The Leeching of Kayn’s Leg 173

“Do you intend to take away the cattle that I promised
you?” ‘
‘“Oh! no, King of Erin,’ said O’Cronicert ; ‘I could
give you as many to-day.” :

“Ah!” said the king, “ how well you have got on since
I saw you last!”

‘‘T have indeed,” said O’Cronicert! “I tee fallen, in
with a rich wife who has plenty of oe and silver, and of
cattle and sheep.”

“T am glad of that,” said the King of Erin,

O’Cronicert said, “I shall feel much obliged if you will
go with me to dinner, yourself and your great court.”

“We will do so willingly,” said the king.

They went with him on that same day. It did not occur to
O'Cronicert how a dinner could be prepared for the king with-
out his wife knowing that he was coming. When they were
going on, and had reached the place where O’Cronicert had
met the deer, he remembered that his vow was broken, and
he said to the king, “ Excuse me; I am going on béfore to
the house to tell that you are coming.” eens Sih

The king said, ‘“ We will send off one of ihe cade ee

“ You will not,” said O’Cronicert ; “no lad will serve
the purpose so well as myself.”

He set off to.the house ; and when he ered his wife
was diligently preparing Aner He told her what he had
done, and asked her pardon. ‘‘I pardon you this time,”
said she: “I:know what you have done as well. as you do -
yourself, The.first of your vows is broken.”

The king and his great court came to O’ Cronieert’ s
house ; aid: the wife had everything ready for..them as
befitted a king and great people ; every kind of drink and