CHAPTERX
\"ThereisnothingtomarvelaboutinthisDuvLaca，\"saidtheFlameLadyscornfully。\"Shehasgotmarried，andshehasbeenbeatenatchess。Ithashappenedbefore。\"
\"Letuskeeptothestory，\"saidMongan，and，havingtakensomefewdozendeepdraughtsofthewine，hebecameevenmorejovialthanbefore。Thenherecommencedhistale：
IthappenedonadaythatMonganhadneedoftreasure。Hehadmanypresentstomake，andhehadnotasmuchgoldandsilverandcattleaswasproperforaking。Hecalledhisnoblestogetheranddiscussedwhatwasthebestthingtobedone，anditwasarrangedthatheshouldvisittheprovincialkingsandaskboonsfromthem。
Hesetoutatonceonhisroundofvisits，andthefirstprovincehewenttowasLeinster。
TheKingofLeinsteratthattimewasBranduv，thesonofEchach。
HewelcomedMonganandtreatedhimwell，andthatnightMongansleptinhispalace。
Whenheawokeinthemorninghelookedoutofaloftywindow，andhesawonthesunnylawnbeforethepalaceaherdofcows。Therewerefiftycowsinall，forhecountedthem，andeachcowhadacalfbesideher，andeachcowandcalfwaspurewhiteincolour，andeachofthemhadredears。
WhenMongansawthesecows，hefellinlovewiththemashehadneverfalleninlovewithanythingbefore。
Hecamedownfromthewindowandwalkedonthesunnylawnamongthecows，lookingateachofthemandspeakingwordsofaffectionandendearmenttothemall；andwhilehewasthuswalkingandtalkingandlookingandloving，henoticedthatsomeonewasmovingbesidehim。Helookedfromthecowsthen，andsawthattheKingofLeinsterwasathisside。
\"Areyouinlovewiththecows？\"Branduvaskedhim。
\"Iam，\"saidMongan。
\"Everybodyis，\"saidtheKingofLeinster。
\"Ineversawanythinglikethem，\"saidMongan。
\"Nobodyhas，\"saidtheKingofLeinster。
\"IneversawanythingIwouldratherhavethanthesecows，\"saidMongan。
\"These，\"saidtheKingofLeinster，\"arethemostbeautifulcowsinIreland，and，\"hecontinuedthoughtfully，\"DuvLacaisthemostbeautifulwomaninIreland。\"
\"Thereisnolieinwhatyousay，\"saidMongan。
\"Isitnotaqueerthing，\"saidtheKingofLeinster，\"thatI
shouldhavewhatyouwantwithallyoursoul，andyoushouldhavewhatIwantwithallmyheart？\"
\"Queerindeed，\"saidMongan，\"butwhatisitthatyoudowant？\"
\"DuvLaca，ofcourse，\"saidtheKingofLeinster。
\"Doyoumean，\"saidMongan，\"thatyouwouldexchangethisherdoffiftypurewhitecowshavingredears——\"
\"Andtheirfiftycalves，\"saidtheKingofLeinster——
\"ForDuvLaca，orforanywomanintheworld？\"
\"Iwould，\"criedtheKingofLeinster，andhethumpedhiskneeashesaidit。
\"Done，\"roaredMongan，andthetwokingsshookhandsonthebargain。
Monganthencalledsomeofhisownpeople，andbeforeanymorewordscouldbesaidandbeforeanyalterationcouldbemade，hesethismenbehindthecowsandmarchedhomewiththemtoUlster。
CHAPTERXI
DuvLacawantedtoknowwherethecowscamefrom，andMongantoldherthattheKingofLeinsterhadgiventhemtohim。ShefellinlovewiththemasMonganhaddone，buttherewasnobodyintheworldcouldhaveavoidedlovingthosecows：suchcowstheywere！
suchwonders！MonganandDuvLacausedtoplaychesstogether，andthentheywouldgoouttogethertolookatthecows，andthentheywouldgointogetherandwouldtalktoeachotheraboutthecows。Everythingtheydidtheydidtogether，fortheylovedtobewitheachother。
However，achangecame。
Onemorningagreatnoiseofvoicesandtramplingofhorsesandrattleofarmourcameaboutthepalace。Monganlookedfromthewindow。
\"Whoiscoming？\"askedDuvLaca。
Buthedidnotanswerher。
\"Thenoisemustannouncethevisitofaking，\"DuvLacacontinued。
ButMongandidnotsayaword。DuvLacathenwenttothewindow。
\"Whoisthatking？\"sheasked。
Andherhusbandrepliedtoherthen。
\"ThatistheKingofLeinster，\"saidhemournfully。
\"Well，\"saidDuvLacasurprised，\"ishenotwelcome？\"
\"Heiswelcomeindeed，\"saidMonganlamentably。
\"Letusgooutandwelcomehimproperly，\"DuvLacasuggested。
\"Letusnotgonearhimatall，\"saidMongan，\"forheiscomingtocompletehisbargain。\"
\"Whatbargainareyoutalkingabout？\"DuvLacaasked。ButMonganwouldnotanswerthat。
\"Letusgoout，\"saidhe，\"forwemustgoout。\"
MonganandDuvLacawentoutthenandwelcomedtheKingofLeinster。Theybroughthimandhischiefmenintothepalace，andwaterwasbroughtfortheirbaths，androomswereappointedforthem，andeverythingwasdonethatshouldbedoneforguests。
Thatnighttherewasafeast，andafterthefeasttherewasabanquet，andallthroughthefeastandthebanquettheKingofLeinsterstaredatDuvLacawithjoy，andsometimeshisbreastwasdeliveredofgreatsighs，andattimeshemovedasthoughinperturbationofspiritandmentalagony。
\"ThereissomethingwrongwiththeKingofLeinster，\"DuvLacawhispered。
\"Idon’tcareifthereis，\"saidMongan。
\"Youmustaskwhathewants。\"
\"ButIdon’twanttoknowit，\"saidMongan。\"Nevertheless，youmuskaskhim，\"sheinsisted。
SoMongandidaskhim，anditwasinamelancholyvoicethatheaskedit。
\"Doyouwantanything？\"saidhetotheKingofLeinster。
