Inthegreatbanquetinghalleverythingwasinorderforthefeast。ThenoblesofIrelandwiththeirwinsomeconsorts，thelearnedandartisticprofessionsrepresentedbythepickoftheirtimewereinplace。TheArd-Ri，CormoftheHundredBattles，hadtakenhisplaceontheraiseddaiswhichcommandedthewholeofthatvasthall。AthisRighthandhissonArt，tobeafterwardsasfamousashisfamousfather，tookhisseat，andonhisleftGollmormacMorna，chiefoftheFiannaofIreland，hadtheseatofhonour。AstheHighKingtookhisplacehecouldseeeverypersonwhowasnotedinthelandforanyreason。Hewouldknoweveryonewhowaspresent，forthefameofallmenissealedatTara，andbehindhischairaheraldstoodtotellanythingthekingmightnotknoworhadforgotten。
Conngavethesignalandhisguestsseatedthemselves。
Thetimehadcomeforthesquirestotaketheirstationsbehindtheirmastersandmistresses。But，forthemoment，thegreatroomwasseated，andthedoorswereheldtoallowamomentofrespecttopassbeforetheserversandsquirescamein。
Lookingoverhisguests，Connobservedthatayoungmanwasyetstanding。
"Thereisagentleman，"hemurmured，"forwhomnoseathasbeenfound。"
WemaybesurethattheMasteroftheBanquetblushedatthat。
"And，"thekingcontinued，"Idonotseemtoknowtheyoungman。"
Nordidhisherald，nordidtheunfortunateMaster，nordidanybody；fortheeyesofallwerenowturnedwheretheking’swent。
"Givememyhorn，"saidthegraciousmonarch。
Thehornofstatewasputtohishand。
"Younggentleman，"hecalledtothestranger，"IwishtodrinktoyourhealthandtowelcomeyoutoTara。"
Theyoungmancameforwardthen，greater-shoulderedthananymightymanofthatgathering，longerandcleanerlimbed，withhisfaircurlsdancingabouthisbeardlessface。Thekingputthegreathornintohishand。
"Tellmeyourname，"hecommandedgently。
"IamFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，"saidtheyouth。
Andatthatsayingatouchasoflightningwentthroughthegatheringsothateachpersonquivered，andthesonofthegreat，murderedcaptainlookedbytheking’sshoulderintothetwinklingeyeofGoll。Butnowordwasuttered，nomovementmadeexceptthemovementandtheutteranceoftheArd-Ri’。
"Youarethesonofafriend，"saidthegreat-heartedmonarch。
"Youshallhavetheseatofafriend。"
HeplacedFionnattherighthandofhisownsonArt。
CHAPTERXII
ItistobeknownthatonthenightoftheFeastofSamhainthedoorsseparatingthisworldandthenextoneareopened，andtheinhabitantsofeitherworldcanleavetheirrespectivespheresandappearintheworldoftheotherbeings。
NowtherewasagrandsontotheDagdaMor，theLordoftheUnderworld，andhewasnamedAillenmacMidna，outofShi’
Finnachy，andthisAillenboreanimplacableenmitytoTaraandtheArd-Ri’。
AswellasbeingmonarchofIrelandherHighKingwaschiefofthepeoplelearnedinmagic，anditispossiblethatatsometimeConnhadadventuredintoTirnan-Og，theLandoftheYoung，andhaddonesomedeedormisdeedinAillen’slordshiporinhisfamily。Itmusthavebeenanilldeedintruth，foritwasinaveryrageofrevengethatAillencameyearlyatthepermittedtimetoravageTara。
Ninetimeshehadcomeonthismissionofrevenge，butitisnottobesupposedthathecouldactuallydestroytheholycity：theArd-Ri’andmagicianscouldpreventthat，buthecouldyetdoadamagesoconsiderablethatitwasworthConn’swhiletotakespecialextraprecautionsagainsthim，includingtheprecautionofchance。
Therefore，whenthefeastwasoverandthebanquethadcommenced，theHundredFighterstoodfromhisthroneandlookedoverhisassembledpeople。
TheChainofSilencewasshakenbytheattendantwhosedutyandhonourwastheSilverChain，andatthatdelicatechimethehaltwentsilent，andageneralwonderensuedastowhatmattertheHighKingwouldsubmittohispeople。
"Friendsandheroes，"saidConn，"Aillen，thesonofMidna，willcometo-nightfromSlieveFuaidwithoccult，terriblefireagainstourcity。IsthereamongyouonewholovesTaraandtheking，andwhowillundertakeourdefenceagainstthatbeing？"
