Page:Beside the Fire - Douglas Hyde.djvu/85

 Rh "As I gave the first five pounds," said the king of Erin's son to himself, "it's as good for me to give the other five, and to let the poor man go to the grave." He paid the other five pounds. He had only ten pounds then.

Not far did he go until he met a short green man, and he asked him where was he going. He said that he was going looking for a woman in the eastern world. The short green man asked him did he want a boy (servant), and he said he did, and [asked] what would be the wages he would be looking for? He said: "The first kiss of his wife if he should get her." The king of Ireland's son said that he must get that.

Not far did they go until they met another man and his gun in his hand, and he a'levelling it at the blackbird that was in the eastern world, that he might have it for his dinner. The short green man said to him that it was as good for him to take that man into his service if he would go on service with him. The son of the king of Ireland asked him if he would come on service with him.

"I will," said the man, "if I get my wages."

"And what is the wages you'll be looking for?"

"The place of a house and garden."

"You'll get that if my journey succeeds with me."

The king of Ireland's son went forward with the short green man and the gunner, and it was not far they went until a man met them, and his ear left to the ground, and he listening to the grass growing.

"It's as good for you to take that man into your service," said the short green man.

The king's son asked the man whether he would come with him on service.

"I'll come if I get the place of a house and garden."

"You will get that from me if the thing I have in my head succeeds with me."