\"Idoindeed，\"saidBranduv。
\"IfitisinUlsterIwillgetitforyou，\"saidMonganmournfully。
\"ItisinUlster，\"saidBranduv。
Mongandidnotwanttosayanythingmorethen，buttheKingofLeinsterwassointentandeverybodyelsewaslisteningandDuvLacawasnudginghisarm，sohesaid：\"Whatisitthatyoudowant？\"\"IwantDuvLaca。\"
\"Iwanthertoo，\"saidMongan。
\"Youmadeyourbargain，\"saidtheKingofLeinster，\"mycowsandtheircalvesforyourDuvLaca，andthemanthatmakesabargainkeepsabargain。\"
\"Ineverbeforeheard，\"saidMongan，\"ofamangivingawayhisownwife。\"
\"Evenifyouneverheardofitbefore，youmustdoitnow，\"saidDuvLaca，\"forhonourislongerthanlife。\"
MonganbecameangrywhenDuvLacasaidthat。Hisfacewentredasasunset，andtheveinsswelledinhisneckandhisforehead。
\"Doyousaythat？\"hecriedtoDuvLaca。
\"Ido，\"saidDuvLaca。
\"LettheKingofLeinstertakeher，\"saidMongan。
CHAPTERXII
DuvLacaandtheKingofLeinsterwentapartthentospeaktogether，andtheeyeofthekingseemedtobeasbigasaplate，sofeveredwasitandsoenlargedandinflamedbythelookofDuvLaca。Hewassoconfoundedwithjoyalsothathiswordsgotmixedupwithhisteeth，andDuvLacadidnotknowexactlywhatitwashewastryingtosay，andhedidnotseemtoknowhimself。Butatlasthedidsaysomethingintelligible，andthisiswhathesaid。
\"Iamaveryhappyman，\"saidhe。
\"AndI，\"saidDuvLaca，\"amthehappiestwomanintheworld。\"
\"Whyshouldyoubehappy？\"theastonishedkingdemanded。
\"Listentome，\"shesaid。\"Ifyoutriedtotakemeawayfromthisplaceagainstmyownwish，onehalfofthemenofUlsterwouldbedeadbeforeyougotmeandtheotherhalfwouldbebadlywoundedinmydefence。\"
\"Abargainisabargain，\"theKingofLeinsterbegan。
\"But，\"shecontinued，\"theywillnotpreventmygoingaway，fortheyallknowthatIhavebeeninlovewithyouforages。\"
\"Whathaveyoubeeninwithmeforages？\"saidtheamazedking。
\"Inlovewithyou，\"repliedDuvLaca。
\"Thisisnews，\"saidtheking，\"anditisgoodnews。\"
\"But，bymyword，\"saidDuvLaca，\"Iwillnotgowithyouunlessyougrantmeaboon。\"
\"AllthatIhave，\"criedBranduv，\"andallthatevery-bodyhas。\"
\"AndyoumustpassyourwordandpledgeyourwordthatyouwilldowhatIask。\"
\"Ipassitandpledgeit，\"criedthejoyfulking。
\"Then，\"saidDuvLaca，\"thisiswhatIbindonyou。\"
\"Lighttheyolk！\"hecried。
\"UntiloneyearisupandoutyouarenottopassthenightinanyhousethatIamin。\"
\"Bymyheadandhand！\"Branduvstammered。
\"AndifyoucomeintoahousewhereIamduringthetimeandtermofthatyear，youarenottositdowninthechairthatIamsittingin。\"
\"Heavyismydoom！\"hegroaned。
\"But，\"saidDuvLaca，\"ifIamsittinginachairoraseatyouaretositinachairthatisoveragainstmeandoppositetomeandatadistancefromme。\"
\"Alas！\"saidtheking，andhesmotehishandstogether，andthenhebeatthemonhishead，andthenhelookedatthemandateverythingabout，andhecouldnottellwhatanythingwasorwhereanythingwas，forhismindwascloudedandhiswitshadgoneastray。
\"Whydoyoubindthesewoesonme？\"hepleaded。
\"Iwishtofindoutifyoutrulyloveme。\"
\"ButIdo，\"saidtheking。\"Iloveyoumadlyanddearly，andwithallmyfacultiesandmembers。\"
\"Thatistheway！loveyou，\"saidDuvLaca。\"Weshallhaveanotableyearofcourtshipandjoy。Andletusgonow，\"shecontinued，\"forIamimpatienttobewithyou。\"
\"Alas！\"saidBranduv，ashefollowedher。\"Alas，alas！\"saidtheKingofLeinster。
CHAPTERXIII
\"Ithink，\"saidtheFlameLady，\"thatwhoeverlostthatwomanhadnoreasontobesad。\"
Mongantookherchininhishandandkissedherlips。
\"Allthatyousayislovely，foryouarelovely，\"saidhe，\"andyouaremydelightandthejoyoftheworld。\"
Thentheattendantsbroughthimwine，andhedranksojoyouslyofthatandsodeeply，thatthosewhoobservedhimthoughthewouldsurelyburstanddrownthem。Buthelaughedloudlyandwithenormousdelight，untilthevesselsofgoldandsilverandbronzechimedmellowlytohispealandtheraftersofthehousewentcreaking。
Saidhe：
MonganlovedDuvLacaoftheWhiteHandbetterthanhelovedhislife，betterthanhelovedhishonour。Thekingdomsoftheworlddidnotweighwithhimbesidethestringofhershoe。Hewouldnotlookatasunsetifhecouldseeher。Hewouldnotlistentoaharpifhecouldhearherspeak，forshewasthedelightofages，thegemoftime，andthewonderoftheworldtillDoom。
ShewenttoLeinsterwiththekingofthatcountry，andwhenshehadgoneMonganfellgrievouslysick，sothatitdidnotseemhecouldeverrecoveragain；andhebegantowasteandwither，andhebegantolooklikeaskeleton，andabonystructure，andamisery。
Nowthisalsomustbeknown。
DuvLacahadayoungattendant，whowasherfoster-sisteraswellasherservant，andonthedaythatshegotmarriedtoMongan，herattendantwasmarriedtomacanDa’v，whowasservantandfoster-brothertoMongan。WhenDuvLacawentawaywiththeKingofLeinster，herservant，macanDa’v’swife，wentwithher，sothereweretwowifelessmeninUlsteratthattime，namely，MonganthekingandmacanDa’vhisservant。
