CHAPTERIX
Art，ashisfatherhaddonebeforehim，setoutfortheMany-ColouredLand，butitwasfromInverColpaheembarkedandnotfromBenEdair。
Atacertaintimehepassedfromtheroughgreenridgesoftheseatoenchantedwaters，andheroamedfromislandtoislandaskingallpeoplehowhemightcometoDelvcaem，thedaughterofMorgan。Buthegotnonewsfromanyone，untilhereachedanislandthatwasfragrantwithwildapples，gaywithflowers，andjoyouswiththesongofbirdsandthedeepmellowdrummingofthebees。Inthisislandhewasmetbyalady，Crede’，theTrulyBeautiful，andwhentheyhadexchangedkisses，hetoldherwhohewasandonwhaterrandhewasbent。
\"Wehavebeenexpectingyou，\"saidCrede’，\"butalas，poorsoul，itisahard，andalong，badwaythatyoumustgo；forthereisseaandland，dangeranddifficultybetweenyouandthedaughterofMorgan。\"
\"YetImustgothere，\"heanswered。
\"Thereisawilddarkoceantobecrossed。Thereisadensewoodwhereeverythornoneverytreeissharpasaspear-pointandiscurvedandclutching。Thereisadeepgulftobegonethrough，\"
shesaid，\"aplaceofsilenceandterror，fullofdumb，venomousmonsters。Thereisanimmenseoakforest——dark，dense，thorny，aplacetobestrayedin，aplacetobeutterlybewilderedandlostin。Thereisavastdarkwilderness，andthereinisadarkhouse，lonelyandfullofechoes，andinittherearesevengloomyhags，whoarewarnedalreadyofyourcomingandarewaitingtoplungeyouinabathofmoltenlead。\"
\"Itisnotachoicejourney，\"saidArt，\"butIhavenochoiceandmustgo。\"
\"Shouldyoupassthosehags，\"shecontinued，\"andnoonehasyetpassedthem，youmustmeetAililloftheBlackTeeth，thesonofMonganTenderBlossom，andwhocouldpassthatgiganticandterriblefighter？\"
\"ItisnoteasytofindthedaughterofMorgan，\"saidArtinamelancholyvoice。
\"Itisnoteasy，\"Crede’repliedeagerly，\"andifyouwilltakemyadvice——\"
\"Adviseme，\"hebrokein，\"forintruththereisnomanstandinginsuchneedofcounselasIdo。\"
\"Iwouldadviseyou，\"saidCrede’inalowvoice，\"toseeknomoreforthesweetdaughterofMorgan，buttostayinthisplacewhereallthatislovelyisatyourservice。\"
\"But，but——\"criedArtinastonishment。
\"AmInotassweetasthedaughterofMorgan？\"shedemanded，andshestoodbeforehimqueenlyandpleadingly，andhereyestookhiswithimperioustenderness。
\"Bymyhand，\"heanswered，\"youaresweeterandlovelierthananybeingunderthesun，but——\"
\"Andwithme，\"shesaid，\"youwillforgetIreland。\"
\"Iamunderbonds，\"criedArt，\"Ihavepassedmyword，andI
wouldnotforgetIrelandorcutmyselffromitforallthekingdomsoftheMany-ColouredLand。\"
Crede’urgednomoreatthattime，butastheywerepartingshewhispered，\"Therearetwogirls，sistersofmyown，inMorgan’spalace。Theywillcometoyouwithacupineitherhand；onecupwillbefilledwithwineandonewithpoison。Drinkfromtheright-handcup，Omydear。\"
Artsteppedintohiscoracle，andthen，wringingherhands，shemadeyetanattempttodissuadehimfromthatdrearjourney。
\"Donotleaveme，\"sheurged。\"Donotaffrontthesedangers。
AroundthepalaceofMorganthereisapalisadeofcopperspikes，andonthetopofeachspiketheheadofamangrinsandshrivels。Thereisonespikeonlywhichbearsnohead，anditisforyourheadthatspikeiswaiting。Donotgothere，mylove。\"
\"Imustgoindeed，\"said。Artearnestly。
\"Thereisyetadanger，\"shecalled。\"BewareofDelvcaem’smother，DogHead，daughteroftheKingoftheDogHeads。Bewareofher。\"
\"Indeed，\"saidArttohimself，\"thereissomuchtobewareofthatIwillbewareofnothing。Iwillgoaboutmybusiness，\"hesaidtothewaves，\"andIwillletthosebeingsandmonstersandthepeopleoftheDogHeadsgoabouttheirbusiness。\"
CHAPTERX
Hewentforwardinhislightbark，andatsomemomentfoundthathehadpartedfromthoseseasandwasadriftonvasterandmoreturbulentbillows。Fromthosedark-greensurgestheregapedathimmonstrousandcavernousjaws；andround，wicked，red-rimmed，bulgingeyesstaredfixedlyattheboat。Aridgeofinkywaterrushedfoamingmountainouslyonhisboard，andbehindthatridgecameavastwartyheadthatgurgledandgroaned。Butatthesevilecreatureshethrustwithhislengthyspearorstabbedatcloserreachwithadagger。
Hewasnotsparedoneoftheterrorswhichhadbeenforetold。
