then, as Goll felt his strength failing him, he made a tremendous effort, and throwing the hag to the ground bound her feet and hands with the straps of his shield. So great was his anger at her treachery that he would have killed her instantly, but she implored him to spare her.
"O warrior that never yet was conquered, and whose courage has never faltered in any battle, surely it were better for you to spare my life, and in return I will liberate the Fians from their enchanted bonds, which I only am able to do. Release me, I pray you, and by all the gods I worship I swear that what I have promised I will perform."
Goll mac Morna released her and said:
"For the present your life is safe from me; but if you do not fulfil your promise to the uttermost, I vow you shall be tied to a stake and burnt to ashes. Come now to the Fianna, and loose them from the wicked enchantment you have placed on them."
Together they walked to the cave, and going over to the Fians the witch waved her hands and chanted over them:
