Page:West Irish folk-tales and romances - William Larminie.djvu/92

 60 the woman who has the request to make; and I will release you and bestow on you the boat for ever, marry or marry me not.”

“Oh! I will marry you, and a thousand welcomes. But I don't know where my comrade is gone. The old clothes that were on him are like those I see thrown yonder.”

“Oh, you will see him, presently.”

There came to him eleven women, and he could not say which of them was the most beautiful. They sat down, and each one of them gave him welcome. There came a gentleman, who was the handsomest he ever saw, and took him by the hand.

“A hundred thousand welcomes to you, Bioultach! I am Keeal-an-Iaran, son of the King of Underwaves, who was under bonds to the Bocaw More; and my twelve sisters were hags, as you saw; and I without power to wear any but old clothes, as you saw. Nor could I raise a hand against him. But when I saw you coming, I heard there was not a man to be got as good as you, and I said it was possible we might get the better of him. But we would not get the better of him for ever, only that you let him out each time. But, the thief! that was the thing was worst for himself. And now I will go with you till I leave you safe at home; and my sister, if she is your choice. And if she is not, she will forgive