Thus，inthedarkthickoakforestheslewthesevenhagsandburiedtheminthemoltenleadwhichtheyhadheatedforhim。Heclimbedanicymountain，thecoldbreathofwhichseemedtoslipintohisbodyandchipoffinsideofhisbones，andthere，untilhemasteredthesortofclimbingonice，foreachstepthathetookupwardsheslippedbacktensteps。Almosthisheartgavewaybeforehelearnedtoclimbthatvenomoushill。Inaforkedglenintowhichheslippedatnight-fallhewassurroundedbygianttoads，whospatpoison，andwereicyasthelandtheylivedin，andwerecoldandfoulandsavage。AtSliavSaevheencounteredthelong-manedlionswholieinwaitforthebeastsoftheworld，growlingwoefullyastheysquatabovetheirpreyandcrunchthoseterrifiedbones。HecameonAililloftheBlackTeethsittingonthebridgethatspannedatorrent，andthegrimgiantwasgrindinghisteethonapillarstone。Artdrewnighunobservedandbroughthimlow。
Itwasnotfornothingthatthesedifficultiesanddangerswereinhispath。ThesethingsandcreaturesweretheinventionofDogHead，thewifeofMorgan，forithadbecomeknowntoherthatshewoulddieonthedayherdaughterwaswooed。ThereforenoneofthedangersencounteredbyArtwerereal，butweremagicalchimerasconjuredagainsthimbythegreatwitch。
Affrontingall，conqueringall，hecameintimetoMorgan’sdun，aplacesolovelythatafterthemiseriesthroughwhichhehadstruggledhealmostwepttoseebeautyagain。
Delvcaemknewthathewascoming。Shewaswaitingforhim，yearningforhim。TohermindArtwasnotonlylove，hewasfreedom，forthepoorgirlwasacaptiveinherfather’shome。A
greatpillaranhundredfeethighhadbeenbuiltontheroofofMorgan’spalace，andonthetopofthispillaratinyroomhadbeenconstructed，andinthisroomDelvcaemwasaprisoner。
ShewaslovelierinshapethananyotherprincessoftheMany-ColouredLand。Shewaswiserthanalltheotherwomenofthatland，andshewasskilfulinmusic，embroidery，andchastity，andinallelsethatpertainedtotheknowledgeofaqueen。
AlthoughDelvcaem’smotherwishednothingbutilltoArt，sheyettreatedhimwiththecourtesyproperinaqueenontheonehandandfittingtowardsthesonoftheKingofIrelandontheother。
Therefore，whenArtenteredthepalacehewasmetandkissed，andhewasbathedandclothedandfed。Twoyounggirlscametohimthen，havingacupineachoftheirhands，andpresentedhimwiththekinglydrink，but，rememberingthewarningwhichCredlhadgivenhim，hedrankonlyfromtheright-handcupandescapedthepoison。NexthewasvisitedbyDelvcaem’smother，DogHead，daughteroftheKingoftheDogHeads，andMorgan’squeen。Shewasdressedinfullarmour，andshechallengedArttofightwithher。
Itwasawoefulcombat，fortherewasnocraftorsagacityunknowntoher，andArtwouldinfalliblyhaveperishedbyherhandbutthatherdayswerenumbered，herstarwasout，andhertimehadcome。Itwasherheadthatrolledonthegroundwhenthecombatwasover，anditwasherheadthatgrinnedandshrivelledonthevacantspikewhichshehadreservedforArt’s。
ThenArtliberatedDelvcaemfromherprisonatthetopofthepillarandtheywereaffiancedtogether。Buttheceremonyhadscarcelybeencompletedwhenthetreadofasinglemancausedthepalacetoquakeandseemedtojartheworld。
ItwasMorganreturningtothepalace。
Thegloomykingchallengedhimtocombatalso，andinhishonourArtputonthebattleharnesswhichhehadbroughtfromIreland。
Heworeabreastplateandhelmetofgold，amantleofbluesatinswungfromhisshoulders，hislefthandwasthrustintothegripsofapurpleshield，deeplybossedwithsilver，andintheotherhandheheldthewide-grooved，bluehiltedswordwhichhadrungsooftenintofightsandcombats，andjoyousfeatsandexercises。
Uptothistimethetrialsthroughwhichhehadpassedhadseemedsogreatthattheycouldnoteasilybeaddedto。ButifallthosetrialshadbeengatheredintoonevastcalamitytheywouldnotequalonehalfoftherageandcatastropheofhiswarwithMorgan。
ForwhathecouldnoteffectbyarmsMorganwouldendeavourbyguile，sothatwhileArtdroveathimorparriedacraftyblow，theshapeofMorganchangedbeforehiseyes，andthemonstrouskingwashavingathiminanotherform，andfromanewdirection。
ItwaswellforthesonoftheArd-Ri’thathehadbeenbelovedbythepoetsandmagiciansofhisland，andthattheyhadtaughthimallthatwasknownofshape-changingandwordsofpower。
Hehadneedofallthese。
Attimes，fortheweaponmustchangewiththeenemy，theyfoughtwiththeirforeheadsastwogiantstags，andthecrashoftheirmonstrousonslaughtrolledandlingeredontheairlongaftertheirskullshadparted。Thenastwolions，long-clawed，deep-mouthed，snarling，withrigidmane，withred-eyedglare，withflashing，sharp-whitefangs，theyprowledlithelyabouteachotherseekingforanopening。Andthenastwogreen-ridged，white-topped，broad-swung，overwhelming，vehementbillowsofthedeep，theymetandcrashedandsunkintoandrolledawayfromeachother；andthenoiseofthesetwowaveswasastheroarofalloceanwhenthehowlofthetempestisdrownedintheleague-longfuryofthesurge。