OnedayasMongansatinthesun，broodinglamentablyonhisfate，macanDa’vcametohim。
\"Howarethingswithyou，master？\"askedMacanDa’v。
\"Bad，\"saidMongan。
\"ItwasapoordaybroughtyouoffwithMananna’ntotheLandofPromise，\"saidhisservant。
\"Whyshouldyouthinkthat？\"inquiredMongan。
\"Because，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"youlearnednothingintheLandofPromiseexcepthowtoeatalotoffoodandhowtodonothinginadealoftime。\"
\"Whatbusinessisitofyours？\"saidMonganangrily。
\"Itismybusinesssurely，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"formywifehasgoneofftoLeinsterwithyourwife，andshewouldn’thavegoneifyouhadn’tmadeabetandabargainwiththataccursedking。\"
MacanDa’vbegantoweepthen。
\"Ididn’tmakeabargainwithanyking，\"saidhe，\"andyetmywifehasgoneawaywithone，andit’sallbecauseofyou。\"
\"ThereisnoonesorrierforyouthanIam，\"saidMongan。
\"Thereisindeed，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"forIamsorriermyself。\"
Monganrousedhimselfthen。
\"Youhaveaclaimonmetruly，\"saidhe，\"andIwillnothaveanyonewithaclaimonmethatisnotsatisfied。Go，\"hesaidtomacanDa’v，\"tothatfairyplacewebothknowof。YourememberthebasketsIlefttherewiththesodfromIrelandinoneandthesodfromScotlandintheother；bringmethebasketsandsods。\"
\"Tellmethewhyofthis？\"saidhisservant。
\"TheKingofLeinsterwillaskhiswizardswhatIamdoing，andthisiswhatIwillbedoing。Iwillgetonyourbackwithafootineachofthebaskets，andwhenBranduvasksthewizardswhereI
amtheywilltellhimthatIhaveoneleginIrelandandoneleginScotland，andaslongastheytellhimthathewillthinkheneednotbotherhimselfaboutme，andwewillgointoLeinsterthatway。\"
\"Nobadwayeither，\"saidmacanDa’v。
Theysetoutthen。
CHAPTERXIV
Itwasalong，uneasyjourney，foralthoughmacanDa’vwasofstoutheartandgoodwill，yetnomancancarryanotheronhisbackfromUlstertoLeinsterandgoquick。Still，ifyoukeepondrivingapigorastorytheywillgetatlasttowhereyouwishthemtogo，andthemanwhocontinuesputtingonefootinfrontoftheotherwillleavehishomebehind，andwillcomeatlasttotheedgeoftheseaandtheendoftheworld。
WhentheyreachedLeinsterthefeastofMoyLife’wasbeingheld，andtheypushedonbyforcedmarchesandlongstagessoastobeintime，andthustheycametotheMoyofCellCamain，andtheymixedwiththecrowdthatweregoingtothefeast。
Agreatandjoyousconcourseofpeoplestreamedaboutthem。Therewereyoungmenandyounggirls，andwhenthesewerenotholdingeachother’shandsitwasbecausetheirarmswereroundeachother’snecks。Therewereold，lustywomengoingby，andwhenthesewerenottalkingtogetheritwasbecausetheirmouthsweremutuallyfilledwithapplesandmeat-pies。Therewereyoungwarriorswithmantlesofgreenandpurpleandredflyingbehindthemonthebreeze，andwhenthesewerenotlookingdisdainfullyonoldersoldiersitwasbecausetheoldersoldiershappenedatthemomenttobelookingatthem。Therewereoldwarriorswithyard-longbeardsflyingbehindtheirshouldersllkewispsofhay，andwhenthesewerenotnursingabrokenarmoracrackedskull，itwasbecausetheywerenursingwoundsintheirstomachsortheirlegs。Thereweretroopsofyoungwomenwhogiggledaslongastheirbreathslastedandbeamedwhenitgaveout。Bandsofboyswhowhisperedmysteriouslytogetherandpointedwiththeirfingersineverydirectionatonce，andwouldsuddenlybegintorunlikeaherdofstampededhorses。Thereweremenwithcartsfullofroastedmeats。Womenwithlittlevatsfullofmead，andotherscarryingmilkandbeer。Folkofbothsortswithtowersswayingontheirheads，andtheydrippingwithhoney。Childrenhavingbasketspiledwithredapples，andoldwomenwhopeddledshell-fishandboiledlobsters。Therewerepeoplewhosoldtwentykindsofbread，withbutterthrownin。Sellersofonionsandcheese，andotherswhosuppliedsparebitsofarmour，oddscabbards，spearhandles，breastplate-laces。Peoplewhocutyourhairortoldyourfortuneorgaveyouahotbathinapot。Otherswhoputashoeonyourhorseorapieceofembroideryonyourmantle；andothers，again，whotookstainsoffyourswordordyedyourfinger-nailsorsoldyouahound。
Itwasagreatandjoyousgatheringthatwasgoingtothefeast。
Monganandhisservantsatagainstagrassyhedgebytheroadsideandwatchedthemultitudestreamingpast。
JustthenMonganglancedtotherightwhencethepeoplewerecoming。Thenhepulledthehoodofhiscloakoverhisearsandoverhisbrow。
\"Alas！\"saidheinadeepandanguishedvoice。
MacanDa’vturnedtohim。
\"Isitapaininyourstomach，master？\"
\"Itisnot，\"saidMongan。\"Well，whatmadeyoumakethatbrutalandbelchingnoise？\"
\"ItwasasighIgave，\"saidMongan。
\"Whateveritwas，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"whatwasit？\"
\"Lookdowntheroadonthissideandtellmewhoiscoming，\"saidhismaster。
\"Itisalordwithhistroop。\"
\"ItistheKingofLeinster，\"saidMongan。\"Theman，\"saidmacanDa’vinatoneofgreatpity，\"themanthattookawayyourwife！