Hespokeinsilence，andwhenhehadfinishedhelistenedtothesamesilence，butitwasnowdeep，ominous，agonized。Eachmanglanceduneasilyonhisneighbourandthenstaredathiswine-cuporhisfingers。Theheartsofyoungmenwenthotforagallantmomentandwerechilledinthesucceedingone，fortheyhadallheardofAillenoutofShlFinnachyinthenorth。Thelessergentlemenlookedundertheirbrowsatthegreaterchampions，andthesepeeredfurtivelyatthegreatestofall。ArtogmacMornaoftheHardStrokesfelltobitinghisfingers，Cona’ntheSwearerandGarramacMornagrumbledirritablytoeachotherandattheirneighbours，evenCaelte，thesonofRona’n，lookeddownintohisownlap，andGollMorsippedathiswinewithoutanytwinkleinhiseye。Ahorridembarrassmentcameintothegreathall，andastheHighKingstoodinthatpalpitatingsilencehisnoblefacechangedfromkindlytograveandfromthattoaterriblesternness。Inanothermoment，totheundyingshameofeverypersonpresent，hewouldhavebeencompelledtolifthisownchallengeanddeclarehimselfthechampionofTaraforthatnight，buttheshamethatwasonthefacesofhispeoplewouldremainintheheartoftheirking。Goll’smerrymindwouldhelphimtoforget，butevenhisheartwouldbewrungbyamemorythathewouldnotdaretoface。ItwasatthatterriblemomentthatFionnstoodup。
"What，"saidhe，"willbegiventothemanwhoundertakesthisdefence？"
"Allthatcanberightlyaskedwillberoyallybestowed，"wastheking’sanswer。
"Whoarethesureties？"saidFionn。
"ThekingsofIreland，andRedCithwithhismagicians。"
"Iwillundertakethedefence，"saidFionn。Andonthat，thekingsandmagicianswhowerepresentboundthemselvestothefulfilmentofthebargain。
Fionnmarchedfromthebanquetinghall，andashewent，allwhowerepresentofnoblesandretainersandservantsacclaimedhimandwishedhimluck。Butintheirheartstheywerebiddinghimgood-bye，forallwereassuredthattheladwasmarchingtoadeathsounescapeablethathemightalreadybecountedasadeadman。
ItislikelythatFionnlookedforhelptothepeopleoftheShi’
themselves，for，throughhismother，hebelongedtothetribesofDana，although，onthefather’sside，hisbloodwaswellcompoundedwithmortalclay。Itmaybe，too，thatheknewhoweventswouldturn，forhehadeatentheSalmonofKnowledge。Yetitisnotrecordedthatonthisoccasionheinvokedanymagicalartashedidonotheradventures。
Fionn’swayofdiscoveringwhateverwashappeningandhiddenwasalwaysthesameandismanytimesreferredto。Ashallow，oblongdishofpure，palegoldwasbroughttohim。Thisdishwasfilledwithclearwater。ThenFionnwouldbendhisheadandstareintothewater，andashestaredhewouldplacehisthumbinhismouthunderhis"ToothofKnowledge，"his"wisdomtooth。"
Knowledge，mayitbesaid，ishigherthanmagicandismoretobesought。Itisquitepossibletoseewhatishappeningandyetnotknowwhatisforward，forwhileseeingisbelievingitdoesnotfollowthateitherseeingorbelievingisknowing。Manyapersoncanseeathingandbelieveathingandknowjustaslittleaboutitasthepersonwhodoesneither。ButFionnwouldseeandknow，orhewouldunder-standadecentratioofhisvisions。Thathewasversedinmagicistrue，forhewaseverknownastheKnowledgeableman，andlaterhehadtwomagiciansinhishouseholdnamedDirimandmac-Reithtodotheroughworkofknowledgefortheirbusymaster。
ItwasnotfromtheShi’，however，thatassistancecametoFionn。
CHAPTERXIII
Hemarchedthroughthesuccessivefortificationsuntilhecametotheouter，greatwall，theboundaryofthecity，andwhenhehadpassedthishewasonthewideplainofTara。
Otherthanhimselfnopersonwasabroad，foronthenightoftheFeastofSamhainnonebutamadmanwouldquittheshelterofahouseevenifitwereonfire；forwhateverdisastersmightbewithinahousewouldbeasnothingtothecalamitieswithoutit。
ThenoiseofthebanquetwasnotnowaudibletoFionn——itispossible，however，thattherewasashamefacedsilenceinthegreathall——andthelightsofthecitywerehiddenbythesuccessivegreatramparts。Theskywasoverhim；theearthunderhim；andthanthesetherewasnothing，ortherewasbutthedarknessandthewind。
Butdarknesswasnotathingtoterrifyhim，bredinthenightnessofawoodandtheveryfosterlingofgloom；norcouldthewindafflicthisearorhisheart。Therewasnonoteinitsorchestrathathehadnotbroodedonandbecome，whichbecomingismagic。Thelong-drawnmoanofit；thethrillingwhisperandhush；theshrill，sweetwhistle，sothinitcanscarcelybeheard，andistakenmorebythenervesthanbytheear；thescreech，suddenasadevil’syellandloudastenthunders；thecryasofonewhoflieswithbackwardlooktotheshelterofleavesanddarkness；andthesobasofonestrickenwithanage-longmisery，onlyattimesremembered，butrememberedthenwithwhatapang！Hisearknewbywhatsuccessionstheyarrived，andbywhatstagestheygrewanddiminished。Listeninginthedarktothebundleofnoiseswhichmakeanoisehecoulddisentanglethemandassignaplaceandareasontoeachgradationofsoundthatformedthechorus：therewasthepatterofarabbit，andtherethescurryingofahare；abushrustledyonder，butthatbriefrustlewasabird；thatpressurewasawolf，andthishesitationafox；thescrapingyonderwasbutaroughleafagainstbark，andthescratchingbeyonditwasaferret’sclaw。