Butwhenthewife’stimehascomethehusbandisdoomed。Heisrequiredelsewherebyhisbeloved，andMorganwenttorejoinhisqueenintheworldthatcomesaftertheMany-ColouredLand，andhisvictorshorethatknowledgeableheadawayfromitsgiantshoulders。
HedidnottarryintheMany-ColouredLand，forhehadnothingfurthertoseekthere。Hegatheredthethingswhichpleasedhimbestfromamongthetreasuresofitsgrislyking，andwithDelvcaembyhissidetheysteppedintothecoracle。
Then，settingtheirmindsonIreland，theywentthereasitwereinaflash。
Thewavesofalltheworldseemedtowhirlpasttheminonehuge，greencataract。Thesoundofalltheseoceansboomedintheirearsforoneeternalinstant。Nothingwasforthatmomentbutavastroarandpourofwaters。Thencetheyswungintoasilenceequallyvast，andsosuddenthatitwasasthunderousinthecomparisonaswastheelementalragetheyquitted。Foratimetheysatpanting，staringateachother，holdingeachother，lestnotonlytheirlivesbuttheirverysoulsshouldbeswirledawayinthegustypassageofworldwithinworld；andthen，lookingabroad，theysawthesmallbrightwavescreamingbytherocksofBenEdair，andtheyblessedthepowerthathadguidedandprotectedthem，andtheyblessedthecomelylandofIr。
OnreachingTara，Delvcaem，whowasmorepowerfulinartandmagicthanBecuma，orderedthelattertogoaway，andshedidso。
Shelefttheking’sside。Shecamefromthemidstofthecounsellorsandmagicians。Shedidnotbidfarewelltoanyone。
Shedidnotsaygood-byetothekingasshesetoutforBenEdair。
Whereshecouldgotonomanknew，forshehadbeenban-ishedfromtheMany-ColouredLandandcouldnotreturnthere。ShewasforbiddenentrytotheShi’byAngusOg，andshecouldnotremaininIreland。ShewenttoSasanaandshebecameaqueeninthatcountry，anditwasshewhofosteredtherageagainsttheHolyLandwhichhasnotceasedtothisday。
MONGAN’SFRENZY
CHAPTERI
TheabbotoftheMonasteryofMovillesentwordtothestory-tellersofIrelandthatwhentheywereinhisneighbourhoodtheyshouldcallatthemonastery，forhewishedtocollectandwritedownthestorieswhichwereindangerofbeingforgotten。
\"Thesethingsalsomusthetold，\"saidhe。
InparticularhewishedtogathertaleswhichtoldofthedeedsthathadbeendonebeforetheGospelcametoIreland。
\"For，\"saidhe，\"thereareverygoodtalesamongthoseones，anditwouldbeapityifthepeoplewhocomeafterusshouldbeignorantofwhathappenedlongago，andofthedeedsoftheirfathers。\"
So，wheneverastory-tellerchancedinthatneighbourhoodhewasdirectedtothemonastery，andtherehereceivedawelcomeandhisfillofallthatisgoodforman。
Theabbot’smanuscriptboxesbegantofillup，andheusedtoregardthatgrowingstorewithprideandjoy。Intheevenings，whenthedaysgrewshortandthelightwentearly，hewouldcallforsomeoneofthesemanuscriptsandhaveitreadtohimbycandle-light，inorderthathemightsatisfyhimselfthatitwasasgoodashehadjudgedittobeontheprevioushearing。
Onedayastory-tellercametothemonastery，and，likealltheothers，hewasheartilywelcomedandgivenagreatdealmorethanhisneed。
HesaidthathisnamewasCairide’，andthathehadastorytotellwhichcouldnotbebetteredamongthestoriesofIreland。
Theabbot’seyesglistenedwhenheheardthat。Herubbedhishandstogetherandsmiledonhisguest。
\"Whatisthenameofyourstory？\"heasked。
\"Itiscalled’Mongan’sFrenzy。’\"
\"Ineverheardofitbefore，\"criedtheabbotjoyfully。
\"Iamtheonlymanthatknowsit，\"Cairide’replied。
\"Buthowdoesthatcomeabout？\"theabbotinquired。
\"Becauseitbelongstomyfamily，\"thestory-telleranswered。
\"TherewasaCairide’ofmynationwithMonganwhenhewentintoFaery。ThisCairide’listenedtothestorywhenitwasfirsttold。Thenhetoldittohisson，andhissontoldittohisson，andthatson’sgreat-great-grandson’ssontoldittohisson’sson，andhetoldittomyfather，andmyfathertoldittome。\"
\"Andyoushalltellittome，\"criedtheabbottriumphantly。
\"Iwillindeed，\"saidCairide’。Vellumwasthenbroughtandquills。Thecopyistssatattheirtables。Alewasplacedbesidethestory-teller，andhetoldthistaletotheabbot。
CHAPTERII
SaidCairide’：
Mongan’swifeatthattimewasBro’tiarna，theFlameLady。Shewaspassionateandfierce，andbecausethebloodwouldfloodsuddenlytohercheek，sothatshewhohadseemedalilybecame，whileyoulookeduponher，arose，shewascalledFlameLady。ShelovedMonganwithecstasyandabandon，andforthatalsohecalledherFlameLady。