And，\"heroaredinavoiceofextraordinarysavagery，\"themanthattookawaymywifeintothebargain，andshenotinthebargain。\"
\"Hush，\"saidMongan，foramanwhoheardhisshoutstoppedtotieasandie，ortolisten。
\"Master，\"saidmacanDa’vasthetroopdrewabreastandmovedpast。
\"Whatisit，mygoodfriend？\"
\"Letmethrowalittle，smallpieceofarockattheKingofLeinster。\"
\"Iwillnot。\"
\"Alittlebitonly，asmallbitabouttwicethesizeofmyhead\"
\"Iwillnotletyou，\"saidMongan。
WhenthekinghadgonebymacanDa’vgroanedadeepanddejectedgroan。
\"Oco’n！\"saidhe。\"Oco’n-i’o-go-deo’！\"saidhe。
Themanwhohadtiedhissandalsaidthen：\"Areyouinpain，honestman？\"
\"Iamnotinpain，\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"Well，whatwasitthatknockedahowloutofyouliketheyelpofasickdog，honestman？\"
\"Goaway，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"goaway，youflat-faced，noseyperson。\"\"Thereisnopolitenessleftinthiscountry，\"saidthestranger，andhewentawaytoacertaindistance，andfromthencehethrewastoneatmacanDa’v’snose，andhitit。
CHAPTERXV
Theroadwasnownotsocrowdedasithadbeen。Minuteswouldpassandonlyafewtravellerswouldcome，andminutesmorewouldgowhennobodywasinsightatall。
Thentwomencamedowntheroad：theywereclerics。
\"Ineversawthatkindofuniformbefore，\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"Evenifyoudidn’t，\"saidMongan，\"thereareplentyofthemabout。Theyarementhatdon’tbelieveinourgods，\"saidhe。
\"Dotheynot，indeed？\"saidmacanDa’v。\"Therascals！\"saidhe。
\"What，whatwouldMananna’nsaytothat？\"
\"TheoneinfrontcarryingthebigbookisTibraide’。HeisthepriestofCellCamain，andheisthechiefofthosetwo。\"
\"Indeed，andindeed！\"saidmacanDa’v。\"Theonebehindmustbehisservant，forhehasaloadonhisback。\"
Thepriestswerereadingtheiroffices，andmacanDa’vmarvelledatthat。
\"Whatisittheyaredoing？\"saidhe。
\"Theyarereading。\"
\"Indeed，andindeedtheyare，\"saidmacanDa’v。\"Ican’tmakeoutawordofthelanguageexceptthatthemanbehindsaysamen，amen，everytimethemaninfrontputsagruntoutofhim。Andtheydon’tlikeourgodsatall！\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"Theydonot，\"saidMongan。
\"Playatrickonthem，master，\"saidmacanDa’v。Monganagreedtoplayatrickonthepriests。
Helookedatthemhardforaminute，andthenhewavedhishandatthem。
Thetwopriestsstopped，andtheystaredstraightinfrontofthem，andthentheylookedateachother，andthentheylookedatthesky。Theclerkbegantoblesshimself，andthenTibraide’
begantoblesshimself，andafterthattheydidn’tknowwhattodo。Forwheretherehadbeenaroadwithhedgesoneachsideandfieldsstretchingbeyondthem，therewasnownoroad，nohedge，nofield；buttherewasagreatbroadriversweepingacrosstheirpath；amightytumbleofyellowy-brownwaters，veryswift，verysavage；churningandbillowingandjockeyingamongroughbouldersandislandsofstone。Itwasawaterofvillainousdepthandofdetestablewetness；ofuglyhurryingandofdesolatecavernoussound。Atalittletotheirrighttherewasathinuncomelybridgethatwaggledacrossthetorrent。
Tibraide’rubbedhiseyes，andthenhelookedagain。\"DoyouseewhatIsee？\"saidhetotheclerk。
\"Idon’tknowwhatyousee，\"saidtheclerk，\"butwhatIseeI
neverdidseebefore，andIwishIdidnotseeitnow。\"
\"Iwasborninthisplace，\"saidTibraide’，\"myfatherwasbornherebeforeme，andmygrandfatherwasbornherebeforehim，butuntilthisdayandthisminuteIneversawariverherebefore，andIneverheardofone。\"
\"Whatwillwedoatall？\"saidtheclerk。\"Whatwillwedoatall？\"
\"Wewillbesensible，\"saidTibraide’sternly，\"andwewillgoaboutourbusiness，\"saidhe。\"Ifriversfalloutoftheskywhathasthattodowithyou，andifthereisariverhere，whichthereis，why，thankGod，thereisabridgeoverittoo。\"
\"Wouldyouputatoeonthatbridge？\"saidtheclerk。\"Whatisthebridgefor？\"saidTibraide’MonganandmacanDa’vfollowedthem。
Whentheygottothemiddleofthebridgeitbrokeunderthem，andtheywereprecipitatedintothatboilingyellowflood。
MongansnatchedatthebookasitfellfromTibraide’’shand。
\"Won’tyouletthemdrown，master？\"askedmacanDa’v。
\"No，\"saidMongan，\"I’llsendthemamiledownthestream，andthentheycancometoland。\"
MonganthentookonhimselftheformofTibraide’andheturnedmacanDa’vintotheshapeoftheclerk。
\"Myheadhasgonebald，\"saidtheservantinawhisper。
\"Thatispartofit，\"repliedMongan。\"Solongasweknow？’saidmacanDa’v。
TheywentonthentomeettheKingofLeinster。
CHAPTERXVI
Theymethimneartheplacewherethegameswereplayed。
\"Goodmysoul，Tibraide’！\"criedtheKingofLeinster，andhegaveMonganakiss。Mongankissedhimbackagain。
\"Amen，amen，\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"Whatfor？\"saidtheKingofLeinster。
AndthenmacanDa’vbegantosneeze，forhedidn’tknowwhatfor。
