Page:The Allies Fairy Book.djvu/93

 said that she could stay no longer, but must go back to her father and mother; that she was certain that they were greatly grieved for her; and that it was a shame for her to leave them in grief when it was in her power to go as far as them. The priest did all he could to keep her with them for another while, but without effect, and Guleesh spoke every sweet word that came into his head, trying to get the victory over her, and to coax her and make her stay as she was, but it was no good for him. She determined that she would go, and no man alive would make her change her intention.

She had not much money, but only two rings that were on her hand, when the fairy carried her away, and a gold pin that was in her hair, and golden buckles that were on her little shoes.

The priest took and sold them and gave her the money, and she said that she was ready to go.

She left her blessing and farewell with the priest and Guleesh, and departed. She was not long gone before there came such grief and melancholy over Guleesh that he knew he would not be long alive unless he were near her, and he followed her. It was well, and it was not ill. They married one another, and that was the fine wedding they had, and had I been there then, I would not be here now; but I heard it from a birdeen that there was neither cark nor care, sickness nor sorrow, mishap nor misfortune on them till the hour of their death, and that it may be the same with me, and with us all!