Buttheremayhavebeensomethingofcalculationeveninherwildestmoment，forifshewasdelightedinheraffectionshewastormentedinitalso，asareallthosewholovethegreatonesoflifeandstrivetoequalthemselveswhereequalityisnotpossible。
Forherhusbandwasatoncemorethanhimselfandlessthanhimself。HewaslessthanhimselfbecausehewasnowMongan。Hewasmorethanhimselfbecausehewasonewhohadlongdisappearedfromtheworldofmen。Hislamenthadbeensungandhisfuneralgamesplayedmany，manyyearsbefore，andBro’tiarnasensedinhimsecrets，experiences，knowledgesinwhichshecouldhavenopart，andforwhichshewasgreedilyenvious。
Soshewascontinuallyaskinghimlittle，simplequestionsa’
proposofeverykindofthing。
Sheweighedallthathesaidonwhateversubject，andwhenhetalkedinhissleepshelistenedtohisdream。
Theknowledgethatshegleanedfromthoselisteningstormentedherfarmorethanitsatisfiedher，forthenamesofotherwomenwerecontinuallyonhislips，sometimesintermsofdearaffection，sometimesinaccentsofangerordespair，andinhissleephespokefamiliarlyofpeoplewhomthestory-tellerstoldof，butwhohadbeendeadforcenturies。Thereforeshewasperplexed，andbecamefilledwithaveryrageofcuriosity。
Amongthenameswhichherhusbandmentionedtherewasonewhich，becauseofthefrequencywithwhichitappeared，andbecauseofthetoneofanguishandloveandlonginginwhichitwasuttered，shethoughtofoftenerthantheothers：thisnamewasDuvLaca。
Althoughshequestionedandcross-questionedCairide’，herstory-teller，shecoulddiscovernothingaboutaladywhohadbeenknownastheBlackDuck。ButonenightwhenMonganseemedtospeakwithDuvLacahementionedherfatherasFiachnaDuvmacDemain，andthestory-tellersaidthatkinghadbeendeadforavastnumberofyears。
Sheaskedherhusbandthen，boldly，totellherthestoryofDuvLaca，andundertheinfluenceoftheirmutuallovehepromisedtotellittohersometime，buteachtimesheremindedhimofhispromisehebecameconfused，andsaidthathewouldtellitsomeothertime。
AstimewentonthepoorFlameLadygrewmoreandmorejealousofDuvLaca，andmoreandmorecertainthat，ifonlyshecouldknowwhathadhappened，shewouldgetsomeeasetohertormentedheartandsomeassuagementofherperfectlynaturalcuriosity。
ThereforeshelostnoopportunityofremindingMonganofhispromise，andoneachoccasionherenewedthepromiseandputitbacktoanothertime。
CHAPTERIII
IntheyearwhenCiaranthesonoftheCarpenterdied，thesameyearwhenTuathalMaelgarivwaskilledandtheyearwhenDiarmaitthesonofCerrbelbecamekingofallIreland，theyear538ofourerainshort，ithappenedthattherewasagreatgatheringofthemenofIrelandattheHillofUisneachinRoyalMeath。
InadditiontotheCouncilwhichwasbeingheld，thereweregamesandtournamentsandbrilliantdeploymentsoftroops，anduniversalfeastingsandenjoyments。Thegatheringlastedforaweek，andonthelastdayoftheweekMonganwasmovingthroughthecrowdwithsevenguards，hisstory-tellerCairide’，andhiswife。
Ithadbeenabeautifulday，withbrilliantsunshineandgreatsport，butsuddenlycloudsbegantogatherintheskytothewest，andotherscamerushingblacklyfromtheeast。Whenthesecloudsmettheworldwentdarkforaspace，andtherefellfromtheskyashowerofhailstones，solargethateachmanwonderedattheirsize，andsoswiftandheavythatthewomenandyoungpeopleofthehostscreamedfromthepainoftheblowstheyreceived。
Mongan’smenmadearoofoftheirshields，andthehailstonesbatteredontheshieldssoterriblythatevenunderthemtheywereafraid。Theybegantomoveawayfromthehostlookingforshelter，andwhentheyhadgoneapartalittlewaytheyturnedtheedgeofasmallhillandaknolloftrees，andinthetwinklingofaneyetheywereinfairweather。
Oneminutetheyheardtheclashingandbashingofthehailstones，thehowlingofthevenomouswind，thescreamsofwomenandtheuproarofthecrowdontheHillofUisneach，andthenextminutetheyheardnothingmoreofthosesoundsandsawnothingmoreofthesesights，fortheyhadbeenpermittedtogoatonestepoutoftheworldofmenandintotheworldofFaery。
CHAPTERIV
ThereisadifferencebetweenthisworldandtheworldofFaery，butitisnotimmediatelyperceptible。Everythingthatishereisthere，butthethingsthataretherearebetterthanthosethatarehere。Allthingsthatarebrightaretherebrighter。Thereismoregoldinthesunandmoresilverinthemoonofthatland。
Thereismorescentintheflowers，moresavourinthefruit。
Thereismorecomelinessinthemenandmoretendernessinthewomen。EverythinginFaeryisbetterbythisonewonderfuldegree，anditisbythisbetternessyouwillknowthatyouarethereifyoushouldeverhappentogetthere。
Monganandhiscompanionssteppedfromtheworldofstormintosunshineandascentedworld。Theinstanttheysteppedtheystood，bewildered，lookingateachothersilently，questioningly，andthenwithoneaccordtheyturnedtolookbackwhencetheyhadcome。
Therewasnostormbehindthem。Thesunlightdrowsedthereasitdidinfront，apeacefulfloodingoflivinggold。Theysawtheshapesofthecountrytowhichtheireyeswereaccustomed，andrecognisedthewell-knownlandmarks，butitseemedthatthedistanthillswereatriflehigher，andthegrasswhichclothedthemandstretchedbetweenwasgreener，wasmorevelvety：thatthetreeswerebetterclothedandhadmoreofpeaceastheyhungoverthequietground。
ButMonganknewwhathadhappened，andhesmiledwithgleeashewatchedhisastonishedcompanions，andhesniffedthatbalmyairasonewhosenostrilsrememberedit。
\"Youhadbettercomewithme，\"hesaid。
\"Wherearewe？\"hiswifeasked。\"Why，wearehere，\"criedMongan；
\"whereelseshouldwebe？\"
Hesetoffthen，andtheothersfollowed，staringaboutthemcautiously，andeachmankeepingahandonthehiltofhissword。
\"AreweinFaery？\"theFlameLadyasked。
\"Weare，\"saidMongan。
Whentheyhadgonealittledistancetheycametoagroveofancienttrees。Mightilytailandwellgrownthesetreeswere，andthetrunkofeachcouldnothavebeenspannedbytenbroadmen。
Astheywentamongthesequietgiantsintothedappledobscurityandsilence，theirthoughtsbecamegrave，andallthemotionsoftheirmindselevatedasthoughtheymustequalingreatnessanddignitythoseancientandglorioustrees。Whentheypassedthroughthegrovetheysawalovelyhousebeforethem，builtofmellowwoodandwitharoofofbronze——itwaslikethedwellingofaking，andoverthewindowsoftheSunnyRoomtherewasabalcony。Therewereladiesonthisbalcony，andwhentheysawthetravellersapproachingtheysentmessengerstowelcomethem。
Monganandhiscompanionswerethenbroughtintothehouse，andallwasdoneforthemthatcouldbedoneforhonouredguests。
Everythingwithinthehousewasasexcellentasallwithout，anditwasinhabitedbysevenmenandsevenwomen，anditwasevidentthatMonganandthesepeoplewerewellacquainted。
Intheeveningafeastwasprepared，andwhentheyhadeatenwelltherewasabanquet。Thereweresevenvatsofwine，andasMonganlovedwinehewasveryhappy，andhedrankmoreonthatoccasionthananyonehadevernoticedhimtodrinkbefore。
ItwaswhilehewasinthisconditionofgleeandexpansionthattheFlameLadyputherarmsabouthisneckandbeggedhewouldtellherthestoryofDuvLaca，and，beingboisterousthenandfullofgoodspirits，heagreedtoherrequest，andhepreparedtotellthetale。
ThesevenmenandsevenwomenoftileFairyPalacethentooktheirplacesabouthiminahalf-circle；hisownsevenguardssatbehindthem；hiswife，theFlameLady，satbyhisside；andatthebackofallCairid~hisstory-tellersat，listeningwithallhisears，andrememberingeverywordthatwasuttered。
CHAPTERV
SaidMongan：
Inthedaysoflongagoandthetimesthathavedisappearedforever，therewasoneFiachnaFinnthesonofBaltan，thesonofMurchertach，thesonofMuredach，thesonofEogan，thesonofNeill。Hewentfromhisowncountrywhenhewasyoung，forhewishedtoseethelandofLochlann，andheknewthathewouldbewelcomedbythekingofthatcountry，forFiachna’sfatherandEolgarg’sfatherhaddonedeedsincommonandwereobligedtoeachother。
Hewaswelcomed，andhestayedattheCourtofLochlanningreateaseandinthemidstofpleasures。
ItthenhappenedthatEolgargMorfellsickandthedoctorscouldnotcurehim。Theysentforotherdoctors，buttheycouldnotcurehim，norcouldanyonesaywhathewassufferingfrom，beyondthathewaswastingvisiblybeforetheireyes，andwouldcertainlybecomeashadowanddisappearinairunlesshewashealedandfattenedandmadevisible。
Theysentformoredistantdoctors，andthenforothersmoredistantstill，andatlasttheyfoundamanwhoclaimedthathecouldmakeacureifthekingweresuppliedwiththemedicinewhichhewouldorder。
\"Whatmedicineisthat？\"saidtheyall。
\"Thisisthemedicine，\"saidthedoctor。\"Findaper-fectlywhitecowwithredears，andboilitdowninthelump，andifthekingdrinksthatrenderinghewillrecover。\"