\"ItisalongtimesinceIsawyou，Tibraide’，\"saidtheking，\"butatthisminuteIamingreathasteandhurry。Goyouonbeforemetothefortress，andyoucantalktothequeenthatyou’llfindthere，shethatusedtobetheKingofUlster’swife。
KevinCochlach，mycharioteer，willgowithyou，andIwillfollowyoumyselfinawhile。\"
TheKingofLeinsterwentoffthen，andMonganandhisservantwentwiththecharioteerandthepeople。
Monganreadawayoutofthebook，forhefounditinteresting，andhedidnotwanttotalktothecharioteer，andmacanDa’vcriedamen，amen，everytimethatMongantookhisbreath。ThepeoplewhoweregoingwiththemsaidtooneanotherthatmacanDa’vwasaqueerkindofclerk，andthattheyhadneverseenanyonewhohadsuchamouthfulofamens。
Butinawhiletheycametothefortress，andtheygotintoitwithoutanytrouble，forKevinCochlach，theking’scharioteer，broughtthemin。ThentheywereledtotheroomwhereDuvLacawas，andashewentintothatroomMonganshuthiseyes，forhedidnotwanttolookatDuvLacawhileotherpeoplemightbelookingathim。
\"Leteverybodyleavethisroom，whileIamtalkingtothequeen，\"
saidhe；andalltheattendantslefttheroom，exceptone，andshewouldn’tgo，forshewouldn’tleavehermistress。
ThenMonganopenedhiseyesandhesawDuvLaca，andhemadeagreatboundtoherandtookherinhisarms，andmacanDa’vmadeasavageandviciousandterriblejumpattheattendant，andtookherinhisarms，andbitherearandkissedherneckandweptdownintoherback。
\"Goaway，\"saidthegirl，\"unhandme，villain，\"saidshe。
\"Iwillnot，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"forI’myourownhusband，I’myourownmac，yourlittlemac，yourmacky-wac-wac。\"Thentheattendantgavealittlesqueal，andshebithimoneachearandkissedhisneckandweptdownintohisback，andsaidthatitwasn’ttrueandthatitwas。
CHAPTERXVII
Buttheywerenotalone，althoughtheythoughttheywere。Thehagthatguardedthejewelswasintheroom。Shesathunchedupagainstthewail，andasshelookedlikeabundleofragstheydidnotnoticeher。Shebegantospeakthen。
\"TerriblearethethingsIsee，\"saidshe。\"TerriblearethethingsIsee。\"
Monganandhisservantgaveajumpofsurprise，andtheirtwowivesjumpedandsquealed。ThenMonganpuffedouthischeekstillhisfacelookedlikeabladder，andheblewamagicbreathatthehag，sothatsheseemedtobesurroundedbyafog，andwhenshelookedthroughthatbreatheverythingseemedtobedifferenttowhatshehadthought。Thenshebegantobegeverybody’spardon。
\"Ihadanevilvision，\"saidshe，\"Isawcrossways。HowsaditisthatIshouldbegintoseethesortofthingsIthoughtIsaw。\"
\"Sitinthischair，mother，\"saidMongan，\"andtellmewhatyouthoughtyousaw，\"andheslippedaspikeunderher，andmacanDa’vpushedherintotheseat，andshediedonthespike。
Justthentherecameaknockingatthedoor。MacanDa’vopenedit，andtherewasTibraid~standingoutside，andtwenty-nineofhismenwerewithhim，andtheywerealllaughing。
\"Amilewasnothalfenough，\"saidmacanDa’vreproachfully。
TheChamberlainofthefortresspushedintotheroomandhestaredfromoneTibraide’totheother。
\"Thisisafinegrowingyear，\"saidhe。\"ThereneverwasayearwhenTibraide’’swereasplentifulastheyarethisyear。ThereisaTibraide’outsideandaTibraide’inside，andwhoknowsbuttherearesomemoreofthemunderthebed。Theplaceiscrawlingwiththem，\"saidhe。
MonganpointedatTibraide’。
\"Don’tyouknowwhothatis？\"hecried。
\"Iknowwhohesaysheis，\"saidtheChamberlain。
\"Well，heisMongan，\"saidMongan，\"andthesetwenty-ninemenaretwenty-nineofhisnoblesfromUlster。\"
Atthatnewsthemenofthehouseholdpickedupclubsandcudgelsandeverykindofthingthatwasnear，andmadeaviolentandwoefulattackonTibraide’’smenTheKingofLeinstercameinthen，andwhenhewastoldTibraide’wasMonganheattackedthemaswell，anditwaswithdifficultythatTibraide’gotawaytoCellCamainwithnineofhismenandtheyallwounded。
TheKingofLeinstercamebackthen。HewenttoDuvLaca’sroom。
\"WhereisTibraide’？\"saidhe。
\"Itwasn’tTibraide’washere，\"saidthehagwhowasstillsittingonthespike，andwasnothalfdead，\"itwasMongan。\"
\"Whydidyoulethimnearyou？\"saidthekingtoDuvLaca。
\"ThereisnoonehasabetterrighttobenearmethanMonganhas，\"saidDuvLaca，\"heismyownhusband，\"saidshe。
Andthenthekingcriedoutindismay：\"IhavebeatenTibraide’’speople。\"Herushedfromtheroom。
\"SendforTibraide’tillIapologise，\"hecried。\"Tellhimitwasallamistake。TellhimitwasMongan。\"
CHAPTERXVIII
Monganandhisservantwenthome，and（forwhatpleasureisgreaterthanthatofmemoryexercisedinconversation？）foratimethefeelingofanadventurewellaccomplishedkepthiminsomecontentment。Butattheendofatimethatpleasurewaswornout，andMongangrewatfirstdispiritedandthensullen，andafterthatasillashehadbeenonthepreviousoccasion。ForhecouldnotforgetDuvLacaoftheWhiteHand，andhecouldnotrememberherwithoutlonginganddespair。