Fearcannotbewhereknowledgeis，andFionnwasnotfearful。
Hismind，quietlybusyonallsides，pickeduponesoundanddweltonit。"Aman，"saidFionn，andhelistenedinthatdirection，backtowardsthecity。
Amanitwas，almostasskilledindarknessasFionnhimself"Thisisnoenemy，"Fionnthought；"hiswalkingisopen。"
"Whocomes？"hecalled。
"Afriend，"saidthenewcomer。
"Giveafriend’sname，"saidFionn。
"FiacuilmacCona，"wastheanswer。
"Ah，mypulseandheart！"criedFionn，andhestrodeafewpacestomeetthegreatrobberwhohadfosteredhimamongthemarshes。
"Soyouarenotafraid，"hesaidjoyfully。
"Iamafraidingoodtruth，"Fiacuilwhispered，"andtheminutemybusinesswithyouisfinishedIwilltrotbackasquickaslegswillcarryme。Maythegodsprotectmygoingastheyprotectedmycoming，"saidtherobberpiously。
"Amen，"saidFionn，"andnow，tellmewhatyouhavecomefor？"
"HaveyouanyplanagainstthislordoftheShf？"Fiacuilwhispered。
"Iwillattackhim，"saidFionn。
"Thatisnotaplan，"theothergroaned，"wedonotplantodeliveranattackhuttowinavictory。"
"Isthisaveryterribleperson？"Fionnasked。
"Terribleindeed。Noonecangetnearhimorawayfromhim。HecomesoutoftheShi’playingsweet，lowmusiconatimpanandapipe，andallwhohearthismusicfallasleep。"
"Iwillnotfallasleep，"saidFionn。
"Youwillindeed，foreverybodydoes。"
"Whathappensthen？"Fionnasked。
"WhenallareasleepAillenmacMidnablowsadartoffireoutofhismouth，andeverythingthatistouchedbythatfireisdestroyed，andhecanblowhisfiretoanincredibledistanceandtoanydirection。"
"Youareverybravetocometohelpme，"Fionnmurmured，"especiallywhenyouarenotabletohelpmeatall。"
"Icanhelp，"Fiacuilreplied，"butImustbepaid。"
"Whatpayment？"
"Athirdofallyouearnandaseatatyourcouncil。"
"Igrantthat，"saidFionn，"andnow，tellmeyourplan？"
"YouremembermyspearwiththethirtyrivetsofArabiangoldinitssocket？"
"Theone，"Fionnqueried，"thathaditsheadwrappedinablanketandwasstuckinabucketofwaterandwaschainedtoawallaswell——thevenomousBirgha？""Thatone，"Fiacuilreplied。
"ItisAillenmacMidna’sownspear，"hecontinued，"anditwastakenoutofhisShi’byyourfather。"
"Well？"saidFionn，wonderingneverthelesswhereFiacuilgotthespear，buttoogeneroustoask。
"WhenyouhearthegreatmanoftheShi’coming，takethewrappingsofftheheadofthespearandbendyourfaceoverit；
theheatofthespear，thestenchofit，allitsperniciousandacridqualitieswillpreventyoufromgoingtosleep。"
"Areyousureofthat？"saidFionn。
"Youcouldn’tgotosleepclosetothatstench；nobodycould，"
Fiacuilreplieddecidedly。
Hecontinued："AillenmacMidnawillbeoffhisguardwhenhestopsplayingandbeginstoblowhisfire；hewillthinkeverybodyisasleep；thenyoucandelivertheattackyouwerespeakingof，andallgoodluckgowithit。"
"Iwillgivehimbackhisspear，"saidFionn。
"Hereitis，"saidFiacuil，takingtheBirghafromunderhiscloak。"Butbeascarefulofit，mypulse，beasfrightenedofitasyouareofthemanofDana。"
"Iwillbefrightenedofnothing，"saidFionn，"andtheonlypersonIwillbesorryforisthatAillenmacMidna，whoisgoingtogethisownspearback。"
"Iwillgoawaynow，"hiscompanionwhispered，"foritisgrowingdarkerwhereyouwouldhavethoughttherewasnomoreroomfordarkness，andthereisaneeriefeelingabroadwhichIdonotlike。ThatmanfromtheShi’maycomeanyminute，andifIcatchonesoundofhismusicIamdonefor。"
TherobberwentawayandagainFionnwasalone。
CHAPTERXIV
Helistenedtotheretreatingfootstepsuntiltheycouldbeheardnomore，andtheonesoundthatcametohistenseearswasthebeatingofhisownheart。
Eventhewindhadceased，andthereseemedtobenothingintheworldbutthedarknessandhimself。Inthatgiganticblackness，inthatunseenquietudeandvacancy，themindcouldceasetobepersonaltoitself。Itcouldbeoverwhelmedandmergedinspace，sothatconsciousnesswouldbetransferredordissipated，andonemightsleepstanding；forthemindfearslonelinessmorethanallelse，andwillescapetothemoonratherthanbedriveninwardsonitsownbeing。
ButFionnwasnotlonely，andhewasnotafraidwhenthesonofMidnacame。