Beforehehadwellsaiditmessengersweregoingfromthepalaceinalldirectionslookingforsuchacow。Theyfoundlotsofcowswhichwerenearlylikewhattheywanted，butitwasonlybychancetheycameonthecowwhichwoulddothework，andthatbeastbelongedtothemostnotoriousandmaliciousandcantankerousfemaleinLochlann，theBlackHag。NowtheBlackHagwasnotonlythosethingsthathavebeensaid；shewasalsowhiskeredandwartyandone-eyedandobstreperous，andshewasnotoriousandill-favouredinmanyotherwaysalso。
Theyofferedheracowintheplaceofherowncow，butsherefusedtogiveit。Thentheyofferedacowforeachlegofhercow，butshewouldnotacceptthatofferunlessFiachnawentbailforthepayment。Heagreedtodoso，andtheydrovethebeastaway。
OnthereturnjourneyhewasmetbymessengerswhobroughtnewsfromIreland。TheysaidthattheKingofUlsterwasdead，andthathe，FiachnaFinn，hadbeenelectedkinginthedeadking’splace。HeatoncetookshipforIreland，andfoundthatallhehadbeentoldwastrue，andhetookupthegovernmentofUlster。
CHAPTERVI
Ayearpassed，andonedayashewassittingatjudgementtherecameagreatnoisefromwithout，andthisnoisewassopersistentthatthepeopleandsuitorswerescandalised，andFiachnaatlastorderedthatthenoisypersonshouldbebroughtbeforehimtobejudged。
Itwasdone，andtohissurprisethepersonturnedouttobetheBlackHag。
Sheblamedhiminthecourtbeforehispeople，andcomplainedthathehadtakenawayhercow，andthatshehadnotbeenpaidthefourcowshehadgonebailfor，andshedemandedjudgementfromhimandjustice。
\"Ifyouwillconsiderittobejustice，Iwillgiveyoutwentycowsmyself，\"saidFiachna。
\"IwouldnottakeallthecowsinUlster，\"shescreamed。
\"Pronouncejudgementyourself，\"saidtheking，\"andifIcandowhatyoudemandIwilldoit。\"Forhedidnotliketobeinthewrong，andhedidnotwishthatanypersonshouldhaveanunsatisfiedclaimuponhim。
TheBlackHagthenpronouncedjudgement，andthekinghadtofulfilit。
\"Ihavecome，\"saidshe，\"fromtheeasttothewest；youmustcomefromthewesttotheeastandmakewarforme，andrevengemeontheKingofLochlann。\"
Fiachnahadtodoasshedemanded，and，althoughitwaswithaheavyheart，hesetoutinthreedays’timeforLochlann，andhebroughtwithhimtenbattalions。
HesentmessengersbeforehimtoBigEolgargwarninghimofhiscoming，ofhisintention，andofthenumberoftroopshewasbringing；andwhenhelandedEolgargmethimwithanequalforce，andtheyfoughttogether。
InthefirstbattlethreehundredofthemenofLochlannwerekilled，butinthenextbattleEolgargMordidnotfightfair，forheletsomevenomoussheepoutofatent，andtheseattackedthemenofUlsterandkilledninehundredofthem。
Sovastwastheslaughtermadebythesesheepandsogreattheterrortheycaused，thatnoonecouldstandbeforethem，butbygreatgoodlucktherewasawoodathand，andthemenofUlster，warriorsandprincesandcharioteers，wereforcedtoclimbupthetrees，andtheyroostedamongthebrancheslikegreatbirds，whilethevenomoussheeprangedbelowbleatingterriblyandtearinguptheground。
FiachnaFi，mwasalsosittinginatree，veryhighup，andhewasdisconsolate。
\"Wearedisgraced{\"saidhe。
\"Itisverylucky，\"saidthemaninthebranchbelow，\"thatasheepcannotclimbatree。\"
\"Wearedisgracedforever{\"saidtheKingofUlster。
\"Ifthosesheeplearnhowtoclimb，weareundonesurely，\"saidthemanbelow。
\"Iwillgodownandfightthesheep，\"saidFiachna。Buttheotherswouldnotletthekinggo。
\"Itisnotright，\"theysaid，\"thatyoushouldfightsheep。\"
\"Someonemustfightthem，\"saidFiachnaFinn，\"butnomoreofmymenshalldieuntilIfightmyself；forifIamfatedtodie，I
willdieandIcannotescapeit，andifitisthesheep’sfatetodie，thendietheywill；forthereisnomancanavoiddestiny，andthereisnosheepcandodgeiteither。\"
\"Praisebetogod！\"saidthewarriorthatwashigherup。
\"Amen！’saidthemanwhowashigherthanhe，andtherestofthewarriorswishedgoodlucktotheking。
Hestartedthentoclimbdownthetreewithaheavyheart，butwhilehehungfromthelastbranchandwasabouttoletgo，henoticedatallwarriorwalkingtowardshim。Thekingpulledhimselfuponthebranchagainandsatdangle-leggedonittoseewhatthewarriorwoulddo。
Thestrangerwasaverytallman，dressedinagreencloakwithasilverbroochattheshoulder。Hehadagoldenbandabouthishairandgoldensandalsonhisfeet，andhewaslaughingheartilyattheplightofthemenofIreland。
CHAPTERVII
\"Itisnotniceofyoutolaughatus，\"saidFiachnaFinn。
\"Whocouldhelplaughingatakinghunkeringonabranchandhisarmyroostingaroundhimlikehens？\"saidthestranger。
\"Nevertheless，\"thekingreplied，\"itwouldbecourteousofyounottolaughatmisfortune。\"
\"Welaughwhenwecan，\"commentedthestranger，\"andarethankfulforthechance。\"