Itwasintheillnesswhichcomesfromlonginganddespairthathesatonedaylookingonaworldthatwasblackalthoughthesunshone，andthatwasleanandunwholesomealthoughautumnfruitswereheavyontheearthandthejoysofharvestwereabouthim。
\"Winterisinmyheart，\"quothhe，\"andIamcoldalready。\"
Hethoughttoothatsomedayhewoulddie，andthethoughtwasnotunpleasant，foronehalfofhislifewasawayintheterritoriesoftheKingofLeinster，andthehalfthathekeptinhimselfhadnospiceinit。
HewasthinkinginthiswaywhenmacanDa’vcametowardshimoverthelawn，andhenoticedthatmacanDa’vwaswalkinglikeanoldman。
Hetooklittleslowsteps，andhedidnotloosenhiskneeswhenhewalked，sohewentstiffly。Oneofhisfeetturnedpitifullyoutwards，andtheotherturnedlamentablyin。Hischestwaspulledinwards，andhisheadwasstuckoutwardsandhungdownintheplacewherehischestshouldhavebeen，andhisarmswerecrookedinfrontofhimwiththehandsturnedwrongly，sothatonepalmwasshowntotheeastoftheworldandtheotheronewasturnedtothewest。
\"Howgoesit，macanDa’v？\"saidtheking。
\"Bad，\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"IsthatthesunIseeshining，myfriend？\"thekingasked。
\"Itmaybethesun，\"repliedmacanDa’v，peeringcuriouslyatthegoldenradiancethatdozedaboutthem，\"butmaybeit’sayellowfog。\"
\"Whatislifeatall？\"saidtheking。
\"Itisawearinessandatiredness，\"saidmacanDa’v。\"Itisalongyawnwithoutsleepiness。Itisabee，lostatmidnightandbuzzingonapane。Itisthenoisemadebyatied-updog。Itisnothingworthdreamingabout。Itisnothingatall。\"
\"HowwellyouexplainmyfeelingsaboutDuvLaca，\"saidtheking。
\"Iwasthinkingaboutmyownlamb，\"saidmacanDa’v。\"Iwasthinkingaboutmyowntreasure，mycupofcheeriness，andthepulseofmyheart。\"Andwiththatheburstintotears。
\"Alas！\"saidtheking。
\"But，\"sobbedmacanDa’v，\"whatrighthaveItocomplain？Iamonlytheservant，andalthoughIdidn’tmakeanybargainwiththeKingofLeinsterorwithanykingofthemall，yetmywifeisgoneawayasifshewastheconsortofapotentatethesameasDuvLacais。\"
Monganwassorrythenforhisservant，andherousedhimself。
\"IamgoingtosendyoutoDuvLaca。\"
\"Wheretheoneistheotherwillbe，\"criedmacanDa’vjoyously。
\"Go，\"saidMongan，\"toRathDescirtofBregia；youknowthatplace？\"
\"Aswellasmytongueknowsmyteeth。\"
\"DuvLacaisthere；seeher，andaskherwhatshewantsmetodo。\"
MacanDa’vwentthereandreturned。
\"DuvLacasaysthatyouaretocomeatonce，fortheKingofLeinsterisjourneyingaroundhisterritory，andKevinCochlach，thecharioteer，ismakingbitterlovetoherandwantshertorunawaywithhim。\"
Mongansetout，andinnogreattime，fortheytravelleddayandnight，theycametoBregla，andgainedadmittancetothefortress，butjustashegotinhehadtogooutagain，fortheKingofLeinsterhadbeenwarnedofMongan’sjourney，andcamebacktohisfortressinthenickoftime。
WhenthemenofUlstersawtheconditionintowhichMonganfelltheywereingreatdistress，andtheyallgotsickthroughcompassionfortheirking。ThenoblessuggestedtohimthattheyshouldmarchagainstLeinsterandkillthatkingandbringbackDuvLaca，butMonganwouldnotconsenttothisplan。
\"For，\"saidhe，\"thethingIlostthroughmyownfollyIshallgetbackthroughmyowncraft。\"
Andwhenhesaidthathisspiritsrevived，andhecalledformacanDa’v。
\"Youknow，myfriend，\"saidMongan，\"thatIcan’tgetDuvLacabackunlesstheKingofLeinsterasksmetotakeherback，forabargainisabargain。\"
\"Thatwillhappenwhenpigsfly，\"saidmacanDa’v，\"and，\"saidhe，\"Ididnotmakeanybargainwithanykingthatisintheworld。\"
\"Iheardyousaythatbefore，\"saidMongan。
\"IwillsayittillDoom，\"criedhisservant，\"formywifehasgoneawaywiththatpestilentking，andhehasgotthedoubleofyourbadbargain。\"
MonganandhisservantthensetoutforLeinster。
Whentheynearedthatcountrytheyfoundagreatcrowdgoingontheroadwiththem，andtheylearnedthatthekingwasgivingafeastinhonourofhismarriagetoDuvLaca，fortheyearofwaitingwasnearlyout，andthekinghadswornhewoulddelaynolonger。
Theywenton，therefore，butinlowspirits，andatlasttheysawthewallsoftheking’scastletoweringbeforethem。andanoblecompanygoingtoandfroonthelawn。
CHAPTERXIX
THEYsatinaplacewheretheycouldwatchthecastleandcomposethemselvesaftertheirjourney。
\"Howarewegoingtogetintothecastle？\"askedmacanDa’v。
Fortherewerehatchetmenonguardinthebiggateway，andtherewerespearmenatshortintervalsaroundthewalls，andmentothrowhotporridgeofftheroofwerestandingintherightplaces。
\"Ifwecannotgetinbyhook，wewillgetinbycrook，\"saidMongan。
\"Theyarebothgoodways，\"saidMacanDa’v，\"andwhicheverofthemyoudecideonI’llstickby。\"
JustthentheysawtheHagoftheMillcomingoutofthemillwhichwasdowntheroadalittle。
