Page:The Celtic Review volume 3.djvu/193

178 feeling, even noble, and it was not an uncommon thing for them to go a great length in order to enjoy the smile of a fair one of the human race. In this they sometimes succeeded through the stratagem of metamorphosing themselves into the shape of a handsome young man. As for the Each-Uisg’ in question. however, he was a monster amongst his monstrous race; for the only question that rose within him at sight of any object, however fair or lovely, was, Is it eatable? There are monsters of the human family who to this question add just another, Is it pocketable? But the Heiskeir Each-Uisge had only one receptacle for all things.

When their calamities had come to their full height from the ravages of this fearful, remorseless brute, the poor Heiskeirians—such of them as remained that is to say—held a solemn council to determine what steps they ought to pursue in order to rid themselves of the enemy or to rid the enemy of them. After much unprofitable discussion—long vain deliberation—they at length came to a deadlock. Their wits were completely baffled. They were as wise at the end as at the beginning. Their enemy was too formidable for any machinations thay might contrive for his destruction. The only resource that remained was ‘to make good flight by timely speed,’ and leave their little all to be devoured by the huge monster. At this juncture a bold woman of the name of came forward and volunteered her advice, which was readily listened to. ‘Well,’ says she, ‘I have been revolving this matter in my mind these seven years back. I have been feeding and pampering a powerful bull during all that time, and for some years he has not set foot on green grass. He is as wild as the very enemy of mankind. Let us set him against the foe, and see whether his horns may not have some effect with our tormentor.’ All applauded, all were eager for a trial of the experiment, although they were not very sanguine as to the result. They thought it worth while to put the matter to the test at any rate. No time was lost. The monster had his abode in a small lake near their dwellings. Nic Leoid led forth her