\"Youmaycomeupintothetree，\"saidFiachna，\"forIperceivethatyouareamannerlyperson，andIseethatsomeofthevenomoussheeparecharginginthisdirection。Iwouldratherprotectyou，\"hecontinued，\"thanseeyoukilled；for，\"saidhelamentably，\"Iamgettingdownnowtofightthesheep。\"
\"Theywillnothurtme，\"saidthestranger。\"Whoareyou？\"thekingasked。
\"IamMananna’n，thesonofLir。\"
Fiachnaknewthenthatthestrangercouldnotbehurt。
\"WhatwillyougivemeifIdeliveryoufromthesheep？\"askedManann，Sn。
\"Iwillgiveyouanythingyouask，ifIhavethatthing。\"
\"Iasktherightsofyourcrownandofyourhouseholdforoneday。\"
Fiachna’sbreathwastakenawaybythatrequest，andhetookalittletimetocomposehimself，thenhesaidmildly：
\"IwillnothaveonemanofIrelandkilledifIcansavehim。AllthatIhavetheygiveme，allthatIhaveIgivetothem，andifImustgivethisalso，thenIwillgivethis，althoughitwouldbeeasierformetogivemylife。\"\"Thatisagreed，\"saidMannana’n。
Hehadsomethingwrappedinafoldofhiscloak，andheunwrappedandproducedthisthing。
Itwasadog。
Nowifthesheepwerevenomous，thisdogwasmorevenomousstill，foritwasfearfultolookat。Inbodyitwasnotlarge，butitsheadwasofagreatsize，andthemouththatwasshapedinthatheadwasabletoopenlikethelidofapot。Itwasnotteethwhichwereinthathead，buthooksandfangsandprongs。Dreadfulwasthatmouthtolookat，terribletolookinto，woefultothinkabout；andfromit，orfromthebroad，loosenosethatwaggledaboveit，therecameasoundwhichnowordofmancoulddescribe，foritwasnotasnarl，norwasitahowl，althoughitwasbothofthese。Itwasneitheragrowlnoragrunt，althoughitwasbothofthese；itwasnotayowlnoragroan，althoughitwasbothofthese：foritwasonesoundmadeupofthesesounds，andtherewasinit，too，awhineandayelp，andalong-drawnsnoringnoise，andadeeppurringnoise，andanoisethatwaslikethesquealofarustyhinge，andtherewereothernoisesinitalso。
\"Thegodsbepraised！\"saidthemanwhowasinthebranchabovetheking。
\"Whatforthistime？\"saidtheking。
\"Becausethatdogcannotclimbatree，\"saidtheman。
Andthemanonabranchyetabovehimgroanedout\"Amen！\"
\"Thereisnothingtofrightensheeplikeadog，\"saidMananna’n，\"andthereisnothingtofrightenthesesheeplikethisdog。\"
Heputthedogonthegroundthen。
\"Littledogeen，littletreasure，\"saidhe，\"goandkillthesheep。\"
Andwhenhesaidthatthedogputanadditionandanaddendumontothenoisehehadbeenmakingbefore，sothatthemenofIrelandstucktheirfingersintotheirearsandturnedthewhitesoftheireyesupwards，andnearlyfellofftheirbrancheswiththefearandthefrightwhichthatsoundputintothem。
Itdidnottakethedoglongtodowhathehadbeenordered。Hewentforward，atfirst，withaslowwaddle，andasthevenomoussheepcametomeethiminbounces，hethenwenttomeettheminwriggles；sothatinawhilehewentsofastthatyoucouldseenothingofhimbutaheadandawriggle。Hedealtwiththesheepinthisway，ajumpandachopforeach，andhenevermissedhisjumpandhenevermissedhischop。Whenhegothisgripheswungroundonitasifitwasahinge。Theswingbeganwiththechop，anditendedwiththebitlooseandthesheepgivingitslastkick。Attheendoftenminutesallthesheepwerelyingontheground，andthesamebitwasoutofeverysheep，andeverysheepwasdead。
\"Youcancomedownnow，\"saidMananna’n。
\"Thatdogcan’tclimbatree，\"saidthemaninthebranchabovethekingwarningly。
\"Praisebetothegods！\"saidthemanwhowasabovehim。
\"Amen！\"saidthewarriorwhowashigherupthanthat。Andthemaninthenexttreesaid：
\"Don’tmoveahandorafootuntilthedogchokeshimselftodeathonthedeadmeat。\"
Thedog，however，didnoteatabitofthemeat。Hetrottedtohismaster，andMananna’ntookhimupandwrappedhiminhiscloak。
\"Nowyoucancomedown，\"saidhe。
\"Iwishthatdogwasdead！\"saidtheking。
Butheswunghimselfoutofthetreeallthesame，forhedidnotwishtoseemfrightenedbeforeMananna’n。\"YoucangonowandbeatthemenofLochlann，\"saidMananna’n。\"YouwillbeKingofLochlannbeforenightfall。\"
\"Iwouldn’tmindthat，\"saidtheking。\"It’snothreat，\"saidMananna’n。
ThesonofLirturnedthenandwentawayinthedirectionofIrelandtotakeuphisone-dayrights，andFiachnacontinuedhisbattlewiththeLochlannachs。
Hebeatthembeforenightfall，andbythatvictoryhebecameKingofLochlannandKingoftheSaxonsandtheBritons。
HegavetheBlackHagsevencastleswiththeirterritories，andhegaveheronehundredofeverysortofcattlethathehadcaptured。Shewassatisfied。
ThenhewentbacktoIreland，andafterhehadbeenthereforsometimehiswifegavebirthtoason。
