"But," Finnabar cried, "by my country's god I swear that from out this hour, Will I leave this land, and my father's hand shall no more on my life have power, And no feasting shall tempt me to stay, no draughts of wine my resolve shall shake!" "No reproach would I bring, if as spouse," said the king, "thou a groom from my stalls would'st take! But that ring must be found ere thou goest! "Then back came her maid, and a dish she bore: And there lay a salmon well broiled, as sauce with honey 'twas garnished o'er: By the daughter of Ailill herself with skill had the honey-sweet sauce been made. And high on the breast of the fish, the ring of gold that they sought was laid. King Ailill and Maev at the ring gazed hard; Fraech looked, in his purse he felt: Now it seemeth," he said, "'twas to prove my host that I left on the bank my belt, And Ailill now I challenge All truth, as king to tell; What deed his cunning fashioned, And what that ring befell." "There is naught to be hidden," said Ailill; "It was mine, in thy purse though it lay And my daughter I knew as its giver: So to river I hurled it away. Now Fraech in turn I challenge By life and honour's claim: Say how from yon dark water That ring to draw ye came." "There is naught to be hidden," he answered, "The first day that I came, on the earth, Near the court round thy house, was that jewel; And I saw all its beauty and worth: In my purse then I hid it; thy daughter, Who had lost it, with care for it sought; And the day that I went to that water Was the news of her search to me brought: And I asked what reward she would give me, If the gem in her hand should be placed; And she answered that I, if I found it, For a year by her love should be graced. But not then could the ring be delivered: For afar in my chamber it lay: Till she gave me the sword in the river, We met not again on that day. 'Twas then I saw thee open My purse, and take the ring: I watched, and towards the water That gem I saw thee fling: I saw the salmon leaping, The ring it caught, and sank: I came behind, and seized it; And brought the fish to bank. Then I wrapped it up close in my mantle; And 'twas hid from inquisitive eyes; And in Finnabar's hand have I placed it: And now there on the platter it lies!" Now all who this or that would know To ask, and praise began: Said Finnabar, "I'll never throw My thoughts on other man!" Now hear her word," her parents cried, "And plight to her thy troth, And when for Cualgne's[FN#13] kine we ride Do thou redeem thine oath. [FN#13] Pronounced Kell-ny. And when with kine from out the east Ye reach our western land; That night shall be thy marriage feast; And thine our daughter's hand."