Alongstretchofthesilentnighthadgoneby，minutefollowingminuteinaslowsequence，whereinastherewasnochangetherewasnotime；whereintherewasnopastandnofuture，butastupefying，endlesspresentwhichisalmosttheannihilationofconsciousness。Achangecamethen，forthecloudshadalsobeenmovingandthemoonatlastwassensedbehindthem——notasaradiance，butasapercolationoflight，agleamthatwasstrainedthroughmatteraftermatterandwaslessthantheverywraithorremembranceofitself；athingseensonarrowly，sosparsely，thattheeyecoulddoubtifitwasorwasnotseeing，andmightconceivethatitsownmemorywasre-creatingthatwhichwasstillabsent。
ButFionn’seyewastheeyeofawildcreaturethatspiesondarknessandmovestherewittingly。Hesaw，then，notathingbutamovement；somethingthatwasdarkerthanthedarknessitloomedon；notabeingbutapresence，and，asitwere，impendingpressure。Andinalittleheheardthedeliberatepaceofthatgreatbeing。
Fionnbenttohisspearandunlooseditscoverings。
Thenfromthedarknesstherecameanothersound；alow，sweetsound；thrillinglyjoyous，thrillinglylow；solowtheearcouldscarcelynoteit，sosweettheearwishedtocatchnothingelseandwouldstrivetohearitratherthanallsoundsthatmaybeheardbyman：themusicofanotherworld！theunearthly，dearmelodyoftheShi’！Sosweetitwasthatthesensestrainedtoit，andhavingreachedmustfollowdrowsilyinitswake，andwouldmergeinit，andcouldnotreturnagaintoitsownplaceuntilthatstrangeharmonywasfinishedandtheearrestoredtofreedom。
ButFionnhadtakenthecoveringfromhisspear，andwithhisbrowpressedclosetoithekepthismindandallhissensesengagedonthatsizzling，murderouspoint。
ThemusicceasedandAillenhissedafierceblueflamefromhismouth，anditwasasthoughhehissedlightning。
HereitwouldseemthatFionnusedmagic，forspreadingouthisfringedmantlehecaughttheflame。Ratherhestoppedit，foritslidfromthemantleandspeddownintotheearthtothedepthoftwenty-sixspans；fromwhichthatslopeisstillcalledtheGlenoftheMantle，andtheriseonwhichAillenstoodisknownastheArdofFire。
OnecanimaginethesurpriseofAillenmacMidna，seeinghisfirecaughtandquenchedbyaninvisiblehand。Andonecanimaginethatatthischeckhemightbefrightened，forwhowouldbemoreterrifiedthanamagicianwhoseeshismagicfail，andwho，knowingofpower，willguessatpowersofwhichhehasnoconceptionandmaywelldread。
Everythinghadbeendonebyhimasitshouldbedone。Hispipehadbeenplayedandhistimpan，allwhoheardthatmusicshouldbeasleep，andyethisfirewascaughtinfullcourseandwasquenched。
Aillen，withalltheterrificstrengthofwhichhewasmaster，blewagain，andthegreatjetofblueflamecameroaringandwhistlingfromhimandwascaughtanddisappeared。
PanicswirledintothemanfromFaery；heturnedfromthatterriblespotandfled，notknowingwhatmightbebehind，butdreadingitashehadneverbeforedreadedanything，andtheunknownpursuedhim；thatterribledefencebecameoffenceandhungtohisheelasawolfpadsbytheflankofabull。
AndAillenwasnotinhisownworld！Hewasintheworldofmen，wheremovementisnoteasyandtheveryairaburden。Inhisownsphere，inhisownelement，hemighthaveoutrunFionn，butthiswasFionn’sworld，Fionn’selement，andtheflyinggodwasnotgrossenoughtooutstriphim。Yetwhataracehegave，foritwasbutattheentrancetohisownShi’thatthepursuergotcloseenough。Fionnputafingerintothethongofthegreatspear，andatthatcastnightfellonAillenmacMidna。Hiseyeswentblack，hismindwhirledandceased，therecamenothingnesswherehehadbeen，andastheBirghawhistledintohisshoulder-bladeshewitheredaway，hetumbledemptilyandwasdead。FionntookhislovelyheadfromitsshouldersandwentbackthroughthenighttoTara。
TriumphantFionn，whohaddealtdeathtoagod，andtowhomdeathwouldbedealt，andwhoisnowdead！
Hereachedthepalaceatsunrise。
Onthatmorningallwereastirearly。Theywishedtoseewhatdestructionhadbeenwroughtbythegreatbeing，butitwasyoungFionntheysawandthatredoubtableheadswingingbyitshair。
"Whatisyourdemand？"saidtheArd-Ri’。"ThethingthatitisrightIshouldask，"saidFionn："thecommandoftheFiannaofIreland。"
"Makeyourchoice，"saidConntoGollMor；"youwillleaveIreland，oryouwillplaceyourhandinthehandofthischampionandbehisman。"
Gollcoulddoathingthatwouldbehardforanotherperson，andhecoulddoitsobeautifullythathewasnotdiminishedbyanyaction。
"Hereismyhand，"saidGoll。