CHAPTERVIII
\"YouhavenottoldmeonewordaboutDuvLaca，\"saidtheFlameLadyreproachfully。
\"Iamcomingtothat，\"repliedMongan。
Hemotionedtowardsoneofthegreatvats，andwinewasbroughttohim，ofwhichhedranksojoyouslyandsodeeplythatallpeoplewonderedathisthirst，hiscapacity，andhisjovialspirits。
\"Now，Iwillbeginagain。\"
SaidMongan：TherewasanattendantinFiachnaFinn’spalacewhowascalledAnDa’v，andthesamenightthatFiachna’swifeboreason，thewifeofAnDa’vgavebirthtoasonalso。ThislatterchildwascalledmacanDa’v，butthesonofFiachna’swifewasnamedMongan。
\"Ah！\"murmuredtheFlameLady。
Thequeenwasangry。Shesaiditwasunjustandpresumptuousthattheservantshouldgetachildatthesametimethatshegotoneherself，buttherewasnohelpforit，becausethechildwasthereandcouldnotbeobliterated。
Nowthisalsomustbetold。
TherewasaneighbouringprincecalledFiachnaDuv，andhewastheruleroftheDalFiatach。ForalongtimehehadbeenatenmityandspitefulwarfarewithFiachnaFinn；andtothisFiachnaDuvtherewasborninthesamenightadaughter，andthisgirlwasnamedDuvLacaoftheWhiteHand。
\"Ah！\"criedtheFlameLady。
\"Yousee！\"saidMongan，andhedrankanewandjoyouslyofthefairywine。
InordertoendthetroublebetweenFiachnaFinnandFiachnaDuvthebabieswereaffiancedtoeachotherinthecradleonthedayaftertheywereborn，andthemenofIrelandrejoicedatthatdeedandatthatnews。Butsoontherecamedismayandsorrowintheland，forwhenthelittleMonganwasthreedaysoldhisrealfather，Mananna’nthesonofLir，appearedinthemiddleofthepalace。HewrappedMonganinhisgreencloakandtookhimawaytorearandtrainintheLandofPromise，whichisbeyondtheseathatisattheothersideofthegrave。
WhenFiachnaDuvheardthatMongan，whowasaffiancedtohisdaughterDuvLaca，haddisappeared，heconsideredthathiscompactofpeacewasatanend，andonedayhecamebysurpriseandattackedthepalace。HekilledFiachnaFinninthatbattle，andbecrownedhimselfKingofUlster。
ThemenofUlsterdislikedhim，andtheypetitionedMananna’ntobringMonganback，butMananna’nwouldnotdothisuntiltheboywassixteenyearsofageandwellrearedinthewisdomoftheLandofPromise。ThenhedidbringMonganback，andbyhismeanspeacewasmadebetweenMonganandFiachnaDuv，andMonganwasmarriedtohiscradle-bride，theyoungDuvLaca。
CHAPTERIX
OnedayMonganandDuvLacawereplayingchessintheirpalace。
Monganhadjustmadeamoveofskill，andhelookedupfromtheboardtoseeifDuvLacaseemedasdiscontentedasshehadarighttobe。HesawthenoverDuvLaca’sshoulderalittleblack-faced，tufty-headedclericleaningagainstthedoor-postinsidetheroom。
\"Whatareyoudoingthere？\"saidMongan。
\"Whatareyoudoingthereyourself？\"saidthelittleblack-facedcleric。
\"Indeed，Ihavearighttobeinmyownhouse，\"saidMongan。
\"IndeedIdonotagreewithyou，\"saidthecleric。
\"WhereoughtIbe，then？\"saidMongan。
\"YououghttobeatDunFiathacavengingthemurderofyourfather，\"repliedthecleric，\"andyououghttobeashamedofyourselffornothavingdoneitlongago。Youcanplaychesswithyourwifewhenyouhavewontherighttoleisure。\"
\"ButhowcanIkillmywife’sfather？\"Monganexclaimed。\"Bystartingaboutitatonce，\"saidthecleric。\"Hereisawayoftalking！\"saidMongan。
\"Iknow，\"theclericcontinued，\"thatDuvLacawillnotagreewithawordIsayonthissubject，andthatshewilltrytopreventyoufromdoingwhatyouhavearighttodo，forthatisawife’sbusiness，butaman’sbusinessistodowhatIhavejusttoldyou；socomewithmenowanddonotwaittothinkaboutit，anddonotwaittoplayanymorechess。FiachnaDuvhasonlyasmallforcewithhimatthismoment，andwecanburnhispalaceasheburnedyourfather’spalace，andkillhimselfashekilledyourfather，andcrownyouKingofUlsterrightfullythewayhecrownedhimselfwrongfullyasaking。\"
\"Ibegintothinkthatyouownaluckytongue，myblack-facedfriend，\"saidMongan，\"andIwillgowithyou。\"
Hecollectedhisforcesthen，andheburnedFiachnaDuv’sfortress，andhekilledFiachnaDuv，andhewascrownedKingofUlster。
Thenforthefirsttimehefeltsecureandatlibertytoplaychess。Buthedidnotknowuntilafterwardsthattheblack-faced，tufty-headedpersonwashisfatherMananna’n，althoughthatwasthefact。
Therearesomewhosay，however，thatFiachnatheBlackwaskilledintheyear624bythelordoftheScot’sDalRiada，CondadCerr，atthebattleofArdCarainn；butthepeoplewhosaythisdonotknowwhattheyaretalkingabout，andtheydonotcaregreatlywhatitistheysay。