Page:The book of wonder voyages (1919).djvu/138

 They abode in that island for the three winter months and it seemed to them they were three years. And one of his people said unto Maelduin: "We have been here a long time; why do we not return to our own land?"

But Maelduin was unwilling, and replied, "In our own land we shall not find aught better than we have here."

Then the people began to murmur greatly saying: "Great is the love which Maelduin bears to the queen. Let him stay with her if he pleases, but we will go back to our own country."

"I will not stay after you," answered Maelduin.

So one day when the queen was busy at the judgment-seat, they launched the boat and hoisted the many-colored sail to the tall, tough mast and went on board. But ere they cleared the land she came riding hastily, and threw a clew after them that clung to Maelduin's hand as he caught it. And the thread of the clew was in her hand, and by it she drew the boat unto her, back to the harbor.

Thereafter they sojourned with her thrice three months. Then Maelduin's people took counsel together, saying: "Now we are sure Maelduin loves the queen more than us. That is why he catches the clew, that it may cleave to his hand, and we be brought back to the fortress."

And Maelduin answered them: "Let another catch the clew, and if it cling to his hand, let his hand be cut off."