Andhetwinkledatthestern，youngeyesthatgazedonhimashemadehissubmission。
THEBIRTHOFBRAN
CHAPTERI
Therearepeoplewhodonotlikedogsabit——theyareusuallywomen——butinthisstorythereisamanwhodidnotlikedogs。Infact，hehatedthem。Whenhesawoneheusedtogoblackintheface，andhethrewrocksatituntilitgotoutofsight。ButthePowerthatprotectsallcreatureshadputasquintintothisman’seye，sothathealwaysthrewcrooked。
Thisgentleman’snamewasFergusFionnliath，andhisstrongholdwasneartheharbourofGalway。Wheneveradogbarkedhewouldleapoutofhisseat，andhewouldthroweverythingthatheownedoutofthewindowinthedirectionofthebark。Hegaveprizestoservantswhodislikeddogs，andwhenheheardthatamanhaddrownedalitterofpupsheusedtovisitthatpersonandtrytomarryhisdaughter。
NowFionn，thesonofUail，wasthereverseofFergusFionnliathinthismatter，forhedelightedindogs，andhekneweverythingaboutthemfromthesettingofthefirstlittlewhitetoothtotherockingofthelastlongyellowone。Heknewtheaffectionsandantipathieswhichareproperinadog；thedegreeofobediencetowhichdogsmaybetrainedwithoutlosingtheirhonourablequalitiesorbecomingservileandsuspicious；heknewthehopesthatanimatethem，theapprehensionswhichtingleintheirblood，andallthatistobedemandedfrom，orforgivenin，apaw，anear，anose，aneye，oratooth；andheunderstoodthesethingsbecauseheloveddogs，foritisbylovealonethatweunderstandanything。
AmongthethreehundreddogswhichFionnownedthereweretwotowhomhegaveanespecialtenderness，andwhowerehisdailyandnightlycompanions。ThesetwowereBranandSceo’lan，butifapersonweretoguessfortwentyyearshewouldnotfindoutwhyFionnlovedthesetwodogsandwhyhewouldneverbeseparatedfromthem。
Fionn’smother，Muirne，wenttowideAllenofLeinstertovisitherson，andshebroughtheryoungsisterTuirenwithher。ThemotherandauntofthegreatcaptainwerewelltreatedamongtheFianna，first，becausetheywereparentstoFionn，andsecond，becausetheywerebeautifulandnoblewomen。
NowordscandescribehowdelightfulMuirnewas——shetookthebranch；andastoTuiren，amancouldnotlookatherwithoutbecomingangryordejected。Herfacewasfreshasaspringmorning；hervoicemorecheerfulthanthecuckoocallingfromthebranchthatishighestinthehedge；andherformswayedlikeareedandflowedlikeariver，sothateachpersonthoughtshewouldsurelyflowtohim。
Menwhohadwivesoftheirowngrewmoodyanddowncastbecausetheycouldnothopetomarryher，whilethebachelorsoftheFiannastaredateachotherwithtruculent，bloodshoteyes，andthentheygazedonTuirensogentlythatshemayhaveimaginedshewasbeingbeamedonbythemildeyesofthedawn。
ItwastoanUlstergentleman，IollanEachtach，thatshegaveherlove，andthischiefstatedhisrightsandqualitiesandaskedforherinmarriage。
NowFionndidnotdislikethemanofUlster，buteitherhedidnotknowthemwellorelseheknewthemtoowell，forhemadeacuriousstipulationbeforeconsentingtothemarriage。HeboundIollantoreturntheladyifthereshouldbeoccasiontothinkherunhappy，andIollanagreedtodoso。ThesuretiestothisbargainwereCaeltemacRonan，GollmacMorna，andLugaidh。
Lugaidhhimselfgavethebrideaway，butitwasnotapleasantceremonyforhim，becausehealsowasinlovewiththelady，andhewouldhavepreferredkeepinghertogivingheraway。Whenshehadgonehemadeapoemabouther，beginning：
"Thereisnomorelightinthesky——"
Andhundredsofsadpeoplelearnedthepoembyheart。
CHAPTERII
WhenIollanandTuirenweremarriedtheywenttoUlster，andtheylivedtogetherveryhappily。Butthelawoflifeischange；
nothingcontinuesinthesamewayforanylengthoftime；
happinessmustbecomeunhappiness，andwillbesucceededagainbythejoyithaddisplaced。Thepastalsomustbereckonedwith；itisseldomasfarbehindusaswecouldwish：itismoreofteninfront，blockingtheway，andthefuturetripsoveritjustwhenwethinkthattheroadisclearandjoyourown。
Iollanhadapast。Hewasnotashamedofit；hemerelythoughtitwasfinished，althoughintruthitwasonlybeginning，foritisthatperpetualbeginningofthepastthatwecallthefuture。
BeforehejoinedtheFiannahehadbeeninlovewithaladyoftheShi’，namedUctDealv（FairBreast），andtheyhadbeensweetheartsforyears。HowoftenhehadvisitedhissweetheartinFaery！Withwhateagernessandanticipationhehadgonethere；
