Page:The courtship of Ferb (Leahy).djvu/103

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The Story of the Courtship of Ferb

Cualgne, in the pursuit of whom shall this onslaught on thy people be made," "No liking," said Conor, "have I for any such deed as this of which thou hast spoken." "But ere that day cometh," said she, "a glorious deed is there for thee to do. Upon the outer marches of thy kingdom is Mani Morgor, the son of Alill; three times fifty is the number of the warriors with him, and in Glen Geirg near to thee is he now, for his wedding with the daughter of Gerg is he come: the name of the maiden is Ferb. Thither hie thee against him; for to-morrow at the ninth hour shall the banquet be spread." "What," said Conor, "is the number of the warriors whom I should take?" "Gather together three hundred fighting men," said she; and she went away from his side, and she removed herself out of his sight. In the morning Conor awoke, and to Mumain Aitenchaitrech, his queen, he told the tale he had heard. "If thou wouldest hearken to me," said she, "thou wouldest not go—enough cause of strife is there already for our folk and for them." "By the road that we take for our raid," answered Conor, "shall I surely return." "Well then," said she, "depart on the path that thou seekest."

And those three hundred departed, and went on till they had come to the house of Gerg, even until they had reached (the fortress of) Raith Imbuee, where Gerg the king abode. The strains of music within the walls came

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