Page:Irish Fairy Tales (Stephens).djvu/383

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XVIII
MONGAN'S FRENZY
309

get Duv Laca back unless the King of Leinster asks me to take her back, for a bargain is a bargain."

"That will happen when pigs fly," said mac an Dáv, "and," said he, "I did not make any bargain with any king that is in the world."

"I heard you say that before," said Mongan.

"I will say it till Doom," cried his servant, "for my wife has gone away with that pestilent king, and he has got the double of your bad bargain."

Mongan and his servant then set out for Leinster.

When they neared that country they found a great crowd going on the road with them, and they learned that the king was giving a feast in honour of his marriage to Duv Laca, for the year of waiting was nearly out, and the king had sworn he would delay no longer.

They went on, therefore, but in low spirits, and at last they saw the walls of the king's castle towering before them, and a noble company going to and fro on the lawn.