NowtheHagoftheMillwasabony，thinpoleofahagwithoddfeet。Thatis，shehadonefootthatwastoobigforher，sothatwhenshelifteditupitpulledherover；andshehadonefootthatwastoosmallforher，sothatwhenshelifteditupshedidn’tknowwhattodowithit。Shewassolongthatyouthoughtyouwouldneverseetheendofher，andshewassothinthatyouthoughtyoudidn’tseeheratall。Oneofhereyeswassetwherehernoseshouldbeandtherewasanearinitsplace，andhernoseitselfwashangingoutofherchin，andshehadwhiskersroundit。Shewasdressedinaredragthatwasreallyaholewithafringeonit，andshewassinging\"Oh，hushthee，myonelove\"toacatthatwasyelpingonhershoulder。
ShehadatallskinnydogbehindhercalledBrotar。Ithadn’tatoothinitsheadexceptone，andithadthetoothacheinthattooth。Everyfewstepsitusedtositdownonitshunkersandpointitsnosestraightupwards，andmakealong，sadcomplaintaboutitstooth；andafterthatitusedtoreachitshindlegroundandtrytoscratchoutitstooth；andthenitusedtobepulledonagainbythestrawropethatwasrounditsneck，andwhichwastiedattheotherendtothehag’sheaviestfoot。
Therewasanold，knock-kneed，raw-boned，one-eyed，little-winded，heavy-headedmarewithheralso。Everytimeitputafrontlegforwarditshiveredallovertherestofitslegsbackwards，andwhenitputahindlegforwarditshiveredallovertherestofitslegsfrontwards，anditusedtogiveagreatwhistlethroughitsnosewhenitwasoutofbreath，andabig，thinhenwassittingonitscroup。MonganlookedontheHagoftheMillwithdelightandaffection。
\"Thistime，\"saidhetomacanDa’v，\"I’llgetbackmywife。\"
\"Youwillindeed，\"saidmacanDa’vheartily，\"andyou’llgetminebacktoo。\"
\"Gooveryonder，\"saidMongan，\"andtelltheHagoftheMillthatIwanttotalktoher。\"
MacanDa’vbroughtherovertohim。
\"Isittruewhattheservantmansaid？\"sheasked。
\"Whatdidhesay？\"saidMongan。
\"Hesaidyouwantedtotalktome。\"
\"Itistrue，\"saidMongan。
\"Thisisawonderfulhourandagloriousminute，\"saidthehag，\"forthisisthefirsttimeinsixtyyearsthatanyonewantedtotalktome。Talkonnow，\"saidshe，\"andI’lllistentoyouifI
canrememberhowtodoit。Talkgently，\"saidshe，\"thewayyouwon’tdisturbtheanimals，fortheyareallsick。\"
\"Theyaresickindeed，\"saidmacanDa’vpityingly。
\"Thecathasasoretail，\"saidshe，\"byreasonofsittingtooclosetoapartofthehobthatwashot。Thedoghasatoothache，thehorsehasapaininherstomach，andthehenhasthepip。\"
\"Ah，it’sasadworld，\"saidmacanDa’v。
\"Thereyouare！\"saidthehag。
\"Tellme，\"Mongancommenced，\"ifyougotawish，whatitisyouwouldwishfor？\"
ThehagtookthecatoffhershoulderandgaveittomacanDa’v。
\"HoldthatformewhileIthink，\"saidshe。
\"Wouldyouliketobealovelyyounggirl？\"askedMongan。
\"I’dsoonerbethatthanaskinnedeel，\"saidshe。
\"AndwouldyouliketomarrymeortheKingofLeinster？\"\"I’dliketomarryeitherofyou，orbothofyou，orwhicheverofyoucamefirst。\"
\"Verywell，\"saidMongan，\"youshallhaveyourwish。\"
Hetouchedherwithhisfinger，andtheinstanthetouchedheralldilapidationandwrynessandagewentfromher，andshebecamesobeautifulthatonedaredscarcelylookonher，andsoyoungthatsheseemedbutsixteenyearsofage。
\"YouarenottheHagoftheMillanylonger，\"saidMongan，\"youareIvelloftheShiningCheeks，daughteroftheKingofMunster。\"
Hetouchedthedogtoo，anditbecamealittlesilkylapdogthatcouldnestleinyourpalm。Thenhechangedtheoldmareintoabrisk，piebaldpalfrey。ThenhechangedhimselfsothathebecamethelivingimageofAe，thesonoftheKingofConnaught，whohadjustbeenmarriedtoIvelloftheShiningCheeks，andthenhechangedmacanDa’vintothelikenessofAe’sattendant，andthentheyallsetofftowardsthefortress，singingthesongthatbegins：Mywifeisnicerthananyone’swife，Anyone’swife，anyone’swife，Mywifeisnicerthananyone’swife，Whichnobodycandeny。
CHAPTERXX
ThedoorkeeperbroughtwordtotheKingofLeinsterthatthesonoftheKingofConnaught，AetheBeautiful，andhiswife，IvelloftheShiningCheeks，wereatthedoor，thattheyhadbeenbanishedfromConnaughtbyAe’sfather，andtheywereseekingtheprotectionoftheKingofLeinster。
Branduvcametothedoorhimselftowelcomethem，andtheminutehelookedonIvelloftheShiningCheeksitwasplainthathelikedlookingather。
Itwasnowdrawingtowardsevening，andafeastwaspreparedfortheguestswithabanquettofollowit。AtthefeastDuvLacasatbesidetheKingofLeinster，butMongansatoppositehimwithIvell，andMonganputmoreandmoremagicintothehag，sothathercheeksshoneandhereyesgleamed，andshewasutterlybewitchingtotheeye；andwhenBranduvlookedathersheseemedtogrowmoreandmorelovelyandmoreandmoredesirable，andatlasttherewasnotaboneinhisbodyasbigasaninchthatwasnotfilledwithloveandlongingforthegirl。
Everyfewminuteshegaveagreatsighasifhehadeatentoomuch，andwhenDuvLacaaskedhimifhehadeatentoomuchhesaidhehadhutthathehadnotdrunkenough，andbythathemeantthathehadnotdrunkenoughfromtheeyesofthegirlbeforehim。
