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 sword and began to slay the warriors as quickly as she could, taunting them with their lethargy. Fionn could not witness this horrible deed in silence; he reproached himself bitterly for having taken them to that house, and implored the witch to listen to him.

"Spare my men," he said, "but kill me if you choose, for I alone have refused to accede to your wishes."

The woman would not listen to him, but continued her deadly work until only a few of the Fians were left. Then Fionn spoke again:

"How can I take you for my wife, when the daughter of Goll mac Morna has shared my house for years? If I put her away Goll will surely kill me, and that would be no benefit to you."

The witch considered for a moment, then she said cheerfully:

"I will go and kill Goll. In the meantime I will restore to you and your men freedom to move about; but do not think to escape, for I have placed a spell upon you that holds you to this place."