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These learned people consulted together, and they stated that the young man must be killed, and that his blood should be mixed with the earth of Tara and sprinkled under the withered trees. When Segda heard this he was astonished and defiant; then, seeing that he was alone and without prospect of succour, he grew downcast and was in great fear for his life.
Come, my son," she said to Segda, for it was Segda's mother who had come to save him; and then that sinless queen and her son went back to their home of enchantment, leaving the king and Fionn and the magicians and nobles of Ireland astonished and ashamed.
Such a debate was in course, and Segda, to whom both sides addressed gentle and courteous arguments, grew more and more disconsolate. "You shall die for Ireland, dear heart," said one of them, and he gave Segda three kisses on each cheek. "Indeed," said Segda, returning those kisses, "indeed I had not bargained to die for Ireland, but only to bathe in her waters and to remove her pestilence."
But Segda, observing that the guest's countenance was discomposed, broke in: "It is not kind to refuse a thing that the Ard-Ri' of Ireland asks for, and I will go with him." "Do not go, my pulse," his father advised. "Do not go, my one treasure," his mother pleaded. "I must go indeed," the boy replied, "for it is to do good I am required, and no person may shirk such a requirement."
Having gone some distance by these pleasant ways he saw a shapely house dozing in the sunlight. It was thatched with the wings of birds, blue wings and yellow and white wings, and in the centre of the house there was a door of crystal set in posts of bronze. She was seated on a crystal throne with her son Segda by her side, and they welcomed the High King courteously.
"I will answer for these protections," said Conn. He departed then from the island with Segda and in three days they reached Ireland, and in due time they arrived at Tara. On reaching the palace Conn called his magicians and poets to a council and informed them that he had found the boy they sought the son of a virgin.
Conn was greatly perturbed, but, as in duty bound, he placed the boy under the various protections that were in his oath, and, with the courage of one who has no more to gain or lose, he placed Segda, furthermore, under the protection of all the men of Ireland.
"But dear child and prince," said another, kissing him likewise, "if any one of us could save Ireland by dying for her how cheerfully we would die." And Segda, returning his three kisses, agreed that the death was noble, but that it was not in his undertaking.
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