Atthebanquetwhichwasthenheldhelookedatheragain，andeverytimehetookadrinkhetoastedIvellacrossthebrimofhisgoblet，andinalittlewhileshebegantotoasthimbackacrosstherimofhercup，forhewasdrinkingale，butshewasdrinkingmead。ThenhesentamessengertohertosaythatitwasafarbetterthingtobethewifeoftheKingofLeinsterthantobethewifeofthesonoftheKingofConnaught，forakingisbetterthanaprince，andIvellthoughtthatthiswasaswiseathingasanybodyhadeversaid。Andthenhesentamessagetosaythathelovedhersomuchthathewouldcertainlyburstofloveifitdidnotstop。
Monganheardthewhispering，andhetoldthehagthatifshedidwhatheadvisedshewouldcertainlygeteitherhimselfortheKingofLeinsterforahusband。
\"Eitherofyouwillbewelcome，\"saidthehag。
\"Whenthekingsayshelovesyou，askhimtoproveitbygifts；
askforhisdrinking-hornfirst。\"
Sheaskedforthat，andhesentittoherfilledwithgoodliquor；thensheaskedforhisgirdle，andhesentherthat。
HispeoplearguedwithhimandsaiditwasnotrightthatheshouldgiveawaythetreasuresofLeinstertothewifeoftheKingofConnaught’sson；buthesaidthatitdidnotmatter，forwhenhegotthegirlhewouldgethistreasureswithher。Buteverytimehesentanythingtothehag，macanDa’vsnatcheditoutofherlapandputitinhispocket。
\"Now，\"saidMongantothehag，\"telltheservanttosaythatyouwouldnotleaveyourownhusbandforallthewealthoftheworld。\"
Shetoldtheservantthat，andtheservanttoldittotheking。
WhenBranduvheardithenearlywentmadwithloveandlongingandjealousy，andwithragealso，becauseofthetreasurehehadgivenherandmightnotgetback。HecalledMonganovertohim，andspoketohimverythreateninglyandragingly。
\"Iamnotonewhotakesathingwithoutgivingathing，\"saidhe。
\"Nobodycouldsayyouwere，\"agreedMongan。
\"Doyouseethiswomansittingbesideme？\"hecontinued，pointingtoDuvLaca。
\"Idoindeed，\"saidMongan。
\"Well，\"saidBranduv，\"thiswomanisDuvLacaoftheWhiteHandthatItookawayfromMongan；sheisjustgoingtomarryme，butifyouwillmakeanexchange，youcanmarrythisDuvLacahere，andIwillmarrythatIvelloftheShiningCheeksyonder。\"
Monganpretendedtobeveryangrythen。
\"IfIhadcomeherewithhorsesandtreasureyouwouldbeinyourrighttotakethesefromme，butyouhavenorighttoaskforwhatyouarenowasking。\"
\"Idoaskforit，\"saidBranduvmenacingly，\"andyoumustnotrefusealord。\"
\"Verywell，\"saidMonganreluctantly，andasifingreatfear；
\"ifyouwillmaketheexchangeIwillmakeit，althoughitbreaksmyheart。\"
HebroughtIvellovertothekingthenandgaveherthreekisses。
\"ThekingwouldsuspectsomethingifIdidnotkissyou，\"saidhe，andthenhegavethehagovertotheking。Afterthattheyallgotdrunkandmerry，andsoontherewasagreatsnoringandsnorting，andverysoonalltheservantsfellasleepalso，sothatMongancouldnotgetanythingtodrink。MacanDa’vsaiditwasagreatshame，andhekickedsomeoftheservants，buttheydidnotbudge，andthenheslippedouttothestablesandsaddledtwomares。HegotononewithhiswifebehindhimandMongangotontheotherwithDuvLacabehindhim，andtheyrodeawaytowardsUlsterlikethewind，singingthissong：TheKingofLeinsterwasmarriedto-day，Marriedto-day，marriedto-day，TheKingofLeinsterwasmarriedto-day，Andeveryonewisheshimjoy。
InthemorningtheservantscametowakentheKingofLeinster，andwhentheysawthefaceofthehaglyingonthepillowbesidetheking，andhernoseallcoveredwithwhiskers，andherbigfootandlittlefootstickingawayoutattheendofthebed，theybegantolaugh，andpokeoneanotherinthestomachsandthumponeanotherontheshoulders，sothatthenoiseawakenedtheking，andheaskedwhatwasthematterwiththematall。Itwasthenhesawthehaglyingbesidehim，andhegaveagreatscreechandjumpedoutofthebed。
\"Aren’tyoutheHagoftheMill？\"saidhe。
\"Iamindeed，\"shereplied，\"andIloveyoudearly。\"
\"IwishIdidn’tseeyou，\"saidBranduv。
Thatwastheendofthestory，andwhenhehadtolditMonganbegantolaughuproariouslyandcalledformorewine。Hedrankthisdeeply，asthoughhewasfullofthirstanddespairandawildjollity，butwhentheFlameLadybegantoweephetookherinhisarmsandcaressedher，andsaidthatshewastheloveofhisheartandtheonetreasureoftheworld。
Afterthattheyfeastedingreatcontentment，andattheendofthefeastingtheywentawayfromFaeryandreturnedtotheworldofmen。
TheycametoMongan’spalaceatMoyLinney，anditwasnotuntiltheyreachedthepalacethattheyfoundtheyhadbeenawayonewholeyear，fortheyhadthoughttheywereonlyawayonenight。
Theylivedthenpeacefullyandlovinglytogether，andthatendsthestory，butBro’tiarnadidnotknowthatMonganwasFionn。
Theabbotleanedforward。
\"WasMonganFionn？\"heaskedinawhisper。
\"Hewas，\"repliedCairide’。
\"Indeed，indeed！\"saidtheabbot。
Afterawhilehecontinued：\"ThereisonlyonepartofyourstorythatIdonotlike。\"
\"Whatpartisthat？\"askedCairide’。
\"ItisthepartwheretheholymanTibraide’wasilltreatedbythatrap——bythat——byMongan。\"
Cairide’agreedthatitwasilldone，buttohimselfhesaidgleefullythatwheneverhewasaskedtotellthestoryofhowhetoldthestoryofMonganhewouldrememberwhattheabbotsaid。