thelover’swhistlethatheusedtogivewasknowntoeverypersoninthatShi’，andhehadbeendiscussedbymorethanoneofthedelicatesweetladiesofFaery。"Thatisyourwhistle，FairBreast，"hersisteroftheShi’wouldsay。
AndUctDealvwouldreply："Yes，thatismymortal，mylover，mypulse，andmyonetreasure。"
Shelaidherspinningaside，orherembroideryifshewasatthat，orifshewerebakingacakeoffinewheatenbreadmixedwithhoneyshewouldleavethecaketobakeitselfandflytoIollan。Thentheywenthandinhandinthecountrythatsmellsofapple-blossomandhoney，lookingonheavy-boughedtreesandondancingandbeamingclouds。Ortheystooddreamingtogether，lockedinaclaspingofarmsandeyes，gazingupanddownoneachother，Iollanstaringdownintosweetgreywellsthatpeepedandflickeredunderthinbrows，andUctDealvlookingupintogreatblackonesthatwentdreamyandwenthotinendlessalternation。
ThenIollanwouldgobacktotheworldofmen，andUctDealvwouldreturntoheroccupationsintheLandoftheEverYoung。
"Whatdidhesay？"hersisteroftheShi’wouldask。
"HesaidIwastheBerryoftheMountain，theStarofKnowledge，andtheBlossomoftheRaspberry。"
"Theyalwayssaythesamething，"hersisterpouted。
"Buttheylookotherthings，"UctDealvinsisted。"Theyfeelotherthings，"shemurmured；andanendlessconversationrecommenced。
ThenforsometimeIollandidnotcometoFaery，andUctDealvmarvelledatthat，whilehersistermadeanhundredsurmises，eachoneworsethanthelast。
"Heisnotdeadorhewouldbehere，"shesaid。"Hehasforgottenyou，mydarling。"
NewswasbroughttoTlrnan-OgofthemarriageofIollanandTuiren，andwhenUctDealvheardthatnewsherheartceasedtobeatforamoment，andsheclosedhereyes。
"Now！"saidhersisteroftheShi’。"Thatishowlongtheloveofamortallasts，"sheadded，inthevoiceofsadtriumphwhichispropertosisters。
ButonUctDealvtherecamearageofjealousyanddespairsuchasnopersonintheShi’hadeverheardof，andfromthatmomentshebecamecapableofeveryilldeed；fortherearetwothingsnoteasilycontrolled，andtheyarehungerandjealousy。ShedeterminedthatthewomanwhohadsupplantedherinIollan’saffectionsshouldruethedayshedidit。Sheponderedandbroodedrevengeinherheart，sittinginthoughtfulsolitudeandbittercollectednessuntilatlastshehadaplan。
Sheunderstoodtheartsofmagicandshape-changing，soshechangedhershapeintothatofFionn’sfemalerunner，thebest-knownwomaninIreland；thenshesetoutfromFaeryandappearedintheworld。ShetravelledinthedirectionofIollan’sstronghold。
IollanknewtheappearanceofFionn’smessenger，buthewassurprisedtoseeher。
Shesalutedhim。
"Healthandlonglife，mymaster。"。
"Healthandgooddays，"hereplied。"Whatbringsyouhere，dearheart？"
"IcomefromFionn。"
"Andyourmessage？"saidhe。
"Theroyalcaptainintendstovisityou。"
"Hewillbewelcome，"saidIollan。"WeshallgivehimanUlsterfeast。"
"Theworldknowswhatthatis，"saidthemessengercourteously。
"Andnow，"shecontinued，"Ihavemessagesforyourqueen。"
Tuirenthenwalkedfromthehousewiththemessenger，butwhentheyhadgoneashortdistanceUctDealvdrewahazelrodfrombeneathhercloakandstruckitonthequeen’sshoulder，andontheinstantTuiren’sfiguretrembledandquivered，anditbegantowhirlinwardsanddownwards，andshechangedintotheappearanceofahound。
Itwassadtoseethebeautiful，slenderdogstandingshiveringandastonished，andsadtoseethelovelyeyesthatlookedoutpitifullyinterrorandamazement。ButUctDealvdidnotfeelsad。Sheclaspedachainaboutthehound’sneck，andtheysetoffwestwardtowardsthehouseofFergusFionnliath，whowasreputedtobetheunfriendliestmanintheworldtoadog。ItwasbecauseofhisreputationthatUctDealvwasbringingthehoundtohim。
Shedidnotwantagoodhomeforthisdog：shewantedtheworsthomethatcouldbefoundintheworld，andshethoughtthatFerguswouldrevengeforhertherageandjealousywhichshefelttowardsTuiren。
CHAPTERIII
AstheypacedalongUctDealvrailedbitterlyagainstthehound，andshookandjerkedherchain。Manyasharpcrythehoundgaveinthatjourney，manyamildlament。
"Ah，supplanter！Ah，takerofanothergirl’ssweetheart！"saidUctDealvfiercely。"Howwouldyourlovertakeitifhecouldseeyounow？Howwouldhelookifhesawyourpointyears，yourlongthinsnout，yourshivering，skinnylegs，andyourlonggreytail。
Hewouldnotloveyounow，badgirl！"
"HaveyouheardofFergusFionnliath，"shesaidagain，"themanwhodoesnotlikedogs？"
Tuirenhadindeedheardofhim。
