastwarduntilshecametothedewy，sparklingBrughofAngusmacanOginUlster，butshewasnotadmittedthere。ShewentthencetotheShi’ruledoverbyEogabal，andalthoughthislordwouldnotadmither，hisdaughterAine’，whowasherfoster-sister，letherintoFaery。
ShemadeinquiriesandwasinformedwherethedunofCuroimacDare’was，andwhenshehadreceivedthisintelligenceshesetoutforSlievMis。BywhatartsshecoaxedCuroitogiveuphiswanditmattersnot，enoughthatshewasabletoreturnintriumphtoTara。WhenshehandedthewandtoArt，shesaid：
\"Iclaimmygameofrevenge。\"
\"Itisduetoyou，\"saidArt，andtheysatonthelawnbeforethepalaceandplayed。
Ahardgamethatwas，andattimeseachofthecombatantssatforanhourstaringontheboardbeforethenextmovewasmade，andattimestheylookedfromtheboardandforhoursstaredontheskyseekingasthoughinheavenforadvice。ButBecuma’sfoster-sister，Aine’，camefromtheShi’，and，unseenbyany，sheinterferedwithArt’splay，sothat，suddenly，whenhelookedagainontheboard，hisfacewentpale，forhesawthatthegamewaslost。
\"Ididn’tmovethatpiece，\"saidhesternly。
\"NordidI，\"Becumareplied，andshecalledontheonlookerstoconfirmthatstatement。
Shewassmilingtoherselfsecretly，forshehadseenwhatthemortaleyesaroundcouldnotsee。
\"Ithinkthegameismine，\"sheinsistedsoftly。
\"IthinkthatyourfriendsinFaeryhavecheated，\"hereplied，\"butthegameisyoursifyouarecontenttowinitthatway。\"
\"Ibindyou，\"saidBecuma，\"toeatnofoodinIrelanduntilyouhavefoundDelvcaem，thedaughterofMorgan。\"
\"WheredoIlookforher？\"saidArtindespair。
\"Sheisinoneoftheislandsofthesea，\"Becumareplied，\"thatisallIwilltellyou，\"andshelookedathimmaliciously，joyously，contentedly，forshethoughthewouldneverreturnfromthatjourney，andthatMorganwouldseetoit。