"ItistoFergusIshallbringyou，"criedUctDealv。"Hewillthrowstonesatyou。Youhaveneverhadastonethrownatyou。
Ah，badgirl！Youdonotknowhowastonesoundsasitnipstheearwithawhirlingbuzz，norhowjaggedandheavyitfeelsasitthumpsagainstaskinnyleg。Robber！Mortal！Badgirl！Youhaveneverbeenwhipped，butyouwillbewhippednow。Youshallhearthesongofalashasitcurlsforwardandbitesinwardanddragsbackward。Youshalldigupoldbonesstealthilyatnight，andchewthemagainstfamine。Youshallwhineandsquealatthemoon，andshiverinthecold，andyouwillnevertakeanothergirl’ssweetheartagain。"
AnditwasinthosetermsandinthattonethatshespoketoTuirenastheyjourneyedforward，sothatthehoundtrembledandshrank，andwhinedpitifullyandindespair。
TheycametoFergusFionnliath’sstronghold，andUctDealvdemandedadmittance。
"Leavethatdogoutside，"saidtheservant。
"Iwillnotdoso，"saidthepretendedmessenger。
"Youcancomeinwithoutthedog，oryoucanstayoutwiththedog，"saidthesurlyguardian。
"Bymyhand，"criedUctDealv，"Iwillcomeinwiththisdog，oryourmastershallanswerforittoFionn。"
AtthenameofFionntheservantalmostfelloutofhisstanding。
Heflewtoacquainthismaster，andFergushimselfcametothegreatdoorofthestronghold。
"Bymyfaith，"hecriedinamazement，"itisadog。"
"Adogitis，"growledtheglumservant。
"Goyouaway，"saidFergustoUctDealv，"andwhenyouhavekilledthedogcomebacktomeandIwillgiveyouapresent。"
"Lifeandhealth，mygoodmaster，fromFionn，thesonofUail，thesonofBaiscne，"saidshetoFergus。
"LifeandhealthbacktoFionn，"hereplied。"Comeintothehouseandgiveyourmessage，butleavethedogoutside，forIdon’tlikedogs。"
"Thedogcomesin，"themessengerreplied。
"Howisthat？"criedFergusangrily。
"Fionnsendsyouthishoundtotakecareofuntilhecomesforher，"saidthemessenger。
"Iwonderatthat，"Fergusgrowled，"forFionnknowswellthatthereisnotamanintheworldhaslessofalikingfordogsthanIhave。"
"Howeverthatmaybe，master，IhavegivenFionn’smessage，andhereatmyheelisthedog。Doyoutakeherorrefuseher？"
"IfIcouldrefuseanythingtoFionnitwouldbeadog，"saidFergus，"butIcouldnotrefuseanythingtoFionn，sogivemethehound。"
UctDealvputthechaininhishand。
"Ah，baddog！"saidshe。
Andthenshewentawaywellsatisfiedwithherrevenge，andreturnedtoherownpeopleintheShi。
CHAPTERIV
OnthefollowingdayFerguscalledhisservant。
"Hasthatdogstoppedshiveringyet？"heasked。
"Ithasnot，sir，"saidtheservant。
"Bringthebeasthere，"saidhismaster，"forwhoeverelseisdissatisfiedFionnmustbesatisfied。"
Thedogwasbrought，andheexamineditwithajaundicedandbittereye。
"Ithastheshiversindeed，"hesaid。
"Theshiversithas，"saidtheservant。
"Howdoyoucuretheshivers？"hismasterdemanded，forhethoughtthatiftheanimal’slegsdroppedoffFionnwouldnotbesatisfied。
"Thereisaway，"saidtheservantdoubtfully。
"Ifthereisaway，tellittome，"criedhismasterangrily。
"Ifyouweretotakethebeastupinyourarmsandhugitandkissit，theshiverswouldstop，"saidtheman。
"Doyoumean——？"hismasterthundered，andhestretchedhishandforaclub。
"Iheardthat，"saidtheservanthumbly。
"Takethatdogup，"Ferguscommanded，"andhugitandkissit，andifIfindasingleshiverleftinthebeastI’llbreakyourhead。"
Themanbenttothehound，butitsnappedapieceoutofhishand，andnearlybithisnoseoffaswell。
"Thatdogdoesn’tlikeme，"saidtheman。
"NordoI，"roaredFergus；"getoutofmysight。"
ThemanwentawayandFerguswasleftalonewiththehound，butthepoorcreaturewassoterrifiedthatitbegantotrembletentimesworsethanbefore。
"Itslegswilldropoff，"saidFergus。"Fionnwillblameme，"hecriedindespair。
Hewalkedtothehound。
"Ifyousnapatmynose，orifyouputasmuchasthestartofatoothintothebeginningofafinger！"hegrowled。
Hepickedupthedog，butitdidnotsnap，itonlytrembled。Hehelditgingerlyforafewmoments。
"Ifithastobehugged，"hesaid，"I’llhugit。I’ddomorethanthatforFionn。"
Hetuckedandtightenedtheanimalintohisbreast，andmarchedmoodilyupanddowntheroom。Thedog’snoselayalonghisbreastunderhischin，andashegaveitdutifulhugs，onehugtoeveryfivepaces，thedogputoutitstongueandlickedhimtimidlyunderthechin。
"Stop，"roaredFergus，"stopthatforever，"andhegrewveryredintheface，andstaredtruculentlydownalonghisnose。Asoftbrowneyelookedupathimandtheshytonguetouchedagainonhischin。
"Ifithastobekissed，"saidFergusgloomily，"I’llkissit；
I’ddomorethanthatforFionn，"hegroaned。
Hebenthishead，shuthiseyes，andbroughtthedog’sjawagainsthislips。Andatthatthedoggavelittlewrigglesinhisarms，andlittlebarks，andlittlelicks，sothathecouldscarcelyholdher。Heputthehounddownatlast。
"Thereisnotasingleshiverleftinher，"hesaid。
Andthatwastrue。
Everywherehewalkedthedogfollowedhim，givinglittleprancesandlittlepatsagainsthim，andkeepinghereyesfixedonhiswithsucheagernessandintelligencethathemarvelled。
"Thatdoglikesme，"hemurmuredinamazement。
"Bymyhand，"hecriednextday，"Ilikethatdog。"
Thedayafterthathewascallingher"MyOneTreasure，MyLittleBranch。"Andwithinaweekhecouldnotbearhertobeoutofhissightforaninstant。
Hewastormentedbytheideathatsomeevilpersonmightthrowastoneatthehound，soheassembledhisservantsandretainersandaddressedthem。
HetoldthemthatthehoundwastheQueenofCreatures，thePulseofhisHeart，andtheAppleofhisEye，andhewarnedthemthatthepersonwhoasmuchaslookedsidewaysonher，orknockedoneshiveroutofher，wouldanswerforthedeedwithpainsandindignities。Herecitedalistofcalamitieswhichwouldbefallsuchamiscreant，andthesewoesbeganwithflayingandendedwithdismemberment，andhadinsidebitsofsuchcomplicatedandingenioustormentthatthebloodofthemenwhohearditranchillintheirveins，andthewomenofthehouseholdfaintedwheretheystood。
CHAPTERV
IncourseoftimethenewscametoFionnthathismother’ssisterwasnotlivingwithIollan。HeatoncesentamessengercallingforfulfilmentofthepledgethathadbeengiventotheFianna，anddemandingtheinstantreturnofTuiren。Iollanwasinasadconditionwhenthisdemandwasmade。HeguessedthatUctDealvhadahandinthedisappearanceofhisqueen，andhebeggedthattimeshouldbegivenhiminwhichtofindthelostgirl。HepromisedifhecouldnotdiscoverherwithinacertainperiodthathewoulddeliverhisbodyintoFionn’shands，andwouldabidebywhateverjudgementFionnmightpronounce。Thegreatcaptainagreedtothat。
"Tellthewife-loserthatIwillhavethegirlorIwillhavehishead，"saidFionn。
IollansetoutthenforFaery。Heknewtheway，andinnogreattimehecametothehillwhereUctDealvwas。
ItwashardtogetUctDealvtomeethim，butatlastsheconsented，andtheymetundertheappleboughsofFaery。
"Well！"saidUctDealv。"Ah！BreakerofVowsandTraitortoLove，"saidshe。
"Hailandablessing，"saidIollanhumbly。
"Bymyhand，"shecried，"Iwillgiveyounoblessing，foritwasnoblessingyouleftwithmewhenweparted。"
"Iamindanger，"saidIollan。
"Whatisthattome？"sherepliedfiercely。
"Fionnmayclaimmyhead，"hemurmured。
"Lethimclaimwhathecantake，"saidshe。
"No，"saidIollanproudly，"hewillclaimwhatIcangive。"
"Tellmeyourtale，"saidshecoldly。
Iollantoldhisstorythen，and，heconcluded，"Iamcertainthatyouhavehiddenthegirl。"
"IfIsaveyourheadfromFionn，"thewomanoftheShi’replied，"thenyourheadwillbelongtome。"
"Thatistrue，"saidIollan。
"Andifyourheadismine，thebodythatgoesunderitismine。
Doyouagreetothat？"
"Ido，"saidIollan。
"Givemeyourpledge，"saidUctDealv，"thatifIsaveyoufromthisdangeryouwillkeepmeasyoursweetheartuntiltheendoflifeandtime。"
"Igivethatpledge，"saidIollan。
UctDealvwentthentothehouseofFergusFionnliath，andshebroketheenchantmentthatwasonthehound，sothatTuiren’sownshapecamebacktoher；butinthematteroftwosmallwhelps，towhichthehoundhadgivenbirth，theenchantmentcouldnotbebroken，sotheyhadtoremainastheywere。ThesetwowhelpswereBranandSceo’lan。TheyweresenttoFionn，andhelovedthemforeverafter，fortheywereloyalandaffectionate，asonlydogscanbe，andtheywereasintelligentashumanbeings。Besidesthat，theywereFionn’sowncousins。
TuirenwasthenaskedinmarriagebyLugaidhwhohadlovedhersolong。Hehadtoprovetoherthathewasnotanyotherwoman’ssweetheart，andwhenheprovedthattheyweremarried，andtheylivedhappilyeverafter，whichistheproperwaytolive。Hewroteapoembeginning：
"Lovelytheday。Dearistheeyeofthedawn——"
Andathousandmerrypeoplelearneditafterhim。
ButastoFergusFionnliath，hetooktohisbed，andhestayedthereforayearandadaysufferingfromblightedaffection，andhewouldhavediedinthebedonlythatFionnsenthimaspecialpup，andinaweekthatyounghoundbecametheStarofFortuneandtheveryPulseofhisHeart，sothathegotwellagain，andhealsolivedhappilyeverafter。
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